Abstract: A constant gain, constant phase RF power block, e.g., for use in a RF amplifier apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the power block includes a DC to DC power supply circuit co-located with an RF power transistor device on a common heat sink. The power supply circuit has as an input a varying DC voltage and as outputs a constant supply voltage and a constant bias voltage. The power device has as inputs the constant supply voltage and the constant bias voltage, and further configured to receive and amplify an RF signal. The power supply circuit preferably includes a first laser trimmable resistor for setting the constant supply voltage and a second laser trimmable resistor for setting the bias voltage. In this manner, the constant supply and bias voltages may be easily tuned to a desired level during assembly of the power block device. The input and amplified RF signals are each matched to a relatively high impedance, e.g., approximately fifty ohms.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system according to the present invention comprising a stepped scanning-beam x-ray source and a multi-detector array. The output of the multi-detector array is input to an image reconstruction engine which combines the outputs of the multiple detectors over selected steps of the x-ray beam to generate an x-ray image of the object. A collimating element, preferably in the form of a perforated grid containing an array of apertures, interposed between the x-ray source and an object to be x-rayed. A maneuverable positioner incorporating an x-ray sensitive marker allowing the determination of the precise position coordinates of the maneuverable positioner.

Abstract: A medical probe device comprises a catheter having a stylet guide housing with one or more stylet ports in a side wall thereof and a stylet guide for directing a flexible stylet outward through the stylet port and through intervening tissue at a preselected, adjustable angle to a target tissue. The total catheter assembly includes a stylet guide lumen communicating with the stylet port and a stylet positioned in said stylet guide lumen for longitudinal movement from the port through intervening tissue to a target tissue. The stylet can be an electrical conductor enclosed within a non-conductive layer, the electrical conductor being a radiofrequency electrode. Preferably, the non-conductive layer is a sleeve which is axially moveable on the electrical conductor to expose a selected portion of the electrical conductor surface in the target tissue. The stylet can also be a microwave antenna. The stylet can also be a hollow tube for delivering treatment fluid to the target tissue.

Abstract: The present invention discloses peptide aldehydes which are potent and specific inhibitors of thrombin, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of using them as therapeutic agents for disease states in mammals characterized by abnormal thrombosis.

Abstract: A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining the desired pressure in the tires on a tractor trailer or other vehicle having pressurized axles. The assembly communicates the valve stems on a pair of adjacent tires with the axle interior through the use of a flexible tube extending between a stationary first fitting threadably engaged in the axle spindle and a rotary housing secured against the outside end surface of the hub cap so as to be positioned exteriorly of the wheel lubrication compartment and rotatable with the hub cap. The first fitting defines an open channel extending axially therethrough and includes an o-ring seal extending about the channel and forming an airtight seal within the fitting about the tube.

Abstract: Methods for operating a graphics system which employs one or more frame buffer memory devices are disclosed which methods provide for accelerated rendering of two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in a computer graphics system One disclosed operation is a method for compressing data to be transmitted from a controller to the memory device and then decompressing the data within the memory device once it has been transmitted and received.

Abstract: Method and compositions are provided for the determination of telomere length and telomerase activity, as well as the ability to increase or decrease telomerase activity in the treatment of proliferative diseases. Particularly, primers are elongated under conditions which minimize interference from other genomic sequences, so as to obtain accurate determinations of telomeric length or telomerase activity. In addition, compositions are provided for intracellular inhibition of telomerase activity and means are shown for slowing or reversing the loss of telomeric repeats in aging cells.

Abstract: A frame buffer memory is disclosed which provides accelerated rendering of two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in a computer graphics system. One embodiment of the disclosed memory comprises a memory array, a pixel buffer, a plurality of pixel arithmetic-logic units, an input data formatter, an output data formatter, a read data formatter, a write data formatter and an address and control input bus.

Abstract: An automated design rule checking software system processes a physical layout file of a circuit design to derive a list of vias needing design rule checks for violations in metal end, enclosure and/or exposure design rules. The process involves selection of vias likely to cause design rule check problems, selection of vias that violate an enclosure design rule, selection of vias violate metal end design rules, and design rule checks on the selected vias. Potentially problematic vias may be identified by expanding the dimensions of existing vias by a first predetermined minimum distance, subtracting out the metal area, and identifying those vias with residual portions remaining as potentially problematic vias. Candidate vias for an enclosure design rule check may be identified by expanding the dimensions of potentially problematic vias by a second predetermined minimum distance, subtracting out the metal area, and identifying those vias with residual portions remaining as violating the enclosure design rules.

