Abstract: A tubular food product launching system and method for interacting with a product loading head is disclosed. The system includes a pick belt, positioned alongside product carrying intermediate belts. The pick belt supplies additional product to a product inspector or vision equipped robot cell to replace defective or missing product observed on the intermediate belt(s) with replacement product from the pick belt. The overall system speed, and pick belt speed, can be adjusted to accommodate varying product post-launcher fill-rates in accord with the nature of the product and the abilities and speed of the robot cell and/or product inspector, so as to reliably assure 100% final fill-rate as product is fed to the loading head.

Abstract: Disclosed are medical probe devices and methods for use guiding of percutaneous probes during medical procedures. The probe devices include a clamp that can secure a probe at a targeted location. The devices can be utilized to guide a probe through the probe guide to a percutaneous target. Disclosed clamps can be utilized on probe devices incorporating an ultrasound transducer. In addition, the devices can include a sterilizable shield including a sterile probe guide for use in procedures requiring a sterile field. The sterilizable shield can be a single-use shield that can prevent contamination and re-use of the shield. The devices can define a beneficial geometry conducive to use by a single operator that can be utilized for percutaneous targets near the skin surface.

Abstract: A user selection interface system comprises one or more rotatable selectors linked to selectable characteristics, and a display linked to the selectors, for display of an image that corresponds to the selected characteristics. The interface is typically linked to a database comprising stored image and other information which corresponds to the selectable characteristics, whereby an image that corresponds to an item which meets a selected characteristic is retrieved and displayed. Information other than the image which corresponds to the selectable characteristics may also be retrieved and displayed. In some embodiments, the stored images comprise a single image, which matches all the selected characteristics. In alternate embodiments, the displayed image comprises a composite image that is based upon stored images which correspond to different selected characteristics. In some embodiments, the user selection interface comprises a graphic user interface.

Abstract: A system and method that employs standardized data collection forms for use by health care providers and patients to enable efficient collection, storage and management of patient data for treatment of diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: A user selection interface system comprises one or more circular selectors linked to selectable characteristics, and a display linked to the selectors, for display of an image which corresponds to the selected characteristics. The interface is typically linked to a database comprising stored image and other information which corresponds to the selectable characteristics, whereby an image that corresponds to an item which meets a selected characteristic is retrieved and displayed. Information other than the image which corresponds to the selectable characteristics may also be retrieved and displayed. In some embodiments, the stored images comprise a single image, which matches all the selected characteristics. In alternate embodiments, the displayed image comprises a composite image that is based upon stored images which correspond to different selected characteristics. In some embodiments, the user selection interface comprises a graphic user interface.

Abstract: The present invention is an Internet wire-mesh merchandising system that comprises a webserver for generating a web presence. Potential customers looking to select and buy wire mesh are allowed to log-on to a website operated by a wire-mesh retailer, distributor, and manufacturer. An HTML product page includes navigation buttons that Ink to other HTML product pages. Each page further includes JPG or GIF type pictures that allow the shopper to see a particular wire mesh product corresponding to a presently displayed HTML product page. A group of altermate-view buttons rink to other pictures of the same product that show variations or different perspectives. A set of four navigation buttons permit the shopper to hyperlink to HTML product pages where the wire mesh is finer, coarser, thinner, and thicker. Once the link is taken, a graphic is presented that corresponds to the selected wire-mesh.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing uniform thickness layers of liquid to surfaces and especially surgical sealants to surgical sites to create, in situ, a surgical incise drape is disclosed. The applicator employs a supported thin layer of foam which achieves layer thickness which are substantially independent of the pressure applied to the applicator during use. Methods of using the applicator are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water spreader arrangement for use in an evaporative air cooler in which the spreader includes an inlet leading to generally vertical projections disposed over several levels. The projections are adapted to divide a single stream of water entering the inlet into many outlet streams, all of which have a predetermined ratio of flow rates. The outlet streams can be fed to an evaporative pad of an evaporative cooler. In a preferred form, the outlet streams have substantially the same flow rate. Preferably, a cooler incorporating this water spreader arrangement would include several spreaders around the upper periphery of the evaporative pads.

Abstract: The present invention is an Internet wire-mesh merchandising system that comprises a webserver for generating a web presence. Potential customers looking to select and buy wire mesh are allowed to log-on to a website operated by a wire-mesh retailer, distributor, and manufacturer. An HTML product page includes navigation buttons that link to other HTML product pages. Each page further includes JPG or GIF type pictures that allow the shopper to see a particular wire mesh product corresponding to a presently displayed HTML product page. A group of alternate-view buttons link to other pictures of the same product that show variations or different perspectives. A set of four navigation buttons permit the shopper to hyperlink to HTML product pages where the wire mesh is finer, coarser, thinner, and thicker. Once the link is taken, a graphic is presented that corresponds to the selected wire-mesh.

Abstract: An Internet wire-mesh disc merchandising system embodiment of the present invention comprises a webserver that generates a web presence. Potential customers looking to select and buy wire mesh are allowed to log-on to a website operated by a wire-mesh retailer, distributor, and manufacturer. An HTML product page includes navigation buttons that link to other HTML product pages. Each page further includes JPG or GIF type pictures that allow the shopper to see a particular wire-mesh disc product corresponding to a presently displayed HTML product page. A set of navigation buttons permit the shopper to hyperlink to HTML product pages where a graphic is presented that corresponds to the selected wire-mesh disc and prices.

