Abstract: A method and device is provided for determining aortic valve abnormalities. The method first includes the step of providing a sphygmomanometer device for inducing a pressure on a body part of a patient. A data stream receiver is provided for receiving a stream of data relating to the pressure response of the pulsed fluid flowing through the cardiovascular system of the patient. A data processor is provided for processing the data to create a series of time dependant pulse wave forms. The data can be converted by Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) to obtain Power Spectrum (PS) which comprises a frequency dependant array of pulse signals. Both of the time dependant and frequency dependant (Power Spectrum) data can be displayed and analyzed to help determine the condition of the aortic valve and the percentage of regurgitation of the patient.

Abstract: An acoustic formation logging tool includes a transmitter, a receiver, a tube wave absorber, and a digital signal processing section. The transmitter includes an electromagnetic actuator based on capacitive discharge through a coil, producing an intense magnetic pressure which causes an actuator to move into an oil-filled acoustic waveguide. The actuator includes a pusher plate with holes that reduces cavitation and is capable of operation at great depths commonly encountered in oil well logging. Pulse power and spectrum of the acoustic transmitter are sufficient to measure either reflections from distant geological structures or waves propagating through the formation near the borehole. A positive acoustic pulse and a symmetric negative acoustic pulse are generated by action of the actuator on the acoustic waveguide.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for diagnosing, monitoring and treating cardiovascular pathologies. Among the hemodynamic parameters of interest are peripheral resistance, compliance, and cardiac (left ventricular) output. Peripheral resistance determined according to the present invention has been found to be a reliable indicator, not only of hypertension, but also of the cause of the hypertension. The determined peripheral resistance can be compared against a predetermined threshold value. This comparison helps to foster a diagnosis of a hypertensive condition.

Abstract: A method for generating a continuously stitched regional carved fill composite embroidery stitch pattern, in which the composite stitch pattern comprises one or more carved fill stitch patterns disposed in a defined fill region in a background region which comprises a background embroidery stitch pattern, includes the steps of detecting regions of overlap in the composite embroidery stitch pattern between the background stitch pattern and the carved fill stitch pattern, and selectively stitching the composite embroidery stitch pattern by filling the areas of overlap solely with the carved fill stitch pattern wherever the overlap is detected and filling the areas of no such overlap in the composite embroidery stitch pattern solely with the background stitch pattern wherever the overlap is not detected during the continuous stitching of the composite embroidery stitch pattern.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method for automatically generating chenille filled embroidery stitch patterns and/or claim stitching in a computer aided design system in which the shape to be filled is a complex polygon. Concentric polygons are constructed, such as either by using the medial axis of the polygon or by constructing offset elements and joining arcs without use of the medial axis, and sorted, and spirals are placed along the polygons with stitches being placed along the spirals. For chain stitching, rather than placing spirals, the chain stitches are placed on the perimeter of the concentric polygons.

Abstract: A method for dehydrating capillary materials such as moist walls and/or floors of a building structure of masonry or concrete through the principle of electro-osmosis by applying pulsating DC voltage of a specific pulse pattern to primary electrode means embedded in said structure, said primary electrode means (4) forming anode means, and secondary electrode means (5) embedded in the ground outside the structure and forming cathode means to be interactive with said anode means, said pulsating voltage having a pulse pattern with a total pulse period T, comprised of a positive pulse of duration T+, a negative pulse of duration T-, and a neutral period or pause of duration Tp, wherein:0.8T<T+.ltoreq.0.98T;0.0T<T-.ltoreq.0.05T;0.02T<Tp.ltoreq.0.15T;and3 seconds<T.ltoreq.60 seconds.Suitably, T+=0.95 T; T-=0.01 T; and Tp=0.04 T.

Abstract: Proximity warning system (PWS) functions are integrated into the locomotive control unit (LCU) of an end of train (EOT) communication system. The PWS operation provides increased information to train crews relating to the location and movement of other trains in the area. The PWS functions are supported with the addition of a separate high speed modem which can access the LCU transmitter. A second radio receiver, the same frequency as the existing LCU transmitter, allows reception of transmissions from other PWS equipped locomotives. A location determination device, such as a GPS receiver, establishes current location and direction. The PWS operation is controlled by a microcontroller which, together with the existing LCU microcontroller, manages the control of the integrated system operation.

Abstract: A high voltage pulse power generating circuit capable of providing energy recovery is disclosed. The energy efficient pulse generating circuit source comprises a high voltage charge storing element which is periodically discharged into a compressor circuit. An energy recovery circuit coupled to the compressor circuit reverses the polarity of energy dissipated by the pulse power generating circuit and transfers the waste energy back to the power source. In a preferred embodiment, the pulse power generating circuit of the present invention utilizes an SCR switch for periodically discharging the charge storing element. This embodiment of the present invention provides pulses consistently and will not provide even a single missed pulse.

Abstract: A low profile transformer comprises a support member for supporting a coil winding, a first elongated conductive tape forming at least one conductor having lead terminals formed integral therewith formed into a first coil of multiple turns, a second elongated conductive tape having lead terminals formed integral therewith forming at least one conductor formed into a second coil of at least one turn interleaved with the first coil, and each terminal lead of each of the tapes extending from the support member and having a portion disposed at a base of the transformer for engagement and surface bonding to a PC board.

