Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining the confidentiality of information contained in a printed document is accomplished by enclosing the document in an envelope, or similar enclosure, before the document is discharged from the apparatus. The apparatus generally includes: a printer, which may be a facsimile machine, photocopier, or computer printer; a document positioner for positioning the document, so that the document may be enclosed in an envelope; and a document encloser, which encloses the document in the envelope so that the document may later be removed from the envelope for viewing only by the intended recipient. The functions and sequencing of the apparatus are controlled by a suitable control system. A label printer, for printing the name of the intended recipient on the envelope, or the other desired information, may also be included.

Abstract: A non-contact light beam scan system small enough to fit into a hand holdable wand, pen or calculator size terminal incorporates a novel scan element which can scan at rates of ten to hundreds of scans per second in one or two dimensions. The device is immune to low frequency vibrations and can scan large angles of 60 degrees or more. Automatic trigger circuitry enables it to be used equally well in hand held or fixed mount applications. The depth of operating range is extended with a novel focal system which is integrated with the light source. The entire scanning system for generating a beam, focusing the beam electronically, scanning the beam, collecting light from a target and converting it into electrical signals, and automatically generating a trigger signal can work with industry standard low or high speed bar code decoders.

Abstract: A method of detecting nucleic acid sequences in which polymers of selected oligonucleotide probes which are complementary to a region in a nucleic acid sequence that is to be detected are bound to a substrate. The polymers bound to the substrate contain multiple randomly repeated copies of a specific oligonucleotide probe and may be synthesized using enzymatic amplification techniques.

Abstract: An adaptive distributed diagnostic system and method for a network having at least a first, a second and a third nodes. Both the third and first nodes and the third and second nodes, respectively, are in communication with each other via the network. The first node can directly test a state of the third node and indirectly test through the third node a state of the second node. The second node can directly test a state of the third node and indirectly test through the third node a state of the first node. The third node can directly test both a state of the first node and a state of the second node. The third node has a testing assignment based on given circumstances at a corresponding time.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the solvent pulping and washing of pulp using vessels purged of oxygen free gas when the process is arrested or terminated. The washing is accomplished by first continuously passing the pulp to a pressure diffuser, then to a first multi-stage drum displacer washer, and then to a second multi-stage drum displacer. In the pressure diffuser the lignin is washed out of the pulp, utilizing as wash liquid a mixture of solvent and water having a solvent concentration equal to or higher than that required by the extraction process within the digester, and at a pressure at least about 350 psi. The pressure in the second and third stages is lower, and water is the wash liquid in the third stage. Alcohol can be recovered from the spent wash liquid of the first wash stage, so that all but about ten gallons or less of alcohol per ton of pulp is recovered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of sorting coins according to predetermined information and allowing the coins to pass to a required outlet in accordance with the predetermined information, including the steps of:(a) detecting the presence of a leading edge portion of a coin falling into a free fall reference path above the outlets; andeither(b) if the predetermined information indicates the coin-token is to be allowed to be accepted:(i) energising a solenoid to withdraw a separator from the reference path at a location above the outlets to allow the coin to free-fall towards and into the acceptance outlet;(ii) maintaining the solenoid energised, and thus the separator withdrawn from the reference path, for a predetermined period of time;(iii) resetting the predetermined time if the predetermined information indicates a following coin is also to be accepted; and(iv) de-energising the solenoid at the expiry of the predetermined period of time to allow the separator to move into the reference path;or(c) if th

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for making a plurality of barbs. The method is comprised of the steps of first forming a substrate of a first material with a layer of a second material thereon, and at predetermined discrete locations on the layer a third material. Next, there is the step of removing portions of the layer and the substrate such that a frustrum shape is formed on the surface of the substrate. Next, there is the step of removing the third material but leaving the first and second materials essentially untouched. Then, there is the step of reforming the layer made of the second material on the frustrum surface of the substrate. Next, there is the step of removing portions of the layer at essentially the center of the lowest points of the frustrum. There is then the step of removing portions of the substrate but not the second material such that a plurality of barbs is created.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus for composing a composite document on a selected topic from a plurality of information sources by searching the plurality of information sources and identifying, displaying and copying files corresponding to the selected topic. A plurality of records, each of which is representative of at least one information file, are stored in a database. A single search query corresponding to the search topic is received. The database is searched in accordance with the single search query to identify records related to the single search query. A search result list is then generated having entries representative of information files identified during the database search, and the search result list is displayed in a first display window open on a user display.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for scoring nonobjective assessment materials recorded on paper, such as essays, by displaying digitized images of the assessment materials on computer screens for scoring by human scorers. A digitized image of the assessment material is captured by scanning an assessment form and storing the image in an electronic file. The stored digitized image is displayed to the scorer and a score entered by the scorer is returned to a scoring center where reports are generated. Embodiments of the invention include capturing the image in association with Optical Mark Reading (OMR), capturing identifying information through OMR, training and testing the scorer by displaying images of anchor items and validity items for scoring. A series of computer data files ensure control of the scoring process.

