Abstract: A fully-automated method for segmentation of white matter, gray matter, and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and for calculating their respective volumes is disclosed. The technique preferably uses a T2-weighted scan and a proton-density scan. The T2-weighted scans are used to highlight those portion of the brain corresponding to CSF. Thereafter, the proton density images are separated in CSF-containing and CSF-free portions, in accordance with the T2-weighted images. The CSF-free portion is then segmented into white matter and gray matter portions. The CSF-containing portion is further segmented into pure CSF-regions, and regions containing a mixture of gray and white matter and CSF. After CSF is segmented from this mixture, the white and gray matter and again segmented, and the respective volumes of white matter, gray matter, and CSF are calculated.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 10, 2001
Date of Patent:
May 17, 2005
Inventors:
Jong-Won Park, Yun-Chang Sung, Chang-Jun Song, Seung-Moo Noh
Abstract: This invention provides anti-HLA-DR antibodies and the methods of use thereof for the treatment of leukemia or lymphomas, or solid tumors such as ovarian cancer or melanoma.
Abstract: A method of emulating with a cyanide-free lyse solution, the measurement of hemoglobin in whole blood using a cyanide-containing lyse solution. Such an illustrative method includes: a) combining a predetermined amount of the whole blood sample with a predetermined amount of a cyanide-free lyse solution to form a mixture, b) developing the mixture to a molar absorbtivity (?) in the range of about 12.4 to 12.6 mM?1cm?1, and c) measuring a level of light absorbance of the mixture at a wavelength of about 540 nm. In one preferred illustrative embodiment, the cyanide-free lyse solution includes: a quaternary ammonium salt surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a hemoglobin binding agent selected from the group consisting of imidazole or hydroxylamine, and an aqueous medium. In one preferred embodiment, the molar absorbtivity is developed to a value of about 12.5 mM?1cm?1. That is to say to a level that is substantially identical to that of the prior art standard, cyanomethemoglobin.
Abstract: A rotor for an interior permanent magnet machine that tends to reduce magnet chattering that includes a rotor stack defining at least one magnet retention slot and a permanent magnet positioned within the magnet retention slot, where the magnet retention slot is formed such that movement of the permanent magnet towards at least one end of the slot will tend to cause the magnet to become wedged within the slot.
Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5?-triphosphate [UTP], dinucleotides, cytidine 5?-triphosphate [CTP], adenosine 5?-triphosphate [ATP], or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion and enhance drainage of the lacrimal system. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 6, 1998
Date of Patent:
May 3, 2005
Assignee:
Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Inventors:
Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla M. Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
Abstract: A device for automatically milking an animal, which device is provided with a milking robot, a computer for controlling the operation of the device, a measuring device for performing measurements on milk obtained from an animal, at least two teat cups, and a common milk line for discharging milk coming from the at least two teat cups, each teat cup being connected via a teat cup line to the common milk line. The device is provided with a milk-determining element for determining the teat cup from which comes the milk present in the common milk line and for emitting a determination signal. The measuring device comprises a common sensor for performing measurements on milk obtained from an animal and for emitting a measurement signal. The common sensor is disposed in the common milk line. The computer is suitable for combining the measurement signal and the determination signal.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 23, 2003
Date of Patent:
May 3, 2005
Assignee:
Lely Enterprises AG
Inventors:
Karel Van Den Berg, Helena Geralda Maria Vijverberg, Lucien Eliza Niels Voogd
Abstract: An olefin polymerization catalyst is described which includes: (A) a solid catalyst component being prepared by copulverizing a magnesium compound, an aluminum compound, an electron donor and a titanium compound, and (B) an organoaluminum compound. The present invention is also directed to a process for preparing polyolefins using the aforesaid catalyst system to polymerize olefins.
Abstract: A control method for an automatic transmission in which a first and a second control system are provided and regulate the transmission ratio respectively in automatic and in manual mode. The method comprises the stages of activating the first control system and automatically setting a transmission ratio, detecting the presence of a manual command from an operator to modify the transmission ratio in use, performing the manual command from the operator by modifying the transmission ratio set automatically, silencing the first control system for a predetermined time interval such that the transmission ratio set following the manual command is not modified following any automatic gear change request from the first control system, and attributing the control of the automatic transmission to the first control system.
Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved EPD which comprises the in plane switching mode. More specifically, the EPD of the present invention comprises isolated cells formed from microcups of well defined size, shape and aspect ratio and the movement of the particles in the cells is controlled by the in-plane switching mode. The EPD of the present invention may be produced in a continuous manufacturing process, and the display gives improved color saturation.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 16, 2002
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2005
Assignee:
SiPix Imaging Inc.
Inventors:
Rong-Chang Liang, Jerry Chung, David Chen
Abstract: A device for measuring the AC voltage drop across a series of connections under load with no direct electrical contact to the conductors. The presence of a substantial resistance at series contacts is indicative of a series arcing fault. The device comprises a capacitive probe for clamping to the outer insulation layer of the wire to sense a first voltage at a first node. The device further comprises a floating high-impedance meter having a ground reference coupled to the source of common-mode voltage at a second node, the floating high-impedance meter being adapted to measure a voltage difference between the two nodes and being further adapted to indicate the presence of the series fault when the measured voltage exceeds a predetermined level.
Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treating pain. The method comprises administering to a subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a P2X receptor antagonist. The methods of the present invention are useful in reducing pain, such as traumatic pain, neuropathic pain, organ pain and pain associated with diseases. The P2X receptor antagonists particularly useful for this invention are mononucleoside polyphosphate derivatives or dinucleoside polyphosphate derivatives of general Formula I. The compounds of the present method can be used alone to treat pain. The compounds of the present method can also be used in conjunction with other therapeutic agents or adjunctive therapies commonly used to treat pain, thus enhancing the overall pain-reducing effect in a subject in need of such treatment.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 31, 2003
Date of Patent:
April 19, 2005
Assignee:
Inspire Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Inventors:
Benjamin R. Yerxa, Ward M. Peterson, Christopher S. Crean
Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant.
Abstract: An automatic transfer switch is disclosed that features a novel arrangement for detecting a failure of the power source as well as a novel arrangement for preventing cross-conduction between the first and second signal sources during a rapid transfer.
Abstract: A modified ubiquitin regulatory system which lacks heatshock elements and so is not heat inducible can be used to regulate expression of a structural gene under the control thereof, e.g. by introducing an appropriate DNA construct into plant tissue.
Abstract: A support apparatus is provided for use in the field of workstation design. The support apparatus is movably attachable to a seating device to selectively provide both dorsal and ventral support to a seated user. The support apparatus is movable, by a user in the seated position, between the position providing ventral support and the position providing dorsal support. Also provided is a method of selectively supporting either the ventral or dorsal side of a user by one apparatus, the apparatus moveable by a user in the seated position.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 6, 2002
Date of Patent:
April 12, 2005
Assignee:
Neutral Posture, Inc.
Inventors:
Jerome J. Congleton, Mark E. Benden, Rebecca Congleton Boenigk, John C. Guillen
Abstract: A new variety of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Vamp Time Bronze,’ having a good uniform canopy of bronze decorative flowers. The new variety has a medium vigor, free branching, with a uniform spreading habit and good foliage presentation.
Abstract: A new variety of pot Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Chisel Time Cerise,’ having a good uniform canopy of cerise pink spoon tip single flowers. The new variety has a medium tall vigor, free branching, uniform spreading habit and good foliage presentation.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquefaction reactor with three distinct elements. First, an anchor type mixer with vertical blades near the reactor wall is used to prevent accumulation of viscous materials near the reactor wall. Second, the center shaft of the anchor mixer doubles as an auger mixer to provide vertical mixing and to draw any floating, unmelted waste below the surface. Finally, a dead zone nozzle at the bottom of the reactor is used to accumulate inorganic, undissolved solids and facilitate removal of these solids.
Abstract: A new variety of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Chisel Time Pink,’ having a good uniform canopy of white quill single flowers with pink spoon tips and a light green disc. The new variety has a medium tall vigor, free branching, uniform spreading habit and good foliage presentation.
Abstract: A new variety of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Vamp Time Dark Pink,’ having a good uniform canopy of dark pink decorative flowers. The new variety has a medium vigor, free branching, with a uniform spreading habit and good foliage presentation.