Abstract: A continuous stamping of plated metal components, with carrier links between their ends, for surface mount soldering. A strip of components is formed which can be individually easily separated at severance regions between the adjacent components. The severance regions are located in the carrier links between the components. Preferably, the carrier links are offset upwardly from a solderable surface (20) of the components, or alternatively may be coplanar with such surface (FIG. 17). The carrier regions (21) that remain after severance may also serve as an overtravel stop during insertion of the component into a support. In a two-row embodiment (FIG. 10), the carrier regions (50, 52) are formed to be asymmetrical in order to increase spacing between pins. Advantages include: less material required, lower cost for selective plating, adjustable pin length in the die, flat stamping, tip plating for better electrical contact, and scrapless end product.

Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus is disclosed in which a radioactive-tipped source wire is accurately and precisely positioned within an implantable catheter. Embedded within the source wire, adjacent to its distal tip, is a ferrous ball, and a special magnetic sensor assembly is configured to sense the retraction of the source wire to a predetermined home position by sensing the proximity of the embedded ferrous ball.

Abstract: A hardware emulation system is disclosed which reduces hardware cost by time-multiplexing multiple design signals onto physical logic chip pins and printed circuit board. The reconfigurable logic system of the present invention comprises a plurality of reprogrammable logic devices, and a plurality of reprogrammable interconnect devices. The logic devices and interconnect devices are interconnected together such that multiple design signals share common I/O pins and circuit board traces. A logic analyzer for a hardware emulation system is also disclosed. The logic circuits necessary for executing logic analyzer functions is programmed into the programmable resources in the logic chips of the emulation system.

Abstract: A patient care system comprising an interface unit, a Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) unit, and a pulse oximetry unit is disclosed. The PCA unit provides PCA administration, including administration of a dose of analgesic upon request, and the pulse oximetry unit provides constant monitoring of the patient's blood oxygen saturation level and pulse rate. The interface unit provides for communication between and control of the PCA unit and the pulse oximetry unit, and further provides an interface between the user and the system. When the pulse oximetry unit indicates to the interface unit that the patient's blood oxygen saturation level and pulse rate has reached a user-specified minimum, the interface unit initiates visual and audio alarms and controls the PCA unit by shutting off the PCA unit. The interface unit also contains communication ports, which the interface unit can use to send signals to external devices, such as to alert alerts medical personnel.

Abstract: A method of forming an envelope in a document security apparatus includes the step of advancing a first enclosure sheet and a second enclosure sheet to a sealing station within the document security apparatus. The method includes the step of holding both the first enclosure sheet and the second enclosure sheet stationary relative to the sealing station. The method also includes the step of securing the first enclosure sheet to the second enclosure sheet during the holding step. A document security apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention disclosed includes a heat treatment aging oven for heating metal parts having a heating chamber with an opening, a first transport mechanism disposed within the heating chamber for moving a first metal part through the heating chamber, and a second transport mechanism disposed within the heating chamber for moving a second metal part through the heating chamber, the first transport mechanism located in a spaced relationship to the second transport mechanism. A two piece door assembly for selectively opening the oven opening is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic catheter device for removing obstructive matter from anatomical passageway includes a tubular body with distal head member in which a plurality of fluid passageways are formed about the lateral surface to expel fluid outward generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for viewing dimly illuminated and rapidly changing scenes includes a sensor assembly which generates a video signal. The apparatus further includes a controller which receives the video signal for comparison to a desired average video value whereupon the controller adjusts at least one adjustable variable contained within the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a lens which has an adjustable iris and an image intensification tube which includes a photocathode and a micro-channel plate. The photocathode has an adjustable photocathode gate pulsewidth and the micro-channel plate has an adjustable micro-channel plate gain. A strobe is also provided to illuminate the scene viewed by the sensor assembly wherein the strobe is connected to a processor which is also connected to the controller. The controller determines what the ambient light level is to be at the next illuminated or non-illuminated scene and adjusts the adjustable variables accordingly.

Abstract: A port aggregation protocol (PAGP) dynamically aggregates redundant links between two neighboring devices in a computer network through the exchange of aggregation protocol data unit (AGPDU) frames between the two devices. Each AGPDU frame contains a unique identifier corresponding to the device sourcing the frame and a port number corresponding to the port through which the frame is forwarded. The exchange of AGPDU frames and the information contained therein allows the neighboring devices to identify those ports corresponding to the redundant links. Each device then dynamically aggregates its ports corresponding to the redundant links into a logical aggregation port (agport) which appears as a single, high-bandwidth port or interface to other processes executing on the device.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for generation of tools and applications for a computer network. An access server, executed by a first computer, accesses interface definitions stored in a database, wherein the object names, short descriptions and long descriptions of the stored interface definitions are stored in at least one language ID and at least one code page. A data access library, coupled to the access server and executed by a second computer, provides the interface definitions to be stored in the database by the access server. A second server, coupled to the data access library and executed by a third computer, sends requests to the database through the access server, wherein the requests maintain and use the stored interface definitions. A string handler, coupled to the second server, stores and retrieves object names, short descriptions and long descriptions in a user specified language ID and code page.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel dry analytical element for determination of an analyte in a fluid sample in thin film immunoassay, particularly chemiluminescence, fluorescence and colorimetry immunoassay. There is provided an analytical element comprising a support member, a reagent matrix comprised of at least one layer of a porous material carried on the support member, the matrix including a read area, an absorbent material in contact with the matrix, and light absorbing or reflecting means integral to the absorbent material and/or positioned between the absorbant material and the read area for absorbing or blocking background signal generated by washed, removed label and other interferents from outside the read area prior to it moving back into the read area. The analytical element can comprises a cover depending on the type of immunoassay to be conducted.

