Abstract: In one embodiment, airway occlusion detection is performed by applying ultrasonic pulses into the neck of a patient, receiving the ultrasonic pulses after they have passed through the neck, and analyzing the pulses to determine whether or not an airway of the patient is partially or fully occluded.

Abstract: A gear selector mechanism for a twin clutch gearbox includes a shaft (2, 4) and a first actuator (6) arranged to move the shaft linearly parallel to its length The shaft (2, 4) is connected to a pivotal lever (18) carrying a selector finger (20) adapted to engage in a recess (44) in a selected gear selector rail (46, 48, 50, 52), a second actuator (24) and a return spring (22) cooperating with the pivotable lever. The second actuator (24) is arranged to pivot the lever (18) from an inoperative position, in which the selector finger does not engage in a recess in a gear selector rail, to an operative position, which the selector finger does engage in a recess in a gear selector rail. The return spring is arranged to move the lever from the operative position to the inoperative position. The second actuator (24) is carried by a carrier (16) which is connected to a third actuator (30) arranged to move the carrier (16) linearly in a direction transverse to the length of the shaft (2, 4).

Abstract: A system to form and store an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal derived from a cardiac electrical signal that includes an apparatus having a pair of the electrodes to connect to a patient to detect the cardiac electrical signal. A signal sampler samples the cardiac electrical signal to form the ECG signal. A data storage device stores the ECG signal. A computer communicates with the data storage device to retrieve the ECG signal for analysis by software stored in the memory of the computer. The software analyzes a morphology of the amplitude of a plurality of R-wave peaks contained within the ECG signal and/or analyzes a morphology of the area of a plurality of QRS complex pulses contained within the ECG signal.

Abstract: A paint composition which comprises a binder component which includes a polyvinylidene fluoride polymer and a solvent component. The polyvinylidene fluoride polymer has a melt viscosity of at least 40 kPoise. Such paint compositions have low gloss and are useful as exterior weather-resistant paints for buildings where low-gloss paints are preferred.

Abstract: A compatible blend of superior mechanical strength, hardness and abrasion or mar resistance comprising PVDF and a compatible organic polymer containing one or more imide groups. The alloy consisting of PVDF and a polymer containing imide groups is prepared by dissolving, separately, the PVDF and polymer in a solvent and blending the solutions to provide the required composition. The alloy can also be prepared by dispersing PVDF powder in a solution of polymer containing imide groups. After heating and drying, a homogeneous alloy is formed. In addition, melt extrusion of PVDF with the imide-containing polymer also generates the desired PVDF alloy.