Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for locating a desired blood vessel within a predetermined volume of tissue. The apparatus and method includes a plurality of transducers which are operable to be positioned over the tissue. Each of the transducers when driven produces an output signal indicative of a characteristic of a blood vessel located under each transducer. A control system for selectively driving the transducers in order to produce a plurality of output signals and for comparing the plurality of output signals in order to determine the output signal having the largest amplitude which corresponds to the transducer positioned over the desired blood vessel.

Abstract: An automated assembly that can be retroactively added to a bank of machines in order to advance an object across the bank of machines in an automated fashion. The automation assembly includes a plurality of elongated elements that can be rotated from a first orientation, capable of engaging an object to be moved across the bank of machines, to a second orientation that is clear of the object to be moved. Each of the elongated elements are equidistantly spaced on a common support along a line matching the linear path along which the object on the bank of machines will be moved.A reciprocating device joins the common support of the elongated elements to a stationary point. As a result, the reciprocating device causes the common support and the various elongated elements to reciprocate back and forth between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A gradient coil specifically designed to enhance the performance of Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging and spectroscopy. In particular, the construction of gradient coils for use with resonant gradient power supplies to provide the necessary performance (large electromagnetic fields that can activated and deactivated rapidly) required in MR systems. These gradient coils require considerably less power than those presently employed for comparable performance and provide considerably more performance with existing power supplies. These coils are characterized by having a higher inductance than existing gradients of comparable size. Examples are given for the use of the invention in providing linear axial gradient field via a standard Maxwell gradient coil, with comparisons with existing coils.

Abstract: A current mirror circuit including at least one current bank transistor coupled to a cascade transistor. The cascade transistor further coupled to a current mirror input. A current-controlled current source operable for both receiving a differential current from said current mirror input and for producing a charging current for charging a gate of the at least one current bank transistor in order to null the differential current.

Abstract: A flat panel display includes cathode columns with microtips for emitting electrons, arranged in gate rows, and an anode provided with phosphor elements arranged in groups of juxtaposed strips, electrically insulated one from the other. The intersection of a gate row and of a cathode column defines a pixel of the display. The groups of anode strips are electrically connected to form two networks. A first network includes groups of strips of odd rank, while the second network includes the groups of strips of even rank. The flat panel display further includes an electronic control system adapted to sequentially address the groups of odd rank, and even rank, respectively.

Abstract: An optical spectacle device comprising a spectacle frame having a pair of optical lenses. The spectacle device further includes a telescopic lens assembly pivotally attached to the spectacle frame which is pivotable between an operative position and a non-operative position. The spectacle device also includes an indexing mechanism for repeatedly orienting the telescopic lens assembly into the operative position from the non-operative position. A support frame for holding the telescopes of the telescopic lens assembly is adapted to be substantially out of a user's forward line of sight when the telescopic lens assembly is in the operative position.

Abstract: A film cleaning apparatus has a container (32) in which a film (22) is exposed to mercury. This may be achieved by immersing the film in a mercury bath (34), exposing the film to mercury pressure jets (44,46) or a combination of both. The mercury effects removal of contamination such as dust particles and grease from the surface of the film.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for noninvasively measuring cardiovascular system parameters. According to a first preferred embodiment, the apparatus generates a time varying electrical voltage waveform having voltages corresponding to systolic and diastolic arterial pressures of the subject, the parameters being modelled by a lumped element electric circuit model analogous to the living subject's cardiovascular system, said circuit model including a systolic capacitor analogous to arterial compliance during systole, said apparatus comprising means for computing the value of said systolic capacitor from a measurement of an elapsed time between two voltage levels within a portion of said voltage waveform corresponding to systole, according to a predetermined criteria; and means for computing at least one said cardiovascular system parameter from said capacitor value. According to a second embodiment, a time-varying systolic arterial compliance is measured by measuring an arterial pulse pressure waveform.

Abstract: A programmable semiconductor memory is disclosed which can be fabricated with an MOS process of low complexity and which takes up little space. The memory comprises a MOS field-effect transistor having an antifuse region between the gate electrode and the drain region. Prior to application of a programming voltage, the antifuse region electrically isolates the gate electrode and the drain region from each other. On application of the programming voltage to the gate electrode, which is greater than the supply voltage applied between the drain and the source, the antifuse region changes to a low-impedance state.

Abstract: The present invention are dielectric black particles for use in electrophoretic images displays, electrostatic toner or the like, and the corresponding method of manufacturing the same. The present invention black particles are latex particles formed by a polymerization technique, wherein the latex particles are stained to a high degree of blackness with a metal oxide.

Abstract: A night vision device having an image intensifier tube, collimator lenses and at least one aspheric ocular lens are retained within a unistructurally formed optical bed. The optical bed is essentially a tubular structure having a large receptacle at one end to receive the image intensifier tube. The tubular structure is configured so that the various collimator lenses can be stacked within the tubular structure in a highly precise yet labor and cost efficient manner. A housing is provided that conforms to the shape of the electro-optical subassembly. The housing has a substantially similar ocular end structure and objective end structure. An objective lens assembly and ocular lens assembly are retained by the housing. Both the objective lens assembly and the ocular lens assembly contain at least one lens held with a commonly shaped lens casing.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and verifying inventory. The system comprises a portable computer with a printer and modem all "cabled" together and maintained in a carrying case. The portable computer communicates with a mainframe computer on which certain dealer inventory information is maintained. Software, residing on a disk which is accessible by the portable computer, allows for the input of dealer codes which are used to identify inventory information which is downloaded from the mainframe computer to the portable computer. The inventory information is used to support an audit of a dealer's inventory. The system of the present invention provides an auditor with an up-to-date record a dealer's current inventory. The system also provides the auditor with a device for printing out a checklist for use in undertaking the inventory, for preparing reconciliation reports for verifying the auditor's findings with the dealer and an input for inputting the results of the inventory.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit employing automatic gain control (AGC), with the gain responsive to a varying input signal level, and particularly adapted for manufacture as an integrated circuit. In a preferred embodiment, an error voltage is produced which is indicative of the difference between the RMS output voltage of the amplifier and a target RMS voltage. A ramp generator generates a ramp voltage in accordance with a digital count generated by a ripple counter. A comparator then produces a control signal in accordance with the difference between the ramp voltage and the error voltage. When the control signal is indicative of the amplifier output voltage differing from the target voltage, the gain is updated in accordance with the digital count and the count and ramp voltage are reset.

Abstract: A sensor includes a first pendular system articulated along a first axis, bearing at least one detector, and a second pendular system articulated along a second axis collinear with the first axis. Collector rings are mounted around the second axis, and electrical wires connect the terminals of the detector to the rings.