Abstract: Stem cells are mobilized into the peripheral blood by a method comprising the steps of: (i) administering to an individual at least one of the following: FGF1 and FGF2, and also at least one of the following: VEGF, VEGFA, VEGFB, PLGF, VEGF121, VEGF145, VEGF165, VEGF189, and VEGF206; (ii) isolating the peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) by apheresis; and (iii) treating a patient suffering from organ disease with PBSC. Alternatively, gene therapy is used for the induction of the stem cells into the peripheral blood, wherein the gene therapy formulation comprises AD5FGF-4 or VEGF165 plasmid DNA. Additionally, the progress of the treatment of the organ disease is monitored by using an ultrasound unit.

Abstract: A method and system provide interactive participation during shopping activity occurring at a shopping venue. Enjoyment for a plurality of enrolled participants is enhanced. Participants employ wireless interactive devices that present a promotional message and include user input and output interfaces. Participants are queried, and enter answers via the user input interface. The promotional messages are preferably related to businesses associated with the shopping venue.

Abstract: A three dimensional soft magnetic metal mass suitable for milling is formed wrapping soft magnetic metal ribbon into a three dimensional shape and then applying adhesive to the three dimensional shape. The adhesive permeates the three dimensional shape. The adhesive is then cured. If the soft magnetic metal mass is made as a toroid, then it could be processed into an electro-mechanical component. The electro-mechanical component would then be suitable for use in very high frequency electric motors.

Abstract: A compact, low profile splicing system for joining optical fibers produces durable, low transmission loss fusion splices. The system employs active optical techniques such as profile alignment or local injection and detection to achieve optimized alignment of the fibers prior to fusion. Light injected into one fiber is propagated across the interface to a second fiber. A detector senses the intensity of the injected light in the second fiber. After the relative position of the fibers is manipulated to maximize the transmitted intensity, the fibers are fusion spliced using an electric arc discharge. The accurate alignment achievable using the local injection and detection system to drive adaptive fiber positioning affords a method for reliably producing low loss splices. The present system is compact and low in profile, making it operable in cramped quarters with limited clearance to adjacent equipment and structures and with only a minimal amount of free fiber slack available.

Abstract: A catalytic converter for an internal combustion engine exhaust system comprises a single-piece, seamless metal housing having tubulated gas inlet and outlet ports and a tubulated intermediate section with a plurality of cascaded catalytic element therein. The intermediate section is connected to the inlet port by an inlet transition section and to the outlet port by an outlet transition section. The inlet and outlet ports and the inlet and outlet transition sections are formed by swaging the ends of a seamless tube used to form the housing. Exhaust gas produced by operation of the engine passes into the converter and through the catalytic element. Noxious substances in the exhaust, including CO, NOx, and incompletely combusted hydrocarbons are converted to more benign substances through the action of the catalytic element, which is preferably a frangible ceramic honeycomb structure having a plurality of internal passages coated with a catalytically active substance.

Abstract: A flexible omnidirectionally reflective horse lead has a central portion, and mechanical attachment means to accommodate a bridal bit ring. The lead reflects an incoming light beam from a walker or horseback rider back in the direction from which it emanated, preventing dangerous encounters during dusk or nighttime hours. The omnidirectionally reflective elements may be incorporated in a horse harness, or in a halter suitable for horses roaming in a paddock or field. The reflective elements are created by surrounding a central braided rope of nylon or polyethylene fibers with a cylindrically braided reflective sleeve. The braided reflective sleeve is composed of narrow width reflective strips having a show surface with a flexible nylon retroreflective sheet sewn thereto. Reflectivity is achieved by thermally bonding corner cube or microsphere retroreflectors to a flexible polymeric sheet.

Abstract: A moisture resistant rustproof smart hanger system provides a set of plastic spindles or thumb wheels permanently attached to a hanger. The spindles are designed to record, for a particular garment, the last cleaned date, the number of times worn, and the last worn date. A user sets the “Last Cleaned” date when a garment or apparel is first placed on the smart hanger; the “Times Worn” indicator is set to 01. The user updates the dates on the “Times Worn” and “Last Worn” record indicators each time the garment or apparel is worn. Each of the thumb wheels is locked by friction or a spring loaded bar that engages teeth on the thumb wheels to prevent accidental rotation.

