Abstract: Devices for generating discrete flow of liquids in response to a driving force, for example centrifugal microfluidic devices for generating discrete flow in response to a constant driving force. The device includes a supply structure for supplying liquid at an inflow rate to a discretization structure in response to a driving force. The discretization structure is shaped to define an outlet and a level to which the discretization structure fills with liquid flowing from the supply structure before dispensing the liquid at an outflow rate through the outlet in response to the driving force. The device is arranged such that the outflow rate from the discretization structure is greater than the inflow rate into the discretization structure, thereby periodically emptying the discretization structure to create a discretized flow from the outlet. The devices find applications in liquid mixing, for example for diluting samples, such as blood plasma samples.

Abstract: A hand pruner having a first and second handle, the first handle having a hook, formed at a far end, the second handle having a cutting blade formed at the far end. The first handle and hook and second handle and blade pivotally connected for movement with respect to each other. The blade and second handle having a cup formed between the blade and second handle. The hook and first handle having a cup formed between the hook and first handle. The cutting edge of the hook is formed along two concave intersecting arcs of different diameters, the smaller diameter arc located next to the pivot. The cutting edge of the blade is formed along two convex intersecting arcs having diameters that complement the two concave arcs in the hook cutting edge.

Abstract: A retrofit or new installation kit or apparatus has a junction box, a supply pipe that attaches to a quick-connect fitting inside the junction box that attaches to a valve within the junction box. The valve within the junction box has a stub-out that connects to the quick-connect fitting.

Abstract: A particle capture system that can be used in the context of a lab-on-a-chip platform for particle- and cell-based assays is described. The system comprises a capture chamber comprising a plurality of capture sites, the capture sites defining a capture area configured to receive individual particles travelling within the capture chamber. By rotating the chamber, the individual particles are biased towards the capture sites where they may be captured.

Abstract: Devices for generating discrete flow of liquids in response to a driving force, for example centrifugal microfluidic devices for generating discrete flow in response to a constant driving force. The device includes a supply structure for supplying liquid at an inflow rate to a discretization structure in response to a driving force. The discretization structure is shaped to define an outlet and a level to which the discretization structure fills with liquid flowing from the supply structure before dispensing the liquid at an outflow rate through the outlet in response to the driving force. The device is arranged such that the outflow rate from the discretization structure is greater than the inflow rate into the discretization structure, thereby periodically emptying the discretization structure to create a discretized flow from the outlet. The devices find applications in liquid mixing, for example for diluting samples, such as blood plasma samples.

Abstract: Devices for controlling fluid flow, in particular microfluidic devices, are described, which exploit gas/liquid interfaces to control liquid flow in accordance with application requirements. Devices for on/off flow switching, centrifugal separation, mixing, metering and aliquoting are described.

Abstract: A method is provided for communicating to consumers through a test protocol chemical functionality of commercially available cosmetics. The method is a proof of the promotional advertising. The steps include comparing two or more different commercially available cosmetic products which advertise antioxidant functionality, contacting each of the products with a test system reactive with antioxidants, and generating a perceivable change in color proportionate to concentration of the antioxidant in the product. The test is preserved in a tangible medium such as a video and then shown to consumers who might have potential purchase interest.

Abstract: A device and a method for maintaining a plurality of beads in suspension in a fluid are provided. The device includes a container having a chamber in fluid communication with an inlet and an outlet. The chamber is configured to hold the plurality of beads and the fluid therein. Each bead of the plurality of beads has at least one antibody disposed thereon. The inlet is configured to route at least one antigen into the chamber. The outlet is configured to route the plurality of beads out of the chamber. The device further includes a mounting member configured to secure the container thereon. The device further includes a voice coil actuator operably coupled to the mounting member and to a base member.

