Abstract: Roll-in cots having lift assist mechanisms and lift assist mechanisms are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a lift assist mechanism includes a force application member having an actuation element, an actuation mechanism comprising a first grasp handle and a second grasp handle, and a force transmission assembly. The force transmission assembly includes a first keyway plate that is coupled to the first grasp handle, a second keyway plate that is coupled to the second grasp handle, and an actuation pin that extends through both the first keyway plate and the second keyway plate, where the actuation pin selectively applies a force to the actuation element of the force application member.

Abstract: A suction-cup end effector conforms to and grasps objects upon application of vacuum force. The suction cup assembly can have isotropic stiffness in a plane defined by a contact surface of the suction cup assembly and thus can conform regardless of the orientation of the suction cup to the object. The suction cup includes a foam suction cup body, a thin structural ring to provide a spring bias toward a rest position, and a sealing membrane within the structural ring to seal the suction cup.

Abstract: Embodiments of a side arm extension for a patient transport device comprise a patient transport device engagement member configured to engage a patient transport device frame or a support frame attached to the patient transport device frame, the side arm extension further comprising a rotatable and pivotable arm rest, and a side arm motion base connecting the arm rest to the patient transport device engagement member. The side arm motion base comprises, a rotational mechanism configured to rotate the arm rest, and a swing mechanism configured to pivot outwardly from the arm rest perpendicular to a perimeter of the patient transport device frame or patient transport device support frame.

Abstract: Roll-in cots having lift assist mechanisms and lift assist mechanisms are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a lift assist mechanism includes a force application member having an actuation element, an actuation mechanism comprising a first grasp handle and a second grasp handle, and a force transmission assembly. The force transmission assembly includes a first keyway plate that is coupled to the first grasp handle, a second keyway plate that is coupled to the second grasp handle, and an actuation pin that extends through both the first keyway plate and the second keyway plate, where the actuation pin selectively applies a force to the actuation element of the force application member.

Abstract: Roll-in cots having lift assist mechanisms and lift assist mechanisms are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a lift assist mechanism includes a force application member having an actuation element, an actuation mechanism comprising a first grasp handle and a second grasp handle, and a force transmission assembly. The force transmission assembly includes a first keyway plate that is coupled to the first grasp handle, a second keyway plate that is coupled to the second grasp handle, and an actuation pin that extends through both the first keyway plate and the second keyway plate, where the actuation pin selectively applies a force to the actuation element of the force application member.

Abstract: Roll-in cots having lift assist mechanisms and lift assist mechanisms are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a lift assist mechanism includes a force application member having an actuation element, an actuation mechanism comprising a first grasp handle and a second grasp handle, and a force transmission assembly. The force transmission assembly includes a first keyway plate that is coupled to the first grasp handle, a second keyway plate that is coupled to the second grasp handle, and an actuation pin that extends through both the first keyway plate and the second keyway plate, where the actuation pin selectively applies a force to the actuation element of the force application member.

Abstract: Embodiments of a side arm extension for a patient transport device comprise a patient transport device engagement member configured to engage a patient transport device frame or a support frame attached to the patient transport device frame, the side arm extension further comprising a rotatable and pivotable arm rest, and a side arm motion base connecting the arm rest to the patient transport device engagement member. The side arm motion base comprises, a rotational mechanism configured to rotate the arm rest, and a swing mechanism configured to pivot outwardly from the arm rest perpendicular to a perimeter of the patient transport device frame or patient transport device support frame.

