Abstract: A paperless recorder for recording pressure and alarm condition data from a fire controller for a fire pump control system. The fire pump is connected a pipe network which has a pressure sensor for sensing pipe pressure. The recorder is connected to the pressure sensor and checks for pressure changes. When a pressure change is detected, it is stored in an electronic memory. Pressure readings are also periodically stored in the electronic memory. The recorder may also monitor alarm voltages and alarm contacts which may also be stored in the electronic memory. The stored data may be transmitted to a computer via modem or port connection for further analysis.

Abstract: A speech recognition system includes a speech-response capability for responding to sounds which appear to match models of spoken words by performing functions associated with such words. This speech response can be turned on or off. If the system detects both that speech response is off and that no indication is stored that the off state has been confirmed by a user, it performs a confirmation process. This prompts the user to utter a phrase confirming whether or not speech response is to be off; turns speech response on so it can respond to the user's confirmation utterance; determines whether to leave speech response on or off in response to the word which the speech response selects as corresponding to the user's confirmation utterance; and responds to such a determination that speech response is to be turned off, both by turning it off and by storing an indication that the off state has been confirmed by the user.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus having a pipeline computer architecture with an input pipeline latch is disclosed. The data processing apparatus includes an ALU that executes a plurality of processing instructions. At least some of the instructions have an immediate data format including a field for intermediate data and a field for specifying a destination for an output. The ALU uses two operands for performing at least some of the instructions having the immediate data format. The ALU conditionally accepts either the contents of the input pipeline latch or the ALU output of the previous instruction as a second operand to an immediate instruction depending on the destination specified in the destination field of the previous instruction.

Abstract: A scanner for reading barcode symbologies having a focusing illuminating source. The scanner uses a coherent light source for illuminating the coded symbol during a scan and a detector for collecting the reflected light energy from the coded symbol. Both the illuminating and collecting devices include lenses which are in variable spacial relationship with each other. The scanner varies the relationship between the light source and associated focusing lens to provide the narrowest focused beam at the barcode location.

Abstract: An intravascular balloon catheter including a dilation balloon is provided. The intravascular balloon catheter includes a shaft assembly including a proximal end, a distal end, and an inflation lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. The dilation balloon is operably coupled proximate the distal end of the shaft assembly, such that an interior chamber of the dilation balloon is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. In one aspect of the invention, a core wire is disposed within the inflation lumen of the shaft assembly. In another aspect of the invention, a tubular member extends longitudinally over the exterior of the dilation balloon for receiving a guidewire.

Abstract: A power drive system is adapted for a sliding door mounted on at least one side of a vehicle for sliding movement forwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. The system includes a reversible motor. A bracket is guided within a guide along a fixed path between the opened and closed positions of the door. An elongated drive member is slidably disposed within the guide and connected to the bracket at one end for driving the bracket along the fixed path. A translator mechanism operably engages with the drive member for powering movement of the door. The translator mechanism can include a rotatable hub, operably engageable with the drive member, a gear transmission for driving the hub, and a clutch mechanism for connecting the motor to the transmission. The translator mechanism preferably has sufficient power to pull the sliding door into a primary latch position with respect to the corresponding portions of a latch mechanism attached to the door and frame defining the door opening.

Abstract: A cell necrosis apparatus has a flexible introducer including a lumen and a distal end sufficiently sharp to penetrate tissue. An energy delivery device is positionable in the introducer as the introducer is advanced through tissue. The energy delivery device includes a first RF electrode with a tissue piercing distal portion and a second RF electrode with a tissue piercing distal portion. The first and second RF electrodes are deployable with curvature from the introducer at a selected tissue site in a lateral direction away from the periphery of the introducer.

Abstract: A catheter for the right coronary artery where the catheter includes a substantially straight proximal shaft section and a distal shaft section. The distal shaft section includes a support arm which is sized to traverse the aortic root such that the one end of the support arm rests against the aortic wall opposite the right coronary ostium and the other end of the support arm rests in the right coronary ostium. The support arm provides for increased back-up support by utilizing the opposite aortic wall. The distal shaft section further includes a tertiary curve disposed proximal of the support arm. The tertiary curve has an arc angle of less than about 90 degrees such that torque may be readily transmitted from the proximal shaft section to the support arm thereby facilitating controlled tip manipulation. Methods of using such a catheter are also disclosed.

Abstract: A metal oxide electrode which uses no additives and only a small amount of a non-film forming binder are capable of discharging at very high current density with near complete utilization of the active material. Oxides of silver and copper are used because the reaction products are more conductive than the conductivity of the reactants.

