Abstract: Disclosed are methods of leasing or billing for the usage of a portable suction pump adapted for use in a suction-assisted would treatment system. The pump has means for recording time units corresponding to periods of time when the pump is operating and for providing reports of usage time. The pump further has means for detecting that the wound treatment system is operating normally so as to be compliant with standards for suction wound treatment, and for recording and reporting time of normal operation or compliant usage. The methods include leasing the pump at a payment schedule that is based upon the amount of actual usage time or the amount of compliant usage time. The lease payment may include an amount of pre-paid time units such that unused time units can be credited to a new or renewed lease for a replacement pump. The billing methods can also be based in whole or in part on a planned maintenance schedule for the pump.

Abstract: In railroad uses or the like, a transponder having a single key for transactions is accessible through a reader/programmer to multiple users or owners. The reader/programmer receives a transaction request and determines whether the user or owner is authorized for that transaction. If so, the reader/programmer generates the key on the fly and performs the transaction.

Abstract: A bracket for use on an ultrasound transducer to releasably mount at least one 3D tracking sensor on the transducer. Each sensor has a pair of axially aligned pins projecting outward from its body. The bracket includes at least one socket having a pair of spaced-apart wall portions, each of which includes a slot arranged to receive a respective one of the pins of the sensor when the sensor is in a first position. From this position the sensor's body can be rotated to a second position, whereupon the spaced apart wall portions releasably engage (snap-fit about) a portion of the body of the sensor to deter the accidental displacement of the sensor with respect to the transducer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for stereo selective synthesis of substituted sulfoxides either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form. Thus, 5-methoxy-2-[[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl) methyl]thio]-1H-benzimidazole is reacted with (R)-camphorsulfonyl chloride to form a mixture of 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-5- (and 6-)methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy -2-pyridyl)methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole, oxidized to obtain a diastereomeric excess of 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-(5- and 6-)-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl -4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(S)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole over 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl -(5- and 6-)-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl) methyl-(R)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole, the diastereomers are separated by fractional crystallization and the separated 1-(R)-camphorsulfonyl-(5- and 6-)-methoxy -2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(S)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole is deprotected to give esomeprazole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing substituted sulfoxides either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form. Thus, racemic omeprazole is reacted with (S)-camphorsulfonyl chloride to form a diastereomeric mixture and the diastereomers are separated by fractional crystallization, followed by deprotection to give esomeprazole.

Abstract: A braking and steering assembly in a vehicle having a pushing section and a riding section. The assembly includes an upper connection post containing braking and steering components for the riding section. The upper connection post has an upper end and a lower threaded end. The assembly further includes a lower connection post containing braking and steering components for the pushing section. The lower connection post has an aperture for threadedly receiving the lower threaded end of the upper connection post. The assembly also includes a rotatable front knob fixed to the upper end of the upper connection post. Rotatably tightening the front knob connects the lower end of the upper connection post with the upper end of the lower connection post. Braking and steering in the riding section controls braking and steering in the pushing section.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exemplary process for manufacturing a flexible packaging laminate into a pouch for containing liquids such as edible oil. The process includes taking granules of polypropylene and medium density polyethylene in a proportion of 1-1.5:1.5-2.5, —melting the granules at 200-230 degrees Celsius in a 3 layer blown film extruder to form a co-extruded film, —printing the film by a Rotogravure printing technique at 40-60 degrees Celsius, —laminating the printed film with a conventional 5 layer co-extruded nylon film at 60-80 degrees Celsius, —curing the laminated film at 35-45 degrees Celsius for at least 2 days, —and slitting the cured laminated film to a desired size for using with a Form Fill Seal machine (FFS Machine) at 160-180 degrees Celsius, to make pouches that hold liquids, such as edible oil.

Abstract: A guide is provided for use with an imaging instrument, the guide including a first portion, a second portion proximate the first portion, and a cavity at least partially formed by the first and second portions, the cavity having a cavity width and configured to retain an instrument therein. The cavity width is selectively changeable to accommodate a plurality of diameters by sliding the second portion along a path with respect to the first portion.

