Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided in which software resident on a user's computer interfaces with software and/or supplemental information resident on a provider's computer via a transmission line to manipulate a batch of data from a plurality of records extracted from a user's mailing list. In a preferred embodiment, the user resident software directs the user's computer to extract data from multiple records within the user's mailing list. The user resident software then batches the extracted information, and transmits it across a transmission line to the provider's computer. The provider's computer then performs mailing list related functions on the batch using the provider resident software and information. The provider's computer then either transmits updated, sorted or otherwise modified data back to the user's computer for reintegration into the user's mailing list, print labels, reports or produce other output at the provider's location, or performs some other function with the data.

Abstract: A rollable fire-rated expansion joint comprising at least two heat resistant surfaces, at least two screens, each screen coupling together the at least two heat resistant surfaces, the coupled surfaces and screens defining the circumference of at least one cavity, and an insulator located within the at least one cavity.

Abstract: An acoustic testing device is relatively small enough and light enough to be transported from business to business and room to room, and yet still has acoustic characteristics sufficient to characterize a test item's noise profile in a relatively short period of time. The device preferably achieves this result by providing inner and outer housings coupled through noise and vibration isolation, the inner housing having at least some mutually non-orthogonal walls, and the sound detection apparatus comprising spatially translating microphones.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which decrease the risk and spillage associated with discharging coke from a coking vessel. The risk to workers is decreased by eliminating the need for workers to be near the coking vessel while the head is being removed. The spillage is decreased by modifying the effective diameter of the coke chute inlet in a manner which allows it to catch any materials discharged from the coking vessel both during and after the opening of the bottom head. The process can enhance drum draining and further eliminate the need for process piping to facilitate the draining of water from the coking vessel.

Abstract: A hand carried, or hand-held, portable, arc welding apparatus. Designed to provide a variable square waveform welding current output. Powered by sealed high discharge rate, gel-cell, rechargeable batteries that, are sealed for safety. A new form of welding technology is provided for saving energy and making automated tack welds. A new self-diagnostic feature is provided for safe operation. A remote control option is provided as well as a way to control the heating and cooling of the weld. Duty cycle control and frequency control are provided for efficient control of the welding process.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for determining thiols or disulphides in which a sulfur containing analyte is combined with a thiol-specific reagent to produce an intermediate, and the intermediate is combined with a solvent insoluble compound to produce a solid state complex. In one aspect of preferred embodiments the intermediate comprises a chromophore, and in especially preferred embodiments the chromophore is detectable with the naked eye. In another aspect of preferred embodiments the thiol-specific reagent comprises a nitroso-donor, and more preferably Na-nitroprusside. In yet another aspect of preferred embodiments, the solvent insoluble compound comprises a basic or acidic metallic compound, or a polymeric matrix. Still more preferred solvent insoluble compounds comprise Zn-hydroxide, Ni-hydroxide or Al-hydroxide. These compositions and methods are more sensitive and reliable method than that previously available, especially for the determination of homocysteine.

Abstract: An irrigation controller modifies sophisticated irrigation protocols using an extremely simple user control. In one aspect of a particularly preferred class of embodiments, the user control includes a simple "more/less" (increase/decrease) adjustment. In another aspect of preferred embodiments, the controller automatically determines appropriate irrigation amounts, start times, durations, and frequencies. Such automatic determination may advantageously be based in part on the more/less adjustment, and in part on an external signal, such as that transmitted by a radio transmitter.

Abstract: A quench zone mixing apparatus that occupies a low vertical height and has an improved mixing efficiency and fluid distribution across the catalyst surface includes a swirl chamber, a rough distribution network, and a distribution apparatus. In the swirl chamber, reactant fluid from a catalyst bed above is thoroughly mixed with a quench fluid by a swirling action. The mixed fluids exit the swirl chamber through an aperture to the rough distribution system where the fluids are radially distributed outward across the vessel to the distribution apparatus. The distribution apparatus includes a plate with a number of bubble caps and associated drip trays that multiply the liquid drip stream from the bubble caps to further symmetrically distribute the fluids across the catalyst surface. Alternatively, deflector baffles may be associated with the bubble caps to provide a wider and more uniform liquid distribution below the plate.

