Abstract: The present invention relates to novel Phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitors of the formula (1) and analogs, tautomers, enantiomers, diasteromers, regioisomers, stereoisomers, polymorphs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, appropriate N-oxides, pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them which are useful in the treatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases including asthma, chronic bronchitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, vernal conjuctivitis, eosinophilic granuloma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, reperfusion injury of the myocardium and reperfusion injury of the brain, chronic glomerulonephritis, endotoxic shock and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: In a waste toner cartridge processing equipment (100) including a crushing means (303) for crushing a waste toner cartridge (101) and extracting various materials (106 to 108) constituting the waste toner cartridge, the crushing means (303) performs crushing while spraying water (104).

Abstract: An electrical connector that electrically connects a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board is disclosed, where the electrical connector in the preferred embodiment includes: (a) an insulative housing; (b) a plurality of signal conductors, with at least a portion of each of the plurality of signal conductors disposed within the insulative housing; (c) each of the plurality of signal conductors having a first contact end, a second contact end and an intermediate portion therebetween; and (d) a passive circuit element electrically connected to the intermediate portion of each of the plurality of signal conductors, where the passive circuit element is housed in an insulative package and includes at least a capacitor or an inductor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning, drying, coating, baking etching and deposition of surfaces on glass substrate as it transitions thru and between small gaps between hydro-static porous media bearings. Due to the non-contact nature of the device extremely high pressures can be induced upon the work piece through various fluids without damage to the substrate, allowing the system to utilize the viscous nature of fluids to accomplish the desired cleaning, drying, coating, etching or baking. The process also allows for simultaneous and immediately sequential ordering of processes.

Abstract: The invention provides stable, solid dosage forms and pharmaceutical compositions in particulate form comprising a fibrate, for example fenofibrate, dissolved in an non-aqueous vehicle in order to ensure improved bioavailability of the active ingredient upon oral administration relative to known fibrate formulations.

Abstract: An online lawn care service quoting method and system are disclosed. The method and system are initiated by an estimate inquiry from a customer, preferably via the Web. Data from a lawn care service administration database is retrieved. The data includes customer demographic information and GPS satellite imaging photographs of various lot size dimensions. The lot size information and customer demographic information are combined to provide at least one quote for the customer estimate inquiry. The data in the database is upgraded and amended as needed by any change in industry standards and customer change requests. At least one quote is displayed to the customer online in response to the estimate inquiry.

Abstract: A hinge or joint assembly is provided that includes first and second members, a pivot rotatably connecting the first and second members and allowing movement between extension and flexion positions, and at least one elastomeric spring communicating with the first and second members to restrain pivotal movement of the members toward flexion, through compression of the elastomeric spring, and to assist pivotal movement toward extension through decompression of the elastomeric spring. The assembly can further include a disk and lock slide, the disk and lock slide each having complementary teeth providing, when engaged, an arrest of pivotal movement in a direction of flexion and one-way, ratcheting, step-advance pivotal movement in a direction toward extension. The elastomeric spring can be urethane, and can be adapted to mimic any bodily muscle. An embodiment employing a torsional spring is also provided, as is a cable release mechanism providing one-dimensional cable movement.

Abstract: A Passive harmonic filter (F) has an input node (B) for connection to a power supply (1), an output node (C) for connection to a load (15, 17) and an intermediate node (A). A first branch (3, 4) located between the input node (B) and the intermediate node (A) has at least one first inductance (4). A second branch (11, 13) located between the intermediate node (A) and the output node (C) has at least one second inductance (11). A third branch (5, 7, 9) is connected to the intermediate node (A) and has at least one capacitor (9). The first, second and third branch thus build a low-pass T-filter. A damping branch (22, 24) is provided having at least one first resistor (22), where the damping branch is arranged in parallel to the first branch.

Abstract: A device of and method for collecting and disseminating information over at least one computer network is disclosed.

Abstract: What is provided is a multi-layer PCB having a plurality of stacked dielectric layers, a conductor disposed on at least one of the plurality of dielectric layers, and a non-conductive via extending through at least a portion of the plurality of dielectric layers to intersect the conductor. A conductive body in an activated state is introduced into the non-conductive via, and upon contacting the conductor, the activated state conductive body adheres to the conductor. The activated state conductive body is then effected to a deactivated state, wherein the conductive body is affixed to the conductor to provide an electrical connection thereto.

