Abstract: A method is disclosed for detecting single-stranded target nucleic acid (2) which comprises the steps of forming a hybrid between said target nucleic acid and a nucleic acid probe (4), said nucleic acid probe labelled with an enzyme reagent (6) which hydrolyses single-stranded nucleic acid but is substantially without effect on double-stranded nucleic acid, said hybrid formed under conditions of pH which are outside the activity range of said enzyme reagent, adjusting said pH to a value within the activity range of said enzyme reagent allowing said enzyme reagent substantially to hydrolyse any single-stranded nucleic acid present, and detecting said hybrid.

Abstract: A projection laser scanner produces an approximately columnar scanning volume for scanning code symbols therein, while preventing unintentional scanning of code symbols on nearby objects located outside of the approximately columnar scanning volume. The approximately columnar scanning volume is produced using at least five stationary light reflective surfaces arranged in two or more pairs.

Abstract: A multiplexing system and method for conveying simultaneously a multiplicity of digital communication channels over a single transmission medium. Multiplexing is effected by transforming the digital bitstream of each incoming channel to a digitally-represented sound bitstream and transmitting all of the digitally-represented sound bitstreams over the single medium. Digital bitstreams carried on each incoming channel entering the system which are in the form of binary “on” and “off” bits, are converted into a digital stream of corresponding sound bits. Each sound bitstream is rendered distinctive and non-interfering with other streams during simultaneous transmission over the common medium by having the digitally-represented sound bits of each bitstream derived from a unique prime number Hertz frequency.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a non-contact transformer which simplifies attachment work, causes no sound of rubbing between wires or resistance during steering wheel manipulation, increases the transmission efficiency, and can be manufactured easily by virtue of a minimized warp occurring during manufacture of a core. A non-contact transformer is provided that includes two disc-shaped magnetic cores (19) each having at least one concentric and radial groove (21), and a magnetic sleeve (25) having a cylindrical shape or a pot shape having an opening at the center of the bottom surface. The two magnetic cores are opposed to each other with a predetermined distance left therebetween in a space enclosed by the magnetic sleeve. A wining (23) of wire is accommodated in the at least one concentric groove. Each of the magnetic cores is a combination of a plurality of fan-shaped partial cores (27) to be formed in a disc shape.

Abstract: Providing interest to clients' deposited finds without the legal limitation on the number of demand withdrawals from deposit accounts is accomplished by an administration system that keeps all of the records for the clients' deposits and withdrawals, calculates the total of the deposits and withdrawals for all clients, and uses the calculation to determine whether funds are deposited to or withdrawn from a single deposit account in which all clients' deposit funds are kept. Clients can make unlimited withdrawals, such as by check, credit card, debit card, or electronic transfer, through the administrator. By placing the administrator as the holder of a single account, legal exemptions to the limitation on earning interest in demand accounts is facilitated.

Abstract: For improving a noise characteristic of a printed circuit board excellent in noise characteristic, a magnetic prepreg formed by impregnating a magnetic paint composed of soft magnetic powder and thermosetting resin into a glass cloth is used as a prepreg constituting the printed circuit board. It is preferable that the soft magnetic powder is metal powder being essentially flat. Further, it is preferable that a main component of the thermosetting resin is epoxy resin.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for taking measurements in the ear, having a positioning aid enabling a probe head (10) of the apparatus to be properly aligned in a user's auditory canal (12). The apparatus of the present invention comprises a source of radiation (24) emitting energy particularly in the visible region, a photodetector (30) suitable for sensing this radiation, and an associated evaluation unit and, where applicable, an indicating unit for representing the alignment of the probe head in the auditory canal (12). This canal receives the radiation from the radiation source (24), with part of the radiation being scattered back into the probe head (10) and sensed by the photodetector (30). In this arrangement, the radiant power sensed is dependent on the mean distance between the reflecting tissue and the probe head (10), with a minimum radiant power corresponding to a correct alignment of the probe head (10) to the rear auditory canal (12) and hence to the tympanic membrane (38).

Abstract: A body composition analysis and display system provides a display of averaged data for selected body composition factors, such as body weight and body fat percentage, at a plurality of selected intervals over a period of time. The user's body fat percentage is determined by measuring the user's body impedance.

Abstract: A novel system and method for programming one or more functional parameters of programmable bar code symbol readers and scanners, while avoiding the need to connect a data communication port of a computer system to a bar code symbol reader that is to be programmed. In a first illustrative embodiment, the function-encoded parameters of a master bar code symbol reader are determined using a computer-based-function-parameter device and subsequently buffered in memory buffer contained therein; the buffered function-encoded parameters are used to produce a list of function-encoded bar code symbols which are printed in a specified reading sequence; and the list of printed-function encoded bar code symbols are read in the specified reading sequence so as to configure the bar code symbol reader with the same set of function-encoded parameters that were programmed in the master bar code symbol reader.

