Abstract: System, device and method for providing neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to muscles of foot. The device includes an electrical signal generator for producing a wave pattern of variable frequency, duration, intensity, ramp time and on-off cycle. The device further includes surface electrodes for being positioned over the foot muscles or around ankles and attached to the signal generator. The device includes a wearable device for positioning a first electrode adjacent a heel of the wearer's foot and a second electrode adjacent an arch of the foot. The signal generator is programmed to stimulate the foot muscles and nerves.

Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus for securing corners or edges of a piece of fabric that is used for covering ground surfaces. The apparatus includes a clip for gripping the piece of fabric and a stake with a spike for anchoring the apparatus into the ground surfaces. When a user presses rear ends of the clip, the stake and the spike would be released such that the apparatus could be anchored to the ground surfaces.

Abstract: This invention provides for a new and improved apparatus to secure the corners or edges of fabric or material that is used for covering ground surfaces. The apparatus incorporates a clip for gripping the fabric or material thereby enabling the corners or edges to be anchored buy a stake with an extendable spike into porous ground surfaces. Opening the clip via compressing the rear clip handles, the foldable spring-loaded releasing stake and spike attached to the clip body, extends and locks the stake and spike onto the clip base to be inserted into the ground matter for the secure anchoring of the article that is attached.

Abstract: A vehicle video control system is provided comprising a video camera unit having a wide angle (preferably a fisheye) lens mounted atop a column, wherein the column is attached to a manned or robotic vehicle, and an operator control unit in communication with the video camera unit. A continuous video image produced by the video camera unit is transmitted to the operator control unit. Such vehicle video control system provides a vehicle operator with an approximately hemispherical view from above the vehicle, providing the human operator with a continuous view of most of the area surrounding the vehicle. This video control system eliminates the burden of video camera control during simultaneous operation of the vehicle using the present system.

Abstract: A vehicle video control system is provided comprising a video camera unit having a wide angle (preferably a fisheye) lens mounted atop a column, wherein the column is attached to a manned or robotic vehicle, and an operator control unit in communication with the video camera unit. A continuous video image produced by the video camera unit is transmitted to the operator control unit. Such vehicle video control system provides a vehicle operator with an approximately hemispherical view from above the vehicle, providing the human operator with a continuous view of most of the area surrounding the vehicle. This video control system eliminates the burden of video camera control during simultaneous operation of the vehicle using the present system.

Abstract: A system and method for providing telephony and high-speed data access over a broadband access network, comprising a network interface unit (NIU) coupled to a backup local exchange carrier (LEC) line, the broadband access network coupled to the NIU, an intermediate point-of-presence (IPOP) coupled to the broadband access network, and at least one external access network coupled to the IPOP. The system also provides for a fail-safe mode in which the NIU supports the LEC line for lifeline services.

Abstract: An organization TGS is formed to be dedicated, for example, to raise funds for a particular charitable, religious or health cause or to a predefined group of causes, members of TGS dedicating themselves to contributing to TGS on an ongoing basis, for example, annually. Upon making an initial contribution, a member of TGS receives a token, a unique and attractive piece of jewelry, for example a brooch, pendant, or lapel pin. The jewelry piece is constructed to be enhanced, for example, by the addition of a jewelry stone every time a periodic contribution is made.

Abstract: A switching apparatus distributes incoming calls to end point terminals that belong to a service group and that interact with the switching apparatus via messages. The messages query the end point terminals by specifying a range and asking those end point terminals that meet a criterion associated with the range to respond. By iteratively narrowing the range, for example, in a binary search fashion, one of the end point terminals is selected. In one embodiment, the range relates to fixed sequence IDs of the end point terminals and the criterion relates to whether an end point terminal is idle or not. In another embodiment, the range incorporates the idle/not idle state of the end point terminals by specifying idle time durations.

Abstract: An encapsulated self-balancing remote video camera system is provided, which is capable of righting itself into an upright, balanced position. The encapsulated self-balancing remote video camera system has a video camera, wireless communication means and balancing mass disposed within an internal, self-righting, inner structure. The inner structure is disposed within a transparent outer container, such that the inner structure may rotate within the outer container when resting upon a surface, such that the video camera rotates into an upright position by gravitational forces acting upon the balancing mass disposed with the inner structure. In addition, a remote operation means is provided, which enables a user of the present system to view video images transmitted from the video camera, and to remotely control movement of the lens and/or video camera.

Abstract: An encapsulated self-balancing remote video camera system is provided, which is capable of righting itself into an upright, balanced position. The encapsulated self-balancing remote video camera system has a video camera, wireless communication means and balancing mass disposed within an internal, self-righting, inner structure. The inner structure is disposed within a transparent outer container, such that the inner structure may rotate within the outer container when resting upon a surface, such that the video camera rotates into an upright position by gravitational forces acting upon the balancing mass disposed with the inner structure. In addition, a remote operation means is provided, which enables a user of the present system to view video images transmitted from the video camera, and to remotely control movement of the lens and/or video camera.

