Abstract: A safety syringe has a simple structure, is convenient to use, and has a low cost. The safety syringe includes a sliding casing, a needle, a syringe barrel, a piston, a latching casing, a spring and a plunger inside the syringe barrel. The safety syringe can be easily used to carry out an injection and has a safety mechanism that can be actuated using a single hand. The sliding casing can be automatically positioned and locked in two directions. This design guarantees that, during processing of the syringe after it is used, the needle's point is always protected by the sliding casing. The safey syringe is also auto-locking; after it has been used, the plunger is locked in the syringe barrel and cannot be pulled out any longer. Any attempt to use the syringe again will cause the plunger to be broken and the syringe to be damaged, thus ensuring a one-time use.

Abstract: Projector and camera arrangements are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems. Specifically, the present invention provides projector and camera arrangements wherein the projector and camera share the same imaging optics. By sharing the same projection and camera optics, the distortions that affect the projection system are the same as those of the camera system. Thus, the calibration step required in conventional whiteboard systems where the projector and camera are separate, i.e., each having their own distinct optics and settings, is no longer needed. Further, the arrangements provided in accordance with the invention are self-aligning, even when lens distortions are large and even in the presence of strong perspective effects. The shared optics projector and camera arrangements of the invention also provide for dynamic zooming. In addition, various active and passive optical marker or lightpen designs are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems.

Abstract: An Echinacea composition containing the immunosuppressive components of an Echinacea extract but not the immunostimulatory components is disclosed. A process for isolating Echinacea immunosuppressive components by extraction with lipophilic compounds is also disclosed. The Echinacea composition can be used for treatment of colds, flu, and other upper respiratory tract infections, inflammatory diseases, and immunomodulatory disorders.

Abstract: Projector and camera arrangements are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems. Specifically, the present invention provides projector and camera arrangements wherein the projector and camera share the same imaging optics. By sharing the same projection and camera optics, the distortions that affect the projection system are the same as those of the camera system. Thus, the calibration step required in conventional whiteboard systems where the projector and camera are separate, i.e., each having their own distinct optics and settings, is no longer needed. Further, the arrangements provided in accordance with the invention are self-aligning, even when lens distortions are large and even in the presence of strong perspective effects. The shared optics projector and camera arrangements of the invention also provide for dynamic zooming. In addition, various active and passive optical marker or lightpen designs are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a safety syringe and aims to provide simple structure, convenient use, and low cost, and to make the syringe have needle protection functionality and become auto-disable. The present invention includes a sliding casing, a needle, a syringe barrel, a piston, a latching casing, a spring and a plunger inside the syringe barrel, the present invention can be easily used to carry out an injection and to initiate its safety mechanism by a single hand. The sliding casing can be automatically positioned and locked in two directions; This design guarantees during processing the syringe after it is used, the pinhead is always protected by the sliding casing; The present invention also has a reliable function of auto-locking; Therefore, once the syringe is used, the plunger has been locked in the syringe barrel and can not be pulled out any longer; Any attempt to use the syringe again will cause the plunger broken and the syringe damaged, thus ensuring a one-time use.

Abstract: A system for and method of evaluating a log. The system includes an analysis module having at least one input terminal connectable to the at least one input device. The at least one input terminal is operable to receive at least one signal representing at least one measured property of the log and at least one determined parameter of the log determined in response to an energy being applied to the log. The analysis module further includes a processor coupled to the at least one input terminal. The processor determines a predictive modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the log based at least in part on the at least one measured property and the at least one sensed parameter. The analysis module also includes an output terminal coupled to the processor and connectable to an output device. The output terminal transmits a third signal representing the predictive MOE.

Abstract: A system for and method of evaluating a log. The system includes an analysis module having at least one input terminal connectable to the at least one input device. The at least one input terminal is operable to receive at least one signal representing at least one measured property of the log and at least one determined parameter of the log determined in response to an energy being applied to the log. The analysis module further includes a processor coupled to the at least one input terminal. The processor determines a predictive modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the log based at least in part on the at least one measured property and the at least one sensed parameter. The analysis module also includes an output terminal coupled to the processor and connectable to an output device. The output terminal transmits a third signal representing the predictive MOE.

Abstract: A method for WLAN signal strength determination comprises receiving a WLAN RF signal; converting the WLAN RF signal to a voltage proportional to the signal; comparing the voltage to a first reference voltage; and outputting data corresponding to WLAN RF signal strength if the voltage is greater than the first reference voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quality of live, standing timber employs deep-set spike probes angled to create a longitudinal compression wave. Alignment tools and isolation of the probes provide an improved signal, automated detection of probe separation and amplitude-independent pulse discrimination process ensure higher reliability and repeatability of the measurements, and wireless operation provides operational efficiencies.

Abstract: Projector and camera arrangements are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems. Specifically, the present invention provides projector and camera arrangements wherein the projector and camera share the same imaging optics. By sharing the same projection and camera optics, the distortions that affect the projection system are the same as those of the camera system. Thus, the calibration step required in conventional whiteboard systems where the projector and camera are separate, i.e., each having their own distinct optics and settings, is no longer needed. Further, the arrangements provided in accordance with the invention are self-aligning, even when lens distortions are large and even in the presence of strong perspective effects. The shared optics projector and camera arrangements of the invention also provide for dynamic zooming. In addition, various active and passive optical marker or lightpen designs are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems.

Abstract: A method for WLAN signal strength determination comprises receiving a WLAN RF signal; converting the WLAN RF signal to a voltage proportional to the signal; comparing the voltage to a first reference voltage; and outputting data corresponding to WLAN RF signal strength if the voltage is greater than the first reference voltage.

Abstract: A system for and method of evaluating a log. The system includes an analysis module having at least one input terminal connectable to the at least one input device. The at least one input terminal is operable to receive at least one signal representing at least one measured property of the log and at least one determined parameter of the log determined in response to an energy being applied to the log. The analysis module further includes a processor coupled to the at least one input terminal. The processor determines a predictive modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the log based at least in part on the at least one measured property and the at least one sensed parameter. The analysis module also includes an output terminal coupled to the processor and connectable to an output device. The output terminal transmits a third signal representing the predictive MOE.

Abstract: Projector and camera arrangements are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems. Specifically, the present invention provides projector and camera arrangements wherein the projector and camera share the same imaging optics. By sharing the same projection and camera optics, the distortions that affect the projection system are the same as those of the camera system. Thus, the calibration step required in conventional whiteboard systems where the projector and camera are separate, i.e., each having their own distinct optics and settings, is no longer needed. Further, the arrangements provided in accordance with the invention are self-aligning, even when lens distortions are large and even in the presence of strong perspective effects. The shared optics projector and camera arrangements of the invention also provide for dynamic zooming. In addition, various active and passive optical marker or lightpen designs are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems.

Abstract: The invention allows a user to construct a collection of resolutionally non-uniform, captured digital image views of static scene, thereby defining the more interesting sections of the scene for viewing. The invention provides a system and a method for continuous zooming and display of composite image representation having different levels of resolution at different locations. The invention discloses techniques for acquisition of multiple resolution and overlapping digital images, composite representation of those captured images, and the continuous zooming display of the complete image data.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing handwritten information messaging among users of interconnected computers. Information content, including text and handwritten stroke information, is presented to the user in a graphical user interface (GUI) provided on a user's computer system. The messaging method provides for multimedia, handwritten and text messaging. The non-text data is layered among the usual text messages, after having been suitably scaled and repositioned. Additionally, the present invention provides for annotation, modification and deletion of items presented anywhere in an Instant Messaging record. Users are alerted to annotations by hyperlinks. The method is adapted for use with Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's) as well as other type clients. The method includes a late join feature, allowing users connecting to an IM session already in progress access to the complete record of the IM session. Ink and text input on predefined business forms displayed to the user are also permitted.

Abstract: Projector and camera arrangements are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems. Specifically, the present invention provides projector and camera arrangements wherein the projector and camera share the same imaging optics. By sharing the same projection and camera optics, the distortions that affect the projection system are the same as those of the camera system. Thus, the calibration step required in conventional whiteboard systems where the projector and camera are separate, i.e., each having their own distinct optics and settings, is no longer needed. Further, the arrangements provided in accordance with the invention are self-aligning, even when lens distortions are large and even in the presence of strong perspective effects. The shared optics projector and camera arrangements of the invention also provide for dynamic zooming. In addition, various active and passive optical marker or lightpen designs are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems.

Abstract: A safety syringe comprising a casing having a neck and a plunger having a distal portion, a weak portion, and a coupling portion covered by a hollow stopper having a membrane. The plunger is channeled in the casing and is moveable between an extended position and a compressed position. A needle holder, in the neck, contains a distally facing arrowhead and a proximally facing needle. Moving the plunger from an extended position to a compressed position, causes the arrowhead to puncture the membrane and engage the coupling portion. If the plunger is returned to the extended position, the needle is drawn into the casing and the distal portion of the plunger can be removed. If the plunger is re-compressed, the needle encounters a wall in the neck preventing the needle from exiting the casing. The syringe is easy to manufacture and prevents manufacturing burrs from being injected into patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for providing non-lipid, liquid form herbal extracts in a vegetable gelatin, HPMC, or any other cellulose derivative capsule. The process includes extracting an herbal plant material with an alcohol to provide an aqueous alcoholic herbal extract. The aqueous alcoholic herbal extract is contacted with sufficient glycerin to maintain the extract preferably in solution, and at least dispersed in the mixture of glycerin and aqueous alcoholic herbal extract. Alcohol and water is removed form the mixture to provide a glycerin-based liquid or semi-solid herbal extract and having a moisture content of less than 10 percent by weight, and preferably less than 5 percent by weight. The herb extract is then encapsulated in a vegetable gelatin, HPMC, or any other cellulose derivative capsule.

Abstract: A safety syringe comprising a casing having a neck and a plunger having a distal portion, a weak portion, and a coupling portion covered by a hollow stopper having a membrane. The plunger is channeled in the casing and is moveable between an extended position and a compressed position. A needle holder, in the neck, contains a distally facing arrowhead and a proximally facing needle. Moving the plunger from an extended position to a compressed position, causes the arrowhead to puncture the membrane and engage the coupling portion. If the plunger is returned to the extended position, the needle is drawn into the casing and the distal portion of the plunger can be removed. If the plunger is recompressed, the needle encounters a wall in the neck preventing the needle from exiting the casing. The syringe is easy to manufacture and prevents manufacturing burrs from being injected into patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for providing non-lipid, liquid form herbal extracts in a vegetable gelatin, HPMC, or any other cellulose derivative capsule. The process includes extracting an herbal plant material with an alcohol to provide an aqueous alcoholic herbal extract. The aqueous alcoholic herbal extract is contacted with sufficient glycerin to maintain the extract preferably in solution, and at least dispersed in the mixture of glycerin and aqueous alcoholic herbal extract. Alcohol and water is removed form the mixture to provide a glycerin-based liquid or semi-solid herbal extract and having a moisture content of less than 10 percent by weight, and preferably less than 5 percent by weight. The herb extract is then encapsulated in a vegetable gelatin, HPMC, or any other cellulose derivative capsule.