Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a solenoid is provided that is energizable by an electric current and includes: a pole piece, which is configured from a magnetizable pole material; an armature, which is movable when an electric current is passed through the solenoid; and an electromagnetic coil. A current passes through the coil when the solenoid is energized; the coil includes a central opening, wherein the pole piece is at least partially located. The diameter of the central opening may be less in a mid region than at upper and lower ends of the coil. At least one of either the upper or lower inside ends of the central opening of the coil may be beveled or contoured with a radius. The magnetic flux generated when the coil is energized has an enhanced flow path reducing the saturation in the transitional area at the upper and lower inside ends of the central opening as compared to a standard coil.

Abstract: An external defibrillator is customized for at least one person, i.e., an anticipated patient, through creation of a profile for the anticipated patient that allows the defibrillator and users of the defibrillator to provide customized treatment to the patient. The profile may include treatment parameters for the anticipated patient, such as defibrillation therapy parameters selected for the patient. The profile may also include a baseline recording of a physiological parameter of the patient, and medical history and personal information regarding the patient. In some embodiments, the external defibrillator stores a profile for each of one or more anticipated patients within a memory. In other embodiments, a profile for an anticipated patient is stored within a medium associated with that anticipated patient. The medium may, for example, be a removable medium for external defibrillators.

Abstract: Environmental friendly automotive fluid dispensing systems and are provided. One disclosed system provides for the controlled dispensing of an automotive fluid selected from multiple automotive fluids. A quantity of fluid to be dispensed can be designated and the system can dispense the designated quantity of the selected fluid. A pump assembly is used to transfer automotive fluid from a selected container to a dispensing gun in a controlled fashion. The product dispensing gun can include a check valve for preventing fluid from exiting the dispensing gun when no fluid is being transferred to the dispensing gun by the pump assembly.

Abstract: An external defibrillator is customized for at least one person, i.e., an anticipated patient, through creation of a profile for the anticipated patient that allows the defibrillator and users of the defibrillator to provide customized treatment to the patient. The profile may include treatment parameters for the anticipated patient, such as defibrillation therapy parameters selected for the patient. The profile may also include a baseline recording of a physiological parameter of the patient, and medical history and personal information regarding the patient. In some embodiments, the external defibrillator stores a profile for each of one or more anticipated patients within a memory. In other embodiments, a profile for an anticipated patient is stored within a medium associated with that anticipated patient. The medium may, for example, be a removable medium for external defibrillators.

Abstract: An external defibrillator is customized for at least one person, i.e., an anticipated patient, through creation of a profile for the anticipated patient that allows the defibrillator and users of the defibrillator to provide customized treatment to the patient. The profile may include treatment parameters for the anticipated patient, such as defibrillation therapy parameters selected for the patient. The profile may also include a baseline recording of a physiological parameter of the patient, and medical history and personal information regarding the patient. In some embodiments, the external defibrillator stores a profile for each of one or more anticipated patients within a memory. In other embodiments, a profile for an anticipated patient is stored within a medium associated with that anticipated patient. The medium may, for example, be a removable medium for external defibrillators.

Abstract: A method comprises, without ceasing flow of fluid through a flow meter, transmitting an ultrasonic signal of a first frequency through the fluid, adjusting the first frequency to a second frequency, and transmitting another ultrasonic signal of the second frequency through the fluid.

Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, a theft deterrent apparatus for cooperation with an elongate member attached to and extending outwardly from a forward-facing side of an article display panel. The apparatus includes a housing defining an internal chamber. The housing includes a first aperture passing through the housing into the internal chamber for receiving the elongate member, a second aperture for receiving a magnetic key, and a locking member that has a magnetic portion and is movably disposed within the internal chamber. The locking member is adapted to selectively: maintain the apparatus in locked and unlocked configurations in which the locking member respectively prevents or permits the elongate member from being at least partially withdrawn from the first aperture. Whether the locking member maintains the apparatus in the locked or unlocked configuration depends on whether or not the magnetic key is inserted into the second aperture.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to techniques for determining appropriate first aid and applying first aid that is appropriate. A first aid system receives patient status information from an input device or a sensor, and presents first aid information as a function of the received patient status information. The first aid system may be incorporated with an external defibrillator. The first aid system may acquire patient status information through an interaction with an operator, in which the first aid system asks the operator to supply patient status information. In one embodiment of the invention, the operator may supply patient status information by touching a diagram representing at least a portion of a human body.

