Abstract: A multilingual electronic transfer dictionary provides for automatic topic disambiguation by including one or more topic codes in definitions contained the dictionary. Automatic topic disambiguation is accomplished by determining the frequencies of topic codes within a block of text. Dictionary entries having more frequently occurring topic codes are preferentially selected over those having less frequently occurring topic codes. When the topic codes are members of a hierarchical topical coding system, such as the International Patent Classification system, an iterative method can be used with starts with a coarser level of the coding system and is repeated at finer levels until an ambiguity is resolved. The dictionary is advantageously used for machine translation, e.g. between Japanese and English.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing in-vivo sonoporation of a skin area and transdermal and/or intradermal delivery of a drug solution includes a container having an end covered with a porous membrane and containing the drug solution and an ultrasound horn having a tip submerged in the drug solution. The ultrasound horn applies ultrasound radiation to the drug solution. The ultrasound radiation has a frequency in the range of 15 KHz and 1 MHz and is applied at an intensity, for a period of time and at a distance from said skin area effective to generate cavitation bubbles. The cavitation bubbles collapse and transfer their energy into the skin area thus causing the formation of pores in the skin area. The ultrasound radiation intensity and distance from the skin area are also effective in generating ultrasonic jets, which ultrasonic jets then drive the drug solution through the porous membrane and the formed pores into the skin.

Abstract: A dialysis probe comprises a mechanically-strong membrane carrier, or support, which is an elongate, rod-like, support member having at its distal end an eye, or a notch, and a relatively-flexible, open-ended, semipermeable membrane. The opposed sides of the support member are shaped to accommodate the membrane when it is folded in a U-fashion through the eye or notch and lies against each of the opposed sides of the support member between its distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precisely applying radioactive material to a substrate such as a brachytherapy device is disclosed. A radioactive fluid adapted to cure rapidly is deposited as discrete dots onto a surface with a fluid-jet printhead. The apparatus comprises a fluid-jet printhead in communication with a chamber containing radioactive fluid to be applied by the printhead. The printhead is microprocessor driven, and the microprocessor may be provided with feedback from a station where the radioactivity deposited on a preceding substrate in a batch is measured, permitting the system to be recalibrated on an ongoing basis as the batch of printed devices is produced. Compensation for attenuation of radiation by a casing may also be made part of the feedback technique. Also disclosed is a brachytherapy device having printed on a surface dots of radiation-emitting material, in a pattern comprising various bands, dots or areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a virtual network, sitting “above” the physical connectivity and thereby providing the administrative controls necessary to link various communication devices via an Access-Method-Independent Exchange. In this sense, the Access-Method-Independent Exchange can be viewed as providing the logical connectivity required. In accordance with the present invention, connectivity is provided by a series of communication primitives designed to work with each of the specific communication devices in use. As new communication devices are developed, primitives can be added to the Access-Method-Independent Exchange to support these new devices without changing the application source code. A Thread Communication Service is provided, along with a Binding Service to link Communication Points. A Thread Directory Service is available, as well as a Broker Service and a Thread Communication Switching Service. Intraprocess, as well as Interprocess, services are available.

Abstract: An animal cage that holds the cage floor and waste collection assembly in place without the use of mechanical fasteners so that the assembly may be removed for cleaning and replaced by another assembly in minimal time. Also provided is the floor and waste collection assembly that is held in place without the use of mechanical fasteners and is removable for cleaning and replacement by another assembly in minimal time. A quick change electrical connection to provide shock current to the floor of the assembly is accomplished by creating pressure contact between conductive floor bars and electrical contacts of a circuit board in the rear support block of the cage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a virtual network, sitting “above” the physical connectivity and thereby providing the administrative controls necessary to link various communication devices via an Access-Method-Independent Exchange. In this sense, the Access-Method-Independent Exchange can be viewed as providing the logical connectivity required. In accordance with the present invention, connectivity is provided by a series of communication primitives designed to work with each of the specific communication devices in use. As new communication devices are developed, primitives can be added to the Access-Method-Independent Exchange to support these new devices without changing the application source code. A Thread Communication Service is provided, along with a Binding Service to link Communication Points. A Thread Directory Service is available, as well as a Broker Service and a Thread Communication Switching Service. Intraprocess, as well as Interprocess, services are available.

