Abstract: A scanning system for obtaining an optimal image of a selected part of a patient, wherein the selected part varies cyclically over time. The scanning system comprises (1) scanner for scanning a cross-section of a selected part of the patient to generate a time-wise series of images of the cross-section; (2) image processing submodule for analyzing the time-wise series of images to determine a state of the selected part as shown in each image in the time-wise series of images; (3) image selection submodule for selecting the optimal image from the time-wise series of images based on the state of the selected part in the optimal image; and, (4) memory for storing the optimal image.

Abstract: A leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical sealing gasket which defines a recess therein. The gasket includes first and second end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent conduits. A shoulder portion extends from the gasket. A diaphragm member is positioned in the gasket. A hole is provided in the diaphragm member which can be selectively opened or closed by a valve operably connected to the diaphragm member to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits. A coupling for clamping the leak testing device about one or two conduits includes a generally cylindrical member having a central axis and including a plurality of sections. The sections are interconnected to one another by at least two hinge members in a manner that two sections have free end points to be releasably fastened together.

Abstract: A landscape edging includes a modular member with a closed front portion and an open rear portion, and a left or a right open end portion. The modular member further includes a first panel, and a second panel extending at an angle relative to the first panel. Each of the first and second panels includes a free edge portion. The free edge portion of the second panel is disposed closer to the rear portion of the modular member than the front portion thereof. The free edge portion of the second panel is vertically spaced from the free edge portion of the first panel. The first and second panels define a recess therebetween for retaining material, such as mulch, sand, dirt, wood chips, rocks etc. The modular member includes a connecting member for interlocking with the cooperating connecting member of an adjacent modular member. One of the first and second panels includes an anchor for immobilizing the modular member relative to the ground or a structure about the area to be landscaped.

Abstract: A device for causing a toy to simulate a yawn or sleep condition, includes an actuator mounted in the toy which is pivotable between first and second positions when a stimulus is applied to the toy. A sensor is provided for detecting one of the first and second positions of the actuator. A microprocessor is operably connected to the sensor for receiving and storing signals from the actuator. The microprocessor counts the total number of signals and transmits an activation signal to the toy to simulate a yawn or sleep condition when the total number of signals detected by the sensor reaches a preset value.

Abstract: A method is described for the modification of asphaltic compositions such that cellulosic fibers are not degraded by the asphalt at elevated temperatures. This is achieved by the addition of addition of certain inorganic or organic alkaline materials to the composition. As a further embodiment of the invention, a method is also described for the dispersion of cellulosic fibers in liquid asphalt in such a way as to obtain a thermally stable product with defined viscoelastic properties. This comprises blending the fibers with asphalt, fibers and alkaline additives under controlled mixing conditions such that the required viscometric specification is attained.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a biological process for continues purification of waste water by converting its constituents to a solid form that can be easily separated using retainable biological catalysts and a novel reactor hereafter referred to as “Reverse Fluidized Loop Reactor” (RFLR) for performing the above said process.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a biological process for continues purification of wastewater by converting its constituents to a solid form that can be easily separated using retainable biological catalysts and a novel reactor hereafter referred to as “Reverse Fluidised Loop Reactor” (RFLR) for performing the above said process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel strain of Streptomyces sp. having Accession Number PTA 973 and a process for the preparation of an alkaline protease inhibitor employing the said strain.

Abstract: A formulation useful in the treatment of drug resistant bacterial infections comprising an effective amount of thymol obtained from the plant Trachyspermum ammi, mint oil containing an appropriate amount of monoterpenes obtained from a hybrid of Mentha spicata and Mentha arvensis, and conventional additives. A method for producing the formulation by mixing the above ingredients and a method for the treatment of drug resistance in a patient by administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the formulation.

Abstract: A plastic T card holder formed from molded plastic pieces permanently united face to face and defining between them a pocket which will snugly receive a thin rectangular card. The pocket has a long upper opening through which a card may be introduced and a narrow lower opening through which a knife blade, a stiff card or the like can be inserted to dislodge the card upwardly. The card holder has considerable advantages of economy of manufacture and provides improved protection of the card and is resistant to breakage as compared with the conventional card holders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a ceramic film on a substrate by vacuum arc deposition, includes a vacuum chamber, a cathode comprised of an electrically conductive ceramic material to be deposited on a substrate, an electrically insulating member about the cathode, a heater for preheating the cathode to a predetermined temperature, an anode positioned downstream of the cathode and including an opening to allow ions of the ceramic material from the cathode to flow therethrough, a substrate support positioned downstream of the anode, and a plurality of magnetic members disposed around the vacuum chamber for guiding the ions from the cathode in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing and optimizing angiogram cine runs. The method for stabilizing involves reducing abrupt motion from the last frame to the first frame by refining the choice of the estimates of first and last frame indices provided by the user and by performing image registration so that a feature of interest is nearly in the same position between the last and first frame. According to another aspect, a network accessible system for storing and playing back angiographic images and presenting patient information is provided. The most diagnostically relevant subset of frames are extracted from selected cine runs and made available over a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet.

Abstract: The present invention relates preparation of superior quality vermicompost from the distillation wastes of aromatic crops said method comprises drying of distillation waste for 24 to 72 hours, obtained after the distillation of herbage for 2-3 h. at 20-25lbs of steam pressure, chopping the waste into small pieces, transferring this material into compost pits containing about 7-10 cm layer of partially rotten cowdung and 400-450 earthworms (Perionyx excavatus)/m3, daily watering of the pits to keep the plant material moist and covering them with gunny bags to check the loss of humidity, reloading the pits (20-30 cm layer) with the chopped distilled waste after 30-35 days, restricting watering after complete degradation of the added material, harvesting of the dried material and shade drying the same for 4-5 days, and sieving the harvested compost to remove earthworms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of refined hard sugarcane wax having improved qualities from press mud which comprises digesting press mud with a non polar solvent in the presence of activated charcoal and separating the sugarcane wax from the residue.

Abstract: A device for removing debris from an overhead gutter, includes an elongated pole with proximal and distal end portions. A debris handling assembly is disposed adjacent the distal end portion of the pole. A resting member for balancing the device on a gutter is provided. A debris collection member is disposed adjacent the distal end portion of the pole.

Abstract: A leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical elongated sealing gasket which defines a recess therethrough. The gasket includes first and second end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent conduits. A shoulder portion extends radially into the recess for supporting a diaphragm member thereon. The diaphragm member includes a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of the recess. In a preferred embodiment, the diaphragm member is made integral with the gasket. A hole is provided in the diaphragm member which can be selectively opened or closed by a valve assembly provided on the diaphragm member to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits.