Abstract: An assembly that simplifies the wiring of switches, receptacles and other such termination devices within a junction box. The present invention utilizes a dielectric body having a front surface and a side surface. The dielectric body is sized to fit within the electrical junction box. Side connector ports are disposed on the side surface of the dialectic body. A termination device is present at the front surface of the dielectric body. Conductive elements extend through the dielectric body and connect the termination device to the side connector ports. As such, electrical power is provided to the termination device through the side connector ports and the conductive elements that pass through the dielectric body.

Abstract: A cheese product, suitable for use as a cheese snack and/or food topping includes packaging in which moist cheese components of the snack or topping are separately sealed within a secondary package, prior to both the moist cheese and dry components of the snack or topping being sealed within a common primary container. At the time of use, a consumer opens both the primary container and the secondary package, and mixes the moist and dry components within the primary container. Following mixing, the resultant mixture of moist and dry components may be consumed directly from the primary container, or be poured out of or otherwise removed from the primary container for use as a food topping on foods such as salads, pizza, or baked potatoes. The secondary package is formed from a material and sealed in a manner that effectively precludes moisture migration between the moist and dry products during storage of the unmixed snack or topping, to thereby provide a longer shelf life.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for calibrating a flow meter having an array of sensors arranged in relation to a pipe that measures a flow rate of a fluid flowing in the pipe. The method features the step of calibrating the flow rate using a calibration correction function based on one or more parameters that characterize either the array of sensors, the pipe, the fluid flowing in the pipe, or some combination thereof. The calibration correction function depends on either a ratio t/D of the pipe wall thickness (t) and the pipe inner diameter (D); a ratio t/? of the pipe wall thickness (t) and the eddie wavelength (?) of the fluid; a Reynolds number (?UD/?) that characterizes the fluid flow in the pipe; a ratio ?x/D of the sensor spacing (?x) and the pipe inner diameter (D); a ratio f?x/Umeas of usable frequencies in relation to the sensor spacing (?x) and the raw flow rate (Umeas); or some combination thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering dialysis, including a separable tubing coupling (32). The tubing coupling (32) consists of a hollow cylindrical element (42, 44) insertable into the lumens of the distal and proximal regions of the fluid delivery tube (16), and has a scored circumference at which the coupling can be broken-off by application of an adequate bending force. The device allows rapid and reliable disconnecting of the patient from the dialysis apparatus, without the need for scissors or a knife to be employed.

Abstract: The echo cancellation method includes starting with an arbitrary set of echo filter coefficients. The coefficients are first sequentially re-estimated using a fast converging method.These operations are repeated a predefined number of times, and then the coefficients estimation is switched to a low converging but more precise method. In addition, an adaptive threshold is being defined and readjusted and all filter coefficients lower than said threshold are being discarded.Finally, sampling time boundaries are adaptively defined based on non-discarded filter coefficients with reference to said threshold, and in such a way the final echo cancellation algorithm is adaptive to echo variations (backtracking algorithm).

Abstract: A system and method of synchronizing visual indicators in digital telephone including at least one attached auxiliary device. Visual indicators on the base telephone and the auxiliary device are first set to an initial state. Later, as various telephony features are activated, corresponding ones of the visual indicators on the base telephone and the auxiliary device are operated at predetermined cadences. When the cadence control mechanism (and thus the visual indicators) of the base telephone reaches a predetermined state, a state machine in the base telephone sends a synchronization message to the auxiliary device and then continues to operate the visual indicators on the base telephone at their predetermined respective cadences. Upon receipt of the synchronization message, the auxiliary device sets its cadence control mechanism to the predetermined state, thus synchronizing them with their like cadence counterparts in the base digital telephone.

Abstract: An osmotically driven syringe (20, 60) is disclosed which can be used to deliver a beneficial agent such as a drug, at varying pre-determined rates over multiple periods of time. The syringe (20, 60) is driven by an osmotic engine (10) having a shaped wall (12) containing an osmotic agent (17) and/or a gas generating means (19), such as an effervescent couple. The wall (12) is composed of a semipermeable and/or microporous material which is permeable to an external liquid (e.g., water) but which is substantially impermeable to the osmotic agent (17) and the gas generated by the gas generating means (19). The wall (12) has a passageway (13) therethrough to provide a flow path for the driving fluid generated by the engine (10). The osmotic agent(s) (17) and/or the gas generating means (19) are placed in the engine (10) in such a way as to drive engine (10) at different pumping rates (R.sub.1, R.sub.2) over sequential periods of time (t.sub.0 to t.sub.1 and t.sub.1 to t.sub.2).

