Abstract: A aerial toy comprises a hollow sleeve member and a base member to receive and accommodate the hollow sleeve member longitudinally for sliding movement, the base member having a cap provided with a plurality of holes permit air entrance into the base member when it is pulled and an air insulation member bendably placed thereof inside the cap in a position opposite to the holes to prevent air exit from the base member when it is pushed to permit easy sliding of the base member along the hollow sleeve member while maintaining sufficient compressed air thereof. The aerial toy apparatus further comprises an air chamber into which the hollow sleeve member fits securely and a launch tube into which the air chamber fits securely to receive the compressed air from the hollow sleeve member and a flying member mountable onto an upper end of the launch tube to be pushed off of the apparatus by the compressed air released from the launch tube.

Abstract: A batch micro-fabricable array of dimensionally scaled-down Integrated Micro Coil Structure (IMCS) having a plurality of multi-layer gradient coils and a set of RF coils is disclosed for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The coil traces are made of electrically conductive material. The key scaled-down parameters include a maximum coil size of about 20 &mgr;m in diameter, a minimum layer thickness of about 20 &mgr;m, an analysis chamber size of 50 &mgr;m and an overall IMCS size of less than 10 mm. Coupled with an external MRI electronic driving and signal acquisition system, the IMCS functions to capture the three dimensional image of a magnetic nano article, located within the IMCS analysis chamber, with a high resolution of less than a &mgr;m. Also disclosed is a method of driving a small magnetic object having a magnetic moment, also located within the analysis chamber, by properly energizing the gradient coils.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of separating and isolating protein from at least three subcellular compartments of a single biological sample in a single container. Methods are also provided for determining the subcellular compartmentalization of proteins of interest in a biological sample. Furthermore, methods are provided for fingerprinting a biological sample, as well as identifying a sample type, a cancerous tissue or a developmental stage of a tissue sample. Kits for separating and isolating subcellularly compartmentalized proteins in a biological sample are also provided.

Abstract: Improved designs of optical multiplexing/demultiplexing module are disclosed for use in multiplexing a composite optical signal into respective individual channels or wavelengths or demultiplexing individual channels or wavelengths into a composite optical signal. According to one embodiment, the optical multiplexing/demultiplexing module comprises an array of collimators, an array of optical filters and an array of mirrors. The collimators are boned to a common substrate after being aligned with a respect optical filter. Different from the prior art devices, the aligned positions of the collimators are secured or held up by preformed wedges. A bonding agent is then applied only to respective contacts between the collimators and the wedges. The wedges are further bonded to a common substrate to secure the collimators.

Abstract: A hot swap circuit board and associated cable and connector arrangement for an ATA100 computer-disk drive interface is disclosed. The hot swap circuit board comprises a key-switched power supply control circuit with a simultaneously key-operated mechanical lock, a logic control circuit for READ and WRITE control signals and a set of logic switchable bi-directional impedance circuits with signal regeneration for the control and data signals across the ATA100 Interface. During normal operation, a security lock on the hot swap circuit board is kept in its locked position thus preventing any accidental disconnection of the ATA100 interface connector while simultaneously supplying electrical power and transmitted and regenerated control and data signals across the ATA100 interface. The unlocking mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A health diagnostic system capable for monitoring the health condition of computing device on a network is disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a computing device is installed a module that can provoke the monitoring process that periodically samples values representing the health condition of the computing device. The sampled values are then sent back to the monitoring server for analysis. Meanwhile a monitoring server receives the sampled values and performs data analysis to determine if the computing device is in a good/poor condition based on historic data that are further used to predicate what the remaining time is for the computing device to actually break down so that necessary measures may be taken to prevent an actual breakdown.

Abstract: This invention concerns novel methods and compositions useful for directly and rapidly analyzing the biochemical components of microorganisms. The compositions and methods of the present invention obviate the need for extracting and purifying the biochemicals prior to analysis.

