Abstract: A fabric cover generally corresponds to the shape of a selected table top and, when placed on the table top, exposes the table top, or any covering thereon beyond the peripheral edges of the fabric cover. Loop extensions periodically extend outward from the periphery of the fabric cover, at least to the edge of the table top and provide loops spaced from the periphery of the fabric cover for receiving ties. At least one decorative tie is fed through the loops and around the table top in decorative way so that adjacent ends of ties may be connected together in a decorative way between adjacent loop extensions. Various decorative detail may be added to the fabric cover and/or the extensions, such as embroidery or cut-outs, which may be left open or have an insert extending across part or all of the cut-out.

Abstract: The voting apparatus, system and method of the invention provides at least two independently means for recording and counting votes, i.e. one associated with the voting apparatus and one separate therefrom. A preferred voting apparatus, system and method provides triple data redundancy in that each vote is recorded by three independent and verifiable means: i.e. by recording in an electronic memory included in each voting machine or system, by recording in the memory of a smart card separate from the voting machine or system, and by a confirmatory printed record for each voter. The invention utilizes a voting session identifier to provide transparency of each and every vote and to maintain the anonymity of each and every vote and voter.

Abstract: A means of neutralizing the excess charge on workpieces, such as semiconductor wafers, that results from ion-implantation processes, wherein the excess positive charge on a small area of the workpiece surface is locally sensed, and in response, an appropriate dose of charge-compensating electrons is delivered from an electron emission source to the area of excess charge on the workpiece. A charge-sensing probe and a voltage-controlled electron generator array are configurationally and operatively coupled in a closed feedback loop, and are made to scan the surface of the workpiece, in close but non-contacting proximity to the workpiece. Arrays of charge-sensing probes and electron generator arrays can be configured for rapid coverage of the implanted areas of the workpiece. The present invention has significant advantages over other methods, such as plasma and electron showers and plasma flood systems, for neutralizing the excess charge due to ion implantation.

Abstract: A replaceable, electronically-isolated, MCP-based spectrometer detector cartridge with enhanced sensitivity is disclosed. A coating on the MCP that enhances the secondary electron emissivity characteristics of the MCP is selected from aluminum oxide (Al2O3), magnesium oxide (MgO), tin oxide (SnO2), quartz (SiO2), barium flouride (BaF2), rubidium tin (Rb3Sn), berrylium oxide (BeO), diamond and combinations thereof. A mass detector is electro-optically isolated the from a charge collector with a method of detecting a particle including accelerating the particle with a voltage, converting the particle into a multiplicity of electrons and converting the multiplicity of electrons into a multiplicity of photons. The photons then are converted back into electrons which are summed into a charge pulse. A detector also is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a computer-aided method for the provision, identification and description of molecules exhibiting a desired behaviour, more particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, employing a molecular modelling step, a combinatorial library building step and a step of selecting potentially useful molecules, said method including a step whereby the candidate molecules are filtered using a dynamic filter representing constraints of conformational variations which the molecules must satisfy in order to exhibit said activity.

Abstract: The rapamycin gene cluster is an example of a gene cluster which includes a gene (rapL) leading to the formation of a precursor compound (pipecolic acid, in this case) which is required for inclusion in the larger product (rapamycin) produced by the enzymes encoded by the cluster. We have produced a mutant strain containing a rapamycin gene cluster in which the rapL gene is disabled. The strain does not naturally produce rapamycin but does so if fed with pipecolic acid. By feeding with alternative carboxylic acids we have produced variants of rapamycins. Tests have shown biological activity.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for detecting the presence of a preselected analyte in a fluid sample. The devices comprise a substrate microfabricated to define a sample inlet port, and a mesoscale flow system that includes a sample flow channel extending from the inlet port. The mesoscale flow system further includes an analyte detection region in fluid communication with the flow channel comprised of a binding moiety for specifically binding the analyte. The detection region is constructed with a mesoscale dimension sufficiently small to enhance binding of the binding moiety and the analyte. The binding moiety may be immobilized in the detection region. The mesoscale detection systems of the invention may be used in a wide range of applications, including the detection of cells or macromolecules, or for monitoring reactions or cell culture growth.

Abstract: Disclosed are polynucleotides encoding a pesticidal fusion polypeptide comprising (i) a toxin domain; and (ii) a heterologous binding domain capable of binding non-specifically to a cell membrane without disrupting that membrane. Preferably the toxin domain is derived from a Bacillus thuringiensis cry toxin (e.g. CryIA (b) or (c)) and the binding domain is derived from a lectin (e.g. ricin toxin B chain). The use of such fusions may help to inhibit the acquisition of resistance in a pest population treated with the polypeptide. A further aspect of the invention is a method of assessing the toxicity of a polypeptide to a pest species by expressing a nucleic acid encoding said polypeptide in a host cell from that species, observing the viability of the cell and correlating the results of the observation with the toxicity of the polypeptide, wherein the viability is determined by assessing esterase activity or membrane.