Abstract: A digital control system with a predetermined configuration automatically senses the connection to a network of a digital device that is not included in the predetermined configuration. The digital device is assigned temporary address information and placed in a temporary state, called a standby state, in which the digital device supplies information to the digital control system allowing a user to access the digital device including access of device information and configuration parameters. Using the device information and configuration parameters, a user selectively commissions the digital device by assigning a physical device tag, a device address, and a device identification, and installing a control strategy to the digital device, thereby placing the digital device in an operational state in communication with the digital control system.

Abstract: A positive pressure oil well production package, comprising a separator vessel connectable to an oil well head and a pressure tight storage vessel connected to receive fluid from the separator via a conduit. First and second vapour outlets connected to a gas disposal system are provided for the separator vessel and pressure tight storage vessel respectively. A weir in the pressure tight storage vessel separates the pressure tight storage vessel into first and second compartments. The weir has a lip over which oil may spill from the first compartment into the second compartment. An oil removal port is provided in the second compartment of the pressure tight storage vessel. The conduit has a discharge end and the conduit extends into the first compartment with the discharge end terminating at or above the lip of the weir.

Abstract: A sealing assembly includes a first roller having a sealing ridge attached thereto. The sealing assembly includes a second roller. The sealing ridge is positioned in operative contact with the second roller during a first mode of operation. The sealing ridge is positioned out of operative contact with the second roller during a second mode of operation. The first roller rotates during the first mode operation. The second roller is held stationary during the first mode of operation. A method of sealing an envelope in a document security apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pair of elongated, parallel electrodes (91,92) are insulatively mounted within a tubular housing (111) filled with a laser gas mixture between an arrangement of reflective optical elements (120,150) sealingly mounted at each end of the housing. The electrodes form a rectangular gas discharge area (40) the minimum spacing (a) between which is the diameter of the fundamental free-space mode of the stable, laser resonator (17) formed in the gap when the electrodes are rf excited (13). A multi-pass optical configuration (30,50) uses the full width (b) of the active medium to produce a high power, compact laser (10,200). Deformable support rings (97) are compressed to push the electrodes apart against small cylindrical spacers (99) abutting the inner walls of the housing to maintain the electrodes' spatial relationship. The rf feeds (103) sealingly (112) connected to the electrodes through the housing without disturbing the uniform distribution of forces on the electrodes.

Abstract: A stent delivery catheter comprising an elongated catheter shaft having a mounting region at the distal end for mounting a stent thereon. The elongated catheter shaft has a lumen therein for receiving an inner shaft. An inner shaft is movably carried within the lumen of the elongated catheter shaft. Extending distally from the distal end of the inner shaft is a tip. A retractable sheath extends proximally from the proximal end of the tip. The sheath, in an unretracted position covers the mounting region of the elongated catheter shaft. In use, once the catheter is in the desired bodily location, the inner shaft is moved in a distal direction relative to the elongated catheter shaft which causes the retractable sheath to be moved in a distal direction relative to the mounting region thereby exposing the stent for delivery.

Abstract: A weapons training range provides a simulated weapons use scenario including return fire. A microprocessor selects branches from a multi-branch program and causes an image projector to project subscenarios on a display screen visible to a participant. In response to the subscenarios, the participant fires at projected threats. Return fire simulators positioned behind the display screen return fire toward the participant. Obstructions are placed in the weapons range to provide cover for the participant. A video camera and X-Y position sensor identify the X-Y location of the participant and try to detect exposed portions of the participant. Based upon the identified X-Y location and any detected exposed portions, the microprocessor aims the return fire simulators to provide simulated return fire. To simulate real world aiming, the microprocessor induces time-based and response-based aiming errors.

Abstract: A system for detecting fugitive emissions including emissions from valves and bolted flange connections. The system may include: (1) enclosures, for example, for valves and pipe flange connections, and (2) a detector in communication with said enclosures.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a display stand which generally includes a series of stacked platforms with a means to attach figurines to the top of each platform. Each platform also includes a back surface composed of display columns and scenic cards which may contain appropriate scenery to the figurines. The platforms are stacked upon these display columns and support columns with each platform having attachment means on both upper and lower surfaces. The figurines can therefore be displayed on multiple levels with appropriate scenery.

Abstract: An interactive multi media performance assessment system and process for use by students for creating multi media presentations based upon the task assignments generated by a teacher and utilizing any combination of text, audio and visual input sources. A series of workfolders are created by the student to view the issued task assignments and provide a vehicle for creating the multi media presentations. Resources such as Internet based connection and various audio visual items may be utilized with the system for assisting in the creation of the presentations and both the teachers and students may provide feedback in the form of text, audio or video. Additionally, administrators can provide feedback to teachers which in turn can be utilized for evaluation and suggested improvements.

Abstract: A method and drying apparatus for drying a quantity of sludge.