Abstract: System and methods for performing a therapeutic procedure using focused ultrasound include providing a piezoelectric transducer including a plurality of transducer elements, such as a concave concentric ring array or a liner array of transducer elements. Drive circuitry is coupled to the transducer for providing drive signals to the transducer elements at one of a plurality of discrete RF frequencies. A controller is coupled to the drive circuitry for periodically changing a frequency of the drive signals to one of the plurality of discrete frequencies, while controlling a phase component of the drive signals to maintain the focus of the transducer at a primary focal zone during a single sonication.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices having an elongated member, a stop slidably engaged with the member and preferably a measuring scale to determine dimensions of female reproductive organs. Preferably, the device is adapted to determine the length of the cervix in the fornix vaginae, which is used in the disclosed methods to predict the risk of preterm labor, risk of miscarriage, ease or difficulty of inducing labor, and fertility of an individual. Additional embodiments of the device determine dimensions of the fornix vaginae and dilation of the cervix uteri.

Abstract: A system for accessing a telephone system, in which a set of user stations are matched with a set of base stations for connection to a telephone network. Each base station may be coupled directly or indirectly to the telephone network and may be capable of initiating or receiving calls on the telephone network. Each user station may comprise a spread-spectrum transmitter or receiver and may be capable of dynamic connection to selected base stations. A plurality of base stations may be coupled to a private exchange telephone system for coupling user stations in calls outside the telephone network. User stations may use CDMA, FDMA, TDMA or other multiple-access techniques to obtain one or more clear communication paths to base stations. User stations may make and break connections with base stations as the user station moves between service regions, or is otherwise more advantageously serviced by, base stations.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing flat media, such as semiconductor wafers, has a rotor including positions for first and second cassettes. The cassettes are restrained within the rotor by support tubes and hold down pins. The processing capacity of the apparatus is increased, as the apparatus can hold two cassettes.

Abstract: The present invention provides mutated proteins of steroid hormone receptors. These mutated proteins are useful as gene medicines. In particular, these mutated proteins are useful for regulating expression of genes in gene therapy. In addition, the present invention provides plasmids encoding for the desired mutated steroid hormone receptor proteins, as well as cells transfected with those plasmids.

Abstract: A multiple technology data reader, for reading bar code labels and RFID tags. The multiple technology data reader includes a bar code reader and a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, connected to a host computer via a computer bus, such as a universal serial bus (USB). The bar code reader and the RFID reader communicate with the host computer through logically independent data pipes and device drivers. Compound, composite, or complex interface implementations are possible. A single electronic interface may be configured to allow a single host computer to logically communicate with the bar code and RFID readers as either separate independent readers, or as a single cooperative multiformat label/tag data reader. Thus, the bar code and RFID readers may be operated independently, or powered and operated simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates chromophore-containing polynucleotides having at least two donor chromophores operatively linked to the polynucleotide by linker arms, such that the chromophores are positioned by linkage along the length of the polynucleotide at a donor-donor transfer distance, and at least one fluorescing acceptor chromophore operatively linked to the polynucleotide by a linker arm, such that the fluorescing acceptor chromophore is positioned by linkage at a donor-acceptor transfer distance from at least one of the donor chromophores, to form a photonic structure for collecting photonic energy and transferring the energy to an acceptor chromophore, and methods using the photonic structures.

Abstract: This invention relates to neurotrophic, low molecular weight, small molecule heterocyclic ketone and thioester compounds, compositions containing the same, and the use of such compounds for treating neurological disorders, including physically damaged nerves and neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: Curable epoxy resin compositions, which are obtainable by heating a composition containing at least one epoxy compound, which contains on average at least one, preferably more than one, 1,2-epoxy group and optionally also one or several hydroxyl groups in the molecule, in the presence of at least one Lewis acid as catalyst, wherein the Lewis acid is a salt of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid or of perchloric acid, the counterion of which carries a 2- to 6-fold positive charge, until the epoxy value, measured in equivalent epoxy/kg (Eq/kg) of the starting material, has been reduced by 1 to 60 percent, preferably by 5 to 50 percent; a process for their preparation, and their use for the preparation of fully cured moulded compositions or coatings.

Abstract: A biosensor for monitoring pressure or other physical parameters at an aneurysm site is mountable to a tubular prosthesis that is expandable between contracted and enlarged conditions. A loop, having the biosensor attached thereto, is securable around the prosthesis. An apparatus is used to deliver the loop to an aneurysm site that includes a catheter having a connector on its distal end for detachably securing the loop thereto. The prosthesis is advanced in a contracted state to the aneurysm, and the apparatus, with the loop connected thereto, is advanced to the aneurysm site. The loop and the prosthesis are positioned coaxially with respect to one another, and the prosthesis is expanded towards its enlarged condition, thereby engaging the loop around the prosthesis and engaging the prosthesis with a wall of the blood vessel at the treatment site.