Abstract: A catheter system facilitates blood treatments such as apheresis that require simultaneous withdrawal and return of blood to a patient at high flow rates. A multi lumen catheter has an external coupling device connected to a pump and blood treatment device. All of the lumens are designed to be used in the blood treatment process. The catheter includes two or more lumens for withdrawing blood and a return lumen for returning treated blood. The combined flow resistance of the withdrawal lumens is less than or equal to the flow resistance of the return lumen so that the flow rate of blood through the withdrawal lumens does not require a pressure differential sufficient to collapse the lumens. High flow rates are achievable through the catheter by using a pair of withdrawal lumens instead of a single, large withdrawal lumen. The lumens may be used for general medical use when the catheter system is not being used for exchange treatments.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for detecting the presence of a preselected analyte in a fluid sample. The devices comprise a substrate microfabricated to define a sample inlet port, and a mesoscale flow system that includes a sample flow channel extending from the inlet port. The mesoscale flow system further includes an analyte detection region in fluid communication with the flow channel comprised of a binding moiety for specifically binding the analyte. The detection region is constructed with a mesoscale dimension sufficiently small to enhance binding of the binding moiety and the analyte. The binding moiety may be immobilized in the detection region. The mesoscale detection systems of the invention may be used in a wide range of applications, including the detection of cells or macromolecules, or for monitoring reactions or cell culture growth.

Abstract: A seat for a cyclist has at each of left and right sides thereof one or more movable leg support members.

Abstract: A voltage divider network in combination with a voltage multiplier circuit voltage biases the electrodes of a photomultiplier tubes or related device. The circuit exploits the several voltage levels produced at successive stages of a voltage multiplier circuit in order to optimize the voltage divider network with respect to power consumption, current draw from the power supply, operating stability, and linear operation of the photomultiplier tube.

Abstract: To provide a hydraulic tensioner, which can prevent the bottoming out or over-stressing of a spring in an incorporated check valve, can reduce the contact surface pressure between a check ball and a retainer, and can reduce the production cost, a hydraulic tensioner comprises a check valve incorporated in the housing which causes oil to flow into a high pressure chamber to block the back flow of oil. The check valve comprises a ball seat, a check ball facing the ball seat, a spring, which biases the check ball against the ball seat and a retainer, which retains the spring and limits the movement of the check ball. The spring comprises a conical coil spring, and the surface of the retainer, which retains the conical coil spring and limits the movement of the check ball, is formed in a flat surface.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules encoding at least part of a Type I polyketide synthase, and having a polylinker with multiple restriction enzyme sites in place of one or more PKS genes encoding enzymes associated with reduction, optionally further including nucleic acid incorporated into the polylinker, the further nucleic acid encoding one or more reductive enzymes; plasmids incorporating such nucleic acids; host cells transfected with such plasmids; methods relating thereto.

Abstract: A slidable vehicle seat with automotive electronic parts, includes an electrically wiring construction for the parts, and a longitudinal housing member provided at a floor section of the vehicle, and having a longitudinally extending slit, the wiring construction including a first electrical wiring member led out of the parts, a second electrical wiring member movably housed within the housing member so as to be capable of traveling along the housing member according to movement of the seat, and a third electrical wiring member connected to a power source the second wiring member having first and second ends, the first end being led out of the housing member via the slit and connected to an end of the first wiring member which is distal the parts, and the second end penetrating the housing member, and connected to an end of the third electrical wiring member which is distal the power source.

Abstract: A method of treating pain by the co-administration of an antidepressant together with one or more precursors or inducers of neurotransmitters, particularly amino acids selected from L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, L-tryptophan and L-DOPA.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical surgical device includes: a housing; an elongated shaft extending from the housing, a distal end of the elongated shaft being detachably coupleable to a surgical instrument; at least two axially rotatable drive shafts disposed within the elongated shaft, a distal end of each of the drive shafts being configured to couple with the surgical instrument; a steering cable arrangement, the steering cable arrangement being configured to steer the distal end of the elongated shaft; and a motor system disposed within the housing, the motor system being configured to drive the drive shafts and the steering cable arrangement. A control system may be provided for controlling the motor system. A remote control unit may also be provided for controlling the motor system via the control system. Sensors, such as optical or Hall-effect devices, may be provided for determining the position of the elements of the surgical instrument based on the detected rotation of the drive shafts.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus (5) for the standardized grading of gemstones is provided. The system gauges the spectral response of a gemstone subject to a plurality of incident light sources (77, 64, 90, 92, 102) within an imaging apparatus. The operation of the imaging apparatus is controlled by an instruction set of a local station control data processor (12). Light energy data is captured in the form of pixel data sets via a charge coupled device of the imaging apparatus of the local station (8). The control data processor data of the local station is operably linked to analysis station (14). Gemstones qualities are analyzed by the plurality of light sources (92, 90, 102) of the imaging apparatus (5) and quantified relative to model pixel data sets of the database and recorded for future reference therein.