Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting DC electricity to AC electricity, the AC electricity having a sine wave shape. DC electricity is supplied to a pulse width modulator. A pulse width modulated signal is formed from the DC electricity, the pulse width modulated signal comprising a plurality of pulses, each pulse having a duration representing an amplitude of the sine wave during an interval of the sine wave represented by the pulse, the pulse width modulated signal comprising a plurality of pulses (or a pulse train) during one sine wave period. The sine wave is generated from the pulse width modulated signal, values of the sine wave during successive sine wave intervals responsive to the duration of the pulse that represents the sine wave interval.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring an image of predetermined length onto a substrate by selective energization of a row of printing elements in a printhead of a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus may be arranged with a print ribbon located between the printhead and the substrate such that ink is selectively transferred from the ribbon to the substrate as a result of energizations of the printing elements. The image to be printed is rendered in memory as a series of rows of pixels and the apparatus is set up to download the rendered rows of pixels to the printhead successively. The relative positioning of successively printed rows of pixels on the substrate is determined by relative displacement between the printhead and the substrate. The apparatus is set up to control the positioning of the rows of pixels by controlling the delay between successive energizations of the printing elements.

Abstract: A tape drive for use in for example a transfer printing apparatus to drive a printer ribbon. The printer ribbon is mounted on two spools each of which is driven by a respective stepper motor. A controller controls the energization of the motor such that the ribbon is transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool support. The controller is operative to energize both motors to drive the spools of ribbon in the direction of ribbon transport to achieve push-pull operations. Ribbon tension is monitored to enable accurate control of ribbon supply and ribbon take-up, the ribbon tension being monitored, for example, by monitoring power supply to the two stepper motors.

Abstract: A flexible system is provided for surrounding a perimeter and covering a top surface of a mattress. The flexible system supports one or more appendage(s) of a character. The flexible system includes a textile or fabric frame for covering portions of a head side, a foot side and intermediate sides of the mattress. The textile or fabric frame forms an opening around a portion of a top surface of the mattress, where the opening has an inner peripheral edge. The flexible system further includes a cover sheet positioned over the top surface, and having an outer peripheral edge that is removably attached to the inner peripheral edge of the opening of the frame. The appendage(s) of the character are supported on the textile or fabric frame at one or more of the head side, the foot side and the intermediate sides of the mattress.

Abstract: A tape drive comprising two motors, two tape spool supports on which spools of tape may be mounted, each spool being drivable by a respective one of the motors, and a controller. The controller controls the energization of the motors such that the tape may be transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool supports. The controller is configured to store a plurality of motor control data items, each data item being associated with a respective tension value. The controller is operative to monitor tension in a tape being transported between spools mounted on the spool supports; read a motor control data item based upon the monitored tension; generate a motor control signal based upon the read motor control data item; and apply the motor control signal to at least one of the motors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for detecting biological entities and components associated with hypersensitivity reactions in patients with allergies, cancer or autoimmune disease. Specifically, the assays of the invention are capable of qualitatively and/or quantitatively detecting allergen specific immunocomplexes by assaying for immobilized C3b in a biological sample produced as a result of exposure to food.

Abstract: A PWM dimming circuit for a LED load including a LED load connected to the main LED drive circuit, a current loop configured to measure output current from the LED load, a current loop regulation circuit connected to the current loop, a main control circuit configured to receive a signal from the current loop when the LED load produces an output current, and a PWM dimming controller configured to provide a signal to control the current loop regulation circuit and to make the current loop operate in a closed-loop mode when the LED load produces the output current and to provide a shutdown signal to the main control circuit when the LED load does not produce the output current. When the output current is detected, the main control circuit controls the main LED drive circuit to set its output current at a predetermined load current.

Abstract: A fastener includes an adjustable insert that disposed a receptacle having a first end facing a grommet and the insert is connected to the receptacle for movement relative to the receptacle. The insert has a central opening and diametrically opposed cam and locking surfaces open to said central opening. A stud, having cross pins, extends into said central opening, and said cross pins being engageable with said cam and locking surfaces. A bore in the insert is radially disposed relative to a longitudinal axis of the insert and the bore having an opening at the outer periphery of the insert facing the receptacle. An engagement member disposed within the bore and moveable therein laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the insert toward and against the receptacle to fix the insert against movement relative to the receptacle. The engagement member is moveable laterally relative to and toward the central opening of the insert to allow movement of the insert relative to the receptacle.

Abstract: A balance ring for washing machine devices as may be used in vertical and horizontal axis washing machines is provided. One structural arrangement of the ring comprises alternatively disposed positive and negative curved blades, as well as curved and straight blades, that in combination with the different heights of the blades, reduce the time and the amplitude of the vibrations of the transition state, thus enabling the washing basket to spin at higher velocities, and reducing the centrifugal cycle while increasing the centrifugal force applied to the objects being washed. Such an structural arrangement provides a superior drying of the clothes and further results in energy savings.

Abstract: A system to light a cavity 19 in an appliance. A source or light emitter 27 is mounted on a circuit board 32, so that the light emanating from said source or light emitter 27, is concentrated into a light beam using an optical collimator system 28 or in some cases a Fresnel arrangement; wherein the foregoing elements may be found outside a door 14, which allow access into the cavity; thus the light beam exiting the optical collimator 27 or Fresnel arrangement travels a distance though air between the optical collimator system 27 or Fresnel arrangement and the upper face of the light guide 29 which is placed on the door 14, the light guide 29 transports the luminous flux towards a notch which diverts said luminous flux directing into the cavity's 19 interior.

