Abstract: An operator independent, transparent wireless modem management system is disclosed. According to an embodiment of the invention, the modem management system comprises the steps of receiving a short message service message at the wireless modem and examining the short message service message for modem management information. If the short message service message comprises modem management information, then the wireless modem processes the short message service message. A wireless modem for accomplishing the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic splicing apparatus for use in combination with a selected automatic labeling apparatus which uses a sensor and a splicing station through which a first web of stick-on labels passes; a second web of material from a standby roll is held in a ready position for splicing end-to-end with the first web. The first web is stopped and severed at an approximate reference line location, the second web is joined using a splice piece; wherein web feeder continues continuously with uninterrupted operation due to a loose loop located downstream of the splicer permitting splicing the first web to said second web, “on the fly”, that is without reducing the speed of the automatic labeling process during splicing.

Abstract: An adjustable anchor assembly is designed to provide an anchor for a child restraint seat at the intersection of a back cushion and a bottom cushion of a seat in the interior of an automobile. The adjustable anchor assembly includes a housing designed to mount to a support member adjacent the intersection of the back and bottom cushions. An anchor member has an attachment end designed to provide an attachment for a child restraint seat and a mounting end. An adjustment device adjustably interconnects the housing with the mounting end of the anchor member and is operable to change the distance between the housing and the anchor member.

Abstract: An imaging instrument includes a compact hand-held housing having an electronic imaging element supported within a housing, and a plurality of interchangeable instrument heads separably attachable to the housing. Each of the instrument heads includes an optical system disposed in alignment with the electronic imaging element along an instrument viewing axis. Preferably, the instrument further includes an integral display for displaying at least one captured or real-time video image as viewed through the instrument head of choice. The instrument includes a controller with sufficient programmable logic to capture and store a plurality of imaging images which can be transferred along with audio and/or annotation data relating to a captured image. Corresponding video and audio data can be then transferred using a receiving cradle to a computer which contains software which organizes the stored data for further processing.

Abstract: An optical reader is suitable for reading 2-dimensional indicia. The optical reading device, that may include a bar code reader, comprises a guide whose length along the optical reader optical axis is such that when that guide contacts the part or equipment surrounding the indicia to be read, that indicia is within the optical reader depth of field. The reader comprises a housing having therein a source of illumination and optics for producing a diverging beam for illuminating indica. A spacing element transparent guide is removably attached to the housing, and does not block indicia. The line of contact of the guide with the data carrier is substantially fully visible to the operator, who can thus confirm that the guide is in proper operating position relative to the indica prior to initiating a reading operation. A reading operation can be initiated by pressing on the guide to actuate a switch, or on a manual trigger.

Abstract: A video otoscope includes an elongated body portion having a conically shaped insertion portion sized for insertion a predetermined distance into an ear canal. The insertion portion includes a tip opening and an interior having a lens system for focusing an optical image of a target onto a distally positioned imager each contained therein. The body portion includes an insufflation port to pressurize or apply a vacuum within the ear canal to allow stimulation of the tympanic membrane. In a preferred embodiment, a clear speculum releasably attached to the insertion portion transmits light to a target within the ear canal, while also allowing insufflated air to be reliably guided to the tip opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for medical inspection comprising a hand-held medical diagnostic instrument having a battery pack for providing energy to a light source for illuminating the target area, a housing, a charger for charger the battery pack that is integral with the housing and adapted to provide electric energy to the battery pack to charge the battery pack, a video adapter detachably coupled to the medical diagnostic instrument, video processing circuitry contained within the housing and an umbilicus for connecting the video adapter to the video processing circuitry.