Abstract: A system for displaying moving images from image information, e.g. on videotape or disk, in the form of a series of image frames to be displayed sequentially over a period of time. The image information does not contain stereoscopic information captured at the origin. As in conventional stereoscopic display, at any particular point in time, two image frames, A and B, are displayed simultaneously, one to each of the observer's eyes. However image frames A and B are generated from a single source of sequential image information. Image frame A is derived from a frame F1 and frame B is derived from a frame F2 of the series of source image frames. Frame F2 is positioned to be conventionally displayed after frame F1 by about 0.0167 and about 0.033 seconds.

Abstract: A turf-simulating surface and golf practice tee device simulates the properties of natural turf. The device is made of independent components which simulate the layers of natural soil. One component is a composite mat comprising an integral pile section and plastic foam layer. The pile section has tufted strands that simulate grass, and a loop portion that is interactively positioned in a lateral-strength fabric. A plastic foam element is bonded to both the lateral-strength fabric and to the looped regions of the pile section. A second component is a rimmed base that simulates the supporting properties of the deeper layers of natural soil. The rim of the rimmed base is integrally formed around a engineered-plastic composite core. A third component is a tee-block that comprises a first component material element and a gel-foam tee-retaining element.

Abstract: A method of making a sealed double-walled tubular precursor device that is adapted to be transmuted into a brachytherapy device is disclosed. The device is hollow-tube-shaped, allowing the easy association of the device with suture material. Disclosed are methods of making devices that can be rendered radioactive by the transmuting effects of irradiation by a cyclotron or nuclear reactor. The brachytherapy devices facilitate medical application and improve safety for patients and medical personnel.

Abstract: The present invention is particularly directed to the use of a derivative of vinblastine, 3′,4′-anhydrovinblastine (AHVB), which differs from vinblastine in that it possesses a double bond at the 3′,4′ position of the caranthine nucleus rather than the hydroxyl group that is present in the parent structure, as an anti-neoplastic agent in the therapeutic treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Improved optical elements having rises and faces, which may have annular or linear grooves, such as Fresnel spherical or cylindrical lenses, and methods of making them, are disclosed wherein an opaque coating is imparted to the rises by methods including positioning pre-printed opaque elements on a substrate such that when the optical element is pressed, stamped, embossed or molded from the substrate, rises of the completed element comprise said pre-printed opaque elements. A reflective element is made by imparting a reflective coating onto a substrate and then a non-reflective coating to the rises, e.g. by applying non-reflective material to the element and selectively cleaning it to leave a coat of non-reflective material adhering to the rises but not the faces. Photoresist, photographic emulsion, or ink may be used as the coating. Unwanted light may also be minimized by using circularly polarized light.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of using a computer to select corporate stocks for investment. Fifty stocks are selected from a database on the basis of certain criteria. The stocks are acquired in equal proportions, and the portfolio is rebalanced at the end of an annual term. A method of the present invention uses either a growth strategy, a value strategy, or both strategies. Growth Model 3 strategy selects the stocks with the best 1-year price performance from All Stocks (stocks with market capitalization more than $150 million) with earnings gains for five consecutive years that also have price-to-sales ratios below 1.5. Value Model 3 strategy selects market leading stocks with the highest dividend yields (excluding utilities so they do not dominate the list). Market leading stocks come from the Large Stocks Universe and have: more common shares outstanding than the average stock in the database, cashflows per share exceeding the database mean, and corporate sales that are 1.5 times the database mean.

Abstract: A coaxial piping system connected between an underground pump and an above-ground liquid dispenser is used to provide containment of the pumped liquid from the underground piping system, preventing unintended release into the environment. A pair of coaxial pipes are removably connected to the underground pump at one end and to the dispenser at the other end using quick-disconnect fittings to allow for the replacement of the piping. A primary pipe for conveying gasoline or the like is surrounded by a secondary pipe, which provides containment in the event of leakage from the primary pipe. The piping system can be tested for leaks or replaced from grade without excavating at the installed tank site. A sensor in the annular space between the primary and secondary pipes may be used to detect leakage. A path may be provided for the gravity drainage of such leaks from the secondary pipe into a containment chamber, where the liquid may be detected and removed.

