Abstract: Apparatus for stimulating neuromuscular tissue of the gastrointestinal tract and methods for installing the apparatus to the neuromuscular tissue. Four electrodes are supported by an electrode assembly for attachment to the neuromuscular tissue. The electrodes are oriented substantially equidistantly with respect to the tissue and provide an electrical interface with the neuromuscular tissue. The pulse generator is provided with a switching matrix, and may stimulate the tissue in a time-varying manner by selecting pairs of electrodes and altering the polarities thereof while stimulating the tissue.

Abstract: An archery bow with elastic limbs extending outwardly from the handle, constructed so that portions of these limbs twist around the limb axis to a lower moment of inertia configuration during the draw, storing additional torsional strain energy and also altering the force-draw characteristic of the bow in a favorable way.

Abstract: Apparatus for stimulating neuromuscular tissue of the gastrointestinal tract and methods for installing the apparatus to the neuromuscular tissue. The pulse generator is provided with a switching matrix, and may stimulate the tissue in a time-varying manner by selecting pairs of electrodes and altering the polarities thereof while stimulating the tissue. In addition, a real-time clock allowing a trigger for on and off modes, the time clock could also allow for a trigger to change parameters. Such parameters that could be changed are pulse width, amplitude, duty cycle (amount of time of pulse and time between pulses, or series of pulses), frequency, polarity, choice of unipolar versus bi-polar, and electrode on-off. The electrical stimulation utilizes a plurality of electrodes connected to at least one organ in the gastrointestinal tract of a patient along a peristaltic flow path with each of the electrodes being connected at a different location along the peristaltic flow path.

Abstract: An improved medical implant device is provided which is designed and adapted for use in laparoscopic surgery. This medical implant device is especially adapted for precise and proper placement of the electrodes relative to the tissue to be treated. Additionally, the medical implant device, once properly placed, can be secured so as to substantially reduce the risk of displacement of the device, and especially the electrodes, during normal movement of the tissue. This medical implant device is especially adapted for electrostimulation and/or electrical monitoring of endo-abdominal tissue or viscera.

Abstract: A rear signal lamp of an automotive vehicle comprising a lamp housing and a curved cover lens for enclosing a thin light managing system. The thin light managing systems includes a plurality of backlight light-emitting diodes mounted in a light mounting substrate and secured to the lamp housing. A control module operatively connected to the light-emitting diodes for controlling the operation and illumination of the light-emitting diodes. A reflector matrix having a plurality of reflector cones corresponding to each of the light-emitting diodes in the mounting substrate and a hybrid optics panel having a direct lensing section covering the reflector matrix and light-emitting diodes and a double redirecting light pipe section surrounding the lensing section. A single light-emitting diodes is coupled along spaced apart quadrants of the redirecting light pipe.

Abstract: A mask is provided for administering medication, particularly asthmatic medication, to equine animals, particularly horses. The mask has a body that fits over the nostrils of the horse. An aerosolization chamber is secured to the body and opens into the interior thereof, and is supplied with misted medications such as from a metered dose inhaler, for inhalation by the animal. The mask and body is also provided with one or more exhalation ports, and a strap or band or the like for securing the body to the animals face overlying the nostrils.

Abstract: An improved medical implant device for laparoscopic surgery is especially adapted for precise and proper placement of electrode leads relative to tissue to be treated. Once properly placed, the device and the electrode leads can be secured to substantially reduce the risk of displacement during normal movement of tissue. The implant device is adapted for electrostimulation and/or electrical monitoring of endo-abdominal tissue or viscera. The device comprises: 1) an elongated body with immobilizing mechanisms or devices to secure it to the tissue or viscera to be treated, 2) two or more electric poles that are electrically connected to an electric connection terminal for connection to a power source, 3) a mechanism for penetration of the tissue or viscera to be treated, and 4) a quick-release connecting device to separate the penetration device from the elongated body.

