Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of predicting pre-eclampsia (PE). The present invention also relates to a diagnostic kit for performing a method of predicting PE. In particular, the method determining the level of two or more markers selected from placenta growth factor (P1GF), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) and leptin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of predicting pre-eclampsia (PE). The present invention also relates to a diagnostic kit for performing a method of predicting PE. In particular, the method determining the level of two or more markers selected from placenta growth factor (PIGF), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) and leptin.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements to full-duplex bi-directional opto-electrical transducers, primarily for use in radio-over-fiber installations, such as remote-antenna installations for cellular radio apparatus. The transducer is of the kind based on an electroabsorption modulator, and the first improvement consists in biasing it by means of a constant-current source rather than conventionally by directly setting a bias voltage. With appropriate selection of the EAM, a preset constant current source is considered adequate, but its setting may be adjusted to operating conditions by a control algorithm if found desirable. A second improvement consists in increasing the effective load impedance of the EAM by using an inductive load that forms a tuned circuit with the internal capacitance of the EAM, resonant at a frequency in the operating range.

Abstract: A hose dispenser has a rotatable reel 10, holding a coiled hose 12 suitable for conveying breathable gas, mounted on a tubular steel frame 14. The reel has a pivoting arm 16, which has a portion defining an aperture, or “eye” 18 fitted thereon. The hose is threaded through the eye 16 so that the free end of the hose protrudes through the eye. The free end of the hose is fitted with a resilient frusto-conical protective hood 20. The hood provides two functions. First, it enables the free end of the hose to engage the eye of the arm 16, and secondly, it protects a valve 22, located on the free end of the hose, from damage. Another valve 24 is provided in the centre of the reel, which is connected to the other end of the hose. In use, the free end of the hose is carried by an operative, or is attached to breathing apparatus worn by the operative, and the other end is connected to a source containing gas for breathing. The arm 16 is mounted pivotally on the reel.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements to full-duplex bi-directional opto-electrical transducers, primarily for use in radio-over-fiber installations, such as remote-antenna installations for cellular radio apparatus. The transducer is of the kind based on an electroabsorption modulator, and the first improvement consists in biasing it by means of a constant-current source rather than conventionally by directly setting a bias voltage. With appropriate selection of the EAM, a preset constant current source is considered adequate, but its setting may be adjusted to operating conditions by a control algorithm if found desirable. A second improvement consists in increasing the effective load impedance of the EAM by using an inductive load that forms a tuned circuit with the internal capacitance of the EAM, resonant at a frequency in the operating range..

Abstract: This invention is a method comprising providing a substrate, forming a first layer on the substrate, wherein the first layer has a dielectric constant of less than 3.0 and comprises an organic polymer, applying an organosilicate resin over the first layer, removing a portion of the organosilicate resin to expose a portion of the first layer, and removing the exposed portions of the first layer. The invention is also an integrated circuit article comprising an active substrate containing transistors and an electrical interconnect structure containing a pattern of metal lines separated, at least partially, by layers or regions of an organic polymeric material having a dielectric constant of less than 3.0 and further comprising a layer of an organosilicate resin above at least one layer of the organic polymer material.

Abstract: A face mask (10) mechanically coupled to a lung demand valve (LDV) (12). The face mask (10) comprises a main mask and an inner mask (15) which fits over the wearer's mouth and nose. The interior of the inner mask (15) is in fluidic communication with the interior of the main mask (10) by means of non-return valves (16). The interior of the main mask is in fluidic communication with an inlet port (18) which is mechanically and fluidically coupled to a supply port (20) of an LDV. The LDV (12) includes a diaphragm and a cover (44) which comprises three parts (44a, 44b) and (44c). Exhaled air is used to flush the space around the diaphragm. Thus, any toxic or undesirable gas in the vicinity of the diaphragm is pushed out to atmosphere by the exhaled air flowing past and around the diaphragm.

Abstract: A method of forming at least a partial air gap within a semiconducting device and the resulting devices, said method comprising the steps of: (a) depositing a sacrificial polymeric composition in one or more layers of the device during its formation; (b) coating the device with one or more layers of a relatively non-porous, organic, polymeric, insulating dielectric material (hardmask) having a density less than 2.2 g/cm3; and (c) decomposing the sacrificial polymeric composition such that the decomposition products permeate at least partially through the one or more hardmask layers, thereby forming at least a partial air gap within the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing polymeric films, preferably electroactive films, with enhanced physical properties by the steps of applying to a substrate a solution of a polymer containing pendant labile solubilizing groups, then removing the solvent and a sufficient concentration of the labile solubilizing groups render the polymer less soluble in the solvent than before the labile groups were removed. It is believed that the removal of pendant soluble groups a) permits optimization of the semiconducting backbone for charge transport performance, b) allows direct control of microstructure in the final film, and c) renders the final film more robust during subsequent process steps needed to construct multilayer devices.

Abstract: A suitable cross-linkable matrix precursor and a poragen can be treated to form a porous cross-linked matrix having a Tg of greater than 300° C. The porous matrix material has a lower dielectric constant than the corresponding non-porous matrix material, making the porous matrix material particularly attractive for a variety of electronic applications including integrated circuits, multichip modules, and flat panel display devices.

