Abstract: An actuator of the present invention includes a set of generally planar assemblies comprising cross-hinges that are disposed between a set of extended arms and a rigid mounting base. The hinges of the present invention flex to about a pivot axis to replace the pivot and bearing assembly of prior art actuators. In an exemplary embodiment the hinges are used in conjunction with a voice-coil motor (“VCM”).

Abstract: A kit for labeling cells to determine their viability which includes a first dye for labeling non-viable cells and a second dye for labeling all cells, including non-viable cells in which the dyes are selected to have concentrations suitable for determining the viability of cells in cell suspensions having different cell viability.

Abstract: A low profile connector assembly for use with first and second printed circuit boards comprising a male connector housing having a cavity communicating with an opening in a side. A plurality of male electrical contacts have respective blades are disposed completely within the cavity in longitudinally spaced-apart positions and accessible from the opening. A female connector housing is included in the connector assembly for at least partially seating within the cavity. A plurality of female electrical contacts are carried by the female housing and have respective socket portions for receiving the blades when the male and female housings are interconnected. The male and female electrical contacts serve to transmit power between the printed circuit boards. The connector assembly may include a split blade assembly having unitary bodies separated by an insulative spacer for transmitting power from distinct traces and may include cooperative ribs and grooves.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of protein design automaton (PDA) to generate computationally prescreened secondary libraries of proteins, and to methods and compositions utilizing the libraries.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for coupling adjacent cavities which includes a window having side walls joining two cavities and a coupling member extending into said window between said side walls. The coupling member is movable between said side walls to adjust the coupling.

Abstract: Polypeptides selected from the group of growth factors and cytokines are administered by intrapulmonary inhalation. Disclosed are novel compositions and devices for effecting the intrapulmonary administration of these polypeptides.

Abstract: A method of building and assembling programs across computer networks that is dictated by the user to perform logical work without the user using a compiler. Users are able to assemble programs over a network by defining or re-defining which logical components are bound into the overall program without the use of a compiler. Logical components are called and bound into the program at run time, allowing dynamic programming which may be modified at any time without re-compiling the entire program. Each logical component can act independently of other logical components or work in concert with each other. This allows assembly of a program, even though some components may be created using totally different methodologies and/or are constructed by different programmers.

Abstract: This invention creates a portable digital identity of the individual that includes personal information, and may also include data representing the person's handwritten signature and one or more passwords. The digital identity optionally includes data representing seals, fingerprints and biometric information. The digital identity can be used to bind a verifiable electronic impression with an electronic document using electronic watermarks so that any modification in the document or the electronic impression bound to the document can be detected. The personal information included in the digital identifiers can include, in addition to a password, answers to questions that are composed by the user. The digital identity of a user can be created once and stored after encryption for protection. This digital identity can then be used by the signer to bind a unique instance of an impression of the digital identity to any document.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display has a first substrate plate and a second substrate plate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the plates. A polarizing coating, having molecules of one or more organic dyes capable of forming a lyotropic liquid crystalline phase, is formed overlying a selected surface of each plate. Orientation of the polarizing coating is obtained by applying a force to the dye molecules when in the liquid crystal phase and subsequently converting the liquid crystal phase to a solid film.

Abstract: An integrated mobile phone and personal digital assistant that includes a telephone keypad which folds onto a personal digital assistant screen with the keypad exposed, and slides to expose a portion of the screen, and unfolds to expose the entire screen, thereby allowing both devices to share a single screen for their respective operations.

Abstract: Compact microwave clothes dryer and method in which the dryer is small enough to be placed on a countertop, and air is circulated past microwave generator and power supply components to the drying chamber to transfer heat from the components to clothes in the chamber to supplement the microwave drying.

Abstract: A holder for an array of bundles containing multiple fiber optic strands provides a pattern of openings into which one each of each bundle is fit. The openings may (but need not) penetrate the full holder thickness to permit working with bundles from either bundle end. In one embodiment the holder thickness equals the bundle length, and the holder is sized similarly to a microscope slide. An alternative embodiment temporarily retains bundles in a desired registration and subjects the retained bundles to molten material such as wax that is allowed to harden around the bundles and become the holder. A modular holder comprises laminates that each contain parallel grooves sized to receive a bundle. A holder for a single bundle includes cooperating grip-like members, one of which is pivotably attached and biased toward the other member. A common form factor may be used for each holder type to facilitate retaining holders in a common docking station.

Abstract: A cache system has a multilevel cache architecture. An L1 cache receives instructions from an external memory. An L0 cache has a first predetermined number L0 of cache lines for receiving instructions from the L1 cache. An assist cache has a victim cache and a prefetch cache. The victim cache stores a second predetermined number VC of cache lines, and the prefetch cache stores a third predetermined number PC of cache lines. The victim cache receives instructions from the L0 cache. The prefetch cache receives instructions from the L1 cache. A victim filter stores a fourth predetermined number VF of addresses wherein VF is a function of L0 and a number of cache writes. The number of cache writes to the L0 and the victim cache is reduced relative to using the L0 cache without the assist cache.

Abstract: An ion transfer assembly for transferring ions from an atmospheric pressure ion source into an ion trap mass spectrometer with reduced random noise during analysis of the transferred ions. A method of reducing noise due to charged particles, undesolvated charged droplets, or ions in an ion trap mass spectrometer connected to an atmospheric pressure ionization source.

Abstract: The present invention includes a structure, apparatus, and method by which the reflectivity of a micro-machined reflector can be improved. The present invention increases the mirror's reflectivity at 650 nm, increases its reflectivity at 410 nm, and improves its long-term reliability. The reflectivity at other wavelengths may also be improved. Also, the present invention minimizes mirror plate distortion while providing a suitable fabrication approach.

Abstract: An arthroscopic probe with a distally orientated concave curve which constrains tissue is disclosed. It is particularly adapted to cutting ligaments and tendons. Also disclosed is a thermal energy delivery apparatus that includes (a) a probe with a distal end and a proximal end, (b) a first electrode positioned at the distal end of the probe and (c) a cabling coupled to the proximal end of the probe.

Abstract: A receive/transmit multi-cavity filter having input and output filter sections coupled to an antenna by a single cavity.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for identifying and diagnosing individuals at risk for a disease state associated with aberrant Rad41 foci.

Abstract: The invention provides shuttle vectors, and methods of using shuttle vectors, capable of expression in, at least, a mammalian cell. Furthermore, the shuttle vectors are capable of replication in at least yeast, and optionally, bacterial cells. Also provided is a method wherein yeast are transformed with a shuttle vector as provided herein. Heterologous nucleic acids flanked by 5′ and 3′ ends identical to a homologous recombination site within the shuttle vector are introduced to the transformed yeast and allowed to homologously recombine with the shuttle vector such that they are inserted into the vector by the yeast organism. The shuttle vector is then recovered and transferred to a mammalian cell for expression.