Abstract: A water spreader arrangement for use in an evaporative air cooler in which the spreader includes an inlet leading to generally vertical projections disposed over several levels. The projections are adapted to divide a single stream of water entering the inlet into many outlet streams, all of which have a predetermined ratio of flow rates. The outlet streams can be fed to an evaporative pad of an evaporative cooler. In a preferred form, the outlet streams have substantially the same flow rate. Preferably, a cooler incorporating this water spreader arrangement would include several spreaders around the upper periphery of the evaporative pads.

Abstract: A water spreader arrangement for use in an evaporative air cooler in which the spreader includes an inlet (28) leading to generally vertical projections (38) disposed over several levels. The projections (34, 37, 38) are adapted to divide a single steam of water entering the inlet (28) into many outlet streams, all of which have a predetermined ratio of flow rates. The outlet streams can be fed to an evaporative pad of an evaporative cooler. In a preferred form, the outlet streams have substantially the same flow rate. Preferably, a cooler incorporating this water spreader arrangement would include several spreaders around the upper periphery of tho evaporative pads.

Abstract: The present invention is an Internet wire-mesh merchandising system that comprises a webserver for generating a web presence. Potential customers looking to select and buy wire mesh are allowed to log-on to a website operated by a wire-mesh retailer, distributor, and manufacturer. An HTML product page includes navigation buttons that link to other HTML product pages. Each page further includes JPG or GIF type pictures that allow the shopper to see a particular wire mesh product corresponding to a presently displayed HTML product page. A group of alternate-view buttons link to other pictures of the same product that show variations or different perspectives. A set of four navigation buttons permit the shopper to hyperlink to HTML product pages where the wire mesh is finer, coarser, thinner, and thicker. Once the link is taken, a graphic is presented that corresponds to the selected wire-mesh.

Abstract: The present invention is an Internet wire-mesh merchandising system that comprises a webserver for generating a web presence. Potential customers looking to select and buy wire mesh are allowed to log-on to a website operated by a wire-mesh retailer, distributor, and manufacturer. An HTML product page includes navigation buttons that link to other HTML product pages. Each page further includes JPG or GIF type pictures that allow the shopper to see a particular wire mesh product corresponding to a presently displayed HTML product page. A group of alternate-view buttons link to other pictures of the same product that show variations or different perspectives. A set of four navigation buttons permit the shopper to hyperlink to HTML product pages where the wire mesh is finer, coarser, thinner, and thicker. Once the link is taken, a graphic is presented that corresponds to the selected wire-mesh.

Abstract: A water entry system for entry of water to a water distribution system for an evaporative cooler includes a conduit for delivering water to at least one of the uppermost corners of the lid of the evaporative cooler. The corner having the conduit includes a capped water entry point that causes the water to form a substantially uniform curtain of water which is in turn feeds the water into a plurality of channels and thus to evaporative pads of the evaporative cooler.

Abstract: An in-line index printing system includes a sensor that determines the average density value of a photographic frame, a programmable light source and a video camera. The average density value calculated by the sensor is used to set the current levels supplied to a set of red, green, and blue LEDs to produce light that compensates for the exposure and color characteristics of the photographic frame. The film is illuminated by the light produced by the programmable light source and the video camera captures an image of a frame on the film. The image is digitized, and stored in a memory of a computer where it can be manipulated, if desired to enhance the color. The images from the frames can be printed on a color laser printer, a CRT printer, or transmitted over a computer network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: A plant greenhouse frost protector and growth enhancer for use with seedlings or young plants. The protector is frusto-conically shaped and made of a light transparent, semi-transparent or translucent transmitting plastic material. The protector's base has a series of ground engaging serrations with adjacent spaced slots. Prior to forming tabs, base slots normally extend upwardly towards the protector's top edge. Normally serrations hold the protector to the ground by the serrations in low wind conditions. In high wind conditions, tabs are formed by folding the base's areas between the slots outwardly and upwardly. These formed tabs form ground engaging surfaces parallel to the ground. The top edge of the protector is covered by a convex raised center top surface with slots that permit access to the interior formed cavity to water or ventilate the enclosed seedlings or plant.

Abstract: An in-line index printing system includes a sensor that determines the average density value of a photographic frame, a programmable light source and a video camera. The average density value calculated by the sensor is used to set the current levels supplied to a set of red, green, and blue LEDs to produce light that compensates for the exposure and color characteristics of the photographic frame. The film is illuminated by the light produced by the programmable light source and the video camera captures an image of a frame on the film. The image is digitized, and stored in a memory of a computer where it can be manipulated, if desired to enhance the color. The images from the frames can be printed on a color laser printer, a CRT printer, or transmitted over a computer network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: A release device is actuated to release a workpiece by operation of either of two elongated shape memory metal alloy (SMMA) members. Each SMMA member has on one end a feature that engages a fitting on the workpiece, while its other end is mounted to a housing. A heater on each SMMA member raises its temperature to a transition temperature at which it returns to an unstressed (e.g. shorter) length, thereby releasing the workpiece. The two SMMA elements may be disposed in opposite directions from the housing or may be coaxial or offset and disposed in the same direction.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a casting (60) is provided to connect the car bottom (40) to the side sill (10). A connecting plate (46) is provided to attach the casting (60) to the side sill (10). Preferably the side sill (10) is generally hat shaped and is reinforced with an angle (26) at the end portion of the car which supports the shear plate (34).