Abstract: The invention presents an apparatus and techniques for determining whether a medical electrode, such as a defibrillation electrode coupled to an automated external defibrillator, is in a condition for replacement. The determination can be made as a function of one or more data. In one exemplary embodiment, the determination is a function of one or more measurements of an impedance of a hydrogel bridge in a test module. In another exemplary embodiment, the determination is a function of one or more environmental condition data from one or more environmental sensors.

Abstract: The present inventors devised, among other things, systems, methods, and software that radically simplify and reduce the time necessary to specify, design, manufacture, and document control panels and wiring harnesses for semi-custom and custom equipment, such as HVAC equipment. One exemplary system includes a computerized product configuration module that defines product family parameters from user input and outputs a product family data structure, for example, a coded character string, to a technical design module. The technical design module, which incorporates engineering design rules for control panels and wiring modules, automatically processes the coded character string, outputting detailed engineering drawings, component listings, and even assembly instructions to robotic manufacturing equipment.

Abstract: Flow meter validation techniques are herein disclosed. An illustrative system includes a flow meter and display logic coupled to the flow meter. The flow meter is configured to provide information indicative of a parameter of fluid flow through the meter. The display logic is configured to provide a display of the information. The display includes an indication of a possible range of values of the parameter. An indication of a baseline portion of the range is also provided. The baseline portion of the range designates preferred values of the parameter. The display further includes an indicator designating the value of the parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and distributing sauce is disclosed. The apparatus may include a mixing-pump device coupled a linear arm for distributing sauce over a rotating turntable. The turntable may include an improved gripping device for coupling to a pan. The apparatus may also include a self-expelling concentrated sauce vat which couples to the mixing-pump device. The apparatus may also include a self-expelling concentrated sauce cassette which couples to the mixing-pump device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining a defibrillation treatment protocol in an external defibrillator whereby a user may override a CPR-first default protocol. The method includes following steps configured in a defibrillator controller of issuing an inquiry; waiting for a response to the inquiry for a set time; ordering a CPR treatment protocol if no response is received within the set time; analyzing a response; ordering a CPR treatment protocol upon receiving a non-affirmative response to the inquiry; and ordering a shock treatment protocol upon receiving an affirmative response to the inquiry. Upon selecting a shock treatment protocol, the defibrillator performs a shock analysis under the shock treatment protocol, and either orders a CPR treatment protocol if shock treatment is not indicated by the shock analysis or provides a defibrillation shock if shock treatment is indicated by the shock analysis. Queries may be presented to a user in visual, audible, or both visual and audible format.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a flowable product from a product package through a dispensing outlet at or above a preset elevated temperature is disclosed.

Abstract: A Building Automation System (BAS) includes at least one Direct Digital Control (DDC) controller operating as a BACnet MS/TP master considered to be an “Anchor”. The Anchor operates an algorithm or method which automatically assigns BACnet Protocol MS/TP Media Access Control (MAC) addresses to other BAS components (considered Nomads) being installed into the network. The Anchor gathers MAC addresses existing on the MS/TP network, and issues an available MAC Pool Announcement. Each Nomad randomly picks a temporary MAC address. When the Anchor verifies singular communication at the temporary MAC address, the Anchor assigns a permanent MAC address to the Nomad, which can later be locked into flash memory. Using the preferred algorithm and method, Nomad devices are automatically assigned unused MAC addresses to join the MS/TP network in a non-conflicting, orderly way, with all communications occurring within the confines of BACnet MS/TP Protocol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in activated lymphocytes, including T cells and B cells. The invention also provides compositions and methods for inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in activated lymphocytes, as well methods for treating diseases associated with activated lymphocytes by administering 5-HT receptor antagonists.

Abstract: A Point-of-Sale networked computing system includes a workstation with a first Personal Computer (PC)-based controller, a workstation with a second industrial PC-based controller having different performance characteristics than the first controller, and an Ethernet network coupling the workstations. The Ethernet network may include home-run or star Ethernet topology, and the controllers may be TCP/IP addressable. The computing system may be used in a restaurant, kitchen, shop, or department store. The computing system may also include a bump bar keyboard or keypad and a monitor coupled to the controllers Another Point-of-Sale networked computing system includes at least two workstations, each of which includes an industrial non-PC-based controller, and an Ethernet network coupling the workstations.

Abstract: A conveyor (10) includes an elongate tray (12) for supporting goods thereon, and a powered drive (16) to move goods along the tray. In one embodiment, a gate (24) is supported on this tray for closing an opening in the tray or for opening to allow goods to drop through the tray opening. The gate has a first magnet (34) supported thereon. A gate drive (22) moves the gate between the open and closed positions, and has a second magnet (32) which cooperates with the first magnet such that the magnets separate if the gate encounters an obstruction when closing.

