Abstract: A method and system of evaluating shift performance of an automatic transmission system having gears and a torque converter. The method includes driving the automatic transmission with an input motor while applying a rotational load by a pair of output motors. A command is applied to a solenoid to change fluid pressure, the time of issuance of the command is recorded, and the transmission shifts between a pair of the gears. Periodic measurements are made for transmission output torque. Threshold values are determined for the torque converter rotation speed and for the transmission output torque. A lag time is determined between the threshold for the turbine speed and the detected time for the solenoid. An engage time is determined based on the torque threshold and the turbine speed threshold. Lag time, peak transmission, and output torque are used to judge performance of the automatic transmission system.

Abstract: A method and system of evaluating shift performance of an automatic transmission system having gears and a torque converter. The method includes driving the automatic transmission with an input motor while applying a rotational load by a pair of output motors. A command is applied to a solenoid to change fluid pressure, the time of issuance of the command is recorded, and the transmission shifts between a pair of the gears. Periodic measurements are made for transmission output torque. Threshold values are determined for the torque converter rotation speed and for the transmission output torque. A lag time is determined between the threshold for the turbine speed and the detected time for the solenoid. An engage time is determined based on the torque threshold and the turbine speed threshold. Lag time, peak transmission, and output torque are used to judge performance of the automatic transmission system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein relate generally to a cable hub apparatus. The cable hub apparatus is configured to communicate physiological data for a patient to a patient monitoring device. The cable hub apparatus includes: a plurality of analog sensor connectors configured to receive analog physiological sensor data for the patient; a plurality of digital sensor connectors configured to received digital physiological sensor data for the patient; a controller to control collecting the received physiological sensor data; and a digital interface configured to communicate through a single cable the received physiological sensor data to the patient monitoring device.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a patient monitoring and display system. The system allows a clinician to trigger the occurrence of a clinical event, and record a patient's status following the clinical event. The system calculates and displays a change in a patient's status resulting from the clinical event. The system allows multiple parameters to be tracked and displayed on a single screen. The system can also display various animated organs, such as a heart or a lung, corresponding to an operation of the organs in the patient.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a patient monitoring and display system. The system allows a clinician to trigger the occurrence of a clinical event, and record a patient's status following the clinical event. The system calculates and displays a change in a patient's status resulting from the clinical event. The system allows multiple parameters to be tracked and displayed on a single screen. The system can also display various animated organs, such as a heart or a lung, corresponding to an operation of the organs in the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method that deploys a liftgate from the cargo space of a contained area is described. In one embodiment the device has an anchor frame permanently attached to the inside of a cargo space and a front linkage member and a rear linkage member pivotably attached to the anchor frame. An actuator is pivotably attached on one end to the rear linkage member and to the anchor frame on the other end. The front and rear linkage bars are further attached on the opposite ends to a mounting member, which is attached to a liftgate. In a nested state the liftgate is stored and locked in a horizontal position above the apparatus. In an engaged state, the front linkage member and rear linkage member rotate and the mounting member translates and rotates through the cargo door opening to reposition the liftgate in a functional position outside of the cargo space.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method that deploys a liftgate from the cargo space of a contained area is described. In one embodiment the device has an anchor frame permanently attached to the inside of a cargo space and a front linkage member and a rear linkage member pivotably attached to the anchor frame. An actuator is pivotably attached on one end to the rear linkage member and to the anchor frame on the other end. The front and rear linkage bars are further attached on the opposite ends to a mounting member, which is attached to a liftgate. In a nested state the liftgate is stored and locked in a horizontal position above the apparatus. In an engaged state, the front linkage member and rear linkage member rotate and the mounting member translates and rotates through the cargo door opening to reposition the liftgate in a functional position outside of the cargo space.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a patient monitoring and display system. The system allows a clinician to trigger the occurrence of a clinical event, and record a patient's status following the clinical event. The system calculates and displays a change in a patient's status resulting from the clinical event. The system allows multiple parameters to be tracked and displayed on a single screen. The system can also display various animated organs, such as a heart or a lung, corresponding to an operation of the organs in the patient.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention provides a wireless communication system for medical sensor data. This communications system includes a portable unit that connects to a wireless sensor and a monitor unit that connects to a sensor monitor. Once activated, the units will self organize into a wireless communication structure controlled by the portable unit. As other pairs of units activate, they can self-organize their transmissions by joining an existing network or by creating new networks.

