Abstract: Disclosed herein is a card dispensing unit. The unit includes a stack guide assembly configured to receive one or more cards. A push block in operable communication with the guide assembly is also provided to selectively move the cards pursuant to a controllable position linear actuator which is in operable communication with the push block. Further disclosed herein is a method for dispensing cards. The method includes recognizing an indicator to dispense a card. Once the indicator is recognized, an action is taken resulting in linearly urging a card from a stack of one or more cards toward an ejection area with a controllable position linear actuator.

Abstract: A positioning system used to limit movement of the leg, such as when required after hip surgery. In at least one embodiment, a boot, which extends around the foot and lower leg, is secured around each foot. As such, the boots can be used to cushion the feet while applying traction to the leg during surgery. After surgery, the boots are secured together in a side-by-side relationship. In addition, a leg strap is preferably used in conjunction with the boots to help hold the legs together. The leg strap preferably has a cushion that is positioned between the knees with a strap that is secured around each leg. Consequently, the positioning kit restricts certain motion of the affected hip while not restricting movement of the hips and knee and ankle joints unnecessarily.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for creating resolution-independent vector display of Internet content to allow it to be scaled (zoomed) larger and smaller for better viewing or to fit any resolution or screen size. According to one embodiment, novel server processing of Web content is provided that converts Web content requested by a client to a scalable vector format, such as Simple Vector Format. The vector format enables the Web content to be rendered by the client such that the rendered display substantially retains an original page layout defined in mark-up language document(s) in which the Web content is stored. In one embodiment, a proxy server receives Web content requests from a client and translates the content from an original format into a scalable vector representation. The scalable vector representation is then sent to client, where it is scaled and/or offset, enabling users to zoom and/or pan the Web content.

Abstract: A gasoline pump apparatus comprises one or more pump nozzles, a sensor configured to detect nozzle removal from and replacement to a nozzle storage bay, and a first housing enclosing at least some gas dispensing apparatus. In addition, a second housing encloses at least one video display and at least one video display controller. The at least one video display controller is coupled to the sensor such that the video display output changes with changes in nozzle position. In some embodiments, the second housing is configured to be explosion proof.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for targeting gene transfer vectors to certain cell types by pseudotyping with a transmembrane form of viral glycoprotein, such as that from Ebola virus. The methods comprise the step of administering to a cell population a gene to be transferred operatively linked to an appropriate transfer vehicle, wherein the transfer vehicle is associated with a transmembrane form of viral glycoprotein.

Abstract: An insulation product contains a mixed layer of textile fibers and of rotary and/or flame attenuated fibers. A process for manufacturing the insulation product includes passing fibrous bundles of textile fibers and of rotary and/or flame attenuated fibers together through an apparatus that divides the textile fibers into segments and that mixes the textile fiber segments with the rotary and/or flame attenuated fibers. The bundles of rotary and/or flame attenuated fibers can be in the form of specially manufactured mats and/or can be production scraps. The resulting mixture of fibers is formed into a non-woven batt, mat, blanket, or board. The process provides a mixed fiber product, with an improved combination of thermal and acoustic insulating performance and adequate strength, at a low production cost.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing fluid flow and flushing a transmission cooler. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is designed to test fluid flow through a transmission cooler and/or clean out debris within a transmission cooler by using heated transmission fluid and air-inject technology.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for exchange of travel data in a roadway information system associated with a first roadway vehicle and a second roadway vehicle. In one embodiment, the roadway information system may comprise, for example, a first mobile client system associated with the first roadway vehicle, a second mobile client system associated with the second roadway vehicle, a wireless communication network, and a processing system communicatively coupled to the wireless communication network. The first mobile client system may deliver first travel related data to the processing system via the wireless communication network. The processing system may deliver second travel related data to the second mobile client system via the wireless communication network, where the second travel related data relates at least in part to the first travel related data.

Abstract: A process for improving the durability of a differential, where the differential has a pinion shaft and a pinion, the pinion shaft having a surface that contacts the surface of the inner diameter of the pinion. The process comprises bonding to the surface of the pinion shaft or the pinion or both, in the region of the interface between the pinion shaft and pinion, a coating having both a lower coefficient of friction and higher seizure resistance than that of the substance of the pinion shaft when in contact with the substance of the pinion.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a browse mechanism to scan a list of data items. A marker is applied to the data items once they have been scanned by the browse mechanism. The marker provides an indication that a respective data item has been scanned by a given browse entity. The browse mechanism subsequently scans only unmarked data items in the list of data items.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining an operating parameter for an image system. Evaluation images are obtained during composition of an archival image and the evaluation images are stored. The evaluation images are compared to determine common image elements and an area of importance is determined based at least in part upon some of the common image elements. An operating parameter is determined based upon analysis of the area of importance. Imaging systems that perform the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the resolution of macromolecules during electrophoresis. A method of creating an electrical field-rectifying fractionation-ratchet includes obtaining a fractionated particle that has an electrophoretic mobility that varies when an electric field varies, applying a pulsed electrical field to the fractionated particle, and varying a plurality of pulses of the electrical field repeatedly. Another method includes preparative gel electrophoresis that utilizes a continuous fractionation method made possible by an electrophoretic ratchet-generating field. Another method includes implementing cyclic electrophoresis including analyzing a sample by constant field electrophoresis; and enhancing the sample by an electrophoretic ratchet. Another method includes error checking during cyclic electrophoresis comprising: analyzing a sample by constant field electrophoresis; checking for errors in the sample; and enhancing the sample by an electrophoretic ratchet.

