Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel rail for use in a fuel delivery system, such as for an engine in a vehicle, includes the initial hydroforming step to deform a central portion of a workpiece to have one or more outwardly extending node portions, followed by a subsequent hydroforming step to deform one or more end portions of the workpiece to have additional outwardly extending node portions. To do this, a pair of pressure feed pistons are disposed within the interior of the workpiece and have head portions that sealingly engage the inner surface of the workpiece so as to define a pressure chamber therein. Pressurized fluid is introduced into the pressure chamber so as to deform a portion thereof into conformance with the portion of the die cavity located within the pressure chamber. Then, the pressure feed pistons are moved to re-define the pressure chamber within the workpiece. Pressurized fluid is again introduced into the enlarged pressure chamber so as to deform other portions of the workpiece.

Abstract: A bed configured to support a patient having a weight comprises a frame, a patient support, and a plurality of sensors coupled between the frame and the patient support. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to generate an analog signal in response to a portion of the weight of the patient on the patient support. The bed also comprises a circuit coupled to the plurality of sensors to receive the analog signals therefrom. The circuit includes a plurality of analog-to-digital converters, each analog-to-digital converter being coupled to one of the sensors to generate a separate digital signal for each of the plurality of sensors, and a processor coupled to the plurality of analog-to-digital converters to determine the weight of the patient on the patient support.

Abstract: A bed configured to support a patient having a weight comprises a frame, a patient support, and a plurality of sensors coupled between the frame and the patient support. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to generate an analog signal in response to a portion of the weight of the patient on the patient support. The bed also comprises a circuit coupled to the plurality of sensors to receive the analog signals therefrom. The circuit includes a plurality of analog-to-digital converters, each analog-to-digital converter being coupled to one of the sensors to generate a separate digital signal for each of the plurality of sensors, and a processor coupled to the plurality of analog-to-digital converters to determine the weight of the patient on the patient support.

Abstract: A patient care bed with a patient weighing system having a first frame having a series of support units attached at designated locations and a second frame supported by the support units. The support units each having a load cell which senses a part of the weight supported by a second frame.

Abstract: A bed for supporting a patient having a seat panel and a back panel coupled together by a joint assembly that allows the panels to rotate about an axis coincident with the patient's hip joint.

Abstract: A data processing system includes a central processing complex consisting of one or more processor units, each of the processor units having one or more input/output channels, a transmission medium connected to each of the input/output channels, and one or more peripheral device controllers such as for controlling one or more direct access storage devices (DASD). In systems having more than one input/output channels, it is common to include a switching mechanism connected between the input/output channels and the control devices for enabling connection between one of a number of controllers and one of a number of channels. Each control device will include an automatic frame transmission function which includes apparatus and method for controlling transmission of frames of information between the control device and the channel. A queue of reconnection requests is constructed and a state machine controls the queue.

Abstract: A bed comprises an inflatable mattress supported on a platform of articulable links by a support system mounted on a weigh frame. The weigh frame is supported on a base frame supported relative to a floor. A pneumatic system includes a platform-mounted blower directing air through passageways in the articulable links. An exhaust passageway parallels the pressure passageway for exhausting opposite the blower. Air flow into and out of air cells in the mattress are controlled by valves coupling the pressurized air chamber and exhaust chamber to cell ports. A connector assembly is used to couple the cells to the platform, to adjacent cells, and to tubes connected to other cells. An alternative pneumatic system includes fans distributed on the platform in association with sets of mattress cells. A footboard assembly is formed as two gates that swing out from the foot of the bed. Each gate has a storable tray that is positionable on either side of the gate.

Abstract: A dual pendulum display apparatus comprising a housing, a motor which is fixed to the housing and which has an output shaft, an output gear which is driven by the output shaft, which is mounted on the housing for rotation relative thereto about an output gear axis, and which has thereon a projection spaced from the output gear axis, a pivot arm mounted on the housing for pivotal movement relative thereto about a pivot arm axis spaced from the output gear axis, the pivot arm having therein a longitudinal slot receiving the projection for reciprocal sliding movement of the projection in the slot, such that rotation of the output gear and movement of the projection in the slot causes pendulum type motion of the pivot arm, the pivot arm having opposite first and second ends spaced from the pivot arm axis, first advertising material mounted on the first end of the pivotal arm, and second advertising material mounted on the second end of the pivot arm, such that the first advertising material and the second adverti

Abstract: A system and method are provided for sharing a data stream between a first data storage system in communication with a second data storage system. Meta-data is associated with each record of the data stream. Zero or more records of the data stream are compressed at the first storage system. The meta-data for the compressed data record is updated to indicate that the data record has been compressed. The data stream including the compressed data record with the updated meta-data is sent to the second storage system. The meta-data and the data stream records are stored on a storage device at the second data storage system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring the communication of a minimal length data stream in a system including a host and a storage management device is provided. The method and apparatus includes first and second buffers for simultaneously receiving compressed data and the original data from the host. The system compares the length of the data in the first and second buffers. If the data has expanded, indicating that compressed data is longer than the original data, the original data is provided to the storage media. If the data has not expanded, indicating that the original data is longer than the compressed data, then the compressed data is provided to the storage media.

