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: The present invention relates to methods for the detection of polymorphism in polynucleotides by using hybridization of fragments of segments of a polynucleotide suspected of containing a polymorphism with an oligonucleotide having a sequence complementary to a fragment identifying the polymorphism and subsequent detection of incorporated labels in the oligonucleotide-fragment duplex.

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: A dynamically configurable ultrasound transducer element and related circuits and methods. The transducer may comprise an array of capacitive transducer elements, a row decoder coupled to said array of capacitive transducer elements, a column decoder coupled to said array of capacitive transducer elements, a bias voltage source coupled to said row decoder, and a driving signal source coupled to said column decoder. Preferably, a master clock also is provided to allow for a synchronization of signals between the row decoder and column decoder.

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: In a bar code scanning system, information at the leading and trailing ends of a label is corrected to adjust for distortion due to mechanical aspects of the scan line mechanism that might otherwise render information unreadable. The speed of the scanning spot can be characterized over the course of the scan line. With knowledge of the rate of change of the scan mechanism speed at the ends of the scan line, as well as position information in relation to change in speed over the scan line, a measure of the associated time distortion with respect to elements encoded in the scan line information may be established. In turn, a compensation curve may be determined to identify the offset that may be applied to the collected data to compensate for the variation in speed.

Abstract: An expansion frame system for deploying medical devices in a patient's body cavity. The system typically includes an inner wire disposed within a lumen of an outer wire. Distal ends of the inner and outer wires are attached to a substantially circular frame at first and second points. During use, the outer wire is displaced relative to the inner wire, causing the circular frame to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the line defined by the first and second points. Medical devices, such as a filter, a stent, an occluder or a manometer, can be mounted on the circular frame. The diameter of the expansion frame can be varied to achieve optimal contact with the luminal wall of the body cavity. Methods of using the expansion frame system for temporary or permanent placement of a medical device is disclosed.

Abstract: An arcade game accepts player selection of a specific prize before the game is started. Preferably, the difficulty level of the game is proportional to the value of the selected prize. In addition, the difficulty level of the game is preferably proportional to the number of monetary units inserted into the machine by the player, such that the game becomes less difficult as the player inserts additional monetary units into the machine. The machine preferably dispenses the selected prize to the player when the player inserts monetary units into the machine equivalent to the value of the prize.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for software threads to access both shared and unshared data in a single software unit. Prior to a thread executing a set of computer language instructions in a collection of software units, it creates a copy of the respective location data segment of the collection of software units. Thereafter, prior to the thread accessing a software unit in the collection of software units that has an associated set of shared data, the thread sets a pointer in its location data segment copy to the equivalent value in the location data segment of the collection of software units. The thread will thereafter access the set of data associated with the software unit when it executes the respective software unit. Also, prior to the thread accessing a software unit in the collection of software units that has an associated set of unshared data, the thread creates a copy of the set of unshared data.

Abstract: The invention provides a general-purpose data parsing and analysis system and methods of use. A common system is used for analyzing any data composed of interrelated data structures similar to the protocols found within network frames. A single logic control module is utilized to perform any number of data manipulation functions, for example parsing, filtering, statistics collection and format conversion based upon one or more programmably configurable protocol descriptions, which may be stored in and retrieved from an associated data storage device.

Abstract: A system records use of a structure deployed in operative association with heart tissue in a patient. An image controller generates an image of the structure while in use in the patient. An input receives data including information identifying the patient. An output processes the image in association with the data as a patient-specific, data base record for storage, retrieval, or manipulation.

Abstract: The inventions herein relate to novel games of chance and apparatus and methods for their play. In one embodiment, a multi-level game of chance is played by presenting the player with multiple options, where there is at least one positive option and at least one negative option. By way of example, at each level the player selects one of four boxes, where two have a monetary amount, and one has a strike. Optionally, the fourth box may comprise a ‘mystery box’, which requires a decision within a decision. When presented with the mystery box, the player may elect to open it or not. If they do not open it, game play resumes at the existing game level. If they open it, one of multiple options is presented, including a positive option and a negative option. In the preferred embodiment, the positive option could include: a multiplier of the winnings of the player, e.g., a double of the money in the player's account, or the updating of the safe level for the player.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophoretic method to effect differential net migration, the extent of said migration being dependent on molecular size, of electrically charged macromolecules through a gel support in a single dimension, which method comprises subjecting electrically charged macromolecules applied to a gel support to an electric field oriented along a single axis within the gel for a time period sufficient to effect migration in the direction of the oriented field and form a separation pattern in order of the respective molecular weights of the macromolecules in a distance of about 0.5 to about 20 millimeters, said gel support comprising about 3 to about 40 percent acrylamide, said electric field being applied in an amount of about 5 to about 100 volts per millimeter of gel support along the axis length, and said gel support having a width perpendicular to said axis of about 0.1 to 1.5 millimeters.

Abstract: This invention features an antithrombosis enzyme extracted and purified from the snake venom of Southern-Anhui Agkistrodon acutus and pharmaceutical uses thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to neurotrophic low molecular weight, small molecule N-oxides of heterocyclic esters amides, thioesters, and ketones having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins, and their use as inhibitors of the enzyme activity associated with immunophilin proteins, particularly peptidyl-prolyl isomerase, or rotamase, enzyme activity.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of modulating translation termination efficiency of mRNA and/or promoting degradation of abberant transcripts. Also, this invention provides a method of screening for a drug active involved in enhancing translation termination and a method for identifying a disease state involving defective the protein complex. This invention provides a purified complex comprising an amount of a human Upf1p protein, a peptidyl eucaryotic release factor 1 (eRF1) and a peptidyl eucaryotic release factor 3 (eRF3) effective to modulate translation termination. Further, this invention provides an expression vector which comprises a nucleic acid encoding a human Upf1p protein, a peptidyl eucaryotic release factor 1 (eRF1) and a peptidyl eucaryotic release factor 3 (eRF3) operably linked to a regulatory element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for acquiring and analyzing electrograms in myocardial tissue are disclosed and described. One such method includes deploying a three dimensional, radially expanded array of multiple electrodes in operative association with a region of heart tissue; acquiring a sample of a cardiac event by placing the heart at a predetermined location using the multiple electrodes, while conditioning the multiple electrodes to sense paced electrograms occurring in the tissue region during pacing; and electronically comparing the sample to a template of a cardiac event of known diagnosis and generating an output based upon the comparison, whereby the output provides a diagnostic indicator based upon pacing.

Abstract: A water purification and hot water supply apparatus is provided including a feed water intake providing water in excess of the distilled water output, a heater controlling the quantity of water boiled, a waste water exit port to remove accumulated water above a certain level, a distilled water exit port in the vapor space, a condensing device to transfer the heat of condensation to a hot water tank and a waste water heat exchange device to transfer heat from the waste water to the hot water tank. A volatile organic compound removing tank to heat and vent off the contaminants is positioned to receive heat from the water in the still section of the apparatus which then feeds water to the feed water intake.