Abstract: The present invention relates to multiple reflector light or solar energy concentrators and systems using such concentrators. More particularly, the invention is concerned with an arrangement of optical elements for the efficient collection of light while minimizing complexities of optics needed to achieve light collection and concentration. At least three reflectors are involved. A concave primary reflector receives the solar energy and sends it to a secondary convex reflector positioned in the focal zone of the first reflector. In turn, the secondary reflector sends the solar energy, at least in part, to a third non-imaging reflector positioned in the focal zone of the secondary reflector. In a system, a receiver is placed in the focal zone of the third reflector. The present arrangement allows for the receiver to be in a fixed position, enhancing the ability of certain variants of the system to generate steam directly in the receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and devices for detecting non-complexed prostate specific antigen (PSA), which can be used either alone or in conjunction with total PSA tests to identify patients having either benign prostatic diseases (BPD), such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or glandular atrophy or prostatic adenocarcinoma (CAP). In a biological sample, one can find not only non-complexed PSA, but also PSA which has formed a complex with &agr;1-antichymotrypsin (ACT). The present invention removes or precipitates complexed PSA (PSA-ACT) and ACT from a fluid sample, thereby removing any possible interference due to the binding of complexed PSA to assay reagents.

Abstract: A filtration device for separating filtrate and concentrate from a solution that contains a dead stop feature. The dead stop volume is determined by the location of an outlet port. The apparatus includes a housing with a means for collecting filtrate and a filter unit insertable within the housing. The filter unit contains a semipermeable membrane thereon for separating filtrate from concentrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the collection, storage, and purification of nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA, from fluid samples for subsequent genetic characterization, primarily by conventional amplification methods. The present invention can be used to collect, store, or purify nucleic acids either from a biological source other than untreated whole blood, the biological source having naturally occurring nucleic acid amplification inhibitors present, (including either a buccal swab, cerebrospinal fluid, feces, lymphatic fluid, a plasma sample, a saliva sample, a serum sample, urine, or a suspension of cells or viruses), or from a treated whole blood source that has naturally occurring nucleic acid amplification inhibitors present, as well as added blood stabilization components that also inhibit nucleic acid amplification.

Abstract: A filtration device for separating filtrate and concentrate from a solution that contains a dead stop feature. The dead stop volume is determined by the location of an outlet port. The apparatus includes a housing with a means for collecting filtrate and a filter unit insertable within the housing. The filter unit contains a semipermeable membrane thereon for separating filtrate from concentrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel reflex methods for identifying a male human patient as suitable for diagnosis either benign prostatic diseases (BPD), (such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or glandular atrophy), or prostatic adenocarcinoma (CAP) without requiring a biopsy. The method requires measuring two biochemical markers and knowing the patient age. The total prostate specific antigen (PSA) level in the blood or serum of the patient is measured. If the patient has a total PSA level of between 4.0 ng/mL and 20.0 ng/mL, then the free PSA level in the blood or serum of the patient is measured. The proportion of free PSA to total PSA is calculated. The patient's age is noted, rounding down to an integral numbers of years. The two measured values and the age are entered into a particular identifying algorithm which is derived from a logistic regression model. If a value of greater than about 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for diagnosing benign prostatic diseases (BPD), such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or glandular atrophy, in a male human patient without requiring a biopsy. The total prostate specific antigen (PSA) level in the blood or serum of the patient is measured. If the patient has a total PSA level of between about 2.5 ng/ml and 10.0 ng/ml, then the free PSA level in the blood or serum of the patient is measured. The proportion of free PSA to total PSA is calculated. If this proportion is equal to or greater than about 25%, then the patient is diagnosed as having BPD. Optionally, if the patient has a total PSA level of between 10.1 ng/ml and 20.0 ng/ml, then the free PSA level in the blood or serum of the patient can also be measured. The proportion of free PSA to total PSA is calculated. If this proportion is equal to or greater than about 25%, then the patient is diagnosed as having BPD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to weapon systems that accelerate projectiles using gases generated by the rapid combustion of a solid propellant, in particular, such a weapon system is able to vary the barrel exiting velocity of the projectile through a barrel venting means. In one embodiment, a front venting means exhausts gas generated by combusting propellant from behind the accelerating projectile and redirects a portion of the exhausted gas either to at least one fixed volume, to the front of the projectile, or to a combination of at least one fixed volume and to the front of the projectile. Redirecting some of the exhausted gas to the front of the projectile restrains the projectile, thereby slowing the projectile, and thus further decreasing the muzzle velocity of the projectile. In another embodiment, gas from behind the projectile is exhausted into a fixed volume, thereby decreasing projectile acceleration, and thus, the muzzle velocity of the projectile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to weapon systems that accelerate projectiles using gases generated by the rapid combustion of a solid propellant, in particular, such a weapon system is able to vary the barrel exiting velocity of the projectile through a barrel venting means. In one embodiment, a front venting means exhausts gas generated by combusting propellant from behind the accelerating projectile and redirects a portion of the exhausted gas either to at least one fixed volume, to the front of the projectile, or to a combination of at least