Abstract: Metalworking fluids contain active sulfur, a certain kind of inactive sulfur called “available sulfur”, and fat in a base oil of a lubricating viscosity. The metalworking fluids are chlorine free and phosphorous free. Boundary lubrication is provided by the fat, while extreme pressure lubrication is provided by the sulfur. Available sulfur is inactive sulfur minus any contribution of inactive sulfur from sulfurized saturated fats. Active sulfur and available sulfur are present in balanced proportions, while fat is present at an amount effective to provide boundary lubrication. Use of the fluids reduces tool wear over a long period of action and over a variety of boundary and extreme pressure conditions.

Abstract: A vibration dampening device includes a strap or band wrapped around a human body part. The strap includes one or more wing sections, either integrally formed or engaged thereto, that extend beyond the nominal width of the strap and have freedom of movement with respect to the strap. The distal ends of step members engaged to the strap may form wing sections. Wing section movement counteracts longitudinal vibrations traveling through soft tissue and musculature to dampen such vibrations. Optionally, a tension limiter may be provided to help maintain wrapping tension at or below a desired level, such as 3 pounds-force or below, which applied at a strap area of 0.093 square inches is about 32 psi.

Abstract: An eating utensil includes an elongate hollow body having a proximal end and a closed distal end. The elongate hollow body defines an internal chamber, and has an aperture adjacent the proximal end. The aperture is in communication with the internal chamber. A liquid condiment is contained within the internal chamber. A seal member is bonded to a lip of the body about the aperture. The seal member contains the liquid condiment within the internal chamber until the seal member is removed.

Abstract: A system for inspecting components is provided. The system includes a light source illuminating a component feature so as to create a specular or non-lambertian reflection off the component feature. An image sensor is positioned to receive the specular or non-lambertian reflection and to generate point brightness data and point position data, such as for a point of light reflected off the component feature. A height measurement system receives the point brightness data and the point position data and generates feature height data.

Abstract: A swivel caster assembly has a molded plastic caster horn with an upwardly opening socket receiving a connector stem, the portion thereof above the caster horn having either a plate, a threaded post, or a smooth post with a retaining ring, for connection to an object to be supported by the caster. The caster horn and the received stem portions of the various connectors are the same, so the same horn can receive any type of connector. The horn is shaped to receive locking features for wheel, swivel, both wheel and swivel, or simply a snap-in cover where no locking feature is desired.

Abstract: A swivel caster assembly has a molded plastic caster horn with an upwardly opening socket receiving a connector stem, the portion thereof above the caster horn having either a plate, a threaded post, or a smooth post with a retaining ring, for connection to an object to be supported by the caster. The caster horn and the received stem portions of the various connectors are the same, so the same horn can receive any type of connector. The horn is shaped to receive locking features for wheel, swivel, both wheel and swivel, or simply a snap-in cover where no locking feature is desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the polycystic kidney disease 1 (PKD1) gene and its nucleic acid sequence, mutations thereof in patients having PKD1-associated disorders, the protein encoded by the PKD1 gene or its mutants, and their uses in disease diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the polycystic kidney disease 1 (PKD1) gene and its nucleic acid sequence, mutations thereof in patients having PKD1-associated disorders, the protein encoded by the PKD1 gene or its mutants, and their uses in disease diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the polycystic kidney disease 1 (PKD1) gene and its nucleic acid sequence, mutations thereof in patients having PKD1-associated disorders, the protein encoded by the PKD1 gene or its mutants, and their uses in disease diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: A system and method of optically inspecting structures on the surface of an object, such as a semiconductor wafer. A platform is used to support the object under examination, and provided thereat are lights or other energy sources for illumination disposed at a selected angular orientation. Optimum illumination is achieved by orienting two opposing lateral energy sources to direct energy along the surface of the object at a very low angle, and using them in conjunction with a coaxial light source that emits energy, which is directed downward toward the surface. Energy reflected back from the surface is captured as an image by a suitable device such as a CCD camera. The lighting may be controlled by an attached computer, which can also be used to process and store the captured image and analyze it to detect and catagorize defects in the object being inspected.

