Abstract: An absolute coordinate pointing device defines an (x,y) plane drawing region wherein user manipulation of a control element controls (x,y) location of first light source optical energy detectable by a first light sensor array that outputs (x,y) Cartesian coordinate data representing control element (x,y) movement. A pantograph coupled between the control element and first light source optical energy provides scaling. Pointing device (x,y) data output can control cursor position on a companion device display screen. Control element location on the drawing region is commensurate with cursor location on the display screen. Optionally an additional pantograph member can pivot in the z-direction with z-displacement of the control element. Z-axis location of optical energy from a second light source moves with z-movement of this pivoting member. A second light sensor array senses this optical energy and outputs z-axis Cartesian coordinate data representing control element z-displacement.

Abstract: A pointing device includes a single control element to provide a user with absolute coordinate information and to enable user control of a computer cursor and emulation of mouse clicks. User movement of the single control element in an (x-y) plane preferably moves an optically reflective surface relative to an optical sensor system stationary within the device housing, such movement precluding rotation relative to the (x-y) plane. Mouse clicking may be emulated by moving the single control element up or down and/or by tilting relative to the (x-y) plane. Alternatively mouse clicking may be emulated by user activation of left and right sensor type switches or sensors. The device may be used by handicapped persons who can control cursor movement and mouse clicking using the single control element.

Abstract: A single control element device provides a user with absolute coordinate information and enables user control of a computer cursor and emulation of mouse clicks. The single control element is user-moved relative to a surface having a dynamic coefficient of friction that reduces false double-clicks. The device may be used by handicapped persons and emulates left mouse clicking and double clicking by recognizing downward force of the single control element into the surface, and recognizes upward movement of the single control element away from the surface as a right mouse click.

Abstract: A single control element device provides a user with absolute coordinate information and enables user control of a computer cursor and emulation of mouse clicks. The single control element is user-moved relative to a surface having a dynamic coefficient of friction that reduces false double-clicks. The device may be used by handicapped persons and emulates left mouse clicking and double clicking by recognizing downward force of the single control element into the surface, and recognizes upward movement of the single control element away from the surface as a right mouse click.

Abstract: A cursor controller for use with a computer uses a single moving slider actuated by a handle for indicating X and Y movement by mounting a pair of planar screens each having parallel lines at right angles to each other. Two light sources and associated detectors are respectively arranged on either side of the respective pair of screens so that light pulses resulting from movement of the slider indicate the amount of movement to control the cursor on a computer screen. Each associated detector may be formed by a side-by-side pair of light detectors with intermediate fixed screens having displaced lines to provide a quadrature sine wave output. In effect the pair of screens float between the sources and the detectors to eliminate unnecessary wiring and create a simple robust device.

Abstract: An explosive material-energized plasticized metal slug cutter for use within tubular cylinders, or pipe or similar structures-especially in buried or otherwise inaccessible locations is disclosed. The cutter includes explosive material initially disposed in a particular hourglass or dogbone shape and surrounded by a layer of explosive-plasticizable copper or similar material which becomes both heated to plasticity and imparted with kinetic energy upon explosive material detonation. The hourglass or dogbone shape of the explosive material provides focus or shaping of the copper metal into a confined slug pattern enabling a clean and relatively low expended-energy cutting of a surrounding tubular cylinder into axial segments. The cutter employs a cutting action inclusive of spalling at the outer surface of the cut tubing opposite the region of slug impact.

Abstract: A cursor controller with a handle which moves in X, Y directions has the handle cantilevered on a upper platform which slides on an intermediate platform in an X direction with the axis of the handle intersecting the effective center of X guide means. And then the intermediate platform slides on a Y guide on a lower fixed platform, all of the foregoing being captured by a top cover. The top cover has a slot through which the handle, which is cantilevered on a bracket fixed to the end of the top platform, extends. The controller can be mounted directly on a keyboard or with a specially shaped enclosure to be operated by one hand.

