Abstract: A portable LCD-type projector for images on a viewing surface such as a projection screen. The projector includes a housing having top, bottom, front and back panels hingedly connected in a parallelogram. The housing panels are movable from a first, generally flat folded position to a second, open position in which the top and bottom panels are generally horizontal and the front and back panels are oriented at a generally 45.degree. angle. The projector includes a light source, a lens, and an LCD or similar image-generating panel. The LCD panel is carried in a location optically between the light source and the lens. The LCD panel is movable from a first, generally horizontal stored position to a second, generally vertical operating position. Mirrors are provided for directing light emitted by the light source through the LCD panel and the lens for projection on a projection screen.

Abstract: A peg racking device for displaying merchandise. The peg racking device includes an elongated shaft having a bracket which is attachable to a wall, and a removable sleeve which is axially moveable along the shaft. The bracket includes lands and the rear end of the sleeve includes a notch with interface surfaces, the interface surfaces being engageable with the lands to align the sleeve and prevent rotational movement between the sleeve and the shaft. Either the sleeve or the shaft may include a bend located intermediate the rear and front ends to create an interference fit between the sleeve and the shaft, the sleeve being readily axially moveable along the shaft at least until the bend is encountered so that the sleeve frictionally contacts the shaft to prevent the sleeve from sliding off of the shaft as a package is removed from the peg.

Abstract: A gift box for a monetary girl. The gift box includes an outer shell with an openable top permitting access to the interior cavity. A removable insert is positioned within the cavity. The insert includes a platform having one or more apertures. The platform also includes printed graphic material, the apertures being coordinated with the position and content of the graphic material. A monetary gift may be rolled up and inserted through one or more of the apertures, the platform retaining the monetary gift in a generally vertical orientation.

Abstract: A peg racking device which facilitates loading of new inventory on the back of the peg without removing the existing inventory from the front of the peg so that the inventory is sold on a FIFO basis. An elongated shaft, the rear end of which is attachable to a wall. The device includes an elongated shaft, the rear end of which is attachable to a wall, and a removable sleeve which is axially moveable along the shaft. A locking mechanism is provided having first and second elements, the first element being carried by the shaft and the second element being carried by the sleeve. The first and second elements engage one another in the locked position to prevent relative axial movement of the sleeve with respect to the shaft. The device may include a handle having a cavity formed to receive the front end of the sleeve to assist in removing the sleeve from the shaft and replacing the sleeve on the shaft, reducing the risk of dropping the sleeve and/or inventory on the sleeve during the restocking process.

Abstract: A phosphorescent ophthalmic instrument for fixating a patient's eye during an ophthalmic procedure. The instrument includes a fixation structure attachable to the patient's eye, at least a portion of the fixation ring being made from a phosphorescent material. This material, visible to the physician after exposure to incident visible light when substantially all room (and operating) lights are turned off, enables the physician to visualize the location of the fixation ring in a dark operating environment.

Abstract: A rotational atherectomy device having directional control for selectively removing tissue from an artery (or other bodily passageway or cavity). The atherectomy device includes a rotational atherectomy apparatus having a flexible, elongated drive shaft disposed in the lumen of a catheter. A central portion of an intermediate segment of the drive shaft is coated with an abrasive material to define an abrasive segment of the drive shaft. The drive shaft has a central lumen for receipt of a guide wire therein, and around which the drive shaft may be rotated. The guide wire has an intermediate portion with a predetermined curved positioning portion such that when the abrasive segment of the drive shaft is located along the curved positioning portion of the guide wire, such curved positioning portion of the guide wire urges the abrasive segment of the drive shaft laterally.

Abstract: A biosensor feedback device for use in detecting a grip pressure and torque of a hand against a handle of a sporting implement. The device includes a flexible thin film substrate which is conformable to the handle of the sporting implement, and an array of digital pressure sensors disposed on the flexible substrate. The sensors are connected to a signal, such as a buzzer, that indicates detection of pressure or torque exceeding a desired threshold. The array of sensors can be divided into two or more sub-arrays of sensors of different sensitivities, and each of the sub-arrays can be connected to (or disconnected from) the signal as desired. The sensor-beating substrate is secured to the handle of the sporting implement by an elongated, stretchable tubular sheath.

Abstract: A process for the cleavage and deprotection of newly synthesized oligonucleotides from solid supports, which involves incubating the solid support in an environment comprising gaseous cleavage/deprotection reagent such as gaseous ammonia or ammonium hydroxide vapors. The method lends itself well to the use of supports such as microtiter plates, that can be used to simultaneously perform up to 96 individual synthetic processes.

Abstract: A combination of a cell adhesion factor and a positively-charged molecule are bound to the surface of a cell culture support of a bioreactor to improve cell attachment and stabilize cell growth. The positively charged molecule is preferably polylysine, chitosan, poly(ethyleneimine) or acrylics polymerized from acrylamide or methacrylamide and incorporating positively-charged groups in the form of primary, secondary or tertiary amines, or quaternary salts. The cell adhesion factor is preferably fibronectin, laminin, collagen, vitronectin or tenascin, or fragments or analogs having a cell binding domain thereof. The positively-charged molecule and the cell adhesion factor can be covalently bound to the supporting surface. In another embodiment, the positively-charged molecule and the cell adhesion factor are covalently bound to one another and either the positively-charged molecule or the cell adhesion factor is covalently bound to the supporting surface.

Abstract: Surfaces are provided with desired characteristics of a polymer by covalently bonding polymer molecules to the surface through external activation (e.g., actinic radiation) of latent reactive groups, such as photoactivatable ketones, carried by the polymer molecules. The initial surfaces are free of chemical groups added by surface pretreatement and which chemically participate in the covalent bonding process.

Abstract: A time division multiplexing ("TDM") digital matrix intercom system for connecting intercom stations. The system includes a digital switching system receiving audio input communications signals from at least some of the intercom stations, and sending audio input communications signals to at least some of the intercom stations. The digital switching system includes a TDM system for broadcasting on a TDM bus multiple digital communications signals including such digital audio input signals. The TDM system includes one or more interfaces connecting intercom stations with the TDM bus.