Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and an apparatus for reading, displaying, and transmitting data obtained from Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) optical modules and 10 Gigabit Small Form-factor Pluggable (XFP) optical modules, as well as other type of optical modules. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a small handheld unit including an LCD (liquid crystal display) panel, an electrical interface circuit, a battery, and a user-operated switch, is used to interrogate an inserted optical module.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base frame, a patient support coupled to the base frame, a plurality of casters each having a sleeve, and a plurality of caster mounting tubes having an interior configured to receive the sleeve of a caster. The caster mounting tubes have a plurality of external side walls, a first generally planar side wall abutting the base frame. Each of the plurality of caster mounting tubes are connected to the base frame by welds located adjacent the first side wall.

Abstract: A braking system for a hospital bed having a base frame includes a plurality of caster devices rotatably coupled to the base frame. Each caster device has a wheel and a brake that inhibits rotation of the wheel. The braking system further includes a plurality of pedals configured to move the brakes between a position inhibiting movement of the wheels and a position permitting rotation of the wheels. The braking system further includes a linkage coupled to the caster devices so that movement of any one of the plurality of pedals causes movement of the brakes of the caster devices.

Abstract: An interface unit interposed between a central alarm panel and a string of smoke detectors interconnected by a three-wire bus. Two wires of the bus carry AC power and the third wire is an interunit signalling wire. When an individual detector senses a smoke condition, it places a voltage on the signalling wire. The other detectors sound their alarms upon detecting this voltage. The interface unit senses this voltage and notifies the central alarm panel, with the sensing circuitry having a variable high input impedance and being powered solely from the signalling wire. The interface unit includes a test button which, when actuated, disables communications to the central alarm panel for a predetermined period of time. During this time, the interface unit places a periodic signal on the signalling wire, which causes all of the detectors to "beep" while that signal is present. The interface unit also senses the absence of AC power on the bus for notifying the alarm panel of such AC power failure.

Abstract: A spotlight assembly (10) mounted on the roof (R) of an automotive vehicle is manually actuated from a handle (28) to direct a light beam from a lamp unit or assembly (16) in a desired direction. Lamp unit (16) has a generally air tight space formed between a transparent lens (62) and a reflector (40). An inlet opening (63) is provided in a gap in a gasket (58) between the reflector (40) and lens (62) to permit air to enter the interior space. A discharge opening (65) is provided in the bottom of each bowl portion (46) of the reflector (40) to permit the discharge of air from the inner space of the lamp unit (16). A baffle attachment (64) is provided beneath each discharge opening (65) when the lamp unit (16) is in a retracted position as shown in FIG. 5. Baffle attachment (64) has a pair of vanes or baffles (70) which converge in a rearward direction toward the discharge opening (65) to create a venturi effect.

Abstract: A hand operated spotlight assembly (10) for mounting on a roof (R) of an automotive vehicle including inner and outer hemispherical mounting members (20, 21) fixed on opposed sides of the roof (R). Inner and outer movable frames (12, 14) are mounted on the fixed mounting members (20, 21) in a ball and socket connection for relative rotative and tilting movements upon actuation of a handle (50). An actuating member (66) is mounted for pivotal movement about a fixed pivot (68) on the handle (50) and upon movement of a lever (56) and a cooperating link (60) draws inner and outer movable members (12, 14) into tight frictional engagement with fixed mounting members (20, 21). The handle (50) is formed of a pair of handle halves (48A, 48B) which are secured to each other about a control mechanism (56, 60, 66, 84).

Abstract: A spotlight assembly (10) has inner and outer hemispherically shaped mounting members (20, 21) fixed to the roof (R) of a vehicle (A). Inner and outer movable frames (12, 14) are mounted on the fixed mounting members (20, 21) for relative rotative and tilting movements upon actuation of a handle (78). A lamp unit (16) is mounted on outer movable frame (14) about horizontal pivots (90, 91) from linkages (106, 50, 51). The tilting movement of handle (78) results in a tilting movement of lamp unit (16) around three times the angular movement of handle (78) to permit lamp unit (16) to be easily folded to a protected retracted position as shown in FIG. 3.

Abstract: A mounting bracket apparatus adapted for movably mounting a spot light or the like on a vehicle. A ball support is formed of substantially identical hemispheres is positioned on the vehicle. First and second substantially identical socket assemblies are disposed on opposite sides of the ball member and operably connected. One of the socket assemblies mounts the spot light while the other mounts a user manipulative handle. This arrangement enables a combination of desired tilt and rotational movement to provide a continuous range of movement of the spot light.