Abstract: A drug delivery device that utilizes a fluid subsystem with a switching device to deliver multiple drugs to an animal without causing contamination. The fluid subsystem can further comprise disposable syringes, fluid reservoirs, disposable tubing and a catheter. In the embodiments that utilize multiple disposable syringes, the drug delivery device allows a user to deliver multiple drugs to an animal through a catheter without contaminating the switching devices that control the flow of fluid. The drug delivery device can further utilize a controller to control the switching devices and a controller and syringe pumps to control the operation of the syringes.

Abstract: A tricycle convertible to a bicycle. The tricycle has a first wheel rotatably mounted on one end portion of a frame, and a pair of laterally spaced wheels rotatably mounted on a second end portion of the frame, wherein the laterally spaced wheels are movable, while the tricycle is in motion, between a first position with relatively wide ground-level spacing and a second position with minimal ground-level spacing. A wheel hub capable of providing adjustable wheel camber has left and right pivotally mounted axles extending laterally from the hub body, the axles each adapted to support a wheel and mounted so as to pivot vertically, and a dual camber control mechanism coupled to the axles and adapted to provide coordinated camber adjustment in the same direction for wheels on both axles. The hub has sufficient range of motion to allow the wheels to change from negative camber to positive camber, and is useful in a method of stabilizing a bicycle or the like to increase safety during rider training.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic clutch which comprises a primary impeller and a secondary impeller which together define a working chamber. The clutch also comprises means for influencing the transmission behavior of the hydrodynamic clutch, especially for influencing the circulation flow in the working chamber, said means comprising at least one baffle plate that extends at least partially into the working chamber. The inventive clutch is characterized in that the baffle plate can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the working chamber.

Abstract: A system and a method for exercise and/or child development for use by an adult and a child. The system and method utilize a mat or other surface upon which exercises are performed. Such a surface is sized to permit an adult to perform exercises thereon. Such a surface has a plurality of indicia marked thereon. The system and method further utilize instructions describing at least one exercise and/or child development activity. The exercise and/or child development activity incorporates the mat and its indicia.

Abstract: Methods are provided for nucleic acid analysis wherein a target nucleic acid is mixed with a dsDNA binding dye to form a mixture. Optionally, an unlabeled probe is included in the mixture. A melting curve is generated for the target nucleic acid by measuring fluorescence from the dsDNA binding dye as the mixture is heated. Dyes for use in nucleic acid analysis and methods for making dyes are also provided.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system, catheter and method for measuring the cross-sectional areas and pressure gradients in any hollow organ, such as, for example, blood vessels. One embodiment of such a system includes: an impedance catheter capable of being introduced into a targeted site; a solution delivery source; a constant current source; a balloon inflation control device; and a data acquisition and processing system that receives conductance and/or pressure gradient data from the catheter and calculates the cross-sectional area of the targeted site. In one embodiment, the catheter has an inflatable balloon along its longitudinal axis, thereby enabling the breakup of any materials causing stenosis at the targeted site and/or distention and delivery of an optional stent into the targeted site.

Abstract: A projection screen for displaying an image projected as a combination of primary colors, the projection screen comprising a coating applied to a substrate. The coating contains one or more pigments whose colors correspond to the primary colors.

Abstract: A system for stunning poultry located in cages in which the system utilizing an automated control system and a series of stunning apparatuses for progressively increasing exposure of the poultry to a subduing gas. The system is adjustable to allow for varying concentrations of the subduing gas, as well as adjusting the time for which the poultry is exposed to the subduing gas. In addition, the conveyor system includes methods for maintaining the poultry in a calm state prior to dispatch.

Abstract: A tool system for brake forming having a punch or a die and at least one insert. In one embodiment, two inserts are removably attached to a die. The die has a defined shape running along a longitudinal axis. Each insert has a protrusion with a particular cross-sectional shape running along the same longitudinal axis. The die has two cavities, each cavity having a cross-sectional shape matching the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion of one of the inserts. In another embodiment, the die has two protrusions and each insert has a cavity for receipt of one of the protrusions of the die. When one of the protrusions is inserted into one of the cavities, the insert is removably fixed to the die. At least one surface of each insert corresponds to and combines with the defined shape of the die, forming a bending surface against which a sheet of metal is formed. After press braking, the sheet of metal is substantially conformed to the defined shape of the die.

