Abstract: The present invention provides a laparoscopic apparatus having an elongated barrel connected to a handle case with a fixed handle and a movable handle. A rotatable conduit is connected to a rotatable wheel with a movable rod disposed inside the elongated barrel, which is operable by the rotatable wheel. An end-effector with wrist-like movement is connected to an articulation assembly of the fixed handle in conjunction with a universal joint. The laparoscopic apparatus of the present invention with the end-effector assembly provides a wrist-like lateral movement. The laparoscopic surgical apparatus of the present invention has an improved articulation and an extra degree of freedom, while retaining its existing surgical functions.

Abstract: An interlock system using biometrics scans to identify in real-time an individual who seeks to operate a mechanical device, such as an automobile. Biometrics features that uniquely identify an individual are selected. If a real-time biometrics scan of the individual does not match a stored image of an authorized operator, the interlock system will lock the mechanical device to prevent operation. The interlock system may be used in conjunction with a breath alcohol analyzer to determine impairment. If the biometrics testing indicates that the individual is required to be tested for impairment, the mechanical device will not operate until the testing is completed.

Abstract: A structural fixing system with high clamping force, tightening precision and high corrosion resistance, in particular for light and heavy metalwork elements, comprises a flanged metal bolt (10), and/or a flanged metal nut (20), obtained by hot or cold forming. In the space between the base of the flange (12) and the shank (13) of the bolt (10) or below the flange of the nut (20) is a precision collar with a smaller diameter than the diameter of the flange.

Abstract: An interlock system using biometrics scans to identify in real-time an individual who seeks to operate a mechanical device, such as an automobile. Biometrics features that uniquely identify an individual are selected. If a real-time biometrics scan of the individual does not match a stored image of an authorized operator, the interlock system will lock the mechanical device to prevent operation. The interlock system may be used in conjunction with a breath alcohol analyzer to determine impairment. If the biometrics testing indicates that the individual is required to be tested for impairment, the mechanical device will not operate until the testing is completed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor (8) for use with an automatic door comprising at least two detectors (10, 12) based on different technologies, a processor (14) for processing the signals generated by at least two detectors (10, 12) in that it simultaneously uses the signals in order to combine the signals and to accurately detect the situation in a surveillance area (20, 22) sensed by the sensor (8).

Abstract: A door sensor system (90) for detecting a target object (56) in and/or near a door comprising a door opening (96), and at least one movable door element (76, 76-1, 76-2, 76-3, 76-4), the system comprising at least one light scanner device (10) which is capable of measuring optically the distance to a target to make such a measurement over a given scan angle at regular intervals by deflecting the light with moving mirrors, and which generates at least one vertical plane of detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermally sensitive array device for detecting a presence of a target object in a surveillance area. The device comprises a plurality of at least two thermally sensitive sensors provided in an array arrangement, each thermally sensitive sensor being associated with one of a corresponding plurality of at least two surveillance spots comprised in the surveillance area. Each thermally sensitive sensor comprises a sensitive element adapted to absorb a portion of thermal infrared radiation emitted from one of said plurality of targets located inside the surveillance cone corresponding to the thermally sensitive sensor. The thermally sensitive sensor can be a thermopile, a bolometer, or any other type. Electronic circuits in each thermally sensitive sensor are adapted to measure a signal generated in the thermally sensitive sensor as a consequence of the temperatures of the target.

Abstract: A door sensor system (90) for detecting a target object (56) in and/or near a door comprising a door opening (96), and at least one movable door element (76, 76-1, 76-2, 76-3, 76-4), the system comprising at least one light scanner device (10) which is capable of measuring optically the distance to a target to make such a measurement over a given scan angle at regular intervals by deflecting the light with moving mirrors, and which generates at least one vertical plane of detection.

Abstract: A measurement sensor comprising a PSD (30) as an optoelectronic receiver, a transmitter (10, 12) for generating spots (22, 26), optics (14, 32) for reproducing the spots (22?, 26?) on the PSD (30) and means (44, 46, 48, 50, 52) for processing output signals (I1, I2) generated by said PSD (30) and for controlling the transmitter (10, 12) depending on the processed output signals (I1, I2) in order to measure the distance between the target (24) and the sensor by a triangulation technique is disclose closed. The transmitter comprises at least two optoelectronic signal sources (10, 12) for projecting at least two spots (22, 26) independent from each other on a target (24), the means (44, 46, 48, 50, 52) comprising a digitally controlled potentiometer (48) for balancing the output signals (I1, I2) and a digital processor (52) adapted for controlling the potentiometer (48).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light scanner device. (10) for measuring a range and an angular direction of a target object (56), the device (10) comprising a pulsed source (12) adapted to transmit light pulses, a transmitter deflection means (20) adapted to reflect and sweep the transmitted light pulses in variable sweep directions across a sweep sector in a sweep plane (15), a photodetection means (42) adapted to detect received light pulses that have been reflected in the sweep plane (15), a receiver deflection means (24) adapted to reflect light pulses that have been reflected in the sweep plane (15) and to re-direct the reflected light pulses to the photodetection means (42).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermally sensitive array device for detecting a presence of a target object in a surveillance area. The device comprises a plurality of at least two thermally sensitive sensors provided in an array arrangement, each thermally sensitive sensor being associated with one of a corresponding plurality of at least two surveillance spots comprised in the surveillance area. Each thermally sensitive sensor comprises a sensitive element adapted to absorb a portion of thermal infrared radiation emitted from one of said plurality of targets located inside the surveillance cone corresponding to the thermally sensitve sensor. Thermally sensitive sensor can be thermopiles, Bolometers or any other type. Electronic circuits in each thermally sensitive sensor are adapted to measure a signal generated in the thermally sensitive sensor as a consequence of the temperatures of the target.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planar antenna which comprises the following elements:

Abstract: The invention is a planar antenna which comprises a plurality of antenna elements positioned relative to each other in a predetermined orientation. Each of the elements is selectively electrically connectable to one or more of the other antenna elements. A plurality of switches electrically connect the plurality of antenna elements to each other. The switches are opened and closed by a signal operating at high speed enabling the antenna to act alternately in a first antenna configuration and a second antenna configuration using the same antenna structure. Doppler signals from the first and second antenna configurations are processed to determine the direction of a person or object in relation to a door.

Abstract: A wrist rest for stenotypists and other keyboard operators has an apertured base with two arms mounted thereon via fasteners disposed in apertures in the arms and in an elongated slot in the base. The arms can be rotated, in a common plane, relative to the base, and translated toward and away from each other. The fasteners include a securing device which can be released for adjusting the positions of the arms relative to the base and then engaged for fixing the position of the arms relative to the base. Each arm is covered with a cushion for engaging the forearms and wrists of the operator.