Abstract: An Image Transceiving Telephone with Integrated Digital Camera (ITTDC) for simultaneous transceiving of real-time audio and non-real time image through a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is disclosed. The ITTDC includes an integrated telephone front end, a PSTN access device, an audio CODEC, an image input device, an image CODEC, an image display device, a local storage for an embedded system control software and associated control and operating parameters and data, an optional local electronic interface, a user-control and a system control including the embedded system control software. The control software further includes an audio sampling and processing means, an image capturing and processing means and a process priority control means allocating, via a real-time audio but non-real time image transfer protocol control, a highest priority to tasks for audio information processing whereas a lower priority to tasks for image information processing.

Abstract: A method and system for providing telephony services over a data network is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a service provider enters a service plan with a user. The service plan ensures the user a fixed cost for a substantial long period regardless how long the telephony service is used by the user. Further the service plan requires no purchase of any equipment nor regulates the use of the services in terms of time or distance. The service plan is incorporated in a gatekeeper that is coupled to the data network and administrates all connections over the data network.

Abstract: A concept of designing a Variable Optical Attenuation Collimator (VOAC) is disclosed to achieve a variable degree of optical power attenuation through the collimator by adding an Attenuation Control Element (ACE) between a lens element and fiber pigtails of a traditional fiber optical collimator. The body of the ACE can be implemented in many different forms of a light blocker element capable of being controllably moved into a main light path of the VOAC to obstruct a controlled portion of light power. The light blocker can be a Micro Electro Mechanical Structure (MEMS) operating with a controlled electrostatic force, a bimetal wire driven by a controlled heating current, an electrical current-carrying wire within a surrounding permanent magnetic field or a deflectable permanent magnetic wire within a controlled surrounding magnetic field.

Abstract: A Variable Optical Attenuation Collimator (VOAC) is disclosed to achieve a variable degree of optical power attenuation through the collimator by adding an Attenuation Control Element (ACE) between a lens element and fiber pigtails of a traditional fiber optical collimator. The body of the ACE can be implemented in many different ways such as a polymer-network liquid crystal light scattering and absorbing material, a Refraction Index Gradient Controllable Material (RIGCM) capable of controllably swerving the direction of light propagation, a Refraction Index Controllable Material (RICM) capable of controllably defocusing an incident light power and a transparent Length Controllable Material (LCM) capable of controllably changing the spacing between the lens element and the fiber pigtails causing a defocusing of an incident light power.

Abstract: A method for bonding two or more optical parts and an optical apparatus of using the method are disclosed. According to one embodiment, two optical fiber segments are used as a spacer between two optical parts. The optical fiber segments may be cut off from a commonly used optical fiber according to the size of the parts. In general, the diameter of the optical fiber segments is small, the capillary effect for commonly used adhesives can be eliminated when the two optical parts are bonded with the optical fiber segments in between.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for wavelength control and measurement are disclosed. An optical signal to be measured is tapped off a portion thereof referring to as a source signal. Together with a reference signal, the source signal is coupled to a tunable filter. The frequency response or passing band of the tunable filter is so controlled that one wavelength &lgr;x from the source signal and one wavelength &lgr;rx from the reference signal transmit through. Relying on a band separation filter, the wavelength &lgr;rx is separated from the reference signal and coupled to a gas cell of a known spectrum, a filtered signal of the wavelength &lgr;rx is then coupled to a photo-detector for subsequent electrical measurement. In accordance with the known spectrum, the wavelength &lgr;x can be precisely derived.

Abstract: A technique for enhancing audio signals generated from compressed digital audio files is described. The technique uses a Bass Maximizer module, a Harmonic Exciter module and a Quasi Stereo module. The Bass Exciter module enhances the intensity, depth and punch of the bass audio content by creating harmonic sequences from low frequency components contained in the original input signal. The Harmonic Exciter module adds to the treble audio content of the original input signal by generating harmonic series from the high frequency components contained in the input signal. The Quasi Stereo Module creates a stereo image of the enhanced input signal by adding and subtracting delayed and filtered versions of the enhanced input signal with itself to create left and right channeled stereo-like outputs. The technique provides a useful tool to regenerate from an audio signal more pleasant and joyful sounds.

