Abstract: Apparatus and method for sensing at an anatomic body site and mapping or transforming the sensor signal into various forms of virtual image and feedback signals, having particular application in assisting surgeons and other operators during a medical procedure. In one embodiment, a medical system is provided that includes a medical implement, a manipulator controllable by an operator for control of the medical implement at an anatomic body site and a sensing device for sensing a non-visible field associated with a body structure at the site. A controller, intercoupling the sensing device and the manipulator, includes a mapping component for translating characteristics of the sensed field signal into a tactile feedback signal to the manipulator to warn the surgeon that he is approaching this structure with the implement.

Abstract: Compounds of general structural formula (1) are shown to have AMPA receptor enhancing properties. The compounds are useful for such therapeutic purposes as facilitating the learning of behaviors dependent upon AMPA receptors, and in treating conditions, such as memory impairment, in which AMPA receptors, or synapses utilizing these receptors, are reduced in numbers or efficiency. They may also be used to enhance excitatory synaptic activity in order to restore an imbalance between brain subregions, as in treatment of schizophrenia or schizophreniform behavior.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a block and tackle window balance to be incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment the block and tackle window balance includes a roller secured within a bottom guide to increase range of travel of a window sash.

Abstract: A snow removal system (100) for melting snow into water is provided. The snow removal system includes a container (110) having a storage chamber (124) adapted to store snow and a predetermined amount of water (114). The snow removal system also includes a heating assembly (104) at least partially disposed in the storage chamber and adapted to heat water stored in the storage chamber to a selected temperature. The snow removal system further includes a mixing system (106) adapted to pressurize water and discharge the pressurized water through at least one nozzle (168). The nozzle is oriented to direct the pressurized water into the storage chamber. A method of snow removal is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inertial braking system for spring-loaded devices, such as block and tackle window balances incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment, a block and tackle window balance includes a translatable block assembly disposed in a track including a pawl pivotally attached to the translatable block assembly. The pawl, in response to a rapid acceleration of the translatable block assembly, rotates about a pivot and frictionally engages the track, thereby wedging the translatable block assembly in the track. In another embodiment, the translatable block assembly includes a cam attached to the pawl and a brake shoe disposed between the cam and a cord seated within a pulley. Rotation of the pawl causes the cam to translate the brake shoe, thereby compressing the cord against the pulley.

Abstract: Melanoma is currently a major concern to the general public, and referrals of patients to hospitals by doctors in general practice have multiplied in number. It would be advantageous if a system were available for use by such doctors that was capable of reliably testing skin lesions to determie whether or not a particular lesion was malignant. The present invention proposes such a system using an infra-red sensor in a housing (10) that is scanned, in a measurable, position-aware manner, over the skin to sense the skin's temperature in the area of and around the suspect lesion. The sensor's output being recorded and then displayed to provide a profile of the temperature along the scanned track, from which profile can be deduced something about the likely nature of the lesion.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a block and tackle window balance to be incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment the block and tackle window balance includes a roller secured within a bottom guide to increase range of travel of a window sash.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a block and tackle window balance to be incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment the block and tackle window balance includes a roller secured within a bottom guide to increase range of travel of a window sash.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sensing at an anatomic body site and mapping or transforming the sensor signal into various forms of virtual image and feedback signals, having particular application in assisting surgeons and other operators during a medical procedure. In one embodiment, a medical system is provided that includes a medical implement, a manipulator controllable by an operator for control of the medical implement at an anatomic body site and a sensing device for sensing a non-visible field associated with a body structure at the site. A controller, intercoupling the sensing device and the manipulator, includes a mapping component for translating characteristics of the sensed field signal into a tactile feedback signal to the manipulator to warn the surgeon that he is approaching this structure with the implement.

Abstract: Compounds useful for enhancing synaptic responses mediated by AMPA receptors are disclosed, as are methods for the preparation thereof, and methods for their use for treatment of subjects suffering from impaired nervous or intellectual functioning due to deficiencies in the number of excitatory synapses or in the number of AMPA receptors. The invention compounds can also be used for the treatment of non-impaired subjects for enhancing performance in sensory-motor and cognitive tasks which depend on brain networks utilizing AMPA receptors and for improving memory encoding.

Abstract: A remote control flexible instrument system, employing a shaft which supports a tool, is described in which the has proximal and distal ends with at least a portion thereof extending through a lumen of the human body so as to locate the shaft at an internal target site. A master station including an input device provides control of the instrument situated at a slave station. The master station can control at least one degree-of-freedom of the flexible instrument. A controller intercouples the master and slave stations and is operated in accordance with a computer algorithm that receives a command from the input device for controlling at least one degree-of-freedom of the catheter so as to respond in accordance with action at the input device. The flexible instrument further comprises a controlled flexible segment along the shaft, for controlled bending at the flexible segment to guide the shaft and to dispose the tool at an operative site.

Abstract: A grease collection system is disclosed for use with a generally portable cooking device of the type designed to isolate grease and other liquids released from food during the cooking. process, said cooking device having a cooking chamber with a grease discharge area through which said grease and other liquids may exit said cooking chamber in a generally continuous flow during the cooking process. A top member is provided with a slot therethrough. A plurality of support means engage said top member so as to provide sufficient clearance such that a grease collection tray may be slidably positioned thereunder. In practice, said cooking device is positioned on said top member such that said slot is vertically disposed below said grease discharge area and said grease collection tray is further vertically disposed below said slot.

Abstract: A remote control flexible instrument system, employing a shaft which supports a tool, is described in which the has proximal and distal ends with at least a portion thereof extending through a lumen of the human body so as to locate the shaft at an internal target site. A master station including an input device provides control of the instrument situated at a slave station. The master station can control at least one degree-of-freedom of the flexible instrument. A controller intercouples the master and slave stations and is operated in accordance with a computer algorithm that receives a command from the input device for controlling at least one degree-of-freedom of the catheter so as to respond in accordance with action at the input device. The flexible instrument further comprises a controlled flexible segment along the shaft, for controlled bending at the flexible segment to guide the shaft and to dispose the tool at an operative site.

Abstract: A remote control flexible instrument system, employing a shaft which supports a tool, is described in which the has proximal and distal ends with at least a portion thereof extending through a lumen of the human body so as to locate the shaft at an internal target site. A master station including an input device provides control of the instrument situated at a slave station. The master station can control at least one degree-of-freedom of the flexible instrument. A controller intercouples the master and slave stations and is operated in accordance with a computer algorithm that receives a command from the input device for controlling at least one degree-of-freedom of the catheter so as to respond in accordance with action at the input device. The flexible instrument further comprises a controlled flexible segment along the shaft, for controlled bending at the flexible segment to guide the shaft and to dispose the tool at an operative site.

Abstract: A remote control flexible instrument system, employing a shaft which supports a tool, is described in which the has proximal and distal ends with at least a portion thereof extending through a lumen of the human body so as to locate the shaft at an internal target site. A master station including an input device provides control of the instrument situated at a slave station. The master station can control at least one degree-of-freedom of the flexible instrument. A controller intercouples the master and slave stations and is operated in accordance with a computer algorithm that receives a command from the input device for controlling at least one degree-of-freedom of the catheter so as to respond in accordance with action at the input device. The flexible instrument further comprises a controlled flexible segment along the shaft, for controlled bending at the flexible segment to guide the shaft and to dispose the tool at an operative site.

Abstract: A remote control flexible instrument system, employing a shaft which supports a tool, is described in which the has proximal and distal ends with at least a portion thereof extending through a lumen of the human body so as to locate the shaft at an internal target site. A master station including an input device provides control of the instrument situated at a slave station. The master station can control at least one degree-of-freedom of the flexible instrument. A controller intercouples the master and slave stations and is operated in accordance with a computer algorithm that receives a command from the input device for controlling at least one degree-of-freedom of the catheter so as to respond in accordance with action at the input device. The flexible instrument further comprises a controlled flexible segment along the shaft, for controlled bending at the flexible segment to guide the shaft and to dispose the tool at an operative site.

Abstract: A remote control flexible instrument system, employing a shaft which supports a tool, is described in which the has proximal and distal ends with at least a portion thereof extending through a lumen of the human body so as to locate the shaft at an internal target site. A master station including an input device provides control of the instrument situated at a slave station. The master station can control at least one degree-of-freedom of the flexible instrument. A controller intercouples the master and slave stations and is operated in accordance with a computer algorithm that receives a command from the input device for controlling at least one degree-of-freedom of the catheter so as to respond in accordance with action at the input device. The flexible instrument further comprises a controlled flexible segment along the shaft, for controlled bending at the flexible segment to guide the shaft and to dispose the tool at an operative site.

Abstract: The specification discloses a pallet orienting apparatus for use in a return lane of a pallet live storage system, wherein one or more empty pallets may be placed in the pallet orienting means in a generally upright position, the pallet being rotated to a pallet delivery position in which the pallet lies in a generally horizontal plane. A plurality of pallets may be simultaneously handled by the orienting apparatus, which may be linked to a computerized control system for a live storage warehouse. The specification describes preferred methods for handling empty pallets, in a palletized live storage system.

Abstract: Compounds of the general structural formula 1

Abstract: Compounds of general structural formula (1) are shown to have AMPA receptor enhancing properties. The compounds are useful for such therapeutic purposes as facilitating the learning of behaviors dependent upon AMPA receptors, and in treating conditions, such as memory impairment, in which AMPA receptors, or synapses utilizing these receptors, are reduced in numbers or efficiency. They may also be used to enhance excitatory synaptic activity in order to restore an imbalance between brain subregions, as in treatment of schizophrenia or schizophreniform behavior.