Abstract: A metallo-construct, which may be a peptide, is provided for use as a biological, therapeutic, diagnostic imaging, or radiotherapeutic agent, and for use in library or combinatorial chemistry methods. The construct has a conformationally constrained global secondary structure obtained upon complexing with a metal ion. The peptide constructs are of the general formula:R.sub.1 --X--R.sub.2where X is a plurality of amino acids and includes a complexing backbone for complexing metal ions, so that substantially all of the valences of the metal ion are satisfied upon complexation of the metal ion with X, resulting in a specific regional secondary structure forming a part of the global secondary structure; and where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each include from 0 to about 20 amino acids, the amino acids being selected so that upon complexing the metal ion with X at least a portion of either R.sub.1 or R.sub.2 or both have a structure forming the balance of the conformationally constrained global secondary structure.

Abstract: A capillary discharge x-ray laser driven by a radial pulse forming line. Both Blumlein and transmission line configurations of the pulse forming line in single and multiple stage arrangements are presented.

Abstract: A method of preparing flourescent in situ hybridization slides, comprising: providing a slide with a raised ring thereon; providing to the slide a DNA probe; providing to the slide cells and target DNA; providing to the slide a formamide-free mixture of 10%.+-.2% by weight dextran sulfate and 15%-25% glycerol and 0.9% by weight salt or a solution of 10%.+-.2% by weight dextran sulfate, 10-30% by volume formamide and 0.9% by weight salt; placing a coverglass on the ring; denaturing and hybridizing the slide; and performing a post-hybridization wash of the slide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a radiosurgery/stereotactic radiotherapy system. The system includes a linear accelerator, including a gantry and a collimator, a couch, and a stereotactic reference system mounted on the couch. The apparatus includes a laser measuring device mounted on the gantry, the laser measuring device having a laser generator element for generating a laser light beam and a laser displacement sensor. The apparatus also includes a reference fixture, attached to the stereotactic reference system, having at least one reflective surface for reflecting the laser light beam to the laser displacement sensor, upon which the laser displacement sensor measures the distance between the reflective surface and the laser measuring device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aerosolizing and dispensing powders utilizing the forces of pressurizing and depressurizing gas loaded into powder agglomerates located in an enclosed powder chamber. Methods include administering peptides, genes, vitamins, and polymers into the peripheral lung. Also describes powder supply apparatus and method for single dose and repetitive applications.

Abstract: A military range scoring system with a plurality of imagers capable of viewing reference points and impact points for ordinance aimed at the reference points, imager position controllers, and data processors and video monitors for processing and viewing data received from said imagers, and communication links between the components. The imagers are preferably infrared or near-infrared, and the system manually and/or automatically scores impacts by digital signal processing of imager data.

Abstract: A continuous plating system which is horizontal, allows for submersion of the entire article to be plated, and is useful for alloy plating. The invention provides a link/hinge conveyor system, the conveyor acts as the conductor, numerous processes/baths are possible, and difficult to plate alloys, such as a tin/bismuth plate can be produced. Homogeneous alloys are possible with the present invention. Also disclosed are novel dryer and rinse systems for use with the continuous plating system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting drowsiness and awakening the user. The load on a piezo-ceramic eye blinking detection unit changes upon blinking activity resulting in an electrical output. This electrical output is then processed and compared to a predetermined time interval for blinking. An alarm is sounded if the processed electrical output is less than the predetermined time interval.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for characterizing light beam collimation and alignment. A liquid crystal device receiving a light beam from a collimation lens has a lenslet array generated thereon. A corresponding array of point spread functions are detected by a charge coupled device camera, from which light beam collimation and alignment are characterized. The data may be further used to adjust the collimation lens to correct misalignment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrical shock protection and electrical arc fault protection in an electrical distribution system. The invention consists of a current interrupting circuit that impedes electrical current flow during short time intervals in each half cycle of an AC source. If a shock hazard or electrical arc fault condition occurs during this short time interval, it results in current flow that is sensed at a load center, causing a circuit interrupter to open and preventing current flow to the distribution system for a period of time as short as one half cycle. When the fault is removed, that event is detected within one half cycle and power is restored to the load thus implementing an automatic reset. The invention is well suited for the retrofit of existing electrical distribution systems using the existing wiring.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of altering blood constituents in grazing animals. Serum concentrations of serum insulin, serum urea nitrogen, serum glucose, and serum growth hormone in ruminants were varied by feeding specific protein supplements and an otherwise negative energy diet. Protein supplements were selected both from high rumen-degradable proteins, such as cottonseed meal, and low rumen-degradable proteins, such as blood and feather meals. Improvement in body condition and body weight was concomitant with reduced milk production.