Abstract: A software record that identifies a software component associated with a processor in a distributed processing system is retrieved from a software configuration database. A check value is calculated for a copy of the software component loaded on the processor. The check value is compared to a second check value retrieved from the software record to verify the software component file.

Abstract: A simpler, lower-cost way of installing polymer capacitor canisters on motors and other equipment. A bracket and/or fastener is attached to the canister (e.g., by ultrasonic welding a polymer fastener or bracket directly to the polymer canister), and the fastener and/or bracket are used to make the connection between the canister and the equipment. E.g., fasteners may be chosen so that they mate with holes or matching fasteners on the equipment to which the capacitor is being attached. Depending on choice of fastener, installation of the capacitor becomes a simple snap-in action. The capacitor manufacturer can now easily manufacture capacitors with a wide range of built-in fastener arrangements, relieving the equipment manufacturer of most of the work formerly associated with installing a capacitor on equipment.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a strain-sensitive coating, a strain measurement system, and a method to determine strains on substrate materials. In a preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the system includes a luminescent strain-sensitive coating and a strain field mapping system which can be used to create a strain map of the mechanical strain on a substrate material. The luminescent strain-sensitive coating of the subject invention is preferably a polymer-based coating, and can incorporate one or more luminescent compounds. The subject coating can be applied to produce a thin film on a substrate material, such as aluminum, steel, polymer, or composite. One or more characteristics of the luminescence emanating from the coating can then vary in relation to the strain on the substrate material.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a strain-sensitive coating, a strain measurement system, and a method to determine strains on substrate materials. In a preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the system includes a luminescent strain-sensitive coating and a strain field mapping system which can be used to create a strain map of the mechanical strain on a substrate material. The luminescent strain-sensitive coating of the subject invention is preferably a polymer-based coating, and can incorporate one or more luminescent compounds. The subject coating can be applied to produce a thin film on a substrate material, such as aluminum, steel, polymer, or composite. One or more characteristics of the luminescence emanating from the coating can then vary in relation to the strain on the substrate material.

Abstract: This invention discloses an illumination device for use in image reading applications. The illumination device comprises a light guide and a light source attached to one end of the light guide, which consists of a rod-shaped body with two end light reflectors made of metal clips. The two lateral surfaces of the light guide causes total internal reflection of light rays impinging upon the surface from within the light guide. The curved top surface of the light guide serves the function of focusing. The narrow bottom surface along the light guide reflects the light with a series of highly reflective paint stripes of varying widths applied upon it. The light source comprises a plurality of light emitting elements and at least a center of the light emitting elements is placed along a normal line passing through a center of the reflection area when viewed in a longitudinal direction of the light guide.

Abstract: A defibrillation electrophysiology catheter for stimulating the heart and sensing the resulting activity of the heart for determining a patient's potential to have an arrhythmia occur under uncontrolled circumstances and for defibrillating the heart if fibrillation occurs accidentally during the testing is disclosed. The catheter is provided with electrodes formed on the distal surface of the catheter which is placed near the patient's heart. The electrodes may be placed on the catheter in a variety of configurations. An external electrode in the form of a patch or pad is placed on the patient's back. Energy is applied to the system in order to shock the heart and defibrillate the same. The procedure is less invasive than the procedures requiring the electrodes to be implanted at or near the patient's heart and chest wall and requires less energy and time than the procedures requiring the use of two external paddles.

Abstract: An improved handle for a medical device used in laparoscopic surgery is provided. This handle is especially adapted for use with an implant device specifically for electrostimulation and/or electrical monitoring of endo-abdominal tissue or viscera is provided. The implant device has an elongated body equipped with devices to secure it to the tissue to be treated and two or more electric poles that are electrically connected to an electric connection terminal for connection to a power source, means to penetrate the tissue to be treated, and quick-release connecting devices to separate the penetration device from the elongated body. The handle, which is an elongated body, is attached to the proximal end of the implant device or other medical device and has a grasping means at its opposite end for manipulation with laparoscopic forceps.

