Abstract: A method of detecting cyanide concentration in the cutaneously transpired gas of a patient, allowing for the timely implementation of an appropriate treatment. Where the skin of a patient suffering from cyanide poisoning has been burnt, the present invention provides for a noninvasive means of cyanide treatment. In practice, a material is impregnated with methemoglobin and attached to a patient's skin. A barrier means located between the impregnated material and the patient's skin allows for the transfer of cyanide gas from the patient into the material. However, this barrier means does not allow for the transfer of the methemoglobin from the impregnated material into the patient's skin. The material is monitored for photometric change, and, where a change indicative of cyanide poinsoning is present, appropriate treatment is administered.

Abstract: A method and system whereby a network management control center can monitor and control point-to-point remote satellite communication links without a physical connection between the remote satellite control modems and the network management control center. This method and system provides greater efficiency with reduced costs through rapid reconfiguration of remote satellite control modems. The method and system can actively cause either remote satellite control modem to terminate link transmission, which allows the network management control center to establish a maintenance link with the other remote satellite control modem, through a local satellite control modem. The maintenance link is used to modify operating parameters of the remote satellite control modem. Once parameters are changed at the first remote satellite control modem, the process is repeated for the other remote satellite control modem.

Abstract: An apparatus, operation and method for measurement of systemic and/or pulmonic blood pressure. The present invention offers a passive non-invasive method and system that can be used where measurement of systemic pressure with a traditional blood pressure cuff is contraindicated. The present invention also affords a means for early diagnosis and opportunity for intervention in patients with no symptoms or signs of elevated pulmonary blood pressure that can be performed as part of a routine physical exam. The present invention accomplishes this non-invasive measurement through detection, identification and characterization of the second heart sound acoustic signature associated with heart valve closure. An apparatus for measuring systemic and/or pulmonic blood pressure in accordance with the present invention includes a sensor assembly comprising a housing, an electronic module, a shock dampener, a mounting means, a transducer, an acoustic coupling and a back cover.

Abstract: A method of detecting and quantifying cyanide concentration in a patient, by monitoring photometric changes resulting from the transformation of methemoglobin to cyanomethemoglobin. The present invention provides for a means of cyanide poisoning assessment in patients using the affinity of methemoglobin for cyanide to assess the photometric changes resulting from methemoglobin converting to cyanomethemoglobin, as an indicator of cyanide concentration in a patient. Appropriate corrective action can then be promptly taken.

Abstract: A System and Method for Developing a Customized Wellness Plan for measuring a user's wellness by determining a user's physiological age. The system and method also help a user to learn about personalized wellness options, where the wellness options have been chosen for the user based upon wellness factors input by the user, additional constraints input by the user and the most recently available information relating to the health sciences. The user can select one or more options, and determine the potential effect implementing the options could have on the user's physiological age over the short or long term. In this fashion, the user can continue selecting various groups of alternatives until he or she has determined the group of options that the user would like to implement as a wellness plan. The user can then obtain further information regarding the chosen wellness plan.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for determining premium tables to produce annuity rates, where the annuity rates reflect client data pertaining to age, sex, medical conditions and high risk behavior. The annuity rate reflects potential medical and social advancement, prudence, interest, expenses, and commissions as well as other related factors in determining premiums to be paid by individuals.

Abstract: A leg design for a folding table with rotationally attached leg segments. The folding table includes a table top with a pivoting leg, a pivoting top segment, at least one leg segment and a free standing leg. The number of pivoting legs and free standing legs can vary according to the table shape. The pivoting legs are connected to the table top by hinges. The free standing legs are connected to a leg segment by a crossbar and the leg segments rotationally interconnect with the pivoting top segment. The pivoting top segment and the leg segment or segments form a segmented leg when connected. The rotational connection allows for a free standing leg to rotate with respect to the segmented leg and the connection prevents the leg segments from separating. The free standing legs can be locked into a position that a fixed leg would normally be positioned. During disassembly, the pivoting legs are pivoted towards the table and the free standing legs are rotated towards the pivoting legs.

Abstract: A system and method for determining approval of a multi-currency transaction between a customer and a merchant over a network. The system includes a customer computer which is connected to a communication network, a merchant computer which is connected to the communication network, and a server connected to both the customer computer via the communication network and to the merchant computer via the communication network. The customer computer includes a first set of data which contains an amount the customer is willing to pay the merchant for a product in a first currency. The merchant computer includes a second set of data which contains a product price at which the merchant agrees to sell the product in a second currency. The server receives the first set of data and the second set of data. The server then converts the amount in the first currency into a converted amount in the second currency.

Abstract: A unique illuminated, flexible, portable reading material support apparatus permits the user to read more easily in certain situations, such as while sitting or lying in bed, due to the use of a special base, a goose-neck flexible support, and a swivel attachment means connecting the goose neck flexible support to a specially contoured reading support platform. The reading material support platform is comprised of a linear deep recess for receiving the binding (back) of a book or other reading material, top and bottom ledges, and left and right reading material page supports that vary in depth from that of the deep linear recess from whence they originate, to zero depth at the extreme left and right edges, respectively. This topography is designed to match the "natural" contours of opened reading material positioned upon the reading material support platform.

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 an increase in contractility. The technique can also be applied to large muscle tissue stimulation other than cardiac muscle.

