Abstract: A medical sensor responds to a predetermined condition, such as pressure against a human body area susceptible to ulcer formation, and provides wireless communication of the sensing of the condition. It does this by changing a characteristic of a resonant circuit applied to the sensitive area of the human body and energized by electromagnetic induction. An electromagnetic wave transmitter of a monitoring system is disposed adjacent a support, such as a bed, for the human body. A resonant signal detector is disposed adjacent the support. The monitoring system can also comprise a controller that can compute an exposure time value and/or a shift frequency value. With the foregoing an electromagnetic field is provided across a region of the patient on the support, and resonant signals are propagated in response to the predetermined condition and the electromagnetic field and wirelessly communicated to the resonant signal detector.

Abstract: Power line installation wires which carry electricity to energize devices connected to the wires can also be used simultaneously to carry other electrical signals that convey information or control between devices connected to the wires. With regard to the disclosed power line communication system and method and related components and processes, each device to be connected to an electric power line installation can be uniquely identified (referred to as the device's electronic genetics) in such a manner that practical applications are not limited as to the number of devices connected to, or as to complexity of information or control effected by communications over, the wires of the power line installation. With its unique identity, any such device can be connected to any power line installation to communicate with any other such device connected to that installation so long as the identity information and linked operational files are within the system of devices connected to the particular installation.

Abstract: An attachment device for a middle ear implant includes a first loop adapted to mount over structure in a middle ear. A second loop is connected to the first loop and adapted to mount over an object for use in the middle ear. A related method includes sliding a loop along at least part of a middle ear ossicle or prosthesis such that an object connected to the loop is disposed adjacent the ossicle or prosthesis. A method of testing for a magnet in a middle ear of a patient includes: inserting a coil at least into an outer ear canal of the patient adjacent the middle ear having the magnet; selectably aiming the coil relative to the middle ear; driving the coil with an alternating current signal at each selected aiming; obtaining at least one indication in response to driving the coil with an alternating current signal at each selected aiming; and determining a functional or positional characteristic of the magnet from the obtained indication. This method can be implemented with a plurality of coils.

Abstract: A computer site includes a data generating source. The source may include a device (e.g. a heart monitor) which may be manipulated by the patient to sense a biological function or condition such as a heart beat. The device outputs an audible signal in response to the monitored condition. A computer that can be operated by the patient or other initial user at the site runs a program that processes an electric signal generated in response to the audible signal as received through a microphone connected to the computer. The program is downloaded or otherwise accessed through a computer communications network (e.g. Internet). The computer sends resulting data signals over this network. Using a plurality of the foregoing components, any number of patients (or other users) that can access the computer communications network can provide real-time information about their personal medical condition (or other generated data) to their personal medical care providers (or other remote end users).

Abstract: The disposable liquid beverage container of the present invention comprises a first compartment for sealably containing a beverage and a second compartment adjacent the first compartment. A barrier having a translucent portion separates the first and second compartments. A light source and an energy source electrically connected to the light source are disposed in the second compartment. A switch activates the light source such that the light source shines through the translucent portion of the barrier and illuminates the beverage disposed in the first compartment of the container. A holographic image embedded in a film attached to an outside of the container is created within the first compartment when the light source is illuminated. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: A mount by which a component is non-destructively mounted on a musical instrument includes a receptacle and one or more abutment members, such as resilient clips, which do not screw into the instrument but engage the instrument to hold the mount on the instrument. A component is secured to the mount to install the component on the instrument. One such component provides digital control of an analog tone adjustment circuit. The digital control can include selectable preset conditions. Another such component provides on-board effects processing, such as a chorus effect. An output electrical coupling is provided with a switch used to energize the circuit of the component with which it is used.

Abstract: A tube cleaning article removes material from a tube in a well. A resilient member defines an encompassing path around a portion of the outer surface of the tube. The resilient member has a metallic inner surface biased toward the tube when the member is mounted on the tube such that the metallic inner surface scrapes material from the outer surface of the tube in response to reciprocating the tube relative to the resilient member. The metallic inner surface preferably presents more than two metallic edges along a longitudinal path of the outer surface of the tube. A particular implementation includes a split metallic ring. The split preferably extends at a transverse angle to the axial length of the ring. A spacer can be used with the ring. The spacer mounts on the tube such that the ring, when mounted on the tube, is between upper and lower portions of the spacer.

Abstract: A self-lubricating bearing for use in submersible oil-filled motors is disclosed. The bearing comprises a bearing housing and is fixed against rotation. A bearing sleeve is disposed in the bearing housing. The bearing sleeve is fixed in the bearing housing, and has a slot disposed therethrough. The bearing housing has an inlet and an outlet defined therethrough that intersect the slot in the bearing sleeve. The bearing is disposed about a rotatable shaft in the motor. Rotation of the shaft will cause oil to be drawn in through the inlet so that the shaft and the bearing surface of the bearing sleeve are lubricated. Rotation will also cause oil drawn in through the inlet to be expelled through the outlet back into the motor so that there is a constant circulation of oil through the bearing to provide lubrication.

