Abstract: According to the invention, an authorization system for authorizing access to a data cartridge is disclosed. The authorization system includes a code, a data cartridge interface, a fingerprint processor, a password generator, and an authorization engine. The code is obtained from outside the data cartridge. The data cartridge interface is used to read data from the data cartridge, where the data includes first information and a fingerprint. The fingerprint generator generates second information using at least the code. The password generator unlocks the data cartridge using the code and the data. The authorizing engine is coupled to at least one of the password generator or the fingerprint processor. At least some of the data or the second information is compared to authorize the data cartridge.

Abstract: Unstructured data is manipulated so that the unstructured data is placed in a form that is more compatible with a structured data environment. The manipulation includes editing the unstructured data in preparation for integration into a structured data environment. Specifically, one or more editing programs edit unstructured text using a synonym list and/or an alternate spellings list. Once unstructured text is ready for processing, the unstructured text is examined a word and/or a phrase at a time to determine if there is a match with words or phrases in the synonym list or the alternate spelling list. If a match is found, the synonym or alternate spelling is either replaced in the unstructured document or added to the unstructured document. The unstructured document is then ready for further editing and manipulation in preparation for entry into the structured environment.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device has a multi-prong retrieval assembly. The multi-prong retrieval assembly has a first position, in which the retrieval assembly extends from the distal end of the sheath to form an open ended grasping device, and a second position, in which the retrieval assembly extends from the distal end of the sheath to form a substantially close ended basket-type retrieval device. When the retrieval assembly is used as a basket-type retrieval device, the distal ends of the prongs of the retrieval assembly that form the basket are not connected to each other. Thus, captured objects may be released by the operator, or by applying sufficient force to separate one or more of the prongs.

Abstract: A 4–20 mA interface circuit is disclosed having a resistor in series with a DC/DC converter, and further having a current bypass circuit in parallel to the series combination of the resistor and DC/DC converter. In this way, a 4–20 mA analog current at a low frequency may be bypassed around the series combination, whereas a high-frequency current carrying a digital communications signal may be presented with the resistor as its only effective input impedance. In this way, the 4–20 mA current sees an input impedance which allows the 4–20 mA current to be used in supplying power to an external device, whereas the high-frequency current sees an impedance which allows a reliable, low-distortion reading of the digital communications signal therefrom. The high-frequency current may be superimposed on the 4–20 mA, low-frequency current.

Abstract: The present invention provides a respirator hood assembly that has a bag, half mask and a respirator assembly. The assembly includes a filtration unit and at least one inlet pipe containing a filter. The assembly of the invention allows for flexible filter design and also defines a rigid external structure that supports the hood and allows the user to quickly don the hood.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus for lighting systems provide a camera integral to a particular image projection lighting device (IPLD) to capture the projected image from the particular IPLD. The captured image can then be sent over a communication system to the operator for viewing on a visual display device such as a computer monitor on a central controller. Using the captured image of the projected image as viewed upon the display device, the operator may then command using the central controller the focusing, position or other parameters of the projected image upon the stage or projection surface to the desired value. The captured image may also be used, such as by a central control system, to automatically, and without operator intervention, adjust parameters of the IPLD to desired values.

Abstract: According to the invention, methods and devices for increasing cardiopulmonary circulation induced by chest compression and decompression when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation are provided. According to one method, a pressure responsive inflow valve is coupled to a patient's airway. Chest compressions and chest decompressions are performed. During chest decompression the inflow valve prevents respiratory gases from entering the lungs until a certain negative intrathoracic pressure level is exceeded at which time the one inflow valve opens. In this way, the inflow valve assists in increasing the magnitude and duration of negative intrathoracic pressure during decompression to enhance the amount of blood flow into the heart and lungs. Further, the patient is supplied with a pressurized respiratory gas through the inflow valve when the inflow valve opens to ventilate the patient.

Abstract: An air ionizing module and method for generating ions of one and opposite polarities within a flowing stream of air or other gas includes a thin-filament electrode mounted within the flowing stream in regions thereof of maximum flow velocity. The thin-filament electrode is mounted in a multi-sided polygonal configuration to receive high ionizing voltage of alternating one and opposite polarities to form an intense stream of ions toward an electrically-isolated reference electrode positioned upstream of the filament electrode. Another reference electrode positioned within the flowing stream downstream of the filament electrode receives a bias voltage of selected polarity to control the quantities of generated ions of positive and negative polarities in an outlet stream of the ions and flowing gas.

