Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a culture of polycystic kidney cells which form cysts in vitro. A cell culture of polycystic kidney cells is also provided. A method for screening an agent in vitro to determine the effectiveness of the agent in treating polycystic kidney disease is disclosed. Further, a method of treating a mammal having polycystic kidney disease by administering a pharmaceutical composition is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing improved step coverage of contacts with conductive materials, and particularly metals. A conductive layer is deposited over an insulating layer, either before or after contact opening formation. After both conductive layer deposition and contact formation, a facet etch is performed to slope the conductive layer overlying the contact lip while depositing material from the conductive layer into the lower corner of the contact, where coverage has traditionally been poor. A second conductive layer may then be deposited into the contact to supplement coverage provided by the first conductive layer and the facet etch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of mounting components and recognizing two different types of components, one by a photographic recognition practice and the other by an optical recognition practice. At least two pick-up devices are carried by a mounting head and a light source and background device is moveable supported by the mounting head into a first position wherein a photographic recognition method can be practiced on a component mounted on one of the pick-up devices, a second position wherein one or both of the pick-up devices may hold components for recognition by the optical device and a third position where a camera carried by the mounting head can be employed for recognizing a substrate. The control routines for each type of sensing operation are disclosed.

Abstract: A stereotactic fixation apparatus provides for accurate and reproducible positioning of a patient's skull during medical diagnostic and treatment procedures. The stereotactic fixation apparatus includes a mouthpiece having an acrylic impression formed as an impression of the patient's upper teeth and hard palate. The mouthpiece is connected to a stereotactic frame, which in turn is releasable connected to an adaptor board on which the patient rests. Vacuum pressure is used to draw the acrylic impression firmly against the patient's hard palate. Vacuum pressure is also used to hold the stereotactic frame on the adaptor board. The stereotactic fixation apparatus additionally includes a patient-activated safety release mechanism which allows the patient to disconnect the vacuum pressure and to dislodge the restraints of the mouthpiece and frame, as well as to disable the medical equipment used with the medical diagnostic or treatment procedure.

Abstract: A reagent dispensing apparatus is provided including a positive displacement syringe pump in series with a solenoid valve dispenser. The pump is controlled by a stepper motor or the like to provide an incremental quantity or continuous flow of reagent to the solenoid valve dispenser. The solenoid valve is opened and closed in at a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to dispense droplets of reagent onto a target substrate at the metered flow rate.

Abstract: A chair for supporting and spacing reinforcement bars having a hollow-conical body for stackability, a planar base for support, an aperture allowing concrete to flow into and around the chair, and notches in the upper surface of the chair to retain the bars in the desired position.

Abstract: An engine measurement and control methodology wherein the engine combustion rate and IMEP are measured by measuring the in-cylinder pressure at specific crank angles and utilizing a basic reading of pressure in the combustion chamber when it will be near to atmospheric, and also at at least one point in time after ignition begins and before top dead center. The measured data can be employed for fine tuning the engine control to obtain optimum performance.

Abstract: An apparatus providing a novel challenge to skill and dexterity includes a projectile and a deformable container having a drive medium contained therein. The deformable container is in fluid communication with a launch member, such that deformation of the container is communicated to the launch member, thereby causing the launch member to impact the projectile. Deformation may be caused by physical pressure applied by an operator. In this case, when an operator strikes the deformable container, it is compressed, forcing the drive medium, which may be air, to the launch member, which may be a piston, causing the launch member to strike a game ball, sending it toward the target. The deformable container may comprise resilient and rigid foam. Alternatively, a plurality of independently compressible containers, each actuating a separate piston or other launch member may be provided.