Abstract: An exercise device featuring a pair of knee joints, each pivotally and respectively coupled to a pair of calf linkages, each of the pair of calf linkages having a foot pedal at an opposite lower end that supports low impact user-defined natural exercise gait patterns. The knee joints are supported and directed to travel by linkage and/or carriage systems that operate substantially below a user hip area and direct the knee joints in a variety of travel paths, ranging from a constant arc, a linear pathway, to a variety of irregular arc shaped paths to pathways that may change during use. A secondary system coupled to the linkage and/or carriage systems provides lift and dampening forces to influence a responsiveness of the foot pedals via bending and straightening of the calf linkage about the respective knee joint, yet does not restrict back and forth travel of the respective knee joint.

Abstract: An exercise device with a pair of upper links coupled to a frame and a pair of lower links pivotally and respectively coupled to the upper links is provided. A pedal is received on a distal end of each of the lower links. A transfer system between the pair of upper links may include a first and a second pushrod, each with a first end pivotally coupled to each respective upper link and a second end opposite to the first end. A first and a second damper arm, each pivotally coupled to the frame, may be included, each damper arm receiving a respective pushrod. An actuator may be coupled to the first damper arm and the second damper arm, thus providing movement of the first and second pushrods to alter a resting position of the first and second upper leg links with respect to the frame.

Abstract: An exercise device with a pair of upper links coupled to the frame and a pair of lower links pivotally coupled to the upper links is provided. A pair of pedals is received on a distal end of each of the lower links. A transfer system between the pair of upper links may include a first and a second pushrod, each with a first end pivotally coupled to each upper link and a second end opposite to the first end. A first and a second pivot arm, each pivotally coupled to the frame, may be included, each pivot arm receiving a respective pushrod. A pliable connector may be coupled to the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm, thus providing compliant reciprocating movement of the upper links.

Abstract: In a system and method for conjoint analysis, corresponding utility values are determined for a plurality of individual concept elements and for combinations of multiple concept elements, e.g., pair wise combinations of concept elements. A regression technique, e.g., least squares linear regression, may be used to determine the utility values.

Abstract: A catheter for use in accessing the vasculature of a patient and for optionally transferring a volume of blood from a patient to a hemodialysis machine. The catheter includes one or more connectors, which are secured to a transition member of the catheter. The one or more connectors have a threaded securement component for facilitating the securement of a secondary apparatus, such as an extension tube member to the one or more connectors.

Abstract: A communication method for communication between a user computing device and a first server arrangement includes the steps of: transmitting a communication, which includes data representing a characteristic of the user of the user computing device, from the first server arrangement to a second server arrangement; selecting a population segment in accordance with the user characteristic; determining a content in accordance with the user characteristic; transmitting a first response, which includes data representing the determined content, from the second server arrangement to the first server arrangement; and transmitting a second response, which includes at least the determined content, from the first server arrangement to the user computing device. The content corresponds to a plurality of concept elements. The method may be embodied in a computer-readable storing medium or in a computer system.

Abstract: Pocket sized telephone line data communication devices which include acoustic coupling capabilities are disclosed. The couplers have a primary body member housing a microphone (or speaker) adjacent one face surface thereof for disposition flat against the ear piece (or microphone) of a conventional telephone handset. A flexible slide structure having a speaker (or microphone) therein is coupled to the body member and is slideable with respect thereto to extend outward to cover the microphone (or earpiece) of the handset, the flexibility of the flexible member together with the slide allowing varying amounts of extension and angularity between the flexible member and the body to accommodate handsets of different spans between and angularity of the earpiece and mouthpiece thereof. With the flexible member at its extreme retracted position, the entire assembly is quite small, readily fitting within a man's shirt pocket. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting direct coupled data devices to acoustic coupled devices is disclosed. The apparatus consists of an acoustic coupler and associated electronics to provide acoustic coupling to a telephone handset and to connect to a direct connect modem or other data device to allow operation of the direct connect modem in most modes as if directly connected to a telephone line. The device disclosed includes circuitry for off-hook detection for automatically turning on the electronics, so that battery power is only active when required. Other features and characteristics of the device are disclosed.

Abstract: A ring detect circuit for detecting the ring signal on a telephone line and providing and electronic signal in response thereto, typically to initiate an automatic answer function. The circuit utilizes a differential amplifier with each of the differential inputs connected across one of the tip and ring lines so that an AC voltage between the tip and ring lines will provide a differential input to the amplifier. The amplifier is maintained nominally at midrange by an appropriate reference voltage, with the amplifier normally maintained within its linear range by effectively dividing down the relatively high AC ring signal. Also capacitive coupling is used to each of the tip and ring lines for DC isolation purposes. The output of the differential amplifier is peak detected and used to drive a delay circuit to eliminate undesired responses to line transients. Appropriate selection of the differential amplifier input impedance maximizes the common mode rejection thereof.