Abstract: A method and system organize and retrieve information using taxonomies, a document classifier, and an autocontextualizer. Documents (or other knowledge containers) in an organization and retrieval subsystem may be manually or automatically classified into taxonomies. Documents are transformed from clear text into a structured record. Automatically constructed indexes help identify when the structured record is an appropriate response to a query. An automatic term extractor creates a list of terms indicative of the documents' subject matter. A subject matter expert identifies the terms relevant to the taxonomies. A term analysis system assigns the relevant terms to one or more taxonomies, and a suitable algorithm is then used to determine the relatedness between each list of terms and its associated taxonomy. The system then clusters documents for each taxonomy in accordance with the weights ascribed to the terms in the taxonomy's list and a directed acyclic graph (DAG) structure is created.

Abstract: Methods are provided for nucleic acid analysis wherein a target nucleic acid is mixed with a dsDNA binding dye to form a mixture. Optionally, an unlabeled probe is included in the mixture. A melting curve is generated for the target nucleic acid by measuring fluorescence from the dsDNA binding dye as the mixture is heated. Dyes for use in nucleic acid analysis and methods for making dyes are also provided.

Abstract: A security feature and method for verifying the authenticity of commercial paper. In one embodiment, pearlescent ink is added to a portion of commercial paper stock. A recipient can then tilt the commercial paper stock to view the pearlescent ink mark, design, or spot from different angles, causing the pearlescent ink to appear different colors and verifying the authenticity of the commercial paper. Further, according to another embodiment, thermochromic ink is applied to a portion of commercial paper stock. A recipient can then apply heat to the commercial paper stock in the area of the ink mark, thereby causing the thermochromic ink to disappear or change colors.

Abstract: In an information retrieval application, a system and method for detecting content holes. A content body is parsed into a plurality of concepts nodes, including a first concept node. A percentage of successful service interactions is determined as a function of concept node and, if the percentage of successful service interactions at the first concept node is below a predefined threshold, a content hole is flagged.

Abstract: A rolling shutter and a slat for use in a rolling shutter are provided. The slat comprises an engaging track located at a first horizontal edge and a receptacle track located at a second horizontal edge. Illustratively, the engaging track has a hook-shaped profile and is disposed at an acute angle, and the receptacle track comprises a lip and a guard defining a space adapted to receive therein an engaging track of an adjacent slat.

Abstract: An improvement to a bridge rectifier assembly of the type used to convert alternating current produced by an motor vehicle alternator into direct current. The bridge rectifier assembly of this type comprises a heat sink, a plurality of pressfit diodes installed in the heat sink, and a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the motor vehicle alternator. The first end of a flexible conductor is mechanically and electrically connected to a conductive connector. The second end of the flexible conductor is mechanically and electrically connected to a lead of one of the plurality of pressfit diodes. The conductive connector is electrically connected to one of the plurality of terminals to complete an electrical connection between the one of the plurality of pressfit diodes and the one of the plurality of terminals.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for retrieving information through the use of a multi-stage interaction with a client to identify particular knowledge content associated with a knowledge map.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight digital imaging device uses a slit scanning arrangement to obtain an image of the eye, in particular the retina. The scanning arrangement reduces the amount of target area illuminated at a time, thereby reducing the amount of unwanted light scatter and providing a higher contrast image. A detection arrangement receives the light remitted from the retinal plane and produces an image. The device is operable under battery power and ambient light conditions, such as outdoor or room lighting. The device is noncontact and does not require that the pupil of the eye be dilated with drops. The device can be used by personnel who do not have specialized training in the eye, such as emergency personnel, pediatricians, or general practitioners. Images can be viewed in the device or transmitted to a remote location. The device can also be used to provide images of the anterior segment of the eye or other small structures.

Abstract: A system and method for control of a gas and/or chemical for treatment of a fluid, and for monitoring the operation of such a system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a reactor for receipt of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical for dissolving, mixing, diffusing, or infusing the gas and/or chemical into the fluid, and a controller to control the flow of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical into the reactor, and to monitor the operation of the system in accordance with predetermined operating conditions. In another embodiment, the system also comprises a gas/chemical generation system for generation of the gas and/or chemical to be introduced into the reactor. The present invention permits for the control of the system based on numerous dynamic conditions to optimize operation and to minimize safety hazards.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a roll-up partition comprising a rolling shutter, a shutter assembly, a flexible strap and a tensioner. The tensioner includes a locking mechanism that is configured to lock and unlock the flexible strap and a quick release mechanism configured to release the locking mechansim, thus allowing the rolling shutter to change positions. The invention also includes a strap recoiler with a locking mechanism and a quick release mechanism, wherein activation of the quick release mechanism causes the release of the locking mechanism, thus allowing the roll-up partition to change positions. The invention also includes a method of exiting an enclosed space partially bounded by a portal protected by a roller shutter. The method includes operating the quick release mechanism, waiting for the shutter to retract and exiting the space through the portal.