Abstract: This invention relates to a simple and reliable screening method for determining an individual's susceptibility to breast, ovarian, colon or prostrate cancer. This invention also relates to a test kit for use in conjunction with this method. The inventive method targets a specific alteration of the BRCA protein and identifies a non-invasive source of normal cells that express this protein.

Abstract: A slidable card device is disclosed for assisting coaches, and assistant coaches, in alternating player positions during a T-Ball League or Little League ball game. In the preferred embodiment, the invention includes a thin, generally rectangular housing or sheath having a front, a back, two closed sides, and two opened ends. The front of the sheath includes a roster box for the coach to handwrite the names of his/her players in column format, as the players show up. Next to the player names is a viewing window which exposes an insert card inside the sheath. This insert card has a series of preprinted matrices that match the number of possible player positions for a ball game. Once the number of players has been determined, the coach selects which matrix appears in the window. Each matrix includes a series of columns which lists the possible player positions, for that game, in various orders.

Abstract: A system of plastic plant trays is disclosed for conveniently transporting, displaying and removing (for planting) young plants or seedlings. In the preferred embodiment, each tray comprises a plurality of cells for removably housing the plants; unique pull-out tabs for gently lifting plants atop them from individual cells; and a color-coded handle that identifies the price of the plants. By pulling up on a dangling end of a tab, a gardener can lift and later extract a plant with minimal damage to its roots or flowers.

Abstract: A single-ended sense amplifier pre-charges the data output line of a bank of memory cells or register file to approximately the switch point of an inverter that is part of a buffer, in preparation for the next data read cycle. The amplifier includes a stack of six transistors connected in series between a supply voltage and ground. The memory output is connected to the stack mid-point, to a latch input and to a buffer input. The most recent binary logic level read from memory passes through the latch. The latch and stack are then clocked, and the three-transistor portion of the stack turned on pulls the voltage on the stack mid-point to approximately one-half the supply voltage, which is the buffer inverter switch point. The stack is then turned off, and the stack mid-point floats at that voltage value in preparation for the next read cycle. As such, the common data line needs only slew a relatively small amount of voltage during the next read cycle.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a rod for cleaning and/or polishing embodiments of a ferrule in a fiber optic connector are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the rod is formed of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene hydrophobic material, preferably absorbent. Each end of the rod has a hole that is a tight fit to the diameter of a male-type ferrule and is at least as deep as the length of the ferrule. The rod material is strong and pliable, so that after it is slipped over the male-type ferrule the rod can be rotated for cleaning the sides of the ferrule while being withdrawn from its snug fit with the ferrule. The holes may have polishing inserts formed therein. Alternatively, the rod has a male protrusion on one end. The male end inserts into the recess formed by the connector adaptor when using a female-type ferrule. The rod is then rotated to effect cleaning and/or polishing of the end face of the optical fiber together with cleaning of the insides surfaces of the side walls of the connector adaptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thin printing paper with a weight per unit area in the range below 49 g/m.sup.2 and which contains wood and which is provided with surface pigmentation and which incorporates a mixture of a swellable coating silicate (sodium bentonite) and, for the remainder, conventional coating pigments as the pigment and which, in addition, contains only bonding agent that is a natural organic bonding agent, essentially starch. Even if only lightly calendered, the paper is equally well suited for rotogravure printing and for rotary offset printing. It is preferred that the paper also contain a proportion of processed fibres obtained from old-paper.

Abstract: A mixer/ejector suppressor is disclosed for reducing the noise level created by the exhaust flows in gas turbines. In the preferred embodiment, the suppressor comprises a mixing ring of alternating lobes attached to the engine's tailpipe; an ejector shroud mounted onto the mixing ring; and a plurality of arcuate gaps, between the mixing ring and ejector shroud, that permit ambient air to be entrained into the shroud. The preferred mixing ring has ten curved lobes of alternating designs. Five of the mixing lobes are shallow, with contours similar to those of mixing lobes in an earlier TSMEC version, disclosed in a related U.S. utility patent application, Ser. No. 08/729,571. The other five lobes are much longer, and they are designed to penetrate deeply into the engine's hot core flow. Together, the ten lobes rapidly mix (mostly at supersonic conditions) the engine exhaust flows with secondary ambient air inside the shroud.

Abstract: The present invention provides water-soluble, extended-release chemical formulations, in tablet form, for urine pretreatment, that require minimal, if any, use of a binder component, yet are non-dusting, pliable, structurally strong, and not weakened by exposure to aqueous streams. The present invention also provides a simple and reliable method for controlled dispensing of such tableted formulations into a liquid stream that is particularly advantageous for use in micro-gravity environments, such as spacecraft urinal systems.