Abstract: A method for testing an electronic module to evaluate solder joint failures caused by thermally induced stress includes determining a thermal shock endurance test profile that represents field temperature conditions, estimating time/cycles to failure of solder joints in the module using numerical simulation techniques, selecting a design life duration for the module, comparing the design life duration of the module with the estimated time/cycles to failure of the weakest solder joint in the module, determining between robust, marginal, and non-robust module designs based on the design life duration of the module and the estimated time/cycles to failure of the at least one solder joint in the module, and determining an accelerated thermal shock endurance test specification having a test duration for testing the electronic module upon determining a marginal module design.

Abstract: Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by widespread development of growths in many tissues and organs. A gene (TSC2) is identified on chromosome 16 which is mutated in TSC and which may behave as a tumour suppressor. Screening of actual or suspected TSC patients for normal or mutated TSC2 can be used for diagnostic purposes. TSC2 protein (tuberin) may be used to treat or prevent unrestrained cell division and/or tumour development in patients with or without TSC.

Abstract: Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by widespread development of growths in many tissues and organs. A gene (TSC2) is identified on chromosome 16 which is mutated in TSC and which may behave as a tumour suppressor. Screening of actual or suspected TSC patients for normal or mutated TSC2 can be used for diagnostic purposes. TSC2 protein (tuberin) may be used to treat or prevent unrestrained cell division and/or tumour development in patients with or without TSC.

Abstract: Disclosed is an acidic composition for human consumption, comprising creatine. In particular the composition is conveniently an isotonic drink for storage at 4.degree. C., or is a dry stable powder which may be stored at ambient temperature.

Abstract: An all-plastic, swivel caster assembly has horn and stem molded as a homogeneous unit of plastic. A wheel of molded plastic or plastic-rubber combination, supports the assembly. In one version, the horn sidewalls have fingers forming keyhole-shaped slots receiving grooved end portions of a plastic axle borne by the wheel. The axle retaining fingers normally secure the axle in the horn, but are sufficiently resilient to enable intentional removal of the wheel and axle assembly from the horn without tools, for cleaning. In another version, the horn sidewalls have apertures receiving a plastic axle which has a head on one end and a circumferential groove at the other end. An axle cap located at the outside face of one horn sidewall has a slot received on the axle groove, and retains the axle in assembly. The cap has a detent boss received in a detent recess in the horn sidewall to keep the cap, and thereby the axle, in place.

Abstract: A caster assembly has a stem and ball bearing retainer made of a single homogeneous unit of reinforced plastic, a horn made of a single piece of reinforced plastic, a bottom bearing retainer made of a single piece of reinforced plastic, an upper set of ball bearings between the horn and the upper retainer, a lower set of ball bearings between the horn and the bottom retainer, with the bottom retainer being ultrasonically welded to the unitary stem and retainer.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a caster to an object having a hole with interior walls has a tubular body with upper and lower ends, the lower end being adapted to connect to a caster and the upper end being split and defining at least two upwardly extending friction grip arms, the upper end of each arm defining an outwardly extending friction grip portion and the outer dimension defined by all of the friction grip portions being slightly larger than the minimum corresponding dimension of the hole.

Abstract: A geothermal system for conditioning air in an enclosed space by transferring heat between the air and a heat exchange liquid which is circulated through a line buried in the earth. The line transfers heat between the earth and the heat exchange liquid circulating through the line. The line is constructed to facilitate the expansion and contraction of the line with changes in temperature and to facilitate the transfer of heat between heat exchange liquid in the line and the earth without causing ice to form around the line.

Abstract: A dehumidification system. The dehumidification system utilizes the deflection of high velocity air flow to facilitate the removal of condensate from the cooling coil in the system. The amount of condensate which is reclaimed by the air stream passing through the dehumidification system is minimized.