Abstract: A device for dispensing a topically administered drug has a spreader which is used to actuate a pump to release the drug and then to spread the drug on the skin and. The spreader is coupled to a lock that prevents it from actuating the pump after a number of drug doses have been dispensed. The pump can be actuated to release no more than the selected quantity of drug per day or actuation.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a topically administered drug has a spreader which is used to actuate a pump to release the drug and then to spread the drug on the skin and. The spreader is coupled to a lock that prevents it from actuating the pump after a number of drug doses have been dispensed. The pump can be actuated to release no more than the selected quantity of drug per day or actuation.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a processor configured to analyze a connected device to determine one or more capabilities of the device. The processor may be further configured to suggest one or more applications that the device is capable of implementing based at least in part upon the determined capabilities. The processor may be additionally configured to program at least one suggested application into a memory of the device such that the device is repurposed. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: A method for quickly shutting down a personal computer system using a non-volatile reprogrammable memory device. A compressed memory image of the contents of the system working memory, hardware configuration and other relevant information is stored in the non-volatile reprogrammable memory. When shutting down, the process detects changed hardware and diverts from the immediate shut down to identify the changed hardware and create a new memory image before completing the shut down.

Abstract: A method for deriving a synchronisation signal (35) from a video signal comprises tracking the blanking level (107) of the video signal with first and second slice level signals (26, 27) and tracking the sync tip level (110) of the horizontal sync signal (109) of the video signal with third and fourth slice level signals (28,29) for determining the blanking level (107) and the sync tip level (110). A value for an intermediate slice level signal (30) is computed from the first, second, third and fourth slice level signals (26, 27, 28, 29) so that the value of the intermediate slice level signal (30) lies approximately halfway between the blanking level (107) and the sync tip level (110).

Abstract: Sub-wavelength size fluorescent particles attach to specific gene sites or a magnetic bead that is maneuvered around a cell volume to produce evanescent fields when illuminated in the far-field from light outside the cell volume. Light scattering from the sub-wavelength particles produces near-field interactions with surrounding molecules. The sub-wavelength scattering particles may be metallic spheres. Using particles within the cell removes large far-field scattered light from the mechanical structure of a supporting probe. Near-field light is modulated with an oscillating magnetic field, and micro-positioning is accomplished by a computer controlled DC magnetic field to scan the particle around within the cell. The Near-Field Intra-Cellular Apertureless Microscope (NICAM) technique enables non-destructive sub-wavelength resolution imaging without inserting a near-field (illumination or collection mode) probe into a cell.

Abstract: A cell tray has a multi-dimensional array of cells in precise, equally spaced wells (cubicles or silos) containing medium of interest. The ordered cell array enables automated processing as well as simultaneous monitoring and analyzing of a large matrix of cells, biological fluids, chemicals and/or solid samples. The invention is an integrated device and is fabricated into substrates similar to microscope slides. The ordered array of cells in precise locations helps in parallel analysis and processing of cells simultaneously. Each cell cubicle or silo in the array is located equidistant from its nearest neighbors in an orthogonal direction. The location of each well can be precisely measured and recorded in an automated processing system. Included in the bottom of each cell well is an optional micro-lens. An array of probes provides parallel cell processing and monitoring capabilities, including microinjection and microscope analysis.

Abstract: Electrochemical power systems of modular design are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochemical power system is provided comprising a container, at least one container reactant port, at least one container electrical power output port, module mounting hardware within the container, and a set of fuel cell modules within the container. Each of the fuel cell modules is mounted within the container via the module mounting hardware. Each of the fuel cell modules comprises at least one modular reactant port and at least one modular electrical power output port.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that employs a purge valve, an accumulator and a bleed valve for selectively purging and bleeding anode exhaust gas. When the purge valve is opened, the anode exhaust gas purges to the accumulator where it is collected. The bleed valve provides a controlled release of the anode exhaust gas from the accumulator that allows the concentration of hydrogen bled from the accumulator to remain below its combustible limit. In one embodiment, the purged anode exhaust gas is combined with the cathode exhaust gas and released to atmosphere. In another embodiment, the purged anode exhaust gas is combined with a cathode input gas. In another embodiment, the purged anode exhaust gas is combined with an anode input gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling and/or stringing energized conductor for a high voltage power line conductor for a high voltage power line is provided. The method includes bringing components and workers to the same electrical potential and transferring power from one contractor to another. Associated apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A method for quickly booting a personal computer system using a non-volatile reprogrammable memory device. A compressed memory image of the contents of the system working memory, hardware configuration and other information stored in memory when the system is in a desired operational state is stored in the non-volatile reprogrammable memory. When rebooting the process detects changed hardware and diverts from the reboot to identify the hardware before continuing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for tightening a restraint, including a base having a passage for receiving the restraint and a one or more receptacles communicating with the passage, and one or more retention members movable between a first position and a second lockable position, wherein the restraint is loosened in the first position and the restraint is tightened in a second position. The present invention also relates to a method of tightening a restraint by inserting a restraint into a passage formed within a base, the passage communicating with one or more receptacles in the base and forming the restraint into the receptacles by moving one or more retention members between a first position and one or more second lockable positions, whereby the restraint is urged into a labyrinth configuration defined by the receptacles and the retention members in a second lockable position.

Abstract: A optical surface is mounted on a mirror rotating system having a carousel therein having gears which rotates said optical surface in a circular path while the optical surface itself rotates about an axis. The radius between the mirror support and the planetary gear is adjustable. The system is mounted on support legs within the vacuum chamber so that the optical surface can face downward when the apparatus is placed in a bell jar (or any such environment which provides a vacuum). A source of vaporized substance is placed under the apparatus, so that the optical surface, facing downward, is facing said source. This arrangement allows for an improvement in the uniformity of the substance deposited on the optical surface.

Abstract: Compositions, such as caulks, paints, sealants and water barriers have a binder which comprises emulsified and/or dispersed (A) film forming latex, (B) non-forming liquid polysulfide and (C) hydrocarbon resin.

Abstract: A portable beverage dispenser having a housing which contains a casing provided with a plurality of bottle receptacles for the purpose of holding bottles of beverage in an inverted position. Beverages flow from the bottle to individual cooling cups, which are disposed within an ice compartment, and from the cooling cups through pipes to individual spigots mounted on the outside of the housing. A hinged panel is provided on the casing to prevent accidental spilling of the beverage into the ice compartment when the bottles are installed in the housing. The housing has the overall configuration of a wooden barrel and is mounted on a wheeled chassis.