Abstract: Augmentation of electrical conduction and contractility by biphasic stimulation of muscle tissue. A first stimulation phase has a first phase polarity, amplitude, and duration. The first stimulation phase, which acts as a conditioning mechanism, is administered at no more than a maximum subthreshold amplitude. A second stimulation phase has a second polarity, amplitude, and duration. The two phases are applied sequentially. Contrary to current thought, anodal stimulation is applied as the first stimulation phase, followed by cathodal stimulation as the second stimulation phase. In this fashion, pulse conduction through muscle is improved, together with an increase in contractibility. Furthermore, this mode of biphasic stimulation reduces the electrical energy required to elicit contraction. In addition, the conditioning first stimulation phase decreases the stimulation threshold by reducing the amount of electrical current required for the second stimulation phase to elicit contraction.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine and method is disclosed wherein separate compression and power cylinders are used and a regenerator or pair of regenerators is mounted between them to provide heat for hot-air ignition. The single regenerator embodiment operates as a two-stroke cycle engine and the embodiment with an alternating pair of regenerators operates as a four-stroke cycle engine. Valving is provided for uniflow design and the system allows variable fuel ratios. The resulting engine achieves brake efficiency and thermal efficiency greater than 50%.

Abstract: Augmentation of electrical conduction and contractility by biphasic cardiac pacing. A first stimulation phase is administered to the cardiac blood pool. This first stimulation phase has a predefined polarity, amplitude and duration. A second stimulation phase is then administered to the cardiac blood pool. This second phase also has a predefined polarity, amplitude and duration. The two phases are applied sequentially. Contrary to current thought, anodal stimulation is first applied and followed by cathodal stimulation. In this fashion, pulse conduction through the cardiac muscle is improved together with the increase in contractility.

Abstract: A system and method for non-destructive examination of parts using three-dimensional CT imagery. The system comprises a computer controlled x-ray source, a scintillator screen, and an amorphous silicon sensor array, which electronically records and transmits a series of images taken from different angles back to the computer system having a CAD/CAM software program. The part being examined is stored as a CAD/CAM record. The various images from the silicon sensor array are stored in the computer system and reconstructed as a three-dimensional CT image. That CT image is converted to the CAD/CAM coordinate space so a comparison between the CT image and the stored drawing of the part being examined may be made to detect any defects in the part. The overlaid or superimposed images are displayed for an analyst so that determination of a defect and a location can be made.

Abstract: The present invention is for a system for tracking and graphically displaying the positions of vehicles in a fleet, and interacting with the vehicles from a base station. The vehicles in the fleet are equipped with a G.P.S. receiver and communicate the G.P.S. information to a base station. A receiver at the base station receives the information. A computer system connected to the receiver then uses this information to display the position of the vehicle using mapping and tracking software. The system also includes update software which updates text data in a database, updates the graphical representation of the vehicle, and bidirectionally and dynamically links and integrates the text data with the graphical representation of a vehicle. The text data in the database includes information relating to the vehicle, the driver, the schedule of the fleet as well as information relating to the fleet.

Abstract: Atrial sensing and stimulation as intervention for atrial fibrillation. The present invention relates to a method of atrial defibrillation using an implanted electronic stimulator. In a variety of protocols varying combinations of conventional and biphasic stimulation are applied at threshold and sub-threshold levels. In a preferred embodiment, the implantable electronic stimulator of the present invention includes multiple electrodes having stimulating and sensing capabilities. The small size of these electrodes allows for intravenous insertion into the patient.

Abstract: Augmentation of electrical conduction and contractility by biphasic cardiac pacing. A first stimulation phase is administered to the muscle tissue. This first stimulation phase has a predefined polarity, amplitude and duration. A second stimulation phase is then administered to the muscle tissue. This second phase also has a predefined polarity, amplitude and duration. The two phases are applied sequentially. Contrary to current thought, anodal stimulation is first applied and followed by cathodal stimulation. In this fashion, pulse conduction through the cardiac muscle is improved together with the increase in contractility. The technique can also be applied to large muscle tissue stimulation other than cardiac muscle.

Abstract: Tumor growth and metastasis can be inhibited by administration of adenosine A1 and/or A3 antagonists, preferably A3 antagonists, to a patient. The antagonists can be, and preferably are, administered in combination with other anti-tumor agents, such as anti-angiogenic agents (including adenosine A2a antagonists) and/or cytotoxic agents. Because the cytotoxic agents attack the tumor cells themselves, and the anti-angiogenic agents prevent the growth of vasculature which would otherwise support the growth of the tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formulas (IA), (IB), and (IC): the preparation thereof, pharmaceutical formulations thereof, and their use in medicine as allosteric adenosine receptor modulators for uses including protection against hypoxia and ischemia induced injury and treatment of adenosine-sensitive cardiac arrhythmias.

Abstract: A screen operator or artificial finger tip for entering commands and data into a personal data device, such as an electronic notebook, by contacting the screen of the personal data device. The screen operator comprises a partially rigid base that encircles the finger, generally conforming to the finger, and a rigid tip member which projects forwardly from the base to contact the screen. The extreme tip of the tip member is of reduced diameter at the point of contact with the screen. The base is tubular (preferably with a gap) and resiliently grips the finger. A hook member extends downwardly and back from the tip member to engage the underside of the user's finger tip. The hook member functions to retain the screen operator on the user's finger tip.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for using a metaphor elicitation technique in conjunction with physiological function monitoring to elicit, organize and analyze data pertaining to a research topic. The metaphor elicitation technique process and apparatus is improved with the acquisition of data related to a user's physiological functioning. This data provides further insight and understanding which can be used in creating an appropriate marketing campaign for a product, improving inter-office communications and determining the presence of pre-existing biases or beliefs.

