Abstract: Audio or sound envelopes contain or are combined with a sound module for generating and playing prerecorded sound tracks upon the opening of the envelope or removal of its contents. Operation of the sound module may be activated by the opening of the envelope flap, or by removal of the envelope contents. The flap is configured with a removable strip which protects the sound module from damage before and after opening. The sound module can be replayed by repeated operation of the flap. Alternate embodiments of the audio envelopes have other structural or operational features which work in concert with the sound module.

Abstract: Providing a digital experience with a greeting card. A card purchaser selects one or more digital experiences to enhance or complete the thought of the selected card. The selection of digital experiences can occur using a computing device in a retail store or remotely via the Internet. The purchaser scans an identification code or selects a digital representation of the greeting card at the computing device and is presented with digital experiences best suited to the selected card. Additionally, the card purchaser may view or select from a full-line of digital experiences without scanning or selecting the digital representation of the card. Information relating to the digital experience is included in the card. The card is transmitted to a recipient, and the recipient accesses the digital experience based on information provided in the greeting card. The digital experience may be provided to the recipient using a digital delivery device.

Abstract: A digital experience method, system, and apparatus provides greeting cards in a traditional retail store for selection by a card purchaser. The card purchaser selects one or more digital experiences to enhance or complete the thought of the selected card. The selection of a digital experience can occur through the use of a computing device in the retail store or remotely via the Internet. The purchaser scans an identification code or selects a digital representation of the greeting card at the computing device and is presented with digital experiences that are best suited to the selected card. In addition, the card purchaser may view or select from a full-line of digital experiences without scanning or selecting the digital representation of the card. Information relating to the digital experience is included in the card. The card is transmitted to a recipient, and the recipient receives accesses the digital experience based on information provided in the greeting card.

Abstract: A case for enclosing a pillow without a fastener comprising a first pocket and a second pocket with each pocket having an opening defined by a rim at one end and a closed section extending to an opposite end, and with the opposite end of the first pocket extending from a portion of the rim of the second pocket. With this case, a pillow can be inserted into one of pockets, and that pillow filled pocket can be inserted into and covered by the other pocket to enclose the pillow.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for the spreading and dissipation of thermal energy from heat-producing components. More particularly, it relates to a heat transfer apparatus and methods particularly useful in the electrical arts. One embodiment of a heat transfer apparatus include but not limited to, a spring-biased member comprising a first side member, a second side member, and a connecting member adapted for spring-biased removable attachment to a heat-producing device. Another embodiment of a heat transfer apparatus is a spring-biased carrier that attaches to a heat-producing device and which carries a member, such as a finned plate. Another embodiment of a heat transfer apparatus is a spring-biased member comprising fingers for conducting thermal energy to a structure. Another embodiment of a heat transfer apparatus is a spring-biased clip used to attach separate heat-spreading/dissipating members, such as a finned plate, against a heat-producing member.

