Abstract: An electrostatic force microscope for measuring electrostatic force of a sample under test including a detector comprising a cantilever arm having a tip formation at one end and located so that electrostatic force is induced at the tip due to electrostatic charge on the sample under test, an optical system for transforming bending of the cantilever arm due to electrostatic force induced at the tip into an electrical signal containing a frequency component of the electrostatic force induced at the detector tip, a source for applying bias voltage to the detector, a detector for detecting the frequency component of the electrostatic force induced at the detector tip so that a measurement of electrostatic force on the sample under test can be obtained, and an electrostatic shield operatively associated with the cantilever arm. The shield is located between the cantilever arm and the sample under test, in particular in close spaced relation to the arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multivalent recombinant raccoon poxviruses, containing more than one exogenous gene inserted into either the thymidine kinase gene, the hemagglutinin gene, or a combination thereof. Disclosed is the use of the multivalent recombinant raccoon poxviruses as vaccines to immunize felines against subsequent challenge by feline pathogens. Also disclosed is a method of making a a multivalent recombinant raccoon poxvirus by a recombination process involving the construction of an insertion vector into which the exogenous genes are inserted, and flanking the inserted genes are sequences which can recombine into the raccoon poxvirus thymidine kinase gene, or the hemagglutinin gene, or a combination thereof; introducing both the insertion vector containing the exogenous genes, and raccoon poxvirus into susceptible host cells; and selecting the recombinant raccoon poxvirus from the resultant plaques.

Abstract: A deposition process for coating a substrate with an ultrasonically generated aerosol spray of a pseudocapacitive material, or a precursor thereof, contacted to a substrate heated to a temperature to instantaneously solidify the pseudocapacitive material or convert the precursor to a solidified pseudocapacitive metal compound, is described. The ultrasonic aerosol droplets are much smaller in size than those produced by conventional processes and the heated substrate minimizes the possibility of contamination, thereby providing the present coating having an increased surface area. When the coated substrate is an electrode in a capacitor, a greater surface area results in an increased electrode capacitance.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an interactive role playing kit and method for exploring social, man-made or natural environments. The kit includes pictorial representations of members of an environment, such as individuals of a given race, gender or culture, a mirror, and a mask allowing an individual to assume an identity which can be viewed by reflection in the mirror. The kit may also be provided with a display stand and carrying case.

Abstract: An electrolyte for activating an electrolytic or electrochemical capacitor is described. The electrolyte preferably includes a mixed solvent of water and ethylene glycol having an ammonium salt dissolved therein. An acid such as phosphoric or acetic acid is used to provide a pH of about 3 to 6. The electrolyte is particularly useful for activating a ruthenium oxide/tantalum capacitor having an anode breakdown voltage in the range of 175 to 300 volts.

Abstract: A lithium ion electrochemical cell having high charge/discharge capacity, long cycle life and exhibiting a reduced first cycle irreversible capacity, is described. The stated benefits are realized by the addition of at least one nitrite additive to an electrolyte comprising an alkali metal salt dissolved in a solvent mixture that includes ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, ethylmethyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate. The preferred additive is an alkyl nitrite compound.

Abstract: The Protocol Accelerator is a system which significantly reduces the communication latency of complex layered communication protocols. In particular, the protocol accelerator reduces both the message header overhead imposed by layered protocols and the message processing overhead by employing such techniques as classifying, collecting and aligning the headers, using shorter identifiers to represent information in immutable fields of the headers, introducing pre- and post-processing of a message, packet filtering, and packing and unpacking of messages in cases where a backlog of messages has to be processed by the protocol accelerator.

Abstract: A telephone communication system utilizing a virtual phone wherein a telephone switch or similar digital switching device, a digital telephone and an external device such as a personal computer (PC) or other processor are generically interfaced. The virtual phone generic interface is configurable and comprises a set of virtual phone data structures, internal and external virtual phone application program interfaces, and an external transfer protocol. Software designated an abstraction layer provides communication between the internal virtual phone application program interface, the telephone switch and the telephone set. The generic interface converts proprietary telephone switch or external application protocols into a common format and functions as a protocol interpreter between proprietary switching system protocols and protocols of various applications.