Abstract: A disposable, closed fluid sampling system for use with a medical conduit line, especially for taking blood samples from a pressure monitoring line. The conduit line has at least one fluid sampling site interposed between a distal segment of tubing and a proximal segment of tubing. The system includes a disposable subsystem having a bypass cannula adapted to engage the sampling site, a reservoir for drawing a prime volume of fluid past the sampling site, and a fluid sampling container. A 3-way stopcock may connect the reservoir, bypass cannula, and sampling vessel for controlling the sampling procedure. The bypass cannula may simultaneously place the subsystem into fluid communication with an inner chamber of the sampling site and exclude the proximal segment of the conduit line. Alternatively, a stopcock immediately adjacent the sampling site in the proximal segment may be utilized.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention provides a wireless communication system for medical sensor data. This communications system includes a portable unit that connects to a wireless sensor and a monitor unit that connects to a sensor monitor. Once activated, the units will self organize into a wireless communication structure controlled by the portable unit. As other pairs of units activate, they can self-organize their transmissions by joining an existing network or by creating new networks.

Abstract: A flying disc toy of flexible plastic construction with a convex central top section connected to a concave central bottom section by an annular rim. The toy has a central hollow area that can be filled with water through a central opening in the top plate and also has a plurality of openings on the annular rim. When the toy is thrown and flies in the rotating manner similar to most flying discs, the centrifugal forces produced will cause the water inside of the toy to spray out of the openings in the annular rim.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for bonding a semiconductor die to a selected substrate, including the formation of a die positioning structure on the substrate to receive and secure the semiconductor die. The substrate is selected from a number of materials, the properties of which render it penetrable by electron beam radiation. The die positioning structure is a second material which is electron beam curable, and which is deposited and cured at high speed on the substrate in a novel fashion in accordance with the present invention in a highly efficient reproducible and economical manner.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for manufacture of RFID tags. The RFID tag of the present invention includes a substrate, an antenna, and a die positioning structure disposed on the substrate that is cast and cured specifically for receiving a silicon die of the type typically used in RFID applications. The substrate is selected from a number of materials, the properties of which render it penetrable by electron beam radiation. The die positioning structure is a second material which is electron beam curable, and which is deposited and cured at high speed on the substrate in a novel fashion in accordance with the present invention in a highly efficient, reproducible and economical manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflation block for a balloon inflation device including an inflation nozzle that is operatively connected to a source of pressurized gas, and a trough that substantially encloses the inflation nozzle in order to prevent access thereto by an operator's mouth, yet allowing for the insertion of the neck of a balloon thereon. The inflation nozzle is operatively connected to a slide valve that has a closed position and an open position. The slide valve is located between a source of pressurized gas and the inflation nozzle such that, in its closed position, the slide valve blocks the flow of gas from the source of pressurized gas through the inflation nozzle, and, in its open position, the slide valve opens the flow of gas from the source of pressurized gas through the inflation nozzle, in order to allow for the inflation of a balloon having its neck placed over the inflation nozzle.

Abstract: An automated placement of flat valves on a balloon strip. Included is a vacuum platen which receives the free end of a row of valve films. A cutting blade severs a single valve from the film, which is held in place by the vacuum platen. The vacuum platen is then moved through a series of motions for positioning above a heating element which is raised to bond the valve to the balloon strip.

Abstract: A food product comprising a matrix of fibers such as proteinaceous fibers, the matrix having inclusion bodies dispersed therein. The inclusion bodies may be solid, liquid or gases which can be intercalated within or between the fibers so as to weaken and disrupt the integrity of the fibers and tenderize the food products.

Abstract: A film matrix is reproduced and altered by mounting a replacing image on a light transparent sheet over the image to be replaced on the film matrix. The image to be replaced is obliterated. The mounted replacing image and the film matrix are then double exposed on another piece of film to produce another film matrix with the replacing image appropriately inserted.