Abstract: The invention describes methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases by modulating the expression of DENN in neuronal cells. It has been observed that neurodegenerative disease states are characterized by abnormal expression of DENN. The overexpression of DENN induces cell death in neuronal cells. However, reduced expression of DENN also characterizes neural tissue affected by neurodegenerative disease. Also disclosed are methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases by inhibiting the interaction of DENN-MADD (Differentially Expressed in Normal versus Neoplastic/MAPK Activating Death Domain containing)protein, also referred to herein as DENN, with c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs). The invention further describes methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases by inhibiting the interaction of DENN-MADD with the p55 tumor necrosis factor receptor I (TNFRI).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for the spreading and dissipation of thermal energy from heat-producing components. More particularly, it relates to a heat transfer apparatus and methods particularly useful in the electrical arts. One embodiment of a heat transfer apparatus include but not limited to, a spring-biased member comprising a first side member, a second side member, and a connecting member adapted for spring-biased removable attachment to a heat-producing device. Another embodiment of a heat transfer apparatus is a spring-biased carrier that attaches to a heat-producing device and which carries a member, such as a finned plate. Another embodiment of a heat transfer apparatus is a spring-biased member comprising fingers for conducting thermal energy to a structure. Another embodiment of a heat transfer apparatus is a spring-biased clip used to attach separate heat-spreading/dissipating members, such as a finned plate, against a heat-producing member.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for the spreading and dissipation of thermal energy from heat-producing components. More particularly, it relates to a heat transfer apparatus and methods particularly useful in the electrical arts. One embodiment of a heat transfer apparatus include but not limited to, a spring-biased member comprising a first side member, a second side member, and a connecting member adapted for spring-biased removable attachment to a heat-producing device. Another embodiment of a heat transfer apparatus is a spring-biased carrier that attaches to a heat-producing device and which carries a member, such as a finned plate. Another embodiment of a heat transfer apparatus is a spring-biased member comprising fingers for conducting thermal energy to a structure. Another embodiment of a heat transfer apparatus is a spring-biased clip used to attach separate heat-spreading/dissipating members, such as a finned plate, against a heat-producing member.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for the spreading and dissipation of thermal energy from heat-producing components. More particularly, it relates to a heat transfer apparatus and methods particularly useful in the electrical arts. One embodiment of a heat transfer apparatus include but not limited to, a spring-biased member comprising a first side member, a second side member, and a connecting member adapted for spring-biased removable attachment to a heat-producing device. Another embodiment of a heat transfer apparatus is a spring-biased carrier that attaches to a heat-producing device and which carries a member, such as a finned plate. Another embodiment of a heat transfer apparatus is a spring-biased member comprising fingers for conducting thermal energy to a structure. Another embodiment of a heat transfer apparatus is a spring-biased clip used to attach separate heat-spreading/dissipating members, such as a finned plate, against a heat-producing member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample of body fluid. The method involves contacting the body fluid sample with a test strip containing mobile, labeled specific binding partner for the analyte, through which strip the test fluid, analyte and any complex formed by interaction of the analyte and labeled specific binding partner therefore can flow by capillarity. The strip contains at least one zone for capture of the labeled specific binding partner and at least one separate zone for retention of the analyte/labeled specific binding partner complex. By determining the magnitude of the signal from the detectable label in the capture zone(s) and retention zone(s) and determining a final response signal by correlating signals using an algorithm and number of zones chosen in a manner that provides a final response signal best suited for the particular assay, the concentration of the analyte can be determined with greater precision.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of using full length amino acid sequence and cDNA sequence of protein human JNK interacting protein (hJ1P1) islet brain 1 (IB1) to treat neurological disorders in human subjects. In an in vitro model of the apoptosis pathway, HJIP-1/IB1 inhibits phosphorylation of the transcription factor c-Jun in a dose-dependent manner. The invention includes antibodies that specifically bind to hJIP-1/IB1.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the determination of creatinine in urine which involves contacting a urine test sample with a reagent system containing Cu.sup.+2, a hydroperoxide and an oxidizible dye which provides a detectable response when oxidized in the presence of a pseudoperoxide. The reagent system also includes a buffer to maintain the urine's pH within the range of 6.6 to 8.0 and a chelating agent for the cupric ions to prevent oxidation of the dye in the absence of creatinine.

Abstract: A power receptacle assembly includes a plurality of AC snap receptacles each having a base containing three insulation displacement connectors and each electrically connected to a female receptacle connector element. A snap-on retainer forces three insulated power conductors into the three insulation displacement connectors causing knife blade edges thereof to displace insulation and electrically connect inner conductor elements of the insulated power conductors. The snap-on retainer of one of the AC snap receptacles also receives three slotted male tab friction fit connectors to electrically connect them to the three power conductors, respectively. The three slotted male tab friction fit connectors are connected to a printed circuit board that interacts with the three power conductors. Each slotted male tab friction fit connector has an elongated slot separating two bifurcated prongs, outer edges of the prongs frictionally engaging inner surfaces of the insulation displacement connectors.

Abstract: Tamper-resistant features are provided for a vehicle hood-locking and ignition disabling apparatus which functions as an automotive anti-theft device. These tamper resistant features are responsive to efforts to defeat or by-pass the anti-theft device and comprise: 1. a magnetically-operated alarm; 2. a lock "breakaway" portion responsive to efforts to break or pull the lock portion of anti-theft device; and 3. an underhood dead latch assembly adapted to dead-bolt the hood of the vehicle in a closed position, and to latch the ignition-disabling circuitry in a closed position.