Abstract: An injection moulding process for moulding a material in a mould having a mould cavity and at least one channel communicating with the mould cavity, each channel entering the mould at a respective mould inlet includes the steps of heating inner surface areas of the mould to a temperature above the heat distortion temperature of the material; supplying the molten material into the mould by way of at least one channel and subjecting the molten material to a propelling force, sufficient to propel it through the channel into the mould; causing the molten material in the mould to solidify; applying periodic forces to the material in the mould at a plurality of spaced-apart regions, first and second of the regions being located either side of molten material in the mould cavity, the periodic force being applied with a difference in phase so as to cause shear of molten material within the mould cavity between the first and second regions; cooling the mould below the heat distortion temperature of the resin while or

Abstract: A pallet is disclosed for housing plants during their growth, transport and display. In the preferred embodiment, the pallet has a generally rectangular central deck; four sides or rims that border that deck; and two rows of complementary W-shaped legs along opposite sides. The unique structures of these leg rows allow for: secure nesting of multiple pallets when empty; secure stacking of multiple pallets during transportation; and stacking in multiple configuration for display on store floors. Not only are the displays quick to assemble, they also provide easy access for maintenance of the housed plants by employees (e.g., watering), plus inspection and removal of the plants by perspective customers.

Abstract: Polyamide coating compositions that demonstrate strength and toughness, flame and corrosion resistance and resistance to hydrolysis and thermal degradation at coating thicknesses of less than or equal to 0.25 mm or 0.15 mm are provided. Such coating compositions are extremely useful for coating wires or cables that are housed in automotive electrical harnesses.

Abstract: A document verification device detects the presence of a metal security thread embedded in a document such as currency paper. The device includes a sensor pad arrangement and corresponding signal processing electronics. The arrangement includes a single central sensing pad flanked by an array of twenty-seven pairs of outer pads. Each pair of outer pads in the array is electrically connected together. Every pad is made of conductive material. The width dimension of each outer pad in the array is greater than the width of the security thread. Each outer pad in the array is preferably angled to improve the reliability of detection of the security thread.

Abstract: An H-transistor, fabricated in a silicon-on-insulator ("SOI") substrate, includes opposing source and drain terminals or regions flanking a centrally-located body node or well. Above the body node or well is formed the H-shaped gate terminal of the transistor. One or more shunt body contacts or ties bisect the source terminal and connect the source terminal of the transistor to the underlying body node. In this way, the body node or well is no longer electrically "floating", but, instead, is connected to the fixed ground potential of the source terminal of the transistor.

Abstract: An electronic control for a variable delivery, positive displacement fuel pump includes a flow sensor located at the fuel outlet to the engine. The flow sensor provides a signal, indicative of actual fuel flow to the engine, to an electronic engine control. The electronic engine control compares actual fuel flow with desired fuel flow, and upon any difference therebetween commands an electrohydraulic servo valve to position a pump control actuator. The pump control actuator controls the amount of fuel delivered by the pump. Also, fuel flow upstream of the flow sensor is bypassed in a line to another section of the electrohydraulic servo valve. The electronic engine control commands a small amount of fuel to be bypassed back to the pump inlet during normal operating conditions. However, upon the occurrence of a transient condition, the electronic engine control causes more or less fuel to be bypassed back to the pump inlet.

Abstract: Metal braid reinforced convoluted metal hose assembly is provided where the metal braid is mechanically secured or cinched between an adaptor and or retainer and which demonstrates increased structural integrity in this interface area when compared to hose assemblies employing welded braid-to-adaptor attachments.

Abstract: A two-stage mixer ejector concept ("TSMEC") is disclosed for suppressing the noise emanated by jet aircraft. This TSMEC was designed to help older engines meet the stringent new federal noise regulations, known as "Stage III". In an illustrated embodiment, the TSMEC comprises: a lobed engine nozzle attached to the rear of a turbofan engine; a short shroud that straddles the exit end of the engine nozzle; two rings of convergent/divergent primary and secondary lobes within the engine nozzle shroud and; and a ring of arcuate gaps that precede the shroud and the second nozzle ring. The lobes are complimentary shaped to rapidly mix the turbine's hot exhaust flow with cooler air including entrained ambient air, at supersonic speed. This drastically reduces the jet exhaust's velocity and increases jet mixing, thereby reducing the jet noise.

Abstract: A product suspension packaging device is described and includes a folder and a cradle, both formed from corrugated material. The folder is a unitary piece of corrugated, divided into two halves or frames. Each frame has a central opening therein. The two frames are separated by a cut line formed in the corrugated material. The entire piece of corrugated is encased in a heat-shrinkable, stretchable material. The article or product to be packaged is placed onto the stretchable material and the folder is folded in half, thereby completely enclosing the product between the two halves or frames of the folder. The folder may then be placed within the corrugated cradle, which serves to retain the folder within a corresponding corrugated shipping container or box.