Abstract:
A method for generating a vertical section of an object surface under inspection by a digital optical-video inspection system movable along a vertical Z axis, comprising obtaining a video image of the object surface; overlaying over the video image on the object surface a sectioning band along a section vector to make a vertical section of the object, the band comprising a number of regions of pixels, the center of each region being a sampling point along the section vector; generating a series of video images of the object surface at several Z axis positions; computing a focus quality measurement Q(n) for each region at each Z axis position Z(n); computing a best focus quality measurement the series of Q(n); and generating a vertical cross-section of the object surface from a set of points x,y,z obtained at each best focus location.
Abstract:
An infuision device with a disposable administration set which is inexpensive to manufacture. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the disposable administration set has a plurality of elongated cam followers connected to a plate assembly, wherein the cam followers are displaced in a predetermined sequence and forced against a delivery tube by cam means driven by rotary drive means. The disposable administration set is injection molded as a single integral piece. The disposable administration set includes adjustment spacers disposed between the plate assembly and the cam followers which adjust the distance between them to keep the device accurate. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the cam means are configured to provide fluid delivery at a consistent and uniform rate.
Abstract:
A tilt rack apparatus comprises a rectangular frame supported on a rectangular base for pivotal movement between a horizontal position and a tilted position. A foot-operated latch mechanism maintains the frame in one or the other of the positions. The frame supports a container, such as a parts basket. The container is set on the frame with the frame in the horizontal position, and when the latch is released, the frame and container are moved to the tilted position. Then, when the container is unloaded and the latch mechanism is released, the frame and container are returned to the horizontal position automatically by gas spring shock absorbers.
Abstract:
A cooking device comprising a trough assembly and a chimney. The trough assembly comprises three or more troughs each extending radially outwards from the central section, each of the three or more troughs being configured to receive and retain combustible material from the central section. The chimney is configured to receive combustible material, the chimney fitting at least partially within the central section.
Abstract:
A method for producing a sulphided copper sorbent includes the steps of: (i) contacting a sorbent precursor material containing one or more sulphidable copper compounds, with a sulphiding gas stream including hydrogen sulphide to form a sulphided sulphur-containing sorbent material, and (ii) subjecting the sulphided sulphur-containing sorbent material to a heating step in which it is heated to a temperature above that used in the sulphiding step and ≧110° C., under an inert gas selected from nitrogen, argon, helium, carbon dioxide, methane, and mixtures thereof, the inert gas optionally including hydrogen sulphide. The method provides sulphided copper sorbents that have reduced levels of elemental sulphur.
Abstract:
Techniques are presented for managing firmware updates for a plurality of devices within a wireless network. Embodiments monitor network usage of the plurality of devices to collect historical usage data. An optimal window of time for updating the firmware of the plurality of devices is then determined, based on the collected historical device usage data. Embodiments flag at least one of the plurality of devices for a firmware update, based on a current firmware version of the device and a corresponding available firmware version for the device. In one embodiment, dependencies for each of the plurality of devices are considered in flagging the devices for the firmware update. The firmware of the flagged devices is updated during the determined optimal window of time.
Abstract:
A bivalent water-heating system includes a water-storage tank having at least one wall defining an interior storage cavity configured for storing water to be heated. The storage cavity includes an upper-cavity and lower-cavity portions. A non-solar heating unit is situated at least partially in the upper-cavity portion and includes a combustion chamber defined by at least one wall through which heat produced by the combustion of fuel is transferred to stored water located within the upper-cavity portion. Water stored in the lower-cavity portion is heated by a solar heating subsystem that circulates a heat-transferring fluid between a solar collector that converts solar radiation to heat energy and a heat exchanger situated within the lower-cavity portion such that heat-transferring fluid (i) absorbs heat at the solar collector, (ii) is routed to the heat exchanger where the heat-transferring fluid transfers heat to water stored in the lower-cavity portion, and (iii) is returned from the heat exchanger to the solar collector to absorb additional heat.
Abstract:
The invention provides a consistent, easy to use, reliable method for evaluating each potential subject against the inclusion and exclusion criteria for a controlled data collection such as a clinical trial protocol. The invention provides a method for subject evaluation according to the clinical protocol as soon as the clinical protocol has been agreed upon. The invention provides an automated system and method of applying the clinical protocol to identifying and enrolling subjects. The invention removes both error (based on incomplete understanding or misunderstanding of the protocol) and inconsistencies owing to the subjective application. Further, to the extent physician subjectivity is affecting enrollment, the inventive system and method provides a means to monitor and quantify the subjective effect introduced into the clinical trial enrollment process.
Abstract:
A system for transporting an nonambulatory patient including a mattress having longitudinal sides and a bottom surface and a panel having longitudinal side edges, a head end edge, and a bottom surface coated with a low coefficient of friction coating. The panel is positioned below the bottom surface of the mattress, and includes a plurality of side straps extending outwardly from the longitudinal side edges in spaced relation to one another. A handle is located along at least one edge of the panel. The side straps are wrapped around the mattress so as to cause the mattress to curl so that the longitudinal sides are moved upwardly to thereby form a central longitudinal pocket suitable for cradling a patient positioned upon the mattress. The head end handle is then pulled to drag the curled mattress and the panel along a surface upon the low coefficient of friction coating.
Abstract:
A convertible wheeled chair is easily changed by an attendant into a gurney of the same height as a patient bed. During the process of transferring a patient from an upright position to a reclining position, convertible wheeled chair shifts the center of gravity of the patient rearwardly, and therefore does not give the patient a sensation of sliding from the chair.