Abstract: A light beam detection device includes a light-receiving element for receiving a light beam and outputting a detection signal. A light detection circuit generates and outputs a light-emission signal based on the detection signal. A light-emitting element emits light based on the light-emission signal. The light-receiving element and the light-emitting element are arranged on a detection member. A supporting member supports the detection member. A driving device moves the supporting member in a reciprocative manner in an X axis direction and a Y axis direction to form a detection region with the detection member. The light-emitting means forms an afterimage on the detection region when the light beam irradiates the detection region.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for anchoring materials in or to concrete. The methods preferably comprise delivering to the concrete or masonry, the material to be anchored to the concrete or masonry or both an anchor composition comprising alkylacrylate ester monomer and a copolymer of alkylacrylate ester and methacrylic acid monomers, and free-radical catalyst.

Abstract: A start control apparatus has a steering lock mechanism, which includes a lock pin and a lock control unit. The lock pin is selectively engaged and disengaged from the steering shaft. The lock control unit controls the lock pin. The start control apparatus further includes a portable communication device, a verification control unit, which communicates with the portable communication device, a power source control unit, which control power supply, an engine control unit, which controls the engine, a lock state detecting switch, which detects an engaged state and a disengaged state of the lock pin. The lock control unit and the power source control unit monitor detection signals from the lock state detecting switch. The engine is permitted to be started on condition that the control units acknowledge that the lock bar is in the disengaged state.

Abstract: An optical element holding apparatus provided with a holding portion for holding a flange portion of an optical element. The holding portion includes a bearing surface block having a bearing surface, which contacts the flange portion, and a bearing surface block support mechanism, which rotatably supports the bearing surface block about a tangential axis of the optical element. This structure holds the optical element with the optical element holding apparatus in a kinematical manner and maintains satisfactory imaging performance in the optical element.

Abstract: Methods of inducing weight loss and treating adult-onset diabetes in a mammal in need thereof by administering to the mammal Momordica lectin or pokeweed mitogen chloroform precipitatable fraction. Lectin pharmaceutical compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which detects and evaluates electromagnetic radiation from an area or region. The device includes two measuring chains, and a control and evaluation unit. Each measuring chain has a head forming a boundary surface for the area and is provided with a transmitter and a receiver. In order to test the device, a test signal is emitted via the transmitter of one measuring chain and is reflected on the boundary surface. The reflected portion is received by the receiver of the same measuring chain and is transmitted to the control and evaluation unit. The portion transmitted is received via the boundary surface of the receiver of the opposite measuring chain and is transmitted to the control and evaluation unit. The comparison of the two signals provides statements relating to the contamination of the boundary surfaces, the state of the area and the functioning of the measuring chains.

Abstract: A multi-function fluid flow control device is disclosed. A body houses a filter screen, a check valve and an orifice plate mounted on a frame which is removable from the body as a unit through an opening in the body sealed by a removable plug. The orifice plate is removable from the frame to permit different sized orifices to be fitted. An inlet in the body conducts pressurized fluid through the filter screen, through the check valve and then out through an outlet in the body, both the inlet and outlet being adapted for convenient connection to a piping network. An opening in the body in fluid communication with the inlet and sealable by a removable plug allows the screen to be flushed for removal of debris.

Abstract: A tool for crimping work pieces to one another is disclosed. The tool is mounted on a power actuator having a reciprocating ram for effecting crimping. The tool includes a body engageable with the workpiece. A movable head is mounted on the body and receives the ram. A jaw is pivotably mounted on the body. A link connects the head to the jaw, which pivots in response to the ram engaging and moving the head. The jaw has a tooth that penetrates the work pieces upon pivoting of the jaw. Penetration of the work pieces by the tooth crimps the pieces to one another. A receiver is mounted on the body to permit its engagement with the actuator by means of an attachment device adapted to a particular actuator. The tool may be removably attachable to the actuator or permanently attached thereto.

Abstract: A mechanical pipe coupling permitting relative axial, torsional and angular deflections between pipes joined together by the coupling is disclosed. Rings, each having a greater outer diameter than the pipe, are attached to each end of the pipes to be joined. Each ring has a circumferential groove that receives an O-ring seal. A band is positioned coaxially around the rings. The band has an inwardly facing surface that sealingly engages the O-rings. A housing is clamped around the rings and the band. The housing has rims radially extending in spaced relationship to the pipes but engage the pipes when they deflect to maintain a radial separation between the housing and the band, allowing the band to float on the O-rings and maintain a fluid tight seal. The housing has inwardly facing shoulders that engage the rings and limit the axial and angular displacement of the pipes within the housing.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for enabling quantities of bulk-type products to be determined using RFID tags that can also be used to determine the existence of product or packaging containing RFID tags. Packaging and/or containers for the bulk products are configured so that the RFID tags contained thereon provide an indication of an approximate relative quantity of the bulk material. More specifically, the position and/or shielded or unshielded state of RFID tags are utilized to identify a quantity of the bulk-type material.