Abstract: An improved ECL circuit, based upon an ECL circuit of conventional design, functions as the required transceiver for the bi-directional data transmission between a computer and an electronic device with a specific interface of USB 2.0. The value of an emitter resistor within an emitter resistance network in the conventional ECL circuit is adjusted till its output voltage amplitude meets the USB 2.0 specification. A number of voltage level shifting and capacitive coupling circuits are added to both the input and output sections of the conventional ECL circuit making it directly interfaceable with the popular CMOS logic family. A collector electrode switch network is also added to the conventional ECL circuit to make its output terminals tri-statable thus compatible with the communication scheme of half duplexing under the USB 2.0 specification.

Abstract: The present invention provides Chinese herbal compositions, ST 188L and method for prevention and treatment of cancers and infectious diseases. The Chinese herbal compositions comprise a formulation prepared ratably from a group of herbal plants consisting essentially of Ecchinops grijissii, Cirsium segetum Bge, Solanum indicum Linn, Lonicerae flos, and Zizyphi fructus. ST188L appeared to be activated in vivo to stimulate the activity of NK cells and LAK cells as shown by the increases in cytolytic activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from volunteers after intake of ST 188L toward target cells, such as K562, Daudi, HepG2 and HBV transfected HepG2-2215 in a dose dependent manner. ST 188L has been proven to be effective on eradicating malignancy in a cancer patient by enhancing said patients' endogenous immune system to keep said patient cancer free for more than ten years.

Abstract: A packet scheduling system for a packet switching network is disclosed which supports quality of service features including real-time priority, bandwidth reservation and excess bandwidth sharing. A dual frame approach is used to control the bandwidth distribution among multiple traffic flows. Each traffic flow is temporarily stored in a first-in-first-out queue first. The time domain is divided into recurring Synchronous Frames, and Asynchronous Frames. The Synchronous Frames are fixed size frames. Concatenating discrete portions of contiguous Synchronous Frames form the Asynchronous Frame. The packet scheduler alternates between Synchronous Frame access and Asynchronous Frame access in transmitting the packets. During the Synchronous Frame access period, packets are transmitted using the corresponding traffic flow's available reserved bandwidth while during Asynchronous Frame access period, packets are transmitted using the corresponding traffic flow's available excess bandwidth.

Abstract: The present invention, generally speaking, provides compact design of optical couplers for combining two differently polarized light beams onto a collimator or splitting a composed light beam into two differently polarized light beams. According to another embodiment, the size of the polarization beam combiner is minimized by using a pair of specially designed fiber collimators that use an asymmetrical sleeve. As a result, a coupler, according to the present invention, uses less components, is of small in size and provides an easy-aligning structure. Further the coupler offers lower optical insertion loss with minimized physical size.

Abstract: A counter balanced effluence transfer system for the transfer of effluence from a source container into a receiving reservoir comprises a receiving reservoir having a cover plate and a reservoir top opening, and a counter balanced mechanism located above the receiving reservoir, which includes a pivot point, a source-side member attached to one side of the pivot point and a balance-side member attached to the other side of the pivot point. While the size and weight of the source-side member are made the same as those of the balance-side member, an angular asymmetry is built in between the source arm and the balance arm so that the gravitational source torque Ts and the gravitational balance torque Tb are made unequal. Upon release of the counter balanced mechanism with a latching starting mechanism, the counter balanced mechanism would automatically rotate and complete the pouring of source effluence into the receiving reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a novel structure of guaiacoxypropanolamines shown in formula I: The composition comprising formula I acts as active intergant and pharmaceutical acceptable vehicle. The composition by perfect administration routes in the mammal when given potential &agr;/&bgr;-adrenergic blocking, is selective for emergency hypertension.