Abstract: A system for detecting gunshots includes an input device including a microphone for converting acoustic noises into signals and amplifiers for amplifying the input signals, a threshold detector for receiving the amplified signals and comparing the signals with a predetermined threshold value and for producing an output signal when the threshold value is exceeded. A pulse width detector is connected to the threshold detector for producing an output signal only if the width of the threshold detector output signal is within a predetermined range of values. A pulse count detector is also connected to the threshold detector for producing an output signal when the level of the threshold output signal is above a peak threshold level or the number of threshold level output signals that exceed a threshold level are less than a preset limit. An output device indicates that a gunshot has occurred only when signals are received from the pulse width detector and the pulse count detector during a sampling period.

Abstract: A device for increasing comfort for a human in the sitting position that includes a unitary seat cushion having right and left side cushion portions for supporting the right and left innominate bones, respectively, of a user. Each right and left cushion portion has horizontal top and bottom walls that are separated by vertical distances, one of the vertical distances is preselected to be greater than the other vertical distance by a preselected distance that generally ranges between 1/16 inch and 1/8 inch.

Abstract: A retractable lead having a distal tip electrode is adapted for implantation on or about the heart and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity. The electrode includes a fixation helix for securing the electrode to cardiac tissue, which may or may not be electrically active. The electrode further includes an electrode tip having a mesh screen disposed on a surface at the distal end of the electrode tip, which can be used as a sensing or pacing interface with the cardiac tissue. The mesh screen provides a guiding mechanism for the helix as it travels out of the electrode for securing the electrode to the heart or other muscle or organ. The guiding mechanism may include a groove within the mesh screen. Alternatively, the guiding mechanism includes a guiding bar on which the fixation helix rides on during extension or retraction.

Abstract: A server computer selects code updates to download to a client computer as follows. The server computer identifies code updates which are consistent with basic system characteristics of the client computer. Then, the server computer sends to the client computer one or more "recognizer" programs which execute in the client computer to determine whether the client computer has a version other than a current version of the consistent code updates. The client sends the results to the server computer which generates a list of those code updates which are consistent with the basic system characteristics, and represent programs that exist on the client computer for which an update would be appropriate. The server computer also identifies new data which is consistent with attributes of a user of the client computer. Then, the server computer sends to the client computer one or more recognizer programs which execute in the client computer to determine whether the client computer already has the consistent new data.

Abstract: A computer system identifies web pages of interest to a client. The system comprises a cataloging function which defines a hierarchy of subject categories, logically arranges a multitude of web pages in the categories and periodically adds web pages to the categories. The system also comprises a profile building function which receives selections of categories from a user, records the selections and responds with an identification of subcategories of each selected category. The user can make further selections from the subcategories. Alternately, the user makes a key word search and then selects data web pages from the results of the search. The profile building function records the categories of the data web pages selected by the user. Next, the user requests a list of recently added web pages of interest to the user. In response, the system identifies recently added web pages from the categories previously selected by the user and from the categories of the data web pages previously selected by the user.

Abstract: A server computer selects code updates to download to a client computer. The server computer identifies code updates which are consistent with basic system characteristics of the client computer. Then, the server computer sends to the client computer one or more "recognizer" programs or one or more addresses outside of the client computer of the one or more recognizer programs which execute in the client computer to determine whether the client computer has a version other than a current version of the identified code updates. The client sends the results to the server computer which generates a list of code updates which are consistent with the basic system characteristics, representing programs that exist on the client computer for which an update would be appropriate. Next, the server computer sends the list or information about the list to the client computer. A user at the client computer selects from the list and sends the selections to the server computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing hair from a localized area of a patient's skin through surface electrolysis. The method of the present invention is non-invasive in that the patient's skin is never penetrated by a needle or the like. In a preferred method of the invention, a ground terminal is placed on the skin proximate a selected localized treatment area from which hair is to be removed. Thereafter, an electrified probe terminal, which includes an absorbent material saturated with an electrode solution, is touched directly to a micro-area of skin within the localized treatment area while maintaining a close association between the electrified probe terminal and the ground terminal. Therefore, the electric current path between the probe and the ground is not a substantially greater length than the width of the localized treatment area. The electric current causes electrolysis of the hair follicles in the micro-area being treated.