Abstract: A harness for use with breathing apparatus has: a flexible hip plate 12 and a flexible bandolier-style shoulder panel 14, linked together by a strap 15, and a waist belt 16 fastenable by a sprung fastener. In use, the flexible hip plate 12 rests against the hip of a user (the left hip in this example), the waist belt is fitted around the waist of the user, and the shoulder panel 14 rests against the shoulder opposite to the hip against which the flexible plate is resting (the right shoulder in this example). At least the bandolier-style panel 14, and optionally also the hip plate 12 of the harness 10, are made of a resilient material which, though flexible, allows the harness substantially to retain its operational configuration even when not being worn. The material is preferably a composite, and may comprise closed cell, open face foam, such as compression moulded EVA foam. Two layers of such foam may be used in a sandwich construction, and may be glued or otherwise bonded together.

Abstract: A hose dispenser has a rotatable reel 10, holding a coiled hose 12 suitable for conveying breathable gas, mounted on a tubular steel frame 14. The reel has a pivoting arm 16, which has a portion defining an aperture, or “eye” 18 fitted thereon. The hose is threaded through the eye 16 so that the free end of the hose protrudes through the eye. The free end of the hose is fitted with a resilient frusto-conical protective hood 20. The hood provides two functions. First, it enables the free end of the hose to engage the eye of the arm 16, and secondly, it protects a valve 22, located on the free end of the hose, from damage. Another valve 24 is provided in the centre of the reel, which is connected to the other end of the hose. In use, the free end of the hose is carried by an operative, or is attached to breathing apparatus worn by the operative, and the other end is connected to a source containing gas for breathing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of predicting pre-eclampsia (PE). The present invention also relates to a diagnostic kit for performing a method of predicting PE. In particular, the method determining the level of two or more markers selected from placenta growth factor (PIGF), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) and leptin.

Abstract: A blocking and/or advance pawl mechanism for an autofeed fastener driving tool with at least one of the pawl arms maintained rearward of a next fastener to be driven from a strip holding fasteners spaced in a row.

Abstract: A security cover for display cases includes cooperating generally L-shaped rigid frangible-resistant panels. A hook-shaped lower edge of each panel is coupled to an anchor rail fixedly mounted to the base of the display case. Each panel is then pivoted upwardly to cover a portion of the display case. The panels include flanges along an upper terminal edge thereof. The flanges are mated together in a U-shaped lock bar and a lock to securely couple the panels together and enclose the glass faces of the display case in a frangible-resistant protective cover to inhibit breakage of the glass faces and theft of the contents of the display case.

Abstract: A security cover for display cases includes cooperating generally L-shaped rigid frangible-resistant panels. A hook-shaped lower edge of each panel is coupled to an anchor rail fixedly mounted to the base of the display case. Each panel is then pivoted upwardly to cover a portion of the display case. The panels include flanges along an upper terminal edge thereof. The flanges are mated together in a U-shaped lock bar and a lock to securely couple the panels together and enclose the glass faces of the display case in a frangible-resistant protective cover to inhibit breakage of the glass faces and theft of the contents of the display case.

Abstract: A screwdriver tool attachment which provides a channel for advance of a screwstrip via a reciprocating pawl which is reciprocally movable by a lever arm adapted for manual engagement to either move the pawl to an advanced or a withdrawn position.

Abstract: This invention provides a driver attachment for a collated screwstrip in which a slide body is slidable in a housing parallel a longitudinal axis about which drive shaft is rotatable. The slide body has a nose portion. A screw feed activation mechanism coupled between the housing and the slide body translates relative sliding movement and positioning of the slide body relative the housing. The nose portion includes a channel to guide a collated screwstrip generally transversely to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. The nose portion includes a guide mechanism to locate each successive screw advanced through the channel into axial alignment with the drive shaft for engagement therewith. A strip carrying screws is advanced into the guideway via an entranceway and the spent strip from which the screws have been driven exits from the guideway via an exitway which encircles the spent strip.

Abstract: An improved screwdriver in which a replaceable bit is removably secured in an axial socket in the end of the mandrel with a slot extending radially inwardly into the socket rearward of the bit. A separate bit removing lever tool is provided having a hook-shaped portion which curves back on itself to a distal end. The hook-shaped is insertable via the slot into the socket to assume a position with the distal end extending forwardly into the socket to engage the rear end of the bit with surfaces of the hook-shaped portion to engage both a forwardly directed engagement surface of the rear of the slot and the side walls of the socket such that pivotal movement of the tool guides and cams the distal end into the socket and into engagement with the bit to urge the bit forwardly out of the socket.

Abstract: A driver attachment for driving screws in a collated screwstrip. The attachment having a housing and a slide body slidable axially relative to the housing with the slide body carrying a shuttle slidable transversely relative the slide body. A lever is coupled at one end to the housing and at another end to the shuttle such that reciprocal movement of the housing and slide body axially reciprocally cycles the shuttle transversely. The slide body preferably carries a bearing member which when the slide body approaches a fully extended postion, engages the lever to assist the lever in drawing the shuttle inwardly to advance the screwstrip.