Abstract: Security of communications in a packet-switched data communications system is enhanced by introducing terminal and host security devices into the system in communicative relationship with a terminal and a host processor, respectively. In response to a user-initiated data entry at the terminal, the terminal security device generates an initial data packet indicative of user authorization or not, but which is unsuited for processing by the addressed processor, ahead of additional data packets containing user-entered message data to be processed by the addressed processor. The host security device intercepts and processes the initial data packet and, if user authorization is indicated therein, replaces it with an artificial data packet solely to render the additional packets amenable to processing by the addressed processor and thereby to establish a communications session between user terminal and processor-associated database to which access was requested.

Abstract: A stimulus generator for a stimulation rate-adaptive cardiac pacemaker has a detector for sensing a first physiological parameter in the pacemaker patient, selected on the basis that heart rate is a function of that parameter, such as central venous blood temperature, and another detector for sensing a second physiological parameter in the patient representative at any given time of either patient activity or patient inactivity, such as a motion sensor. Two different algorithms are stored relating heart rate to the first physiological parameter, one for patient inactivity and the other for patient activity, in which the activity algorithm specifies a greater rate of change of heart rate than that specified by the inactivity algorithm relative to a unit change of said first physiological parameter. A decision rule is implemented based on the measurement of the second physiological parameter, by which a decision is to be made for selecting between the two different algorithms.

Abstract: A draw works for a mobile crane, to selectively reel in and reel out the cable of the crane by appropriate rotation of the cable pulley, includes a stable platform having mounted in fixed relationship therewith an engine with a rotatable output shaft, a rotatable speed reduction wheel, and a rotatable idler wheel. A pinion is mounted on the engine output shaft, and is aligned in a common plane with the speed reduction wheel and the idler wheel. The pinion and the reduction wheel are separated from one another, and the idler wheel is adjustably mounted on a stanchion between the two. A flexible endless belt is wrapped and retained on the pinion and the reduction wheel to engage a portion of the circumference of each for translational movement of the belt with rotation of the pinion, and thereby to rotate the reduction wheel.

Abstract: A formed flat blank of corrugated paperboard or the like is peripherally contoured with wing portions or extensions, and impressed with fold lines, such that interfolding and cementing together in predetermined sequence of said wing portions provides comparatively rigid seat and back portions and foldingly interconnectible side gusset portions allowing for conversion between chair seat and carrying case modes of use.

Abstract: An electrode for use in cardiac pacing has a substrate composed of a material conventionally employed for pacing electrodes, and a surface layer or film of iridium oxide overlying the substrate. For use as a stimulating cathodic electrode and a sensing electrode, the iridium oxide layer is arranged to be in cardiac tissue stimulating relationship when the electrode is in proper position with respect to the patient's heart. The electrode impresses electrical stimuli on the excitable myocardial tissue, and at the completion of each stimulus, the electrode is capable of abruptly sensing, within an interval less than 100 ms thereafter, the electrical activity of the heart in response to the stimulus to verify capture. The surface of the electrode may be provided with recesses to which the iridium oxide layer may be confined.

Abstract: A dual chamber cardiac pacemaker is programmable for either unipolar or bipolar pacing of the atrium or the ventricle, independently of the pacing mode for the other chamber. Transistor switches are utilized for selectively connecting the various anodic electrodes to ground such that one of those electrodes is grounded at all times and isolation is maintained from circuit paths for non-selected modes. Switch control is effected using signals having the highest voltage level of proper polarity in the system, to assure maintenance of the selected switch states despite possible random voltages arising from external influences. Cumulative buildup of charge on coupling capacitors is prevented by selectively and actively discharging them after the respective chamber is paced.

