Abstract: A lifetime-prediction system generates an estimate of the remaining lifetime of a system component on the basis of the amount of time and the extent to which a measured-variable signal generated by the system component exceeds a stress threshold. The accumulation of measured-variable signals and the estimation of the remaining lifetime are performed locally to the system component, thereby reducing data traffic between the system component and a centralized processor and ensuring portability of the system component.

Abstract: The invention includes systems and methods which allow reactivation of supported noble metal catalysts. The method involves heating the catalyst in the presence of a gaseous hydrocarbon in the absence of oxidizing agents. Systems of the invention provide for in situ reactivation of catalytic material.

Abstract: An essentially non-osteoconductive medical device is described comprising a biodegradable terephthalate copolymer comprising the recurring monomeric units shown in formula I: wherein R is a divalent organic moiety; x is ≧1; and n is 3-7,500, where the biodegradable polymer is sufficiently pure to be biocompatible and is capable of forming biocompatible residues upon biodegradation. Compositions containing the copolymers and biologically active substances, articles useful for implantation or injection into the body fabricated from the compositions, and methods for controllably releasing biologically active substances using the copolymers, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a constituent sensing system including a container for holding a flowable product. A moveable member is positioned within the container for moving the flowable product within the container in a manner which simulates a flow of the flowable product. A probe is positioned proximate to the moving flowable product for analyzing the moving flowable product.

Abstract: A headgear and method for exhibiting displays, such as company logos, special events, messages, or just general advertisement on the bill of the headgear are provided. The bill, generally made from a stiff material, can be provided with a flexible and pliable insert to permit a display to be embroidered or sewn therethrough, while permitting the bill to maintain its shape.

Abstract: An optical amplifier having a first input for inputting first optical signals propagating in a first direction having a first series of mutually distinct wavelengths; a first output for outputting second optical signals propagating in a first direction having the first series of mutually distinct wavelengths; a first amplifier for amplifying the first optical signals; a first optical circulator having an input port coupled to the first amplifier, an intermediate port coupled to a first end of a first selective reflection circuit, and an output port coupled to the first output; and a second optical circulator having an intermediate port coupled to a second end of the first reflection circuit, an output port coupled to a first selective splitter, and an input port coupled to a second selective splitter, where the input and output ports have passbands centered around a first predetermined wavelength of the first series.

Abstract: Methods are provided relating to the enhanced cytoplasmic accumulation of amphipathic weakly basic or amphipathic cationic molecules in prokaryotes and eukaryotes under conditions of high extracellular pH. Furthermore, the methods relate to the unexpected synergistic effects of high extracellular pH and disrupted cellular efflux mechanisms on the cytoplasmic accumulation of amphipathic weakly basic or amphipathic cationic molecules in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Methods are also provided for increasing the therapeutic potency of amphipathic weakly basic or amphipathic cationic compounds, e.g. antiseptics and disinfectants by using the antiseptic or disinfectant in the presence of a multiple drug resistance inhibitor such as reserpine. Finally, methods also relate to the exploitation of the aforementioned discoveries in the screening of small molecules, and libraries thereof, for biological activity in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Abstract: A cream depositor assembly has a depositor body in the form of a rotatable cylindrical stencil (11) provided with axially-spaced sets of circumferentially-spaced outlet ports (12). A recirculatory cream supply to the depositor body has a cream feed duct (27) fed by a pump (25), and a cream return duct (28). A cream diverting means (14) is housed within the interior of the stencil (11) and is operative to divert part of the cream flow from the feed duct (27) to an outlet passage (28), to supply the stencil. The illustrated diverting means (14) employs a flexible impeller (36), mounted eccentrically within a cylindrical rotor chamber, but a gear pump may be used.

Abstract: Biodegradable, flowable or flexible polymer compositions are described comprising a polymer having the recurring monomeric units shown in formula I: wherein: each of R and R′ is independently straight or branched alkylene, either unsubstituted or substituted with one or more non-interfering substituents; L is a divalent cycloaliphatic group; R″ is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heterocyclic or heterocycloxy; and n is 5 to 1,000, wherein said biodegradable polymer is biocompatible before and upon biodegradation. In one embodiment, one or more of R, R′ or R″ is a biologically active substance. Amorphous compositions containing a biologically active substance, in addition to the polymer, and methods for controllably releasing biologically active substances using the compositions, are also described.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus is provided that includes a pressure tube and a first cap assembly having a control system, with the first cap assembly coupled to a first end of the pressure tube for forming a gas-tight seal thereat. The apparatus also includes a second cap assembly coupled to a second end of the pressure tube for forming a gas-tight seal thereat, with the second cap assembly supporting a fluid container that is housed in the interior space of the pressure tube.