Abstract: An environmental condition monitor (200) configured for simple upgrade from analog signal output to any of a plurality of digital communication protocols. A display board (202) includes the analog signal acquisition and processing elements of the device and also includes a pre-positioned but initially inoperative digital communication output connector (214). A connector board (204) associated with the display board includes a connector (212) to which any one of a plurality of digital communication boards (210) may be selectively connected, depending upon which of a plurality of digital communication protocols is desired. Selective connection of a digital communication board completes a circuit whereby an analog output signal is converted to the desired digital output format and is then communicated back to the now-activated digital communication output connector (214).

Abstract: An ink containment system for an inkjet cartridge, for storing ink for printing, comprises a rigid basin member and a rigid moveable plate. A flexible membrane is affixed to a surface of the basin member and to a surface of the plate forming an ink reservoir within the basin member, plate and flexible membrane. A spring-biased mechanism is disposed between the basin member and plate, for biasing the plate apart from the basin member, generating a negative pressure within the ink reservoir and the basin member remaining stationary relative to the movement of the plate. The basin member has a bowl-like configuration and the spring is seated within the reservoir in such a way that when the ink reservoir has collapsed due to depletion of ink, the flexible membrane and moveable plate are substantially flush with surfaces of the basin member.

Abstract: This invention provides cells and methods for stimulating proliferation and migration of endogenous and exogenous mammalian stem cells in vivo and in vitro. The invention provides reagents and methods for efficiently proliferating mammalian stem cells in an animal in need thereof and producing stem cells that can be re-introduced into an animal in need thereof to alleviate neurological and corporal disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are vaccine compositions comprising live attenuated virus with anti-antibody to improve efficacy. Specifically exemplified herein is a composition comprising live attenuated cold adapted influenza virus and an enhancing amount of IgG anti-IgA antibody to temporarily inactivate IgA defenses. Also disclosed herein are methods of immunizing a subject to protect against influenza comprising administering compositions taught herein.

Abstract: A fruit juice extraction peeler cup and intermeshable pair thereof (100, 150) having a geometry allowing faster juicing rates with fewer misfeeds of fruit. Distal ends (158) of the blades (106) collectively define a shape, referred to as a Mendesaddle shape (160), including lateral arcs (112) connecting a top opening (114) for entry of a whole fruit (10) and a bottom opening (116) that is smaller than the top opening for exit of a fruit core (12). An interior contour of the cup includes a more distal loading region (332) and a more rearward linear compression region (334) providing effective juice extraction. The top and bottom openings may be formed entirely in the loading region. An exterior contour of the cup includes a horizontal portion (144) proximate the top opening effective to reduce an upward trajectory of the fruit as it approaches the opening.

Abstract: A permanent magnet activated wrap spring clutch (10). A coil spring (32) surrounds an input hub (14) and an output hub (22) and is selectively engaged to wrap down upon the hubs for the transmittal of torque. In an unpowered, engaged condition of the clutch, a permanent magnet (40) attracts a control collar (38) attached to the spring into frictional engagement with a rotating input element (20). Rotation of the control collar causes the spring to wrap down from its somewhat oversized diameter at rest to grip the hubs. In a powered, disengaged condition of the clutch, an energized coil (44) causes the magnetic field of the permanent magnet to move away from the control collar, thereby removing the frictional engagement and allowing the spring to unwrap. The clutch provides torque transmittal without electrical power and ensures complete disengagement regardless of a low momentum or high drag on the output.

Abstract: A method of inducing latency in Mycobacterium permits preparation of an in vitro model system of latent mycobacterial infection. Latency is induced in a pure culture of Mycobacterium by exposing it to multiple stress conditions, including a low nutrient culture medium without glycerol, a low pH, a relatively high level of carbon dioxide and a relatively low gas phase oxygen level. An in vitro in vitro model of mycobacterial infection employs macrophages induced from THP1 cells which are then infected with Mycobacterium. The infected macrophages are grown under hypoxic conditions to induce latency in the mycobacteria. The in vitro model of infection is useful in evaluating compounds for activity against latent mycobacteria.

Abstract: A golf accessory device includes a divot tool having a pair of spaced apart prongs at one end for repairing divots in a golfing surface. The tool also has an opening adjacent another end for receiving a ball marker assembly. A magnet is positioned in and circumscribes the opening. The ball marker assembly includes a ball marker and a support plate with the ball marker being magnetically attached to a first surface of the plate. A clip is attached to an opposite surface of the support plate. The marker and plate fit within the opening in the tool with an outer edge of the plate seated on the magnet. The ball marker assembly can be removed from the divot tool and attached to an item of clothing by the clip.

Abstract: A chemical indicating device (10) for detection of chloride ions in a sample is provided. The chemical indicating device (10) includes a carrier matrix (12) and an indicator (14) having silver and vanadate supported on the carrier matrix (12). A method for detecting chloride ions is also provided.

Abstract: A tape drive for use in for example a transfer printing apparatus to drive a printer ribbon. The printer ribbon is mounted on two spools each of which is driven by a respective stepper motor. A controller controls the energization of the motor such that the ribbon is transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool support. The controller is operative to energize both motors to drive the spools of ribbon in the direction of ribbon transport to achieve push-pull operations. Ribbon tension is monitored to enable accurate control of ribbon supply and ribbon take-up, the ribbon tension being monitored, for example, by monitoring power supply to the two stepper motors.