Abstract: A macerating and aspiration tool for removing blood masses from the brain.

Abstract: An adapter is interposed between the objective and the microscope. The adapter has a support structure to which are mounted an objective-engaging structure, a microscope-engaging structure, and a reflecting element. The objective-engaging structure and the microscope-engaging structure, when mounted to the support structure, are characterized by respective axes that are non-collinear, and the reflecting element is positioned and oriented so that light incident along the objective-engaging structure's axis is reflected to travel along the microscope-engaging structure's axis. The relative angle between the axes is preferably 90 degrees. A user mounts the adapter to the microscope and the objective to the adapter, at which point, the microscope is capable of viewing a sample at an angle displaced from the vertical. In the specific example of a 90-degree angle, a sample of any size can be viewed merely by bringing the sample beside the microscope and in front of the objective.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the fatigue life of a structure calculate, in real time, the values for the magnitudes of the stress forces imposed at a particular location on the structure, from one or more sensed structural parameters. Also, the associated temperature values of the structure may be calculated or measured. The calculated stress data are continuously examined, in real time, to determine if the direction of their magnitude is increasing or decreasing. If a change in direction is indicated, the previously stored peak data point in the increasing direction is paired with the previously determined peak data point in the decreasing direction to form a cycle pair. The structural fatigue life is then determined, in real time, from this cycle pair.

Abstract: A multi-axis motion controller includes a digital signal processor operable in a standalone mode to run a motion control application program for controlling motion along multiple axes is organized in a shared memory architecture and includes a serial I/O data system with DMA access to the memory for repeatedly moving input and output data directly between the memory and a serial data line. The motion controller may be utilized in connection with a cup lid dispenser for an automated drinkmaker having a pivotable shuttle arrangement for dispensing the bottommost lid in a stack, and a double lid sensor for determining if more than one lid has been dispensed.

Abstract: A multi-axis motion controller includes a digital signal processor operable in a standalone mode to run a motion control application program for controlling motion along multiple axes is organized in a shared memory architecture and includes a serial I/O data system with DMA access to the memory for repeatedly moving input and output data directly between the memory and a serial data line. The motion controller may be utilized in connection with a cup lid dispenser for an automated drinkmaker having a pivotable shuttle arrangement for dispensing the bottommost lid in a stack, and a double lid sensor for determining if more than one lid has been dispensed.

Abstract: A coordinate conversion system is provided for moving the manipulator arm and hand in repsonse to an input command signal of the 3.times.4 matrix type. The manipulator is provided with a fixed offset between two of the secondary wrist axes so that a stronger wrist configuration is provided which can handle heavier payloads.

Abstract: An infrared temperature probe for high pressure use is in the form of a hollow bolt adapted to be threaded into a complementary threaded aperture in the wall of a pressure vessel with the end thereof disposed flush with the internal surface of the pressure vessel wall. An infrared transparent window is secured in the end of the hollow bolt with one surface thereof disposed flush with the end of the bolt. A bundle of optical fibers is secured within the opposite end of the hollow bolt and a glass rod is mounted within the hollow bolt in operative relation to the window and the optical fiber bundle for transmitting infrared radiation from the window to the optical fiber bundle. The interior of the hollow bolt may be supplied with a circulating cooling liquid or gas.