Abstract: A financial transaction system makes use of an automated terminal or terminals in communication with a host computer which is capable of accessing any of a number of institutionalized or private label credit/debit card data bases, check verification data bases, and institutionalized automated clearing houses in accordance with records developed at the terminal as interpreted by the host computer. The terminal is capable of entering data identifying the credit/debit card provided by the customer, or the number of an offered check, in combination with financial information supplied by the retail merchant, to access a host computer which organizes the information supplied in addition to accessing the desired data base to determine whether or not the proposed transaction should be accepted or rejected.

Abstract: A temperature driven rate responsive cardiac pacemaker adapted to distinguish between physiologically determined changes of the patient's blood temperature under conditions of exercise and non-exercise, and to adaptively vary the rate at which stimuli are generated accordingly, is also capable of recognizing the blood temperature dip which is characteristic of the commencement of exercise. In response to such a temperature dip, the pacemaker initiates a rapid and physiologically beneficial increase in the stimulation rate. To assure the proper selective initiation of a rate increase, the pacemaker discriminates between a blood temperature drop indicative of the onset of exercise and those temperature drops which occur for other reasons, such as upon cessation of exercise or as normal phasic variations, including respiration and circadian fluctuations.

Abstract: A fitted sheet is disclosed having an edge elastic sewn to the lower edge of the open bottom. Elastics sewn in the corner seams extend from the top of the sheet to the edge. The sheet may be applied to mattresses of different thicknesses in the same nominal size without bunching or excessive tucking.

Abstract: There has been provided a method and apparatus for sterilizing females. Cautery means, vaginally insertable into the fallopian tube of the female, destroys a portion of said mucosal lining at a selected location. An absorbable scarification means and plug means is placed in the fallopian tube at said selected location. As the scarification means is absorbed, the fallopian tube forms scar tissue radially from a muscular layer thereof whereby the fallopian tube is blocked. The plug means blocks peritoneal infiltration of the by-products of cauterization and scarification outside the fallopian tube during the absorption interval.

Abstract: A method of preventing access to the interior of the exhaust system of a vehicle by irreversibly installing on the tailpipe of the vehicle a tailpipe guard in the form of a heavy gauge steel tube having at one end an internal diameter which will accept the tailpipe with a relatively close fit, and having at the other end a heavy steel grating over the exhaust opening.

Abstract: A solid fuel burning stove having a catalytic converter apparatus located above the stove combustion site. The apparatus includes a horizontal partition having a first opening in direct communication with the stove flue and a second opening adjacent catalytic elements. A by-pass damper is slideable on the partition to open and close the first opening. The by-pass damper is connected via a hollow rod to a handle located at the front of the stove. Exit ports are located in the hollow rod to provide supplemental heated air to the catalytic elements.

Abstract: An exercise responsive cardiac pacemaker (1) has a stimulation electrode (3) for introduction into the atrium or ventricle of the heart, a temperature sensor (4) situated in proximity to the electrode (3) for detecting the blood temperature, and a control circuit (8, 9, 10, 11) connected to the electrode (3) and the temperature sensor (4) by which the stimulation rate of the pacemaker is adaptively adjusted depending on the blood temperature. To ensure that the cardiac pacemaker works reliably in all physiological conditions of a patient, the stimulation rate is determined with reference to a field of characteristic curves (K1, K2), the individual characteristic curves constituting distinct algorithms relating heart rate to blood temperature for different physiological conditions of the pacemaker patient. A basic characteristic curve (K2) relates distinct heart rates to absolute blood temperatures under conditions without physical stress on the pacemaker patient.

Abstract: An electrode for use in cardiac pacemaking has a conductive tip portion including a substrate composed of a material conventionally employed for pacing electrodes, and a layer of film of iridium oxide overlying the surface of the substrate. The tip portion may be provided with recesses to which the iridium oxide surface layer may be confined. An iridium oxide layer may be formed on both the cathode and the anode for efficient transduction at the electrode-electroyte interface in the environment of the pacemaker patient's body.

Abstract: A jewelry display stand formed of transparent material and comprising a base member having a tab member for holding a ring or the like and a tag retainer removeably affixed to the base member so that the stand can be used with or without the tag retainer.