Abstract: A wireless network with tiered centralized control is provided. The wireless network includes a controlling node and a plurality of participant nodes. Each participant node includes an electronically steerable antenna. The plurality of participant nodes report various network information to the controlling node, such as interference and throughput measurements. The controlling node examines the network topology and provides instructions to one or more participant nodes in order to optimize the network. The instructions can include transmit and receive antenna pointing directions, assigned frequency/channel, and the amount of transmit power to use between specific participant nodes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the detection of objects in the work area such as surgical sites, including a detection tag affixed to objects such as used during surgery. The apparatus and method feature an interrogation and detection device with a transmitter for emitting pulsed wideband signals each including a signal prompting the tag element to provide a return signal, and a receiver for reception and analysis of the return signal from the tag element. Multiple pulse signals (of constant or varied height) emitted from the transmitter causes the return signals to build up in intensity at a detectable frequency above the ambient noise levels to facilitate detection of the tag element and object attached thereto. The device features an antenna portion containing a single or a plural ring-shaped antenna. Also, the pulsed wideband interrogation signal may be pulsed-width modulated or voltage-modulated, as two examples thereof.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an eye protector comprising first and second elements intended for attachment respectively to a patient's upper eye lid and to a region of the patient's cheek beneath the ye, and fastener means for releasably fastening the elements together; said fastener means being configured to resist release in response to natural eye lid motion but to release more readily when pulled apart for detachment.

Abstract: A system for adapting existing conventional screw machines to be capable of computer numerical control operation. The system incorporates the use of a VersaCam device which replaces the turret cam of a single spindle screw machine. The VersaCam system monitors the motion of the screw machine camshaft and actuates the turret slide in synchronization with the camshaft. The VersaCam system also provides a means of specifying the desired turret slide trajectory for any given job.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-tamper nut that has a threaded bore and an angled outer surface. The angled outer surface has a plurality of ribs extending from a first face to a second face of the nut. A wrench adapted to mate with the outer surface of the nut rotationally drives the nut along the threads of a threaded member.

Abstract: An apparatus for ocular is provided wit means (2, 3) for displaying targets (T1, T2) means (4) for tracking eye movement and means (5) for controlling the display of targets (T1, T2) on a screen. A method comprises arranging the control means (5) to choreograph display of the targets (T1, T2 . . .) at different positions at the screen (2) depending on whether the eye tracking means (4) detects that an observer is directly looking at the target.

Abstract: A system for adapting existing conventional screw machines to be capable of computer numerical control operation. The system incorporates the use of a VersaCam device which replaces the turret cam of a single spindle screw machine. The VersaCam system monitors the motion of the screw machine camshaft and actuates the turret slide in synchronization with the camshaft. The VersaCam system also provides a means of specifying the desired turret slide trajectory for any given job.

Abstract: A method for integrally forming and manufacturing an one-piece forged hollow crank of a bicycle includes the following steps: (a) forging and molding a leading edge of a crank; (b) extruding a crank body; (c) forging and possibly sealing a rear end of the crank body; and (d) cutting and piercing the rear end of the crank body so as to form a hollow crank of a bicycle. In such a manner, the hollow crank can be integrally forged and molded quickly by fewer manufacturing steps than that of the conventional method. In addition, the product surface of the hollow crank is finished to have a fine and pretty appearance so that it is not easy to produce a defective product, thereby enhancing the aesthetics and quality and saving the manufacturing cost of hollow crank. Further, better aluminum alloys can be used with this method than can be used with the prior art casting or welding methods.

Abstract: The back rest and arm rests of the chair each include a separate elongated buoyant flotation member having a hole extending longitudinally therethrough. A flexible connector such as a rope extends through the holes to interconnect the back rest and arm rests with one another. The opposite ends of the rope extend outwardly of the forward end of the arm rests, and manually operable adjuster devices are attached to the ends for varying the length of rope between the adjuster devices to vary the distance of the back rest relative to the arm rests. A seat is formed of flexible material and is suspended between the arm rests by sleeves formed at opposite sides of the seat which receive the flotation members of the arm rests. The sleeves surrounding each of the flotation members have end portions which enclose end portions of the associated flotation members to prevent the flotation members from escaping from the sleeves.

