Abstract: A multi-chambered blood culture device for simultaneously conducting two blood culture tests on a single blood sample. An integrated unit is provided with rotating blood inlet valve assembly for receiving a blood sample simultaneously into two independent sample vials. Independent culture chambers contain growth media, one culture chamber preferably containing an aerobic growth medium and another culture chamber preferably containing an anaerobic growth medium. The device is configured to isolate the sample vials and culture chambers from contaminants of the external environment. By rotating the blood inlet valve assembly, blood is simultaneously released from one sample vial into one culture chamber and from the other sample vial into the other culture chamber. Outer walls of the device are preferably constructed of a transparent plastic material so as to enable visual observance of microorganism growth in the respective culture chambers.

Abstract: This invention relates to antibodies and is particularly, though not exclusively, concerned with diagnostic and therapeutic methods using monoclonal bi- or tri-specific antibodies. The invention also provides a method in which binding of a first antigen to a first antibody binding site causes release of a second antigen from an adjacent second antibody antigen binding site.

Abstract: A scheme for directional counting of moving objects capable of counting moving objects stably while determining passing directions of the moving objects accurately. In this scheme, a counting line is set in an image field of the sequential images, and a dynamic image formed by pixels forming the counting line is obtained for each frame and while a succesively updated background image is obtained. Then, a subtraction and binarization processing are applied to the dynamic image and the background image to extract a moving object region, and a moving object image is formed by sequentially labeling the moving object region in time order.

Abstract: An electronic obstacle detection system for guiding and warning a motorist of obstacles in the detection area while backing-up. The main components of the system include a pair of sensor clusters to be affixed to the rear of the vehicle, a pair of exterior visual indicators, and an audio-visual indicator located in the vehicle. Each of the sensor clusters are encased in a housing having angled, stepped portions configured to provide complete area coverage of transmitted and received signals.

Abstract: A new human gene termed MCC is disclosed. Methods, primers, probes and kits are provided for assessing mutations of the MCC gene in human tissues and body samples. Gross rearrangement and point mutations in MCC are observed in human tumor cells. MCC is expressed in most normal tissues. These results suggest that MCC is a tumor suppressor.

Abstract: Baits useful against diabroticine mature and immature beetles contain (a) an insecticide and (b) a feeding stimulant containing corn germ.

Abstract: An apparatus for packing fowl which includes first and second work stations. The first work station is provided to receive the product to be packaged. A pusher mechanism pushes the product from the first station between spaced plates into a plastic bag and then through the gates of a clipper mechanism. Advancement is slightly retarded by means of a blocking mechanism to thereby insure that the product is tightly retained within the flexible plastic bag. The bag and product are thereby moved to the second station at which time a holding bar preliminary closes the bag. Thence, gates close and gather the neck of the bag and a metal clip is advanced by means of a punch in a clip channel defined by the closed gates. The clip is thereby fastened about the neck of the closed plastic bag and the excess tail of the bag is cut by means of a knife. Trap doors then release the packaged product onto a conveyor belt, a new bag is positioned on the spaced, guide plates, and the apparatus is ready to recycle.

Abstract: A television signal format converter is provided for converting without loss of picture information any high definition television format to or from a given recorder/player format. An interface converts between RGB and luminance/chrominance inputs and between analog and digital inputs. The interface couples any proposed high definition television format to a plurality of pairs of memories. A clock and control circuit controls addressing of the memories for reading and writing so that conversion is performed between any high definition television format and the format required for a given high definition digital video tape recorder or any other comparable recorder. As data is stored in the digital video tape recorder, dummy samples are written along with active luminance samples. The dummy samples may indicate, among other things, the type of format being converted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward the isolation, characterization and pharmacological use of the human D4 dopamine receptor. The nucleotide sequence of the gene corresponding to this receptor and alleleic variant thereof are provided by the invention. The invention also includes recombinant eukaryotic expression constructs capable of expressing the human D4 dopamine receptor in cultures of transformed eukaryotic cells. The invention provides cultures of transformed eukaryotic cells which synthesize the human D4 dopamine receptor, and methods for characterizing novel psychotropic compounds using such cultures.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electronic franking system for postal items. The technical problem is that of franking the postal item correctly, without the intervention of postal administration staff. The system 31 is of the "self service" type, and comprises a cabinet 32 which houses an electronic unit 33, a keyboard 34, a screen 36, a compartment 64 for receiving the postal items 38, a mail unit 37 for weighing and franking the item 38 and post boxes 41 and 42. A vandal-proof door 77 separates the postal item 38 from the user during the weighing and franking operations. The system 31 also comprises a payment unit 43, a print device 44 for issuing a receipt and units for dispensing stamps 46 and envelopes 47.

Abstract: A dosage unit form comprises a biologically active agent, such as a pharmaceutical, nutritional supplement or diagnostic, dissolved or suspended in a carrier liquid encapsulated in a soft elastic gel capsule. The carrier liquid comprises maltitol syrup as a major component. Maltitol syrup may be the only component of the carrier liquid, or may be blended with other liquids and/or excipients.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing vascular support of cells housed within an implanted apparatus are disclosed. The methods comprise placing a population of therapeutic substance-producing cells into the cell receiving chamber of an immunoisolation apparatus, implanting the apparatus into a patient, and administering an immunomodulatory agent to the patient. The immunomodulatory agent increases the number of close vascular structures in the vicinity of the implanted device, which increases the long term survival of the cell population housed therein.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprising a plurality of circuit blocks to which various potentials, including at least one potential either raised or lowered, are assigned. The device further comprises means for selectively and reversely changing the potentials assigned to the circuit blocks.