Abstract: Apparatus for categorizing and accumulating a plurality of different event types wherein the characteristics of each event are detected by a detector and presented to the apparatus as an electrical signal of variable analog or digital value which may indicate the type, speed, energy level or the like of an event. The apparatus includes a table look-up storage device having a plurality of individually addressable memory locations which receives the electrical or digital value and in response thereto outputs a bin address or clock select number which identifies a particular bin. Clock distribution logic circuitry receives the bin address from the look-up table storage device and in accordance with the bin address selects a particular bin and increments the event count being accumulated therein. Counter select logic circuitry is also provided for use by a host computer or the like to select a particular bin and output the event count being accumulated in the selected bin.

Abstract: A speech analyzer which displays a three dimensional spectral vector representing a phoneme on a two-dimensional screen utilizes an algorithm which generates and displays a triangle representative of a three-dimensional coordinate system. The three-dimensional spectral vector is transformed into a point which is displayed inside the triangle.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for detecting singlet oxygen emission produced during photoradiation is disclosed. The invention utilizes a two-band optical comparator to detect optical emissions. The optical comparator comprises an in-band filter that passes light in the 1270 nm singlet oxygen emission band and an out-of-band filter that passes light outside of the 1270 nm singlet oxygen emission band. The signal detected when the out-of-band filter is used is composed essentially of a fluorescence emission. This detected signal is used to synchronize an electronic reference signal. The electronic reference signal is used by a signal processing means to isolate a phase delayed singlet oxygen emission component which appears with a fluorescence emission component in the 1270 nm singlet oxygen emission band.

Abstract: The charge transfer apparatus of the present invention comprises an optical storage medium of either a mixture of several charge transfer compounds of varying redox potential or a single amphoteric organic charge transfer compound capable of undergoing a multistage charge transfer reaction, and a source of optical energy, typically a laser. When the optical energy illuminates a spot on the optical storage medium, the spot switches to one of a plurality of optically detectable states.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence and/or measuring the concentration of an analyte in the fluid medium is disclosed. The apparatus relies on biospecific binding between a biochemical binding system and the analyte to change the dielectric properties of a capacitive affinity sensor. The biological affinity sensor is optimized by: (1) adjusting the thickness and dielectric properties of a passivation layer to generally match the impedance of the biological binding system; and (2) minimize the double layer capacitance so that bulk capacitance changes associated with the biological binding system are maximized.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for noninvasive fragmentation of body concretions. The apparatus has an integral unit including an ultrasonic locating transducer a relative position determining device, a shockwave generating device and a positioning structure. The method for locating a body concretion includes the steps of locating the body concretion with ultrasonics, the position of the shockwave generating device relative to the concretion, accurately positioning the shockwave generating device at the location of the concretion and then shattering the concretion by generating a shockwave. The shockwave generating device includes a reflector with first and second foci, a location verifying ultrasonic transducer which is positioned so that an axis of the verifying transducer is coincident with a straight line passing through the first and second foci and a spark gap at the first focus which generates the shockwave.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-invasively sensing physiological changes in the brain is disclosed. The apparatus and method uses an electromagnetic field to measure localized impedance changes in brain matter and fluid. The apparatus and method has particular application in providing time-trend measurements of the process of brain edema associated with head trauma.

Abstract: Wire winding apparatus for winding wire about an arbor having a straight or curved center line and having either a circular or a nearly circular cross-section. The wire winding apparatus includes a frame having two parallel spaced apart triangular shaped ends, a spool holder disposed between the frame ends for holding at least one spool of wire, a wire straightening device disposed between the frame ends for straightening the wire as it comes off the spool, wire laying apparatus disposed between the frame ends having three wheels with flanges for helically laying the wire onto the arbor whereby each turn of the wire is wound nearly perpendicular to the center line of the arbor and an arbor engagement device attached to the frame for engaging the arbor and causing the wire winding apparatus to remain in intimate rotational contact with the arbor.

Abstract: A cellular logic operation processor for performing transformations, according to a controlled sequence, of the data points of a first matrix into a corresponding number of data points of a second matrix. The processor includes a plurality of operably connected digital storage devices for temporarily and sequentially storing each neighborhood of data points from a first matrix, wherein a neighborhood of data points is comprised of a central data point and its surrounding data points in a matrix. The processor also includes a plurality of taps wherein each tap is electrically connected to a digital storage device such that the tap electrically indicates the state of the data point stored in the digital storage device. A look-up table is also provided having stored therein a plurality of transformation values which are individually addressable in accordance with the combined states indicated by the taps.

