Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple access space laser communications optical system. According to the present invention, multiple optical signals containing a number of channels are simultaneously received and demultiplexed at a multiple access communication device. Separate communication signals may be multiplexed by the multiple access communication device, and transmitted through the same or a different telescope optical assembly used to receive communication signals. Double-pass reflection is used to selectively polarize signals and to ensure that signals are substantial normal to optical bandpass filters, to avoid large shifts in the wavelengths transmitted by the optical bandpass filters. The system is capable of providing discrete communications with a number of communication endpoints, regardless of where the communication endpoints are located within the field of view of the telescope optical assembly.

Abstract: A subsurface support includes a protective outer member that encases an interior support member. The inner support member may typically be a steel or iron rod which is held within the outer tube as by grout or cement. The outer tube is preferably emplaced by forcing the outer tube into the ground by use of a launching device. The distal end of the outer tube is pointed thus allowing easier penetration of the outer tube into the ground. The subsurface support may be used in numerous functional ways to provide support for an overlying man made structure, or to stabilize surrounding rock and soil. The support can be used in compression, tension, bending, and/or shear.

Abstract: Methods, devices, configuration tools and operating systems are disclosed for reducing memory and processor usage in a computer operating system utilising a processor, a memory and a single stack, the operating system comprising a plurality of tasks divided into predetermined priority categories, including preemptive tasks and at least one task that voluntarily yields control of the processor to tasks of lower priority than itself in predetermined circumstances, wherein each task has associated therewith a stack pointer, and wherein the at least one task, when started, has its stack pointer set to a precalculated worst-case value guaranteed to leave sufficient space in the stack beneath the stack pointer for any preemptive tasks of lower priority, and wherein the at least one task has allocated to it an area of memory into which its stack contents is saved, a size of the area of memory being determined by a declared precalculated worst-case stack usage of the at least one task at any point at which the at lea

Abstract: A coupling assembly is provided for releasably interconnecting confronting ends of conduit members. The coupling assembly creates a self-locking, and self-bonding connection wherein locking and unlocking is achieved by a predetermined amount of rotation of a lock nut group with respect to a stationary threaded flange. The overall construction of the coupling assembly creates the rigid connection between the conduit members, yet adequate sealing between the conduit members is provided by a single sealing member.

Abstract: A method and device for marking a patient's skin during an ultrasound examination to denote a feature of interest. The device comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is adapted for attachment of the device to an ultrasound transducer. The second portion is adapted for marking the skin of the patient to denote the feature of interest. The first and second portions are rotatably attached to each other. During an ultrasound examination of the patient to locate the feature of interest, the second portion is rotated so that it is spaced away from the patient's skin. The ultrasound examination is conducted in the normal manner until the feature of interest is located, at which time the second portion is rotated so that it contacts and marks the patient's skin to denote the feature of interest.

Abstract: A slide hammer includes three major components, namely, a guide sleeve, a plunger and an impact head. The plunger is inserted within the guide sleeve. The impact head is secured within the distal end of the guide sleeve, and has a portion which protrudes from the guide sleeve distal end. The impact head is able to freely slide within a segmented portion of the guide sleeve distal end, or the impact head movement may be controlled by a spring. The plunger is slid within the guide sleeve at a selected velocity in order to contact the portion of the impact head slidably secured within the guide sleeve. The force of the plunger striking the impact head is transmitted through the impact head to a targeted object in contact with the protruding portion of the impact head. The impact head may be fitted with various types of tips. Each of the tips has particular advantages in applying force to a targeted object.

Abstract: A process for curing a moldable compound under a plurality of curing conditions by: (1) obtaining time dependent data streams of dielectric or impedance values from a plurality of sensors distributed within a curing mold, wherein the moldable compound is a dialectric for each of the sensors; (2) determining impedance related measurements from the data streams for the plurality of sensors; (3) determining predictive and/or corrective curing actions for enhancing the curing process using the impedance related measurements for the plurality of sensors; and (4) controlling the mass production curing of parts to obtain cured parts having one or more desired properties.

Abstract: An under-cabinet lighting fixture includes xenon bulbs and/or halogen bulbs of less than about 35 watts contained within a housing that is devoid of any dedicated heat dissipation back vents on the back or top of the lighting unit. A top cover is connected to a wire-containing channel of the unit, with such cover being removable during wiring and mounting operations by removing screws locking the cover into place. The unit is further devoid of any dedicated reflectors and instead relies upon the reflective coating applied to the interior of the housing unit itself, which acts as a mirrored surface to reflect the bulb's illumination. A single glass lens is supported by a metal frame that runs around the periphery of such lens and the lens cover itself is connected to the housing by pivoting hinges and is snap locked into place by flexible metal/plastic elements that are configured to lock into apertures within the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for assessing tumor cell growth in a patient for the diagnosis, monitoring and/or staging of tumor development. The method include the identification of reduced cdk6 expression or biological activity as an indicator of increased cell growth in a cell sample. The methods further include the identification of compounds which regulate cdk6 and the use of such compounds in a method for the regulation of inappropriate cell growth.