Abstract: An electronic component mounting holder for surface mounting of an electronic component having a plurality of tape leads, includes a non-conducting three dimensional rectangular frame having vertical peripheral walls formed of nonconducting material for receiving an electronic component having a plurality of tape leads, the peripheral walls having a top peripheral edge and a bottom peripheral edge, a support ledge extending inward from inner surface of said peripheral wall for supporting an electrical component, a coil formed of foil windings having leads formed by extensions of said foil windings, a plurality of tape lead receiving areas formed in at least two sides of said bottom peripheral edge, said receiving areas each positioning a tape lead for surface bonding to a conductor on a PC board, a plurality of lead receiving recesses formed in corresponding sides of said top peripheral edge for receiving an outermost end of a tape lead, and a retainer for mounting in engagement with latch means in said frame

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method for automatically generating chain stitching in a computer aided design system in which the shape to be filled is a complex polygon. The Voronoi Diagram of the polygon is determined, concentric polygons are then constructed and sorted and the chain stitches are placed on the perimeter of the concentric polygons. The chain stitches can be used to completely fill a stitch pattern, such as an embroidery stitch pattern, or in conjunction with other stitching, such as Chenille stitching in an embroidery pattern.

Abstract: An improvement on locomotive bubble-type fuel level measuring systems tests or monitors the integrity of the bubble-type pneumatic system by observing the rate of bubble formation, in addition to gauging fuel level. A bubble-type fuel level detection system bubbles a volume of air through a bubble tube. As air exits from the bottom of the tube, bubbles form in the fuel. These bubbles cause small variations in back-pressure in the tube as each bubble grows in size and eventually breaks free from the opening in the tube. The frequency these variations is proportional to the airflow or bubble rate at the bottom of the bubble tube such that pneumatic leaks or other problems can be detected by declaring a problem condition if the bubble rate falls below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A panel of a plurality of circuits to be separated into individual circuits, comprises a panel of conductive foil and insulator laminate formed into a plurality of separate circuits, a shear trace disposed between adjacent circuits, and a pull tab at one end of each of said the shear traces. In the depanelizing operation, the shear traces are pulled for cutting through the insulator to remove the corresponding circuits from the panel.

Abstract: A nerve stimulation apparatus includes a waveform generator capable of generating a waveform comprising a sequence of pulses, and a controller. The pulses 20 have parameters as follows, a repetition rate of 150 to 200 Hz, a pulse width of 0,8 to 1,2 ms, a pulse decay which is exponential, an amplitude of between 40 to 60 volts with a negative DC off-set, and an output current of 0,01 to 10 mA. The controller controllably varies the parameters of the pulse generator. A method of controlling pain in a human subject includes applying the waveform to the human subject.

Abstract: A pupil detection system projects two small infrared (IR) spots separated by approximately 0.5 mm. Each spot is turned on at different times (or alternatively, they can be modulated at different frequencies). The error signal produced by each spot is compared. If the errors are similar, a pupil is present. If the errors are different, no pupil is present (i.e., a blink or lost tracking). The sequencing of the IR spots and the reading of the detector data occur at the higher rates needed for accurate eye tracking.

Abstract: A computer and a chassis construction for a computer for severe environmental conditions enclosing a plurality of circuit cards and a power supply includes a sealed, airtight, watertight, metal enclosure having a plurality of integrally joined walls, a first of the plurality of walls having a removable plate for access to the printed circuit cards and the power supply accommodated in the enclosure. The computer for use in a severe environment includes a plurality of printed circuit boards and a power supply and a metal enclosure having a plurality of walls, a top cover and a bottom plate, the enclosure being integrally formed to form an airtight seal along abutting edges thereof. One of the walls has a removable plate and the enclosure is formed of metal. A mechanism is provided for preventing ingress of foreign substances in the enclosure. The mechanism includes a device for shielding the interior of the enclosure from electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Abstract: An improved method for automatically generating chenille filled embroidery stitch patterns and/or chain stitching in a computer aided design system in which the shape to be filled is a complex polygon. A spine of a medial axis of the Voronoi Diagram of the polygon is determined, modified concentric polygons are then constructed by clipping the edges of the concentric polygons that are within a clip width of the spine, the modified concentric polygons are then sorted and spirals are placed along the modified polygons with stitches being placed along the spirals, with the occurrence of any bald spots in the shape being filled being minimized. For chain stitching, rather than placing spirals, the chain stitches are placed on the perimeter of the concentric polygons.

Abstract: A solid state event recorder having particular application to railroad locomotives has a plurality of interface modules to allow the collection of desired data over a period of time. Radio downloading of the data provided by a telemetry transmitter to wayside receivers is the primary way of downloading data. Alternative data downloading are provided by a removable memory module, a portable wireless data extractor and a laptop computer. The removable memory module is provided with its own backup battery power supply but normally derives its power from an inductive coupling to the solid state recorder. Data is read into the removable memory module from the solid state recorder via an inductive coupling, and data is read out of the removable memory module to the telemetry transmitter via another inductive coupling. Both the portable wireless data extractor and the laptop computer are used for maintenance purposes.

Abstract: A power driven mechanical toothbrush is disclosed. A replaceable toothbrush head member has tuft blocks retained generally therewithin and extending laterally outwardly from the a cam shaft. Each tuft block has at least one tuft of bristles, usually four, secured within the tuft block and extending upwardly therefrom. Each of the bristles has a distal end at a distance from its tuft block, and the bristles in each tuft are generally parallel to each other. The toothbrush head member is adapted to receive and retain the tuft blocks in sliding relation therein, so that each tuft block slides linearly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal tuft axis as guided by guide rails within the head member, between a retracted position and an extended position. Each tuft block is driven from its retracted position to its extended position by the rotatable cam shaft.