Abstract: A multilingual electronic transfer dictionary provides for automatic topic disambiguation by including one or more topic codes in definitions contained the dictionary. Automatic topic disambiguation is accomplished by determining the frequencies of topic codes within a block of text. Dictionary entries having more frequently occurring topic codes are preferentially selected over those having less frequently occurring topic codes. When the topic codes are members of a hierarchical topical coding system, such as the International Patent Classification system, an iterative method can be used with starts with a coarser level of the coding system and is repeated at finer levels until an ambiguity is resolved. The dictionary is advantageously used for machine translation, e.g. between Japanese and English.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing in-vivo sonoporation of a skin area and transdermal and/or intradermal delivery of a drug solution includes a container having an end covered with a porous membrane and containing the drug solution and an ultrasound horn having a tip submerged in the drug solution. The ultrasound horn applies ultrasound radiation to the drug solution. The ultrasound radiation has a frequency in the range of 15 KHz and 1 MHz and is applied at an intensity, for a period of time and at a distance from said skin area effective to generate cavitation bubbles. The cavitation bubbles collapse and transfer their energy into the skin area thus causing the formation of pores in the skin area. The ultrasound radiation intensity and distance from the skin area are also effective in generating ultrasonic jets, which ultrasonic jets then drive the drug solution through the porous membrane and the formed pores into the skin.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of using a computer to select corporate stocks for investment. A user is connected to the Internet. The user connects to the portfolio management program (PMP) host computer through the Internet. The user reviews certain strategies and their historic performance. The information is transmitted across the Internet to the user. The information transmitted includes such information as historic performance, sample holdings, modeling how the particular strategy and its holding has performed in the past. The user, after making appropriate reviews, makes a decision to purchase the names of the stocks in that portfolio. The owner of the PMP host computer collects a payment for this service. Now the user sees a list of stocks provided by the PMP host computer. If the user can then make the decision whether to accept or reject any individual stock in the generated list.

Abstract: A dialysis probe comprises a mechanically-strong membrane carrier, or support, which is an elongate, rod-like, support member having at its distal end an eye, or a notch, and a relatively-flexible, open-ended, semipermeable membrane. The opposed sides of the support member are shaped to accommodate the membrane when it is folded in a U-fashion through the eye or notch and lies against each of the opposed sides of the support member between its distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: A system and method for real time vehicle guidance by Central Traffic Unit are presented. The proposed vehicle Guidance System includes a plurality of vehicles equipped with Individual Mobile Units including GPS units (position determining systems adapted to determine their present position) and communicatively linked to the Central Traffic Unit computer server. The Central Traffic Unit broadcasts the updated traffic patterns in real time thereby enabling the Individual Mobile Units to dynamically calculate the desired optimal travel paths. In response to a request from a driver for a route update from his present position to a desired destination, the Individual Mobile Unit searches for an optimal (usually fastest) route and shows it to the driver. In route searching by the minimal time criterion, the Individual Mobile Unit relies on estimated travel times stored in its database, and may also use current real time information on bottleneck situations received from Central Traffic Unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precisely applying radioactive material to a substrate such as a brachytherapy device is disclosed. A radioactive fluid adapted to cure rapidly is deposited as discrete dots onto a surface with a fluid-jet printhead. The apparatus comprises a fluid-jet printhead in communication with a chamber containing radioactive fluid to be applied by the printhead. The printhead is microprocessor driven, and the microprocessor may be provided with feedback from a station where the radioactivity deposited on a preceding substrate in a batch is measured, permitting the system to be recalibrated on an ongoing basis as the batch of printed devices is produced. Compensation for attenuation of radiation by a casing may also be made part of the feedback technique. Also disclosed is a brachytherapy device having printed on a surface dots of radiation-emitting material, in a pattern comprising various bands, dots or areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a virtual network, sitting “above” the physical connectivity and thereby providing the administrative controls necessary to link various communication devices via an Access-Method-Independent Exchange. In this sense, the Access-Method-Independent Exchange can be viewed as providing the logical connectivity required. In accordance with the present invention, connectivity is provided by a series of communication primitives designed to work with each of the specific communication devices in use. As new communication devices are developed, primitives can be added to the Access-Method-Independent Exchange to support these new devices without changing the application source code. A Thread Communication Service is provided, along with a Binding Service to link Communication Points. A Thread Directory Service is available, as well as a Broker Service and a Thread Communication Switching Service. Intraprocess, as well as Interprocess, services are available.

