Abstract: Circuitry for providing playback of an audio message responsive to activation of a device is provided. The playback circuitry and storage for the voice signal may be provided in the form of a module that plugs into a receptacle in the device, and receives an activation signal and electrical power from the device. In some embodiments, the module may be recorded by an instructor or clinician for instructional or therapeutic purposes and changed as a subject progresses. In other embodiments the module may be prerecorded and selected depending on a situation. Applications range from instructional audio messages in a toothbrush or rental car, to advertising modules responsive to proximity of a potential customer or instructions in a medical device such as a defibrillator or glucose monitor. In another embodiment, the module may record audio responsive to activation of a driver upon which a crime is being committed, such as a carjacking.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a retinal reflection that may be of less than optimum quality is disclosed. In the event an image of a retinal reflex taken by a retinal photometer is of low contrast or have certain other degradations, then matched filter tests applied to portions of the image containing the eyes may be performed in order to locate the retinal reflex. For determining potential eye abnormalities, a plurality of intensity shape determination tests may be performed, these including comparisons of the eyes against a center of gravity of the shape distribution, a least-squares fit and an analysis of the moments of Hu (of the retinal reflex) converted to Zernike polynomials. A Hirshberg deviation test is performed to determine if one or the other, or both, of the eyes are deviating. Intrasymmetry and intersymmetry of the reflex are analyzed to indicate cataracts, differences of optical power and other similar problems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilization of GPS, GLONASS or other existing RF signals is disclosed. These existing RF signals are scattered by targets, with a receiver of these scattered signals providing processing to extract three dimensional track of these objects. Angle-of-Arrival (AOA) information of a received signal may be used, but is not required. Modifications of standard GPS signal processing allows observables such as range-sum, range-difference, and bistatic Doppler frequency to be observed. These observables, when coupled with standard bistatic/multistatic location equations, provide unambiguous and even redundant information on target coordinates. The method/device employs a modified code (range)/carrier(Doppler) search routine for initial target search/acquisition, wherein a direct path signal is used as a reference from which chip delay and Doppler shift excursions are examined.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a string trimmer debris shield are disclosed. In one embodiment, an L-shaped bracket having a clamp at one end is fitted to a string trimmer so that the bracket may be located to either side of a string head of the trimmer and either above or below a mounting point of the bracket. The bracket is mounted to the shaft near the rotating string, and supports a debris shield between a side of the string head from which debris is shown and legs and feet of a user. In another embodiment the bracket extends horizontally straight from the shaft to either side of the trimmer, and supports a debris shield. In a third embodiment the bracket is mounted to a shaft of a string trimmer and supports a perpendicular debris shield support member which in turn supports a debris shield on a side of the string head from which debris is thrown toward the user. In this embodiment, the debris shield may be rotated about the shaft to either side of the trimmer.

Abstract: A self-adjusting venturi/mixer is disclosed. An inlet port body and outlet port body having a converging region and diverging region, respectively, are longitudinally slidably disposed with respect to each other, forming an annular injection gap that widens when the ports are moved apart and narrows when the ports are moved together. The movement is accomplished by virtue of varying fluid pressure at the inlet port, which exerts frictional pull on the outlet port, pulling the inlet port body away from the outlet port body. In other embodiments, a flexible member is positioned peripherially around the annular gap so that as the gap widens, the flexible member deforms to partially close the gap. This keeps the bubble size small where a gas is being injected into a liquid, and also limits a maximum flow of additive material at excessive flow rates.

Abstract: A source of analog computer video signals is provided, which source may be a video switch providing a single set of computer video signals from one of a plurality of computers. From the source, the video signals are applied to a transmitter that includes circuitry for developing a pair of balanced video signals from each discrete video signal and applying each signal of the pair of balanced signals to respective conductors of a twisted pair of conductors. At the receiver, each balanced pair of video signals is converted back to a single-ended form. Compensation circuitry is provided for compensating for the length of twisted pair conductors between the transmitters and receivers for each video signal. Horizontal and vertical sync signals are applied via respective buffer amplifiers to another twisted pair of conductors in unbalanced relation.

Abstract: A portable tracked wheel allows the operator or robot to move a vehicle from a surface track to another, or free the vehicle from guided motion without disassembly or modification of the wheel or track. By depressing the lock tab manually with hand or foot or remotely by mechanical or robotic means, the track retention mechanism can be positively engaged and the motion of the vehicle disposed to the track. Disengagement from the track is accomplished by depressing the lock tab in the same manner, allowing the retention mechanism to rotate out of the track, thereby freeing the motion of the vehicle. The anti-lift tracking mechanism is spring-loaded to maintain constant adhering force between the wheel and the tracked surface. Lateral translation of the wheel on the track is precluded by a slanted contact interface between the device and the track.

Abstract: An electronic money storage and transfer system wherein at least electronic money is transferable between a centralized repository of money containing at least one financial account accessible by an account identification number. The portable electronic wallet including a dedicated modem for accessing the financial account in the financial institution and a telecommunications receptacle for receiving a telecommunications plug for connecting the portable electronic wallet to the other electronic money storage and a plurality of portable electronic money transfer devices.