Abstract: A rim tie connection for building structures including a wood post member, first and second wood rim members and a sheet metal connector. One specialized use of the rim tie connection is in constructing the floor support framing in gazebo structures. In such structures the wood post member is generally in a vertical position and the wood rim members are in a generally horizontal position. The sheet metal connector ties the ends of the wood rim members together and to the wood post member. The sheet metal connector includes a seat member, for holding the wood rim members and a back member for attachment to the front face of the wood post member. Floor boards attached to and supported by the wood rim members need not be notched to fit around the post member as in prior practice.

Abstract: An infusion pump system for dispensing a drug to a patient in accordance with a predetermined therapeutic modality, said system including a drug delivering member controlled by a microprocessor and replaceable memory modules coupled to said microprocessor for configuring specific pump user interface and other characteristics required for differing therapeutic modalities. Information specific to a particular patient is entered through input features on the pump.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering dialysis, including a separable tubing coupling (32). The tubing coupling (32) consists of a hollow cylindrical element (42, 44) insertable into the lumens of the distal and proximal regions of the fluid delivery tube (16), and has a scored circumference at which the coupling can be broken-off by application of an adequate bending force. The device allows rapid and reliable disconnecting of the patient from the dialysis apparatus, without the need for scissors or a knife to be employed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catheter useful in examination of the small bowel which incorporates three lumens and a balloon and can thus prevent reflux of infused fluid as well as clear obstructions of the infusion ports.

Abstract: A device suitable for insertion into a mammalian body comprises an elongated tube or cannula, an elastic member for bending the cannula, and a straightener preventing the elastic member from bending the cannula. The straightener and elastic member are capable of relative axial movement, so that the straightener can be positioned to prevent or allow the elastic from bending the cannula. Preferably the elastic member is formed from a superelastic shape-memory alloy. Other versions of the device without a straightener are described.

Abstract: An improved fire barrier system is disclosed for interposition within an expansion joint between adjacent wall or floor members. In the disclosed embodiment, the invention is characterized in that the fire barrier system is symmetrical in both pairs of opposing quadrants defined by a first axis parallel to and midway between said mutually facing walls and transverse to said direction of elongation and a second axis transverse to said first axis and to said direction of elongation. This symmetry affords equal resistance to fire from either side of the barrier, eliminates the possibility of the joint being installed backwards, and permits the barrier system to be fire-rated for resistance to fire from either side of the barrier on the basis of a single test.

Abstract: A picture display apparatus has respective modes in which it displays at least three different types of pictures in sequence in response to actuations of a single switch. The picture display apparatus may be incorporated within a conventional television receiver having a programmable timer, and in such case the first type of picture is the normal television picture, the second type of picture is a display of the current day of the week and current time, and the third type of picture is a display of programming information stored in the programmable timer. When the switch is actuated within a predetermined time from the occurrence of a characteristic event in the respective mode, the next type of picture in the sequence is displayed. When the switch is actuated after the predetermined time has elapsed, the first type of picture in the sequence is displayed.

Abstract: A manhole seal construction adapted to engage the outer surface of the manhole frame and the chimney to seal the corbel joint from the outside and prevent leakage of water and entry of foreign material into the joint and manhole. A resilient ring having a hook-like upper section is engaged with the outwardly extending flange on the manhole frame, and the ring has a thin, stretchable central section which extends across the corbel joint. The lower portion of the ring terminates in a lower section having a series of internal ribs that seal against the chimney and having an outer circumferential groove to receive a clamping band. To provide additional sealing, an annular sealing gasket is bonded to the internal shoulder on the manhole frame and the manhole cover seats on the gasket to prevent leakage from the street into the manhole through the joint between the cover and the frame.