Abstract: A method of varying the relationship between a scalar input parameter and a scalar output parameter, by: displaying a relationship between an input parameter and an output parameter as a curve on a computer screen; selecting at least one control point on the curve; and moving at least one handle associated to the at least one control point to vary the shape of the curve as the curve passes through the at least one control point, thereby varying the relationship between the input parameter and the output parameter.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an ion source 4, a field free or drift region 5 and an ion mirror 7 comprising a reflectron. Metastable parent ions which spontaneously fragment by Post Source Decay whilst passing through the field free or drift region 5 are arranged to enter the ion mirror 7 and be reflected by the reflectron towards an ion detector 8 when the reflectron is maintained at a certain voltage. The process is then repeated with the reflectron being maintained at a slightly lower voltage. Two related sets of time of flight or mass spectral data are obtained for the two different voltage settings of the reflectron. From the two data sets the different times of flight for the same species of fragment ion can be determined. The mass to charge ratio of the parent ion which fragmented to produce the particular species of fragment ion can then be determined from the times of flight of the fragment ions.

Abstract: A door latch system for an automotive vehicle includes a latch having a housing mounted to a door inner panel and a release lever operated by a release rod connected to a handle. An impact-responsive release lever immobilizer mounted within the door is responsive to deformation of the door in the event of an impact such that the release lever will be blocked and prevented from moving to its unlatched position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for discriminating high rate polymorphic QRS complexes from high rate monomorphic QRS complexes to increase the specificity of detection of polymorphic VT and VF employing wavelet transform signal processing of the QRS complexes are disclosed. Wavelet transforms are applied to the sampled amplitude values of a sequence of QRS complexes to develop wavelet transform coefficient (WTC) data sets. At least selected ones of the WTC data sets are processed and comparisons are made to determine a wavelet match score. A determination is made as a function of the wavelet match scores of the series of successive QRS complexes that characterizes the most recent QRS complex as more or less likely to signify polymorphic VT or VF.

Abstract: An integrated circuit architecture on a single chip, including a module for digital IQ generation; a module for LO synthesis; a digital mixing module; a multi-stage filtering and decimation module; a passband equalization module; an integration module; and a DC offset adjustment module.

Abstract: A system for processing a request, the system includes a request initiator for creating a request, a request receiver for receiving the request from the request initiator, wherein the request receiver is in communication with the request initiator, and data structuring device for sequencially structuring data for use in processing the request and providing a response to the request. A method of processing a request by creating a request, forwarding the request to a request processing system, receiving the request, processing the request, processing the output of the request, and providing a response to the request.

Abstract: A method for identifying and classifying various types of oversensing in implantable medical devices (IMDs), such as implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), to assist a physician in choosing corrective action to reduce the likelihood of oversensing and inappropriate therapy delivery. Far-field electrogram (EGM) signals are analyzed to detect the occurrence of R-waves, and the result is compared to the number and pattern of R-waves sensed by the IMD and indicated on the marker channel. A marker channel with more sensed R-waves than indicated by analysis of the far-field EGM indicates the presence of oversensing, including double-counting of R-waves, T-wave oversensing, lead malfunction or failure, poor lead connections, noise associated with electromagnetic interference, non-cardiac myopotentials, etc.

Abstract: A temporary checking device is provided that works in conjunction with elements of a vehicle hinge that remain in the vehicle's final configuration. The hinge includes a hinge pin rotatably connecting a door hinge bracket to a pillar hinge bracket. The checking device includes a spring portion that is disposed between the door hinge bracket and the pillar hinge bracket. The spring portion is compressed during movement of the door hinge bracket relative to the pillar hinge bracket from either of two rest positions. The spring portion urges the vehicle door affixed thereto back into one of the rest positions, thus allowing manufacturing operations such as painting, etc., to be performed on the vehicle.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) automatically determines whether to use electrogram (EGM) signals sensed by a true bipolar electrode pair or those sensed by an integrated bipolar electrode pair. EGM signals from both the true bipolar pair and the integrated bipolar pair are simultaneously sensed and compared to determine which pair produced more accurate sensing of cardiac events. The more accurate source of EGM signals is selected and used in determining the therapy to be delivered.

Abstract: A mounting bracket is used for positioning an electronic device relative to a frame of a forklift truck. A base plate includes a pair of openings therethrough. Each of the pair of openings receives an electronic device therein. Each of the pair of openings includes an elongated recess extending from the opening of the base plate. The elongated recess permits the opening to be in communication with a region exterior to the base plate. A pair of hangers is connected to the base plate and each of the hangers is configured to engage with the forklift truck. A cover plate is configured to enclose each of the pair of the opening so as to protect the electronic device during operation of the forklift truck.

