Abstract: An improved ophthalmic fundus contact lens to observe and irradiate the interior of the eye. Internally the device consists of a ring of contiguous mirrors (12) with identical angulations arranged around a posterior concave lens (10). The outside surface of the instrument contains a wall (14) of exterior housing. A glass or transparent material (16) covers the anterior opening of the lens. The invention is particularly useful for faster and safer panretinal photocoagulation (PRP).

Abstract: An airless spray painting system wash-out apparatus is provided to facilitate cleaning of fluid transfer pump and other components. A wash-out apparatus or element is adapted for temporary or permanent insertion between a liquid source pick-up point and where the fluid may exit the system. The wash-out element includes a body portion, a flow valve, and a wash-out hook-up valve. The flow valve is operable to control the flow of fluid from a first hose into or through the body. A wash-out hook-up is provided to couple the body of the wash-out apparatus to a cleaning fluid source or supplying line. A wash-out hook-up valve is provided to control the flow of fluid between the body and the wash-out hook-up. Alternatively, the flow valve and wash-out hook-up can be arranged within the pump housing to permit cleaning fluid to pass through and cleanse all parts of the wash-out apparatus.

Abstract: A mulch composition having extended moisture retention time and a method for use thereof are provided. In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a hydro mix moisturizing agent is added to a seeded mulch. The preferred embodiment comprises 93.95% of water, 5.85% of mulch, and 0.2% moisturizing agent by weight as a percentage of the weight of the water used, and fertilizer and seed in any selected amounts. In this preferred embodiment, the moisturizing agent comprises a cellulose gum, a cross-linker, and a surfactant. The moisturizing agent retains water in the mulch composition and releases water into the soil surface at a controlled rate while binding together the mulch composition. Moisture is retained for a longer amount of time than the prior art mulch compositions to promote maximum seed germination. The mulch composition according to the present invention additionally provides effective dust and erosion control properties.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for analyzing, identifying, and comparing images. The method can be used with any visually-displayed medium that is represented in any type of color space. An identified image can be authenticated, registered, marked, compared to another image, or recognized using the method and apparatus according to the present invention. At least one characteristic of an image's color space is selected and determined to generate a unique description of the image. This identification information is then used to compare different identified images to determine if they are identical according to a set of predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria can be adjusted to permit the identification of images that are identical in part. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a software search application, such as a search engine or a spider, is used to locate and retrieve an image to be identified from an electronic network.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a sensor and signal for unsafe occurrences. In the preferred embodiment, a severe braking alert system is coupled to a vehicle for notifying trailing drivers that the vehicle is braking severely. Sensors in the system detect when the vehicle exceeds a predetermined deceleration threshold value thereby causing one or more of the vehicle's existing rear lights to flash for a predetermined time period. Alternatively, a dedicated light(s) can be incorporated. The flashing light(s) alerts trailing drivers to the dangerous condition and provide them with valuable information about the vehicle's rate of deceleration. This allows the trailing drivers to apply the appropriate amount of braking power to their vehicles in order to prevent a rear-end collision. Alternative flashing schemes can also be incorporated to notify the trailing driver about the degree of severity with which the lead vehicle is decelerating.