Abstract: An intravenous starter device having means for safely disposing of the needle. The intravenous starter device has a first tube having a first end for insertion into a patient and an outer tube in fluid communication with the first tube and having an opening for receiving fluids to be delivered to the patient through the first tube. A receiver is connected to and in fluid communication with the outer tube, and has an opening for receiving fluids. The needle is positioned within the first tube and extends therefrom for insertion into the patient. After use of the needle, a pull member connected to the needle by a pull wire is operated to pull the needle into an inner tube positioned within the outer tube whereby the needle, safely within the inner tube, can be safely removed and disposed, leaving the first tube in the patient for the catheter.

Abstract: A computer-based method for allocating funds in pre-established accounts for use by customers, by creating for each customer a customer account file containing a record of funds deposited for the customer, and limiting how the funds in each customer account file may be spent on audio and video entertainment in the form of goods and services in response to command instructions from the fund depositor, wherein the limit on the funds is a limit on transaction amount or a limit according to content on the audio or video entertainment on which the funds may be spent. Computer-based systems implementing the inventive method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of food and insulin dose management for a diabetic subject, comprising: providing an intended insulin unit value or an intended carbohydrate unit value representing the amount of insulin or carbohydrate intended for intake by the subject; and determining the balance value of either insulin units or carbohydrate units needed to balance with the provided unit value and maintain blood sugar in the subject in a target blood sugar range.

Abstract: A vehicle imaging apparatus for generating a picture of a wide are in an inexpensive manner without affecting the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. The vehicle imaging apparatus generates a picture of a predetermined area outside a vehicle having a rearview mirror. The vehicle imaging apparatus includes a reflection mirror arranged in the rearview mirror and having a curved surface. An imaging device is arranged in the rearview mirror to generate a picture from an image reflected on the reflection mirror. The rearview mirror is located on the passenger side of the vehicle and has a housing. The reflection mirror is arranged in a lower portion of the rearview mirror so that an upper portion of the reflection mirror is covered by the housing and a portion excluding the upper portion is exposed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a graphical user interface tool particularly adapted for use with a program that shows multiple files simultaneously, each in a different panel of the display. The tool presents the user with a series of optional actions that can be taken in connection with the file that is displayed within one panel of the display. In accordance with the invention, a user manipulates a cursor to a position in one of the multiple panels on a display screen and issues an instruction to invoke the tool, such as by clicking on the right mouse button. The tool is then made to appear and displays a series of optional operations from which the user may select. The operations are specific to the file in the panel within which the tool was invoked.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for efficient processing of Extensible Markup Language (XML) documents in Content Based Routing (“CBR”) networks. Specifically, the method involves converting existing XML documents to a machine-oriented notation (“mXML”) which is significantly more compact than XML, while still conveying the content and semantics of the data and the structure of the document. Documents are converted from XML to mXML upon entering a CBR subnetwork and/or upon receipt by an mXML-capable device. The documents are then processed in mXML format. Devices within the inventive system are provided with an awareness of whether target devices or processes are mXML-capable. Documents being routed to a target which is mXML-capable are passed in mXML format while documents being routed to a target which is not mXML-capable are converted to XML before they are passed.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for direct control of data displayed in a window-based computing environment. A slider element is displayed which is variable in size according to user input. The slider defines a selected area of an image, which is then displayed. The scope of the selected area corresponds to the size of the slider. The resizable slider is then resized by a user's direct manipulation, e.g. by a click-and-drag technique, to redefine the selected area, which is then displayed. The scope of the redefined selected area corresponds to the size of the resized slider. Accordingly, a user directly controls (by resizing the slider) the scope of data displayed in a window, and directly controls the presentation of data by translating the slider to define various selected areas. More than one independently resizable slider may intersect to define the selected area and provide independent control of scope in various directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for a dual online registration contact information system, comprising receiving a request for contact information for a given user, searching a user contact information database comprising private contact information and public contact information to determine if the given user has associated public contact information, and displaying the given user's public contact information.