Abstract: A method for serving a web page begins by storing a set of location-specific page elements. In response to a request for the web page from a client browser, a control routine parses the request to locate a geographic location data string identifying a location of the client browser that has made the request. The geographic location data string may be generated at the client browser in a number of different ways, e.g., by a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver coupled to the client computer. At the server, the web page is built dynamically using the geographic location data string to select a given one of the set of location-specific page elements and, preferably, an element having content associated with a physical location in proximity to the location of the client browser. The web page is then served in response to the request. In this way, targeted advertising or other page content is included in the web page as a function of the client browser location.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for generating characters for electronic devices using condensed keyboards are disclosed. One embodiment comprises a keyboard that monitors two sets of keys, one for each hand, for manipulation and desired character generation. The keyboard generally has four or more keys for each hand, and the keyboard may be located on the back and/or sides of a portable electronic device. One or several of the keys may generate multiple characters, depending on how the user manipulates the key while depressing it. A further embodiment may display cues of help information on a display screen of the system, assisting users in typing with the keys since the users may be unable to easily observe their fingers. That is to say, some embodiments may provide support for people with no touch-typing skills and accommodate key configurations on the back of devices with an embodiment keyboard.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for locating and retrieving specified data content in a database. The data comprises compressed digital audio or video data files associated with the recorded speech. Retrieval of the specified content requires decompression of only a portion of the compressed data. A method for locating specified content of the above type is provided. A compressed audio file comprising recorded speech is converted into a corresponding text file. A searchable index is constructed from the text file. One or more specified search arguments are used to search respective elements of the searchable index in order to detect one or more text segments. The identifiers of respective detected segments are then used to locate the specified content in the audio file. Only portions of the audio file that contain specified content require decompression, in order to retrieve the content.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for generating characters for electronic devices using condensed keyboards are disclosed. One embodiment comprises a keyboard that monitors two sets, of keys, one for each hand, for manipulation and desired character generation. The keyboard generally has four or more keys for each hand, and the keyboard may be located on the back and/or sides of a portable electronic device. One or several of the keys may generate multiple characters, depending on how the user manipulates the key while depressing it. A further embodiment may display cues of help information on a display screen of the system, assisting users in typing with the keys since the users may be unable to easily observe their fingers. That is to say, some embodiments may provide support for people with no touch-typing skills and accommodate key configurations on the back of devices with an embodiment keyboard.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and media for generating characters for electronic devices using condensed keyboards are disclosed. Embodiments comprise a method of manipulating a set of keys adapted to be manipulated using fingers of a left hand and a right hand of a user, each of the keys capable of generating multiple characters. A variation of the method includes using one or more keys adapted to be used by thumbs of the user to generate other characters and/or control characters. Other embodiments comprise keyboards, apparatuses, and portable electronic devices that comprise two sets of keys for manipulation and desired character generation. The keyboards generally have four or more keys for each hand, and the keyboards may be located on the back and/or sides of portable the systems.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for comparing suppliers includes sending survey questions for receipt by supplier computer systems. Programming instructions are also sent for receipt and execution by the supplier computer systems. The programming instructions are for causing the supplier computer systems to return supplier survey answers to a server. The answers are included in responding documents and are defined in a certain format as data elements included in the responding documents. The data elements are then parsed from the responding documents responsive to predetermined programming instructions and evaluated the data elements responsive to a predetermined set of rules.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and in particular a sleeve, to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A depth stop enhances accurate insertion, and prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imagability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, and marker deployment etc.

Abstract: Impression devices are provided for making an impression of a desired feature. The impression devices include: a flexible bladder having a cavity formed therein, the flexible bladder being capable of conforming to the details of the desired feature; a rheological material, such as a magnetorheological fluid, disposed in the cavity of the flexible bladder; and an activator for applying an external stimulus to the rheological material to change the state of the rheological material and thereby capture an impression of the desired feature.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and media for generating characters for electronic devices using condensed keyboards are disclosed. Embodiments comprise a method of manipulating a set of keys adapted to be manipulated using fingers of a left hand and a right hand of a user, each of the keys capable of generating multiple characters. A variation of the method includes using one or more keys adapted to be used by thumbs of the user to generate other characters and/or control characters. Other embodiments comprise keyboards, apparatuses, and portable electronic devices that comprise two sets of keys for manipulation and desired character generation. The keyboards generally have four or more keys for each hand, and the keyboards may be located on the back and/or sides of portable the systems.

Abstract: A compression assembly for retaining a patient's breast during a biopsy procedure that provides a wide variety of potential access points through which tissue may be accessed by a biopsy device.

Abstract: An obturator as part of a biopsy system enhances use with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) by indicating location of a side aperture in an encompassing cannula. The cannula (e.g., detached probe, sleeve sized to receive a core biopsy probe) includes a side aperture for taking a tissue sample. When the obturator is inserted in lieu of the biopsy device into the cannula, a notch formed in a shaft of the obturator corresponds to the side aperture. A dugout trough into the notch may further accept aqueous material to further accentuate the side aperture. In addition, a series of dimensionally varied apertures (e.g., wells, slats) that communicate through a lateral surface of the shaft and that are proximal to the side aperture receive an aqueous material to accentuate visibility in an MRI image, even in a skewed MRI slice through the cannula/obturator.

Abstract: A computer controlled method, with appropriate computer programming support, for providing a visualized outline and index to a meeting of a plurality of individuals comprising recording a sequential audio file of the meeting and identifying each spoken portion of the audio file with one of said plurality of individuals. Then, converting the audio file to a sequential text document and analyzing the sequential text file for selected spoken terminology. At this point, the text document may be sequentially displayed and there is displayed in association with the displayed text document, a sequential annotated graph, running concurrently with said sequential displayed text and visualizing said selected spoken terminology.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for locating and retrieving specified data content in a database, wherein data in the database is derived from recorded speech. While the data usefully comprises compressed digital audio or video data files associated with the recorded speech, retrieval of the specified content requires decompression of only a portion of the compressed data. In one useful embodiment comprising a method for locating specified content of the above type, a compressed audio file comprising recorded speech is converted into a corresponding text file, wherein the text file is divided into multiple text file segments, each having a unique identifier. A searchable index is constructed from the text file, wherein the index comprises a number of index elements, each index element associated with particular information located in one or more of the text file segments.