Abstract: An improved polar co-ordinate digitizer where a cord is extensible from a base unit and moves a cord guide to provide an angle measurement and is also wrapped on a drum whose movement reflects a length measurement. The winding drum is mounted on a common center or shaft with the angle arm on which the cord guide is located. Both rotate separate disks which have their peripheries a bar-code pattern. These are above the drum and cord guide so as to allow unrestricted angular movement of the cord. Light-emitting diode and photo detector means sense the bar-patterns to provide length and angle parameters.

Abstract: An improved polar co-ordinate digitizer where a cord extensible from a base unit moves a cord guide to provide an angle measurement and is wrapped on a drum whose movement reflects a length measurement. Lateral pressure on the cord guide is minimized by a low mass pivot arm whose angle is sensed by optical photodetector techniques. In addition the length of the cord is also sensed by a similar photodetector both mounted for rotation about the origin axis of the polar co-ordinate system and utilizing a fixed reference photodetector all of which sense a continuously rotating disk with an index mark on it. Suitable calibration is provided for the system.

Abstract: A pneumotachograph including a housing having first and second ports which, during the course of respiration, alternate as input and output ports and which provide a path for generally linear flow of the respiratory gases. A pair of pitot tubes are disposed along the top of the path and are positioned generally at right angles thereto. A pair of baffles or flow deflectors are disposed in the path in alignment with the axes of the pitot tubes. Each of the baffles is positioned at an angle of approximately 45.degree. to the axis of its associated pitot tube and to the path of flow. The baffles may be held in the flow path by a rigid connection or alternatively, they may be retained there by a resilient connection such that the pitot tube measurement is linearized.In another embodiment, the baffles may actually be merged into a single baffle thus leaving an annular opening between itself and the housing with the opening of the gap being approximately the same distance as the distance between the pair of tubes.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring expired gas concentration in infants whose breathing rate is too high for normal analyzers by sampling the breath, for instance from the tube between the respirator and the infant, and drawing that sample of gas into an elongated, small diameter tube which serves to store the sample in a linear array substantially without intermixing. Several breaths are thus stored after which time the sampling may be interrupted and the stored gas drawn slowly through a gas analyzer.

Abstract: A system for measuring the oxygen uptake and respiratory quotient of a patient which employs a high resistance gas flow path in parallel with a pneumotachograph. The high resistance path is connected to each side of the pneumotachograph and a small chamber is included in the high resistance path at each end thereof adjacent its connection to the pneumotachograph. The volume of the high resistance path, together with its resistance relative to that of the pneumotachograph is chosen such that, during respiration of the patient employing the device, the high resistance path will never be completely flushed through in one direction before flow starts in the opposite direction. The high reistance path is chosen to be a constant resistance such that the amount of flow therethrough is proportional to the flow through the pneumotachograph.

Abstract: A trap for collecting liquid in a gas line between the patient and a respiratory gas analyzer which trap senses the collection of a predetermined volume of liquid and operates upon sensing that volume to immediately interrupt the connection between the gas analyzer and the deposit of liquid and also to initiate a flushing cycle such that the liquid is flushed out of the lines to protect the analyzer from contamination.

Abstract: A gas flow meter employing means for obtaining a differential pressure across a resistance orifice in a line of gas flow. Although flow through the orifice may be turbulent thus making the differential pressure non linear with respect to the amount of flow, the effect of that turbulence is offset by the provision of a hinged flap within the orifice which opens upon increase in gas flow thereby lowering the orifice's resistance to that flow. Because of the variable resistance orifice the resultant pressure differential is linear with respect to the amount of flow. The differential pressure is sensed by pressure tubes disposed on opposite sides of the orifice and the hinged flap is arranged to flex over the downstream pressure tube so as to protect it from eddy currents. Moreover, the flap is hinged at the top and opens from the bottom whereby free liquid may pass through the orifice without any significant change in calibration.