Abstract: The bandwidth use for Video Relay Service (VRS) assisted calls for hearing impaired individuals is reduced by transmitting a sequence of corresponding sign identification (ID) numbers rather than a video of the signing itself. The signs may be captured by a video camera and recognized by a previously trained sign recognition algorithm, which advantageously converts the signs to sign ID numbers for transmission. Then, at the receiving end, the sequence of ID numbers may be advantageously re-converted back into signs, which may, for example, be displayed on a video screen with use of an artificially created (e.g., a “cartoon”) image comprising (at least) a pair of hands.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining pressure within a tire mounted to a vehicle, wherein the tire is coupled to a tire pressure monitoring system including a sensor coupled to a transmitter, the sensor configured to sense tire pressure and the transmitter configured to transmit the sensed tire pressure to a receiver. First, a first tire pressure is sensed. Then, a calculation is made as to whether the sensed first tire pressure is greater than a predetermined pressure threshold, equal to the predetermined pressure threshold, or less than the predetermined pressure threshold. Next, an indication is provided external to the vehicle that the sensed first tire pressure is greater than a predetermined pressure range, within the predetermined pressure range, or less than the predetermined pressure range.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting when a spare wheel (SP) is used to replace a previously rolling wheel on a vehicle, where each wheel can transmit wheel ID and motion status signals. The apparatus comprises a receiver, a memory for storing information relating wheel ID and location, a processor coupled to the receiver and memory for analyzing the wheel signals to determine if the SP is rolling, and a timer coupled to the processor that measures how long the SP has been rolling. When the SP has been rolling for predetermined time T, the processor looks at the motion status signals from remaining wheels to determine which is stopped, and then modifies the information stored in the memory to associate the SP ID with the wheel location formerly occupied by the now stopped wheel and associate the stopped-wheel ID with the storage location for the spare.

Abstract: A flue gas mixture containing sulfur oxides is scrubbed in a countercurrent spray tower absorber with a spray of ammonium sulfate liquor and the scrubbed gas stream containing ammonia aerosols, sulfur trioxide aerosols and ammonia slip is passed to a wet electrostatic precipitator for the removal of the aerosols and slip. The ammonium sulfate liquor in the absorber system is passed into a separate reaction tank where ammonia and air are injected. The ammonia and sulfur oxides react in the separate reaction tank to form ammonium sulfite which is oxidized to the sulfate by the air. The gases and vapors from the separate reaction tank are separately scrubbed and the gases then returned to the absorber.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis and treatment of articular disorders comprising the use of fluorocarbons are disclosed. The methods provide for the introduction of a fluorocarbon into an articular region to replace or augment natural synovial fluid. The introduced fluorocarbons, which may be in various forms including liquids, gels or emulsions, provide articular lubrication and cushioning which is effective for the treatment of disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, the methods of the present invention may be used to provide high resolution articular images, reduce articular inflammation and introduce bioactive agents to the articular region.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis and treatment of articular disorders comprising the use of fluorocarbons are disclosed. The methods provide for the introduction of a fluorocarbon into an articular region to replace or augment natural synovial fluid. The introduced fluorocarbons, which may be in various forms including liquids, gels or emulsions, provide articular lubrication and cushioning which is effective for the treatment of disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, the methods of the present invention may be used to provide high resolution articular images, reduce articular inflammation and introduce bioactive agents to the articular region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the conservation of respiratory promoters following their pulmonary introduction are disclosed. In preferred embodiments the present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing the loss of respiratory promoter, and particularly fluorochemcials, during medical procedures such as liquid ventilation. The disclosed methods comprise the use of vapor retention assemblies, which may be conventional heat and moisture exchangers, to passively retain the respiratory promoter and return it to the lungs in subsequent breaths. Novel vapor retention assemblies comprising fluorophilic exchange elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis and treatment of articular disorders comprising the use of fluorocarbons are disclosed. The methods provide for the introduction of a fluorocarbon into an articular region to replace or augment natural synovial fluid. The introduced fluorocarbons, which may be in various forms including liquids, gels or emulsions, provide articular lubrication and cushioning which is effective for the treatment of disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, the methods of the present invention may be used to provide high resolution articular images, reduce articular inflammation and introduce bioactive agents to the articular region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the conservation of respiratory promoters following their pulmonary introduction are disclosed. In preferred embodiments the present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing the loss of respiratory promoter, and particularly fluorochemcials, during medical procedures such as liquid ventilation. The disclosed methods comprise the use of vapor retention assemblies, which may be conventional heat and moisture exchangers, to passively retain the respiratory promoter and return it to the lungs in subsequent breaths. Novel vapor retention assemblies comprising fluorophilic exchange elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a carburetor including a member defining an air induction passage including a downstream portion, an upstream portion, and a venturi located between the downstream portion and the upstream portion, a member defining a fuel chamber, a fuel well located in the air induction passage defining member, extending in the fuel chamber, and communicating with the fuel chamber, a high speed nozzle located in the fuel well and communicating with the venturi, and an enrichment fuel pump including a cover fixed to the fuel chamber defining member, a diaphragm located between the cover and the fuel chamber defining member and defining a fuel pumping chamber and a variable pressure chamber, a duct communicating between the variable pressure chamber and the downstream portion of the air induction passage downstream of the throttle valve, an inlet conduit communicating between the fuel chamber and the fuel pumping chamber and including an inlet check valve permitting in-flow into the fuel pumping chamber an

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an outboard motor comprising a cylinder block including a lower horizontal drive shaft housing mounting surface, and a cylinder head mounting surface extending upwardly from the drive shaft housing mounting surface, a drive shaft housing including a peripheral outer surface including an upper end, a cylinder block mounting surface at the upper end, and a portion extending rearwardly from the cylinder block mounting surface and having therein a vertically open bore located forwardly of the outer surface, and a cylinder head comprising a cylinder block mounting surface fixed to the cylinder head mounting surface and including vertically spaced first and second recesses adapted to respectively form portions of first and second combustion chambers and respectively including first and second exhaust ports, a bottom surface extending transversely rearwardly from the cylinder block mounting surface of the cylinder head, a projection extending downwardly from the bottom surface and into the bore,

Abstract: A composition for use in visualizing tissues comprising a physiologically-acceptable fluorocarbon liquid and a visualizable label such as a chromophore or visible or fluorescent dye associated therewith; preferably the fluorocarbon is in the form of an emulsion and the label has a lipophilic moiety. Also disclosed are methods for labeling and visualizing cells and tissue, such as those of the reticuloendothelial system.

Abstract: A method for improving fat saturation during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by placing a fat saturation enhancing material such as a fluorocarbon, preferably perfluorooctylbromide, perfluorodecylbromide, FC-77, or FC-43, on or around a part of the body of a patient to be scanned with MRI, thereby eliminating the skin-air interface and reducing anatomical imaging problems, wherein the placement of the fat saturation enhancing material is accomplished by containing the fat saturation enhancing material in a bag.