Abstract: A machining system and method is provided wherein a hydraulic motor of the gear-type where high RPMs are desired, or a piston or GEROLER-type motor where high torque and lower RPMs are desired is mounted to a spindle forming a spindle assembly mountable to a robotic manipulator or other machine tool. Significantly, cutting tools or bits mounted in the spindle are provided with cutting edges having neutral or negative angles, which have been found to greatly facilitate machining operations in composite and other esoteric aerospace and aeronautical materials.

Abstract: A plurality of methods of analysis of images of eyes of a subject taken by a reflex photometer are disclosed. In this methods, a computer coupled to the reflex photometer is programmed to locate the pupil of at at least one eye, crop an image array containing the pupil from the total image and perform analyses on the cropped array to determine whether conditions are present indicative of disease processes in the eye. In essence, parameters of the subject eye are developed, and these subject pararmeters are compared to the same parameters developed by a normal eye. In addition, indications of strabismus are examined by comparing the area of the white portion of the eye on one side of the iris with the white portion on the other side of the iris.

Abstract: A shoe bottom or side cleaning device which is either portable or installed in a floor of an entrance to a dwelling or building, and is either manually or automatically operated. The device includes a plurality of side-by-side, elongated and rotated brushes, a funnel beneath the brushes, a motor for driving the brushes and a squirrel cage fan for collecting dirt from the brushes via the funnel, and a chamber for accumulating the collected dirt. The chamber can be equipped with a dirt collection bag. A central building vacuum system can assist the device's fan. The elongated brushes can have either a solid core or a twisted" wire core.

Abstract: Protective head wear or cover for use in conjunction with a visor is disclosed. A top hair cover is provided with a front bill cover having an elastic front edge. This elastic front edge is fitted underneath the front edge of the bill of the visor, holding the protective cover in place. A lower rear edge of the cover is provided with elastic so as to assist in holding the cover to the back of a head of a user. A cape may be removably attached to this lower rear edge, the cape further provided with a drawstring for securing the cape about the neck of the user. Significantly, the cover and cape are constructed of a light weight, water resistant vapor permeable material for enhancing comfort of the user and preventing disturbance to a hairdo of the user. The drawstring gathers the cape about the neck of a user so that when the user bends forward, the cape remains secured about the users neck, preventing interference with vision and are movement.

Abstract: A machine tool operated by gyroscopic precession is disclosed. The machine tool is provided with a rotatable member disposed for rotation in a single plane, the member mounted to a base. A gyroscopic mass supported by a gimbal is mounted to the rotatable member so that the spin axis of the gyroscopic mass, in a null position, is parallel to a plane of rotation of the rotatable member. A sensor is provided for sensing position of the rotatable member, the sensor providing a control input to a computer, which in turn develops a drive signal for driving an actuator coupled to the gimbal. When the actuator is activated by the drive signal, the gimbal is displaced, precessing the gyroscopic mass and generating a force used to rotate the rotatable member.

Abstract: A camera control system incorporating a data processor is provided which uses a coordinate system based on CADD drawings and motion models of the cameras to effect open loop camera control of various cameras of the system. Various input and pointing devices are used to communicate with the system, and camera video is processed by the data processor.

Abstract: A bowel and bladder training system is provided. A sensor strip is constructed of a tissue paper-type or other woven or sheet material having conductive sensor threads longitudinally positioned in the strip. A pocket may be formed at one end of the strip for holding a microprocessor-based indicator which is coupled to the sensor threads. The microprocessor may have several modes of operation including a vibration mode, an audio mode, and a visible mode, these modes activated when the sensor threads are bridged by bodily fluids containing electrolytes. Additionally, one of the modes may activate a voice module that is replacable or rerecordable with a personalized instructional or educational message.

Abstract: A paddle for use with a hand and forearm of a user is provided. The paddle has a paddle blade of a length shorter than its width, and generally encompasses an area approximating the span of the hand of a user. A support which provides support for the wrist extends from the paddle blade to a point near a user's elbow, with an opening in the support through which a user inserts a hand. A cover surrounds the hand and secures the paddle blade to the user's hand. As such, the user may rest an opened hand against the blade while using the paddle.

Abstract: A glue applicator for applying glue to a paper web used in the manufacture of paper cores is disclosed. A drive roller having a surface of frictional character rotates a glue applicator roller and a doctor roller, these rollers coupled by sprockets and a chain. The doctor roller is adjustable so that a gap between the doctor roller and glue applicator roller may be adjusted, adjusting thickness of a layer of glue applied to the paper web. A motor having an overrunning clutch is coupled to the glue applicator roller and doctor roller, so that during intervals when the paper web is not passing through the glue applicator, the glue applicator roller may be continuously rotated in liquid glue, preventing glue from hardening on the glue applicator roller and doctor roller.