Abstract: Disclosed is a water pressure booster apparatus which can be employed for the dispensing of beverages. The booster can be combined as a carbonator and water pressure booster apparatus for holding both carbonated and non-carbonated water at elevated pressures, for the dispensing of carbonated and non-carbonated beverages. The apparatus has a tank including a tank chamber with a booster chamber therein. The two chambers are separated by a flexible membrane such that the elevated pressure is essentially the same in the two chambers. The booster chamber is removable through an access port in the tank. A valve provides inlet water to the tank chamber and the booster chamber. The location of the membrane controls the valve between charging of the two chambers. The valve is a spool valve with one end coupled to the membrane. The quantities of water in the two chambers controls activation of a pump which provides charging water to the chambers.

Abstract: An expansion plug filter assembly adapted to be mounted in an axle spindle for communicating filtered air from an axle to a rotary union assembly in a tire inflation system. The assembly includes a head portion, a body portion, an internal air flow channel extending longitudinally through the head and body portions. A press plate cavity is provided in the head portion of the assembly. A filter unit is carried by the body portion and a press plate is disposed within the press plate cavity. An o-ring mounted in a groove about the head portion provides an airtight seal between the head portion and the interior of the axle spindle. Tightening a plurality of securement bolts embedded in the head portion draws the press plate into the press plate cavity and causes a downstream portion of the head portion of the assembly to expand against the spindle to releasably secure the assembly within the spindle such that air passing therethrough is first caused to flow through the filter unit.

Abstract: A spill containment system and method that contain leaks and spills from devices including but not limited to batteries. The system neutralizes and absorbs leaks and spills to prevent the leaks and spills from spreading. The system not only detects leaks, but also indicates whether a leak has occurred. The system can communicate with personnel or devices to raise an alarm or cause corrective measures to occur. The spill containment system includes a battery rack inside a battery rack cabinet having a door. To open the door and gain access to the batteries, one of the rigid containment rails is removed such that the exposed flexible corrosion-resistant liner may be flexed to permit the opening and closing of the door.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the resistance to the motion of vehicles due to air displacement and air friction by reducing the air pressure in an enclosed passageway for vehicular travel. Balance rooms are provided for entering the enclosed passageway without significantly increasing the air pressure in the passageway. Alternatively, the air in the passageway is replaced with a gas with a lesser molecular weight than air, to reduce the resistance to motion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of inhibiting angiogenesis comprising administering a N-Acetylated &agr;-Linked Acidic Dipeptidase (NAALADase) inhibitor to a patient in need thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising an anti-angiogenic effective amount of a NAALADase inhibitor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method for the formation of porous hydrophilic membranes, to the membranes themselves, and to uses for them.

Abstract: In a method of processing or drying a semiconductor wafer, the wafer is withdrawn from a fluid bath at an inclined angle, and at a selected withdrawal speed. A solvent vapor is provided at the surface of the bath, to create a surface tension gradient and promote drying, or removal of the fluid from the wafer surface. After the wafer is entirely withdrawn from the rinsing liquid, the wafer is rotated briefly, to remove any remaining fluid via centrifugal force, without the fluid drying on the wafer. The wafer is held onto a rotor assembly which rotates the wafer within an enclosed chamber, and which is also pivoted within the chamber, to position the wafer at the incline angle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in sealing a vascular puncture site. The invention comprises an integrated vascular device having a sheath with a closure component and puncture sealant. The closure component is disposed on and advanceable over the exterior of the sheath and may comprise any of a variety of apparatus suited for closing a vascular puncture. Once the closure component has been actuated to close the puncture, sealant is introduced to seal the puncture. The sheath and closure component are then removed from the patient.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for diagnosis of specific cancerous conditions. The invention features a method for diagnosis of a condition in a patient associated with an elevated level of telomerase activity within a cell. The method involves determining the presence or amount of telomerase within the cells in the patient, e.g. by the use of the polymerase chain reaction. In one embodiment of the invention, the condition associated with elevated telomerase activity is chosen from prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, renal cancer, ovarian/cervical cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia. The invention allows cancer to be detected even in tissues and cells which are not positive by pathology.

