Abstract: The present invention relates to embodiments which enable repetitive measurement and monitoring of the load applied to an apparatus, in a system, and/or by a method which may exceed a predetermined threshold of weight. Specifically, the present invention relates to weight monitoring apparatus, locomotion monitoring apparatus, a gait-response apparatus, a weight monitoring system, and a therapeutic load monitoring method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to embodiments which enable repetitive measurement and monitoring of the load applied to an apparatus, in a system, and/or by a method which may exceed a predetermined threshold of weight. Specifically, the present invention relates to weight monitoring apparatus, locomotion monitoring apparatus, a gait-response apparatus, a weight monitoring system, and a therapeutic load monitoring method.

Abstract: A system of delivering a closely controlled volume of a solution carrying a bioactive agent and depositing the solution on a surface of a medical/dental implant in preparation for placing the implant in a patient. The system includes one or more dispensers (cylinders) each terminating in a nozzle, and a plunger (piston) for each dispenser. Each dispenser is filled with the desired volume of solution by common movement of the plungers in an upward direction while the dispenser nozzles are connected to an adapter unit having a single nozzle immersed in the solution. The dispenser nozzles are then removed from the adapter and placed in mating hubs on a domed lid portion of a dosing chamber.

Abstract: A method of injecting gaseous fuel into an internal combustion engine comprises selecting one of at least two predetermined operating modes as a function of engine load and engine speed. The engine includes a fuel injection valve with an actuator for changing a commanded amplitude for lifting a valve needle during injection, and for changing, from one combustion cycle to the next, the shape of an actuation pulse defined by commanded amplitude plotted against time. In a first operating mode, which corresponds to low load and low speed range, the actuation pulse has a rectangular shape. In a second operating mode, which corresponds to at least one of a greater load and a greater speed range, the actuation pulse includes at least two shape-defining segments with the commanded amplitude for the first segment being less than 90% of the amplitude for a subsequent second segment.

Abstract: A computer program product for predicting the speed and efficacy of a blood-clotting agent is disclosed. The product comprises a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in the medium for causing an application program to execute on a computer with a database for storing data therein.

Abstract: The present invention shows the crystal structure of protein C inactivated factor Va (A1-A3-C1-C2) that depicts a novel domain arrangement. The newly disclosed orientation has implications for binding to membranes essential for function. A high-affinity calcium binding site and a copper binding site have been identified, neither of which show a direct involvement in chain association. This structure represents the largest physiologically relevant fragment of factor Va solved to date and provides a new scaffold for generation of models of coagulation factors.

Abstract: A method of operating a gaseous-fueled internal combustion engine comprises selecting one of at least two predetermined operating modes as a function of engine load and engine speed. A first operating mode is selected when said engine is commanded to operate within a first region corresponding to a low load and low speed range, and a second operating mode is selected when said engine is commanded to operate within a second region distinct from said first region and corresponding to at least one of a greater load and a greater speed range compared to said first region. In the first operating mode, the gaseous fuel is introduced in a single injection event with the injection valve commanded to open with a constant amplitude A1. In the second operating mode, the gaseous fuel is introduced in a single injection event and the injection valve is commanded to begin with a constant amplitude A2 for a predetermined time and then to open to an amplitude A3, wherein amplitude A3 is greater than amplitude A2.

Abstract: An explosives detection system which includes computed tomography (CT) and quadrupole resonance (QR) sensors for identifying particular explosive compounds present in passenger baggage. The CT sensor may be configured to automatically identify the presence or absence of bulk military, commercial, and sheet explosives during CT scanning of the baggage. Similarly, the QR sensor may be configured to responsively generate RDX and PETN signals during QR scanning of the passenger baggage. Using any of a variety of inspection protocols, the explosives detection system may generate an output alarm based upon data obtained from the CT and QR sensors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a magnetic resonance based material detection system that includes a resonator probe which is highly resonant, is cost effective and has a compact magnetic structure with a low cost tuning mechanism and high quality factor (Q). The probe is relatively immune to radio frequency interference and can be used in close proximity to other resonator probes of similar design, complementary sensing equipment, and electromagnetic shielding due to its low external magnetic field. It is preferred that, if the magnetic resonance based detection equipment is used with complementary sensing equipment that uses x-rays, the portion of shielding that intersects the x-ray beam is made of thin material of a conductive nature which retains electromagnetic shielding properties while causing minimal attenuation to x-rays. In one embodiment, the resonator probe is a rectangular-shaped single turn toroid fabricated from copper sheets.

Abstract: This invention demonstrates the feasibility of producing an easy to use, marketable global test in the arena of clinical haemostasis testing that is sensitive to antithrombotic drugs, bleeding disorders and thrombotic pathologies. Use of this assay will provide insight into what predisposes an “apparently” healthy individual to thrombose, what effect does known risk factors (i.e. birth control/hormone replacement therapy) have on thrombin generation and whether certain individuals be excluded from specific therapies because of an underlying genetic abnormality, among other things.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved scanning process having microwave arrays comprised of microwave transmitters in radiographic alignment with microwave receivers. The microwave array emits controllably directed microwave radiation toward an object under inspection. The object under inspection absorbs radiation in a manner dependent upon its metal content. The microwave radiation absorption can be used to generate a measurement of metal content. The measurement, in turn, can be used to calculate at least a portion of the volume and shape of the object under inspection. The measurement can be compared to a plurality of predefined threats. The microwave screening system can be used in combination with other screening technologies, such as NQR-based screening, X-ray transmission based screening, X-ray scattered based screening, or Computed Tomography based screening.

Abstract: An explosives detection system which includes computed tomography (CT) and quadrupole resonance (QR) sensors for identifying particular explosive compounds present in passenger baggage. The CT sensor may be configured to automatically identify the presence or absence of bulk military, commercial, and sheet explosives during CT scanning of the baggage. Similarly, the QR sensor may be configured to responsively generate RDX and PETN signals during QR scanning of the passenger baggage. Using any of a variety of inspection protocols, the explosives detection system may generate an output alarm based upon data obtained from the CT and QR sensors.

Abstract: Peptides derived from amino acids 307 to 356 of the human blood coagulation factor Va are provided. Such peptides comprise: i) a length of between 3 and 50 amino acids, ii) a minimum of 3 contiguous amino acids from the 307-356 heavy chain region of factor Va, excluding peptide segments comprising amino acids 311 to 325 and amino acids 321 to 335, iii) optional additional amino acids at one or both ends of the contiguous amino acids such that the entire peptide is at least 60% identical to a sequence within 307 to 356 of factor Va, and iv) have an IC50 of between 50 nM to 500 &mgr;M for inhibition of prothrombinase. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more prothrombinase-inhibiting peptide segments. The present invention also provides administration of the pharmaceutical composition to human subjects for the purpose of preventing thrombotic disorders.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of forming a thin film electro-optic waveguide. In one embodiment, the method comprises forming a platinum film on a substrate, forming a PLZT film on the platinum film, and forming a PZT film on the PLZT film. The PLZT film has a lower refractive index than the PZT film. The PZT film functions as a waveguide core and the PLZT film functions as an optical buffer layer for optically isolating the PZT film from the platinum film. When the structure is thermally processed, the platinum film promotes the crystallinity in the PLZT film, which in turn promotes crystallinity in the PZT film. The invention is particularly useful for integrating non-silica-based electro-optic materials with silica-based waveguide structures. The invention also concerns an optical waveguide device formed by the method.