Abstract: A patient support system comprises an inflatable mattress supported on a platform of articulable links by a support system mounted on a weigh frame. The weigh frame is supported on a base frame supported relative to a floor. A pneumatic system includes a platform-mounted blower directing air through passageways in the articulable links. An exhaust passageway parallels the pressure passageway for exhausting opposite the blower. Air flow into and out of air cells in the mattress are controlled by valves coupling the pressurized air chamber and exhaust chamber to cell ports. A connector assembly is used to couple the cells to the platform, to adjacent cells, and to tubes connected to other cells. A footboard assembly is formed as two gates that swing out from the foot of the bed. Each gate has a storable tray that is positionable on either side of the gate. A headboard has a removable central panel for providing emergency patient access.

Abstract: In an access floor construction, service outlets (7), such as electrical sockets, are connected to a service supply accommodated in the underfloor space (5) by leads (9) extending through openings (8) in the edges of some of the removable panels which form the access floor. The removable panels with such openings can be interchanged with other panels and oriented so as to locate an opening (8) in a position close to a service outlet so as to permit the lead from the outlet to pass conveniently into the underfloor space (5) for connection to the service supply.

Abstract: A raised access floor construction comprises floor panels supported above a subfloor on spaced pedestal blocks upstanding from the subfloor. The pedestal blocks are maintained in predetermined positions by a base layer of thin sheeting material laid on the subfloor and having an array of pedestal block locating means formed on its upper surface in the predetermined positions and with which the pedestal blocks are engaged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for inducing contraction of a paralyzed muscle in a limb. The invention includes a method for providing electrical stimualtion to a paralyzed limb in response to continuous motion of an uninvolved, or unparalyzed limb, as well as an apparatus to implement the method. A method and apparatus are also provided for transporting a person having a paralyzed limb. The transporting apparatus is propelled at least in part by the paralyzed limb which is induced to move by electrical stimulation of a paralyzed muscle in response to continuous motion of an uninvolved limb.

Abstract: Disclosed is a preamplifier which is responsive to a physiological potential developed by a subject and operative to develop a potential suitably isolated therefrom, the preamplifier including a pair of input networks for receiving therebetween the physiological potential, a pair of operational amplifiers each connected in a unity (voltage) gain, voltage follower, configuration and each driven by a respective one of the input networks, a low resistance resistor connected between the voltage followers to directly develop from the potential a current of suitable level for directly driving an optical isolator, and an optical isolator having an input portion which is connected in the feedback path of one of the operational amplifiers so as to be driven by the current and an output portion at which the optical isolator develops the isolated potential.

Abstract: A suntanning booth rapidly tans an occupant by having a first source of radiant energy of a wave length of 320 to 400 nanometers and a second source of radiant energy of a wave length of 280 to 320 nanometers which simultaneously irradiate an occupant of the booth to stimulate secretion of melanin and to oxidize the melanin, respectively. Individual cooling systems for the radiant energy sources and the occupant are formed as part of the booth to maintain the temperatures of the radiant energy sources and the occupant at acceptable levels.

Abstract: A camera (10) has a passive display device, preferably a liquid crystal display panel (26), positioned in front of one edge of the film (24), in the path of light directed at the film from the lens and shutter assembly (12). The display is driven by a clock or other control circuit (28), also in the camera, with controls (30) on the outside of the camera so as to display the date and time, or other selected indicia, continuously, whereby light entering the camera upon taking a picture will cause the display to cast a shadow (40') of the indicia onto the film, thereby automatically to label the film. The clock circuit and display may be arranged as a retrofit device (44-50) for an existing camera. A second display (34) with identical indicia may be arranged to provide a readout in the viewfinder (20) to indicate to the photographer how the labeled photography will appear. The camera may also contain a light source (54) for illuminating the readout from the front thereof.

Abstract: A collapsible dust pan is disclosed wherein the user has the ability by a remote control means to keep the dust pan in a lowered position or to raise the dust pan and hold it in an upright position for storage. The dust pan is a hinged pan so that the pan itself can be folded against the upright portion of the handle for easy storage.