Abstract: A vital signs monitor system is integrated with personal protective equipment (“PPE”) so that upon wearing the PPE, the monitor is placed in an operational position to monitor a vital sign. In one embodiment, the vital signs sensor comprises a thermal sensor located at a mouth guard to automatically make operational contact with tissue under the tongue when the mouth guard is worn. A second vital signs monitor comprising reflective pulse oximetry devices senses oxygen saturation and heart rate. Vital signs data are communicated to an RF module located in an associated helmet for transmission to a remote location. A gateway at that remote location receives the transmitted vital signs data and forwards that data to a data collection, organization, and access system that is programmed to make the vital signs data available over the Internet.

Abstract: Microball delivery solutions for solder bumping are generally described. In this regard, according to one example embodiment, a microball delivery assembly includes a mask with at least two microball holder(s) to hold at least two different sizes of microball(s) that may correspond with at least two different-sized openings on a substrate, to provide simultaneous delivery of different-sized microballs upon a substrate.

Abstract: Microball delivery solutions for solder bumping are generally described. In this regard, according to one example embodiment, a microball delivery assembly includes a mask with at least two microball holder(s) to hold at least two different sizes of microball(s) that may correspond with at least two different-sized openings on a substrate, to provide simultaneous delivery of different-sized microballs upon a substrate.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a pivoting and sliding member is provided. The pivoting and sliding member includes a housing covering controls for a combustion appliance, a first and second pivot pin attached to the housing in a substantially parallel manner having sufficient strength to permit the housing to pivot and slide about the first and second pivot pins, and an elongated receiving slot configured to receive one of the first or second pivot pins and dimension to permit at least one of the first and second pivot pins to pivot within and slide along the elongated receiving slot. A method of manipulating a control cover on a combustion device is provided.

Abstract: A control frame for a boiler includes a control mounting surface and a control panel. The control frame can be formed from a single piece of sheet metal, such that the control mounting surface and the control panel form a single undivided unit. In addition, the control frame can structurally support a boiler enclosure. The control mounting surface can include mounting interfaces for a control device, an optional microcontroller and wiring terminal strips. The control panel can also include cutouts or mounting interfaces for instrumentation or other control devices. The control frame can further include a latch interface to hold a separate cover panel in place.

Abstract: A nonrotating adjustable solar panel for optimizing cell charging of a portable message sign, comprising a movable frame, a message sign, a solar panel, a support post attached to the underside of the solar panel by a universal joint, and a mechanism for adjusting the angle and position of the solar panel comprising a pair of outwardly extending arms, a pair of threaded support rods, each rod extending through an aperture in the arm, and a handle for turning the rod. Each rod is coupled to the underside of the solar panel by a ball or universal joint. As each rod is turned, it raises or lowers a portion of the solar panel, providing tilting and pivoting, but not rotating motion for adjustment of the solar panel angle.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes first and second control handles positioned at opposing ends of an operator compartment. The first control handle is positioned adjacent the forks for driving the vehicle in a fore or forks first direction, and the second control handle is positioned adjacent the back of the vehicle for driving the vehicle in the aft or forks trailing direction. The aft control handle is provided in a twist grip style, which can be gripped easily by an operator facing the aft of the material handling vehicle. The control handles provide stability for the operator and an intuitive operator interface irrespective of direction of travel.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes first and second control handles positioned at opposing ends of an operator compartment. The first control handle is positioned adjacent the forks for driving the vehicle in a fore or forks first direction, and the second control handle is positioned adjacent the back of the vehicle for driving the vehicle in the aft or forks trailing direction. The control handles provide stability for the operator and an intuitive operator interface irrespective of direction of travel.

Abstract: A digital device interface for transferring information between a processor and a control device includes a first serial peripheral interface (SPI), e.g., with “data in,” “data out” and “clock” ports, in serial communication with a second SPI. The first SPI can be coupled to, and associated with, the processor; the second SPI, with the control device. A first transfer logic section, e.g., a shift register engine, transfers bytes, word, longwords or other multi-bit datum between the processor and the control device. A second transfer logic section effects a transfer transaction between the processor and the control device—that is, the transfer of plural multi-bit datum relating to a common data access operation or a common data generation operation. For sensor-type control devices, such a transaction may include, for example, the “continuous” transfer of data sensed by the device.

Abstract: A nonrotating adjustable solar panel for optimizing cell charging of a portable message sign, comprising a movable frame, a message sign, a solar panel, a support post attached to the underside of the solar panel by a universal joint, and a mechanism for adjusting the angle and position of the solar panel comprising a pair of outwardly extending arms, a pair of threaded support rods, each rod extending through an aperture in the arm, and a handle for turning the rod. Each rod is coupled to the underside of the solar panel by a ball or universal joint. As each rod is turned, it raises or lowers a portion of the solar panel, providing tilting and pivoting, but not rotating motion for adjustment of the solar panel angle.

Abstract: A composition comprising a hydrogel matrix and a particulate magnetic material within the matrix may be employed to entrap different agents, including biological entities such as antibodies and antigens, whereby the composition may be employed in immunoseparation and in diagnostic procedures.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating spreadsheet information between a distributor of a workbook and one or more contributors to the workbook is provided. A master workbook is created having one or more worksheets and assigning one or more contributors to each of the one or more worksheets. Embedded into each of the worksheets is a unique identifier for each of the one or more contributors to be assigned to the worksheet. The worksheets can then be distributed to the assigned contributors using the embedded identifier. After the assigned contributors receive the worksheets, each contributor can modify the received worksheets to which they have been assigned and return the modified worksheets to the distributor. The returned worksheets can be sorted and associated with the master workbook. The associated worksheets can be selectively merged into the master workbook.

