Abstract: A system (10) presents a graphic guidance object (46) in a display screen (40) to aid a surgeon in guiding a probe (12) from an initial point (82) relative to a body (14) along a desired trajectory (54) to a target (52). The graphic object (46) may be presented simultaneously with a live video image (44) from an endoscope and with tomogram images (42). The graphic object (46) includes a probe tip indicator (88) and a trajectory indicator (94). These indicators (88, 94) are positioned relative to one another to graphically indicate how far and in which direction to move a probe tip (36) to cause the probe tip (36) to intersect the desired trajectory (54). A roll orientation feature (118) and a distance-to-target feature (126) are included in the graphic object (46). The graphic object (46) changes in real time to track movement of the probe (12).

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor having a noble metal sensor element with a surface that is heated above a critical temperature at which the surface is able to dissociate oxygen in a gas stream and adsorb the oxygen onto its surface. The adsorbed oxygen present on the noble metal surface enhances the reactivity of the sensor element and permits it to react with combustible gases that otherwise would have little or no affinity for the sensor element. The balance of adsorbed oxygen and combustible gas species on the sensor surface cause a change in an electrical property that is used to determine the presence or identity of a combustible gas, or to derive a concentration measurement.

Abstract: A protective cover for a vehicle includes a main section, a door section, and a secondary section. The vehicle may be operated when the protective cover is installed upon the vehicle. The door section is secured to the vehicle door with a drawstring that is tightened around the perimeter of the door. The door section includes a door handle access panel and a sideview mirror opening. The protective cover includes window screen elements that cover the vehicle windows and light fixture screen elements that cover the vehicle headlights and taillights. The protective cover also includes a flap section that covers the door seam formed around the door and a second flap section that covers the seam formed between different body sections of the vehicle.

Abstract: An open angle glaucoma treatment method and apparatus wherein pressure, positive or negative, is applied to the frontal surface of the eye. The open angle glaucoma treatment apparatus is a vacuum source and a vacuum applicator coupled by a hose. The vacuum applicator is an eye ring or an eye cup that is placed on the frontal surface of an eye. Suction (negative pressure) in the range of 10 to 30 mm. Hg. is applied by the vacuum source, which will fixate the ring or cup to the eye, or alternatively pressure is applied via ring or cup that is held in place. The suction or pressure is applied for 15 to 120 seconds. A second treatment is recommended later. It could be within twelve hours, on the following day, or within the next couple of days. A second treatment more than five days later considered less effective or ineffective.

Abstract: A cutting length adjustment plate for a keratome that allows for a pre-cutting measurement of a corneal cut has a transverse groove adapted to receive a keratome, a parallel aperture in the groove for viewing the blade in the keratome, and indicia to measure the distance of the tip of the blade to the rear end of the keratome. A method of cutting a sized corneal flap is also disclosed. The invention further comprises a keratome with a spring loaded adjustable plate having a groove in which to retain a free end the spring. A collar to support the spring is also present. Lastly, a bracket is disclosed for use in measuring and adjusting the cutting depth of the keratome. The method for using the bracket is also disclosed.

Abstract: A camper shell (12) attaches to a cargo bed (16) of a pickup truck (14) through a hinging mechanism (50). The hinging mechanism (50) resides within the shell (12) and causes the entire shell (12) to move rearward and upward as the shell (12) pivots upward. The hinging mechanism (50) includes upper arms (52), lower arms (54) and a counterbalancing spring (66, 76). The upper arms (52) are longer than the lower arms (54), and the upper arms (52) pivotally attach to the shell (12) at pivot points (58) which are spaced apart from and above the pivot points (62) where the lower arms pivotally attach to shell (12). The upper arms (52) pivotally attach to the cargo bed (16) at pivot points (56) that are spaced apart from and rearward of the pivot points (60) where the lower arms (54) pivotally attach to the cargo bed (16). The counterbalancing spring (66, 76) urges the shell to pivot upward.

Abstract: A multiple mode, personal, wireless communications system exists within a radiotelephone network serving general customers and provides additional services to a select group of customers. The system uses handsets (32) which automatically switch between a standard cellular radiotelephone mode of operation (1901) and an enhanced cordless mode (1420) when the handsets (32) are within range of pico cells (26) that are interconnected to the public switched telephone network (20). Each pico cell is controlled via a framework of overlay cells (10b) that operates independently of the radiotelephone network and uses a unique control protocol on a small number of reserved cellular channels. Each pico cell consists of a spectrally dynamic, non-capturing, frequency agile, multi-purpose base station (26) provided at customer-selected locations to cooperate with the overlay cell framework. Each pico cell is capable of supporting multiple handsets (32) and uses low power operation that achieves limited coverage.

Abstract: An apparatus for reconditioning the protective coating of a digital recording disc is provided. The apparatus includes a turntable configured to receive a digital disc, a first motor for rotating the turntable, a turntable support for attaching the turntable to a base, a buffing element, a second motor for rotating the buffing element, a buffing element support for attaching the buffing element to the base, and a protective housing. A method for reconditioning a digital recording disc is also provided. The method involves placing a digital disc on a turntable, rotating the turntable, applying a cutting medium to the disc, rotating a buffing element, and removing material from the disc.

Abstract: A thin film device having a selectively passivated surface is provided. An embodiment of the device is particularly suited to detection of chemical constituents by selective adsorption, where the selectively passivated surface is inert to the chemical constituent being detected. A method of fabrication of the device is also provided in which the selective passivation is achieved by selectively applying the metallic adhesive to the substrate. The migration of the metallic adhesive through the thin film layer is essentially normal to the surface of the substrate, thereby limiting the passivation of the thin film layer to the surface areas directly overlying the metallic adhesive.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining crystallographic characteristics of a specimen having at least one crystal includes an electron beam generator, a beam deflector for adjusting the tilt and azimuth angles of the electron beam relative to the specimen, a stage for holding the specimen, an image collection system for obtaining a plurality of dark field images, a data store, and a processor for processing the dark field images to identify a plurality of crystal lattice planes associated with the crystals. The dark field images are obtained under different electron beam tilt and azimuth deflection conditions. The bright pixels in each dark field image are identified and utilized to determine the spatial location and orientation of the crystal lattice planes and the crystals themselves. An orientation image is produced that represents the orientation of the crystals within the specimen.

Abstract: Male and female electrodes for stimulating penile, scrotal, anal vaginal and clitoral tissue is shown. The electrodes are formed from elastomeric material. Electrical stimulation to such areas is intended to control incontinence, to induce penile erection where impotence occurs, or to induce excitation and orgasm. A male penile ring electrode formed from elastomeric material and intended for use in pairs, has an outer nonconductive surface, and an inner conductive portion comprising the inner surface, and the sides of the ring, and all the material between the inner surface, the sides of the ring, and the outer nonconductive surface. A contact for connecting the electrode to a source of electricity is mounted on the outer surface and connects to the inner portion. A like connector that can be used alone has two nonconductive portions separating two conductive ring sections that outer nonconductive surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for non-invasively stabilizing the head of a patient is provided. The apparatus includes a support frame, a rigid template mounted to the support frame, a plurality of fiducial marker housings located on the support frame, and a mounting assembly that attaches the support frame to a table or a bed. The rigid template is formed by molding a heat-activated sheet of plastic around the head or face of the patient. A method for treating the head of a patient is also provided. The method involves forming a rigid template that conforms to the head and/or face of a patient, positioning the head with the rigid template, performing a radiographic imaging procedure, and performing a subsequent surgical procedure. The imaging and surgical procedures are performed with the patient stabilized in the same position.