Abstract: A hierarchical and recursive system for classifying, identifying, describing and analyzing images and the related apparatus are disclosed wherein a digital image is partitioned into subarrays, the content of each subarray is compared to memory elements stored within memory, and if a match occurs, the name of the matched memory element is assigned to the subarray. When all subarrays have been named, a symbolic image whose pixel elements are the assigned names, is formed which is the image for the next level of identification. If no match occurs, a new memory element and appropriate corresponding name are created and added to the memory stack.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for interfacing between a peripheral device and a host processor. The invented cache memory and pre-processor operates in either an acquisition mode, where it appears to be a memory dedicated to the peripheral, or in a retrieval mode, where it appears to be a memory dedicated to the host microprocessor. For example, the cache memory can be reconfigured from a 2K byte by 16-bit space during the acquisition mode to a 4K byte .times.8-bit space during the retrieval mode, wherein the high and low bytes of the previously defined 16-bit words are interleaved.

Abstract: An implantable hydraulic urinary sphincter system is disclosed for maintaining continence in those patients unable to control or stop inadvertent urinary flow. The invented apparatus generally consists of an artificial urinary sphincter and a control means for automatically increasing or decreasing sphincter pressure with sensed bladder and/or intra-abdominal pressure. An improved mechanical actuation means is also disclosed which allows the patient to urinate. To urinate the patient presses a push button centered on a septum located on the outer wall of the subcutaneously implanted control unit.

Abstract: A medication infusion system having a means for providing an informational signal when (1) medication in the reservoir falls below a threshold level; (2) a fluid leak occurs in different portions of the system; and (3) the intended medication pumping does not correlate with the pumping actually affected.

Abstract: A single-use, self-annulling syringe is disclosed that is rendered inoperative after a single use without requiring any deliberate action on the part of a user. The injection device uses a hydrophilic expansion plug positioned in the outlet flow channel of the syringe, which expands a short time after being exposed to a drug containing water, thereby rendering the syringe inoperative.

Abstract: A Radar Digital Data Processor has been developed which produces I (phase) and Q (quadrature) data obtained by sampling the receiver IF of a radar with a single A/D converter. A sampling technique was developed for this application to allow operation with radars employing a noncoherent transmitter such as a magnetron. Representative field results are presented employing spectral analysis proving the viability of the sampling technique for Doppler processing.

Abstract: A connector clip, particularly useful in testing a dual in-line packaged (DIP) integrated circuit (IC), comprising a plurality of connector elements which are in contact with and serve to extend corresponding terminals of the IC, wherein at least one connector element includes a resistance which prevents damage to the IC or such other circuit in the event that connector elements are inadvertently short-circuited.

Abstract: Optical devices using an organic charge transfer salt as the switching and storage media are disclosed. Generally, a light beam of a given intensity directed to a film of certain organic charge transfer salts causes the illuminated area to change from a first to a second state. This electrochemical process is reversible with heat energy transforming the illuminated area back into the first state. The first and second states have identifiably different optical and electrical properties. The organic charge transfer salt is used to fabricate an erasable or permanent optical memory and a threshold on bistable optoelectronic switch.

Abstract: An implantable hydraulic urinary sphincter system is disclosed for maintaining continence in those patients unable to control or stop inadvertent urrinary flow. The invented apparatus generally consists of an artificial urinary sphincter and a control means for obtaining continence while causing the artificial sphincter to apply mininmal pressure to the urethra for all conditions of the bladder. The invented apparatus: (1) automatically causes sphincter fluid pressure to increase or decrease with sensed bladder and/or abdominal pressure, and (2) is manually actuated by the patient when he or she desires to urinate. The invented apparatus can be filled with fluid, or the fluid pressure can be reset, after implantation without necessitating a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An implantable programmable infusion pump (IPIP) is disclosed and generally includes: a fluid reservoir filled with selected medication; a pump for causing a precise volumetric dosage of medication to be withdrawn from the reservoir and delivered to the appropriate site within the body; and, a control means for actuating the pump in a safe and programmable manner. The control means includes a microprocessor, a permanent memory containing a series of fixed software instructions, and a memory for storing prescription schedules, dosage limits and other data. The microprocessor actuates the pump in accordance with programmable prescription parameters and dosage limits stored in the memory. A communication link allows the control means to be remotely programmed. The control means incorporates a running integral dosage limit and other safety features which prevent an inadvertent or intentional medication overdose.

Abstract: An improved platform transmitter terminal (PTT) is disclosed for use in an ARGOS type satellite system. The PTT has reduced size, weight and extended life due to a solar array/rechargeable battery power source operating under the supervision of a unique power supply control and protection means. The invented PTT, when used in an ARGOS type system, opens the possibility of tracking, on a global basis, wild animals weighing as little as a few kilograms.