Abstract: A hanger for use in joining tubulars includes an inner tubular with a first portion of length with increasing wall thickness and a second portion of length with decreasing wall thickness through the same longitudinal direction. A swedge sized to expand the inner tubular beyond the yield point to engage and expand the outer tubular is to be drawn through the inner tubular. With the variation in wall thickness, the outer tubular is progressively expanded in an increasing manner and then in a decreasing manner. The difference in inelastic expansion operates to insure an appropriate ultimate fit at one or two areas between the overlapping tubulars. The inner tubular may include a nipple affixed to a liner or may include a liner with an outer filler. In one case, the nipple has varying wall thickness while in the other the filler exhibits the varying wall thickness. A segmented swedge includes portions of the part lines between adjacent segments which are circumferential.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and mechanism for duration-based management of temporary large objects (“LOBs”) in a database system. According to one aspect, temporary LOBs are associated with a duration having a lifespan that corresponds to the lifespan of the temporary LOBs. When the duration ends, the associated temporary LOBs, and any resources allocated to the temporary LOBs, are automatically released. According to another aspect multiple durations of varying, and possibly overlapping lifespans, can exist in the database system. According to yet another aspect, a tree of durations can be created having multiple ancestor and descendant durations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to N-substituted cyclic aza compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of their use for effecting neuronal activities.

Abstract: A self-shielding aspirating dental syringe includes a body having proximal and distal ends and a cavity therein for receiving a medicine cartridge. The distal end has a double-ended needle attached thereto, and the proximal end has a opening for inserting the cartridge into the cavity, and to which a plunger assembly may be attached. A shield is slidable on the body between retracted and extended positions for uncovering and covering the needle, respectively. Cooperating detents and detent pockets are molded on the shield and body for securing the shield in the extended position. A lever is molded on the shield that is pivotable for directing the detents radially outwardly to disengage the detents from the distal detent pockets and allow retraction of the shield from the extended position. A latch is molded on the shield for locking the lever and preventing subsequent retraction of the shield from the extended position.

Abstract: A vibrating sand sifting toy that has a selectively activated vibrating mechanism mounted in a portion of the toy for causing oscillatory vibration of a surface portion of the toy. Two embodiments are in the form of a scoop with a handle. The bottom of the scoop portion is provided with openings in a predetermined pattern and size for discharging sand, dirt or other particulate material in a predetermined pattern for the education and entertainment of a child operating the vibrating toy. In one of those two embodiments the scoop portion is removable and replaceable with other scoop portions having different predetermined patterns of openings. In the other of those two embodiments the bottom of the scoop portion has an open frame for removably receiving a template having a predetermined pattern of openings for discharging sand and various templates with different predetermined patterns may be used.

Abstract: A power supply device consists of a rectifier and capacitor which share common elements facilitating the construction and application of the device to various types of substrates and, particularly, flexible substrates. Components of the device are fabricated from organic conductors.

Abstract: An optical-quality plastic part is provided having a PET polarizing film integrally bonded thereto and, optionally, a hard coating integrally bonded to the PET polarizing film. In a preferred construction, the film may be surface treated, either physically and/or chemically, for integrally bonding the film to the optical-quality plastic material. Similarly, in another preferred construction, the film may be physically and/or chemically surface treated for integrally bonding a hard coating to the PET film. In either construction, the treatment may be effected by light irradiation.

Abstract: A handheld data reader includes a head portion and an attachment device mounted to the head portion for suspending the scanner from an overhead retractor or the like such that the scanner is oriented substantially vertically with its handle directed substantially downward. The attachment device includes an arcuate member that may be configured to pivot away from the head portion. The attachment device may be recessed in the head portion such that the arcuate member is substantially coplanar with the adjacent outer surfaces of the head portion.

Abstract: An LDMOS power package includes a mounting substrate having a surface with one or more alignment pedestals extending therefrom. Each alignment pedestal has a mounting surface facing away from the substrate surface to provide for uniform positioning of various semiconductor elements, e.g., a transistor die or impedance matching capacitors, relative to the substrate surface. The respective pedestal mounting surfaces are preferably conductive, and are electrically coupled to the flange surface, so as to electrically couple the respective capacitor and electrode ground terminals to the flange.