Abstract: In a transdermal drug delivery system, encapsulation material used to coat drug granules controls the release of an active ingredient. The active ingredient is released into a water retaining matrix, which acts as a reservoir, and transdermal drug penetration is driven by the resulting concentration gradient. The delivery system is enclosed in a patch comprising a composite shell, which acts as an occlusive covering when attached to skin, thus enhancing the hydration of the skin area and fostering absorption of the drug. Visible change indicators incorporated into the system provide indicators at significant "landmarks" in the lifetime of the patch. Microcapsules used for the indicator may be formulated so that the penetration of moisture effects a color change at a time when the active ingredient is almost exhausted. This feature alerts to the user to the need for application of a replacement patch.

Abstract: The present invention features a safety seal for a liquid spray dispensing assembly consisting of a sprayer mechanism and a container. A typical spray dispensing assembly has a container with a threaded cylindrical neck defining a container opening, and a sprayer mechanism with a pump mounted onto a threaded cap and a dip tube which extends into the container when the cap is threadedly secured to the neck of the container. Liquid is drawn from the container through the dip tube by operating the pump. The safety seal has a flange portion, a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion. The flange portion is insertable into the cap for contact with the rim of the neck when the cap is secured to the exterior surface of the neck. The flange retains the seal within the container opening. The first sealing portion extends from the flange and provides a frictional circumferential seal with the interior surface of the neck adjacent the neck rim.

Abstract: A method for storing information in an information retrieval system having a database for retrieval of the input information in response to a query. Text information representative of text is received for storing in the system. Image information representative of an image is also received for storing in the system. Additionally, image text information representative of text associated with the image information is received. The image information is stored in an image information format. The text information and the image text information are stored in a common text information format whereby the format of the stored text information is identical to the format of the stored image text information. The text information and image text information are searched in the common text format and the text information and image text information are retrieved in response to a single query.

Abstract: A high speed non-contact beam scanning device sized and shaped to provide the ergonomic benefits of a pen or wand, yet can scan a wide angle moving beam across an information-bearing target in one or two dimensional scan patterns such as lines, rasters or other patterns in order to read information therefrom. The device is well suited for reading one or two dimensional bar-code or other printed matter. In order to achieve the high density optical packaging necessary for its high performance to size benefits the device employs a novel in-line or "axial" gyrating, or "axial" scan element. The axial scan element can accept an input light beam at one end and cause it to emerge from its opposite end as a scanned beam, propagating in the same general forward direction it had upon entering the element. Reflected light, which carries information contained on the target, is collected by an internal non-imaging light concentrator and is processed by signal processing electronics.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering pressurized gas to the airway of a patient including: a gas flow generator for providing a flow of gas, a breathing appliance for sealingly communicating with the airway of the patient, and a conduit for delivery of the gas flow to the airway of the patient, the conduit having a first end connected to the gas flow generator and a second end connected to the breathing appliance. The apparatus further includes at least one sensor in fluid communication with the conduit and located substantially at the gas flow generator for detecting conditions corresponding to breathing patterns of the patient and generating signals corresponding to the conditions, and an information processor for receiving the signals and for controlling the output of the gas flow generator responsive to the signals.

Abstract: A stethoscope provided with two conducting tubes and sound sensors, and two 3-way stopcocks; enabling the sound from one sensor to be conducted to one ear, while that from the second sensor is conducted to the other ear. One of the conducting tubes may be detached when the stethoscope is used for monophonic auscultation.

Abstract: A convertible chair includes a base platform, a seat assembly hingedly coupled to the base assembly and respective back support panels hingedly coupled to the base assembly and seat assembly, the chair being convertible, selectively, to a flat topped bench or coffee table, or to a settee.

Abstract: A self-regulating valve device adapted for use with respiratory equipment of a type which produces a pressurized flow of breathing gas. The valve device affords automatic access to the ambient atmosphere in the event of respiratory equipment malfunction and includes a primary inlet, a secondary inlet and an outlet. The primary inlet is adapted for connection to a ported exhalation valve which, in turn, is connected to one end of an elongated flexible tube, the opposite end of which is connected to a gas flow generator. The outlet, in turn, is connected to the inlet of an oral, nasal or oral/nasal respiratory mask respectively adapted to cover the patient's mouth, nose or mouth and nose. The valve device further comprises a pressure-responsive valve element for regulating gas flow into the inlet of the respiratory mask. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the valve device may be used in conjunction with a tracheotomy tube or an endotracheal tube or similar patient interface means.

Abstract: An improved flexible respiratory mask facial seal, as well a respiratory mask incorporating such seal. The facial seal comprises an annular member including a peripheral sidewall bounded by an inner end and an outer end generally opposite the inner end. The inner end is adapted for attachment to the shell or body portion of a respiratory mask and the outer end defines a contoured sealing surface adapted for confronting sealing engagement with a user's face. The annular member is formed of a gel substance possessing resilience characteristics corresponding to those of human fat tissue. Preferably, the annular member is encapsulated in a thin, pliable, membranous covering to enhance the durability and washability of the facial seal. Because the facial seal simulates the resiliency of human fat tissue, the user experiences the sensation of a natural substance against his skin when the mask is donned.