Abstract: A method and apparatus for recognizing tissue types measures at least two separate and distinct properties of a tissue specimen using a probe tip containing electrodes coupled to circuitry that applies a measuring current and obtains values of electrical properties of the tissue such as conductivity and potential difference. An algorithm then uses the values to determine the tissue's type and condition.

Abstract: A probe configured as a finger tip of a glove used to recognize tissue types in a human patient and adapted to perform both optical and electrical measurements to diagnose tissue type while scanned over the surface of the tissue. Hybrid electronic technology reduces the size of the diagnostic elements. The necessary electrical connections are led down the finger and the glove to a remotely positioned control unit. The control unit provides power to the diagnostic device and analyzes the signals received from the device.

Abstract: A sheath for a side view probe having at least two complete hybrid optical and electrode systems on opposite faces of a cylinder, in order to obviate the need to manipulate the probe through more than a half revolution during examination by the doctor. The sheath covers the probe but allows both electrical and optical measurements to be made by the underlying probe on the same areas of tissue. The invention uses the hoop tension in the sheath to apply the needed spring force to maintain electrode contact. In addition, the probe and its sheath are shaped to ensure both good electrical contact and reliable optical pathways. A built-in means of calibration of the sheath enclosed probe is achieved by attaching to the outside of the tip of the sheath a tube or blocks of a turbid material such as a polymer of controlled composition. The tube or blocks of turbid material are removed prior to using the probe on a patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tissue type recognition for use within the narrow confines of body canals and which can quickly produce an objective identification of the tissue types including the presence of pre-cancerous and cancerous activity. Possible configurations for the probe include endocervical probe configurations which make measurements in directions orthogonal to the long axis of the probe and configurations where multiple probe "tips" are arranged in a "wood drill" configuration. The apparatus has a measurement section that has at least one source of electromagnetic radiation such as a light emitting diode, a barrier which acts to confine the direction that the radiation can take and a detector such as a photodiode beyond the barrier, which is able to detect the radiation after it has been backscattered from tissue in close proximity to the surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention incorporates an opto-electronic section in the tip of the sheath cover for a diagnostic probe that makes both electric and optical measurements of tissue contacted by the sheath. In addition the invention provides a piece of turbid material such as a polymer of controlled composition as a built-in calibrator attached to the outside of the tip of the sheath. In one embodiment the probe sheath in fabricated from a flexible material which can be rolled up prior to fitting and when fitted to the tip of the probe can be rolled down the shaft of the probe for use and then rolled back off the shaft for disposal.

Abstract: An apparatus which permits an analytical probe to be calibrated by pressing the tip against a block of material of controlled characteristics. A transparent elastomer is used into which has been incorporated a light-scattering material. Elastomer calibrators may also be made part of a preassembled probe component such as a disposable sheath. In that case the turbid elastomer is assembled on the tip with the other components of the sheath and is removed after calibrating the system and before the probe put into use. An additional film of flexible polymer having optical characteristics analogous to the material to be detected by the probe may be placed on top to simulate the structure of the material that is to be measured.

Abstract: The invention incorporates electrodes in the tip of the sheath cover for a diagnostic probe that makes both electric and optical measurements of tissue contacted by the sheath. The electrodes are positioned relative to the optical window in such a way as to ensure that sealing is not compromised by the presence of the electrodes. The electrodes are close by to ensure that both the optical and electrical measurements are made on the same area of tissue. The invention uses the hoop tension in the sheath to apply the needed spring force to the electrode contact. In addition the invention provides a piece of turbid material such as a polymer of controlled composition as a built-in calibrator attached to the outside of the tip of the sheath.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for distributing news items to the users of a computerized voice mail system. The news items are stored on disk. A news item memory table is stored in active memory. The news items memory table has (a) message descriptors of a limited number of the latest news items and (b) time stamps showing the newest news item not referenced in said shadow table and the last time a news item not listed in the shadow table was changed. Each time a user interrogates an assigned mailbox, the system checks the news item memory table to determine if any items have been added or deleted since the last time the particular mailbox was interrogated. If there are new bulletins, these are read into the mailbox and if some items already in the mailbox have been obsoleted, the obsoleted items are deleted from the mailbox.

