Abstract: A stand for supporting an object. The stand includes a base, a support member coupled to the base, and a movement mechanism adapted to allow the object to move along a range of travel relative to the base. The base includes a planar surface for resting on a support surface. The planar surface includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a pad for providing frictional resistance between the base and the support surface on which the base is placed. The second portion includes at least first and second wheels, for rotating the base about the pad such that the object is rotated about the pad when the base is rotated about the pad.

Abstract: Method and apparatus (1) for receiving, storing and distributing blood bags including a cabinet (2) for containing all the components of the apparatus (1); a refrigerated space (21) for containing the bags; a magazine (3) housed inside the refrigerated space (21) comprising a plurality of cells (31), each capable of containing a single bag, each of the cells being identified by a cell code. The apparatus (1) further includes a data processing system (7) housed inside the cabinet (2), capable of controlling a movement system (5) and a cooling system (6) each housed inside the cabinet (2), and capable of controlling the receiving, the preservation and the releasing of the bags, and capable of exchanging data from and to an external data-management system (17) with which the apparatus (1) can interact.

Abstract: A structural element comprising a vehicle suspension control arm is constructed from a complex, single piece, sheet metal stamped component formed from a material of uniform thickness. The stamping is configured with the correct plan view shape and formed into an I-beam cross-section comprising a central web portion and two flange portions. The central web portion is configured as a single material thickness and the flange portions comprise upstanding and downstanding closed sections with a continuous double returned segment. The open ends of the sheet metal terminate at or near the central web portion and are welded to the web portion, and in an alternative embodiment also to the continuous double returned segment, to create a favorable structural I-beam section with flange portions twice the thickness of the web portion.

Abstract: A lab on a valve analytical system includes a rotary sample preparation assembly having a stator and a rotor. The rotor includes a plurality of integral syringe pumps which can be aligned with passages formed within the stator. The stator passages can be connected with fluid inlet connector which connect the sample preparation assembly with fluid sources, and fluid outlet connectors which connect the sample preparation assembly with one or more wet chemical analytical devices. Some embodiments can include a mixer and optical sensor connected with the fluid outlets. One or more drive motors can be used to control simultaneous actuation of one or more of the syringe pumps, thereby providing for simultaneous delivery of metered volumes of fluid.

Abstract: A method for fractionating whole kernel corn into bran, germ and endosperm fractions. Corn (tempered or non-tempered) is processed through an impact mill and through a screener to divide the initial feed stream into two or more flows or substreams. The substreams or portions thereof may be further processed through a plurality of aspirators, roller mills and screeners to provide bran, germ and endosperm fractions of desired purity levels.

Abstract: A method for preparing a chalcopyrite-type semiconductor compound which is widely used as a sunlight-absorbing material. More specifically, disclosed is a method for preparing a chalcopyrite-type compound, in which microwaves are used as heat sources in the preparation of the chalcopyrite-type compound, and the chalcopyrite-type compound can be produced in a large amount in a short reaction time using a batch or continuous reactor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for harvesting crop rows employ a plurality of pairs of residue guides to guide harvest residue into rows that are left behind the harvesting machine in the place of the harvested crop rows.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means to broadly protect the military and the public from injury from biological warfare weapons, particularly infective agents such as anthrax. Beta (1,3)-glucans, particularly whole glucan particles, PGG-Glucan, and microparticulate glucan, provide general immune enhancement, thereby increasing the body's ability to defend against a wide variety of biological threats. Beta (1,3)-glucans have been shown to increase the resistance to infection by anthrax and other infectious organisms when administered before and after infection. The anti-infective mechanism of ?(1,3)-glucan appears to involve stimulation of the innate immune system through increased cytokine release and CR3 receptor activation. Beta (1,3)-glucan is pharmaceutically stable, relatively compact, and can also be used without significant side effects. Beta (1,3)-glucan can also enhance the effectiveness of other medical countermeasures such as antibiotics, vaccines, and immune antibodies.

Abstract: A standardized, lyophilized edible food containing a biologically safe stable marker for use in the measurement of gastric emptying by the quantification of marker excreted in the breath of the patient.

Abstract: A hanger includes first and second holding members, for reversibly grasping a pair of boots, which members are spaced apart from one another along a first axis and along a second axis, the first being approximately orthogonal to the second, and both the first and second being approximately orthogonal to vertical. This spacing allows the pair of boots to be held side-by-side so that a heel portion of one boot of the pair is approximately aligned with an arch portion of the mating boot. The hanger may include a neck and a pair of arms, which extend from the neck to support the holding members, and the neck and arms of the hanger may be formed from a single piece of wire. A holding device may include both the hanger and a covering to fit around the boots held by the hanger.

Abstract: A method of scheduling offset compensation for an infrared (IR) imaging system to maintain good image quality. The method includes a scheduling algorithm for automatic offset compensation. The scheduling algorithm automatically adjusts periods between offset compensations based on the measurement of drift of the focal plane array (FPA) pixel levels. As a result, the periods are adjusted both when the camera is thermally stable and when the camera is undergoing an internal thermal change.

Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.

Abstract: Press brake tool holders suitable for releasing and securing press brake tools. Provided in certain embodiments are a press brake tool holder and a press brake tool, in combination. Methods of using press brake tool holders are also provided. In some embodiments, the tool holder has a mechanism for tool seating, such as a mechanism adapted for moving a tool generally parallel to a pressing axis of the tool holder.

Abstract: Methods and devices for guiding harvest residue at the time of harvest to prepare crops for strip-tilling operations. Embodiments of the invention include an attachment for a harvesting machine, and a method of harvesting a row crop in a way that directs harvest residue into relatively narrow strips, leaving strips of soil between the strips of harvest residue in better condition for strip-tilling. The management and placement of harvest residue during harvesting operations according to embodiments of the invention may improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of strip-tilling operations.

Abstract: The invention provides low-emissivity coatings that are highly reflective of infrared radiation. The coating includes three infrared-reflection film regions, which may each comprise silver.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical towel roll product comprises an absorbent towel roll having an upright axis, and a flexible, water resistant, protective wrapper engaging the circumferential surface of the towel roll and of sufficient strength to restrain significant diametric expansion of the towel roll when the roll is subjected to an axial load and to increase axial stiffness of the product. The wrapper includes top and bottom portions that encase the top and bottom surfaces of the roll, respectively, the top wrapper portion having an opening providing axial access to the towel roll and through which individual towels can be drawn axially from the interior of the towel roll. A removable and replaceable soil and water-resistant cover protectively covers the wrapper opening, and a rigid disc may be provided between the top surface of the towel roll and the top portion of the wrapper, the disc extending radially to the periphery of the upper surface of the roll.

Abstract: A contact assembly of a medical device includes a sidewall, surrounding a bore that receives axial insertion of a medical electrical lead connector; the bore extends along a longitudinal axis of the contact assembly, and first and second contact clips are mounted on, or attached to the sidewall, such that opposing first and second legs of each clip extend into the bore of the contact assembly. The mounted contact clips may be approximately 90 degrees offset from one another about a perimeter of the bore. The mounted contact clips may form a single electrical coupling, for example, if the sidewall is conductive, or individual and separate electrical couplings, for example, if the sidewall is non-conductive. The first and second legs of each contact clip may bend into and out from the bore, such that first and second terminal ends of each clip are located outside the bore.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improved containers for pharmaceuticals and any tubing and tubing connectors associated therewith, particularly containers for pharmaceuticals which are irradiated, heated or otherwise subjected to increased pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is directed to an improved container for use in a radioisotope generator, such as a rubidium-82 generator.