Abstract: A network computer maintains a directory of objects having multi-valued attributes. The attributes are comprised of individual linked values having conflict-resolution data that indicates a change to an object at an attribute-value level. A second network computer stores a replica of the directory in which a replica of the objects is maintained. The computers replicate the objects in the directories and update the individual linked values of the attributes. Replication conflicts are identified and resolved with the conflict-resolution data at the attribute-value level of the objects.

Abstract: A battery has a housing, a cover, and a seal engaged with the cover. The cover has an outer edge and is connected to the housing at the outer edge. The cover includes at least one portion of reduced thickness between the outer edge of the cover and the seal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques to secure interactions between entities communicating on a computer network. In general, techniques are described in which a first entity provides assurances to a second entity that an agent interacting with the second entity is interacting with the second entity on behalf of the first entity. Specifically, the techniques provide the second entity with information tending to indicate that the first entity authorized the agent to perform the interaction with the second entity pursuant to some prior agreement between the two entities. The techniques employ authentication systems and encryption to ensure the security of the interaction.

Abstract: A novel Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-MS) desalting sample support plate is described. The plate comprises a sample presentation surface, wherein the sample presentation surface comprises at least one receiving surface of an absorbent layer, wherein the absorbent layer retains selected molecules on the receiving surface. Methods for making and using the sample support plate in conventional and automated MALDI-MS are also described.

Abstract: An integrated viewing assembly for an endoscope having an eyepiece and a handle incorporating a light source. The viewing assembly includes a hub having distal and proximal ends, a middle portion and an outer surface defining a port. The distal end defines a receiver in fluid communication with the port and adapted for onnection to an endotracheal tube. The port is adapted for connection to a gas source. A stylus is constructed and arranged to be fixedly connected to the hub within the receiver. Viewing and lighting conduits are carried by the hub and stylus. A coupler is located on the proximal end of the hub about the viewing conduit and is adapted for connection to the eyepiece. A connector on the middle portion of the hub connects to the handle. The receiver is located a predetermined distance from the longitudinal axis of the handle to facilitate tactile contact with a flange on the endotracheal tube connected to the receiver by the practitioner holding the handle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method of this embodiment may include controlling, at least in part, by a first device, whether a first signal line of a second device is coupled to a bus, and whether a second signal line of a third device is coupled to the bus. The method of this embodiment may also include, after the first and second signal lines are coupled to the bus, supplying from the first device to the second and third devices, via the first and second signal lines, one or more signals that, after being received by the second and third devices, may permit, at least in part, at least one of control and configuration by the first device of the second and third devices. Of course, many modifications, variations, and alternatives are possible without departing from this embodiment.

Abstract: A digital camera that provide for an efficient technique for locating photographs stored in a data storage device. The digital camera comprises a display, a memory device for storing digital photographs, a navigation device, and processing circuitry coupled to the display, memory device and navigation device. Firmware runs on the processing circuitry and implements a user interface in conjunction with the navigation device and display. The firmware displays a bar graph and a marker on the display identifying the relative location of a currently displayed photograph, and configures the navigation device to selectively move the marker left and right along the bar graph to locate photographs stored in the memory device.

Abstract: A digital recording device comprising a running time clock or counter. The running time clock or counter is displayed on a viewfinder and/or recorded on video tape when the digital recording device is in record mode. The running time clock or counter indicates the time during which video is recorded, starting from the beginning of a recording session. The running time clock may be reset at the discretion of the user. The device may include an RF link to a game clock, and may record the game clock time in addition to, or in lieu of, the running time clock. The present invention may advantageously be used in conjunction with sporting events, time lapse recording applications and usability studies, for example.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and classifying cardiac arrhythmias based on cardiac pressure signals or the combination of cardiac electrical and cardiac pressure signals. A cardiac electrogram signal is sensed to derive a cardiac rate from which an arrhythmia detection is made when the cardiac rate meets arrhythmia detection criteria. An intracardiac pressure signal is sensed to derive an indicator of tachycardia based on an analysis of the pressure signal in either the time domain or frequency domain. The detected arrhythmia is classified as tachycardia or fibrillation based on the tachycardia indicator wherein the tachycardia indicator is compared to tachycardia detection criteria and the arrhythmia is classified as tachycardia if tachycardia detection criteria are met and the arrhythmia is classified as fibrillation if the tachycardia detection criteria are not met.

Abstract: A wood product is made from treating wood with two solutions, in series, including a penetrating solution and a topcoat composition. The penetrating solution is made up of boric acid, a metallocene catalyst, a free radical initiator, a first film-forming polymer and an adhesion promoter. The topcoat includes a second continuous film-forming polymer. Application of the penetrating solution to the wood gets the solution into the wood to cross-link boric acid with cellulose fibers, then the topcoat forms the continuous film. The topcoat seals in the penetrating solution so that it does not leach out during subsequent exposure to water and weather, allowing soluble salts such as borax to migrate and infiltrate deeper into the wood. Microbiological growth is prevented by several mechanisms.