Abstract: A pin puller combines an actuator with an anti-friction release mechanism, according to a bilaterally symmetric geometry. The anti-friction tension release mechanism ensures that only negligible friction forces need to be overcome to operate the tension release mechanism. Thus, the actuator is isolated from the large tension force that bears on the tension release mechanism. The bilateral symmetric aspect of the structure provides for mechanical redundancy, so that, in the event that one half of the pin puller fails, it is sufficient that the other half operate properly for the tension to be successfully released. This pin puller avoids premature release because it is not susceptible to static electricity or electromagnetic radiation. The pin puller also avoids generation of large shock waves due to its slow speed of operation and because of the gradual release interaction of mechanical parts within the anti-friction release mechanism.

Abstract: A backrest for a chair comprising two parts constructed and arranged to interlock around chair back supports. Each part is preferably molded, and has a rib structure which provides positioning means for assembly on the supports. A hook and hook receiver arrangement provide a locking means for firm attachment of the parts to the supports. Decorative cushions can be applied to the parts before or after locking them to the supports. The invention is not limited to folding chairs.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved multi-layer general purpose stretch film products. The products comprise at least a core layer, adjacent inner layers and outer layers. The outer layers represent from 8 to 25 percent by weight of the film and comprise a blend of a linear low density polyethylene, a metallocenes catalyzed linear low density polyethylene, and a flexible very low density polyethylene. The inner layers represent from 15 to 35 percent by weight of the film and comprise a blend of linear low density polyethylene and a metallocenes eatalyzed linear low density polyethylene. The core layer represents from 15 to 35 percent by weight of the film and comprises linear low density polyethylene. The linear low density polyethylene components are either single products or blends of products. The final film exhibits improved properties needed in stretch wrap films such as puncture resistance and load retention.

Abstract: A telephone handset sterilization apparatus and method having ultraviolet sterilization of the mouthpiece and earpiece of a telephone handset. The invention has an ultraviolet source within the earpiece and mouthpiece cradles of a telephone handset cradle. The telephone handset engages a seal around the earpiece and mouthpiece which blocks UV illumination from a user and seals in ozone gas that is produced by UV source below 200 nm. The UV source illuminated the earpiece and mouthpiece of a telephone handset when the handset is in the on-hook position. When on-hook, the handset engages a switch which signals a timer/power circuit which provides a timed application of power to the UV source(s). The duty cycle of the UV source os timed for substantially complete sterilization of the telephone handset. Minute amounts of ozone gas surround the earpiece and mouthpiece of the telephone handset providing more complete sterilization. An alternate embodiment can be retrofit to existing telephones.

Abstract: Protocols for antitachycardial pacing including biphasic stimulation administered at, or just above, the diastolic depolarization threshold potential; biphasic or conventional stimulation initiated at, or just above, the diastolic depolarization threshold potential, reduced, upon capture, to below threshold; and biphasic or conventional stimulation administered at a level set just below the diastolic depolarization threshold potential. These protocols result in reliable cardiac capture with a lower stimulation level, thereby causing less damage to the heart, extending battery life, causing less pain to the patient and having greater therapeutic effectiveness. In those protocols using biphasic cardiac pacing, a first and second stimulation phase is administered. The first stimulation phase has a predefined polarity, amplitude and duration. The second stimulation phase also has a predefined polarity, amplitude and duration. The two phases are applied sequentially.

Abstract: A system and method for the use of stored value cards when either a consumer or a merchant does not possess a stored value card. A consumer value acquirer receives funds from the bank account of a given consumer. The consumer value acquirer also has a pool of stored value cards that are not assigned to any specific consumer but which are used on behalf of consumers wishing to purchase goods or services via stored value card transaction. The consumer value acquirer acts as a proxy for the consumer and uses one of the pool of stored value cards on behalf of the consumer in a transaction with a merchant that uses stored value cards. Once funds stored value card funds are transferred to the merchant during a transaction, the consumer account with the consumer value acquirer is debited the amount of the transaction.

Abstract: System for issuing and developing investiture certificates and other documents for highlighting and memorializing significant and special life events, and for conferring titles or standings. A series of logically connected/hyperlinked options permit the user to customize an investiture certificate or other document issued by the system. Such investiture certificates/documents may be produced on a variety of materials, including regular or fine paper, parchment, wood, glass, plastic, leather, etc. A first level of options includes borders, text, designs, and materials, and, optionally, surface finish. Second level options are tailored to each of the first level options. The present system produces a palpable representation of legally conferred titles and standings, and may only be issued upon the authorization of a person or entity having the authority to do so.

Abstract: A portable measuring device for comparing the size of a body to an article of clothing. The invention comprises a measuring tape having either absolute or relative measurements imprinted thereon. The circumference of a body location is measured and a dimension, either relative or absolute, is determined. The measured dimension is then compared to a series of nested, rigid templates, each template representing a specific circumferential dimension. A template is selected based upon the circumference measured. That template is then used to compare the size of an article of clothing to the circumference of the individual being measured. The rigid template is inserted in the article of clothing and the fit is determined based upon how well the template fits inside the article of clothing desired.