Abstract: A surface mountable electronic device comprising a body incorporating an electronic device and having a substantially planar mounting surface and another surface extending from the mounting surface, at least one electrical lead extending from the device, and a terminal of conductive material having a first portion fixedly received in the body and extending through the other surface, a second portion extending from the first portion and electrically connected to the lead and a third portion extending along the mounting surface for providing electrical connection to a circuit. A recess preferably is provided in the other surface of the body for receiving the first portion of the terminal.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis or filtration system uses one or more hydraulic intensifiers (integrated motor and pump) to provide all the high pressure fluid to a semi-permeable membrane or filter, the intensifier being powered by the high pressure flushing flow leaving the membrane or filter uses, and by a pressurized inlet flow of fluid to be purified or filtered.

Abstract: A protection device and a method for protecting an electrical component. The protection device has a protective housing and a terminal cap. The protective housing has a base with a contact hole therethrough for receiving an electrical terminal pin, and has a projecting shoulder extending from the base to a first distance from the base. The protective housing also has a retaining clip extending from the base to a second distance from the base, the second distance being greater than the first distance. The terminal cap has a first side and a second side, and in use, at least part of the first side of the terminal cap contacts the projecting shoulder and at least part of the second side of the terminal cap contacts the retaining clip. A method according to the present invention includes steps for assembling a battery and an electrical component housed within the protection device described above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf bag cover device which is mounted over and about a rim surrounding the opening leading into a golf bag to protect the clubs from inclement weather and the like. The cover device comprises three ribs connected to a base mounted about to the rim. The ribs support a canvas or plastic cover. One of the ribs extends in a generally horizontal orientation beyond the perimeter of the rim. That way, a golfer can reach up and into the open end, causing the one rib to pivot toward a second rib which in turn pivots toward a third rib to provide access to the clubs. This construction enables a golfer to grab a club without having to touch the palm of his hand to the cover, thereby providing a dry and secure grip on the club.

Abstract: A lithium ion electrochemical cell having high charge/discharge capacity, long cycle life and exhibiting a reduced first cycle irreversible capacity, is described. The stated benefits are realized by the addition of at least one phosphate additive to an electrolyte comprising an alkali metal salt dissolved in a solvent mixture that includes ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, ethylmethyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate. The preferred additive is an alkyl phosphate compound.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody, or fragments thereof, having binding specificity for both endoglin expressed on human vascular endothelial cells and on murine endothelial cells. Antiangiogenic therapy in mammals can be effected by administering to the mammalian host a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-endoglin monoclonal antibody, or fragment thereof, which is conjugated to at least one angiogenesis inhibitor or antitumor agent. The composition is useful for treating tumor and angiogenesis-associated diseases.

Abstract: A measuring and gauging device for ruling the depth of penetration of the needle of an invasive instrument into a patient's body is also used to fit over the needle and the needle tip to protect against needle damage, accidental sticking of the user's fingers and puncture of the package within which the invasive instrument is stored and shipped.

Abstract: A lithium ion electrochemical cell having high charge/discharge capacity, long cycle life and exhibiting a reduced first cycle irreversible capacity, is described. The stated benefits are realized by the addition of at least one phosphonate additive to an electrolyte comprising an alkali metal salt dissolved in a solvent mixture that includes ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, ethylmethyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate. The preferred additive is an alkyl phosphonate compound.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective and pressure normalizing device for a body extremity. The device has a three-dimensional gelastic member, and a cover. The three-dimensional gelastic member has a predetermined shape to conform to the body extremity and a plurality of openings. The opening are at least positioned on the top side of the gelastic member. The cover encases the gelastic member and is removable therefrom. The cover also has an upper side, a underside, and a plurality of edges which correspond to the shape of the gelastic member. The underside contacts the body extremity, while the upper side has a plurality of connectors designed to bring one edge of the cover to a predetermined distance from another edge of the cover. Thereby, the protective and pressure normalizing device supports the body extremity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing the correlation time for global tumbling for analysis of proteins and other macromolecules by NMR spectroscopy. The method comprises placing a macromolecule, hydrated and without significant structure perturbation, within a reverse micelle in a suitable fluid medium of low viscosity. A high pressure NMR cell for use with the method of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention broadly provides a method and apparatus for measuring the power output of one powering a chain driven vehicle. In a preferred embodiment described, the vehicle is a bicycle. The method of the invention comprises measuring the speed and tension of the drive chain and calculating the power output therefrom. The apparatus of the invention includes a chain speed sensor, a chain tension sensor, and electronic processing means to calculate and display the power output based upon the chain measurements.