Abstract: A polymeric injection mold has stationary and movable parts mating at a parting line. The polymeric part has one or more re-entrant surfaces on both sides of the parting line, wherein the re-entrant surfaces are defined by slide bar projections inserted into the mold. The slide bar projections are attached to slide bars that pass through tapered slots in the side walls of the stationary and movable sides of the mold and are inclined at an angle to the centerline of the mold. The slide bars of the stationary side of the mold are removably connected to pull bars, wherein the pull bars are rigidly attached at their opposite ends to the movable side of the mold. When the movable side of the mold is withdrawn, the injection molded part is pulled out of the stationary side of the mold when the slide bar projections clear the re-entrant surfaces.

Abstract: A radio-frequency surgical implement detection system detects surgical implements in a surgical wound during and at the completion of a surgical procedure. Surgical implements, including surgical sponges or laparotomy pads, gauze pads and metallic surgical instruments, are individually attached to a non battery-powered, encapsulated radio-frequency marker. The marker comprises an integrated chip having a burnt-in memory code, which is broadcast through an antenna using a modulated carrier frequency. The code is received by an interrogating antenna of a detector. The interrogating antenna provides a power pulse, which is received by the antenna of the radio-frequency marker. The power pulse charges a capacitor, which proves power for the read function, carrier frequency modulation function and broadcast function of the integrated chip, permitting each marker-containing implement to be specifically identified.

Abstract: A versatile Citizen Alert System is connected to Internet and private databases to acquire real time information useful for subscribed users. During registration, users are required to provide multimedia contact information, including telephone numbers, cell phone numbers, pager information, Blackberry or PDA information, e-mail address, and physical address, along with user defined sensitivities to alerts, including sensitivities to natural emergencies, man made emergencies and professional requirements. The system has a local or remote administrator that constantly analyzes the acquired data in accordance with requirements of each and every user, orders the data to generate alert information specific to a user, and communicates the alert to each and every user using multiple delivery platforms. A user specific, secured web page providing details of alert and hyperlinks constitutes an additional information source.

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 and VEGF165; (ii) isolating the peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) by apheresis; and (iii) injecting the PBSC into a patient suffering from chronic heart disease. 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 chronic heart disease is monitored by using an echocardiogram unit.

Abstract: A non-invasive blood gas test is carried out by a method that utilizes a venous blood sample together with a pulse oximeter and a plurality of mathematical equations. The method generates the following data points of the blood: (i) the pH level; (ii) the [H+] concentration; (iii) the [HCO3—] concentration; (iv) the partial pressure of carbon dioxide; and (v) the oxygen saturation level. Mathematical formulas, tables, and chemical equations provide a simple method by which a doctor or other medical professional can easily calculate the blood gas data without the need for an arterial blood sample or specialized machines. Blood gas measurements are obtained from a patient in a faster, safer and less painful manner than tests that require an arterial blood sample. In another embodiment of the present invention, a system for locating a dysfunctional organ in a patient is disclosed.

Abstract: A topical applications is used to treat and prevent the spread of nail infections or onychomycosis caused by bacteria, fungi and other pathogens. The topical application has a composition that comprises, as an active ingredient, at least one species selected from the group consisting of 2,2?-(alkyldioxy) bis-(alkyl-1,3,2-dioxaborinane) and 2,2?-oxybis(alkyl-1,3,2-dioxaborinane). More specifically, the composition comprises, as an active ingredient, at least one member selected from the group consisting of 2,2?-(1-methyltrimethylene dioxy) bis-(4-methyl-1,3,2-dioxaborinane) and 2,2?-oxybis (4,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborinane).

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable water bottle, cup and dish assembly and method for humans and pets wherein a readily accessible water bottle and cup are integrally housed within a delivery dish. The portable water bottle, cup and dish assembly provides a bottle removably housed within a central compartment of a cup. In addition, the bottle is removably attached within a delivery dish so that the bottle and the cup are removably housed therein. The cup and the delivery dish are each configured in size and shape to provide access for a human and a pet to drink therefrom, respectively. Optionally, the bottle comprises an insulating internal chamber adapted to insulate the liquid housed therein, keeping the liquid at a constant temperature for a period of time. Alternatively, the cup and/or the delivery dish comprise insulating capabilities adapted to insulate the liquid.

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 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 thermally bonded to a flexible polymeric sheet with attached corner cube or microsphere retroreflectors. Due to its braided construction, the reflective elements reflect light omnidirectionally over a large angle of acceptance, illuminating the horse harness or halter.

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 rocking machine automatically imparts a continuous, rocking motion to an occupant recumbent on a hammock. One end of the rocking machine is attached to a fixed location. The other end of the rocking machine is attached to a conventional hammock, which is attached to a second fixed location. The rocking machine has a container that houses a periodically reversing geared motor. Operation of the motor is controlled by an electrical circuit having a shaft attached to one end of a torsional spring. The other end of the torsional spring is connected to the hammock. A pressure sensitive switch becomes actuated and moves to a closed position, enabling supply of power to the geared motor that initiates a continuous rocking motion, when the hammock becomes occupied. The electrical circuit provides periodically reversing oscillations while monitoring current to the motor, and decreases the period between oscillations until it matches the natural period of oscillation of the spring-occupant weight system.

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: 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.