Abstract: A multi-media geography game show allows real time participation of contestants, live show audience participants and remote TV viewers having Internet connections. Answers to questions related to geography provided within an allotted time period qualify participants for monetary or material rewards, together with learning credits. The learning credits may be converted to college credits by taking appropriate validation tests from accredited educational institutions that have made arrangements with the geography game show. The responses of contestants, live show audience participants and remote TV viewers, as well as the rewards and the leaning credits, are electronically processed and appropriate credits are issued using print outs or magnetic media.

Abstract: A glass-coated amorphous metallic microwire is encoded with multi-bit digital information. Encoding is achieved magnetically, optically or through a combination of magnetic and optical encoding processes. Magnetic encoding is carried out by modifying the constituent magnetic domain structure through selective relief of interfacial stress between the glass coating and the amorphous metallic alloy core. It is also achieved by selective surface crystallization of the amorphous metallic core in order to produce a controlled magnetic bias field. Optical encoding is associated with the glass coating. It is readily achieved by fluorescent element deposition, patterned removal of fluorescent element coating, Bragg grating, and thermally activated pattern deposition. The magnetic and optical multi-bit encoding approaches for glass-coated amorphous metallic microwire can be used individually or collectively in either a redundant or a complementary manner.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to an electric device, such as an electric motor, a generator, or a regenerative motor, having a wound stator core made from advanced low-loss material. In preferred embodiments, the electric device is an axial airgap-type configuration. The invention provides an electric device having a high pole count that operates at high commutating frequencies, with high efficiency and high torque and power densities. Advanced low-loss materials exploited by the present invention include amorphous metals, nanocrystalline metals, and optimized Fe-based alloys.

Abstract: A flexible abrasion resistant omnidirectionally reflective pet toy reflects incoming light beam back in the same direction as it was emanated, thereby indicating the location of a pet toy and thereby preventing tripping hazards in pet play areas during dusk or nighttime hours. The pet toy is created by surrounding a central braided rope of nylon or polyethylene fibers with a cylindrically braided reflective sleeve that is coated with an abrasion resistant transparent polymeric coating. The braided reflective sleeve is composed of braided narrow width reflective strips. The flexible retroreflective sheet is formed by thermally bonding corner cube, microsphere retroreflectors, or wide-angle exposed retroreflective lenses to a flexible polymeric sheet. The pet toy reflective braid may include knots and/or play balls or photoluminescence, glow-in-the-dark elements to provide an added measure of safety and enhanced play appeal.

Abstract: An anonymous credit card has a unique identification number and a card value, which is exhausted when the cash amount of the card is expended. The card is sold by a first vendor and accepted by a second vendor when presented by the user. It is managed by an issuing institution, which verifies the presence of sufficient funds to cover the cost charged and deducts the charge cost from the card value. The card has a limited monetary value, which is advantageous if it is lost or stolen. No connection exists between the card and its owner. As a result, the owner's credit rating cannot be tarnished by actions of a third party.

Abstract: Safety and sports equipment, as well as apparel and accessories, including one or more wire-like or flat electroluminescent lamps for illumination. The lamps may be powered by battery, solar energy, or any other suitable means of energy. The lamps may further be secured to an object, embedded within a rigid surface, or recessed within a material. The lamps may be either permanently, temporarily, or removably secured to the 6 object that is being illuminated.

Abstract: A flexible abrasion resistant omnidirectionally reflective pet leash has handle, central pet leash, and pet collar sections that reflect an incoming light beam back in the same direction as it was emanated. The reflected light beam provides accurate illumination of the pet owner's hand, pet leash and the location of the pet during dusk or nighttime hours. This pet leash is created by surrounding a central braided rope of nylon or polyethylene fibers with a cylindrically braided reflective sleeve that is coated with an abrasion resistant transparent polymeric coating. The braided reflective sleeve is composed of narrow width reflective strips that comprise a woven or knitted narrow width strip and a flexible nylon retroreflective sheet sewn thereon. The flexible retroreflective sheet is formed by thermally bonding corner cube, microsphere retroreflectors, or wide angle exposed retroreflective lenses to a flexible polymeric sheet.

Abstract: A detachable, heat resistant, flexible button protector protects against button degradation during laundering, dry-cleaning or hot ironing operations. The protector has an enclosure for forming a cavity surrounding at least one button. A slit in the side of the enclosure accommodates insertion of the button into the cavity. Button degradation is prevented by sealing the enclosure to minimize penetration of cleaning fluids during insertion and residence of the button within the cavity. The protector shields the button from corrosive laundering and dry-cleaning chemicals, while allowing entry of chemicals that wash the fabric on which the button is sewn. It is strong enough to withstand compressive force and shock impact produced by laundering machinery. Chipping and chemical degradation of buttons is virtually eliminated. Laundering, dry-cleaning and ironing operations are carried out economically in an efficient, reliable manner.

Abstract: A flexible abrasion resistant omnidirectionally reflective jewelry piece has a central cylindrical braided rope core surrounded by a cylindrical reflective braided sleeve comprising three or more narrow width reflective strips that are braided at a shallow cylindrical braid angle that reflect an incoming light beam back in the same direction as it was emanated. The reflected light beam provides accurate omnidirectional illumination of the person wearing the reflective jewelry piece during dusk or nighttime hours. This reflective jewelry piece is created by surrounding a central braided rope of nylon or polyethylene fibers with a cylindrically braided reflective sleeve. The braided reflective sleeve is composed of narrow width reflective strips that comprise a woven or knitted narrow width strip and a flexible nylon retroreflective sheet sown thereon. The flexible retroreflective sheet is formed by thermally bonding corner cube or microsphere retroreflectors to a flexible polymeric sheet.

Abstract: The positions of electrical boxes, switches and outlets are marked and accurately located by use of an integrated measuring apparatus having multiple sets of slots, indicia printed on left and right edges of the front side of the apparatus, and levels for positioning the apparatus vertically. The integrated electrician's measurement apparatus locates the electrical boxes, switches and outlets in horizontal level even when an irregular floor is present. Such electrical devices are positioned at required distances that meet code requirements without need for additional tools. Location and installation of the boxes is facilitated. The boxes are positioned quickly and accurately in compliance with applicable code requirements. Portions of pertinent sections of the code are provided for ready reference on the body of the integrated electrician's measuring apparatus.

Abstract: A roll up ramp system facilitates transition between a first elevation and a second, higher elevation. The roll up ramp system includes a securement device temporarily connecting a roll up ramp to the second, higher elevation. Further included by the roll up ramp system are a plurality of links formed by a set of parallel plates interconnected by a central support rod and a pair of lateral locking rods. Each of the locking rods is provided with a plurality of selvedge linking units having a locking portion and a pivot portion. The links are interconnected by a plurality of linking support rods, which are accommodated by each of the selvedge linking units to form a roll up ramp. A rigid, durable ramp configuration is thereby achieved. The roll up ramp system is lightweight, strong, conveniently stored in a rolled up condition and readily deployed in an unrolled, ramp-like configuration to facilitate loading and unloading of equipment from a hauling vehicle.

Abstract: A roll up ramp system facilitates transition between a first elevation and a second higher elevation. The roll up ramp system includes a plurality of load-bearing links connected to one another having top and bottom faces and being comprised of at least one load-bearing member and a set of side plates. Each side plate has at least two apertures appointed for receiving and housing a pin, or the like, for pivotally connecting the load bearing links to one another. The load-bearing links are adapted to rotate about the pin to form an extended ramp configuration and a roll up configuration when force is applied to the roll up ramp structure. The roll up ramp is adapted to achieve a rigid, durable ramp configuration, which is readily utilized for loading equipment into a hauling device. Advantageously, the roll up configuration achieved by the ramp structure provides for convenient storage thereof.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric, rotating electric machine includes a stator assembly that includes stacked stator coil windings. The machine is preferably a polyphase, axial airgap device. Improved slot filling results from the stacked stator coil configuration. Device performance capability is thereby increased. The stator assembly of the electric device has a magnetic core made from low loss, high frequency material. A high pole count permits the electrical device to operate at high commutating frequencies, with high efficiency, high power density and improved performance characteristics. Low-loss materials incorporated by the device include amorphous metals, nanocrystalline metals, optimized Si—Fe alloys, grain-oriented Fe-based materials or non-grain-oriented Fe-based materials.