Abstract: An animal cage that holds the cage floor and waste collection assembly in place without the use of mechanical fasteners so that the assembly may be removed for cleaning and replaced by another assembly in minimal time. Also provided is the floor and waste collection assembly that is held in place without the use of mechanical fasteners and is removable for cleaning and replacement by another assembly in minimal time. A quick change electrical connection to provide shock current to the floor of the assembly is accomplished by creating pressure contact between conductive floor bars and electrical contacts of a circuit board in the rear support block of the cage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a virtual network, sitting “above” the physical connectivity and thereby providing the administrative controls necessary to link various communication devices via an Access-Method-Independent Exchange. In this sense, the Access-Method-Independent Exchange can be viewed as providing the logical connectivity required. In accordance with the present invention, connectivity is provided by a series of communication primitives designed to work with each of the specific communication devices in use. As new communication devices are developed, primitives can be added to the Access-Method-Independent Exchange to support these new devices without changing the application source code. A Thread Communication Service is provided, along with a Binding Service to link Communication Points. A Thread Directory Service is available, as well as a Broker Service and a Thread Communication Switching Service. Intraprocess, as well as Interprocess, services are available.

Abstract: A system for displaying moving images from image information, e.g. on videotape or disk, in the form of a series of image frames to be displayed sequentially over a period of time. The image information does not contain stereoscopic information captured at the origin. As in conventional stereoscopic display, at any particular point in time, two image frames, A and B, are displayed simultaneously, one to each of the observer's eyes. However image frames A and B are generated from a single source of sequential image information. Image frame A is derived from a frame F1 and frame B is derived from a frame F2 of the series of source image frames. Frame F2 is positioned to be conventionally displayed after frame F1 by about 0.0167 and about 0.033 seconds.

Abstract: A turf-simulating surface and golf practice tee device simulates the properties of natural turf. The device is made of independent components which simulate the layers of natural soil. One component is a composite mat comprising an integral pile section and plastic foam layer. The pile section has tufted strands that simulate grass, and a loop portion that is interactively positioned in a lateral-strength fabric. A plastic foam element is bonded to both the lateral-strength fabric and to the looped regions of the pile section. A second component is a rimmed base that simulates the supporting properties of the deeper layers of natural soil. The rim of the rimmed base is integrally formed around a engineered-plastic composite core. A third component is a tee-block that comprises a first component material element and a gel-foam tee-retaining element.

Abstract: A method of making a sealed double-walled tubular precursor device that is adapted to be transmuted into a brachytherapy device is disclosed. The device is hollow-tube-shaped, allowing the easy association of the device with suture material. Disclosed are methods of making devices that can be rendered radioactive by the transmuting effects of irradiation by a cyclotron or nuclear reactor. The brachytherapy devices facilitate medical application and improve safety for patients and medical personnel.

Abstract: The present invention is particularly directed to the use of a derivative of vinblastine, 3′,4′-anhydrovinblastine (AHVB), which differs from vinblastine in that it possesses a double bond at the 3′,4′ position of the caranthine nucleus rather than the hydroxyl group that is present in the parent structure, as an anti-neoplastic agent in the therapeutic treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of using a computer to select corporate stocks for investment. Fifty stocks are selected from a database on the basis of certain criteria. The stocks are acquired in equal proportions, and the portfolio is rebalanced at the end of an annual term. Strategy I: market capitalization greater than $172 million (inflation adjusted figure for $150 million in 1994 dollars.); price-to-sales ratio less than 1.5; earnings higher than in previous year; market capitalization greater than market capitalization three months ago; market capitalization greater than market capitalization six months ago; buy stocks with highest one-year stock price appreciation. Strategy II: market capitalization greater than database mean; common shares outstanding greater than database mean; cashflow greater than the database mean. (creating SET A); price-to-sales ratio less than average for SET A; sales greater than 1.

