Abstract:
The disclosure generally relates to knowledge retrieval using a knowledgebase storing general and/or expert knowledge. In particular, the disclosure relates to using complex retrieval techniques to implement an enhanced troubleshooting system that provides relevant information. Aspects of the disclosure retrieve relevant documents to assist in troubleshooting by reasoning with stored representations about the faulty system and its operating environment. After receiving a description of the symptoms and/or other information related to the problem, the system may recommend textual and/or non-textual documents with relevant information for identifying the cause of the problem and restoring operation.
Abstract:
Test system project management processes, algorithms and software are described. The combination of the processes, algorithms and software provides a means to effectively management new the testing procedures for new product introductions from initial specification of the testing requirements all the way through implementation. The automated system allows the work to be broken down into defined sub-projects such that individual experts will have defined and documented tasks contributing to the completion of the testing regime. Tracking and evaluation algorithms are also presented. The system has been found to reduce the risk of new product introductions through thorough documentation and monitored implementation. The system also includes negotiation schema that provide optimized supplier selection to design and complete the testing system at an effective cost.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for minimizing the inherent time delays within external defibrillators. The methods and apparatuses utilize timing schemes for initiation and completion of charging of an energy storage device of an external defibrillator, measuring one or physical parameters of the patient and conducting a physiology analysis of the patient. The initiation and completion of one or more of these activities are arranged so that the energy storage device is charged to a desired level and available for a defibrillation shock to the patient with minimal delay after activation of the external defibrillator.
Abstract:
A modulation spectroscopy system (1) directs a probe beam (11) onto a sample (10), the reflected probe beam being collected by a collector (7) and processed by a detector (8). A pump beam generated by a source (4, 5) directs a pump beam (13) onto the sample at the same spot as the probe beam. However, it also switches the pump beam via a path (14) onto an adjacent location not overlapping the probe spot. This is referred to as spatial modulation. A cylindrical lens (16) in the collection subsystem (7) collects reflected light including luminescence from both pump beam spots simultaneously, so that the luminescence becomes a d.c. signal which can be easily eliminated, including means from the modulator for varying pump beam intensities and positions. This provides means to reject the unwanted background luminescence signal as well as improvement to the signal to noise ratio.
Abstract:
A system is disclosed for lifting a rocket into the upper atmosphere and establishing forward flight at several hundred miles per hour, before the rocket engines are ignited and the rocket is released from the lifting system. The main subassemblies of this lifting system comprise: (1) an array of large helium-filled dirigibles, of a size that can provide hundreds or thousands of tons of lifting force; (2) a tank-holding assembly that will be tethered to the dirigibles, and that will contain pumps and high-pressure tanks, to recapture and store the helium for use in subsequent launches; and, (3) a winged platform, with wings that can be rotated vertically during liftoff, and horizontally to establish forward flight after a desired altitude has been reached, and having conventional aircraft engines on each wing. This system enables safer, less expensive, and more efficient launching of rockets and heavy payloads into space, using easily reusable subassemblies.
Abstract:
A drafthood assembly for inclusion within a vent stack for a direct venting stove or fireplace, converting the direct venting stove or fireplace for use with a natural venting flue. The assembly includes an air intake section for feeding ambient room air into the combustion chamber and an exhaust gas section for feeding ambient room air into the products of combustion that are exhausted from the combustion chamber in order to cool the exhaust gas products so that a B-vent type flue can be used to carry the exhaust gas products out of the dwelling.
Abstract:
A panel fastener includes a metallic screw insert with an overmolded plastic cap. The screw insert is preferably manufactured by means of cold forming process which allows fabrication of the internal drive recesses and dog point ends for easy location of the mating threads while providing increased thread strength. The plastic cap is in the form of a knob which has large flutes on its outer diameter for ergonomic finger operation. In addition the knob may have a slot molded into its top to allow screwdriver or coin operation. The metallic insert may also be accessed by a drive through a central cavity in the knob. Assembly of the screw to the ferrule is achieved by passing the screw threads through the ferrule body which includes an internal annular retaining ring. The ring is very narrow and dimensioned to allow the screw to be easily pressed through the annular opening since the ring elastically expands as the thread portion of the screw passes through it. The screw is thus captivated in the ferrule however may be removed by applying a light axial force in a direction away from the panel and simultaneously applying a counterclockwise rotation to the screw head to “unthread” the screw through the annular retaining ring. The ferrule includes a plurality of resilient fingers on its leading edge which provide low installation force snap-in panel attachment.
Abstract:
Child caretaking structures having adjustable canopies and/or headrests are described. An example canopy adjustment mechanism has a track with a plurality of indentations and a canopy. The canopy has a first canopy stay connector rotatably coupled to a canopy clip having a c-shaped cross-section. The canopy clip has a first end and a second end being at opposed ends of the c-shape and defining an opening therebetween. The canopy has a protrusion on the first end extending into the opening and toward the second end, wherein the protrusion is dimensioned to selectively engage a first of the indentations of the track to fix the canopy at a first height and is dimensioned to selectively engage a second of the indentations of the track to fix the canopy at a second height.
Abstract:
Child caretaking structures having adjustable canopies and/or headrests are described. An example canopy adjustment mechanism has a track with a plurality of indentations and a canopy. The canopy has a first canopy stay connector rotatably coupled to a canopy clip. The canopy clip has a first end and a second end being at opposed ends of the c-shape and defining an opening therebetween. The canopy has a protrusion on the first end extending into the opening and toward the second end, wherein the protrusion is dimensioned to selectively engage a first of the indentations of the track to fix the canopy at a first height and is dimensioned to selectively engage a second of the indentations of the track to fix the canopy at a second height.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a support (200) for a glove (300). The support (200) is configured to releasably retain a glove (300) in a position which enables the glove (200) to be donned by a user and comprises a planar body (202) having at least one digit aperture (204, 206, 208, 210, 212) shaped to receive the fingers of a user, an inner glove retaining arrangement (230) provided around the at least one aperture (204, 206, 208, 210, 212) and an outer glove retaining arrangement (242) provided around both the first glove retaining arrangement (230) and the at least one aperture (204, 206, 208, 210, 212). The body (202) further includes at least one weakened region (220, 222) extending from the at least one digit aperture (204, 206, 208, 210,2 12), the weakened region (220, 222), in use, permitting the body (202) to tear and thereby increase the size of the at least one digit aperture (204, 206, 208, 210, 212) as the hand of a user is inserted into the at least one digit aperture (204, 206, 208, 210, 212).