Abstract: A combustion activated tool includes a housing having a longitudinal bore that extends and connects with a vertical bore, a piston and piston guide disposed within the longitudinal bore and moveable axially therein, and an advance lever having a reset end and an advancing end, the lever disposed on a pivot skew to the axis of the longitudinal bore, the lever having an axis essentially parallel with the longitudinal bore, the advancing end of the lever attached on an arm of the lever angled to one side of the axis of the longitudinal bore and effective to engage teeth on the side of a strip of charges disposed in the vertical bore, the reset end of the lever being disposed on the same side of the axis of the longitudinal bore engaging the piston guide along an edge of the lever.

Abstract: A wall-mountable locker to store dog care articles as well as to provide a dispenser for bags to package dog poop, and pegs on which to hang the dog's collar and a leash whereby articles required to care for a particular dog are compactly stored on and in the locker. The locker includes a backboard on which is mounted a cabinet that is compartmentalized to create a group of cubicles, each of which is dimensioned to accommodate a respective article. Supported on the backboard below the cabinet is a dispenser carrying a roll of plastic poop bags and below the dispenser are the pegs.

Abstract: In a thermal shield for components made of thermoplastics, for the automotive industry in particular, an aluminium layer 2 is connected with the component to be protected, which serves as a carrier 1 for the thermal shield H, by means of a thermoplastic coating 3 in the region of the heat source. It is recommended to dispose the thermal shield H not only in the immediate region of heat source 4, but also, on the component, in the area up to a lateral spacing B from the heat source that the aluminium layer 2 may dissipate heat outwardly, i.e. outwardly from the region of thermal shield 4 to a cooler region.

Abstract: An apparatus for making green bricks having the appearance of tumbled brick achieves these results by deforming a slug from which green bricks are made. The slug is deformed by the use of a reciprocating member that alternately retracts and then hits (deforms) the slug. By varying the angle of attack (between the deformation member and the slug), the degree of travel of the deformation member, and the orientation of deformation blades on the deformation member, the green bricks have a deformation pattern that appears fairly random as if they had been tumbled.

Abstract: An automatic bar code symbol reading system comprising components for carrying out object detection, scanning, photoreceiving, A/D conversion, bar code presence detection, symbol decoding, data format conversion, data storage and data transmission functions. In general, the automatic bar code symbol reading device includes a manually actuatable read-repeat switch and control system having a plurality of control centers that control the operation of the system components in accordance with preselected system control operations. Each of the control centers are responsive to control activation signals generated by certain of the system components upon the occurrence of predefined conditions. Certain of the control centers are capable overriding other control centers to provide diverse control capabilities which facilitates execution of intelligent operations and power conservation, during bar code symbol reading.

Abstract: A module adapted to generate a stream of hot and humid air, operating in conjunction either with a proofing chamber in which dough pieces are raised prior to baking or in conjunction with a holding chamber in which cooked food is maintained in a hot, moist state. The module is provided with a replenishable water reservoir from which water is fed into a steam generator in which the water is boiled to generate steam. Included in the module is a duct through which air is forced by a blower and an air heater disposed in the duct is used to heat the air. A conduit connects the steam generator to the duct and allows exhaust of steam into a positive-pressure zone (high pressure, after the blower) to effect a proofing action when the module is operated in proofing mode. Steam can also be fed into a low-pressure zone in the duct (at the blower inlet) to produce a stream of hot and humid air at a higher temperature whereby the module is operated in a food holding mode.

Abstract: A novel system and method of programming the function parameters of programmable bar code symbol readers and scanners, while avoiding the need to couple the data communication port of a function parameter computer system and the programmable bar code symbol reader to be configured. In a first illustrative embodiment, the function-encoded parameters of a master bar code symbol reader are determined using a computer-based function-parameter device and subsequently buffered in memory buffer contained therein; the buffered function-encoded parameters are used to produce a list (i.e., ordered set) of function-encoded bar code symbols which are printed in a specified reading-sequence; and the list of printed function-encoded bar code symbols are read in specified reading sequence so as to configure (i.e., program) the bar code symbol reader with same set of function-encoded parameters that were programmed in the master bar code symbol reader.

Abstract: A data processing system initiates, implements, confirms and updates a novel financial transaction support service, which provides an allotment of brokerage transactions, related financial services, and banking account services at a fee predicated on total assets in a selectively constructed Account Group. The foregoing system permits wide scale implementation of an asset-based fee structure for a wide range of services, with simplified and enhanced tracking of account activity.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved spillstrip and packing rings, and packing ring segments employing novel brush elements for use in forming seals in axial flow elastic fluid machines, and compressor and turbine machines containing the same.

Abstract: A computer system for enhanced management and archiving of select data types includes algorithms for transforming the data types into special system recognized objects and associated meta-data. High volume archiving is accomplished at low costs and substantially facilitated retrieval. The system is particularly useful in managing electronic message systems for institutions complying with regulatory requirements.

Abstract: An electric powered bicycle having a dip sensor or switch and/or a gradient sensor or switch. The bicycle has front and rear wheels each rotatably supported by a frame; a chain slung between the wheels and a chainset for transferring manual power to the wheels; an electric motor coupled to one of the wheels for driving the wheel directly; and a power supply capable of supplying electric power to the motor. The dip gradient sensors are associated with a pulse width modulation circuit.