Abstract: A lotion applicator includes a flexible handle capable of being oriented in one of a plurality of positions. The handle is interconnected to a rigid plastic applicator head. The applicator head is provided with a plurality of indentations extending below an outer surface area of the applicator head. The indentations are capable of storing a predetermined volume of a viscous fluid.

Abstract: Reading data from, writing data to and storing data in an IC card, utilizing an external Read/Write unit. An IC card (12) is provided. The IC card (12) comprises a rigid substrate (86) and electrical components (88) disposed on the substrate. A card coil (32) is provided about the periphery of the substrate (86) and is placed in a coil form (94). Card capacitive plates (24) and (26) are disposed on the bottom of the substrate (86). Power circuitry is provided for receiving inductive power from the card coil (32) and generating a regulated power supply voltage for powering the electrical components (88). I/O circuitry is provided for capacitively coupling data via the card capacitor plates (24) and (26). A cover (130) is also provided for covering the electric components (88) on the substrate (86). An IC card Read/Write unit (14) is provided. The IC card Read/Write unit comprises a receptacle (16) shaped similar to the substrate (86) of the IC card (12).

Abstract: Failsafe apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling fluid flow from syringes. One or more syringes are positioned so that the piston of each syringe is caused to be precisely displaced to thereby safely deliver medicament from the syringe to a patient. To effect movement of each piston, a rack is provided, either as a part of the piston or secured thereto, and longitudinal movement of each rack is effected by rotating an associated pinion gear that is connected with a pulse-driven, stepper motor utilized in a power-efficient electromechanical configuration, with the operation of the stepper motor being accomplished through dual-redundant state machines controlled by a pre-programmed memory unit, and with the apparatus being repeatedly subjected to a plurality of error checks and data integrity verifications to assure continued proper operation.

Abstract: A syringe positioning device is disclosed for enhancing control of fluid flow from a syringe. A disposable unit that includes a syringe and rack mounted on a retaining clip is positionable on a drive unit so that, when so positioned, the piston of the syringe is precisely displaced to deliver medicament from the syringe to a patient. A non-disposable unit is also disclosed onto which a syringe and piston can be positioned so that the device thereafter also provides precise medicament delivery. The longitudinal movement of the rack is effected by rotating the pinion gear that is connected with a pulse-driven, power efficient stepper motor, with the operation of the stepper motor being controlled by a pre-programmed memory unit. A hinged rack is also disclosed, as is a one-way ball drive unit.

Abstract: In a device for retrieving and recording (read/write) information on at least one rigid disk, a stepping motor servo system operated in an open-loop manner is provided to rapidly and accurately position read/write heads relative to the disk. A fixed guide shaft adjacent to and transverse to the motor shaft carries a carriage slidably thereon, preferably on oil impregnated bearings, the carriage member including a gear rack and the stepping motor having a pinion gear thereon interfacing with the gear rack. A preload bearing is urged against the carriage at a position between the guide shaft and the pinion gear such that the carriage is rotated around the guide shaft into engagement with the pinion gear at the rack portion thereof.

Abstract: A ventilation and filtration system and method for an enclosure isolating a memory device spinning disk mechanism from airborne contaminants in which a vent through a remote filter from the ambient atmosphere is positioned with one opening adjacent the center portion of the spinning disk whereby the enclosure is vented through the filter to the ambient pressure at a location at substantially the lowest pressure within the enclosure as a result of the air pumping action of the spinning disk to thereby over pressurize the remainder of the enclosure and minimize unfiltered leaks of outside air into the enclosure.