Abstract: A perineometer which indicates the pressure created by vaginal contractions. A probe with a bulbous end is inflated inside the vagina, and a pressure transducer in fluid communication with the probe indicates the pressure of vaginal contractions to a display. The probe may be constructed with bellows. The probe may also be constructed of an elastic material having two different expansion rates.

Abstract: A digital data memory unit and memory unit array, each unit of which can be searched in accordance with the contents thereof and updated, utilizes a digital storage element in the form of a register, latch, or memory cell, a comparator and control logic. Data is presented to the units in parallel on data lines and compare data is supplied in parallel to the units along other data lines. Parallel search of data in each unit, with multiple updates in units where the stored data matches the compare data, occurs rapidly and in one clock cycle (e.g., approximately 50 nanoseconds). The control logic responds to a match output from the comparator and an update enable pulse to enable a new data word on the data lines to be written into the digital storage element of the unit. The memory unit array is useful in image processing for storing pixel values and searching and updating these values in the process of image analysis to recognize certain images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing the mechanical condition of a machine. The method of the invention includes the following steps: sensing a reference vibrational signal of the machine; creating a reference set of events from the reference vibrational signal of the machine; saving the reference set of events; sensing a test vibrational signal of the machine; creating a test set of events from the test vibrational signal of the machine; and, comparing the test set of events with the reference set of events to determine the mechanical condition of the machine. The invention further includes a method of extracting a set of events from a vibrational signal of a machine wherein a subset of the events corresponds to a physical action of the machine. The invention also includes a method of determining a set of clustered events for a machine from a plurality of sets of events, wherein each of the sets has a number of events therein.

Abstract: A visual image comparison method is provided, including the steps of: obtaining a first digital representation of a first visual image, where the first digital representation comprises a first plurality of pixels, and each pixel has a gray scale indicative of light intensity; obtaining a second digital representation of a second visual image, where the second digital representation comprises a second plurality of pixels, and each pixel has a gray scale indicative of light intensity; and selectively making a first predetermined number of comparisons of corresponding pixels from the first and second digital representations to determine whether a difference in ambient light intensity exists between the first and second visual images, and, selectively making a second predetermined number of comparisons of corresponding pixels from the first and second digital representations if and only if no difference in ambient light intensity exists between the first and second visual images, and indicating an alarm condition

Abstract: A composite having third order non-linear optical activity comprising, an organic polymer and an inorganic material. The organic polymer has third order nonlinear optical activity and the inorganic material is a sol-gel glass. The organic polymer or a precursor of the organic polymer is mutually soluble with a precursor of the sol-gel glass. The invention also includes photonic media having the above composite and a method of making the composite.

Abstract: A linear array electrode is provided for use in a flowcell detector. The electrode includes an electrically conductive material grooved to form array elements. The conductive material is embedded in an electrically insulating embedment such that a surface of each array element is exposed. The electrode includes means for connecting the electrically conductive material to a source of electric potential.

Abstract: A paste including a thermally conducting solid filler, a nonaqueous liquid carrier and a stabilizing dispersant. The pastes are highly concentrated, of low viscosity, electrically resistive, highly thermally conducting and stable. The pastes are easily applicable to electrical and electronic devices and may be removed therefrom with common solvents to access components where necessary.

Abstract: A composite article comprising a resin matrix containing both carbon fibers and a tin alloy. In the preferred embodiment, fiber containing layers within the matrix are separated by alloy containing layers within the matrix.The invention further includes the method of manufacturing the composite articles by impregnating layers of carbon fibers with a resin to form impregnated sheets, spreading alloy powder between the sheets and compression molding the resulting article at a sufficient temperature and pressure for a sufficient time to melt the alloy and cure the resin.