Abstract: A wireless PDA device with proximity detection includes a trigger for implementing a reminder alert to a user of a wireless PDA device based on the proximity of another wireless PDA device. The proximity detection may be accomplished by actual knowledge of proximity (e.g., using appropriate GPS detection and reporting to a centralized location), or more preferably inferred using the short range capability of wireless networks such as a piconet network by comparing the members of a current piconet network (presumed to be within the range of the relevant wireless PDA device). In a disclosed embodiment, an intelligent reminder table is implemented for use by an appropriate reminder application running on a wireless PDA device. The reminder table includes a proximity alert election on an entry-by-entry basis, and automatic reminder canceling based on proximity detection of another wireless PDA device relevant to the reminder.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided in which search indices are configured on a server. The search indices are associated with corresponding business components. The search indices are displayed to a client that is connected to the server via a computer network. The client is configured to perform search using data records stored on a local machine. One or more particular search indices from the server are downloaded onto the client in response to the client's request to download the one or more particular search indices to be used for searching on the local machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide electrical contacts to a workpiece to facilitate electrotreating processes, including electroplating and electroetching processes are presented.

Abstract: A wireless communication method and protocol, and wireless devices and systems for stimulation, are provided for communication between a wireless device and a charging device. During active wireless charging, communications (data transmission) from the wireless device to the charging device occurs via pulse loading the receive antenna of the receiving device. Because switching regulation in the receiving device may interfere with the communications, the switching regulation is disabled during a communications window. To further reduce the likelihood of misinterpretation of signals detected in the charging device resulting from the switching regulation or noise, the data bit rate of the pulse loading communications is maintained higher than the switching regulation frequency.

Abstract: Methods and devices for selectively removing an agent from a physiological efferent fluid collection site are provided. A feature of the invention is that a non-occlusive aspiration device is employed to selectively remove the target agent from the site only when the target agent is present in the site. Also provided are systems and kits for performing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including the selective removal of both therapeutic and diagnostic agents from a variety of different physiological sites.

Abstract: The identification of the path and termination points of copper landlines is performed through the use of natural events without the aid of network provisioning information. At least one sferics detector detects at least one sferics event. A listening device, which may be separate from, or integrated with, the sferics detector, is attached to at least one wire that is capable of detecting a noise related to the at least one sferics event. A computing device, possibly attached to the listening device, is capable of matching the noise to the at least one sferics event. The computing device is further capable of determining the location of at least part of the wire based on the location of the listening device and locations of at least two sferics events.

Abstract: Two-wire transmitters are described in which the required voltage that a control room must supply to the transmitter is lower at high current than at low current, thus freeing up more voltage for other uses, and in which a constant set of operating voltages may be maintained. A corrected pressure in a vortex flow meter may be determined that reflects the mass flow rate. Thus, the mass flow rate may be determined based on the corrected pressure reading and a measured volumetric flow rate. Density may be determined from pressure and temperature using a table containing error values based on a standard density determination and a relatively simple approximation. During operation of a flow meter, the stored error values may be linearly interpolated and the approximation may be computed to determine the density from the stored error value.

Abstract: Methods of filling gaps on semiconductor substrates with dielectric film are described. The methods reduce or eliminate sidewall deposition and top-hat formation. The methods also reduce or eliminate the need for etch steps during dielectric film deposition. The methods include treating a semiconductor substrate with a hydrogen plasma before depositing dielectric film on the substrate. In some embodiments, the hydrogen treatment is used is conjunction with a high rate deposition process.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide electrical contacts to a workpiece to facilitate electrotreating processes, including electroplating and electroetching processes are presented.

Abstract: Controlled-potential electroplating provides an effective method of electroplating metals onto the surfaces of high aspect ratio recessed features of integrated circuit devices. Methods are provided to mitigate corrosion of a metal seed layer on recessed features due to contact of the seed layer with an electrolyte solution. The potential can also be controlled to provide conformal plating over the seed layer and bottom-up filling of the recessed features. For each of these processes, a constant cathodic voltage, pulsed cathodic voltage, or ramped cathodic voltage can be used. An apparatus for controlled-potential electroplating includes a reference electrode placed near the surface to be plated and at least one cathode sense lead to measure the potential at points on the circumference of the integrated circuit structure.

Abstract: Methods for depositing a ruthenium metal layer on a dielectric substrate are provided. The methods involve, for instance, exposing the dielectric substrate to an amine-containing compound, followed by exposing the substrate to a ruthenium precursor and an optional co-reactant such that the amine-containing compound facilitates the nucleation on the dielectric surface.