one fixed volume and to the front of the projectile. Redirecting some of the exhausted gas to the front of the projectile restrains the projectile, thereby slowing the projectile, and thus further decreasing the muzzle velocity of the projectile. In another embodiment, gas from behind the projectile is exhausted into a fixed volume, thereby decreasing projectile acceleration, and thus, the muzzle velocity of the projectile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and devices for detecting non-complexed prostate specific antigen (free PSA), which is used in conjunction with total PSA tests to identify patients having either benign prostatic diseases (BPD), such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or glandular atrophy or prostatic adenocarcinoma (CAP). In a biological sample, one can find not only free PSA, but also prsotate specific antigen (PSA) which has formed a complex with .alpha.1-antichymotrypsin (ACT). The present invention removes complexed PSA (PSA-ACT) from a fluid sample, thereby removing any possible interference due to binding of complexed PSA to an allegedly free PSA specific antibody in an immunoassay for free PSA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and memory storage devices for generating a report that contains medical counseling information which is specific to a patient. The medical information is dependent upon the diagnostic analysis of a biological sample from the patient. A relational database management system is used that stores a plurality of diagnostic codes and archived textual and graphical information specific for each diagnostic code. By inputting a diagnostic code specific for the results of the diagnostic analysis, a report is compiled from retrieved archived textual and graphical information specific for the entered diagnostic code. The archived information provides counseling and descriptive information useful for the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a covered canal or aqueduct having an integral solar energy concentrating system. Either photo-voltaic panels or a combination of solar energy concentrating reflectors and reflected solar energy collectors are used, among other solar energy concentrating or energy transferring elements, as part of a membrane means to gather radiant solar energy from atop the surface over a canal or aqueduct. Either the photo-voltaic panels or the reflector panels are integrated into other membrane means elements which are supported by a structural means so as to prevent evaporative loss from solar heating and wind movement of waters in the canal. Thus, the present invention results in the more efficient transfer of waters through canals while simultaneously collecting radiant solar energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the collection, storage, and purification of nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA, from fluid samples for subsequent genetic characterization, primarily by conventional amplification methods. The present invention can be used to collect, store, or purify nucleic acids from a treated whole blood source that has naturally occurring nucleic acid amplification inhibitors present, as well as added blood stabilization components that also inhibit nucleic acid amplification. More importantly, these nucleic acids can be released after collection or storage in a manner that enables them to be amplified by conventional techniques such as polymerase chain reaction. In particular, an absorbent material that does not bind nucleic acids irreversibly is impregnated with a chaotropic salt. A biological source sample is contacted with the impregnated absorbent material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for diagnosing benign prostatic diseases (BPD), such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or glandular atrophy, in a male human patient without requiring a biopsy. The total prostate specific antigen (PSA) level in the blood or serum of the patient is measured. If the patient has a total PSA level of between about 2.5 ng/ml and 10.0 ng/ml, then the free PSA level in the blood or serum of the patient is measured. The proportion of free PSA to total PSA is calculated. If this proportion is equal to or greater than about 25%, then the patient is diagnosed as having BPD. Optionally, if the patient has a total PSA level of between 10.1 ng/ml and 20.0 ng/ml, then the free PSA level in the blood or serum of the patient can also be measured. The proportion of free PSA to total PSA is calculated. If this proportion is equal to or greater than about 25%, then the patient is diagnosed as having BPD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a segmented, combination level and square that has a rotating joint. In a preferred embodiment, this hand tool provides the user with many optional tools in one. The tool can be configured as a level, a T-square, a framing square, a T-bevel, or a pocket square. In a preferred embodiment, this multi-segmented combination tool also provides the user with a convenient way not only to configure a level, in one inch increments, to any length from several inches to at least ten feet in length, but also to create more than one tool at a time such as a T-level and a framing square. In other preferred embodiments, the user is provided with optional features that enable them to carry on-site a single tool that can perform all tasks needed to do general construction layout such as roof framing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pedestal base for a chair that is capable of supporting safely up to a 500 pound person in normal, continuous commercial or industrial use. The present pedestal base has six legs, a substantially cylindrical hub, and six caster attachment means with a caster or glide in each caster attachment means. Each leg is separated from its neighboring legs by about 60 degrees. The base elements are selected within particular dimensions and are made from materials having minimum selected yield strengths. In particular, the pedestal chair base as a whole can pass BIFMA test No. 8 with a 5000 lb load being applied, instead of a 2500 lb load, and can pass BIFMA tests No. 9 and No. 18, each with a 500 lb load being used instead of a 300 lb load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in a male human patient without requiring a biopsy. The total prostate specific antigen (PSA) level in the blood or serum of the patient is measured. If the patient has a total PSA level of between 2.5 ng/ml, (4.0 ng/ml for those 60 years or over), and 10.0 ng/ml, then the free PSA level in the blood or serum of the patient is measured. The proportion of free PSA to total PSA is calculated. If this proportion is equal to or greater than about 25%, then the patient is diagnosed as having BPH.