Abstract: A sample collection apparatus which measures biological samples and can be used to provide the early detection of respiratory diseases, for example tuberculosis induced by the pathogen mycobacterium tuberculosis. The sample collection apparatus has a sample collection unit and a corresponding complementary reader unit. The collection unit collects a sample exhaled from the user through a collection vessel with an optical interrogation region. The sample is spread on the inside of the vessel over the interrogation region and subsequently analyzed. The test results are displayed via the reader unit.

Abstract: A prosthesis for partial replacement of a long bone in humans or animals, the prosthesis including: a proximal or distal end component forming one component of a prosthetic joint; a shaft on or assembled with the distal or proximal end component in use; a stem for engagement in a resected bone; and an initially separate collar assembled to the shaft or an extension thereof in use, the collar being dimensioned to abut the resected end face of the bone into which the prosthesis is to be fitted, wherein the end face of the collar facing the resected face of the bone is sized and shaped to correspond to the resected end face of the bone.

Abstract: A method of maxillary sinus bone grafting for placement of an implant in which upon placement of the implant, a vertical hole is formed and enlarged with ease in a maxillary sinus floor, a maxillary membrane is easily lifted in an always-stable state using a piezotome and gel type bone graft material while preventing the membrane from becoming damaged, and even the bone graft material of coarse bone meal is uniformly diffused and infused, thereby ensuring that the implant is placed in a fast, safe manner while allowing a patient to keep relaxed and alleviating the pain the patient feels, resulting in shortening a curing time and maximizing effects of the placement of the implant.

Abstract: An expandable bag includes a body having a lower portion defining a closed bottom and a generally upstanding lower sidewall having an upper rim and an upper portion defining an upper sidewall having a lower edge coupled adjacent to the upper rim of the lower portion and having an upper rim defining a top opening. The upper portion is movable between a folded position, in which the upper sidewall is folded within the lower sidewall such that the upper rim of the upper portion and the top opening thereof is disposed generally adjacent to the upper edge of the lower portion to define an interior compartment of a certain size, and an extended position, in which the upper portion is unfolded and extended upwardly, thereby extending the height of the body and creating an interior compartment of greater size.

Abstract: A sheath for a lacrosse stick includes a cap and a rolled sheath. The cap is mounted on the free end of a lacrosse stick and the sheath is unrolled onto the stick to the desired length or the entire length of the stick. The cap and sheath are preferably made from injection molded rubber, neoprene of other polymers that permit production in various thickness, colors and lengths. The elasticity of the material preferably gives it memory and durability. The diameter of the sheath is preferably smaller than the diameter of the lacrosse stick so that it stretches to a tight fit. After the sheath is unrolled to the desired length, excess material may be cut off, if desired.

Abstract: A method of connecting a panel (50) to a panel joining member (51) is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a recess (16) adjacent to an edge of a panel. The panel (50) is located within a panel joining member (51) the panel (50) being located against a stop member (15) and the recess (16) being aligned with an aperture (18) in the wall (13B) of the joining member (51). A fastener (17) is passed through the aperture (18) and urges the panel towards the outer wall (15) of the joining member (51). A receiver (30) is inserted into the recess (16) to assist engagement of the panel (50) with the fastener (17). The receiver (30) has a shape complementary to that of the recess (16). Opposing walls (13A, 13B) of the joining member (51) are inclined towards one another to improve panel retention. A push or snap-fit join is included to facilitate assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for promoting the growth of animals, comprising extracts of Artemisia capillaris thunberg, Acanthopanax and garlic, as well as a feed composition comprising the same. The composition for promoting the growth of animals shows the excellent effect of promoting the secretion of growth hormone. Particularly, when the feed composition comprising the animal growth-promoting composition is administered to livestock animals, it will show the excellent effects of body weight gain, meat quality improvement and milk production increase in the livestock animals.

Abstract: A tap for removing liquid from a container has a sleeve (10) made of plastic, in which a piston (12) is guided, and which sleeve has a passage opening (28) for the liquid. A hood that can be set onto the sleeve (10) in front of the passage opening (28), so that it covers the passage opening (28), serves as a foam throttle. The hood encloses a labyrinth channel (36), together with the sleeve, which channel is open at one end, towards the interior of the container, and ends in the passage opening (28) at the other end.

Abstract: The methods of the invention include interrogating a user provided “Abandoned Property DataBase” (APDB) and assigning a probable escheat jurisdiction to each account based on a series of user-selected processing options. The invention appends confidence codes indicating how each escheat decision was reached, enabling users to make informed decisions as to which accounts require additional manual review and ultimately, which escheat to each jurisdiction. The invention can also correct addresses, parse extraneous data, append alternate escheat jurisdictions, provide Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) compliance validation, and allow real-time review and updating of account data and escheat determinations. The invention will increase the likelihood of lost assets being reunited with their rightful owners and/or turned over to the proper jurisdiction.

Abstract: A self-storing combination blanket and neck roll assembly which can be draped over a person and supported on a seat back, having a flat, generally rectangular fabric panel with two sides and four side edges, a flexible neck roll centrally located and removably disposed adjacent to a portion of the fabric panel, disposed adjacent to one of the side edges and a pouch having an opening which is attached to a side edge of the fabric panel adjacent to the neck roll so that the opening of the pouch opens towards one of the sides of the fabric panel. The fabric panel and neck roll are movable between a folded stored position within the pouch and an open position disposed exteriorly of the pouch. When the assembly is in its open position, the opening of the pouch can be received over and atop of a seat back.

Abstract: A protective sheath for a winged needle has a hilt with a keyhole for releasably receiving a length of tubing. Methods of the invention include forming a U-shaped bend in the tubing and inserting it into the keyhole prior to packaging.