Abstract: Template patterns in accordance with the present invention can include one or more maker-zones printed to a reference surface of a disk for determining gross-position along a stroke of a read head connected with a rotary actuator. The one or more marker-zones can be printed or otherwise written to a portion of the reference surfaces as one or more pulses. In one embodiment, each pulse can trace the motion of the stroke along at least a portion of the radius of the reference surface. A pulse can identify a marker-zone edge when a di-bit (a transition pair representing a pulse) disappears at some radius from center of the disk. At a radius closer to the center of the disk, the di-bit can abruptly reappear so that the pulse is continued. The interruption in the radial continuity of the magnetized pulse defines the marker-zone and can be any length.

Abstract: A position sensor including a magnetic circuit comprising a magnet having opposite first and second magnetic poles, a first pole piece having a proximal portion positioned adjacent the first magnetic pole and a distal portion positioned adjacent the second magnetic pole to define a first air gap area with a first magnetic field provided adjacent thereto, and a second pole piece having a proximal portion positioned adjacent the second magnetic pole and a distal portion positioned adjacent the first magnetic pole to define a second air gap area with a second magnetic field provided adjacent thereto. A first magnetic flux sensor is disposed within the first magnetic field to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density and to generate a first output signal. A second magnetic flux sensor is disposed within the second magnetic field to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density and to generate a second output signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for providing a fine delay by switching on a capacitor delay. A coarse delay and/or a fine delay are implemented upon a reference signal based upon a phase shift between the reference signal and a feedback signal. A fine delay is implemented upon the reference signal based upon a phase shift between the reference signal and a feedback signal. Providing the fine delay includes switching on a capacitive delay. A synchronized output signal is generated based upon the fine delay.

Abstract: A resuscitation system for use by a rescuer for resuscitating a patient, comprising at least two high-voltage defibrillation electrodes, a first electrical unit comprising circuitry for providing resuscitation prompts to the rescuer, a second electrical unit separate from the first unit and comprising circuitry for providing defibrillation pulses to the electrodes, and circuitry for providing at least one electrical connection between the first and second units.

Abstract: A metal halide lamp (10) includes a light-transmissive envelope (12) which encloses a metal halide pool (30) for generating a discharge when spaced apart electrodes (20, 22) within the envelope are supplied with an electric current. A multi-layer coating (40) is deposited on a surface (42) of the envelope. The coating includes several layers of at least two materials of different refractive index, which, in combination, reflect radiation in the UV region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Rather than optimizing the coating for a normal (i.e., 0°) angle of incidence on the coating, the multi-layer coating is optimized at an angle which is selected to be within 10° of the mean angle (?) of incidence of the UV radiation on the arctube surface, thereby increasing the amount of UV radiation which is returned to the metal halide pool.

Abstract: A game table for playing a game with a gamepiece includes a playing surface and the gamepiece is movable along the playing surface through the application of gaming forces. A first endwall extends generally perpendicularly from the playing surface and has a first wall length. A second endwall extends generally perpendicularly from the playing surface and is located on an opposite side of the playing surface from the first endwall. A first goal, comprised of at least one proximity sensor, is located along the first endwall and has a first goal length. The first goal length is adjustable.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a cordless device in a building or furniture structure to provide reduced wiring visualization and exposure, and methods for mounting, installing, and using such apparatus are provided. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a base housing having a base open front, a base backwall, a plurality of base sidewalls, and a base inner chamber. The base open front provides access to the base inner chamber and is sized large enough to allow the passage into and storage in the inner chamber of a combination of an alternating current power plug, an alternating current power cord, at least one male telephone jack connector, and a telephone cord. The apparatus also includes a power outlet housing connected to a base sidewall, the position of which thereby reduces overall depth of the apparatus within the building or furniture structure.

Abstract: A method for extracting blood from animal fetus includes securing a placenta of an animal against a substantially planar face, the first face being disposed at an angle in a range between about 45 ° to about 110° relative to the horizontal. The placenta is massaged against the first face so that at least a portion of the blood within the placenta flows out of the placenta through an umbilical cord and into the animal fetus. The animal fetus is then suspended. At least a portion of the blood within the animal fetus is then drained from the fetus into a container.