Abstract: A device for dispensing flowable materials to low locations without the user being required to bend over or kneel down during dispensing provides relief from back strain or other injuries. The device includes a cylinder having a piston mounted therein which reciprocates between forward ejecting and return directions. A driven rod, connected to the piston, extends through a front wall of the cylinder. Upon actuation, a trigger mechanism supplies a pressure medium within the cylinder for displacing the piston in the forward ejecting direction to dispense flowable material from the dispensing device. The trigger mechanism is oriented to enable the user to hold the dispensing device like a suitcase and is spaced a sufficient distance from where the flowable material is dispensed to enable a user to remain standing erect while dispensing to low areas such as where a floor and wall meet.

Abstract: In an investment casting procedure using microwave energy as the heat source virgin wax models are attached to a spree of wax-type pattern material incorporating a susceptor, the spree having a pour cup also of a wax-type pattern material, the pour cup material having a higher percentage of the susceptor than the material of the spree. In use the pour cup will melt first and the spree second, unblocking the path of the virgin wax so that its expansion will not crack ceramic with which it has been coated.

Abstract: Inventors have developed a chromophore (nitrodibenzylfuranyl, or NBDF) for ultra efficient uncaging of a caged substrate (e.g., an organic molecule such as, for example, an amino acid, a biological molecules, such as, for example, second messengers inside cells). Photolysis of a NBDF derivative of EGTA (i.e. caged calcium) is about 50 times more efficient than others calcium cages (the quantum yield of photolysis is 0.6 and the extinction coefficient is 18,400. NDBF-EGTA has a 2-photon cross section of about 0.3-0.6 GM).

Abstract: A conditioning device (100) for biological cells includes a support (10), adapted to support at least one biological cell (1) in a supporting zone (11), and a contact device (20), adapted to support at least one conditioning sample (3) and to displace the at least one conditioning sample (3) relative to the support (10) in such a manner that the at least one conditioning sample (3) touches the at least one biological cell (1), the contact device (20) including at least two mechanical supporting elements (21, 22) that can be displaced from various spatial directions towards the support (10). The invention also relates to methods for conditioning, especially imprinting or differentiating biological cells and to uses of the conditioning device.

Abstract: A method for treating a wound with sutures is disclosed. One method includes placing the body and shaft of the device within a cavity of the wound; attaching a first end of at least one suture to a first side of the wound; passing a second end of the at least one suture through the body and coupling it to the shaft; attaching a second end of the at least one suture to the second side of the wound; and rotating the shaft with respect to the body to pull the first side of the wound and the second side of the wound toward one another.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically determining library patrons' interests without having to identify the patron or otherwise invade his/her privacy based on the library patron's current use of library assets. The system and method involve categorizing the library's assets using broad mapping user interest categories, associating a user interest category with a specific library asset that is checked out, reserved or otherwise used by a library patron and providing that patron with a confirmation item containing that user interest category, providing the library patron with feedback about the library assets and the broad mapping user interest categories, allowing library patrons to access and register for a library rewards program using the user interest category number and having advertisers provide relevant information and rewards to library patrons who request such additional information.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal is disclosed. An exemplary device comprises a permeable structure having a plurality of depressions formed in a surface thereof. In use, the surface having the depressions is disposed adjacent a surface of the wound. A method of treating a wound comprises the steps of providing a permeable structure comprising a plurality of randomly disposed fibers and having i) a plurality of wound surface contact elements disposed between end portions of the structure, and ii) a plurality of voids defined by the contact elements; and applying the permeable structure to at least one surface of the wound.

Abstract: Cut resistant yarns suitable for knitting gloves and sleeves and methods of making the yarns are disclosed. The yarns are made up of a bundle of continuous filaments formed of a synthetic material, e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon or polyolefin, and a stretchable yarn, e.g., Spandex® or Lycra®. The yarns are made in such a manner that when completed the continuous filaments are substantially parallel to one another and to the longitudinal axis of the yarn so that items made from them will not twist or curl up, yet will provide good resistance to cutting.