Abstract: A method for capping or crimping an isolation cell or an isolation cap, for a safe disposal, to a sharp tip of a used or otherwise unsanitary needle of a medical device and an apparatus used therefor. By capping the tip of the used needle of the medical device, such as a disposable syringe, the isolation cell effectively eliminates the risk of infection or injury to anyone exposed to the tip of the used needle during or after its disposal. The apparatus includes a dispenser containing a plurality of the isolation cells where the dispenser positions one cell at a time into an anvil for prepositioning the isolation cell to receive a tip portion of the used needle within its interior. The used needle is then inserted through an orifice disposed on needle-alignment means, for safe and easy insertion.

Abstract: The change between a dispersed state and a flocculated state of a colloidal agent (e.g. Congo Rubin, colloidal gold) is used to provide sensitive visual detection and optionally assay of enzyme in a sample. The test cell includes a substrate for the enzyme, and, depending on the action of the enzyme, polymer which protects the colloid from electrolyte-induced flocculation is either formed or destroyed by the test reaction. In a test for a hydrolytic enzyme (e.g. a protease) the colloid loses protection and flocculates. In a test for a polymer-forming enzyme, the colloid gains protection and is prevented from flocculating by added electrolyte, or alternatively, depending on the polymer's behavior, becomes more sensitive to the flocculating action of the added electrolyte. The measurement may be quantitated using an instrumental monitor. The test uses a natural substrate for the enzyme to be assayed (e.g., gelatin for the gelatinase class of enzymes) and may achieve rapid speed.

Abstract: A plug seedling extractor for use with a plurality of variously-sized plug seedling trays is disclosed. The extractor has a base plate assembly with a plurality of extractor pins and an extraction table assembly with a plurality of holes aligned with the extractor pins. A plurality of threaded bolts having lock nuts mate with coupling nuts on the base plate assembly to slidingly connect and vary the height between the extraction table assembly and the base plate assembly. Each of a pair of hand-actuated levers are connected to the extraction table assembly and the base plate assembly on one side to cause relative motion between the extraction table assembly and the base plate assembly. The plug seedling tray slides over the extraction table assembly and is held in position by the cooperation of vertical restraining bars directly over the tray with rear and side alignment bars.

Abstract: An underground storage tank for fluids such as gasoline or chemicals is provided with L-shaped piping means for venting vapor pockets that would normally be trapped inside an inclined tank. The tank has a generally cylindrical top surface with one or two vent tubes secured inside the top of that surface, each tube extending from a point immediately adjacent a head wall to an upstand exiting through the manway cover. When a pair of such tubes and upstands is provided, vapor can be vented or discharged to the atmosphere, regardless of which way the tank is inclined. Such venting of trapped vapor prior to a hydrostatic test on an underground storage tank permits accurate determination of tank leakage and integrity. Existing tanks may be retrofitted with such venting means.

Abstract: The disclosed device provides illumination for a radiation dosimeter or other tubular instrument which is held directly in front of the eye for viewing. It can also be used as a compact flashlight for inconspicuous use such as for reading a map in a car or a program in a theater, and it can be carried by medical personnel to illuminate the eye of a patient. The illuminator comprises a light-emitting diode (LED) protruding through an annular spacer. The leads from the LED are bent around a battery comprising one or more button cells. The inner assembly comprising the LED, spacer and battery is held together by a plastic sleeve of shrink-wrap material, such as polyolefin. The inner assembly is enclosed in a thimble-shaped flexible plastic casing, which is adapted to slide onto the end of a dosimeter for permanent mounting. When the user squeezes the casing, the leads are brought into contact with the batteries, thereby completing the circuit, lighting the LED, and illuminating the dosimeter.

Abstract: An M16-type automatic rifle is provided with an improved gas operating system. The tube extending forwardly from the bolt carrier key is of such length that it permanently mates with the aftwardly extending gas transfer tube as the bolt carrier key shuttles forward and aftward in operation. This arrangement minimizes fouling by combustion products from the firing of ammunition. Modifications to the gas transfer tube and barrel nut assembly accommodate the extended bolt carrier key tube and facilitate quick change of the barrel in the field with a standard tool.