Abstract: A mission control unit includes a collision detection sensor and a processor. The processor initiates different collision detection events when a collision condition is indicated by the collision detection sensor. The mission control unit can be coupled to a vehicle wiring harness to provide real-time engine diagnostics while the vehicle is being driven. The mission control unit also automatically establishes a wireless communications link to a call center during a collision condition and allows the call center to remotely control and monitor devices in the vehicle. In another aspect of the invention, an image sensor is used to verify the driver as an authorized vehicle operator.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for reducing intraocular pressure, thereby to treat glaucoma and other disorders. The systems of the present invention include a shunt insertable across the clear cornea and a delivery device for inserting the shunt in the transcorneal position. The shunt has a body with a head at one end and a foot at the opposite end, and a channel therethrough permitting the passage of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the external surface of the cornea. A removable filter is positioned within the channel to regulate aqueous humor outflow and to resist the incursion of microorganisms.

Abstract: A bitt with a freely rotatable line-handling surface includes a frame having a first side and a second side. The first and second sides of the frame each include first and second ends, and the first and second sides of the frame are substantially planar. The first and second sides adjoin each other at the first ends and define an angle therebetween. The first and second sides of the frame are arranged for being attachable to a surface of a marine vessel at the second ends of the first and second sides of the frame. First and second shafts extend outwardly from the planes of the first and second sides of the frame, respectively. The first and second shafts each have a longitudinal axis. The axis of each of the first and second shafts extends approximately perpendicularly to the plane of the first and second sides of the frame. First and second rollers each have an axis, and the first and second rollers each define a bore along the axis of the respective roller.

Abstract: The present invention allows construction of a secure, real-time operating system from a portable language such as Java that appears to be a Java virtual machine from a top perspective but provides a secure operating system from a bottom perspective. This allows portable languages, such as Java, to be used for secure embedded multiprocessor environments.

Abstract: A multi-sensor system includes multiple sensors that are integrated onto the same substrate forming a unitary multi-sensor platform that provides a known consistent physical relationship between the multiple sensors. A processor can also be integrated onto the substrate so that data from the multiple sensors can be processed locally by the multi-sensor system.

Abstract: A communication system for a mobile vehicle, home, or office environment includes multiple processors. The multiple processors each run an Open Communication system that controls how data is transferred between processors based on data content as opposed to the links that connect the processors together. The open communication system enables data or messages to be effectively transferred and processed for real-time applications or other server based applications that may be running on the multiple processors in a secure environment regardless of processors, locations, or data links.

Abstract: Sensor data is generated for areas around a vehicle. Any objects detected in the sensor data are identified and a kinematic state for the object determined. The kinematic states for the detected objects are compared with the kinematic state of the vehicle. If it is likely that a collision will occur between the detected objects and the local vehicle, a warning is automatically generated to notify the vehicle operator of the impending collision. The sensor data and kinematic state of the vehicle can be transmitted to other vehicles so that the other vehicles are also notified of possible collision conditions.

Abstract: A bitt with a freely rotatable line-handling surface includes a frame having a first side and a second side. The first and second sides of the frame each include first and second ends, and the first and second sides of the frame are substantially planar. The first and second sides adjoin each other at the first ends and define an angle therebetween. The first and second sides of the frame are arranged for being attachable to a surface of a marine vessel at the second ends of the first and second sides of the frame. First and second shafts extend outwardly from the planes of the first and second sides of the frame, respectively. The first and second shafts each have a longitudinal axis. The axis of each of the first and second shafts extends approximately perpendicularly to the plane of the first and second sides of the frame. First and second rollers each have an axis, and the first and second rollers each define a bore along the axis of the respective roller.

Abstract: Sensor data is generated for areas around a vehicle. Any objects detected in the sensor data are identified and a kinematic state for the object determined. The kinematic states for the detected objects are compared with the kinematic state of the vehicle. If it is likely that a collision will occur between the detected objects and the local vehicle, a warning is automatically generated to notify the vehicle operator of the impending collision. The sensor data and kinematic state of the vehicle can be transmitted to other vehicles so that the other vehicles are also notified of possible collision conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle audio system includes a wireless audio sensor configured to wirelessly detect different portable audio sources brought into the vehicle. Audio output devices are located in the vehicle for outputting audio signals from the different audio sources. A processor selectively connects the different audio sources to the different audio output devices. In another aspect, the audio system includes object sensors that detect objects located outside the vehicle. The processor generates warning signals that are output from the different audio output devices according to where the objects are detected by the object sensors.

