Abstract: An alarm light integrated into the top of the handle of a portable patient monitor or other portable medical diagnostic instrument. Since the top of the handle is the highest point of the monitor, the alarm light can be clearly seen from the sides, top and back of the monitor. Because the alarm light is integrated into the handle structure, it can be easily moved with the monitor and cannot be accidentally disconnected. In addition, the structure of the handle protects the alarm light from damage during transport. The alarm light assembly includes a circuit board which supports at least one light-emitting diode and a connector for supplying electrical power to the light-emitting diode(s), and a light-transmitting plastic lens which supports the circuit board. When activated, the light-emitting diodes are visible through the lens.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing lossy compression of digital images on a per image basis. The system user is able to manually vary the degree or level of compression applied to a frozen image frame using a rotary dial. Each resulting compressed image can be viewed in real-time on the display monitor. The user must determine the highest compression level which still provides an image having sufficient diagnostic quality in the region of interest. This concept can be applied to any imaging device which stores images in internal memory or sends images for storage to external memory.

Abstract: A high-voltage switching circuit comprising: a switch having ON and OFF states and having a parasitic gate capacitance and a control circuit for turning the switch on and off. The switch comprises a pair of DMOS FETs having a shared gate terminal, the sources of the DMOS FETs being connected to each other and the drains of the DMOS FETs being connected to the input and output terminals of the switch respectively, and biased at a bias voltage level. The control circuit comprises: a programming transistor having its drain connected to the shared gate terminal of the switch, its source connected to receive a programming voltage, and its gate connected to receive a programming transistor gate voltage; first circuitry for causing a first transition from a first level to a second (lower) level of the programming voltage; and second circuitry for causing a second transition from a first level to a second level of the programming transistor gate voltage.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for configuring an imaging system for communication with different remote devices having different requirements. A field engineer selects a prestored configuration file for a particular device from a configuration file library stored on the imaging system hard disk. The selection is made by selecting from a drop-down pick list of equipment identified by make and model. The pick list itself is constructed from information extracted from the configuration file library. The configuration data in the selected configuration file is used to construct a new configuration file, which is later saved to the hard disk. If the device is activated, a portion of the selected configuration file is also copied to an Attribute Control File, which is later saved to the hard disk. The installed configuration files and the Attribute Control Files for activated devices are then read into system memory when the imager is rebooted.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for initiating a welding arc by directing a plasma jet into the space between the tip of the welding electrode and the workpiece. This is done while an electrical potential is applied between the electrode and the workpiece. The ionized plasma gas renders the space between the electrode and the workpiece more conductive, thereby reducing the voltage threshold needed to initiate an arc between the electrode and the workpiece. When the voltage threshold reaches the level of the applied electrical potential, the arc will be initiated.

Abstract: A method and a system for forming slider end stops on a zipper tape that comprises first and second interlockable zipper parts. The method comprises the following steps: (a) transmitting sufficient ultrasonic wave energy into first and second areas of the zipper tape to cause the first and second interlocked zipper parts to deform and fuse in the first and second areas, the first and second areas being separated by a gap; and (b) applying sufficient heat and pressure onto a third area of the zipper tape to cause the interlocked zipper parts to deform and fuse in the third area, at least part of the third area being located between the first and second areas in the gap. The first and second areas do not impinge upon the zipper rails. The third area does impinge upon the zipper rails. Thus the zipper rails are deformed in the third area, but not in adjacent areas located below and contiguous with the first and second areas.

Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring the regular collection of operational data from a multiplicity of remotely located medical imaging systems by a central service facility, and starting a corrective action process if the collection of operational data deviates from a historical norm based on the frequency of reception and the volume of the data received from the data source. The system automatically determines, on a per scanner basis, when either the amount of data in the most recent reception or the time between the two most recent data receptions has changed in a way that requires remedial action. In particular, corrective action is taken if the data volume or the time between receptions deviates from a historical mean by a predetermined percentage.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically feeding slider-zipper assemblies to a station where the slider-zipper assemblies can be attached to bag material such as thermoplastic film. The apparatus includes a slider guide having a channel running the length thereof. The channel has a cross section that allows passage therethrough of sliders slidably mounted to a tape of connected slider-zipper assemblies. A tape drive mechanism is located at the outlet of the slider guide. The tape drive mechanism includes a pair of rollers that form a nip therebetween. The zipper flanges of the tape are threaded through the nip. The rollers have respective grooves that form a space for passage of the sliders as the tape is advanced by the rollers.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding assembly comprising a horn, an anvil and an anvil cover. The horn comprises a generally T-shaped flattening surface and a rail projecting forward of the flattening surface. The rail is shaped to serve as a dam for flowing thermoplastic zipper material during stomping of slider end stops. The horn further comprises a plurality of vertical energy directors designed to direct ultrasonic energy into the mass of zipper material and deflect flowing zipper material toward the dam. The horn further comprises first and second recesses located on opposite sides of a stem of the T-shaped flattening surface. The anvil cover overlies opposing portions of the anvil and comprises a T-shaped cutout. The T-shaped flattening surface of the horn fits in the T-shaped cutout of the anvil cover. The resulting zipper has slider end stops located at opposing ends.

Abstract: A method of engineering score-line-crack-resistant multi-ply linerboard. The propensity for score-line cracking may be eliminated by engineering a ductile, plastically deforming top ply of a two-ply construction. Plasticity essentially extends the life span through which a material may deform (under external monotonic loading) prior to the initiation of damage (e.g., crack propagation) and ultimate failure. Hence the board's propensity for cracking is intrinsically linked to its fracture energy, or the energy consumed during plastic deformation (prior to failure). A top-ply fracture tester is used to measure the plastic energy consumed in deforming a single ply in a multi-ply system. The energy consumed in the plastic zone has shown excellent correlation to score-line cracking field performance of white-top linerboard. Machine trials were conducted to identify the principal variables that affect the propensity for score-line cracking. The principal variables identified were: fiber furnish (virgin vs.

Abstract: A welding gun comprising: an electrically conductive gun body having a passageway; a head tube assembly having one end inserted in the passageway of the gun body; a rotation nut that retains the head tube assembly in the inserted state when the rotation nut is threadably coupled to the gun body; and an electrically insulative ring installed between a portion of the gun body and an electrically conductive part of the head tube assembly. The electrically conductive gun body has a frusto-conical inner peripheral surface that is in contact with a frusto-conical outer peripheral surface of the electrically insulative ring. The rotation nut comprises an electrically conductive part that is threadably engaged to the electrically conductive gun body and that is in electrical contact with the electrically conductive portion of the head tube assembly.

Abstract: A mathematical model is used to design paper and paperboard having improved runnability. The mathematical model provides an estimate of fracture toughness for an optimized paper product based on specific measurement parameters, e.g., filler percent, softwood content and caliper for optimal fracture toughness. After the optimizing set of measurement parameters has been acquired, these parameters can be used to manufacture grades of paper having improved runnability performance, e.g., in printing presses.

Abstract: An X-ray target material comprising an oxide-dispersion strengthened Mo (ODS-Mo) alloy. ODS-Mo refers to molybdenum strengthened by a fine dispersion of insoluble oxide particles of one or more of the following compounds: La2O3, Y2O3 and CeO2. ODS—Mo alloy improves upon the prior art by providing higher and more uniform strength and creep resistance over the applicable temperature range of large brazed graphite targets. This, in conjunction with higher-strength graphite, allows the target to spin faster without causing graphite burst, thus providing improvement in peak power. The recrystallization temperature of the fabricated material is high enough to maintain original properties through all target processing, including a very high-temperature braze cycle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for rehabilitating and increasing the functionality of existing underground conduits wherein a plurality of conduits are simultaneously inserted into an existing conduit by bursting the existing conduit to create a tunnel and inserting a plurality of new conduits into the tunnel, such that at least one of the new conduits has a capacity equal to or greater than the capacity of the existing conduit, are provided. The new conduits are either separate from or removeably connected to one another, such that the new conduits are capable of being diverted from the tunnel at separate locations and the new conduit system can be used primarily for carrying media similar to that of the original conduit or additionally for completely different and unrelated media such as fiber optic cable, coaxial cable or electrical cable.

