Abstract: Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM) probe tips that provide enhanced spatial resolution and methods of manufacture are provided. In one aspect, two or more magnetically-decoupled layers may be deposited on an AFM probe in order to create an active magnetic region at about the apex of the probe tip with dimensions less than about 10 nanometers. In another aspect, nanoscale patterning techniques may be employed to fabricate probe tips that possess plateau features. These plateau features may serve as substrates for the deposition of magnetic films having properties similar to magnetic recording media. Machining techniques, such as Focused Ion Beam (FIB) may be further employed to reduce the size of the magnetic materials deposited upon the substrate.

Abstract: Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM) probe tips that provide enhanced spatial resolution and methods of manufacture are provided. In one aspect, two or more magnetically-decoupled layers may be deposited on an AFM probe in order to create an active magnetic region at about the apex of the probe tip with dimensions less than about 10 nanometers. In another aspect, nanoscale patterning techniques may be employed to fabricate probe tips that possess plateau features. These plateau features may serve as substrates for the deposition of magnetic films having properties similar to magnetic recording media. Machining techniques, such as Focused Ion Beam (FIB) may be further employed to reduce the size of the magnetic materials deposited upon the substrate.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and apparatus for collecting and separating whole blood into its components, including collecting an amount of plasma and red blood cells. The collection and separation system includes a console and a disposable set. The method may include processing the blood through the centrifuge, collecting plasma, collecting red blood cells and returning red blood cells until a desired plasma volume is reached. Then a final volume of red blood cells and plasma may be collected. The disposable set may include a manifold, a CFC, and various components attached by tubing. These components may include one or more solution bags, blood product bags, bacterial filters, leukofilters, and a donor blood collection tube with access needle.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and apparatus for collecting and separating whole blood into its components, including collecting an amount of leukoreduced red blood cells. The collection and separation system includes a console and a disposable set. The method may include processing the blood through the centrifuge, collecting the leukoreduced red blood cells, and collecting and returning plasma to the source. The disposable set may include a manifold, a CFC, and various components attached by tubing. These components may include one or more solution bags, blood product bags, bacterial filters, leukofilters, and a donor blood collection tube with access needle.

Abstract: Described herein is a continuous-flow centrifuge (CFC) which may be embodied in an automated system for collecting and separating whole blood into its components. The collection and separation system includes a console and a disposable set. Various blood processing procedures which produce specific blood products may be implemented by using a specific disposable set for each process. The disposable set may include a manifold, a CFC, and various components attached by tubing. These components may include one or more solution bags, blood product bags, bacterial filters, leukofilters, and a donor blood collection tube with access needle. The manifold and CFC disk may be included in a cassette that mounts onto the front panel of the console. The console may contain valve actuators, pressure transducers, ultrasonic sensors, a roller pump assembly, a CFC drive system, optical sensors, electronics, software, user interface components, a bar code reader and data acquisition components.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and apparatus for collecting and separating whole blood into its components, including collecting an amount of plasma. The collection and separation system includes a console and a disposable set. The method may include processing the blood through the centrifuge, collecting the plasma, and returning red blood cells remaining in the centrifuge to the source. The disposable set may include a manifold, a CFC, and various components attached by tubing. These components may include one or more solution bags, blood product bags, bacterial filters, leukofilters, and a donor blood collection tube with access needle.

Abstract: Described herein is a continuous-flow centrifuge (CFC) which may be embodied in an automated system for collecting and separating whole blood into its components. The collection and separation system includes a console and a disposable set. Various blood processing procedures which produce specific blood products may be implemented by using a specific disposable set for each process. The disposable set may include a manifold, a CFC, and various components attached by tubing. These components may include one or more solution bags, blood product bags, bacterial filters, leukofilters, and a donor blood collection tube with access needle. The manifold and CFC disk may be included in a cassette that mounts onto the front panel of the console. The console may contain valve actuators, pressure transducers, ultrasonic sensors, a roller pump assembly, a CFC drive system, optical sensors, electronics, software, user interface components, a bar code reader and data acquisition components.

Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle having a direct current electric power supply includes a compressor driven by an engine, a condenser connected to the compressor, and an evaporator connected between the condenser and the compressor. The fans for blowing air past the condenser and the evaporator are powered by alternating current motors that are much more economical and maintenance-free than the direct current motors currently in use. An inverter connected to the direct current power supply provides alternating current to the alternating current motors. In an alternative embodiment, the inverter may provide variable output frequency, and the motors may have output speed related to current frequency for temperature control.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing, and compositions comprising, stabilized protein-polymer conjugates. More particularly, the present invention relates to the stabilization of individual and complexed subunits of multisubunit protein complexes by conjugation to polymers. Such conjugation acts to stabilize the specific subunit complexes in their native conformation in liquid medium.

