Abstract: An overbed table wherein a pedestal is attached to one end of a single support member and the other end of the support member is connected to a table assembly that includes a table surface. The center axis of the support member is located closer to a first edge of the table surface than the oppositely disposed edge of the table surface and arm supports connected to the table assembly are extendable past the first edge of the table assembly.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring a depth of a tear of a tissue is disclosed. The measuring device comprises a member having a shaft and a distal tip, a plurality of indicia on the shaft of the member for measuring the depth of the tear, and a cannulated member into which the member is disposed. In an example, the measuring device is used to measure the depth of a tear of the rotator cuff tendon. A method of measuring a tear of a tissue using the measuring device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self igniting pyrotechnical sparkler. The sparkler includes a nonflammable support member or rod substantially covered with a pyrotechnic coating composition along one end and a pyrotechnical igniter coating covering over part of the pyrotechnic coating. The igniter coating including a mixture of potassium chlorate, antimony sulfate, powder aluminum, particulate magnesium, binder and/or glass beads.

Abstract: The invention provides a magnetic connector for use between members to magnetically connect members such as members between eyewear. Magnetic connector has first and second magnets positioned in or on first and second eyewear members, respectively. Magnets are positioned substantially parallel to each other in a plane and rotate about an axis. A magnetic field of attraction is created between magnets when magnets are in sufficient proximity to each other thereby substantially connecting members. When magnets disengage or fall out of alignment due to force or pressure against members, magnets disengage and allow members to break away without damage. In an embodiment, a magnetic nose pad assembly is disclosed that is used to magnetically attach a nose pad to a nose pad arm.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic ignitor. The ignitor includes a break charge and a voltage storage component in communication with the break charge, wherein the voltage stored in the voltage storage component is for firing the break charge when the voltage is communicated to the break charge. The ignitor further includes a processor in communication with the voltage storage component, wherein the processor is configured to delay transmission of the voltage stored in the voltage storage component for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A retrofit conversion kit for facilitating the conversion of a door operating apparatus conventionally mounted above the door, to a position mounted and anchored underground for operating a swinging door therefrom. The conversion to an anchored underground position is facilitated by incorporating positional adjustment mechanisms covering any or all possible adjustment dimensions.

Abstract: A method for myoelectric-based processing of speech. The method includes capturing a myoelectric signal from a user using at least one electrode, wherein the electrode converts an ionic current generated by muscle contraction into an electric current. The method also includes amplifying the electric current, filtering the amplified electric current, and converting the filtered electric current into a digital signal. The method further includes transmitting the myoelectric signal to a digital device, transforming the digital signal into a written representation using an automatic speech recognition method, and generating an audible output from the written representation using a speech synthesis method.

Abstract: The invention relates to an individual packaging case for objects with fracture risk wherein the individual packaging case comprises a base with an open, upward-pointing receiving bore, into which the shank of the object with fracture risk is inserted and self-containedly protrudes from the upward-open receiving bore in the base and wherein the part with fracture risk of the object is protected by means of a protective cap pushed onto the base from above. The invention is characterized in that the novel packaging case can be folded over an axis running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and that due to the folding, the object to be protected becomes at least partially freely accessible.

Abstract: A composite mattress with or without a pillow made of flexible or compressible filling material covered by a pliable transparent polymeric cover material with a visual clarity to allow one to detect, locate, and identify contraband items hidden under the cover material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a natural killer cell line termed NK-92 and to NK-92 cell lines that have been modified by transfection with a vector to confer advantageous properties. The invention provides a modified NK-92 cell line that is transfected with a vector encoding a cytokine that promotes the growth of NK-92 cells. In a significant embodiment, the cytokine is interleukin 2. The invention additionally provides a modified NK-92 cell line that is transfected with a vector that expresses a thymidine kinase gene. The invention further provides a modified NK-92 cell line that is transfected with a vector that expresses a ?2 micrglobulin.

Abstract: The claimed carpet cleaning apparatus incorporates recesses in a rigid surface of a roller, a hand-operated cleaning device, or a rigid disk. The rigid surface compresses the fibers of the soft surface as the device and the recesses decompress the fibers. The repeated compression and decompression, preferably in combination with a cleaning compound, provide the mechanical action necessary for removal of foreign material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of soluble isoforms of an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, or sErbB1 variants, the provision of the sequences of nucleic acids encoding these isoforms, purified recombinant proteins, novel antibodies specific for these isoforms, and the use of immunoassay and other protein assay techniques to measure the concentration of these protein isoforms in a patient biological sample in the femtomolar range. The present invention also provides methods for determining the presence of an ovarian carcinoma in the patient by assaying the concentration of soluble ErbB1 variants in a biological sample from a patient.

Abstract: A process for substantially improving the heat transmission and reflection properties of anodized metals is presented along with a method of improving such properties while allowing for such processed anodized metals to be used for food contact.