Abstract: A telecommunications database system is provided which permits an intelligent peripheral(IP) platform to have channelized database access to a plurality of databases. The IP platform can locate data in any one of the plurality of databases through a channel map that is derived from configuration data supplied by a default database and data supplied by an incoming call or request to the IP platform. Once the channel map is derived, the IP platform can select a channel to access a local or remote database based on the data supplied by the incoming call or request. This data may be a request for information, service circuit id, DNIS of the incoming call, address entered by a caller, OCN/Redirect of the call, ANI of the call, and/or progress indicators.

Abstract: A illuminated surgical instrument (11) includes an optical fiber (21) with a proximal end and a distal end, a connector (15) disposed at the proximal end of the optical fiber, and a handpiece (13) disposed generally at the distal end of the optical fiber. The handpiece has a handpiece body and a needle (25) extending distally from the handpiece body, the optical fiber (21) extending generally through the handpiece and extending slightly past the distal end of the needle (25). The handpiece (13) is suitable for one-handed operation by a human user, and the needle (25) is of a size suitable for insertion into a human eye. The instrument (11) includes structures at the distal end of the optical fiber (21) for dispersing light passing from an illumination source through the cable to broaden the area on which light impinges, and a shield (47) disposed proximally of a portion of the dispersing structure to prevent light from impinging upon a predetermined area.

Abstract: A low loss optic lens cell the cell comprising at least one and preferably a plurality of light sources such as LEDs mounted to a board and capable of being electrically connected to a power source. A lens is attached to the board in a spaced apart relationship thereto. Each lens has a flat portion, least one and preferably a plurality of convex portions, and an aperture defined in each convex portion in a generally collinear arrangement relative to a corresponding LED. A plurality of the cells may be combined into an array, arranged in a housing, and connected to an electric control for operating the cells to form lighted patterns. Low intensity light rays are maximally utilized by refracting the rays back toward the LED axis and high intensity light rays are maximally utilized by allowing them to pass through the aperture without refraction and with little or no optical losses.

Abstract: A illuminated surgical instrument (11) includes an optical fiber (21) with a proximal end and a distal end, a connector (15) disposed at the proximal end of the optical fiber, and a handpiece (13) disposed generally at the distal end of the optical fiber. The handpiece has a handpiece body and a needle (25) extending distally from the handpiece body, the optical fiber (21) extending generally through the handpiece and extending slightly past the distal end of the needle (25). The handpiece (13) is suitable for one-handed operation by a human user, and the needle (25) is of a size suitable for insertion into a human eye. The instrument (11) includes structures at the distal end of the optical fiber (21) for dispersing light passing from an illumination source through the cable to broaden the area on which light impinges, and a shield (47) disposed proximally of a portion of the dispersing structure to prevent light from impinging upon a predetermined area.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring system incorporated in a firefighter's turnout coat, vest or self-contained breathing apparatus to provide protective garments or equipment that can determine the rate of increase of the temperatures in the environment and compare the rate of temperature increase to at least one predetermined threshold and provide a warning when the rate of temperature increase exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides for golf clubs, in particular woods, which include a three dimensional weighting system including at least two weight ports which are attached to the outside of the clubhead. The weights are directly axially aligned to, and form an equilateral triangle with the clubs center of gravity. The weights are preferably located in close proximity to the sole plate of the club in the rear toe and heel position. The two double sided, from top to bottom weights, facilitate vertical, horizontal and lateral movement of the club's center of gravity. The weights are made of various densities which can easily be interchanged to make the club lighter or heavier. This weighting system allows for individual customization of the club to increase or decrease the hooking or slicing of the ball. It also enables the club to have the greatest possible expansion of the moment of inertia, as well as the ability to lower or raise the clubs center of gravity to customize shot trajectory.

Abstract: A lounge chair apparatus for allowing a person to lye in either a prone, supine, or sit in an upright position at varying degrees. The lounge chair apparatus comprising an upper platform, a middle platform, and a lower platform. A pair of U-shaped configuration formed by a plurality of support member is affixed thereto the upper platform. An elongated slot is formed therebetween the U-shaped configurations to allow a person's face to be supported therebetween. A carrying handle is affixed thereto the U-shaped configurations to allow a person to carry the chair apparatus when in a folded position.

Abstract: A illuminated surgical instrument (11) includes an optical fiber (21) with a proximal end and a distal end, a connector (15) disposed at the proximal end of the optical fiber, and a handpiece (13) disposed generally at the distal end of the optical fiber. The handpiece has a handpiece body and a needle (25) extending distally from the handpiece body, the optical fiber (21) extending generally through the handpiece and extending slightly past the distal end of the needle (25). The handpiece (13) is suitable for one-handed operation by a human user, and the needle (25) is of a size suitable for insertion into a human eye. The instrument (11) includes structures at the distal end of the optical fiber (21) for dispersing light passing from an illumination source through the cable to broaden the area on which light impinges, and a shield (47) disposed proximally of a portion of the dispersing structure to prevent light from impinging upon a predetermined area.