Abstract: A fastener for a reclosable package comprises a flexible zipper and a string for maintaining zipper closure. The fastener may optionally further comprise a slider for pressing the string into a groove on the zipper and/or extracting the string from the groove. In one embodiment, the fastener comprises first and second zipper parts and a string. The first zipper part comprises a rib. The second zipper part comprises a first body, a second body and a narrow strip connecting the first and second bodies. The first and second bodies and the narrow strip define first and second grooves having respective openings on opposing sides of the second zipper part. The first groove is profiled to receive and hold the string, while the second groove is profiled to receive and hold the rib.

Abstract: A method and a system for acquiring and analyzing non-imaging data collected during an ultrasound examination for the purpose of reporting ultrasound department performance characteristics. This is accomplished by tracking user keystrokes whenever the ultrasound imaging system is turned on, acquiring the keystroke data from the ultrasound system and then using this data for departmental performance analysis. During an examination, the ultrasound system user presses buttons and selects items from menus on the operator interface. These keystrokes invoke functions or change operating parameters on the ultrasound imaging system. Simultaneously, a code representing the keystroke is stored in electronic storage. Along with this code, the date, time and values being set or adjusted are also stored. Subsequently, the data in the electronic storage can be extracted for use in analysis of the use of the ultrasound imaging system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for predicting a score-line cracking propensity of a multi-ply substrate. The method includes the steps of: bending the multi-ply substrate; acquiring tensile load data from the multi-ply substrate during bending; and computing a material property of a top ply of the multi-ply substrate based on the acquired tensile load data. The material property must show a strong correlation to the score-line cracking propensity of the multi-ply substrate. The material property which is computed is the energy consumed in plastic deformation of the top ply during the fracture process. The measurement results can be used to predict score-line cracking propensity in multi-ply board systems, such as multi-ply paperboard.

Abstract: A mechanism which achieves positional flexibility of a heavy operator console in the horizontal plane, improving ergonomics while avoiding mechanical and safety-related problems arising from moving the operator console relative to a main unit of a scanner. The mechanism comprises four links and two bosses and is installed between the main unit of the ultrasound system and the operator panel, hidden below the latter. Seen from above, the four links resemble the back legs of a frog. The “frog-leg” configuration allows the operator to bring the operator panel up close by pulling it with one hand. The mechanism also allows a heavy CRT monitor to be mounted onto the operator panel and thus follow the latter's movement. When the system is to be moved, the operator panel is pushed back and locks into a compact “parked” position, allowing the handles on the operator panel to be used for moving the entire system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus inputting information identifying and classifying an article in an asset management database. A graphical user interface has a first screen showing a search field and a display window. A reference database has records, each record containing manufacturer, model and article type information for a respective class of articles. In response to the input of a manufacturer query in the search field, a list of entries is displayed in the display window. Each entry includes the same manufacturer identifier, a different model number, and one of multiple article types derived from the reference database. In response to selection of one of the list entries, a second screen appears having an empty data field for entry of an article identifier identifying an article made by a manufacturer identified by the manufacturer identifier and having the model number for the selected entry, and filled data fields containing the manufacturer identifier, model number and article type for said selected entry.

Abstract: A valve assembly mounted in a resealable/reclosable storage bag. The valve assembly includes a base and a valve element. The valve element includes a stem with a convex cap attached at one end and a valve gate attached at the opposite end. The stem extends into a hole in the base. The resilient quality of the cap, acting against the top of the base, holds the gate against the bottom of the base, thereby forming a seal between the gate and the base that is strong enough to preserve the vacuum inside the bag. A cavity extends into the stem from the cap end. A hole in the stem runs from the cavity to outside the stem. When the stem is pressed down, a vacuum source may draw air between the gate and the base, through the hole in the stem, into the cavity, and subsequently outside the bag.