Abstract: A method for allowing a user to access a plurality of service providers through a service brokerage via the Internet. The service brokerage establishes accounts with the service providers and the user. Once a user logs in to the service brokerage, the user is presented with a set of private service provider chat rooms that are on on-line. The set can be chosen based upon a predetermined criterion. Once the user selects a chat room of a chosen provider, the service provider must allow the user access to that service provider's chat room. A user profile may be provided to the service provider to aid in the admission process. Once a user is inside a chat room, the chat room is closed and the user and service provider can privately interact in the occupied chat room via the Internet. The service provider can have access to, and modify, a user information file of the user during the session, and the user can have access to the file once the session is over.

Abstract: A method for detecting optimal lung volume and determining the maximum lung compliance of a patient on high frequency oscillatory ventilation includes the steps of measuring the peak-to-peak oscillatory pressures in the proximal and distal ends of an endotracheal tube positioned within the patient. The oscillatory pressure ratio is calculated from the peak-to-peak oscillatory pressures in the proximal and distal ends. The mean airway pressure of the patient is then altered. The oscillatory pressure ratio is then recalculated at the altered mean airway pressure. The mean airway pressure is repeatedly altered while additional oscillatory pressure measurements are made until the oscillatory pressure ratio is at or near its minimum value.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid (HMB) in commercially viable amounts is disclosed. The reaction mixture cycles through an external heat exchanger while the primary reactant is added in a warmer so as to control and maintain a low temperature for the reaction mixture. The manufacturing process herein disclosed increases yield while decreasing reaction time from the synthetic processes currently practiced.

Abstract: Unique side-fill mold assembly and method for making a lens wherein the mold assembly includes a gasket having a plurality of side port holes which allow filling of the mold assembly with a thermosetting resin and allow egress of air trapped within the mold assembly.

Abstract: A packaged integrated circuit device includes a substrate including a first circuit component mounted thereon, a first conductor extending from the first circuit component, and a dielectric lid. The dielectric lid includes a component mounting surface, a second circuit component mounted on the component mounting surface, and a second conductor extending from the second circuit component. The dielectric lid is adapted to engage with the substrate such that the first circuit component is in electrical communication with the second circuit component. The second circuit component may comprises an impedance matching circuit. The circuit device may also include fastening means for securing the lid to the substrate. The fastening means may comprise an adhesive, solder, or a spring biased member.

Abstract: A device for measuring, concurrently from the same sample solution, the pH and presence or quantity of an analyte in the solution. The pH and analyte measuring sections of the invention are contained within the same holding structure.

Abstract: A power cable adapter for use with a welding torch assembly to electrically couple the power cable in the cable carrying line with the power output stud on the welding machine and communicate the cable carrying line with a fluid supply line for the passage of fluid therethrough. The adapter includes a pair of clam shell type clamp members formed of an electrically conductive material. The clamp members define aligned apertures therein for securing the adapter on the output stud and opposed channels extending laterally therethrough for adjustably securing an electrically conductive U-shaped tube in electrical contact with the clamp members. Connector fittings are provided on the ends of the tube for communication with the torch lines, allowing the torch lines to extend to and from the adapter in a parallel orientation at any desired angular orientation from the welding machine.

Abstract: A strap or fastener for removably securing an oximeter probe to the appendage of a patient. The strap is made of an elastic material that wraps around the outside of the oximeter probe and is secured to the oximeter probe by attachment mechanisms such as Velcro that can be readjusted after initial application without producing excessive stress on the spring hinge of the oximeter probe.

Abstract: A scan assembly and method of manufacture in which the dither mechanism comprises a co-molded dither spring, dither mount and mirror mount. The method comprises co-molding a living hinge with a base mount on the fixed end of the living hinge and a mirror mount on the free end of the living hinge. The living hinge may be molded out of the same plastic material as the base mount and mirror mount, or the living hinge may be molded out of a more pliable plastic.

Abstract: A curved print head is used for generating charged particles at a number of apertures and emitting those charged particles from the apertures to a cylindrical drum. The print head has a radius of curvature larger than the radius of curvature of the drum. The difference in the radius of curvature of the print head and the radius of curvature of the drum is limited by the variation in electric field strength deposited on the drum across the width of the print head.

Abstract: A method of recovering precious metal values from refractory sulfide ores is provided. The method includes the steps of separating clays and fines from a crushed refractory sulfide ore, forming a heap from the refractory sulfide ore, producing a concentrate of refractory sulfide minerals from the separated fines and adding the concentrate to the heap, bioleaching the heap to thereby oxidize iron sulfides contained therein, and hydrometallurgically treating the bioleached ore to recover precious metal values contained therein.