Abstract: Devices, systems, software and methods facilitate launching protocol in a treatment center for an incoming patient. When a patient characterization is input, one or more draft messages become prepared at least in part for different functions, departments and people of the treatment center.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an ultrasonic flow meter comprises a spool piece including a throughbore and a transducer port extending from the outer surface of the spool piece to the throughbore. In addition, the ultrasonic flow meter comprises a transducer assembly disposed in the transducer port. The transducer assembly has a central axis and comprises a transducer holder having a first end proximal the throughbore of the spool piece, and a second end distal the throughbore of the spool piece. Further, the transducer assembly comprises a piezoelectric capsule including a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric capsule is coupled to the transducer holder and extends generally axially from the first end of the transducer holder. Still further, the transducer assembly comprises a transformer capsule including a transformer. The transformer capsule is coupled to the transducer holder and is axially spaced apart from the piezoelectric capsule.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow meter for measuring the flow of a fluid through a pipeline. In an embodiment, the flow meter comprises a spool piece including a throughbore and a transducer port extending to the throughbore. In addition, the flow meter comprises a transducer assembly disposed in the transducer port. The transducer assembly comprises a piezoelectric capsule including a piezoelectric element. Further, the transducer assembly comprises a transformer capsule including a transformer. The transformer capsule is coupled to the piezoelectric capsule. Still further, the transducer assembly comprises a receptacle capsule coupled to the transformer capsule. The receptacle capsule includes a receptacle housing and a receptacle coaxially disposed within the receptacle housing. The receptacle is electrically coupled to the transformer. Moreover, the receptacle is rotatable relative to the receptacle housing between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow meter for measuring the flow of a fluid through a pipeline. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic flow meter includes a spool piece, a transducer assembly, and a port cover assembly. The spool piece has a throughbore and a transducer port extending between the throughbore and an outer surface of the spool piece. The transducer assembly is disposed within the transducer port and includes a transformer, a piezoelectric element, and an electrical coupling therebetween. The port cover assembly is coupled to the transducer assembly. The port cover assembly receives a cable coupled to the transducer assembly and is spring-loaded to bias the port cover assembly toward the transducer assembly to resist the cable from being electrically uncoupled from the transducer assembly.

Abstract: A transducer assembly for an ultrasonic flow meter comprises a piezoelectric capsule. In an embodiment, the piezoelectric capsule includes a housing having a central axis, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first inner chamber extending axially from the first end. In addition, the piezoelectric capsule includes a piezoelectric element disposed in the first inner chamber. Further, the piezoelectric element includes a plurality of spacers disposed in the first inner chamber between the piezoelectric element and the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to manufacturing a medical device in a way that minimizes the possibility of defects. Because of the general increasing desire to eliminate lead from the environment, electronic producers are removing lead from their manufacturing processes. The lead had beneficial qualities, however, in that it prevented other metals, in particular tin, from developing “whiskers,” believed to be caused from thermal and mechanical stress of the tin parts or components. Removing the lead has caused an increasing incidence of failure in electronic devices. Many vendors, believing that lead-free devices are universally desirable, routinely substitute lead-free components for components that previously contained lead. Oftentimes these substitutions are made without knowledge of the buyer. Some devices, in particular life-saving devices, may be adversely affected by such a substitution.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for minimizing the inherent time delays within external defibrillators. The methods and apparatuses utilize timing schemes for initiation and completion of charging of an energy storage device of an external defibrillator, measuring one or physical parameters of the patient and conducting a physiology analysis of the patient. The initiation and completion of one or more of these activities are arranged so that the energy storage device is charged to a desired level and available for a defibrillation shock to the patient with minimal delay after activation of the external defibrillator.

Abstract: A voltage control apparatus (10) for an HID lamp includes a voltage control transformer circuit (20), and is connected between supply mains (22) and a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp. The HID lamp is started at full line voltage, and after a sufficient operating interval ensuring that the lamp has achieved a sustaining temperature, the operating voltage applied to the lamp is reduced, effecting considerable savings in energy use, with little or only an acceptably small decrease in light output from the lamp. Further, the voltage control apparatus include a circuit portion responsive to voltage transients on the AC line, and which effects restarting of the HID lamp in the event a voltage transient occurs which is sufficiently long (i.e., about ½ cycle) as to extinguish the HID lamp.