Abstract: A lockout device to prevent tampering with the manually set position of a valve or regulator or other device having a rotatable shaft for adjusting, for example, the flow of fluid through the device, from a position initially set to some other position. The lockout device is usable with a wide range of standard valves and regulators which have a drive stem and includes a drive gear that engages the drive stem and a key locking device mounted in a generally cylindrical handle of the lockout device and being selectively movable from a first position in which the handle free-wheels relative to the drive stem of the valve so as to prevent unauthorized moving of the rotational position of the valve stem by any person not having a key to an engaging position in which the handle is locked to the drive stem to permit ordinary rotational movement and setting of the valve stem position.

Abstract: A new electrochemical probe(s) design allowing for continuous (renewable) reagent delivery. The probe comprises an integrated membrane-sampling/electrochemical sensor that prevents interferences from surface-active materials and greatly extends the linear range. The probe(s) is useful for remote or laboratory-based monitoring in connection with microdialysis sampling and electrochemical measurements of metals and organic compounds that are not readily detected in the absence of reacting with the compound. Also disclosed is a method of using the probe(s).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring curing in a resin. Acoustic, ultrasonic waves are propagated through a waveguide disposed through a quantity of resin while the resin is curing. The waves are transmitted and received by transducers arranged in an acousto-ultrasonic configuration with respect to a flexible waveguide. The waveguide may be made from bundled fibers. The velocity or amplitude of the acoustic waves is affected by the physical characteristics of the resin sample. Monitoring changes in the speed or amplitude of the propagated waves permits changes in the resin to be monitored in real time. Only a small sample quantity of resin need be employed.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic drilling system for drilling holes in material such as rock utilizing a drill stem connected to a flexible cable. The electrical spark or plasma that creates the electrohydraulic pressure wave is powered by an electrical pulse propagated down the cable from a pulse generator to the drill stem. An advance mechanism on a jackleg support is utilized to move the drill into the rock during the drilling process. The drill stem and cable combination enable holes to be drilled in the roof of tunnels where the floor to roof height is less than the depth of the hole to be drilled. The electrohydraulic process provides higher drilling efficiencies than conventional systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lighting fixture which comprises a frame holding a light bulb socket covered by a mirror such as may be used in a bathroom or other commercial or residential room.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument (10) and associated method for providing optical measurements of the contour, range and motion of an object, such as a tympanic membrane of an ear, in real time, and to provide for simultaneous visualization of the object. The instrument (10) includes an illumination source (22) that projects an optical beam (24) through a grating (26) onto a gradient of refractive index lens (32) to project light and dark fringes onto the object at stepped phases determined by the grating position. Light reflected from the object is collected and focused onto an eye piece (18) to be observed by the operator. Simultaneously, reflected light from the object is focused onto a camera (46). The camera (46) generates an electrical signal in proportion to the light intensity received by the camera (46) to generate an image of the object. The image is then transmitted to processing systems to compute phase relationships in the reflected grating image to generate a contour map of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the avoidance of electrical shock in an electrical appliance. Preferred for a two wire appliance, the device consists of a current interrupting circuit that impedes current flow for short time intervals in each half cycle. If a fault to ground occurs during these short time intervals, an increased current flow through the plug is detected and this is recognized as a fault, causing a circuit interrupter to open and removing current from the load during the remainder of the half cycle. When the fault is removed, that event is detected within one half cycle and power is restored to the load. The apparatus can provide thermal control in the plug. The apparatus enables the use of a low current, low voltage switch to control high voltages and high currents in the appliance. The apparatus can transmit fault status information or other information to a remotely located controller and can receive control signals from that remotely located controller.

Abstract: A real estate electro tape is provided that measures the length of an interior or exterior wall or other similar structure using optical means. A sonic tape is used to measure the perpendicular distance from the device to the interior or exterior wall. Two steerable lasers are then used to determine the angles between the perpendicular and the beams aimed at the wall edges. An algorithm is applied to the angular and perpendicular distance data to obtain the length of the wall. A microprocessor performs the calculations, the results of which are displayed on an electro optical display.