Abstract: A segmented touch screen overlies the display or displays of a console having an operating system and display controller for the display. A touch screen controller is continuously connected to each of the touch screen segments and separate touch position information is obtained for each touch screen segment. The console operating system can be supplied with separate position information for each segment or with a single touch position for combined segments. A number of docking module ports near the display optionally receive docking modules that cover segments of the touch screen and display. A module, including tactile elements such as push button switches, can be docked at any port. When a module is detected, the touch screen segment under the module is disabled and the display under the module is switched to display module specific information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for positioning an orifice plate within a body having a straight flowbore. One embodiment includes a carrier supporting the orifice plate and a drive member operable to engage the carrier and move the carrier along a first axis perpendicular to the flowbore. The drive member is also operable to limit the movement of the carrier along a second axis perpendicular to the flowbore and perpendicular to the first axis. A pin is operable to engage the carrier so as to limit movement along the first axis.

Abstract: A point-of-sale system includes a monitor and interchangeable bases. The monitor is attached to the interchangeable base using a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) mount. The system may also include a monitor support disposed between the monitor and the interchangeable base, in which case the monitor is attached to the monitor support using the VESA mount, and the monitor support is attached to the interchangeable base. A housing may be used to enclose the VESA mount and the monitor support. A method of displaying point-of-sale information includes providing a monitor and adapting a plurality of interchangeable bases to attach to the monitor using a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) mount. The method may also include disposing a monitor support between the monitor and the interchangeable base, attaching the monitor to the monitor support using the VESA mount, and attaching the monitor support to the interchangeable base.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus useful for cleaning the interior of a pipeline contains: (A) a platform of a dimension sufficient to be inserted through an opening in the pipeline, the platform containing one or more portions; (B) a fluid interrupter having one or more parts to provide a surface to contact fluid flow and thereby interrupt fluid flow, the fluid interrupter constructed and arranged to be attached to the platform; a downstream side of the fluid interrupter being supported by members connected to the platform to dispose the fluid interrupter against fluid flow; (C) runners attached to the underside of the platform to contact an inner diameter of the pipeline; whereby the supported fluid interrupter, platform and runners redirect fluid flow between an underside of the platform and an inner surface of the pipeline; and (D) a device located downstream of the fluid interrupter to constrict the volume of the redirected fluid and increase its flow rate; whereby fluid flow is increased to move solid waste in the p

Abstract: An assembly for moving a pair of flowline members relative to each other has a pair of flowline collars that are adapted to connect to an end portion of one of the pair of flowline members. The assembly has an arm member with an end portion rotationally mounted to one of the flowline collars and a connecting member pivotally mounted to the other flowline collar. The connecting member is pivotally mounted to the arm member a distance away from the end portion of the arm member that is connected to the flowline collar, so that rotational movement of the arm member moves the flowline members relative to each other. The assembly can also have an incremental distance adjustor assembly which maintains an incremental change in the distance between the pair of flowline collars during a rotational movement of the arm member.

Abstract: Systems and methods which allow a spotter external to a vehicle to provide signals to a driver of the vehicle in order to facilitate safe backup operations of the vehicle are disclosed. A wireless transmitter, in wireless communication with a receiver positioned within the vehicle, is operated by the spotter. An indicator, also in communication with the receiver, is configured to provide a plurality of audible and/or visible signals perceivable by the driver in response to a wireless signal received by the receiver from the transmitter. The audible and/or visible signals may comprise selected patterned tones and lights which inform the driver whether they should proceed to backup the vehicle or stop the vehicle.

Abstract: In a method of computer usage monitoring, a user computer monitors for the input of predetermined keywords or phrases into an application running thereon, the presence of the keywords or phrases in a file received via a computer network, or the launching of one or more predetermined applications or programs. In response detecting the input of one or more of the predetermined keywords or phrases, the presence of one or more of the predetermined keywords or phrases in a file received via the computer network, or the launching of one or more the predetermined applications or programs, the user computer records a digital form of at least one visual image appearing on a video monitor of the user computer. The user computer dispatches the digital form of the recorded image to the server computer via the computer network.