Abstract: A receptacle module capable of suppressing deterioration of characteristics of optical signals transmitted in optical fiber cables even when an external force is applied in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction in a state where an optical fiber connector is attached in a receptacle. The reception module is provided with a receptacle having a first sleeve for holding in a detachable manner an optical fiber connector provided at end of an optical fiber cable, a second sleeve, and a window communicating the first and second sleeves and with an optical module held and fixed in the second sleeve. A projection of the optical module passes over the window to be positioned in the first sleeve and moves a ferrule a bit to press a spring when the connector is inserted in the first sleeve. The ferrule is moved to the right against the pushing force of the spring 21a. The abutting force increases the connection load between the optical fiber cables.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a metallization structure on a fluorine-containing dielectric. This metallization structure includes a conductive pattern; a fluorine-containing dielectric; and a barrier layer containing a material, i.e. a near noble metal such as Co, Ni, Pt, and Pd. The barrier layer includes at least a first part, being positioned between the fluorine-containing dielectric and the conductive pattern, the first part containing at least a first and a second sub-layer, the first sub-layer contacting the fluorine-containing dielectric being impermeable for fluorine.

Abstract: To effectively utilize the reluctance torque in an embedded magnet type permanent magnet rotor to thereby decrease the leakage flux, a rotor core is formed with slits having longitudinal ends. The longitudinal ends of the slits are open to the outside in the outside circumferential surface of the rotor core. Narrow bridges are formed at longitudinal middle portions of the slits. The narrow bridges connect the radially outer portions and the radially inner portions of the rotor core. Permanent magnets are embedded in the slits. The embedded permanent magnets are magnetized in the direction of thickness of the slits.

Abstract: Behavior of a device is modified based on the device's experience. The device includes: (i) a sensing unit for sensing signals; (ii) a concern-generating unit programmed to generate concern-parameters; (iii) an emotion-generating unit programmed to generate emotion-parameters; and (iv) an actuating unit for actuating the device. When the device is in a situation, the device extracts memory relevant to the situation to obtain concern-parameters previously generated in the situation. The behavior of the device is regulated by concern-parameters in the memory and emotion-parameters generated based on the concern-parameters, and accordingly, the device can modify or improve its behavior.

Abstract: A throttle valve control mechanism for an internal combustion engine. In one feature of the invention, the engine has multiple cylinders extending generally horizontally, spaced vertically relative to each other. The engine also has an air induction system extending generally horizontally. The air induction system includes a plurality of air intake ducts each having a throttle valve. Each throttle valve has a throttle valve shaft extending generally vertically and linked together. A throttle valve control mechanism is provided. The throttle valve control mechanism has a throttle lever for rotating the throttle valve and the throttle lever is movable in a plane existing generally horizontally. Almost of the other part of the throttle valve control mechanism is movable in a plane existing generally vertically. If the engine is mounted on an outboard motor and encircled by a protective cowling, the other part of the throttle valve control mechanism is placed between the engine and the protective cowling.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to the preparation of pharmaceutical grades of histamine dihydrochloride using a two step non-enzymatic synthetic method. The invention disclosed herein describes the synthesis of histamine dihydrochloride by the non-enzymatic decarboxylation of histidine and the step-wise conversion of the decarboxylated product to the dihydrochloride salt form. The invention disclosed herein considers a final product of histamine dihydrochloride containing less than each of the following: 0.8% L-histidine HCl monohydrate, 0.1% individual chromatographic impurities, and 2% total impurities, to be acceptable for pharmaceutical use.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an optical element (OE) which can serve as an optical analogue to digital converter (OADC) and/or an optical digital to analogue converter (ODAC), and uses therefor. The OE can be usefully employed in a variety of applications to transform analogue information present in a light wave front into digital light signals and/or to transform digital information into analogue information in the form of the physical parameters of a light wave front.

Abstract: A novel transcription enhancer element (AATT)n, that increases the activity of cis-elements in heterologous promoter constructs without altering their intrinsic specificity is provided. Also provided is a transcription factor, PABF, which specifically binds to the (AATT) repeat element and methods of use therefor.

Abstract: The present invention provides for systems and methods that utilize automated and integratable workstations for identifying chemicals having useful activity. The present invention is also directed to chemical entities and information (e.g., chemical or biological activities of chemicals) generated or discovered by operation of workstations of the present invention. The present invention includes automated workstations that are programmably controlled to minimize processing times at each workstation and that can be integrated to minimize the processing time of the liquid samples from the start to finish of the process.

