Abstract: A method for providing centralized anatomic pathology services. A plurality of regional pathology laboratories is provided, each laboratory servicing a defined geographic region. A master storage (e.g., database) of pathology information is maintained, the storage being accessible by pathologists associated with any regional laboratory via a communications link. Tissue samples requiring pathology processing are collected from a medical entity located in a first geographic region by a regional pathology laboratory. The tissue is processed, and a tissue slide is created. A digital, diagnostic quality image of the tissue slide is created and stored in the master storage. A pathologist, who may be remotely located with respect to the first geographic region, is provided with access to the stored diagnostic image via the communications link, to enable diagnosis by the pathologist without physical possession of the slide.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible fence that can be conveniently stored and transported in a lightweight carrying case. The fence includes panels having telescopic rail sections and telescopic posts. The middle section of each fence panel includes a series of spaced “rail pairs.” The use of the rail pairs adds structural stability to the fence panels and allows the fence panels to utilize many identical parts, such that the panels can be manufactured efficiently and economically. The fence is also preferably formed of lightweight polymer so that it is resilient and easily transported by hand in a relatively small carrying case provided therefor.

Abstract: A self-regulating bubble tube assembly is used for determining the hydrostatic pressure exerted by fluids, such as drilling mud. The bubble tube assembly can be used to determine fluid level based upon said hydrostatic pressure and when bubble tubes are used in pairs can be used to determine a pressure differential that will indicate the density of the fluid. The bubble tube assembly comprises a flow of air directed through a diaphragm type pressure regulator. The pressure regulator output is connected to the bubble tube, which is partially submerged in the fluid, through a precision, in-line, flow limiting orifice. A feedback line from the bubble tube runs to one side of the diaphragm of the pressure regulator where the back pressure from the tube will regulate the output pressure from the regulator to maintain a pre-selected constant rate of air flow through the bubble tube.

Abstract: A doll for educating caregivers about Shaken Baby Syndrome comprises a head portion, a body, and may comprise transparent skin. The head portion may have a simulated brain disposed therein. The head portion is floppably connected to the body. The doll may further comprise a first chamber and a second chamber containing simulated blood, the simulated blood being visible in the first chamber after acceleration experienced during a shaking episode, but otherwise being concealed from view in the second chamber. A plurality of acceleration sensors may be disposed within the doll to detect acceleration experienced during a shaking episode, and the plurality of acceleration sensors may trigger warnings to the caregiver when portions of the doll experience acceleration sufficient to endanger an infant.

Abstract: A method to automatically and adaptively tune a leaky, normalized least-mean-square (LNLMS) algorithm so as to maximize the stability and noise reduction performance in feedforward adaptive noise cancellation systems. The automatic tuning method provides for time-varying tuning parameters &lgr;k and &mgr;k that are functions of the instantaneous measured acoustic noise signal, weight vector length, and measurement noise variance. The method addresses situations in which signal-to-noise ratio varies substantially due to nonstationary noise fields, affecting stability, convergence, and steady-state noise cancellation performance of LMS algorithms. The method has been embodied in the particular context of active noise cancellation in communication headsets. However, the method is generic, in that it is applicable to a wide range of systems subject to nonstationary, i.e., time-varying, noise fields, including sonar, radar, echo cancellation, and telephony.

Abstract: A propelling system for propelling a fisherman's float through the water while fishing. The propelling system includes a frame assembly having a plurality of strap members. Each of the strap members is designed for selectively engaging the floatation device whereby the strap members are for securing the frame assembly to the floatation device. A propelling assembly is coupled to the frame assembly. The propelling assembly designed for propelling the flotation device along the top of the water when a fisherman is positioned in the floatation device. At least one rod member is coupled to the frame member. The rod member is designed for holding a fishing rod. The rod member is designed for being positioned proximate the fisherman whereby the rod member facilitates access to the fishing rod by the fisherman when the fisherman is positioned in the floatation device.

Abstract: A process and system are provided for designing and manufacturing a customized artistic element package to be applied to a vehicle. The system comprises computer apparatus, input apparatus, a monitor and apparatus for producing the order. The computer apparatus includes memory for storing a plurality of initial artistic element representations and at least one representation of a vehicle. The input apparatus is coupled directly to the computer apparatus for permitting one or more of the initial artistic element representations to be selected for placement on the vehicle representation. The input apparatus further permits a customized artistic element package to be designed using the selected one or more initial artistic element representations, and additionally permits an electronic order for the package to be generated for sending directly to an artistic elements manufacturer.

Abstract: A leak preventing detent apparatus for a toilet flush valve assembly in which an inlet valve (13) to a toilet flush tank (11) is controlled by an inlet valve control device (14, 14a, 16, 17), and an outlet flush valve (21) is controlled by a flush lever (919). The detent apparatus includes a follower member (28) that is moved in response to movement of the flush lever at the initiation of a flush cycle, and a detent (25) that is operative to prevent opening of an inlet valve (26) except when a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. In a preferred form of the invention, a primary inlet valve (26) is provided upstream of the usual inlet valve (13) that is controlled by an inlet valve control device, such as a float (14, 14a, 16, 17), and the detent apparatus effectively cooperates with the primary inlet valve to maintain it closed unless a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. The detent member may be hydraulically damped (37-42) to provide a timed delay of its movement into the inlet valve closing position.

Abstract: A multi-activity driliship, or the like, method and apparatus having a single derrick and multiple tubular activity stations within the derrick wherein primary drilling activity may be conducted from the derrick and simultaneously auxiliary drilling activity may be conducted from the same derrick to reduce the length of the primary drilling activity critical path.

Abstract: A multi-activity drillship, or the like, method and apparatus having a single derrick and multiple tubular activity stations within the derrick wherein primary drilling activity may be conducted from the derrick and simultaneously auxiliary drilling activity may be conducted from the same derrick to reduce the length of the primary drilling activity critical path.

Abstract: A multi-activity drillship, or the like, method and apparatus having a single derrick and multiple tubular activity stations within the derrick wherein primary drilling activity may be conducted from the derrick and simultaneously auxiliary drilling activity may be conducted from the same derrick to reduce the length of the primary drilling activity critical path.

Abstract: A multi-activity drillship, or the like, method and apparatus having a single derrick and multiple tubular activity stations within the derrick wherein primary drilling activity may be conducted from the derrick and simultaneously auxiliary drilling activity may be conducted from the same derrick to reduce the length of the primary drilling activity critical path.

Abstract: A leak preventing detent apparatus for a toilet flush valve assembly in which an inlet valve (13) to a toilet flush tank (11) is controlled by an inlet valve control device (14, 14a, 16, 17), and an outlet flush valve (21) is controlled by a flush lever (19). The detent apparatus includes a follower member (28) that is moved in response to movement of the flush lever at the initiation of a flush cycle, and a detent (25) that is operative to prevent opening of an inlet valve (26) except when a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. In a preferred form of the invention, a primary inlet valve (26) is provided upstream of the usual inlet valve (13) that is controlled by an inlet valve control device, such as a float (14, 14a, 16, 17), and the detent apparatus effectively cooperates with the primary inlet valve to maintain it closed unless a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. The detent member may be hydraulically damped (37-42) to provide a timed delay of its movement into inlet valve closing position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method of producing graphics employing image-enhancing particles electrostatically. The invention also relates to novel electrostatically printable image-enhancing particles.

Abstract: A process for the bacterial production of the hydrocarbon isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) is described and claimed. Various bacterial species, both Gram-negative and Gram-positive, were found to produce isoprene, and a method to isolate isoprene-producing bacteria from natural sources is described. Production of isoprene is confirmed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Of the tested species, Bacillus produces the most isoprene. Growth in a variety of media, including a chemically defined salts medium, in the presence of amino acid sources (casein, gelatin, or lactalbumin hydrolysates) supports isoprene production in logarithmic phase of growth, and with Bacillus cultured in a stirred fermentor, isoprene production occurs both in growing and non-growing cells. High isoprene production rates can also be restored to nutrient-limited cells by adding fresh media, suggesting isoprene production is dependent on nutrient availability.

Abstract: A leak preventing detent apparatus for a toilet flush valve assembly in which an inlet valve to a toilet flush tank is controlled by an inlet valve control device, and an outlet flush valve is controlled by a flush lever. The detent apparatus includes a follower member that is moved in response to movement of the flush lever at the initiation of a flush cycle, and a detent that is operative to prevent opening of an inlet valve except when a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. In a preferred embodiment, the detent member acts directly on the inlet valve to maintain it closed until a flush cycle is deliberately initiated. The detent member may be hydraulically damped to provide a timed delay of its movement into inlet valve closing position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method of producing graphics employing image-enhancing particles electrostatically. The invention also relates to novel electrostatically printable image-enhancing particles.

Abstract: A method of measuring and indicating a level of natural gas fuel in a storage tank of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of determining a temperature of the natural gas, determining a pressure of the natural gas, retrieving from a look-up table, responsive to the determined temperature and pressure, a signal representative of a percentage that the tank is full of the natural gas, determining a gauge command responsive to the signal, and driving the gauge according to the determined command.

Abstract: A method of generating a representation of an image comprises scanning a film (2) carrying an image to which the film has been exposed to obtain signals (4,5,6) representing the color component content of the recorded image. During exposure of the image its appearance has been modified in accordance with a function characteristic of the film. The signals obtained are modified with a function (11,10,8) constituting the inverse of the film characteristic function to compensate.

Abstract: A flow cell for use in highly corrosive environments is constructed from an extended metal body containing a smooth longitudinal circular center bore of uniform cross-section. The metal body contains a circular opening at each end extending perpendicularly into the center bore, adapted to receive a sample into the center bore and discharge the sample from the center bore. A circular connector having a larger diameter than the center bore is contained in each of the opposing ends of the center bore, abutting the solid body to form a right angle shoulder between the inside of the connector and the solid body.