Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating bone fractures by the application of intermittent pneumatic compression. The period of compression is sufficient to induce venous stasis at the fracture site. The period of recovery can be about half the period of compression. The applied pressure can be in the range os about 25–60 mmHg.

Abstract: Device for mounting a tethered camera on a portable computer, including a base attached to a back of the computer's screen housing via an adhesive, a holder for the camera removably engaged to the base via cooperating mating members formed thereon, and a hinge in the holder allowing movement of the camera. The hinge includes two coil springs assembled over a pair of split shafts incorporated in the holder to provide a relatively high friction force on a pair of pins non-movably attached to the camera. The camera and holder combination can be attached to or detached from the base as need be, but the base can remain unobtrusively attached to the housing. When attached to the housing, the camera is stably held in position to allow easier hands-free use of the camera. A separate stand is also provided which can similarly mated with the holder.

Abstract: A method for utilizing an image display on a digital camera, including the steps of: initiating a demo mode demonstrating features and functions related to the digital camera on the image display; running the demonstration while no user input has been detected; terminating the demonstration upon a detection of a user input; allowing normal usage of the image display; and automatically re-initiating the demonstration after a predetermined elapsed period of time without detecting the user input.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating bone fractures by the application of intermittent pneumatic compression. The period of compression is sufficient to induce venous stasis at the fracture site. The period of recovery can be about half the period of compression. The applied pressure can be in the range os about 25-60 mmHg.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating bone fractures by the application of intermittent pneumatic compression. The period of compression is sufficient to induce venous stasis at the fracture site. The period of recovery can be about half the period of compression. The applied pressure can be 50% or less of the baseline pressure.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for receiving a memory card. A card connector is disposed in an opening of an exterior wall of the electronic apparatus. A door connected to the electronic apparatus pivots between and open and closed position. In the open position, a slot integral with the door removably receives the memory card. In the closed position, an exterior surface of the door covers the opening. An aperture in the slot is arranged in overlapping registration with the electrical connection portion when the door is in the closed position whereby, when a memory card is disposed within the slot, a terminal portion of the memory card forms an electrical connection with the electrical connection portion.

Abstract: A method of providing enhanced circulation, venous return and microcirculation is achieved by use of intermittent pneumatic compression in alternating periods of application and recovery.

Abstract: An aperture and lens mechanism for a camera, includes a rotatably mounted lens barrel supporting a lens and moveable in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens in response to rotation; an aperture support mounted for movement parallel to the optical axis of the lens and spring biased into contact with the lens barrel for movement therewith; and an aperture blade defining an aperture, the aperture blade being mounted on the aperture support for movement between a first position where the aperture is centered on the optical axis of the lens and a second position away from the optical axis of the lens.

Abstract: A card connector (30) having a guide portion (40) to ease loading/unloading of a memory card (14). The card connector (30) includes a substantially rectangular slot (38) defined by a top edge (32), a pair of side edges (34), and a bottom margin (36). The guide portion (40) is disposed adjacent the slot (38) and has a bottom wall (42) and a pair of side walls (44). A first tapered feature (50), disposed on the bottom wall (42), is directed from a leading edge (52) of the bottom wall (42) toward the bottom margin (36) of the slot (38). Each of the side walls (44) has a second tapered feature (60) directed from a leading edge (62) of the side wall (44) toward one of the pair of side edges of the slot (38). The guide portion (40) will prevent stubbing of the memory card (14) against edges of the card connector (30) slot (38) and may be retro-fit onto an existing card connector assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating bone fractures by the application of intermittent pneumatic compression. The period of compression is sufficient to induce venous stasis at the fracture site. The period of recovery can be about half the period of compression. The applied pressure can be 50% or less of the baseline pressure.

Abstract: A sensor package assembly for use with an optical assembly includes an optics base mechanism for supporting the optical assembly in relation to an optical axis, an image sensor mounted on a lead frame, and a sensor mounting frame for locating and supporting the image sensor in relation to the optical axis. The optics base mechanism has at least three optics-related locator features, and the sensor mounting frame also has at least three frame-related locator features. By fastening the optics base mechanism and the sensor mounting frame together with the image sensor interposed therebetween such that the optics-related locator features are oriented in opposed relation to the frame-related locator features with the lead frame pinched therebetween, the tilt of the image sensor is controlled relative to the optical axis.

