Abstract: A hoist synchronization apparatus and method using a master controller operating software that provides a pulse reference to a slave controller. The slave commands its motor to rotate at the speed conveyed by that pulse reference. The slave controller monitors the pulse feedback from both the master encoder and the slave's encoder and compensates for any position error by adjusting its motor output speed. In addition, the slave controller includes the capability to automatically resynchronize the hoists. Resynchronization is accomplished by storing position error generated when either the master or the slave is run independently and correcting for the error when both units are operated at a later time.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for attaching a high current conductive line to a support. The assembly comprises a first interlocking member shaped to receive the conductive line and a second interlocking member removably attached to the first interlocking member and shaped to receive the conductive line. Engagement between the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member defines a retaining aperture shaped to retain the conductive line.

Abstract: This application describes the design of the split-tube flexure, a unique precision revolute joint that exhibits a considerably larger range of motion and significantly better multi-axis revolute joint characteristics than a conventional flexure. The development of this joint enables the implementation of spatially-loaded revolute joint-based precision machines with well-behaved kinematic and dynamic characteristics and without the backlash and stick-slip behavior that would otherwise prevent precision machine control.

Abstract: An air duct that comprises one or more air duct segments that comprises a polymeric cellular material, or foam. The ducts or segments may be part of an air duct system that comprises a primary air duct, at least one secondary air duct, and at least one branch duct. Each of the aforementioned ducts comprises a cellular thermoset polymeric material. Additionally, the present invention relates to an HVAC system that comprises an HVAC unit for thermally conditioning air, and a duct system comprising a polymeric cellular material, or foam that has an R value of at least 5, and a density of from about 1.5 pounds per cubic foot to about 4 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: A catheter device for therapeutic and diagnostic use within a human vascular system has a catheter body with a hub located at a proximal end of the catheter body, and a tip located at a distal end of the body. A guide structure is connected to the catheter body proximate the tip, with the guide structure having a wing shape that provides hemodynamic lift in response to laminar blood flow around the catheter. The wing shape of the guide structure tapers down from a leading edge to a trailing edge, with the leading edge facing the catheter tip so that when the catheter is positioned inside a vessel wall of the vascular system and oriented in a downstream direction, the lift created by the laminar blood flow biases the catheter tip toward the vessel wall. Preferably, the distal end of the catheter body comprises a flexible material so that the catheter tip can deflect laterally towards the vessel wall in response to the hemodynamic lift.

Abstract: A combination of a chair-like device used by disabled persons, such as a bedside commode, and a seat having a transfer platform that extends laterally outward from a central seating portion of the seat. The extended transfer platform extends beyond the perimeter of the chair frame and at least partially overlaps a supporting surface of a bed or chair that is positioned adjacent to the commode seat. The seat with extended transfer platform thereby provides a continuous transfer surface between the commode or other chair-like device and the adjacent bed or chair.

Abstract: An automated system for delivery of messages to multiple recipients, and for processing of responses to the messages, includes a message client, message server, and system database. A message is created using a universal message form. The message content can be translated into multiple formats and sent to one or more different recipients using one or more different types of messaging devices, including pagers, telephones, fax machines, and e-mail readers. A recipient profile manager allows each recipient to select the messaging devices to be used for message delivery as well as preferred messaging schedules, priorities, and message security. Receipt of the messages by the recipients is verified, response requirements collected and consolidated from multiple sources and presented to the message originator in a structured format.

Abstract: A surgical laser probe and system combines a laser diode array remotely connected to a hand-held surgical probe by a fiber bundle. The surgical probe includes a laser head which produces a laser beam for surgical tissue ablation that is delivered through a disposable intraocular probe tip. The probe tip is made of a short section of optical fiber. Preferably, the laser head is an Er:YAG rod pumped by energy from the laser diode array to operate at a wavelength of 2.94 microns. Auxiliary water and thermal electric cooling integral to the hand piece cools the laser head.

Abstract: A network server from information sources in a computer communication network. The method routes the information through the network server to a network client. The network client sends a request for requested information, which it desires from a requested information source. The network server inspects the request, and determines whether the request is a first request. If it is the first request, then the network server sends the first request to the requested information source, and the requested information is received from the requested information source by the network server. The network server associates the requested information, and then saves the associated requested information in a memory. Format and request instructions are sent by the network server and received by the network client. The network client uses the format and request instructions to send a second request for the requested information.

Abstract: A baseband signal converter device for an impulse radio receiver combines multiple converter circuits and an RF amplifier in a single integrated circuit package. Each converter circuit includes an integrator circuit that integrates a portion of each RF pulse during a sampling period triggered by a timing pulse generator. The integrator capacitor is isolated by a pair of Schottky diodes connected to a pair of load resistors. A current equalizer circuit equalizes the current flowing through the load resistors when the integrator is not sampling. Current steering logic transfers load current between the diodes and a constant bias circuit depending on whether a sampling pulse is present.

