Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing call screening in conjunction with a variety of network-based call services. An exemplary method for providing a called party at a called party station with call screening includes: (a) forwarding a call to the called party station (CPS) to a voice mailbox so that a caller can leave a message for the called party; (b) initiating a simplex call to the CPS; and (c) bridging the call forwarded to the voice mailbox and the simplex call to the CPS so that the called party can hear the caller leaving a message for the CPS; (d) initiating a duplex call to the CPS in response to signaling received from the CPS; and (e) bridging the call forwarded to the voice mailbox and the duplex call so that the caller and the called party are in communication with one another. In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of initiating a simplex call includes the step of delivering a distinctive ring to the CPS indicating that the caller is leaving a message for the CPS.

Abstract: A transistor substrate for a liquid crystal display comprises an array of insulated-gate staggered TFTs and a capacitor (36) associated with each transistor. The gate insulator (400,420) comprises a first inorganic layer (400) and a second, polymer or spin-on glass layer (420), of which layers only the polymer or spin-on glass layer (420) extends to the capacitor (36) to define the capacitor dielectric.

Abstract: A needless connector is provided which utilizes a resealable preslit septum valve. The valve is resiliently restrained relative to a housing with the valve and housing configured to accept a standard male luer lock having a luer tip which penetrates the valve through the opening to extend within the housing and a luer locking flange of the luer lock extending about the housing. The valve includes a disk shaped upper portion covering the opening, a lower portion spaced from the housing and extending downward from the disk shaped portion into a passageway defined by the housing, and an annular skirt to attach the septum to the housing. The connector exhibits satisfactory leak pressure after multiple connections and disconnects to the luer lock fitting and long periods of indwell of the luer tip.

Abstract: A pre-slit injection site (34) includes a housing (40) with a flow path therethrough. A first end (42) of the housing (40) carries a pre-slit septum (52). One form of a blunt cannula (98), usable with the injection site (34), carries a locking member (100). When the pre-slit injection site (34) slidably receives the blunt cannula (98), the locking member (100) latches to the injection site (34) and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula (280) includes a tube having a tapered distal end region (298) and having elongate discharge slots (294) for reducing contact surface area and for directing the flow laterally out of the cannula. The cannula may also include a rounded lead post (330), an annular barb (394), and axially oriented grooves (268).

Abstract: A method for taking reflectance oximeter readings within the nasal cavity and oral cavity and down through the posterior pharynx. The method utilizes a reflectance pulse oximeter sensor that preferably is resistant to bodily fluids to contact one of these capillary beds for the taking of readings and then forwarding of these readings to an oximeter for display. The method includes inserting a reflectance pulse oximeter sensor into a cavity within a subject's skull and contacting a capillary bed disposed in the cavity with the reflectance pulse oximeter sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for wireless communication of a computer with a wireless network or a wireless device. In one embodiment of the present invention, a pc card is configured for insertion into a computer pc card slot. Additionally, a sliding assembly is housed within the pc card. This sliding assembly is operable for sliding into a retracted position and a protruded position. When in the retracted position, the sliding assembly is mostly concealed within the pc card. When in the protruded position, the sliding assembly is partly exposed outside of the pc card. Furthermore, an antenna element is fitted inside the sliding assembly. When the sliding assembly is in retracted position, this antenna element enables wireless communication of a computer with a wireless network or a wireless device.

Abstract: Plasma is placed in ring laser gyro blocks to create laser beams for the operation of the ring laser gyro. The plasma is doped with a small portion of material that allows the ring laser gyro to operate for a long period of time.

Abstract: A combined oropharyngeal airway/bite block is disclosed having pulse oximeter sensor elements capable of monitoring the posterior pharynx, the soft palate, the hard palate, and the buccal surface. The oropharyngeal airway portion has a thickened wall to house the pulse oximeter sensor elements and provide sufficient material to form grooves in the distal end. The grooves are utilized when the invention is turned on its side to act as a bite block with the grooves engaging the teeth of the patient. The pulse oximeter sensor elements include a light source, which emits light at wavelengths of about 660 nm and about 940 nm, and a light detector. The pulse oximeter sensor elements are in communication with a spectrophotometer for analysis.