Abstract: The pneumatic Achilles wrap comprises a wrap including at least one strap for fastening the wrap around the foot and around the ankle. The wrap positions an arch cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the wrap under a human foot. The arch cell is fabricated from a flexible material and is in communication with a conduit member. Upon application of external pressure to the arch cell, air is expelled from said air cell through said conduit member. The wrap also positions a tendon cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the wrap against the Achilles tendon. The tendon cell is in communication with the arch cell via the conduit member. The tendon cell is also fabricated from a flexible material. Upon the expelling of air from said arch cell, the air enters through the conduit member into the tendon cell which exerts a greater pressure against the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: A card connector having a guide portion to ease loading/unloading of a memory card. The card connector includes a substantially rectangular slot defined by a top edge, a pair of side edges, and a bottom margin. The guide portion is disposed adjacent the slot and has a bottom wall and a pair of side walls. A first tapered feature, disposed on the bottom wall, is directed from a leading edge of the bottom wall toward the bottom margin of the slot. Each of the side walls has a second tapered feature directed from a leading edge of the side wall toward one of the pair of side edges of the slot.

Abstract: A base assembly for supporting a digital camera includes a weighted plate having a frictional surface for contacting a supporting surface and constraining the camera relative to a horizontal orientation; a pivoting member having an extension for connecting to the camera and a pivot axis about which the camera can swivel relative to the base assembly; and a frictional pad molded upon a sheet metal spring positioned between the weighted plate and the pivoting member. The base assembly includes means for urging the pivoting member against the frictional pad so as to provide sufficient friction between the frictional pad and the pivoting member to constrain rotational motion of the camera in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a lens assembly having a lens barrel for supporting a lens along an optical axis, an optical base having an opening aligned with the optical axis, and a plurality of ramps and a corresponding plurality of reference locators circumferentially arranged around the lens assembly and the opening in the optical base in order to slide against one another. A retaining element biases the lens assembly against the optical base with the ramps and the reference locators likewise biased therebetween against each other. Consequently, the ramps and reference locators provide an arrangement for focusing the lens assembly. The optical assembly also includes a factory focus tab attached to the lens assembly and accessible during the manufacturing operation for focusing the lens assembly by moving the ramps against the reference locators, and a focus adjuster assembly accessible during user focus for focusing the lens assembly by moving the ramps against the reference locators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing therapeutic intermittent pneumatic pressure to a body portion. An air reservoir receives a substantially steady flow of pressurized air from a pump. Pressure is applied as a rapid pulse from the reservoir to a cuff means in contact with the body portion so as to promote acceleration of venous blood flow in the body portion. In a preferred embodiment, the pneumatic pressure is applied in a graduated manner and/or sequentially distally to proximally along the body portion. A simplified carrying arrangement is provided for the system.

Abstract: A walking brace is disclosed having inflatable air cells to provide therapeutic pressure to the patient's leg and which requires no external equipment or oral inflation tube for reinflation. Each air cell contains a piece of resilient foam, which allows air to come in through an external connection to inflate the air cell when the foam within the air cell expands and the external connection is open. Similarly, when the external connection is open, air leaves the air cell through the external connection in response to pressure on the air cell. However, once the external connection is closed, the air cell maintains its volume of air.

Abstract: A camera includes a shutter button for commencing a picture taking sequence to record an image on a photographic filmstrip and a mode button for selecting an operating mode of the camera. The mode button is operable to select a mid-roll rewind mode of the camera in which the filmstrip, having one or more unexposed image frames, is wound back into a cartridge in the camera. The mid-roll rewind mode is actuated by the shutter button. Preferably, the shutter button must be operated for a longer period of time to actuate the mid-roll rewind mode than to commence the picture-taking sequence.

Abstract: A system for intermittent, sequential, graduated compression of a multicompartment inflatable cuff by means of a single pulsing air pump and a single air tube connecting the pump to the cuff. Each more proximal compartment is inflated through a fluid restrictor communicating with its adjacent more distal compartment. The maximum pressure in the most proximal compartment is limited by a fluid restrictor bleeding air to atmosphere and the pressure in the most proximal compartment is always less than the pressure in the adjacent more distal compartment. The maximum pressure in the most distal compartment is controlled by a pressure relief valve. In a second embodiment, deflation is through a restrictor located in the supply line to the cuff and deflation of each more proximal compartment is through a one-way check-valve that permits flow of air from a proximal compartment to a distal compartment but not in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A thermal compress cuff for treating an injured knee has a fluid impervious chamber of flexible material with an upper transverse portion and depending arms extending from the transverse portion. The transverse portion is adapted to encompass a portion of a limb above the knee and the depending arms are adapted to encompass the limb along the sides of the knee and a portion of the limb below the knee while exposing the patella of the knee. The chamber is adapted to receive and contain a thermal fluid for abutting contact with the encompassed portion of the limb and the chamber further contains a plurality of tethers to constrict the amount of thermal fluid which may enter the cuff. In addition, the cuff is provided with elastic straps which hold the cuff on to the knee and allow compression to be exerted on the suprapatellar region of the knee while limiting the pressure exerted on the distal and popliteal areas of the leg.