Abstract: A vehicle video control system is provided comprising a video camera unit having a wide angle (preferably a fisheye) lens mounted atop a column, wherein the column is attached to a manned or robotic vehicle, and an operator control unit in communication with the video camera unit. A continuous video image produced by the video camera unit is transmitted to the operator control unit. Such vehicle video control system provides a vehicle operator with an approximately hemispherical view from above the vehicle, providing the human operator with a continuous view of most of the area surrounding the vehicle. This video control system eliminates the burden of video camera control during simultaneous operation of the vehicle using the present system.

Abstract: A switching apparatus distributes incoming calls to end point terminals that belong to a service group and that interact with the switching apparatus via messages. The messages query the end point terminals by specifying a range and asking those end point terminals that meet a criterion associated with the range to respond. By iteratively narrowing the range, for example, in a binary search fashion, one of the end point terminals is selected. In one embodiment, the range relates to fixed sequence IDs of the end point terminals and the criterion relates to whether an end point terminal is idle or not. In another embodiment, the range incorporates the idle/not idle state of the end point terminals by specifying idle time durations.

Abstract: A switching apparatus distributes incoming calls to end point terminals that belong to a service group and that interact with the switching apparatus via messages. The messages query the end point terminals by specifying a range and asking those end point terminals that meet a criterion associated with the range to respond. By iteratively narrowing the range, for example, in a binary search fashion, one of the end point terminals is selected. In one embodiment, the range relates to fixed sequence IDs of the end point terminals and the criterion relates to whether an end point terminal is idle or not. In another embodiment, the range incorporates the idle/not idle state of the end point terminals by specifying idle time durations.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, components and methods are disclosed that allow the clinician to circumvent the pubic arch in instances where it interferes with insertion of instrumentation into the prostate or periprostatic tissue. The systems, apparatus and components disclosed herein employ structures, such as needles and trocars, of shape memory alloys, such as nickel-titanium (Ni—Ti) for the purpose of avoiding the pubic arch when accessing the prostate from the perineum.

Abstract: The present invention is for a radiation detector apparatus for detecting radiation sources present in cargo shipments. The invention includes the features of integrating a bubble detector sensitive to neutrons and a GPS system into a miniaturized package that can wirelessly signal the presence of radioactive material in shipping containers. The bubble density would be read out if such indicated a harmful source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new uses of S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethyl dihydrogen phosphorothioate, (amifostine) and other aminothiol compounds to treat and reverse toxicities caused by therapeutic agents, radiation treatment or diabetes. In particular, the invention provides a method for treating neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity associated with the administration of chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new uses of thermally stable, crystalline S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethyl dihydrogen phosphorothioate, (amifostine) and other aminothiol compounds to treat and reverse toxicities caused by radiation treatment. In particular, the invention provides a method for treating or preventing xerostomia associated with the administration of radiation treatment of head and neck cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is for a radiation detector apparatus for detecting radiation sources present in cargo shipments. The invention includes the features of integrating a bubble detector sensitive to neutrons and a GPS system into a miniaturized package that can wirelessly signal the presence of radioactive material in shipping containers. The bubble density would be read out if such indicated a harmful source.

Abstract: A method for alleviating congestion problems in prior art networks delays provision of dial tone signals to terminals that are, likely, carrying out a re-dial attempt in excess of a preselected number of re-dial attempts. A determination that the terminal seeking to establish a connection is likely carrying out a re-dial attempt may be based on numerous factors, such as the time since the last time the terminal desired to establish a call, the duration of the last call, etc. The delay that is imposed is, advantageously, sensitive to the number of times the terminal has attempted a re-dial, and on other conditions, such as the cause of the failure to establish a connection, network congestion conditions, etc. In imposing the dial tone delay, identities of the terminals that are to receive a delayed dial tone are placed in a FIFO queue.

Abstract: A coupler includes an analog port for interfacing with a telephone answering system a network port that is adapted for connection to an insecure network. The security problem associated with eavesdropping over insecure network is overcome by encrypting the messages that exit through the coupler's network port. In one embodiment, the coupler and the telephone answering system are distinct hardware elements and the coupler is connected to the TAD. In another embodiment, a single processor and associated memory perform the functions of the coupler's controller and of the telephone answering system, thus forming a single device that has an analog port for connecting to the public switched telephone network, as well as a port for connection to the insecure network. In yet another embodiment, the coupler/TAD combination includes a control port to allow connection to the control port of an ISDN telephone.