Abstract: A fall arresting ladder safety device for attachment to a fixed ladder side rail. The fall arresting device is to be used in conjunction with a body harness worn by the climber with a lanyard attached at one end to the body harness and the other end attached to the fall arresting device. The fall arresting device includes first and second arms pivotally connected in an X-configuration with each arm having first and second ladder side rail engaging portions disposed on opposite edges of the ladder side rail. A spring operably attached to the first and second arms biases the first and second arms between a fall arresting position and a climbing position. To ascend or descend the ladder, the handle portion of the first arm is pivoted upward to disengage the ladder side rail engaging portions of the first arm so that the device can be rolled up or down the ladder side rail as the climber ascends or descends the ladder.

Abstract: A rear signal lamp of an automotive vehicle comprising a lamp housing and a curved cover lens for enclosing a thin light managing system. The thin light managing systems includes a plurality of backlight light-emitting diodes mounted in a light mounting substrate and secured to the lamp housing. A control module operatively connected to the light-emitting diodes for controlling the operation and illumination of the light-emitting diodes. A reflector matrix having a plurality of reflector cones corresponding to each of the light-emitting diodes in the mounting substrate and a hybrid optics panel having a direct lensing section covering the reflector matrix and light-emitting diodes and a double redirecting light pipe section surrounding the lensing section. A single light-emitting diodes is coupled along spaced apart quadrants of the redirecting light pipe.

Abstract: A bireflective lens element comprising a light input surface and a direct transmitting area communicating with the light input surface. A light source is disposed adjacent to the light input surface for projecting light into the lens element to create a light emitting assembly. A first portion of input light is directed through the lens elements in a first predetermined pattern. A primary and a secondary reflecting area is between the light input surface and an illumination surface surrounding the direct light transmitting area. A second portion of input light is redirected through the lens element to the illumination surface in a second predetermined pattern. Specifically, the secondary reflective area has a plurality of extracting facets extending inwardly into the secondary reflective area for intercepting light from the primary reflective area.

Abstract: A defibrillation electrophysiology catheter for stimulating the heart and sensing the resulting activity of the heart for determining a patient's potential to have an arrhythmia occur under uncontrolled circumstances and for defibrillating the heart if fibrillation occurs accidentally during the testing is disclosed. The catheter is provided with electrodes formed on the distal surface of the catheter which is placed near the patient's heart. The electrodes may be placed on the catheter in a variety of configurations. An external electrode in the form of a patch or pad is placed on the patient's back. Energy is applied to the system in order to shock the heart and defibrillate the same. The procedure is less invasive than the procedures requiring the electrodes to be implanted at or near the patient's heart and chest wall and requires less energy and time than the procedures requiring the use of two external paddles.

Abstract: A reflector of a lighting apparatus such as a flashlight has a cupped body with a first pair of opposing walls and a second pair of opposing walls extending from an aperture at the cupped body center to a rectangular opening. The internal surfaces of the walls are reflective. Each of the first pair of walls is concavely curved with a focus point in front of a filament light source inside the cupped body and each of the second pair of walls is convexly curved with a focus point exterior to the cupped body. The first pair of opposing walls and the second pair of opposing walls are shaped to reflect light from the filament light source through the rectangular opening to form a predetermined flood beam by breaking up the filament image and reflecting the resulting light.

Abstract: An improved handle for a medical device used in laparoscopic surgery is provided. This handle is especially adapted for use with an implant device specifically for electrostimulation and/or electrical monitoring of endo-abdominal tissue or viscera is provided. The implant device has an elongated body equipped with devices to secure it to the tissue to be treated and two or more electric poles that are electrically connected to an electric connection terminal for connection to a power source, means to penetrate the tissue to be treated, and quick-release connecting devices to separate the penetration device from the elongated body. The handle, which is an elongated body, is attached to the proximal end of the implant device or other medical device and has a grasping means at its opposite end for manipulation with laparoscopic forceps.