Abstract: A percussion instrument is muted by using a dampening layer to reduce the sound and acousti vibrations when struck. In one embodiment, the dampening layer is comprised of a layer of flexible plastic adhered to a cymbal surface. When the cymbal is struck, the dampening layer dissipates the normal vibrations of the cymbal without hampering the natural look, feel, playability, or natural swinging motion of the cymbal. In a second, preferred, embodiment, the dampening layer is a sandwich of adhesive layers and plastic layers.

Abstract: A novel tool and process, primarily useful for assisting ice climbers in creating a “V-thread” anchor.

Abstract: Method for producing large lots of final sterile Poly-ICLC suitable for clinical use with reduced toxicity at effective dose levels, and method for using Poly-ICLC to regulate genes, and method for using Poly-ICLC to treat certain human and veterinary infectious, neoplastic and autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: A percussion cymbal instrument is muted by using a dampening layer to reduce the sound and acoustic vibrations when struck. In a preferred embodiment, the muting system is comprised of a layer of flexible plastic adhered to a cymbal surface. When the cymbal is struck, the muting system dissipates the normal vibrations of the cymbal without hampering the natural look, feel, playability, or natural swinging motion of the cymbal.

Abstract: A ring-shaped percussion transducer for converting a striking impact into a representative electrical pulse triggering signal is suitable for mounting on the center axis of a percussion instrument. In a preferred embodiment, the transducer is formed of a piezo electric material of ring shape; protected on the top and bottom by thinner ring shaped washers; enclosed in a protective coating and mounted along the center axis of a percussion device which when struck transmits vibrations to the percussion transducer. The percussion transducer is connected to conventional downstream electronics so as to produce a sound responsive to the striking impact.

Abstract: A device and process to allow remote receipt and placement of Internet Telephony connections (calls) using emulation of traditional POTS telephone service through a combination of software and a specialized cordless handset appliance. The system allows ringing and answering of inbound calls, dialing of outbound numbers, and signaling of handset status, as well as traditional telephony capabilities such as memory dialing, redial and radio channel controls. Voice control of dialing may also be implemented under software control. This system is easily adapted for operation with most PC based Internet Telephony software systems.

Abstract: A device and process to allow remote receipt and placement of Internet Telephony connections (calls) using emulation of traditional POTS telephone service through a combination of software and a specialized cordless handset appliance. The system allows ringing and answering of inbound calls, dialing of outbound numbers, and signaling of handset status, as well as traditional telephony capabilities such as memory dialing, redial and radio channel controls. Voice control of dialing may also be implemented under software control. This system is easily adapted for operation with most PC based Internet Telephony software systems.

Abstract: A novel device to facilitate digital network, such as the internet, telephony by connecting a standard telephone handset to a computer sound card so as to allow voice communication using an integrated microphone and speaker is provided in which a specialized cable having a four-wire handset or equivalent telephone jack at one end and a pair of jacks adapted to engage the input and output ports of a computer soundcard at a second end connects a standard telephone handset to a computer soundcard or, in a second embodiment, in which a telephone handset is provided with a cable having a pair of jacks adapted to engage the input and output ports of a computer soundcard.

Abstract: This invention is a device and method for the measurement of optical path length. A frequency chirped electromagnetic wave source, such as a laser beam, is split into two branches. A reference branch is projected directly onto a photosensor, while a probe branch is launched towards a target whose distance relative to the reference path is to be determined. A reflected wave from the target is collected and mixed with the reference onto a photosensor. Due to the unequal path lengths traveled by the reference and the reflected probe laser beams as well as the chirped nature of their frequencies, a certain optical frequency difference exists between the two beams. This frequency difference is linearly proportional to the relative optical path length difference between the two laser beams and the relative optical path length can be readily determined by using a photosensor that generates photocurrents linearly proportional to the relative optical frequency differences between the reference and reflected branches.

Abstract: Detection of probe fragment products of basepair mismatch cleavage indicate the presence and sequence of target DNA. Detection of the target is enhanced by amplification through recycling targets by maintaining an assay temperature between the melting point of the target/probe DNA duplex and that of the target/product complex, in the presence of an amplifier comprising ammonium acetate or an amine derivative (for example, diethylamine, piperidine or ammonium carbonate). Cleavage reduces the size of the duplex, and thus lowering its melting point. The amplifier releases the target from the complex, thereby permitting further catalysis of cleavage and effectively amplifying the signal to be detected.