Abstract: A content-addressable memory stores a plurality of words, each word with intrinsic capability: Global bus-1 selects a set of bits in each word. Global bus-2 selects a disjoint set of bits in each word. Circuits approximately adiabatic in each word, toggle bus-2 bits if and only if all bus-1 bits are true. Toggling selectively, as above, will copy selected bits to new locations, and will calculate a given Boolean function on a given subset of bits. Each word, in parallel with other words, can thus accomplish any task that can be composed of bit-copying and Boolean operations. Every word systematically undergoes modification during each processing step without reading or writing to a global bus. This avoids an increase in processing time and loss of efficiency for global bus operations. Self-analyzing memory words support a programmable computer, massively parallel, logically reversible and approximately adiabatic.

Abstract: A radiation detector is described which includes first circuitry having at least one operational parameter associated therewith which is operable to change in response to radiation exposure. Second circuitry is operable to detect a change in the at least one operational parameter based on a predetermined relation between the at least one operational parameter and at least one type of radiation. The second circuitry is also operable to encode detection information representative of the radiation exposure in response thereto.

Abstract: A radiation detector is described which includes first circuitry having at least one operational parameter associated therewith which is operable to change in response to radiation exposure. Second circuitry is operable to detect a change in the at least one operational parameter based on a predetermined relation between the at least one operational parameter and at least one type of radiation. The second circuitry is also operable to encode detection information representative of the radiation exposure in response thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a 2-step methods, and compositions for providing more vibrant, natural and long-lasting color to hair and at the same time reducing hair fiber damage associated with alternative current methods. In the first step the hair is contacted for a period of time with a dye precursor mixture containing specific oxidative hair dye precursors under conditions where these dyes are substantially inactive. Color is then developed in a second step by contacting the hair with a mixture of a peroxide compound and a persulfate salt. Surprisingly the 2-step method leads to considerable “lift” or lightening without negatively impacting the coloring ability of the oxidative dye. The invention also relates to kits providing the means to accomplish these steps.

Abstract: An electronic Yellow Pages viewer shows the pages of a Yellow Pages directory as they appear in the bound version. The print queue used to print the bound version is intercepted, and each page is rasterized into a JPEG file. The page/header/advertisement data are parsed to create an index which associates each Yellow Pages heading with the first page on which that heading appears. The viewer runs as a Java applet inside a World Wide Web browser and allows a user to access a page by typing the name of a heading, selecting the heading from a tree view or typing a page number. A Yellow Pages advertiser receives an electronic bill with an electronic tear sheet showing the page on which the advertisement appears and the reverse page. The advertisement can be selectively highlighted.

Abstract: An infusible-grade storage medium that is capable of preserving the viability and function of stem cells, nucleated cells and other hematopoietic cells is provided.

Abstract: Cosmetic skin care compositions containing succinate compounds and cosmetic method of improving the appearance of wrinkled, lined, dry, flaky, aged or photodamaged skin and improving skin thickness, elasticity, flexibility, radiance, glow and plumpness.

Abstract: An infusible-grade storage medium that is capable of preserving the viability and function of stem cells, nucleated cells and other hematopoietic cells is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for projecting electromagnetic radiation onto a curing surface. The apparatus includes a housing containing the curing surface. The housing also includes a source of electromagnetic radiation and an elongate primary concave reflector. The source of electromagnetic radiation is positioned within an expanse defined by the primary reflector. The housing also includes a secondary reflector positioned adjacently exterior to the primary reflector expanse. The primary reflector and the secondary reflector operate to reflect and redirect radiation emanating from said source onto said curing surface.

Abstract: Certain cyclic aliphatic unsaturated compounds which sufficiently inhibit LRAT or ARAT catalyzed esterification of retinol into inactive retinyl esters, have the same effect on keratinocytes as retinoic acid. Thus, effects of the retinol or retinyl esters in combination with these cyclic compounds are analogous to treatment with retinoic acid.

Abstract: Geranyl geraniol inhibits esterification of retinol into inactive retinyl esters. Thus, effects of the retinol or retinyl esters in combination with geranyl geraniol are analogous to treatment with retinoic acid.