Abstract: An electrical penetrator assembly has a ceramic housing with a through bore, a first electrical conductor extending through a first end of the bore and terminating short of a second end of the bore and having an outer end engageable with a first cable, and a second electrical conductor extending through a second end of the bore and terminating short of the first end of the bore, the second conductor having an outer end engageable with a second cable. The conductors are in electrical communication at their inner ends and at least one of the conductors is movable relative to the other conductor to accommodate expansion and contraction as a result of temperature variations, and first and second seals extend between respective ends of the ceramic housing and the first and second conductor, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing uniform axial load distribution for laminate layers of multilayer ceramic chip carriers includes a base plate configured to support a plurality of green sheet layers thereon, the base plate having at least one resiliently mounted load support bar disposed adjacent outer edges of the base plate. The load support bar is mounted on one or more biasing members such that the top surface of the support bar extends above the top surface of the base plate by a selected distance.

Abstract: A method for accessing the spine includes making an incision in the skin of a patient. The skin and tissue can be dilated, and a cannula inserted through the dilated skin and tissue. The cannula includes a distal end positioned adjacent a first working space that includes paraspinous tissue. The cannula can be repositioned through the incision to a second working space adjacent the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing uniform axial load distribution for laminate layers of multilayer ceramic chip carriers includes a base plate configured to support a plurality of green sheet layers thereon, the base plate having at least one resiliently mounted load support bar disposed adjacent outer edges of the base plate. The load support bar is mounted on one or more biasing members such that the top surface of the support bar extends above the top surface of the base plate by a selected distance.

Abstract: An electrical penetrator assembly has a ceramic housing with a through bore, a first electrical conductor extending through a first end of the bore and terminating short of a second end of the bore and having an outer end engageable with a first cable, and a second electrical conductor extending through a second end of the bore and terminating short of the first end of the bore, the second conductor having an outer end engageable with a second cable. The conductors are in electrical communication at their inner ends and at least one of the conductors is movable relative to the other conductor to accommodate expansion and contraction as a result of temperature variations, and first and second seals extend between respective ends of the ceramic housing and the first and second conductor, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing uniform axial load distribution for laminate layers of multilayer ceramic chip carriers includes a base plate configured to support a plurality of green sheet layers thereon, the base plate having at least one resiliently mounted load support bar disposed adjacent outer edges of the base plate. The load support bar is mounted on one or more biasing members such that the top surface of the support bar extends above the top surface of the base plate by a selected distance.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a ventilator system and method for transferring heat and smoke from within a structure to outside the structure during a fire. The ventilator may include a housing being configured to receive heat and smoke through an intake port and expel heat and smoke through and exhaust port. The housing may have a channel between the intake port and the exhaust port wherein a motor creates airflow from the direction of the intake port to the exhaust port. The ventilator may also include an extension member having a first end and a second end. The first end may be connected to the intake port of the housing and the second end is configured for insertion into the structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing uniform axial load distribution for laminate layers of multilayer ceramic chip carriers includes a base plate configured to support a plurality of green sheet layers thereon, the base plate having at least one resiliently mounted load support bar disposed adjacent outer edges of the base plate. The load support bar is mounted on one or more biasing members such that the top surface of the support bar extends above the top surface of the base plate by a selected distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing uniform axial load distribution for laminate layers of multilayer ceramic chip carriers includes a base plate configured to support a plurality of green sheet layers thereon, the base plate having at least one resiliently mounted load support bar disposed adjacent outer edges of the base plate. The load support bar is mounted on one or more biasing members such that the top surface of the support bar extends above the top surface of the base plate by a selected distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing uniform axial load distribution for laminate layers of multilayer ceramic chip carriers includes a base plate configured to support a plurality of green sheet layers thereon, the base plate having at least one resiliently mounted load support bar disposed adjacent outer edges of the base plate. The load support bar is mounted on one or more biasing members such that the top surface of the support bar extends above the top surface of the base plate by a selected distance.