Abstract: A system for adapting existing conventional screw machines to be capable of computer numerical control operation. The system incorporates the use of a VersaCam device which replaces the turret cam of a single spindle screw machine. The VersaCam system monitors the motion of the screw machine camshaft and actuates the turret slide in synchronization with the camshaft. The VersaCam system also provides a means of specifying the desired turret slide trajectory for any given job.

Abstract: A method and device for the detection of unwanted objects in surgical sites, including a medically inert detection tag which is affixed to objects such as medical sponges or other items used in body cavities during surgery. The detection tag is of minimal size with a length of about 8 mm in the shape of a bead (ovate or circular) of a medically inert hard material such as plastic or glass, with a single signal emitter such as a miniature ferrite rod and coil and capacitor element imbedded therein. Alternatively, the tag includes a flexible thread composed of a single loop wire and capacitor element, within a protective flexible elongate casing which is sewn or woven into the fabric of the sponge. A detection device is utilized to locate the tag by pulsed emission of a wide band transmission signal. The tag resonates with a radiated signal, in response to the wide band transmission, at its own single non-predetermined frequency, within the wide band range.

Abstract: Apparatus for ocular motility testing comprising, an item of headgear 5 onto which is mounted: gaze-detection means 25 for determining the visual axis directions of one or both eyes of an observer 14 wearing the headgear in relation to a reference primary position; and projector means 10 for projecting a target onto a screen spaced from the observer.

Abstract: A system for adapting existing conventional screw machines to be capable of computer numerical control operation. The system incorporates the use of a VersaCam device which replaces the turret cam of a single spindle screw machine. The VersaCam system monitors the motion of the screw machine camshaft and actuates the turret slide in synchronization with the camshaft. The VersaCam system also provides a means of specifying the desired turret slide trajectory for any given job.

Abstract: An improved handle/prop is provided for a pen-based computer wherein the handle/prop is pivotally mounted to opposite side edges of the computer. The handle/prop can be pivoted and locked into a plurality of different positions. These positions are selected to facilitate carrying the computer, supporting the computer on a flat surface in one or more inclined positions for writing and/or viewing, and holding the computer during writing. In particular, to facilitate writing on the computer screen while holding the computer, the handle/prop is mounted so that it can be swung into a recessed position behind an overlapping portion of the front display surface. This will minimize the size of the computer and minimize interference with holding the computer and writing on its screen at the same time.

Abstract: An improved handle/prop is provided for a pen-based computer wherein the handle/prop is pivotally mounted to opposite side edges of the computer. The handle/prop can be pivoted and locked into a plurality of different positions These positions are selected to facilitate carrying the computer, supporting the computer on a flat surface in one or more inclined positions for writing and/or viewing, and holding the computer during writing. In particular, to facilitate writing on the computer screen while holding the computer, the handle/prop is mounted so that it can be swung into a recessed position behind an overlapping portion of the front display surface. This will minimize the size of the computer and minimize interference with holding the computer and writing on its screen at the same time.

Abstract: An improved handle/prop is provided for a pen-based computer wherein the handle/prop is pivotally mounted to opposite side edges of the computer. The handle/prop can be pivoted and locked into a plurality of different positions. In particular, these positions are selected to facilitate carrying the computer, supporting the computer on a flat surface in one or more inclined positions for writing and/or viewing, and holding the computer during writing. A ratchet locking mechanism is provided for locking the handle/prop into the plurality of different positions. This ratchet locking mechanism includes first and second release buttons located at points where the handle/prop pivotally connects at opposite side edges of the computer. In addition, the ratchet locking mechanism includes a handle-tie piece extending through the interior of the computer to spring bias the release button into a locked position.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled computer security system is disclosed that provides for controlled access to single or multiple components of a computer system. The security system includes a magnetic card reading and encoding device that reads component access and time allotment data from a magnetically encoded card. A microcontroller, which incorporates a microprocessor, processes the data read by the reading and encoding device and responsively issues enable or disable signals through a component interface circuit to the computer system component or components to be enabled or disabled. The components to be enabled may be the video display device, hard disk drive, or external central processing units of slave computers. The security system further includes audio and visual indicators that provide system and component status information.

Abstract: A cage for receiving and holding a water bottle which can be readily attached to a bicycle frame or the like. It consists of a single piece of resilient wire bent to form the cage with a solderless, weldfree connection for the joint at the adjacent ends of the wire. This connection, along with a special mounting means, also provides a less abrasive protective surface for frictionally engaging and gripping the bottle.