Abstract: A jumper cable assembly has a pair of clamps at both ends for parallel connection to a weak and a strong battery for starting a motor. Along the side of the assembly is mounted at least one light emitting diodes (LED) that is powered when either end of the assembly is connected with correct polarity to a battery. The at least one LED may illuminate a fiber optic bundle disposed along the length of the assembly. The assembly lights up along its length to thereby avoid tripping over it when it is being used in the dark. When the assembly is connected to a battery with the wrong polarity, the LED will not light up. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of LED's are disposed along the length of the assembly. The light emitted may be made to flash or change color to indicate the voltage on the battery to which it is connected.

Abstract: A seat cover or seat covering for original equipment on a vehicle, or for retrofitting on a vehicle seat provides an ornamental elongate light. The light is provided by one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are optically coupled to a fiber optic bundle. The bundle is affixed to the surface of the cover may be disposed in a variety of configurations, such as trim, logo, insignia, or script, as desired. The LEDs may be energized directly from a battery or programmed to emit various colors simultaneously or sequentially in a selected time program for enhanced decorative effect.

Abstract: A plurality of light emitting diodes are mounted on a base that encircles or surrounds a primary vehicle light source such as a headlight, a taillight, a turn signal light or the like. A control circuit senses when the primary light source fails to provide the requisite light, and applies power to the light emitting diodes so that the vehicle can continue safely without loss of the function served by the primary light source. Additional diodes may be provided on the base to serve an ornamental function.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing, and compositions comprising, stabilized protein-polymer conjugates. More particularly, the present invention relates to the stabilization of individual and complexed subunits of multisubunit protein complexes by conjugation to polymers. Such conjugation acts to stabilize the specific subunit complexes in their native conformation in liquid medium.

Abstract: A light assembly for mounting on the exterior of a vehicle such as a taillight, a stop light, or a turn signal is provided with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's). These have distinct advantages over incandescent bulbs for longer life and reduced power. They have the disadvantage that they are so energy efficient that they do not heat up the external lens enough to melt snow and ice thereon. The invention overcomes this problem by providing an electrical heater in the assembly that is actuated by a thermal switch that is closed only when the temperature is below a preset value.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp for attachment and for electrical connection to a motor vehicle includes a housing enclosing an array of light emitting diodes. The housing has a light transmitting cover for sealing and protecting the diodes. The diodes emit light of at least two colors. The colors may be selected by a control that may be a remote control. One of the colors may be that associated with fog lights. An array of emitters is disposed to spell out a word such as alarm or help. The device may include an array of sockets adapted to receive plug-in diodes so that the consumer may spell out a particular word such as a name to personalize the light. The emitters may be strobed for emphasis. One or more emitters may be wired to emit light only when the running lights are on and the vehicle battery voltage is below a preset value.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing, and compositions comprising, stabilized protein-polymer conjugates. More particularly, the present invention relates to the stabilization of individual and complexed subunits of multisubunit protein complexes by conjugation to polymers. Such conjugation acts to stabilize the specific subunit complexes in their native conformation in liquid medium.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for opening a sealed engine control module in which the module includes a substrate bent around and sealed to a central housing. In one aspect of the invention, the housing is machined around its perimeter, without damaging the substrate, to expose the sealing bead. The sealing bead is disrupted by cutting a groove in the bead, in one embodiment. The modified module is placed within an opening fixture that supports the substrate against buckling or folding while the substrate is unbent about the housing. In another aspect of the invention, a handling support can be attached to the unbent substrate to prevent buckling or folding while the circuit board supported by the substrate is evaluated or modified, and while the substrate is being transported. A closing fixture is also contemplated that supports the substrate while applying a force to fold or close the substrate about a new housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing, and compositions comprising, stabilized protein-polymer conjugates. More particularly, the present invention relates to the stabilization of individual and complexed subunits of multisubunit protein complexes by conjugation to polymers. Such conjugation acts to stabilize the specific subunit complexes in their native conformation in liquid medium.

Abstract: A jumper cable assembly has a pair of clamps at both ends for parallel connection to a weak and a strong battery for starting a motor. Along the side of the assembly is mounted an elongate, flexible electroluminescent element that is powered when either end of the assembly is connected to a battery. The assembly lights up along its length to thereby avoid tripping over it when it is being used in the dark.