Abstract: The invention provides an optical drop detection system (10), for a low-flow metering device of the type having a drop generator 12, 24, (19), the system comprising at least one optical transmitter (26) which produces a plurality of light beam pulses (28) of microsecond duration and at millisecond intervals, and at least one optical receiver (33) positioned to register receipt of the light pulses (28) transmitted through the path of drops (18) generated by the drop generator (12, 24, 19) and to record the number of pulses which hit a given drop and which do not register on the receiver (32), the frequency and strength of the pulses being calibrated so that a single drop is impinged upon by a plurality of pulses, and further comprising automatic feed-back means for adjusting the parameters of interaction between the at least one optical transmitter (26) and the at least one optical receiver (32) to produce and maintain a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum number of hits per drop.

Abstract: Biologically active peptides that are derived from or are similar to sequences identical with the N-terminus of the oS1 fraction of milk casein. These peptides are capable of stimulating and enhancing immune response, protecting against viral infection, normalizing serum cholesterol levels, and stimulating hematopoiesis. The casein-derived peptides are non-toxic and can be used to treat and prevent immune pathologies, hypercholesterolemia, hematological disorders and viral-related diseases.

Abstract: A novel cyclosporine formulation, which is a pro-nanodispersion at room temperature, featuring solid particles of a relatively large particle size (at least about 150 nm) and yet which is a nanodispersion at body temperature.

Abstract: An intramedullar distraction device for bone elongation that is completely mechanical in operation, wherein a novel rotating button system allows inverting the device ratchet movement, thereby enabling the reduction of the length of the device, if needed, in order to offer the surgeon operating flexibility before finally anchoring the device on the bone. Furthermore, a locking system allows for locking the ratchet once the desired elongation has been reached, thus avoiding potential mistaken elongations. In addition, a unique alignment hole provides a simple, precise tool to easily and correctly align the device within the bone. The present device operates without the assistance of external mechanisms, motors, or tools, and once inserted, the user can actuate the device without assistance. This device is available in a wide variety of diameters and lengths, and is useful in all long bones.

Abstract: Biologically active peptides that are derived from or are similar to sequences identical with the N-terminus of the ?S1 fraction of milk casein. These peptides are capable of stimulating and enhancing immune response, protecting against viral infection, normalizing serum cholesterol levels, and stimulating hematopoiesis. The casein-derived peptides are non-toxic and can be used to treat and prevent immune pathologies, hypercholesterolemia, hematological disorders and viral-related diseases, alone or in combination with other peptides or blood cell stimulating factors.

Abstract: The present invention is a new multifunctional low-cost solution for performing measurements and positioning in construction sites and automatically extracting a three-dimensional virtual model, plans, elevations and sections drawings based on these measurements. The preferred embodiment of the present invention consists of a field beacon or a set of field beacons, spread around the measured area, communicating by omnidirectional signals with at least one central signal collector, which communicates with a computer. Dedicated computer software performs the spatial calculations and other applicable functions. The disclosed system is used for laying out axes and columns at the beginning stage of construction while ensuring the exact match of each mark to its planned position, and for quality and exactitude control of constructions or assembling. In addition the system may be used for locating and tracking objects in a predefined area and automatic directing of machinery to target points.

Abstract: A stable composition with a benzimidazole derivative, such as Omeprazole, which does not contain a separating layer between the active compound and an enteric coating layer. Instead, the enteric coating layer is applied as a solution with a pH value of at least 6.5, and more preferably in a range of from about 7 to about 10, directly to the benzimidazole derivative substrate. This solution, with the optional addition of a plasticizer, can be directly coated onto the substrate without any necessity for an intermediate layer. Furthermore, in this pH range, the enteric coating is optionally applicable in an aqueous solution, thereby obviating the need for organic solvents for dissolving the enteric coating material. The resultant formulation maintains the stability of the benzimidazole derivative during storage and at the same time protects the product during passage through the acidic environment of the stomach.

Abstract: A heat management system include including application of phase change materials (PCM). A heat or cold storage multistage tower has a housing with a multistage system of flat rigid container. A significant fraction of internal space of each container is filled with PCM; these containers are fabricated from ceramics, glass, glass ceramics or sulfur concrete. Another version of the heat or cold storage tower is based on application of multi-channel blocks from ceramics, glass, glass ceramics or sulfur concrete; the parallel internal vertical channels of the blocks are open and sealed at their bottoms alternatively, and the channels with the sealed bottoms are filled partially with PCM. The tower achieves effective heat transfer between a heat transfer fluid (HTF) and PCM in the processes of charging and discharging of the containers with heat or cold.

