Abstract: A method of irreversibly immobilizing an enzyme in a polyurethane and an enzyme-containing polyurethane having a degree of immobilization of the enzyme of approximately 100%. The synthesis of waterborne polyurethanes in the presence of enzyme has enabled the irreversible attachment of the enzyme to the polymeric matrix. The distribution of immobilized enzyme as well as activity retention are homogeneous within the polyurethane. Decreasing ECC hydrophobicity, via the use of a less hydrophobic polyisocyanate prepolymer during polymerization, significantly enhanced the intrinsic activity of the ECC.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of preparing a cervical sample for medical examination in which a papanicolaou stained sample is additionally stained with a label targeted to one or more high risk cancer markers to allow for optical detection of the human papilloma virus. That optical detection can be combined with morphometric detection of abnormal cells, which may be improved by multispectral imaging using an acousto-optic tunable filter. Several variations of screening methods and an apparatus for performing the methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A program flow method in a program component system, comprising a running time system and several components each having one program portion, the method comprising the following steps during the execution of the program portion of a first component: data acquisition by means of the running time system, of data of a second component into the first component independent of program-defined interfaces in the second component; and data disposal by means of the running time system of data of the first component into the second component independent of program-defined interfaces in the second component.

Abstract: A swimming aid (10) including a body portion (11), upon which is situated a locating means (12) for the foot of the wearer. The swimming aid (10) also includes a lobular flexible web (13) and at least two ribs (14), each of which contain a plurality of segments (15). The segments of each rib cooperating to stiffen said flexible web against flexion substantially above the plane of said body portion.

Abstract: Aerosol cans, more particularly, aluminum aerosol cans made from disks of aluminum coil feedstock, are provided. A method for necking aerosol cans of a series 3000 aluminum alloy is also provided. The method prevents the cans from sticking in the necking dies and produces a can with a uniquely shaped profile. The aluminum aerosol cans that are produced have the attributes of strength and quality, while being produced at a cost that is competitive with steel aerosol cans.

Abstract: A mooring facility for a tethered gas balloon comprises a building structure containing a hemispherical basin capable of receiving the lower portion of an inflated lighter-than-air gas balloon for mooring the balloon. The surface of the bowl structure is complementary to the surface contour of the lower portion of the balloon. A gondola is suspended beneath the balloon and occupies a central recess in the bowl structure when the balloon is moored. The balloon is tethered by a cable and can be raised and lowered between an elevated operating position and a lowered moored position. The facility avoids the need for a large space requirement and can be erected or installed in a built-up area in or adjacent to a town or city.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing cabinet to identify the locations where items to be dispensed are located is comprised of a login step in which user information is entered into a processor controlling the dispensing cabinet. The processor unlocks certain doors of the dispensing cabinet in response to the user information. Assuming that a locate mode of operation has been chosen, the locations of the items to be located are determined by the processor. An alpha-numeric display positioned on a shelf within the cabinet begins flashing with the number of items to be located that are held by that shelf. After the user identifies the shelves having flashing alpha-numeric displays, the user may enter a dispense mode or may logoff causing the unlocked doors to lock.

Abstract: A method of recognizing a first shape in a second shape. The method includes decomposing the first shape into at least one subshape belonging to one of a plurality of subshape groups, and searching the second shape for a parametric transformation of the subshape.

Abstract: A carousel used in a restocking system is comprised of a drive track. A plurality of bins are arranged into rows, with the rows being driven by said drive track. A drive mechanism, e.g. an electric motor, drives the drive track. A sensor is provided to sense the position of the rows of bins. A processor is responsive to the sensor and data representative of a plurality of picks for more than one order for controlling the drive mechanism. By combining picks from different orders into a batch, the time spent driving the rows and time between picks is minimized. The carousel may be divided into a plurality of columns, each with its own drive track, drive mechanism, and sensor, to enable several rows to be brought into a pick position simultaneously. Various methods and forms of restocking packages are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drawer for use in a dispensing cabinet is comprised of a tray movable between an open position and a closed position. An insert, approximately the length of the tray, is carried by the tray and defines the volume of the drawer. A lockable or sealable lid is carried by the insert. A release mechanism is provided to connect the insert to the tray in a manner that allows the insert to be easily disconnected from the tray. Removal of the insert enables inserts to be swapped so that inserts from which inventory has been depleted can be replaced with stocked inserts. A dispensing cabinet and a method of restocking the cabinet are also disclosed.

Abstract: A phase detector is comprised of two cross-coupled gates which are capable of phase discrimination down to a level of approximately 10 picoseconds. An arbiter circuit, responsive to the cross-coupled gates, generates mutually exclusive UP and DOWN pulse signals. The UP and DOWN pulse signals may be filtered and used to control the delay line of an all digital delay locked or phase locked loop.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing cabinet to identify the locations where items to be dispensed are located is comprised of a login step in which user information is entered into a processor controlling the dispensing cabinet. The processor unlocks certain doors of the dispensing cabinet in response to the user information. Assuming that a locate mode of operation has been chosen, the locations of the items to be located are determined by the processor. An alpha-numeric display positioned on a shelf within the cabinet begins flashing with the number of items to be located that are held by that shelf. After the user identifies the shelves having flashing alpha-numeric displays, the user may enter a dispense mode or may logoff causing the unlocked doors to lock.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating an article having first and second surfaces, includes positioning a first molding section in a sealing relationship with the first surface of the article and positioning a second molding section adjacent the second surface of the article. The first molding section is filled first thereby forcing the second surface of the article into a sealing engagement with the second molding section. The second molding section is then filled.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-port memory device responsive to two systems. The device includes an array of memory cells each represented by a unique row and column address. The memory device has first and second input/output ports and an input/output control circuit, responsive to the first and second input/output ports, for writing data into and reading data of the array. The device further includes a first signal decoder responsive to the first system for producing first signals for accessing a cell within said array. The device also includes a second signal decoder responsive to the second system for producing second signals for accessing a cell within the array. A control circuit is responsive to the first and second systems for identifying which of the systems is entitled to access to the array in the event both systems seek access to the same address at the same time.