Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a medical device, and more particularly to ultrasound apparatus and methods for the identification and characterization of tissues, tissue transitions and tissue constituent structures.

Abstract: Affinity macroligands (AML) comprising a reversibly water soluble poly-N-alkylacrylamide linked to a ligand, and their use in the separation of a target substance from a mixture comprising the target substance and other materials are disclosed. Preferred AMLs have number average molar masses of less than 7,000 g/mol (chain length n typically about 25), mass distributions of less than 1.2 and narrow precipitation-solubility temperature (NPST) interval, typically in the range of 1-2° C.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved substrate for growing layers of oxide superconductor materials for use in high current engineering applications. The invention also provides superconducting laminates based on the inventive substrates, and processes for the manufacture thereof. The substrate includes an alloy layer that is formed of either a cube-textured FeNi alloy containing about 47% Ni to 58% Ni, or (b) a cube-texture Ni—Cu alloy in the composition range 41% Ni to 44% Ni. The substrate may further include an oxide buffer layer covering a surface of the alloy layer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to enhance the softness of baked products and retard staling. The method is based on the use of structurally expanded cellulose which is incorporated into the dough during mixing to increase the water absorption of the dough without imparting stickiness. The ability to supersaturate the dough without detrimental impact on processability results in softer character and better grain of the baked product. These properties are maintained over time resulting in reduced staling and superior quality of sliced product.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor chain includes a multiplicity of pinned links each having a flat load-carrying portion formed from a synthetic resin compound containing a polyacetal resin and a silicone-containing lubricant. Preferably, the silicone-containing lubricant contains, with respect to the weight of the synthetic resin compound, 0.5 to 2.0% by weight of silicone oil, 0.5 to 2.0% by weight of potassium titanate fiber, and 0.5 to 2.0% by weight of fatty ester obtained from a monobasic fatty acid and a monohydric alcohol. The thus formed flat load-carrying portion has a low friction coefficient such that the conveyor chain can achieve stable conveyance of articles even when the articles have an unstable bottom configuration.

Abstract: An expandable, intraluminal stent is provided which can be inserted into a body passage, and is capable of supporting an intact vascular graft. The stent is a thin-walled, generally tubular member having a plurality of rigid support tabs spaced uniformly around the perimeter of the two ends of the stent. A plurality of spacer bars span longitudinally between the rigid support tabs at one end of the stent and corresponding rigid support tabs at the other end. The spacer bars serve as struts to prevent longitudinal expansion or contraction of the stent so that the length of the stent is maintained. Plastically deformable connecting links interconnect adjacent rigid support tabs around each end of the stent to enable the stent to be expanded to an enlarged diameter. The stent can be expanded with a delivery system which applies a radially, outwardly extending force from the exterior of the stent. Alternatively, the stent can be expanded using an angioplasty balloon.

Abstract: Patients susceptible to, or suffering from chronic and/or female-specific pain are treated by administering an effective amount of a metanicotine-based compound.

Abstract: A ladder securing device fits within a gutter protruding from the eaves of a house. The device is made of members generally at right angles to each other. The members are elongated and board-like. A generally vertically oriented member extends lengthwise along the gutter with one edge on the bottom. A horizontal member is supported at the level of the top of the lip of the front wall of the gutter. Preferably the horizontal member extends well beyond the lip with a recess formed in the edge back almost to the gutter. The recess is preferably rectangular and long enough to accommodate the width of a ladder. If the gutter is a conventional flat bottom vertical back structure, the vertical member and the horizontal member merge at their edges in a simple right angle shape with the vertical member resting against the back wall.

Abstract: A powder metallurgy article formed of a sulfur-containing, precipitation-hardenable, stainless steel alloy is described. The article has a unique combination of strength, ductility, processability, and machinability. The powder metallurgy article is formed of a stainless steel alloy having the following composition in weight percent. C 0.03 max. Mn 1.0 max. Si 0.75 max. P 0.040 max. S 0.010-0.050 Cr 10-14 Ni 6-12 Ti 0.4-2.5 Mo 6 max. B 0.010 max. Cu 4 max. Co 9 max. Nb 1 max. Al 1 max. Ta 2.5 max. N 0.03 max. The balance of the alloy is iron and the usual impurities. The powder metallurgy article according to this invention is characterized by a fine dispersions of titanium sulfides that are not greater than about 5 &mgr;m in major dimension. A method of preparing the powder metallurgy article is also described.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus 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 within an imaging apparatus. The operation of the imaging apparatus is controlled by an instruction set of a local station control data processor. 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. The control data processor of the local station is operable linked to an analysis station, the station includes an analysis data processor and mass storage memory device. The memory device provides storage space for the instruction set of the analysis data processor as well as database records. The analysis station employs a data processor and model database for assessing the aesthetic and/or monetary value of gemstones by way of the communicated pixel data sets.