Abstract: A method for using an injector to combust a first fluid and a second fluid comprises a directing the first fluid step and a shrouding step. The directing step comprises directing the first fluid in a central coaxial flow generally perpendicularly through a first fluid passage that extends through an injector faceplate, and into a combustion chamber. In the shrouding step, a length of the central coaxial flow adjacent to the injector faceplate is shrouded with an outer coaxial flow. The shroud is formed by directing a portion of the second fluid through an annular/conical passage in the injector faceplate that surrounds the first fluid passage. The annular/conical passage is arranged such that the outer coaxial flow is directed radially inward and impinges on the central coaxial flow a distance after the central coaxial flow has exited the first fluid passage and after the outer coaxial flow has exited the annular/conical passage.

Abstract: An engine cycle that is carried out in a reciprocating piston/cylinder engine consists of a working stroke in which exothermic decomposition of at least one liquid compound is caused to occur without combustion so as to produce a gaseous product of the decomposition that drives the piston along the cylinder in one direction and an exhaust stroke in which the products of the decomposition are exhausted from the cylinder upon return movement of the piston.

Abstract: A set of contiguous and partially overlapping cDNA sequences and polypeptides encoded thereby, designated as PS108 and transcribed from prostate tissue, is described. These sequences are useful for the detecting, diagnosing, staging, monitoring, prognosticating, in vivo imaging, preventing or treating, or determining the predisposition of an individual to diseases and conditions of the prostate, such as prostate cancer. Also provided are antibodies which specifically bind to PS108-encoded polypeptide or protein, and agonists or inhibitors which prevent action of the tissue-specific PS108 polypeptide, which molecules are useful for the therapeutic treatment of prostate diseases, tumors or metastases.

Abstract: The coupling alignment warning system (CAWS) of the instant invention is designed to provide the driver of a towing unit, e.g., a commercial truck, with visual and/or audible cues that indicate whether the towing unit is aligned relative to a towed unit for proper engagement of the coupling components mounted thereon, including a fifth wheel hitch on the towing unit and a king pin on the trailer. The CAWS combines a laser light source and a series of sensors with a reflective target to provide alignment information to the user. In particular, the system combines a low-power laser diode mounted on the towing unit with a retro-reflective target that is attached, preferably temporarily, on the towed unit. The target will continuously return positive coupling alignment information back to the sensors as long as laser light impinges upon the target, i.e., as long as target acquisition is maintained. The sensors transmit detection signals to a processing unit that includes a microprocessor and relay.

Abstract: This invention is a protective covering to protect off-the-shelf disposable pulse oximeter sensors from bodily or surgical fluids. The protective covering will envelop and encase the inserted pulse oximeter sensor up to a point on the connection cable extending from the pulse oximeter sensor. The protective covering is a polypropylene, rubber, or similar material, which preferably is tapered from the large width at the entrance to the narrower width at the blind end. The protective covering is bilaminar in nature to contain a substantially rectangular pulse oximeter.

Abstract: A method and system for recording acceleration and body position data from elderly or disabled persons. The fall monitoring system includes signal feature extraction and interpretive methods for characterizing accelerations and body positions during fall events. The system can detect health and life threatening fall events in elderly persons, and can autonomously notify nursing personnel or family members that the person is in need of immediate assistance.

Abstract: The invention consists of an engine driving a wet clutch and hydrostatic pump and connected hydrostatic motor. The output of the motor drives the sun gear of a hydro-mechanical planetary drive and the output of the clutch drives the ring gear of the same drive. The carrier is the output and drives the rotors of an agricultural combine. The transmission is controlled by a microcomputer. The microcomputer receives signals from an engine speed sensor and a rotor speed sensor and transmits controlling signals to the hydrostatic pump's swash plate and to a clutch valve allowing a quantity of hydraulic fluid to enter the clutch. The microcomputer can also send a signal to brake the ring gear while reversing the direction of the hydrostatic pump motor to allow act as a reverser for the rotor. The microcomputer also can receive signals from the rotor speed sensor to open the clutch valve allowing a quantity of hydraulic fluid to enter and synchronize the clutch.

Abstract: Pump assisted vacuum therapy impotence treatment apparatus may be provided in either electric or manually operated embodiments. The axis of a pump housing affixed to a vacuum chamber via an elastomeric coupler is at an angle to the vacuum chamber axis, and turned towards a user's torso to be drawn into the user's body for better vacuum sealing. The pump cylinder of a manual embodiment has an enlarged annular rest area for receiving a resilient skirt around the piston head during nonuse of the pump. This prevents compression set of the resilient skirt, for more reliable subsequent use of the pump. The vacuum chamber is tapered and transitions from a relatively smaller round end for receipt of a male sex organ to a relatively larger oval shaped end for bayonet mounting on the resilient coupler. A pair of sizing inserts adjusts the vacuum chamber end which receives the male sex organ.