Abstract: An improved catheter includes a double spiral configuration of infusion holes around the circumference and along the length of the catheter which provides an improved lateral dispersion of a thrombolytic fluid to more completely and quickly lyse a clot through which the catheter is passing. The double spiral configuration consists of groups or sets of infusion holes, typically groups of four. The holes in each set are longitudinally spaced from each other at substantially regular intervals along the length of the catheter. Each successive hole in a given group is circumferentially spaced by an angular distance of about 90.degree. around the circumference of the catheter relative to the immediately preceding hole. Each group of holes is circumferentially spaced or offset by an angular distance of between 1.degree. and 89.degree. relative to the immediately preceding group of holes. Typically, the angular spacing between successive groups of holes is 18.degree..

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for covering an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (40) comprises a cover (70) movable from a closed condition to an open condition upon inflation of the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (40). The cover (70) includes first and second portions (100, 110). The first cover portion (100) is movable relative to the second cover portion (110). A membrane switch (130) in an electric circuit for actuating an electrically actuatable device (132) of the vehicle includes a first switch portion (140) underlying the first cover portion (100) and a second switch portion (142) underlying the second cover portion (110). The first cover portion (100) is manually engageable to operate the first switch portion (140) and thereby to actuate the electrically actuatable device (132). The second cover portion (110) is manually engageable to operate the second switch portion (142) and thereby to actuate the electrically actuatable device (132).

Abstract: A dynamic, user friendly insurance policy illustration system for computing and graphically displaying the future values of a model life insurance policy. Key variables are entered and a graphic display of future values is instantly displayed. Variable keys can be selected to recalculate or solve for a certain stated policy performance, or variables can be entered and changed at will to display various "what if" life insurance scenarios. Variables can be rapidly moved through a range of values to create a "move" of the illustrated values changing from variable "A" to "B."The dynamic policy illustration system has built-in tables which can be used to view the effect various economic changes may have on a life insurance illustration.

Abstract: A cable management unit having a tray-divider/rack mount tray adapted to mate with a clamp/cable organizer. The clamp/cable organizer has a several mounting ears adapted to mate with a corresponding number of slide receipt openings in the tray-divider/rack mount tray. The tray-divider/rack mount tray includes a generally planar base, the base containing a plurality of openings to accommodate a plurality of bundling straps, two slide sections, each of the slide sections being formed as downward vertical extensions to the base and extending at a ninety degree angle from the base and each including a slide receipt opening, and two sets of mounting ears, each one of the sets formed from a corresponding slide section, each one of the sets providing attachment means to a rack.

Abstract: Retinoic acid compositions intended for topical application are incorporated in novel formulations in which they are retained as impregnants inside the pores of porous solid particles or microspheres. The pores form a continuous network open to the exterior of the particles, permitting outward diffusion of the retinoic acid impregnant at a controlled rate depending on the pore size. The impregnated particles are prepared by impregnation of preformed particles with the retinoic acid.

Abstract: An interposer is formed by forming a laminate comprising a first sheet of electrically insulating material and a second sheet of conductive material. The first sheet has a first plurality of apertures therethrough and the second sheet is laminated to the first sheet to close the first plurality of apertures. Material is removed from the second sheet around the first plurality of apertures to form conductive pads, the pads closing the first plurality of apertures. A third sheet of electrically insulating material is attached to the second sheet. The third sheet has a second plurality of apertures therethrough, the third sheet being positioned relative to the second sheet such that the apertures of the second plurality are closed by the conductive pads. In a preferred form, the third sheet is positioned relative to the first sheet so that the apertures of the second plurality are not in registration with the apertures of the first plurality.

Abstract: A flow control method and apparatus for controlling flow through an output link in a communication network modifies a prior art Phantom flow control method by preventing a portion of the total bandwidth of the output link from being used when the maximum allowable cell rate through that output link is calculated. Additionally, the method and apparatus calculates the alpha smoothing parameters as a function of the number of virtual channels flowing through the output link.

Abstract: A host computer system employs a touch sensitive display screen (touchscreen) as an input device. A controller receives positional signals from the touchscreen and transmits positional digital values indicative of (X, Y) coordinates of the point of contact of a touch device upon the touchscreen. The touch device may take the form of a touch pen which is electrically coupled to the controller or a human finger. The controller responds to different commands from the host computer to transmit inputs entered only by finger, only by pen, or by both finger and pen. Additional commands from the computer cause the controller to take a variety of different actions, including resizing the active area on the touchscreen which may be touched by the touch device.

Abstract: A system for flush mounting an object like a solar panel to a roof. The system uses a frame which is coupled to an outer circumference of the object. The frame is used to support and hold the object flush to the roof. An overhang member is coupled to an outside section of the frame. The overhang member is used for supporting roof flashing which is placed under the overhang member. This allows the object to be directly flashed to the roof flashing and further prevents water from seeping in between the object to be flush mounted and the roof flashing.