Abstract: A therapeutic shower for the physically impaired comprises a shower enclosure unit mounted on wheels and size to fit trough the standard door opening of most rooms found in a home and a rolling chair. Multiple water jets and adjustable valves inside the enclosure provide a showering spray of either water or water combined with medical or cleansing solutions to every part of the body except the face or head. The water jets are arranged and directed in a surrounding pattern and spaced such that the spray patterns of the jets effectively spray the entire body of the user without the need for the user to move around within the enclosure. The floor of the enclosure includes a drain assisted by a drain pump.

Abstract: Swim gear including a headpiece which covers the forward portion of the wearer's head and supports a pair of spaced lenses therein. A tailpiece which extends rearwardly from the forward portion of the wearer's head and terminates atop the wearer's head. An elastic band member is secured to the tailpiece and extends downwardly across the back of the wearer's head for secured relation with a connector member which is slidably carried on a head-encircling band. The head-encircling band extends around the wearer's head and has its ends secured to the headpiece adjacent each lens. The upper portion of the headpiece includes a surface for support of an appendage thereon. As a novelty feature, the appendage may be configured in the shape of the dorsal fin of a shark. Other configurations may be provided on the appendage, if desired.

Abstract: A contact lens has at least one optical filter region that can be surrounded by a clear optical region. The one or more filter regions have a diameter such that an increasing percentage of visible light is transmitted to the pupil of the eye as lighting conditions change from high-intensity lighting environments to low-intensity lighting environments. The cooperation between the changing pupil and lens provides an automatic adjustment of light intensity perceived by the wearer in response to the changing light conditions. Different filtering characteristics are provided in the filter regions to enhance perception of light corresponding to light reflected by an object or background scene used in outdoor sporting and recreational activities, while attenuating other reflected light.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for testing the integrity of inductive coils such as yokes, flyback transformers, and the like. The apparatus includes a compact housing which makes it portable and convenient for field use. The apparatus includes circuitry disposed in the housing for inducing current through the inductive coil being tested. An array of LED's is provided to give the operator a visual display which is indicative of the condition of the inductive coil. The apparatus also includes means for connecting a meter or oscilloscope to the circuit in order to examine the electrical signature from the inductive coil being tested.

Abstract: An electronic ballast apparatus for powering one or more gas discharge lamps includes an inverter that is controlled by an inverter control circuit. The inverter control circuit adjusts certain ballast operating characteristics in order to operate the lamps under nearly the same operating conditions irrespective of how many lamps are connected to the ballast. The inverter control circuit includes a lamp quantity sensor, a regulator circuit and an end-of-lamp-life sensor. The lamp quantity sensor provides a lamp quantity signal that indicates how many lamps are connected to the ballast. The regulator circuit includes a reference adjustment circuit that receives the lamp quantity signal and provides a scaled reference signal to a reference terminal of an error amplifier. The error amplifier also has a feedback terminal that receives a signal that is proportional to the power delivered by the inverter to the lamps.

Abstract: A lamp protection circuit for smaller gas discharge lamps and for compact fluorescent lamps powered by a ballast. The circuit protects against several lamp failure modes that can cause overheating and cracking of the lamp. Power levels in the lamp are sensed and when a level is exceeded, a control signal is generated. The circuit acts to reduce power in an electronic ballast powering the lamp and keeps the lamp powered down when either one of two fault conditions is sensed in the lamp. Several embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An audio mixing console having a panning circuit in which panning is controlled by an automated motorized panning joystick. According to the invention, the panning moves can be more easily made with the joystick; stored and played back by using automation and more easily changed and viewed by using a motor to position the joystick. A joystick system panel includes switches and displays to vary the operational mode of the panning system. A touch sensitive joystick provides for instantaneous control of the control functions of the console.

Abstract: A lens for eyeglasses is provided with two or more optical zones on the lens body having different optical properties that enhance visualization of different scenes, including target objects within the scenes, that are associated with a specific recreational activity such as golf, hunting, or fishing. A first optical zone in an upper portion of the lens can be provided with pre-defined focus distance, transmission percentage, and/or transmission spectrum parameters for enhanced visualization of distant scenes associated with the specific recreational activity. A second optical zone in a lower portion of the lens can be provided with different pre-defined focus distance, transmission percentage, and/or transmission spectrum parameters for enhanced visualization of close-in scenes associated with the specific recreational activity.

Abstract: A capacitor holder for mounting capacitors used in electronics assemblies into a fixture, as well as mounting other types of components in other panels. The capacitor holder includes a support for receiving the capacitor and a cover for covering the capacitor. The cover and the support are attached to each other without the use of separable fasteners. Typically, snap-fit tabs depending from the cover are used to attach the cover to the support with a capacitor there between to form an assembly. The assembly is mounted into a fixture panel without the use of separable fasteners. In another typically embodiment, the mounting members are push-in and twist or push-in and snap-fit members integral with the cover. Thus, the capacitor is mounted within a fixture without separable fasteners. A method of aligning the capacitor within the panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for dispensing collector's series cards to a collector includes a currency acceptor and card dispenser controlled by a computer. As a promotion to encourage the sale of the collector's cards, the system includes a game sub-system that provides the purchaser with an opportunity to play a game of chance with the credits that the person receives with each collector's series card purchased. The purchaser may then save such credits or play them, and to the extent that a person wins, a promotional prize will be awarded.