Abstract: An automated blood sampler integratable with a glucose monitor comprises a catheter connected to a tube-set forming a single blood passageway; a clamp-on air-bubble sensor and a occlusion sensor externally attached to the tube set; a single peristaltic pump and two 3-way pinch valves attached to the tube set and control fluid flow. The sampler draws blood from a stationary patient, samples the blood for analytical measurement of blood parameters; after which the passageway is rinsed, the blood re-infused, and slow saline infusion prevents vein collapse. The cycle repeats at user or predefined intervals. In another preferred embodiment, blood is not re-infused, and only one 3-way pinch valve is used.

Abstract: A portable continuous whole blood glucose monitor comprising, a mid-infrared quantum cascade laser and driver in optical communication with a transmission cell and a photo-conductive detector and pre-amplifier. The monitor further comprises a peristaltic pump connected to a single lumen catheter peripherally inserted into a patient's vein. The single lumen catheter, in combination with the peristaltic pump, is operable to automatically withdraw a fixed and metered amount of whole blood from a patient, then a tube delivers a fixed and metered amount of the saline/surfactant supply to the whole blood. Methods of enhancing measurement sensitivity are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-media system and method for a vehicle that enables a user to access content on a device. A user interface is included that is operable with the vehicle and adapted to receive a query command, wherein the query command is received in a predetermined form. Additionally, the user interface provides corresponding query results to the user. A controller is operable with the user interface and is configured to communicate with the device. The controller, in response to the query command, searches accelerator files containing data pertaining to the content. The controller also locates accelerator files that correspond with the query command and provides a corresponding accelerator file data to the user interface.

Abstract: A crash notification system (12) for an automotive vehicle (10) is used to communicate with a communication network (22) and ultimately to a response center (24). The system (12) within vehicle (10) includes an occupant sensor (30) that generates an occupant sensor status signal. A crash sensor (34) a vehicle identification number memory (48), or a vertical acceleration sensor (46) may also be used to provide information to the controller (14). The controller (14) generates a communication signal that corresponds to the occupant sensor status signal and the other information so that appropriate emergency personnel may be deployed.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a coin-operated vending device having a power supply includes mounting a housing on the outside of the device that contains a note acceptor for non-coin payment and energizing the note acceptor with the power supply. The retrofitted device can be operated by coin or by non-coin payment.

Abstract: A vehicle immobilization system (10) is coupled to a network system (20) and includes a vehicle that has a speed sensor (34) generating a vehicle speed signal, a telematics control unit (48) receiving and transmitting signals to and from the network (20), and a speed control module (72). An immobilization controller (30) is coupled to the speed sensor (34), the telematics control unit (48), and the speed control module (72). The immobilization controller (30) receives an immobilization signal from the network (20) and sets a maximum operating speed for the power train controller. When the vehicle speed signal is below the maximum operating speed, the immobilization controller reduces the maximum operating speed within the speed control module until a lower predetermined speed limit is met. The lower speed limit is preferably greater than zero so that some limited mobility of the vehicle may be achieved.

Abstract: A crash notification system (12) for an automotive vehicle (10) is used to communicate with a communication network (22) and ultimately to a response center (24). The system (12) within vehicle (10) includes an occupant sensor (30) that generates an occupant sensor status signal. A crash sensor (34) a vehicle identification number memory (48), or a vertical acceleration sensor (46) may also be used to provide information to the controller (14). The controller (14) generates a communication signal that corresponds to the occupant sensor status signal and the other information so that appropriate emergency personnel may be deployed.

Abstract: A crash notification system (12) for an automotive vehicle (10) is used to communicate with a communication network (22) and ultimately to a response center (24). The system (12) within vehicle (10) includes an occupant sensor (30) that generates an occupant sensor status signal. A crash sensor (34) generates a crash signal in response to a crash. A controller (14) is coupled to the occupant sensor (30) and the crash sensor (34). The controller (14) generates a communication signal that corresponds to the occupant sensor status signal and the crash status signal.

Abstract: A vehicle immobilization system (10) is coupled to a network system (20) and includes a vehicle that has a speed sensor (34) generating a vehicle speed signal, a telematics control unit (48) receiving and transmitting signals to and from the network (20), and a speed control module (72). An immobilization controller (30) is coupled to the speed sensor (34), the telematics control unit (48), and the speed control module (72). The immobilization controller (30) receives an immobilization signal from the network (20) and sets a maximum operating speed for the power train controller. When the vehicle speed signal is below the maximum operating speed, the immobilization controller reduces the maximum operating speed within the speed control module until a lower predetermined speed limit is met. The lower speed limit is preferably greater than zero so that some limited mobility of the vehicle may be achieved.

Abstract: A crash notification system (12) has a main battery (58) and a backup battery (60). The main battery has a main battery voltage and the backup battery has a backup battery voltage. A telematics control unit (16) senses the voltage of the main battery and receives an emergency notification signal from a restraints control module (18). In response to a change of state of the emergency notification signal and the main battery dropping below a predetermined battery the backup battery may be used. In addition, if an SOS button (52) is employed in the system, and the main battery voltage drops below a predetermined voltage the backup battery (60) may also be used.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for generating a organically soluble partially cross-linked acid labile polymer according to the present invention comprises the steps of providing a polymer with one or more monomer units, wherein at least one of the monomer units contain one or more pendant COOH or hydroxyl groups; and reacting said polymer with a polyvinyl ether in the presence of a acid catalyst to form links between at least two polymer chains. The resulting polymer can be used as a component in a photoresist formulation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for generating a organically soluble partially cross-linked acid labile polymer according to the present invention comprises the steps of providing a polymer with one or more monomer units, wherein at least one of the monomer units contain one or more pendant COOH or hydroxyl groups; and reacting said polymer with a polyvinyl ether in the presence of a acid catalyst to form links between at least two polymer chains. The resulting polymer can be used as a component in a photoresist formulation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae BEC1000 CNCMI-1507 which produces industrially useful quantities of a polysaccharide containing L-fucose. Also disclosed is a process of producing the polysaccharide using this strain and mutants thereof. The polysaccharide has properties which are particularly useful to the cosmetics industry.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting controlled amounts of water vapor into an internal combustion engine includes a water receptacle and conduit connecting the receptacle at a level above the water level therein to the intake manifold of the engine. An air inlet is also provided in the receptacle and a conduit extends from the air inlet into the receptacle below the water level. A third conduit bleeds exhaust gas from the exhaust system into the water receptacle to influence the rate at which water vapor is withdrawn from the water receptacle and conducted to the intake manifold such that at increased engine outputs the rate of water vapor injection is increased whereas at lower engine outputs the rate of water vapor injection is decreased.