Abstract: An adaptable furniture system includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion; at least one upper article of furniture located in the upper portion of the frame; at least one lower article of furniture located in the lower portion of the frame and underneath the at least one upper article; a moving system attached to the frame and the at least one upper article for moving the at least one upper article vertically within the frame; and a sliding system attached the at least one lower article to the frame for moving the at least one lower article forward and backward.

Abstract: An electrotherapy system for stimulating sensory nerves within skin tissue includes a electrode carrier, a pulse generator, an array of skin-penetrating electrodes and surface skin electrodes, a pulse conditioning circuit, and a power source. The system administers biphasic pulsed current at the surface skin electrodes and monophasic pulsed current at each skin-penetrating electrode. The skin-penetrating surfaces and skin contact surfaces of the electrotherapy system may be sterilized or may be replaceable for outpatient reusability.

Abstract: Compositions and pharmaceutical formulations for buccally delivering parathyroid hormone comprising a) a delivery agent, b) a PTH component and, optionally, c) an antiresorptive agent are provided.

Abstract: The production and use of silicon microcolumn arrays that harvest light from a laser pulse to produce ions are described. The systems of the present invention seem to behave like a quasi-periodic antenna array with ion yields that show profound dependence on the plane of laser light polarization and the angle of incidence. By providing photonic ion sources, this enables enhanced control of ion production on a micro/nano scale and direct integration with miniaturized analytical devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an improved handle configuration are disclosed. The apparatus and method include an upper handle secured to a shaft that has a longitudinal axis and a lower handle secured to the shaft opposite the upper handle at a location spaced from the upper handle along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The upper handle and lower handles each have grip portion that extends at an angle substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and that is spaced apart from the shaft in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The upper handle and lower handle are secured to the shaft at an end of the shaft opposite a device configured to contact an object when the shaft is swung.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the placenta and histology slides of placental tissue comprising: selecting a placental sample to be analyzed; obtaining a digital image of the placental sample; and performing an analysis on the digital image, wherein a mathematical algorithm is applied to the digital image. The results of the analysis are correlated with data on health outcomes in infants, children, or adults and are used to assess future physiological risks to a patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new method for the stereospecific thiocarboxylation and nitration of organic compounds for the preparation of compounds according to formula (I): comprising the following steps: (a) reacting a compound of formula (II): with a sulfonic derivative of formula (III) wherein the R is chosen from the groups C1-3-alkyl, C1-3-alkyl substituted with 1 to 3 halogen atoms, phenyl, C1-3-alkyl-phenyl and C1-3-alkyl-phenyl wherein the alkyl is substituted with 1 to 3 halogen atoms and G is a halogen atomo or a group —O—SO2—R wherein R is as hereinabove defined to yield a compound of formula (IV) (b) treating compound (IV) with a thiocarboxylic acid of formula (V) or a salt thereof: wherein Z is as defined above, to yield compound (VI) and (c) treating compound (VI) with tetrabutylammonium nitrate to yield a compound of formula (I).

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method that allows users to customize audible and visible signals, such as music or video, to maintain a pre-determined or specified pace or to achieve a new pace in repetitive motion activities such as, but not limited to, running, walking, swimming, cycling, aerobics, and the like. Other applications of the system and method include, but are not limited to, enhancing the results of medical rehabilitation programs, physical therapy, weight loss programs, disc jockey services, and industries or manufacturing settings where repetitive motion is common and where audible cues designed to help users maintain a consistent pace are useful.

Abstract: Instrumented retrievable implantable device, including an expandable section, for placement inside a body lumen, preferably in a blood vessel. The device includes a joined sensor for monitoring one or more physiological parameter for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Data access is assured by a passive RF transponder, in communication with an external readout unit or an implanted device, providing as well to the energy supply of the sensor. The shape of the device allows repositioning and retrieval by micro-invasive methods, by means of a link section coupleable with a grabbing device mounted on a catheter.

Abstract: A hinge or joint assembly includes a first member movably connected to a second member to allow angular displacement of the first member relative to the second member in each of extension and flexion (clockwise and counterclockwise) directions, where one elastomeric spring restrains angular displacement in a flexion position, and another elastomeric spring restrains angular displacement in an extension position. In each direction, the angular movement is dampened through compression of the respective elastomeric spring. After dampening the movement in either direction, returning movement is assisted through decompression of the respective elastomeric spring. Alternatively, one or more elastomeric springs are arranged to both dampen through compression and assist through decompression angular movement in each of the flexion and extension directions. The elastomeric spring can provide a pre-determined force deflection curve in compression and an independent rate of return hysteresis in decompression.