Abstract: A massage containing a message identifier is received in a vehicle. The message identifier is compared with information associated with the vehicle. If message identifier and the vehicle information correspond in some manner, the message is reported to a vehicle operator and may be relayed to other vehicles.

Abstract: A multiprocessor system used in a car, home, or office environment includes multiple processors that run different real-time applications. A dynamic configuration system runs on the multiple processors and includes a device manager, configuration manager, and data manager. The device manager automatically detects and adds new devices to the multiprocessor system, and the configuration manager automatically reconfigures which processors run the real-time applications. The data manager identifies the type of data generated by the new devices and identifies which devices in the multiprocessor system are able to process the data.

Abstract: A communication system for a mobile vehicle, home, or office environment includes multiple processors. The multiple processors each run an Open Communication system that controls how data is transferred between processors based on data content as opposed to the links that connect the processors together. The open communication system enables data or messages to be effectively transferred and processed for real-time applications or other server based applications that may be running on the multiple processors in a secure environment regardless of processors, locations, or data links.

Abstract: A mobile unit establishes a session for transferring content with a service. The mobile unit then identifies a cost of service rate for the content. The mobile unit derives cost of service data according to the type of content and the identified cost of service rate. The cost of service data derived by the mobile unit is then sent back to the service provider.

Abstract: A vehicular wireless network is formed by connecting a plurality of sensor devices and automobile subsystem devices to a processing unit with wireless links. Similarly, a vehicular wireless network is formed by connecting a plurality of sensor devices and automobile subsystem devices located in various compartments of an automobile to a signal interface located in the same compartment with wireless links. The signal interfaces and processing unit are then linked by a bus that is installed to run through all the automobile compartments.

Abstract: Images, particularly colored images, are precisely registered with respect to each other when printed at spaced locations in the direction of movement of a web or sheet. Invisible sense marks are provided at spaced locations along the direction of movement and are opto-electronically sensed at each location where an imaging device is provided. The sense marks may be provided so as to define a rule to provide substantially an absolute measure of the position of the web or sheet. The sense marks may be spaced from each other about 0.01 inches or less, e.g. about one pixel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for reducing the volume of low level radioactive and mixed waste to enable the waste to be more economically stored in a suitable repository, and for placing the waste into a form suitable for permanent disposal. The invention involves a process for preparing radioactive, hazardous, or mixed waste for storage by contacting the waste starting material containing at least one organic carbon-containing compound and at least one radioactive or hazardous waste component with nitric acid and phosphoric acid simultaneously at a contacting temperature in the range of about 140.degree. C. to about 210 .degree. C.

Abstract: A closure device for skin wounds consisting of two semi-rigid base sheets each backed in part with a quantity of skin compatible self-adhesive. The sheets are placed on either side of a wound and have VELCRO (trademark) attaching means on their upper surfaces for drawing together and securing the opposite sides of the wound. A deformable resilient tube may be included on each sheet to provide a vertical force to either side of the wound as well.

Abstract: A fly or insect catcher having the appearance of a common fly swatter with a handle and head, which catcher has a sheet of adhesive material disposed on the head and a hingeably attached cover arranged to cover the head when not in use. A quantity of insecticide may be disposed in the cover to aid in killing the insects caught on the adhesive when the cover is closed.

Abstract: The method for stiffening a flexible workpiece such as the toe portion of a shoe in which a layer of fast crystallizing linear synthetic polymer resin is deposited in molten condition on a transfer surface member which is at a temperature and has a heat take up capability to bring the resin at its surface to a temperature for rapid crystallization of the resin, the resin layer is pressed between the transfer surface member and the surface of the workpiece within a time after deposition of the resin on the transfer surface member during which at least the exposed surface of the resin layer remains molten for wetting adhesive engagement with the surface of the workpiece and the transfer surface member is separated from the resin layer at a time when at least a surface film of crystallized resin has formed adjacent said transfer surface member.