Abstract: An optical reader is suitable for reading 2-dimensional indicia. The optical reading device, that may include a bar code reader, comprises a lens assembly and a guide detachably mounted on a front portion of the housing for establishing a distance between the lens assembly and an equipment target that is displaced a predetermined distance from a mark target wherein the optical reader further comprises an attaching member for supporting the lens assembly on the guide to form a detachable lens-guide assembly.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for illuminating a medical diagnostic instrument with a light source that is located remotely from the instrument and that is equipped with a fiberoptic cable having a threaded connector. The instrument to be illuminated includes a light cavity designed to receive an electrically powered light source. The illumination apparatus includes an adapter having a first coupling structure for engaging said threaded connector and a second coupling structure for engaging the instrument in proximity to said light cavity. When so engaged, the apparatus fiberoptically illuminates the light cavity in place of said light source.

Abstract: A hand-held diagnostic instrument includes a casing having a hand-holdable body portion and a neck portion that extends from the body portion to a head portion that is formed of a back cover and a front cover. A circuit board assembly in the body portion contains video processing circuitry, and a flexible neck board extends forward from the body portion through the neck portion of the casing to a head board located in the head portion of the casing. A solid state imager and a miniature lamp are disposed on the head board. The front cover contains an adjustable focus lens cell for focusing on the imager an image of a target in the lens cell's field of view. The instrument provides a monitor-ready standard format full color video signal.

Abstract: A video camera head for use with medical diagnostic instrumemts. A connector assembly, positioned at the outlet of the housing of the camera head, allows a video cable including a multi-conductor tightenable connector to be attached to and detached from the fragile internal wiring of the camera head without applying destructively high forces thereto. A mounting assembly, positioned at the inlet of the housing of the camera head, enclose and protects a video imaging chip while securely mounting the same in a predetermined position and orientation within the housing of the camera head.

Abstract: A hand-held, fully remote diagnostic instrument having video capability is configured for any one of a number of clinical or industrial applications. The instrument has a casing that includes a hand-holdable body portion, a neck portion that extends from the body portion to a head portion that is formed of a back cover, a front cover, and a sealing gasket to form a fully soakable instrument. A circuit board assembly in the body portion contains video processing circuitry, and a flexible neck board which extends forward from the body portion through the neck portion of the casing to a head board located in the head portion of the casing. A solid state imager and a miniature lamp are disposed on the head board. The front cover contains an adjustable focus lens cell for focusing on the imager an image of a target in the lens cell's field of view. The instrument can be configured for various applications by installing front and back covers that are suited for a specific purpose.

Abstract: An improved hand-held diagnostic dental probe includes a casing that having a hand-holdable body portion, a neck portion that extends from the body portion to a head portion that is formed of a back cover and a front cover. A circuit board assembly in the body portion contains video processing circuitry, and a flexible neck board extends forward from the body portion through the neck portion of the casing to a head board located in the head portion of the casing. A solid state imager and a miniature lamp are disposed on the head board. The front cover contains an adjustable focus lens cell for focusing on the imager an image of a target in the lens cell's field of view. The instrument provides a monitor-ready standard format full color video signal.

Abstract: A control handle for a video probe that includes a joystick mounted in a housing which is coupled to a stepper mechanism for moving the control cables of an elongated insertion tube in response to the manipulation by an operator. The joystick is sealed against liquid infiltration.

Abstract: An add-on video camera arrangement permits onscreen viewing of a target within an enclosed structure, such as a patient's body cavity, using an optical laparoscope. A standard C-mount adaptor is fitted to the ocular of the laparoscope lens tube. The camera arrangement has a handle unit that is formed of a short one piece housing. A camera lens and imager unit is disposed therein at the distal end of the housing. A standard female-thread socket receives the standard male thread of the C-mount adaptor. A flexible umbilical tube couples the housing to a connector module that plugs into a light and power supply unit. The fiber optic bundle light conduit has its proximal end within the connector module to receive light from the light unit, and the light conduit extends through the umbilical tube in the handle unit housing and exits the housing at a light conduit port. A flexible tubular connector extends from this port and carries the fiber optic bundle light conduit.

Abstract: A retinoscope is provided with a hinged light filter carrier assembly for slidably positioning first and second polarizing filters in the light transmission and viewing passageways. A single actuating lever is provided to move the light filter members into operative position and to retract them out of alignment with the viewing passageways.