Abstract: Minoxidil has been shown to stimulate hair growth or inhibit the loss of hair in a number of patients beginning to develop androgenic alopecia. The mechanism by which minoxidil (2,4-pyrimidinediamine, 6-(1-piperidinyl)-3-oxide) alters the hair growth cycle is uncertain, but is thought to act by increasing vascular circulation to the hair follicle. Inhibitors of steroid metabolism, particularly those that inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, have shown effects on hair cycles, including inhibition of hair loss. One class of enzymes targeted by these inhibitors are the steroid 5-alpha reductases. Minoxidil used in conjunction with effectors of steroid metabolism, leads to enhanced hair growth and decreased rates of hair loss. This specification relates to the use of antisense oligonucleotides targeting 5-alpha reductases used in conjunction with other hair growth enhancers and/or hair loss inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting depression and its severity. A series of statements formulated to detect the presence and severity of depression are presented to the subject in a multiple item visual analog format. The subject's answers are given a numerical value. The total score is then normatively ranked to determine the presence and severity of the depression.

Abstract: A novel safety device comprises a flashlight and a pyrotechnic signalling device launcher in a single unit. The device comprises an elongated body comprising two compartments; a first compartment is suitable for carrying batteries for powering the flashlight, while a second compartment is suitable for carrying pyrotechnic signalling means. In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a water resistant flashlight switch and a firing mechanism which includes an internal cocking mechanism which is cocked by rotating one segment of the device with respect to a second segment of the device.

Abstract: A system of structures uses the energy and properties of a stream flow to protect downstream structures from various potentailly damaging stream-flow-induced events. One element, a streamwise-vortex generator is placed upstream from a structure to protect it from impact by buoyant contaminates. The generator is positioned at a depth sufficiently below the surface to minimize the likelihood of contact with vehicles or debris. In this position it induces a vortex in the current flow whose axis is essentailly parallel to the streamwise flow. The vortex persists downstream of the generator and, migrating to the surface, deflects a debris away from the protected structure. Another element, a vorticity generator, causes interference with, and/or diversion of streambed-scouring vortices or eddies which are naturally generated adjacent the sides of structures. The result is protection of the streambed from damaging scour which would otherwise occur.

Abstract: An ergonometric handle is shaped so as to encourage a natural working grip, thereby increasing user comfort and enabling a user to use a tool incorporating said handle for a longer period of time with reduced fatigue to the tissues, nerves, tendons and bones of the hand. The handle may be angularly disposed relative to the long axis of the tool and the ends of the handle are smaller in width than the middle in order to accommodate the smaller gripping circumferences of the index and small digits. Thus the cross sectional shape of the handle is oblong and when viewed from the side is humpbacked. The grip honors the varying ratios of the digits to the metacarpals. The handle also has indentations in it to enhance the placement of the digits in the natural gripping position. These indentations form a hand imprint in the handle.

Abstract: A pistol is disclosed which is selectable between automatic and semi-automatic operation. A device is provided which permits existing semiautomatic firearms to be converted so that they may be fired in either fully automatic or semiautomatic mode. A novel trigger bar and selector are disclosed.

Abstract: (2'-5') linked 3'-Deoxyoligodeoxynucleotides have been synthesized on a solid support via standard cyanoethyl phosphoramidite chemistry. This simple change in the oligonucleotide bond connectivity leads to unique properties. Thus (2'-5') 3'-deoxyoligodeoxynucleotides hybridize selectively to single stranded RNA but not DNA. The (2'-5') linkages confer greater resistance to exo- and endonyucleolytic degradation compared to (3'-5') -linked oligomers. In addition, (2'-5') linked 3'-deoxyoligodeoxynucleotides support RNase-H activity. The nucleic acid selectivity of (2'-5')oligo-3'0-deoxynucleotides may represent an important design feature to improve the efficacy of antisense oligonucleotides.

Abstract: A streamwise-vortex generating diverter is placed upstream from a structure to protect the structure. The diverter is positioned to induce a vortex, or rotation, in the current flow whose axis is essentially parallel to the streamwise flow. This rotating flow persists downstream of the diverter effectively guiding debris away from the protected structure.

Abstract: A novel optical device is provided which uses an array of light emitting diodes, controlled by novel multiplexing schemes, to replace conventional broad band light sources in devices such as spectrometers.

Abstract: A novel ergonomic keyboard provides improved user comfort while maintaining a configuration sufficiently close to conventional keyboards to minimize the need for retraining of experienced keyboard users. The novel keyboard is arcuate, with central keys situated closer to the user, and sloped in two directions, with keys sloping up toward the center and sloping up away from the user's position.