Abstract: Improved optical elements having rises and faces, which may have annular or linear grooves, such as Fresnel spherical or cylindrical lenses, and methods of making them, are disclosed wherein an opaque coating is imparted to the rises by methods including positioning pre-printed opaque elements on a substrate such that when the optical element is pressed, stamped, embossed or molded from the substrate, rises of the completed element comprise said pre-printed opaque elements. A reflective element is made by imparting a reflective coating onto a substrate and then a non-reflective coating to the rises, e.g. by applying non-reflective material to the element and selectively cleaning it to leave a coat of non-reflective material adhering to the rises but not the faces. Photoresist, photographic emulsion, or ink may be used as the coating. Unwanted light may also be minimized by using circularly polarized light.

Abstract: The disposal of rubbish (trash, garbage), and other waste materials, is nowadays effected in a properly-designed tip (dump) so constructed and lined that none of its contents can in any way affect the ambient conditions. The required impervious lining layer comes in rolls, each of which is a long, heavy, sheet of material. The dispenser apparatus can be “rigidly” attached to a tractor's (conventional) three-point mounting. A long beam 34, or framework of beams, having roughly centrally thereof a three-point mounting 39 by which it can be attached behind a tractor 32 clear of the ground, the beam 34 having normally-disposed end plates 35 between which there is borne a support rod 26 carrying a roll 27 of liner material. Preferably the beam 34 is associated with positioning control device 62,63 that can be used to adjust the lateral angle of the lower three-point mounting linkages 61, and so move the roll 27 to either side to modify where the liner is laid.

Abstract: A substrate such as a woven or nonwoven fabric bound with a light-activated dye alone or in combination with additional conventional antimicrobial agents. The substrate is impregnated with a light-activated non-leachable dye having antimicrobial and/or antiviral characteristics which can be imparted to the substrate. The dye is bound by a cationic or anionic binder such as a water soluble polymer or carrageenan. Upon exposure to normal light, the dye generates singlet oxygen that kills microorganisms and viruses.

Abstract: A method of making a novel brachytherapy device is disclosed. The device is formed from a hollow-tube-shaped seed-substrate, allowing the easy association of the device with suture material. This shape minimizes the chance of migration of implanted seeds due to better attachment to tissue. The distribution of the radioactive material on the exterior surface of an interior tube of the tubular device provides a relatively uniform radiation field around the hollow-tube-shaped brachytherapy seed source. Methods are disclosed of making brachytherapy devices that are inherently radioactive. Also disclosed are methods of making devices that can be rendered radioactive by the transmuting effects of neutron irradiation. Brachytherapy devices are disclosed that facilitate medical application and improve safety for patients and medical personnel.

Abstract: Long hair is curled by isolating each of the strands of hair that the subject desires to be curled; applying a curling agent to the strand at this point or later; placing a curling ribbon comprising a ribbon of fabric having three longitudinal stiffening wires adjacent the strand of hair and wrapping it around the strand to envelop the hair strand; securing the curling ribbon to the base of the strand; and then winding the ribbon-enveloped strand around a cylindrical curling mandrel. The mandrel is then withdrawn from within the coil without uncoiling the strand, and the process is repeated until all of the coils are made. After the setting or permanent waving agent has worked, the stiffened ribbon is removed and the hair is combed out. Alternatively, the ribbons may be allowed to remain in the hair as decoration.

Abstract: A turf-simulating surface and golf practice tee device simulates the properties of natural turf. The device is made of independent components which simulate the layers of natural soil. One component is a composite mat comprising an integral pile section and plastic foam layer. The pile section has tufted strands that simulate grass, and a loop portion that is interactively positioned in a lateral-strength fabric. A plastic foam element is bonded to both the lateral-strength fabric and to the looped regions of the pile section. A second component is a rimmed base that simulates the supporting properties of the deeper layers of natural soil. The rim of the rimmed base is integrally formed around a engineered-plastic composite core. A third component is a tee-block that comprises a first component material element and a gel-foam tee-retaining element.