Abstract: A resulfurized and rephosphorized free-machining steel bar formed by cold drawing a hot rolled steel bar has the composition, by weight, C up to 0.08%; Mn 0.6% to 1.4%; Si up to 0.1%; P at least 0.03%; S 0.25% to 0/50%; Cb 0.02% to 0.10%; the sum of Ni, Cr, Mo and Cu up to 0.15%; balance iron. The ratio of %Mn/%S is from 1.6 to 4.0, and the ratio of [%Mn-(1.62.times.%S)]/%Cb is from 2 to 50. The yield strength of the steel bar is further determined by the draft in cold drawing the bar from the hot rolled state and the size and cross section of the bar after draft. The relationship between strength and ductility is further improved by heavy drafting in cold drawing the bar from the hot rolled state.

Abstract: A cold drawn free-machining steel bar having a composition consisting essentially of, in weight percent, C up to 0.15; Mn 0.7 to 1.3; P 0.03 to 0.09; S 0.30 to 0.50; Bi 0.05 to 0.25; the sum of Ni, Cr, Mo and Cu up to 0.15 and the balance iron. The ratio % Mn / %S is from 1.7 to 3.0 and the %Mn-1.62.times.%S is from 0.05 to 0.40. The ratio %Bi /(%Ni+%Cu) is at least 2.0. The yield strength of the steel bar is further determined by the draft in cold drawing the bar from the hot rolled state and the cross section of the bar prior to draft.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining coaxial alignment of luminaire support ring on a pole as it is raised or lowered on the pole. The aligning apparatus comprises a plurality of roller members secured around the support ring and resiliently urged against the pole surface to maintain the support ring in substantially centered position relative to the pole and to avoid shock to the luminaires by impact of the support ring on the pole.

Abstract: Lowering and hoisting apparatus for high mast luminaires. Luminaire support ring is mounted for movement along a hollow pole by a plurality of hoist cables secured at one end to a transition plate which is located inside the pole and to which is also attached a winch cable operated by a winch at the base of the pole for raising and lowering the support ring. Both the hoist cables and the winch cable are secured to the transition plate by freely rotatable ball bearing devices to prevent the cables from twisting and tangling during the raising and lowering operations.

Abstract: A valve actuating device for causing both rotation and linear movement of a valve.

Abstract: Safety device for preventing fall of pole-mounted luminaire support due to breaking of hoisting cable. Device comprises pivoted brake arm which automatically clamps and holds the support cable in the event the hoisting cable breaks during hoisting or lowering operations.

Abstract: A coffee roasting process for forming roasted coffee in which the green coffee beans are dry roasted by passage in a fluidized bed through a two-stage roaster. In the first stage, the beans are heated by a roasting gas for partial roasting and expansion of their cellular structure. Then, in the second zone, the beans are contacted with an independent roasting gas stream at a temperature of 515.degree. F.- 545.degree. F. to stabilize the open structure of the beans and to provide the desired dark brown color without burning. The second gas is supplied at a lower velocity and higher temperature than the first gas. The roasted coffee bean product is of low density while providing high yield of soluble solids.

Abstract: Lowering and hoisting apparatus for high mast luminaires. Support ring carrying a plurality of luminaires is mounted for movement along a pole from an upper operative position, in which it is latched to an upper support, to a lowered position near the ground for servicing operations. The latching arrangement comprises a plurality of latches on the support ring which automatically latch the support ring to the upper support when raised to its operative position, and are automatically unlatched from the upper support when the luminaire support ring is slightly raised from its operative position so that the support ring may be lowered to its service position.

Abstract: Valve actuator for causing both rotation of a valve member and linear movement of said valve member.