Abstract: In a charging material preheater for preheating charging material (60) which is to be charged into a furnace vessel (3), having a shaft (9) which is fixed in a frame structure (20) and which in its upper region has a closeable feed opening (61) for the charging material (60) and a gas outlet and in its lower region a discharge opening for the charging material (60) and a gas inlet, and whose shaft walls (33, 35) delimit a receiving space (62) for the charging material (60) to be heated, the shaft walls (34, 35) are subdivided into shaft wall portions which are individually replaceably fixed in the frame structure (20).

Abstract: By virtue of the present invention, there is provided methods and compositions for interfering with the proliferation of cells infected and/or transformed by papillomaviruses. The processes and compositions of this invention may be used to treat any mammal, including humans. According to this invention, mammals are treated by the pharmaceutically acceptable administration of an E2 peptidomimetic to reduce the symptoms of the specific papillomavirus-associated disease, or to prevent their recurrence.

Abstract: A device for treating an occlusion or constriction, such as a stenosis in a blood vessel or other conduit within the body, as well as for treating a tumor or cancerous area occurring around a conduit or duct in the body is provided. The device includes an insert having a non-radioactive precursor, and a capsule encapsulating the insert. The precursor, containing tungsten which is substantially enriched in tungsten-180, can be activated to emit X-ray radiation and delivered to the treatment site to treat the stenosis or cancerous area. Upon activation by exposure to neutron flux, tungsten-180 is transmuted to contain an amount of X-ray-emitting tungsten-181 sufficient for treatment. The tungsten can also act as an X-ray-opaque marker to facilitate external visualization of capsule after delivery to the treatment site.

Abstract: We describe here a new class of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP), called “PTP-NP” (for neural and pancreatic) receptors. The sequence of an exemplary PTP-NP gene (SEQ ID No. 1) indicates it encodes a receptor type PTP (SEQ ID No. 2) with a single tyrosine phosphatase domain. Comparison of PTP-NP with the other known PTPs reveals a cysteine-conserved motif in the extracellular domain and, together with their homology in the phosphatase domain, this defines a new subclass of receptor type PTPs.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to novel reaction conditions that allow the efficient synthesis of diaryl ethers from arenes bearing a leaving group and arenols under relatively mild conditions. Another aspect of the present invention relates to the dramatic effects of acidic activators on Ullmann-type couplings involving electron-poor and/or relatively insoluble substrates.

Abstract: In one aspect, biocompatible matrices such as sol-gels encapsulating a reaction center may be administered to a subject for conversion of prodrugs into biologically active agents. In certain embodiments, the biocompatible matrices of the present invention are sol-gels. In one embodiment, the enzyme L-amino acid decarboxylase is encapsulated and implanted in the brain to convert L-dopa to dopamine for treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: A rechargeable impact screwdriver (1) includes a housing (2) and a brush holder (20). The brush holder (20) in turn includes a circular main holder body (21) and a bearing box (22) which contains a ball bearing and is coaxially and integrally formed with the main holder body (21). A pair of carbon brushes (25) is inserted into the bearing box (22) so as to come into pressing contact with a motor shaft (14) which is supported by the ball bearing of the a bearing box (22). The brush holder (20) is elastically supported within the housing (2) by four rubber pins (32) which are mounted in the main holder body (21) and in bosses (33) of the housing (2) on the opposite ends thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides tools, kits and methods for braiding animal hair, in particular hair of the horse's mane. Tools include a pulling tool, a cutting tool and a cutting comb. The pulling tool and the cutting tool are attachable to ends of a cord that retains them in a convenient position for the groomer to use. The tools may be assembled in a kit for easy use. Methods are disclosed for the use of these tools to braid the animal's mane in an aesthetically desirable manner.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to novel, electron-rich bidentate ligands for transition metals. A second aspect of the present invention relates to the use of catalysts comprising these ligands in transition metal-catalyzed carbon-heteroatom and carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions. The subject methods provide improvements in many features of the transition metal-catalyzed reactions, including the range of suitable substrates, reaction conditions, and efficiency.