Abstract: A suitcase having a telescoping pull handle and a set of spaced apart wheels, between the back panel and bottom wall of the suitcase housing, permits easy movement over a planar surface. A staggered wheel mechanism is pivotally mounted on the back panel of the suitcase for improved mobility of the suitcase over a flight of stairs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions, by dissolving hypohalite into the water, and by regulating the residence time, and thus hypohalite concentration in the device using a venturi nozzle disposed between the metal generator and the hypohalite generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions, by dissolving hypohalite into the water, and by regulating the residence time, and thus hypohalite concentration in the device using a venturi nozzle disposed between the metal generator and the hypohalite generator.

Abstract: A suturing apparatus comprises a pair of jaws. A bendable needle housed in one of the jaws is adapted to carry a suture. An optional suture receiver may be disposed adjacent to the opposite jaw. A transition block curves the needle and directs it in a direction generally unparallel to an axis of the carrying jaw. The needle may also be configured to retrieve a suture. A retaining mechanism holds a suture in place to be engaged by the needle. The jaw housing the needle may include a lateral opening through which the suture may be inserted. The needle may also include a lateral notch which may be aligned with lateral opening to receive the suture. An actuator coupled to the needle enables the user to move the needle proximally to align the notch with the lateral slot.

Abstract: An apparatus, e.g., in a network edge device, a method, and a software program product for synchronizing two or more redundant media streams, e.g., MPEG video streams. The method includes receiving network packets encapsulating redundant media streams representing the same media program, buffering the received streams, learning a program identifier for the media program, searching the packets of the redundant streams for synchronization points defined by a plurality of parameters of stream packets, synchronizing the redundant streams based on the comparison, and providing a single stream as an output stream.

Abstract: In a packet based multicast video streaming network, a method for minimizing delay in displaying video on a TV set in response to a viewer changing the channel is disclosed. For each live multicast video stream, one or more reference frames and corresponding compressed frames are temporarily stored in a memory in anticipation of the viewer switching to that particular program. When the viewer changes channels, the previously stored reference and compressed frames are immediately read from the memory and rendered for display on the TV. This eliminates the need to wait for the next available reference frame. In other words, this eliminates a temporary blank TV screen each time the channel is changed. Certain compressed frames are dropped and blank frames can be inserted in order to catch up to and synchronize with the live video broadcast. The particular frames to be dropped and the number of blank frames to be inserted is a function of the bandwidth limitation imposed by the last mile of the network.

Abstract: A breast cup for use with a breast pump for expressing breast milk is provided. The breast cup sealingly separates the air flow from the breast milk, provides a barrier against impingement of the flexible insert by the user's breast and provides a massaging member for facilitating expression of the breast milk.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by forming in an electrolytic cell molecular halogen, hypohalic acid, hypohalite ions or combinations thereof, from halide ions dissolved in the water; and dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions. The invention also relates to a system for purifying water, having an electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of electrodes sufficient to electrolytically convert halide ion in the water into molecular halogen, hypohalic acid, or hypohalite ions, or combinations thereof; and a metal generator, which provides concentrations of one or more metals to the water.

Abstract: A binder mechanism includes a rotatable support having ring segments that can be locked in a closed configuration. The binder mechanism includes a horizontal and/or a flush mounted push button that opens and/or unlocks the rotatable support. The push button acts on a ramped slider that causes the rotatable support to rotate open. An over-center arrangement aids in maintaining the binder mechanism closed or opened.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for detecting a multicast stream fault condition at a variety of points within a digital broadcast video distribution system. In addition, a method of seamless switchover from a primary to a redundant multicast stream is provided.

Abstract: A pump assembly for an emergency eyewash station and method of retrofitting a plumbed emergency eyewash station is disclosed. The pump is configured into two parts, an impeller assembly and a drive assembly, that are configured to couple together. The impeller assembly is isolated from the drive assembly and can be easily replaced to ensure a sterile fluid path is maintained for the eyewash fluid. The drive assembly can be fluid powered or an electric motor as desired. The present invention allows a plumbed eyewash station to be retrofitted to use a sterile eyewash fluid. The present invention can also be used in portable eyewash station units too.

Abstract: An emergency eyewash station is disclosed. The emergency eyewash station has a pivoting actuator arm that includes a headrest assembly to properly position a user's injured eyes the correct distance from the eyewash fluid dispensing eyepiece.

Abstract: A pump assembly for an emergency eyewash station and method of retrofitting a plumbed emergency eyewash station is disclosed. The pump is configured into two parts, an impeller assembly and a drive assembly, that are configured to couple together. The impeller assembly is isolated from the drive assembly and can be easily replaced to ensure a sterile fluid path is maintained for the eyewash fluid. The drive assembly can be fluid powered or an electric motor as desired. The present invention allows a plumbed eyewash station to be retrofitted to use a sterile eyewash fluid. The present invention can also be used in portable eyewash station units too.

Abstract: An emergency eyewash station is disclosed. The eyewash station includes a body portion and a reservoir contained within the body portion. The reservoir contains eyewash fluid and has a filling port with a sealed membrane thereon. An actuator assembly is connected to the body portion and is movable between an armed position and an actuated position. The actuator assembly has a dispensing structure thereon. A piercing mechanism is positioned adjacent to the membrane of the reservoir and has a movable piercing element configured to puncture the membrane when the actuator assembly is activated. Activating the actuator assembly puts the dispensing structure in fluid connection with the reservoir when the piercing element pierces the membrane. In an alternative embodiment, the reservoir is configured to be impaled upon the piercing element upon activation.

Abstract: A cartridge for an emergency eyewash stations is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a housing having a front section and a back section that couple together. The front section has a surface defining an opening into the housing. A sealed, fluid-containing bladder having a dispensing port is contained within the housing. A bracket is configured and arranged to couple to the opening on the front section of the housing such that the dispensing port is captured in a fixed position between the bracket and the surface on the front section defining the opening.

Abstract: An emergency eyewash station is disclosed. The emergency eyewash station includes a reservoir containing an eyewash fluid and a mechanism for dispensing the eyewash fluid from the reservoir to wash an injured person's eyes. An expandable container is configured and arranged to collect used eyewash fluid after the eyewash fluid has been dispensed to wash the injured person's eyes. The station can be further enhanced by equipping the expandable container with a pair of straps configured to compress the reservoir thereby providing a gravity assist to dispensing eyewash fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions, by dissolving hypohalite into the water, and by regulating the residence time, and thus hypohalite concentration in the device using a venturi nozzle disposed between the metal generator and the hypohalite generator.

Abstract: A valved closure for a liquid container is disclosed. The valved closure comprises a closure body having a base and a spout. A generally tubular insert is provided with an upper portion attached to the lower portion of the base. The insert body is sized to fit within a dispensing port of the liquid container and defines an insert passageway in fluid communication with the spout. The insert has at least one flexible flange extending outwardly therefrom for resiliently engaging the inner wall of the container and seal the closure to the container. A valve is retained between the insert and the closure body to operatively open and close the fluid passage through the closure from the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions, by dissolving hypohalite into the water, and by regulating the residence time, and thus hypohalite concentration in the device using a venturi nozzle disposed between the metal generator and the hypohalite generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions, by dissolving hypohalite into the water, and by regulating the residence time, and thus hypohalite concentration in the device using a venturi nozzle disposed between the metal generator and the hypohalite generator.