Abstract: A TV viewer is presented various offers for products and services displayed on his TV screen. Pre-obtained unique product and service codes are generated by the TV program during the offers. The viewer has a remote control device for indicating his acceptance of an offer. An audio beep corresponding to the unique code is transmitted by the program along with the offer. This beep is picked up by a microphone and is transmitted, along with the remote control acceptance indication, by a transmitter located at the viewer's location to a nearby repeater station. The transmitted signal is data including an identification of the viewer's location as well as the accepted offer code. This data is relayed to a nearby repeater station and then to a central data collection station where the acceptance is processed.

Abstract: A system and method relating to secure communications in a communication network is disclosed. The invention uses sessions having limited duration to enable parties to communicate securely in the communication network. The session of one party is independent from the session of another party. The sessions are linked at a server which confirms that the sessions are valid.In a preferred embodiment, the secure communications occur in an electronic transfer system. In the electronic transfer system, a customer and a merchant can conduct a transaction wherein the customer can purchase a product from the merchant and pay for the product using electronic funds.

Abstract: A knock-down table comprises a top frame and attachable legs. The top frame comprises a horizontal surface with a lip about its perimeter, and walls depending downward from the underside of the top frame. An interchangeable table top is placed on the top frame within the confines of the lip. Each downward depending walls has a cutout at each top end corner to form a channel at each underside corner of the top frame. Extending downward from the top frame and in close proximity to each channel is a bolt assembly and a locator pin.A plurality of tapered, flanged legs that are roughly L-shaped in cross section are secured to each corner of the top frame by the bolt assemblies. The flanged legs are tapered so that the wider portions of the tapered legs each are proximate to the top frame and extend partially over the downward depending walls when assembled. Located at the top end of the flanged legs are plates, each having a slot and a guide hole therethrough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modeling the exposure of spacecraft-mounted solar power panels to the sun over a given time interval, such as an orbit period, and a method and apparatus for modeling the drag of spacecraft over a given time interval, such as an orbit period. The result of the exposure modeling can be used to determine varying availability of electrical power for operations to be performed by the spacecraft and on-board apparatus. The results of the drag over time are used to predict orbit decay and fuel requirements for orbit maintenance and station-keeping. The invention uses a graphically based satellite systems analysis program to approximate exposure and drag data through visual projection of the relevant spacecraft elements on a computer display screen.

Abstract: An imaging and workflow method, and a system for processing information efficiently for a service industry, the system being particularly well suited for use in the cardholder service industry. The system includes support for document scanning, automated rules-based workcase processing, statistical reporting, document generation and document storage and retrieval. This method and system takes advantage of imaging technology to assist the user in scanning information into the system and software modules to improve the processing of workcases. The system also includes a database table that identifies to application processing logic the types and sequences of actions to be implemented for defined workcase types. The computer program utilized by the system is modularized in order to facilitate adding new functions into the system. These new functions are supported through entries in the database tables.

Abstract: A System and Method for the multi-contact co-planar or nearly co-planar edge-to-edge electrical connection of printed circuit boards that embodies an electrical connection between the printed circuit boards and a rigid latching physical connection between the printed circuit boards. Electrical and physical connections of PCBs are simultaneously accomplished by the user through a quick and easy connection and disconnection mechanism without damage to any components. A latching mechanism on the second PCB cooperates with a shaped mating end of a first PCB whereby the second PCB slides onto and latches with the first PCB. Cantilever beam springs on either side of the second PCB permits the two PCB's to positively engage one another to form a stable rigid connection of the two PCB's.

Abstract: An apparatus for a barbecue support and storage frame system that provides support, mobility, and storage for a barbecue grill. The apparatus includes two c-shaped elements that are equally spaced from one another. The c-shaped elements have upper legs and lower legs. Mounted to the upper supports is the barbecue grill. Attached to the lower legs are wheels and extensions. The wheels allow the user to easily maneuver the barbecue to any desired location whereas the extensions prevent the barbecue from moving when in use. Also attached to the lower legs are shelves. The lower legs are positioned so that they and the shelves do not interfere with the items--food and barbecue accessories--that are placed on the shelves. Shelves are also hinged to the upper legs of the c-shaped elements.

Abstract: A method for confirming the presence of highly refined sesame oil in pharmaceuticals. By extracting, concentrating and detecting sesamin and epi-sesamin, through the method disclosed in the present invention, highly refined sesame oil can be identified. The disclosed method can be performed at room temperature and does not require over night extraction. In practice, the disclosed method entails extracting sesamin from a sample with an organic solvent, transferring and evaporating the solvent layer to dryness to form a residue. An alkyl halide is added to the residue to form a mixture. The mixture and an organic solvent are passed through a separating means, generating an eluent, the eluent is then evaporated to dryness to form a second residue. A 1:1 solution of an organic solvent and an alkyl halide is added to the second residue in a volume sufficient to form a concentrated extract. The concentrated extract is then analyzed with high performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching connective tissue to each other or to underlying bone is described. The invention includes a band with latching grooves to engage a detached clamping head. At one end of the band is an opening through which the other end of the band may pass to allow the band to form a loop. The end of the band is then inserted into the detached clamping head which has a ratcheting pawl which engages the grooves in the band to hold the band and prevent its slipping. The band may also have a bulb element at or near the end of the band with the opening. There may also be a number of disk or bulb elements to distribute the force on the tissue. The band may also have varying width to provide different force on the tissues. The band and clamping head may be manufactured of biocompatable polymers such as implantation grade nylon, polyethylene or biosoluble material. A method for use of the present invention to repair a torn rotator cuff is also described.