Abstract: A linear actuator including a mechanism for preventing accidental drop of an inner cylinder caused when a driven nut engaged with a drive screw shaft is broken. The drop prevention mechanism includes a drop prevention nut threaded with the drive screw shaft in close proximity to the driven nut, a shear pin secured at one end to one of the drop prevention nut and the inner cylinder or the driven nut, and a shear pin guide groove formed in the other of the drop prevention nut and the inner cylinder or the driven nut for slidably receiving a projecting free end portion of the shear. When the inner cylinder and the driven nut is displaced in a direction of a load acting on the inner cylinder, the shear pin is broken or sheared by engagement with an end wall of the shear pin guide groove. Upon shearing of the shear pin, the drop prevention nut supports thereon the inner cylinder or the driven nut to thereby keep the inner cylinder in position against drop.

Abstract: A seat is provided which comprises a generally quadrilateral seat frame and a seat cushion formed from a resilient sheet and provided bridging between lateral sides of, and inside, the seat frame. A cushion member is provided opposite to the resilient sheet and bridging between lateral sides of, and inside, the seat frame. The cushion member is deflectable, under the weight of a sitting person, along with the resilient sheet which mainly receives the weight of the sitting person on the seat.

Abstract: An electrospray apparatus uses a microchannel formed in a microchip. Fluid is pumped through the channel to an outlet orifice using either hydraulic or electrokinetic means. An electrospray is generated by establishing a sufficient potential difference between the fluid at the outlet orifice and a target electrode spaced from the outlet orifice. Electrokinetic pumping is also utilized to provide additional benefits to microchip devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for constructing image slices through a selected object undergoing a cyclic motion wherein a scanner is used for collecting image data associated with the selected object. A probe is provided for detecting a signal from the selected object, the signal being indicative of the cyclic motion of the object. The scanner and the probe are operatively connected with a controller. The controller receives the signal from the probe and generates therefrom a command for enabling the scanner to collect image data for producing one or more image slices through the selected object with minimized radiation exposure and data acquisition time.

Abstract: A microfabricated device and method for proportioning and mixing biological or chemical materials by pressure- or vacuum-driven flow is disclosed. The microfabricated device mixes a plurality of materials in volumetric proportions controlled by the flow resistances of tributary reagent channels through which the materials are transported. The microchip includes two or more tributary reagent channels combining at one or more junctions to form one or more mixing channels. By varying the geometries of the channels (length, cross section, etc.), a plurality of reagent materials can be mixed at a junction such that the proportions of the reagent materials in the mixing channel depend on a ratio of the channel geometries and material properties. Such an approach facilitates flow division on the microchip without relying on techniques external to the microchip.

Abstract: A water dispenser for upright stand water bottles includes a hollow post, a base plate which rests on the ground and supports an end portion of the post, a water tank assembly having a housing, a cover for opening or closing the housing, a water tank installed into the housing, and a unit for cooling or heating a water in the water tank, and which is installed to be attachable or detachable onto or from a holder to be coupled to another end portion of the post, a faucet for controlling a flow of the heated or cooled water from the water tank assembly, a suction tube one end portion of which is inserted into a water bottle resting adjacent the post so as to provide a path for supplying water in the bottle to the water tank assembly, a pump assembly which is connected to an intermediate portion of the suction tube so as to pump water from the water bottle, and a control for controlling the pump assembly.

Abstract: An expandable, intraluminal tubular stent is provided for insertion and expansion within the lumen of a vessel. The stent includes a plurality of longitudinal struts. A series of arcuate or V-shaped end links are connected between the ends of the longitudinal struts. A series of deformable cross-links are circumferentially connected between adjacent longitudinal struts at a center portion of the longitudinal struts to permit the stent to be expanded from a first smaller diameter into a second larger diameter upon insertion into the vessel.

Abstract: A car locator comprising a base for attaching the locator to a car. A cantilevered support bar is pivotally connected with the base to permit pivotal movement and positioning of the bar relative to the base. The support bar is illuminated by a series of LEDS mounted on the support bar and connected to a power source and an optional switch via electrical conductors. The power source may include batteries mounted to or contained within the base. In addition, the switch may be mounted directly on the base.

Abstract: A document production system is provided for preparing documents and managing a database of information pertaining to investigational studies of medical products. The document production system includes a data management user interface for providing user access to the database and for retrieving information from the database as specified by selected document templates for placement into word processor-compatible documents. Additionally, the data management user interface is capable of updating information stored within the database in accordance with information specified within a previously-prepared document.