Abstract: The growth hormone supergene family comprises greater than 20 structurally related cytokines and growth factors. A general method is provided for creating site-specific, biologically active conjugates of these proteins. The method involves adding cysteine residues to non-essential regions of the proteins or substituting cysteine residues for non-essential amino acids in the proteins using site-directed mutagenesis and then covalently coupling a cysteine-reactive polymer or other type of cysteine-reactive moiety to the proteins via the added cysteine residue. Disclosed herein are preferred sites for adding cysteine residues or introducing cysteine substitutions into the proteins, and the proteins and protein derivatives produced thereby. Also disclosed are therapeutic methods for using the cysteine variants of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating neurological-urological conditions. This is accomplished by administration of at least one neurotoxin.

Abstract: The growth hormone supergene family comprises greater than 20 structurally related cytokines and growth factors. A general method is provided for creating site-specific, biologically active conjugates of these proteins. The method involves adding cysteine residues to non-essential regions of the proteins or substituting cysteine residues for non-essential amino acids in the proteins using site-directed mutagenesis and then covalently coupling a cysteine-reactive polymer or other type of cysteine-reactive moiety to the proteins via the added cysteine residue. Disclosed herein are preferred sites for adding cysteine residues or introducing cysteine substitutions into the proteins, and the proteins and protein derivatives produced thereby.

Abstract: A cargo cover includes an inflatable portion and an interior panel spanning between the inflatable portion. The inflatable portion forms a periphery of the cover. An inflation port is located at one end of the cover and communicates with the inflatable portion. Prior to use, the cover may be rolled-up. The rolled-up cover is positioned over a cargo load, and an inflation source introduces air through the inflation port to inflate the inflatable portion. As the inflatable portion inflates, the cover unrolls and thereby self-deploys over the cargo load.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds useful to inhibit tumor growth and to induce apoptosis. In general, the anti-cancer agents (ACA) are described by the formula: [ACA]n-X[Formula I] wherein X is a linker group having 2–5 functional groups or is absent, n=1, and ACA is selected from the group consisting of Formula II, Formula III, Formula IV, Formula V, and Formula VI, as described herein. Other compounds described herein are defined by the Formula VII, as described herein.

Abstract: A method for treating arteriosclerotic lesions is provided wherein the method is characterized by administering a chemical compound to the patient, the compound being a porphyrin complexed with a radioactive metal. Cells which exhibit an affinity for the porphyrin element indicate sites of plaque buildup. The radioactive metal within the compound is cytotoxic to cells in and surrounding the plaque and may allow tomographic scanning of the plaque as well. The complexed compound can be introduced to the patient a desired number of times to provide the necessary radiation treatment and ongoing monitoring of plaque removal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a video telephony system, comprising: (a) an imaging device 116 to receive an image of a first participant 104 in a communication interaction with a second participant 120 remote from the first participant; (b) an audio input device 108 to receive the first participant's voice communication with the second participant; and (c) a processor 136 operable to forward the received image and voice communication, respectively, to a display and audio output device associated with the second participant. The imaging device 116 comprises at least one boundary marking device to project, during the communication session, at least one boundary marker 154 visible to the first participant 104. The boundary marker 154 indicates a spatial extent of at least one of the received image and an image circle of the imaging device.

Abstract: The process of the present invention recovers platinum group metal(s), such as platinum and palladium, from PGM-containing materials containing base metals, such as copper and nickel. The process controls sulfur levels by using solvent extraction 306 to remove acid in the nickel recovery circuit. The acid product 326 can then be neutralized and/or recycled as desired.

Abstract: A system and method for passive hypoxic training provides a person with a low oxygen (hypoxic) environment. Oxygen sensors automatically monitor and control oxygen levels to maintain the altitude desired. CO2 levels are monitored and CO2 is eliminated so that the air a person breathes is substantially clean and fresh. Exposure to a high altitude environment produces physiological changes in a person's body, which becomes more efficient at absorbing and transporting oxygen. Using the present method and system, athletes obtain the benefits of sleeping at a simulated altitude in the user's own home for six to twelve hours, rather than traditional altitude therapies in which athletes spend two to three weeks at high altitude before an athletic competition to obtain similar benefits. This system allows for “live high train low” altitude training that has been shown in controlled studies to provide superior benefits to “live high train high” training.

Abstract: A pet toy product for holding one or more animal treats has a body member having an outer surface with one or more recesses for removably holding one or more animal treats. The recesses may be of varying depth so that the treats in the deeper recesses are more difficult for the animal to extract then are the treats in the shallower recesses. The recesses may be circular, triangular, irregular, in the form of a groove or any other suitable configuration. The outer surface of the toy may be raised to accommodate the recesses or the recesses may extend into the surface. The pet toy may have recesses forming openings which extend through the pet toy product for receiving treats. With the structure recited, the pet owner can replenish the treats as often as necessary to maintain the pet's interest in the toy. Different treats can be provided with different nutritional values and tastes.