Abstract: A method for generating a video character in an on-screen display system. The method uses a HALT signal provided to the microprocessor which allows the microprocessor to finish executing its current instruction, but prohibits the microprocessor from beginning a next instruction. After a sufficient amount of time has passed to ensure that the microprocessor has completed its current instruction, an OSD interrupt signal is sent to the microprocessor instructing the microprocessor to begin OSD operations. Alternatively, the method uses a bus multiplexer which duplicates character data and sends the expanded data to a bus in order to enlarge characters displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A containment and intravenous delivery bag device for supplying a patient with mixed chemical component nutrients includes a first pouch and a second pouch that are separated by a tube passageway. A frangible valve is fitted within the tube. When the frangible valve is broken a first liquid within the first pouch enters the second pouch and mixes with a second liquid within the second pouch. The mixed liquid may then be delivered to the patient.

Abstract: Techniques of making a recording of or transmitting a sound field from either multiple monaural or directional sound signals that reproduce through multiple discrete loud speakers a sound field with spatial harmonics that substantially exactly match those of the original sound field. Monaural sound sources are positioned during mastering to use contributions of all speaker channels in order to preserve the spatial harmonics. If a particular arrangement of speakers is different than what is assumed during mastering, the speaker signals are rematrixed at the home, theater or other sound reproduction location so that the spatial harmonics of the sound field reproduced by the different speaker arrangement match those of the original sound field. An alternative includes recording or transmitting directional microphone signals, or their spatial harmonic components, and then matrixing these signals at the sound reproduction location in a manner that takes into account the specific speaker arrangement.

Abstract: A filling head apparatus for filling a container in sterile conditions. The filling head comprises a regulating valve displaceable in three positions: open position, closed position, and displacement position. The inner wall of the spout of the container is cleaned by a pushing cylinder of the regulating valve traveling from the closed position to the displacement position. In addition, the filling head can freely move in respect to a sterile filling chamber encompassing the filling tip of the filling head. Furthermore, the filling head of the present invention comprises a diversion path to minimize the "water hammer" effect.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect fluid coupling is provided that includes a spout assembly comprising a spout fitment having a first fluid opening and a spout valve member having a second fluid opening and capable of rotating from a first position to a second position to form a spout fluid path between the first and second fluid openings. The fluid coupling also includes a service-line connector comprising a line fitment member including a third fluid opening, and a connector valve member having a fourth fluid opening and capable of rotating from a third position to a fourth position to form a connector fluid path between the third and fourth fluid openings, whereby a spout-connector fluid path is formed between the second and fourth fluid openings upon attachment of the service-line connector to the spout assembly.

Abstract: An amplifier for an active terminator for outputting a specified voltage to a bus line through a terminal resistor includes a capacitor inserted between the drive line such as a base line of an output transistor and a voltage source such as a power voltage source or a grounding line. When there is a sudden change in the voltage condition in the bus line, the capacitor can quickly react to supply a current to the output transistor.

Abstract: An EEPROM device having a plurality of flash EEPROM cells organized in right and left half memory planes each having right and left quad memory blocks is described along with corresponding control circuitry including erase circuitry for concurrently erasing selected addressable data sectors of the EEPROM device. Included in the erase circuitry are a plurality of erase voltage generating circuits, a corresponding plurality of switching circuitry, and switch control circuitry shared by the plurality of switching circuitry for controlling the selectable coupling of erase voltages generated by the erase voltage generating circuits to corresponding data sectors of the EEPROM device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for synchronizing and tracking an input data stream and for generating a synchronous clock therefrom, comprising means for generating a plurality of clock signals oscillating at substantially the same frequency, but with different phases; a plurality of delay lines having a common data input for receiving said input data stream, each delay line having multiple delay elements connected in series and having a common clock input for receiving one of said clock signals for clocking data of said data stream along said delay line in a direction away from said common data input; means for detecting which of said plurality of delay lines said data from said data stream is propagating therein; and means for generating the synchronous clock based on one of said clock signals that clocks the delay line that data from said data stream is propagating therein.

Abstract: A system for carrying out remote diagnosis is established between a maker and its users. Each user has a device controlled by its control computer and the maker has a trouble-diagnosing computer capable of diagnosing troubles which occur in its device. Public telecommunication lines including relay stations each capable of receiving and storing electronic mail messages connect these computers. The control computer of each user has a diagnostic data memory for storing diagnostic data which are used for diagnosing troubles occurring in the device and is capable of setting the diagnostic data in a form of electronic mail receivable by the relay stations. The maker's trouble-diagnosing computer is capable of reading out and saving electronic mail messages from the user's control computers stored at an associated one of the relay stations.

Abstract: A tubular insert with a small internal volume is disposed inside the vaporization chamber at the inlet of a capillary column of a gas chromatograph such that the sample with a solvent injected into the vaporization chamber is carried by a carrier gas through the insert into the column. The internal volume of the insert is such that the retention time of the carrier gas through the insert is less than 4 seconds. A heater is controlled to maintain the temperature inside the vaporization chamber within a specified range above the boiling point of the solvent as the sample is injected into the vaporization chamber, and this temperature is subsequently raised to a final temperature above the boiling points of the components to be analyzed. The carrier gas pressure is temporarily increased for better efficiency as the sample is injected.