Abstract: An onboard electric vehicle charger is provided which incorporates a forward converter with dynamic balancing of the primary drive currents of its ferrite core transformer to produce 5,000 watt charging power with a power density of 333 watts per kilogram and full safety isolation between the input power source and the batteries plus small size (approximately 15" by 9" by 6") and weight (less than 15 kilograms) and a power factor correcting boost preregulator with dynamic adjustment of its compensation networks which produces full correction to substantially unity (99.9+%) for power factor with current total haromonic distortion (THD) of 2% to 3% over the entire power range of 100 watts to 5,000 watts. The same boost preregulator circuit allows operation from power sources of 95 to 145 VAC or 200 to 275 VAC.

Abstract: Conformationally restricted 3',5'-bridged nucleoside analogues are described herein. The compounds can be prepared by cyclization at C3' and C5' of nucleosides through a linker or linking molecule. The nucleoside bases may be modified or unmodified. The nucleosides can be used as oligonucleotide building blocks or as small molecule pharmaceutical ingredients.

Abstract: An antibody targeted to an antigen is brought into contact with a body component in situ. The resulting antibody/antigen complex is labeled and may be amplified. The label is then detected either in situ or ex situ.

Abstract: Boron compounds/complexes, other than boric acid and boric acid salts, are utilized for rejuvenating of skin. The compounds/complexes have a central tetrahedral boron atom covalently bound to four ligands, which may be either identical or different from each other. Preferred ligands include an oxygen, nitrogen, carbon or sulfur atom, and more preferred ligands are saccharides or amino acids that form stable five- or six-membered rings with the boron atom. Especially preferred compounds have a dissociation constant of at least 3,000, and include a saccharide. Especially preferred complexes include a sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium cation. The compounds/complexes are useful in rejuvenating skin, including decreasing skin wrinkles, improving skin thickness, increasing skin hydration, softness and elasticity, improving the skin color, and decreasing the number and size of age spots.

Abstract: There is disclosed a therapeutic exercise in which the patient lies in a supine position on a flat surface, with a long, smooth cylindrical roller having a constant compressed diameter from about 2 to about 4 inches throughout its length beneath the patient's back. The roller should be of sufficient length to span laterally across the entire patient's back and shoulders. The patient's slowly rolls his body over the roller from the sacrum along the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae by the pushing against the support surface with his feet and hands, and while shifting or rocking his body, side-to-side. The roller fixture includes a pair of end brackets which rotationally support a pair of end shafts of the roller and includes a frictional brake to restrain the rotation of the roller.

Abstract: Compounds and methods are provided for regulating serum glucose levels in patients by non-parenteral administration of a pharmaceutical in which a primary active ingredient is a cholerically active or other amphiphilic compound. In preferred embodiments the non-parenteral route involves transmucosal administration, and the active substance comprises a salt of a bile acid, bile acid derivative or bile acid analog. In still more preferred embodiments, the transmucosal administration comprises administration to a nasal membrane.

Abstract: An independently operable plant container is provided having a plurality of side walls wherein a horizontal cross section of two of the side walls form at least one apparent angle substantially greater or equal than 90.degree., and wherein another horizontal cross section of two of the side walls form at least one apparent angle of substantially less than 90.degree.. The plant container further comprises a channel in one of the side walls, wherein the channel is tapered such that two of the plant containers, each having a height x, can be stacked to a total height of no more than 1.75x.

Abstract: An improved pipe for positioning on the bottom of a body of water comprises a non-cylindrical shape and a widened, bottom contacting, base portion. Various embodiments of the improved pipe have a decreased tendency to float, to migrate upwards through a covering material, and/or to clog.The improved pipe may advantageously comprise a `D` shape wherein the widened, bottom contacting, base portion of the pipe is the flat portion of the `D`. The pipe may also have wings which extend the width of the base portion beyond the point at which the curved wall of the pipe contacts the base portion. The pipe may also have filter plugs removeably engaged in fluid inlet/outlet orifices. In some embodiments, the orifices will be positioned on the bottom of the pipe as part of the widened bottom contacting base portion.