Abstract: A new variety of Photina Rosaceae suitable for ornamental decoration, having a dense compact growth habit.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing uniform axial load distribution for laminate layers of multilayer ceramic chip carriers includes a base plate configured to support a plurality of green sheet layers thereon, the base plate having at least one resiliently mounted load support bar disposed adjacent outer edges of the base plate. The load support bar is mounted on one or more biasing members such that the top surface of the support bar extends above the top surface of the base plate by a selected distance.

Abstract: A new plant variety of Vinca minor with larger leaf size and significantly heavier leaf substance.

Abstract: The litigation cost management system (FIG. 1) provides modules for outlining the process of litigation (12), establishing pricing variables to each step of the litigation (14), all at the outset of the case. A case budget (16) is then generated and the case is managed by outside counsel based upon the agreed upon budget and process. When exceptions occur during the course of litigation, outside counsel electronically submits requests for new work to corporate counsel, which in turn can be approved or denied. Point and click billing allows immediate simplistic invoicing which requires no review by corporate counsel as the work performed has already been approved. Statistical reporting provides corporate counsel with real time analysis of all the cases that are in the system.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor includes an elastic member extending about a central axis, having a central region, a peripheral region, a first side, and a second side. An overpressure stop member has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the overpressure stop member has a contour adapted to limit deflection of the elastic member caused by a differential pressure between the two regions across the elastic member. The outer surface of the overpressure stop member has an first electrically conductive region. A second plate is spaced apart from the outer surface of the overpressure stop member, and being connected to the central region of the elastic member by a post, wherein the post transfers deformation of the elastic member caused by differential pressure across the elastic member to movement of the second plate along the central axis.

Abstract: In this disclosure, novel caanabinol-based tracers suitable for use in immunoassays that detect cannabinoids in a biological sample are disclosed. These cannabinol-based tracers are particularly useful in a continuous flow displacement immunoassay. The disclosure also describes the processes for synthesizing the novel tracers, and the application of these tracers in fluorescence immunoassays for detecting and quantifying cannabinoids in biological samples.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing percutaneous spinal surgery under direct visualization and through a single cannula are shown. A device (10) is provided which includes an elongated cannula (20) having a first inner diameter (DI) and an outer diameter (DO) sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient. The cannula (20) defines a working channel (25) between its ends (21, 22) which has a second diameter (D2) equal to the diameter (DI) of the cannula sized for receiving a tool therethrough. An elongated viewing element (50) is engageable to the cannula (20) adjacent the working channel (25), preferably by a fixture (30). The fixture (30) includes a housing (31) attachable to the proximal end (22) of the cannula (20) that defines a working channel opening (35) which is in communication with the working channel (25). The housing (31) also defines an optics bore (60) adjacent the working channel opening (35).

Abstract: An edible emulsion is disclosed having a fat content of less than 5 weight %. An edible fat or oil component is dispersed in an aqueous phase with a two-component emulsifier system comprising a primary emulsifier which acts to stabilise the emulsion and a secondary emulsifier which works in synergy with the fat or oil component to impart a desirable texture and structure to the finished product.

Abstract: A method for accessing the spine includes making an incision in the skin of a patient. The skin and tissue can be dilated, and a cannula inserted through the dilated skin and tissue. The cannula includes a distal end positioned adjacent a first working space that includes paraspinous tissue. The cannula can be repositioned through the incision to a second working space adjacent the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: A road plate ramp strip has a ramp portion and a shoulder portion, preferably integral to one another, such as by integral casting or molding. The ramp strip preferably has a plurality of traction enhancing variations in an upper surface of the ramp, such as buttons grooves, dimples, holes or the like. As an environmental enhancement and to reduce costs, the ramp strip preferably has a constituent composition of a substantial admixture of post-consumer vehicular tire rubber. The ramp strip preferably has a spring lip extending from an upper portion of the ramp portion out over the shoulder portion and downward toward it at an angle &agr;. The lip is preferably integral to the ramp portion and depends from an upper portion of the ramp out over the shoulder. There is also a method of covering an excavated work place or other surface irregularity with one or more cover plates and ramp strips.