Abstract: A multi-piece waste and overflow unit is used with a bathtub to remove waste water via the overflow drain hole, bottom drain hole, or both holes of the bathtub. The multi-piece waste and overflow unit includes a bottom connector and overflow connector. Both connectors comprise a tubular member, a flange extending radially outwardly with respect to the tubular member, and a frustoconical connector between and connecting the tubular member and the flange. The flanges have a channel formed thereon to receive leakproof adhesive for connecting the connectors to the bathtub respectively. The multi-piece waste and overflow unit also utilizes elbows, T-joints, and conventional pipes for connecting the bottom and overflow connectors.

Abstract: A ballast circuit adaptive to changes in the input voltages capable of providing a "floating" high output voltage for the operation of fluorescent lamps. The present invention employs an output voltage "floating" design in adjusting the voltage gain of the ballast circuit in response to the voltage difference between the output voltage and the rectified input voltage (i.e. error voltage).

Abstract: A method of cutting hair is provided. First, a strip of adhesive tape is attached onto a person's hair. Second, the hair below an edge of the strip of adhesive tape is removed by cutting along the edge. And third, the strip tape is detached. The present inventive method of cutting hair may be used to remove hair that is either dry or damp.

Abstract: The expected charges for treating a patient are estimated by the use of linear regression techniques wherein variables and coefficients of estimate models are built from historic patient data of all episode types (inpatient, office visits, etc.) and which include secondary and collateral illnesses that greatly affect the cost of treating a patient for the primary illness. In addition to evaluating the primary illness, the evaluation of collateral illness is also made possible since the processing techniques are not simply averaging data for the primary illness as has been done in the past. This allows physicians to understand the magnitude and types of resource usage that are appropriate for particular illnesses. The present invention allows better management of many aspects of the healthcare system by significantly reducing a component of the difference between the estimate and actual charges for treating a particular illness of a patient that is due to the general state of health of the patient.

Abstract: A camera for underwater photography may be used together with one or more flash lamps each capable of serving both as a main lamp and as a slave. The camera is connected through its housing to a main lamp by way of an optical cable and when it is clicked, a control signal is emitted as a light signal and transmitted to the main lamp through the optical cable. The flash lamp has a photosensing unit for receiving a light signal and converting it into an electrical signal. A signal conversion circuit further converts this signal into a flash control signal by which the lamp flashes light. The photosensing unit is connected to the optical cable through a connector and receives light only through the cable when the connector is attached to it. When the lamp is used as a slave, the connector for the optical cable is detached from the photosensing unit and external light received through a transparent window is converted into an electrical signal for the emission of flash light.

Abstract: A substrate to be coated with a thin film is placed inside a vacuum chamber, an ECR plasma is generated and introduced into the vacuum chamber by means of a specified magnetic field generated inside the vacuum chamber and a reaction gas, as well as an inert gas, is introduced into the vacuum chamber while a negative DC voltage superposed with a high-frequency pulse with frequency 25-250 kHz is applied to the substrate by a voltage applying device such that the voltage of the substrate reaches a positive value instantaneously. The frequency of the superposed pulse is selected by using an ammeter to determine an optimum frequency for minimizing the load current of the voltage-applying circuit.

Abstract: Sorting apparatus has a delivery system for creating a stream of product pieces to be sorted in free flight at a sorting station where selected pieces are rejected from the stream. The system comprise a delivery conveyor inclined to the horizontal for receiving product and directing it towards the sorting station. The length of the delivery conveyor, its inclination and speed are selected to effectively create a low friction chute and establish a uniform, stable and constant velocity product stream for delivery to the sorting station.

Abstract: A keyswitch including a keycap, a switch element, a rubber sheet, a housing, a balance lever is provided. The switch element, responsive to the reciprocal movement of the keycap, selectively turns ON. The rubber sheet is disposed on the switch element. The housing includes a pair of hook devices. The hook device and the housing constitutes a slot. A opening is provided on the housing at location corresponding to the hook device. The balance lever includes a longitudinal portion connected to two traverse portions forming an "U" shape. The end of the traverse portion is disposed into the slot corresponding to the hook device. A protrusion is provided integrally on the rubber sheet at location corresponding to the hook device. The protrusion passed the opening and contacts with the end terminals of the traverse portions of the balance lever to lower the noise.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention include a hydroxy-functional polyester and a natural polymer. Articles can be made from such a composition so as to have sufficiently strong tensile strengths as to form disposable utensils or to have sufficient stretchability so as to form thin wrap films. However, the compositions are more environmentally friendly than commodity plastics such as polyethylene or polystyrene. Granular starches derived from a grain, a root, a legume, or mixtures thereof, are particularly preferred as the natural polymers for inclusion in the compositions.

Abstract: An improved endocardial catheter includes a plurality of longitudinally extending openings adjacent intermediate portions at its distal end. The catheter is actuable from a retracted or collapsed mode, wherein the sealed openings are arranged around the tubular catheter surface, to an expanded mode. The plurality of longitudinal openings in the catheter wall enable radial expansion of the tubular surface at the distal end so that intermediate portions of the tubular catheter surface are moved to an operative position radially outward from their position in the retracted mode. In the expanded position, the intermediate portions form wings around the distal end, revealing a cavity within the tubular catheter for the release of contrast material or other fluid into endocardial sites through the longitudinal openings.