Abstract: A stethoscopic assembly includes a stethoscope having a chest piece interconnected to at least one earpiece, the chest piece having an acoustical sensor enabling patient sounds to be heard through the at least one earpiece. A microprocessor connected to the acoustical sensor of the stethoscope includes a buffer wherein sound data picked up from the microphone is stored in volatile memory for a predetermined time period. At least one user operable switch connected to the microprocessor enables selective capture of sound data for storage and playback, such as through at least one speaker. In some versions the acoustical sensor is releasable from the chest piece.

Abstract: A system and method for capacity analysis in communication networks, particularly for on the move ad hoc wireless packet-switched networks, as well as wide variety of other multimedia networks. The invention seeks to use the same two attributes per link (link capacity and link utilization) as known circuit-switched based analysis tools while incorporating useful aspects of various statistical analyses, such as a Queuing Theory based analysis, among others. In one embodiment, the invention introduces four tests to be implemented per each link, with results of these four tests being used to color code link congestion states to generate the reports for a planner. These four tests may generate an improved analysis of the network utilizing the same number of variables used in simple conventional circuit switched based analysis.

Abstract: In a first aspect, an apparatus may include a first node and a second node. The first node may be configured to transmit packets of data to the second node. A first processor may be associated with the first node and a second processor may be associated with a second node. The second processor may be configured to calculate a severity level. The severity level may then be transmitted to the first node so that the first processor can determined a call admission policy (CAC/SM) policy to regulate the transmission of packets of data from the first node to the second node. In one embodiment, the number of severity levels associated with a particular network configuration may vary according to sensitivity.

Abstract: An aerodynamically stable, form fitting, vehicle top covering system that includes a rectangular shape of fabric attached at opposite ends to spars. The ends of the spars are secured at the ends of the vehicle, typically under the corners of the bumpers, with self-retaining hook and strap assemblies. The spars may be designed to bend and thus create differential tensioning of the fabric by tensioning means, causing it to be draped over the top surfaces of the vehicle in a compound curved, aerodynamic configuration that does not require side tie-downs in cross winds. A self-retracting version has small diameter support extensions, at the ends of a roller spar, that allow extra space for the increased radial build-up of the cover's lateral seams.

Abstract: A molded carton is provided having a lock system for retaining a cover section in an overlying closed relation with the open top of a base section. The lock system includes a hinged flange mounted on a front segment of the base sections defining the open top. The flange is mounted for limited inward pivotal movement from a normal upright position wherein the flange projects generally upwardly from the front of the base section. The flange is provided with a predetermined number of outwardly projecting protrusions which, when the cover section is in closed position, interlockingly engage a corresponding number of apertures formed in the front wall of the cover section.

Abstract: A read/write head for reading and writing data on a magnetic card or ticket with drive means for driving the ticket back and forth in opposite directions past the head includes a ticket pressure biasing unit in the form of a pair of brushes disposed adjacent head and inclined slightly toward one another in a direction toward the head for applying a uniform pressure on a ticket moving past the head in either direction of the ticket.

Abstract: Heavy minerals such as gold, silver, platinum, etc., along with gemstones such as diamonds, rubys, sapphires, etc., occuring in nature in the free state or having been mechanically released by crushing, screening and/or sorting into a free state, can be separated from the common material, into which they are mixed, by applying water to the mixture of materials and allow their different specific gravities to separate them into the bottom of a grooved trough. In the novel mineral concentrator described, to minimize the loss of water, a recirculating pump re-uses the same water from a reservoir repeatedly. The free minerals and gemstones settle out of the main water flow and are trapped into grooves and other pockets and crevices. Some of the pump's water flow is allowed into a feed hopper to wash down the hopper's walls, and in conjunction with shaped apertures in the hopper bottom, automatically regulate the flow of material entering the main trough or sluice.

Abstract: An automobile suspension dynamic simulator having a base, tilting platform structure for supporting an automobile thereon, hinges along one lateral side of the tilting platform structure pivotally connecting it to the base, and structure for lifting the other lateral side of the tilting platform upwardly along an arcuate path. The lifting platform structure comprises a pair of laterally spaced tilting boards. A first pair of laterally spaced load measuring devices are mounted atop the front end tilting board for positioning beneath the front tires of an automobile. A second pair of laterally spaced load measuring devices are mounted atop the rear tilting board for positioning beneath the rear tires of an automobile. The simulator further includes a pair of tension spring scales to be attached to the center of gravity of the front end of the automobile and a pair of tension spring scales for attachment to the center of gravity of the rear end of the automobile.

Abstract: A pair of matching side panels of indoor-outdoor carpet material and a strip of nylon edge reinforcing tape are stitched together along two sides and one end of the side panels to form an elongated bag for transporting skis, ski poles, and the like. Oppositely facing strips of hook- and loop-type fastening tape are stitched in place along adjoining inner portions of these side panels at the other end thereof to permit opening and closing of the bag. A nylon webbing handle is stitched to both side panels along one side thereof to facilitate transporting the bag, and a metal ring is secured to one of the side panels at the same end as the corresponding strip of fastening tape to permit hanging the bag for drying or storage.

Abstract: A replaceable connector of the present invention comprises an array of connector pins in a parallel alignment each having a female end and a male end. The connector pins are fixed in a molded connector body that exposes the female ends and forms a hollow pin receptacle around each of the male ends.