Abstract: A telephone line interface for direct connect telephone line connections characterized by low cost and minimal package size requirements. The telephone line interface utilizes a small signal transformer with a primary winding couplable to the line by actuation of a relay. A secondary winding of the transformer is coupled to an integrated circuit which performs the functions of ring detect and dial tone detect, and separation of the received signal and the transmit signal when transmitting and receiving simultaneously. Ring signal detection on the secondary side of the coupling transformer substantially reduces the size and cost of the ring detect circuitry, as the secondary of the transformer may be provided with over-voltage protection, whereas the line side of the transformer must survive particularly high surge voltages, thereby requiring high voltage isolation not obtainable by way of conventional integrated circuits. Other aspects and features of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Modem cartridges and connection for program cartridge type computers are disclosed whereby a modem cartridge may be used in place of a program cartridge to provide the modem function between the computer and a telephone line. The modem cartridge is constructed to be interchangeable with an ordinary program cartridge whereby the modem may be electrically connected to the computer bus in the same manner as the read-only memory in a conventional program cartridge. The modem cartridge however, is provided with additional connection points which are accessible when the cartridge is in place in the computer to provide connection to a conventional phone line modular connector.

Abstract: A microprocessor based telephone like device which includes all of the functions of any ordinary telephone, the functions of a data terminal and many additional functions to provide a highly useful voice and data communications and control device for both professional and personal use. The system generally includes a provision for direct connection and acoustic coupling to a phone line for ordinary voice communications or for data communications through a modem. A full alphanumeric keyboard coupled with a significant buffer memory and a one line display in the terminal provide for buffering of incoming and outgoing data as well as the display thereof. Inasmuch as the microprocessor based system is a bus oriented system, a great variety of controllers and communications devices and interfaces may be coupled thereto to provide a large array of data and voice communications and control capabilities.

Abstract: A direct connect telephone line interface which includes a solid state off hook phone line load is disclosed. The solid state off hook phone line load utilizes an active semiconductor device coupleable between the phone lines, with the control input to the active semiconductor device being coupled to a bias circuit operative from the voltage across the phone lines to bias the active semiconductor device in saturation as a result of an answer voltage on the phone lines. The bias circuit is frequency selective so that the bias point of the active semiconductor device is substantially independent of information signals on the telephone line.

Abstract: Integrated circuit universal frequency shift keyed modems using switched capacitor recursive filters are disclosed. The modems are comprised of two integrated circuits, the first providing the transmitting capability for any of a plurality of conventional transmit modes and the second providing a receive capability for the corresponding modes, including all filtering on chip as is required prior to detection. In this manner, any of a number of conventional modems may be realized using the two chip set and a minimum of external circuitry. Because of the versatility of the chip set, other functions and objectives may be achieved by the use thereof.

Abstract: Full duplex modems and synchronizing methods and apparatus therefor which allow the relatively low cost realization of full duplex modems compatible with prior art data sets such as the Bell System 212A Data Set. The modems utilize relatively little bandpass line filtering with post demodulation filters which provide normal filtering of second harmonic products, but further also serving to make up for the lack of the ordinarily heavy line or predemodulation filtering commonly used to reject the other channel. In addition, the automatic gain control is provided after the post demodulation filters rather than on the incoming line itself. Carrier sync and timing error corrections are provided under software control, with timing error corrections being achieved by sensing certain phase differences and providing a correction in response thereto.

Abstract: An acoustic coupler such as commonly used to receive and transmit data between computer terminals over telephone lines. The acoustic coupler is constructed in two halves joined by a flexible hinge which permits the two halves to move laterally and rotationally (about the hinge) with respect to each other. Each half of the acoustic coupler is also provided with a strap for securing the telephone handset portion in place upon the acoustic coupler halves. Once secured in place the telephone handset portion can be used as a "handle" to pick up and move the acoustic coupler from place to place. One half of the acoustic coupler contains a speaker, the other half contains a microphone, which may be electrically coupled to one another by electrical paths passing through, or forming a part of, the flexible hinge member.

Abstract: An interfacing circuit for directly coupling the handset of a telephone to a modem with provision for monitoring the data on the phone line is disclosed. The circuit may be readily connected to standard telephones. Four modes of operation are selectable by a pair of switches. The four modes of operation which may be utilized are as follows: normal phone operation, normal modem operation without the monitoring, normal modem operation with monitoring, and monitoring of data received only. In addition to allowing easy monitoring of data on the phone lines, the invention eliminates the need for a special phone to allow direct connection of a modem to a dial-up phone.