Abstract: The disclosed waxing guide is in the form of a thin flat element having a central line formed thereon. The guide is placed beneath the dental cast with the central line centered between maxillary central incisors on the dental cast. Lines spaced outwardly from the central line indicate the apparent width of the central incisor, the adjacent lateral incisor, and the adjacent canine tooth and first bicuspid, when viewed from the front. Each of the spaces has the same ratio of 1:1.618 with the adjacent spaces.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tractor for moving within a borehole comprises a tractor body, two packerfeet, two aft propulsion cylinders, and two forward propulsion cylinders. The body comprises aft and forward shafts and a central control assembly. The packerfeet and propulsion cylinders are slidably engaged with the tractor body. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the packerfeet to cause the packerfeet to grip onto the borehole wall. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the propulsion cylinders to selectively provide downhole or uphole hydraulic thrust to the tractor body. The tractor receives drilling fluid from a drill string extending to the surface. A system of spool valves in the control assembly controls the distribution of drilling fluid to the packerfeet and cylinders. The valve positions are controlled by motors. A programmable electronic logic component on the tractor receives control signals from the surface and feedback signals from various sensors on the tool.

Abstract: Compositions comprising chromic tripicolinate or chromic polynicotinate in the form of enteric-coated tablets, capsules or microbeads, optionally in combination with nicotinic acid, picolinic acid or both nicotinic acid and picolinic acid. The compositions are useful for supplementing dietary chromium, lowering blood glucose levels, lowering serum lipid levels and increasing lean body mass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting and quantifying mRNA in a sample. The mRNA that can be detected has a unique sequence. The method includes immobilizing a first polynucleotide to an insoluble support. The first polynucleotide has a first sequence that hybridizes to the unique sequence on the mRNA. After immobilization of the first polynucleotide, the sample is applied to the insoluble support under conditions that allow the unique sequence on the mRNA to hybridize with the first polynucleotide. Thereafter, a second polynucleotide is applied to the insoluble support. This second polynucleotide has a second sequence thereon that hybridizes to a portion of the mRNA other than the unique sequence. The application of the second polynucleotide is performed under conditions that allow the second polynucleotide to hybridize with mRNA immobilized on said support, if present.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for propelling a tool having a body within a passage. The tool includes a gripper including at least a gripper portion which can assume a first position that engages an inner surface of the passage and limits relative movement of the gripper portion relative to the inner surface. The gripper portion can also assume a second position that permits substantially free relative movement between the gripper portion and the inner surface of the passage. The tool includes a propulsion assembly for selectively continuously moving the body of the tool with respect to the gripper portion while the gripper portion is in the first position. This allows the tool to move different types of equipment within the passage. For example, the tool advantageously may be used in drilling processes to provide continuous force to a drill bit. This enables the drilling of extended horizontal boreholes.

Abstract: A photocatalytic oxidation purification system includes an ultra violet light source and a filter that comprises a pleated wire mesh substrate with a nanophase metal oxide oxidation catalyst suspended on the substrate, wherein the catalyst is applied without an adhesive using an electromechanical plating process. As a fluid containing organic contaminants is directed through the filter in the presence of ultra violet light from the light source, the catalyst oxidizes and decomposes the organic contaminants into environmentally harmless components. Methods of making the purification system including preparing a solution of catalyst and applying the catalyst without adhesive binding material to the filter substrate electromagnetically.

Abstract: The walls of a wooden log building are provided with vertical support columns acting upon horizontal logs within the walls. The support columns prevent the logs, or groups of logs, from moving downward due to log shrinkage. Each support column comprises a vertical stack of log supports. Each support comprises an elongated support element, such as a pipe, and a plate element removably secured to an end of the support element. The plate elements support bottom surfaces of the logs and substantially prevent such bottom surfaces from moving downward. The weight of the building is concentrated within the support columns.

Abstract: An air inlet device for an engine powering a water propulsion device of a watercraft, the watercraft having a hull defining an engine compartment in which the engine is positioned, is disclosed. The engine has a body defining at least one combustion chamber and an output shaft arranged to drive the water propulsion device. Air is supplied to the combustion chamber of the engine through the air inlet device. This device includes an intake pipe extending outwardly from the engine and an air box connected to the intake pipe. The air box has a cover having a top and a bottom and defining an interior air chamber, an air inlet provided near the top of the air box and a drain provided through the bottom of the air box. The intake pipe has a passage therethrough leading from the interior air chamber of the air box to said engine. The air box has a width at the top which is greater than a width at the bottom.

Abstract: A photocatalytic oxidation purification system includes an ultra violet light source and a filter that comprises a pleated wire mesh substrate with a nanophase metal oxide oxidation catalyst suspended on the substrate, wherein the catalyst is applied without an adhesive using an electromechanical plating process. As a fluid containing organic contaminants is directed through the filter in the presence of ultra violet light from the light source, the catalyst oxidizes and decomposes the organic contaminants into environmentally harmless components. Methods of making the purification system including preparing a solution of catalyst and applying the catalyst without adhesive binding material to the filter substrate electromagnetically.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump and a fluid container for expelling a fluid from the fluid container to a patient. The pump comprises a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.