Abstract: A compound of the formula where R1 is H, C1–C4 alkyl and OH; R2 in is H, C1–C4 alkyl and OH; R3 is H and C1–C4 alkyl; R4 is H and C1–C4 alkyl; n is an integer between 0 and 2 inclusive; R5 is a nullity, NHR7C(O)—, C6H4—, C6H4—O—; R7 is C2–C6 alkyl; and R6 is a moiety capable of crossing the blood brain barrier and is as a free compound serotonin, dopamine, blood brain barrier (BBB) peptide, membrane translocating peptide, TAT peptides, bradykinin, beta-endorphin, bombesin, calcitonin, cholecystokinin, an enkephalin, dynorphin, insulin, gastrin, substance P, neurotensin, glucagon, secretin, somatostatin, motilin, vasopressin, oxytocin, prolactin, thyrotropin, an angiotensin, galanin, neuropeptide Y, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, gonadotropnin-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, vasoactive intestinal peptidegluconate, transferrin, glucosylamine, amino saccharin, saccharin ester, lactylamine, leucine, tryptophan, amino glutamate and amino cholines.

Abstract: Check reins in the form of elongated members are used to limit the extreme range of motion which would otherwise be permitted by some ADR designs. The check reins serve two main purposes. First, they retain disc spacers, if present. Additionally, the wedge shape of ADRs and the removal of the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL) and a portion of the Annulus Fibrosus (AF) to insert the ADR from an anterior approach, favor anterior extrusion of disc spacers. In preferred embodiments the check reins are therefore limited to the anterior portion of the periphery of the ADR. Second, check reins serve to prevent excessive spinal motion. Again, although they may be helpful in other locations, anterior check reins help restore the motion limiting functions of the ALL and AF that were removed in anterior approaches to the spine.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for sensing the temperature of an arterial wall or other body lumen includes a blood-flow-occluding feature to increase the accuracy of the temperature measurements. In addition to the flow-occluding feature, the catheter includes a distal end with a temperature sensing structure and a proximal end including a manually operated expansion control. The temperature sensing structure including one or more presentation elements in the form of a basket or braided structure having at least one temperature sensor supported thereon, each sensor being operative to generate an electrical signal indicative of temperature.

Abstract: An improved road marker with a one piece shell and recesses containing elongated members with an undercut relief is provided. The road marker contains a retroreflective lens and a bottom surface with a plurality of the recesses protruding into the shell. The cross section of the recesses can be in the shape of a circle, ellipse, triangle or any shaped polygon, and said cross section can vary as a function of the depth of the recess into the shell and the location of said recess on the bottom surface. The cross section of the elongated member in an axial direction can be in the shape of a circle, ellipse, triangle or any shaped polygon. The undercut relief can be in the form of threads, ridges or any type of indentation into the elongated member that provides a rough surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for refining 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, and particularly to a method for refining 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid comprising recrystallizing crude 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid in the form of an amine salt using a solvent comprising a protic polar solvent selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, water, and a mixture thereof, and an acetate. In accordance with the invention, 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid can be obtained with excellent purity and color, and at the same time, it can be obtained in an economical and environmentally friendly way because the acetate, which is a byproduct of the oxidation process, is used as a solvent.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a pass-through between the passenger compartment and the cargo space of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a front portion, the front portion surrounding a front opening of a central aperture, and a flange extending rearward of the front portion, the flange surrounding the central aperture and defining a rear opening of the central aperture. A portion of the flange protrudes into the cargo space. The apparatus is mechanically associated with the seat so that, as the seat reclines, the apparatus moves in relation to the body of the vehicle, and the flange protrudes further into the cargo space as the seat is reclined.

Abstract: A neurological motor therapy suit includes a vest which is snugly, but removably, secured around the shoulders and chest of a patient. The vest completely encircles a portion of the upper torso of the patient and is constructed of a substantially non-elastic material. A pant garment is detachably secured to the patient so that the pant garment extends around both the hips of the patient as well as the upper portion of each thigh. The pant garment is also constructed of a substantially non-elastic material. A plurality of the elastic bands extend between and interconnect the vest and the pant garment. Optionally, the therapy suit includes a cap removably secured to the head of the patient, knee supports removably secured to the knees of the patient, and/or shoe supports. Elastic bands extend between the cap, knee support and shoe supports to other parts of the therapy suit.

Abstract: A complex is provided for the treatment of neurogenic conditions having the formula: where R1 is M is a metal ion Ca(II), Mg(II), Cu(II) or Ni(II); n is an integer 1 or 2; R is BBB peptide, transferrin, membrane transporter peptide, TAT peptide, bradykinin, beta-endorphin, bombesin, calcitonin, cholecystokinin, an enkephalin, dynorphin, insulin, gastrin, substance P, neurotensin, glucagon, secretin, somatostatin, motilin, vasopressin, oxytocin, prolactin, thyrotropin, an angiotensin, galanin, neuropeptide Y, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, gonadotropnin-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, vasoactive intestinal peptidegluconate, L-lactate, L-leucine, L-tryptophan, and L-glutamate; and R is coupled to M through a carboxylate moiety. Magnesium(II) represents the preferred metal ion as magnesium is known to have neuroprotective effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storage bin assembly that is disposable in an opening formed in a vehicle dashboard. The assembly includes a bin portion having a pivotable door that selectably allows access to an interior storage area. A lid is disposed on the bin portion and includes front and rear edges. A slot is formed within the lid that extends perpendicularly between the front and rear edges wherein a centering pin formed on the top edge of the door cooperates with the slot to cause the door to remain centered relative to the opening formed in the vehicle dashboard. The centering pin and slot are such that they are at all times hidden from the user's view when the storage bin door is being opened or closed.