Abstract: There are described herein systems and methods for producing and distributing personalized photographic souvenirs for spectators of an event. Equipment well-known in the art is used to take photographs of performers at the event, and to scan images or take photos of items representative of the event, for example a ticket stub, advertisement, or team names and logos. In addition, at least one pan-and-tilt camera system, also well-known in the art, is used to take an orderly, indexed series of photos of the spectators such that substantially every spectator will appear in at least one spectator photo. The spectator photos are indexed according to a predetermined mapping algorithm which maps a particular location of the venue to a virtual sector. Individual souvenirs are then created at the venue in a centralized processing location, by organizing and combining a spectator photo with the other photos and/or scanned images.

Abstract: A thixocast casting material is formed of an Fe—C—Si based alloy in which an angle endothermic section due to the melting of a eutectic crystal exists in a latent heat distribution curve and has a eutectic crystal amount Ec in a range of 10% by weight<Ec<50% by weight. This composition comprises 1.8% by weight≦C≦2.5% by weight of carbon, 1.4% by weight≦Si≦3% by weight if silicon and a balance of Fe including inevitable impurities.

Abstract: A roofing system (10) adapted to be supported on a support surface (18), the system including a plurality of panels (14) arranged in partially overlapping relation to form a roof, the panels each having first (42) and second (44) side edges, an upper (26) and lower (30) surfaces providing a series of barrels (46) and pans (50), a first side region (83) defining a portion of a barrel and a first cylindrical mating surface (82), and a second-side region (66) defining a portion of a pan and a second cylindrical mating surface, the panels being arranged in overlapping relation so that the first and second mating surfaces are sealingly engaged.

Abstract: A self-addressable, self-assembling microelectronic device is designed and fabricated to actively carry out and control multi-step and multiplex molecular biological reactions in microscopic formats. These reactions include nucleic acid hybridizations, antibody/antigen reactions, diagnostics, and biopolymer synthesis. The device can be fabricated using both microlithographic and micro-machining techniques. The device can electronically control the transport and attachment of specific binding entities to specific microlocations. The specific binding entities include molecular biological molecules such as nucleic acids and polypeptides. The device can subsequently control the transport and reaction of analytes or reactants at the addressed specific microlocations. The device is able to concentrate analytes and reactants, remove non-specifically bound molecules, provide stringency control for DNA hybridization reactions, and improve the detection of analytes. The device can be electronically replicated.

Abstract: A graphics processing system which employs one or more frame buffer memory devices is disclosed which system provides accelerated rendering of two-dimensional and three-dimensional images. One embodiment of the disclosed system comprises a rendering controller, an interface, a frame buffer memory, a rendering bus and an address and control bus.

Abstract: A self-adjusting fabric covered sweatband designed to fit in any type of headwear to achieve a one size fits all situation. The sweatband is completely elastic all the way through its circumference and is covered by a fabric material to absorb the sweat.

Abstract: This invention relates to the method of using neurotrophic pipecolic acid derivative compounds having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins as inhibitors of the enzyme activity associated with immunophilin proteins, and particularly inhibitors of peptidyl-prolyl isomerase or rotamase enzyme activity to stimulate or promote neuronal growth or regeneration.

Abstract: This invention relates to neurotrophic N-glyoxyl-prolyl ester compounds having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins, their preparation and use as inhibitors of the enzyme activity associated with immunophilin proteins, and particularly inhibitors of peptidyl-prolyl isomerase or rotamase enzyme activity.

Abstract: A waterproof flashlight wherein the flashlight is activated by means of a switch located in the flashlight's end cap. Another aspect of the invention being the orientation of the positive terminals of the flashlight's batteries away from the head assembly.

Abstract: A method of providing thermal therapy to prostate tissue of a patient. The method includes: inserting a mechanical separator or infusing a fluid to separate human tissue to be treated from nontarget tissue, thereby providing thermal insulation and other beneficial effects, and applying the thermal therapy to the target tissue.