Abstract: A two pulse gastrointestinal delivery system is provided. The system comprises a desired agent in combination with a swellable core material, the core being surrounded by an inner coat of a water-insoluble or relatively water-insoluble coating material in which particulate water-insoluble material is embedded. The inner coat is additionally surrounded by an outer coat that contains additional amounts of the desired agent. When the delivery device enters the gastrointestinal tract, the outer coat releases the desired agent contained therein and disintegrates, exposing the inner coat. The particulate matter in the inner coat takes up liquid, thus forming channels interconnecting the drug-containing core with the outside of the delivery device. Through these channels liquid enters the core which then swells to the point at which the inner coat is broken. When the integrity of the inner coat is destroyed, the core then disintegrates, immediately releasing all or most of the drug at a specific site.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal delivery system is provided. The system comprises a drug in combination with a swellable core material, the core being surrounded by a water-insoluble or relatively water-insoluble coating material in which particulate water-insoluble material is embedded. When the delivery device enters the gastrointestinal tract, the particulate matter takes up liquid, thus forming channels interconnecting the drug-containing core with the outside of the delivery device. Through these channels liquid enters the core which then swells to the point at which the coating is broken. When the integrity of the coating is destroyed, the core then disintegrates immediately releasing all or most of the drug at a specific site. By controlling parameters in the device, such as the core material, carrier material in the coating, and particulate matter, the location of release of the drug can be carefully controlled.

Abstract: A user controlled ornamental panel or window, which is useful for a number of applications in which the degree or amount of light passing through the panel is to be controlled. One such application is to control the amount of light, ambient or otherwise, entering through a window. The ability to control the amount of ambient light entering through a vehicle window and/or window of a dwelling is particularly useful. The present invention enables the user to control the amount of ambient light passing through the ornamental panel, such that the lighting of the environment is determined by the user without permanently blocking or altering the ability of the ornamental panel to permit the entry of light. Such flexibility is important for adjusting the amount of light entering through the panel according to the ambient lighting of the external environment, which would differ during daylight hours as opposed to the night, for example.

Abstract: A method for generating an identical electronic one-time pad at a first location and a second location, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first electronic device at the first location and a second electronic device at the second location, each of the first and the second electronic devices having: (i) a non-volatile memory; (ii) a processor; (iii) at least one table of true random numbers being stored on the non-volatile memory, the table being identical for the first and the second electronic devices; and (iv) at least one software program for obtaining a true random number from the table, the software program being stored on the non-volatile memory and the at least one software program being operated by the processor; (b) providing a communication channel for communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device; (c) selecting a selected true random number from the table at the first and the second electronic devices according to a selection procedure, the sele

Abstract: A method for administering the HAV vaccine to a subject by absorption through a mucosal tissue, particularly through the mucosa of the rectum. The method of the present invention enables the HAV vaccine to be administered to the subject rectally, for example as a suppository or other rectal dosage form, and to successfully immunize the subject against HAV. Thus, the present invention overcomes problems of background art methods of administration, such as systemic administration by injection for example, which require needles, and which are difficult and expensive to perform.

Abstract: A method for constructing a potentially pharmaceutically useful molecule that displays a predefined pharmacophore associated with a desired biological activity is disclosed. The pharmacophore is first used to screen a virtual library of scaffolds, described by three-dimensional coordinates, in order to identify one or more scaffold(s) which could potentially display substituents that alone or together with scaffold atoms comprise a pharmacophore. The screening process involves first placing rotamers from a virtual library of substituents onto each attachment point of each scaffold, and then examining the resultant Virtual Combinatorial Library (VCL) according to one or more parameters required by the pharmacophore.

Abstract: A method for generating an identical electronic one-time pad at a first location and a second location, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first electronic device at the first location and a second electronic device at the second location, each of the first and the second electronic devices having: (i) a non-volatile memory; (ii) a processor; (iii) at least one table of true random numbers being stored on the non-volatile memory, the table being identical for the first and the second electronic devices; and (iv) at least one software program for obtaining a true random number from the table, the software program being stored on the non-volatile memory and the at least one software program being operated by the processor; (b) providing a communication channel for communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device; (c) selecting a selected true random number from the table at the first and the second electronic devices according to a selection procedure, the sele

Abstract: A biomedical device assembly, such as a stent, for the targeted treatment of a tissue, such as the inhibition of restentosis. The stent is coated with an antigen, which is an example of a lock. The antigen can be bound by a labelled antibody, which is an example of a key and an effector. The antibody is preferably labelled with a radioactive source. According to one method of preparing the biomedical device assembly, after the stent has been placed in the blood vessel of the subject, the antibody is injected. The antibody then binds to the antigen on the stent, thereby localizing the radioactive source to the area to be treated, for example for restenosis. Other biomedical devices, such as a coil, an artificial valve or a vascular graft, could also be used in the place of the stent. The biomedical device could be placed in another biological passageway, such as the gastrointestinal tract, an airway or the genitourinary tract.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a controlled-release solid composition for the oral cavity or “pharmaceutical oral patch” that adheres to hard dental surfaces, such as teeth and dentures, and releases an active pharmaceutical agent into the oral cavity. Release of the agent is for a predetermined period of time and at a predetermined sustained concentration. The site of action of the agent is local or systemic.