Abstract: Feedback for self-calibration of any parameter in an analog and/or digital system is described wherein a system quality factor can be represented by a voltage or current differential. The preferred embodiment is operative to alternately supply two or more optimally equivalent currents or voltages from such a system, detect amplitude and/or phase feedback of resultant output signal at the frequency of the alternation, and use feedback to modify a calibration value, voltage, or current so as to minimize or maximize the feedback, thus effecting self-calibration of the system. Such a method and attendant apparatus enables system self-calibration without need of any high-precision or high-cost components.

Abstract: A post assembly with illuminated information includes a hollow tube extending upwardly from a ground surface, the tube having a sidewall with textual or graphical information cut therethrough. A lighting assembly is disposed within the hollow tube, and a transparent or translucent sleeve positioned over the tube such that when the lighting assembly is activated, the textual or graphical information is visible through the transparent or translucent sleeve. The lighting assembly may include a flashing light. In the preferred embodiment the hollow tube is metal, and the transparent or translucent sleeve is constructed of plastic. The lighting assembly preferably comprises one or more fluorescent tubes. The textual or graphical information may be traffic-related, or it may concern other directives. The post preferably has a circular cross-section in the range of 2 to 10 inches, and an optional base may be provided for mounting to a ground surface.

Abstract: A compact Raman/fluorescence probe is capable of collecting spectra from a relatively large spot size as compared to traditional confocal Raman probes. The inventive probe collects spectra from an area or 1 mm or greater, preferably 3–12 mm or more, compared to current instruments which utilize spot sizes on the order of 2–60 microns. The larger spot size facilitates the collection of statistically useful data from inhomogeneous and laser-sensitive samples, among other applications. Potential pharmaceutical applications include tablet dosage level measurements, as well as online and at-line quality-control (QC) monitoring opportunities. Other applications include tablet identification as a forensic tool to identify counterfeit pharmaceutical products; granulation and blend uniformity for improved formulation via better process understanding, and reactor cleanliness validation.

Abstract: A heater assembly is described for mounting around a fluid flow channel in an injection molding apparatus. In one version, the heater assembly comprises: an inner tube made of a first heat conductive material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, the inner tube having a selected longitudinal length, an inner surface, an outer surface; and a first ring having an inner surface engaged around the outer surface of the inner tube along a short selected length of the longitudinal length of the inner tube. The ring comprises a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The assembly also has a heater mechanism that heats the inner tube to a selected elevated temperature. Alternatively, the ring can be made from a shape memory alloy that causes the ring to reduce in diameter when the ring is heated above a threshold temperature.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly for a vehicle includes a mounting bracket having a mounting face and a pair of opposed upper arms. The assembly includes a first lever arm supported between the pair of mounting bracket upper arms at a first fixed pivot point. The assembly also includes a swing plate pivotally supported by the first lever arm at a second non-fixed pivot point located radially outboard from the first fixed pivot point, and having a mounting face, a pair of upper arms radially extending, a vertically extending lower arm and an outwardly extending pedal support arm. The assembly further includes a second lever arm pivotally attached to the swing plate lower arm at a third non-fixed pivot point at one end and another end pivotally attached to the mounting bracket at a fourth fixed pivot point. The assembly includes a pedal arm operatively attached to the swing plate with a pedal pad attached at a lower end.

Abstract: A support beam and a support frame for an office furniture system which can be used to mount and support a variety of furniture system components and electrical and communication equipment. The support beam has an elongate, hollow lower beam section with a top panel and vertical side panels. An elongate upper beam rail having a top extends parallel to and spaced-apart from the lower beam section. This rail has a plurality of post-receiving holes formed in its top for mounting other components such as a support wall. Spaced apart posts rigidly connect the beam rail to the lower beam section. Rail connecting devices are provided at opposite ends of the beam rail for rigidly connecting it to an adjacent end of another beam rail or to the support frame. The support frame has a horizontal metal beam and two elongate, hollow end frame sections extending downwardly from opposite ends of the beam. A raceway is rigidly mounted on a lower portion of this beam and extends downwardly therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably securing an intermediate location of a baited fishing line to a weighted and fixed underwater line. The apparatus includes an interiorly hollowed and substantially rectangular elongated sleeve having first and second ends. An elongated slide exhibits axially and outwardly tapered side walls axially which are frictionally engageable within associated inner side walls of the sleeve proximate a first selected and open end of the sleeve, the intermediate location of the fishing line being pinchingly engaged between the slide and the sleeve interior. A further selected end of the sleeve engages the fixed underwater line. Upon a fish striking a baited and trailing end of the fishing line, a substantially linear applied force causes said slide to linearly eject outwardly from within said sleeve, releasing the fishing line therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides a servo driven spot welder where an electric servo actuator moves at least one of two electrodes to and away from the workpiece. The servo driven spot welder includes a controller that allows accurate control of the position of one of the electrodes such that fine adjustments may be made during the welding event. A power source is provided in communication with the actuator, the controller and the electrodes whereby the controller controls the delivery of power to the actuator for movement and to the electrodes for welding. A sensing device is provided between the servo drive and the electrode for sensing the load on the electrode during the welding event. The sensing device senses when a weld nugget forms on the workpiece and expands to cause an increase in the load and then becomes plastic to cause a decrease in the load.

Abstract: Composite framing members for use in building construction include reinforced concrete columns and beams surrounded by a pair of steel shells. A layer of protective material is applied to the interior surface of at least one shell prior to assembly of the shell to provide the final integrated framing member with superior insulating or fire resistance and survivability characteristics. Additionally, the steel shells impart greater structural strength and integrity than the reinforced concrete columns and beams could alone. Furthermore, the concrete cores, aided by the protective coating, function as a heat sink, absorbing heat and allowing the entire framing member a longer structural life that it would have if the steel or concrete were used alone.