Abstract: A cutting tool and a rotatable removal tool can be used together in a system and method for removing lining from tubing in a well. A particular cutting tool includes a mandrel, a sleeve mounted on the mandrel, and a cutting member connected to the sleeve. The cutting member has a width and a cutting edge of angular disposition to form a beveled cut through the lining. Setoff members can be used to space the sleeve from the lining and to engage the lining to enable relative rotation between the mandrel and the sleeve when the cutting tool is in the lining. A particular removal tool includes an inner engagement member and an outer engagement member. The two engagement members are connected such that lining is drawn into and held between them in response to rotating at least the inner engagement member within the lining. A particular engagement member includes a bulbous body adapted to twist into lining in response to rotating the bulbous body in the lining.

Abstract: A plant-growing method and apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes an impermeable pot having a fabric liner closely received therein. The liner is formed of a porous fabric which catches plant roots and directs the roots into the wall of the pot thereby preventing root circulation. The apparatus stops the apical dominance of the roots by directing them into the wall of the pot and therefore induces root branching within the pot.

Abstract: A valve with fire-resistant seal for use in industrial piping applications. The valve includes a valve body with a valve element therein. The valve is illustrated as a ball valve, but other valve configurations could also be used. A valve stem engages the valve element so that it can be rotated between open and closed positions. A conventional primary seal is used on the valve stem for normal conditions. The valve body defines a body bearing surface, and the valve stem defines a facing stem bearing surface. A thrust bearing is disposed between the body and stem bearing surfaces, and a fire-resistant seal is positioned radially inwardly from the thrust bearing. Initially, the fire-resistant seal is not engaged with at least one of the body or stem bearing surfaces, and the fire-resistant seal has a thickness less than an initial thickness of the thrust bearing.

Abstract: A telephone technician's remote assist apparatus connects into a telephone line to be tested by the technician from a remote location. Control signals are sent from the remote location to the remote assist apparatus over the same pair of wires of the telephone line under test. A particular control signal encoding includes two consecutive leading star (**) dual-tone multi-frequency tones. The remote assist apparatus opens the telephone line in response to at least one control signal, and the apparatus preferably automatically restores the line after a predetermined time so that the subscriber is not left disconnected. The particular control signal encoding and the automatic restoring features can be implemented without using the same pair of wires under test.

Abstract: A shoelace locking apparatus. The apparatus comprises a body attachable to a first end of a shoelace and a cup. The body defines a laterally opening locking passage therein for receiving a second end of the shoelace. The cup may be integral with the body or with a separate extension component. By tying a knot in a desired location in the second end of the shoelace and stretching the lace, the second end of the lace may be moved into an engaged position in which tension in the stretched lace tends to maintain the knot in the cup. The apparatus may also comprise a lock attachable to the second end of the shoelace such that the lock is also positioned in the cup and rotatable to a locking position preventing undesired longitudinal movement of the lock and shoelace.

Abstract: A cutting tool and a rotatable removal tool can be used together in a system and method for removing lining from tubing in a well. A particular cutting tool includes a mandrel, a sleeve mounted on the mandrel, and a cutting member connected to the sleeve. The cutting member has a width and a cutting edge of angular disposition to form a beveled cut through the lining. Setoff members can be used to space the sleeve from the lining and to engage the lining to enable relative rotation between the mandrel and the sleeve when the cutting tool is in the lining. A particular removal tool includes an inner engagement member and an outer engagement member. The two engagement members are connected such that lining is drawn into and held between them in response to rotating at least the inner engagement member within the lining. A particular engagement member includes a bulbous body adapted to twist into lining in response to rotating the bulbous body in the lining.

Abstract: A trailer apparatus for lifting and transporting round hay bales. The trailer apparatus has a wheel support frame with lateral support members at each side. A lifting frame depends from each lateral support. A lifting beam extends from the forward end to the rear end of each lifting frame. The lifting frames are movable between an open position so that a round bale can be positioned therebetween, and a closed position. When the lifting frames move from the open to the closed position, the lifting frames move inwardly and upwardly to engage round hay bales and lift them from the ground. The lifting beam has a rotatable or rollable outer surface so that when the lifting beam engages the hay bale to move it upwardly from the ground, the beam will roll to prevent pinching of the hay bale.

Abstract: Harmonic distortion in a multiple phase power system is controlled by enabling different phase relationships to be set, and changed, in the field, between the devices being energized and the power source providing the energization. This has particular application, for example, in canceling harmonics caused by multiple six-pulse variable frequency drives used for controlling connected three-phase induction motors that operate electric submersible pumps. A transformer used to achieve this has two winding groups, each with two sets of contacts at different phase relationships.

Abstract: A localized heat applying medical device is provided for applying heat to tissue adjacent a patient's tubal ostia in order to close the patient's fallopian tubes and sterilize the patient. Procedures of performing sterilizations are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved rack for storage and transportation of water cooler bottles is disclosed. The improved rack comprises a plurality of vertical supports at the front and rear of the rack. A plurality of horizontal support bars extend between the front and rear vertical supports. A curved support surface extends between horizontal support bars which are preferably arranged in pairs. The curved support surface may be defined by a cradle, or insert which can be removably attached to a pair of horizontal support bars. The curved support surface will engage an underside of a water cooler bottle placed thereon and will provide ample support thereto to prevent damage to the water cooler bottle during transport.