Abstract: A gaming apparatus and method includes a table with a cushion on its perimeter and centrally located target area. The target area includes an elongated barrier to prevent passage of a ball and a primary target formed as a bay having opposed side walls and an open mouth to receive a ball. The target array in one embodiment includes a base rail and transverse end rails. A plurality of primary targets are located in spaced relation along the base rail with regions between the primary targets defining secondary targets. The primary targets accept different integral numbers of balls that may be launched from a tee area against the cushion to score points. Guides having converging walls direct incident balls toward the mouths of the primary targets. A mallet is used to strike each ball of a player's ball set during play.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical compounds that are useful in the production of taxanes. The chemical compounds according to the present invention have a generalized formula: wherein R1 is +NH3X− where X is deprotonated organic acid such as deprotonated trifluoroacetic acid, and wherein R2 may be acetyl or hydrogen, and P1 may be hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group, such as benzyloxymethyl.

Abstract: Apparatus for winding a tape medium is disclosed to include a winding hub, a drive operative to rotate the hub, a rigid packing arm and a support member for the packing arm. The packing arm rides on the surface of the tape pack and may be linear or arcuate and may be off the wind axis of the hub. A first end portion of the packing arm may also overlap the hub. The packing arm may be formed of a non-ferrous material, such as a ceramic, and it may be biased into contact with the tape pack surface. A longitudinal groove can be provided to collect debris. A plurality of packing arms equiangularly spaced relative to the hub may be employed. The packing arm can be supported on the frame of the apparatus or it can be mounted in a cartridge that provides a supply of tape.

Abstract: A safety saw may be used by a child and includes a handle and a forwardly extending blade. The handle has a first portion, a second portion and a waisted portion between the first and second portions. The minimum diameter of the waisted portion is no more than fifty percent (50%) of the maximum diameter of the second end portion. Preferably, the first and second portions have equal radii. The blade has teeth only on one lateral edge, and a distal tip extends forwardly along the longitudinal axis of the blade to a rounded end. The distal tip has a length at least twice the width of a tooth, and it is devoid of any teeth. The leading edge of each tooth is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis while the trailing edge is oblique to the longitudinal axis at an angle of about 50° to 60°. The height and width of the teeth may be the same; alternatively, the width may be twice the height.

Abstract: An image projecting apparatus is provided to project a real image of an object to be displayed while obscuring the object from view by an observer located exteriorly of the image projecting apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing (12) having an interior and a view area (14) for the real image. First and second reflective surfaces (40, 50), such as mirrors, are disposed in the housing. The first reflective surf (40) must be concave of a variety of geometric shapes. The second reflective surface (50) may be concave or, alternatively, planar. A masking member is interposed between the object and the view area. The second reflective surface can define the masking member. The first and second reflective surfaces are arranged at an acute angle to each other.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for producing 10-deacetyl baccatin III from a solution containing a solvent reactive with hydrazine hydrate and a spectrum of taxanes. The solution is contacted with hydrazine hydrate thereby converting some taxanes therein into 10-deacetyl baccatin III. The process can target taxanes having an ester functionality on at least one of the C-10 and C-13 positions. The hydrazine hydrate cleaves the ester functionality of the taxane solute, The process may be used to produce 10-deacetyl baccatin III from a biomass extract by contacting the biomass extract with a mixture of a solvent and a hydrazine hydrate. The solvent may have a functional group that is cleaved by hydrazine. Acetate solvents are contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing paclitaxel from a protected coupled ester compound having a formula: wherein P1 is a hydrogenatable protecting group, comprising the steps of deprotecting the 7-O-position, 3′-N-position and 2′-O-position thereof in the presence of an acid to form a first intermediate compound having a formula: wherein HA is said acid, and benzoylating the first intermediate compound at the 3′-N-position thereby to produce paclitaxel.

Abstract: A tanning apparatus with first and second tanning units movable between an open position to provide access to an interior and a closed position to enclose the interior and define a tanning chamber. Ultraviolet lamps are supported on one of the tanning units, and a control switch operates to generate ultraviolet radiation within the tanning chamber for a selected time interval. At least one handle projects away from a mounting surface for one of the units, and includes at least one mount and a grasping member connected to the mount so that the individual's arms can be elevated to promote exposure to radiation on a first region of the individual's body between the arm and torso during a tanning session. A method of promoting exposure to ultraviolet radiation is also provided, as well as a handle for use by the individual during a tanning session and a tanning apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing paclitaxel from a protected coupled ester compound having a formula: wherein P1 is a hydrogenatable protecting group, comprising deprotecting the 7-O-position and 3′-N-position of the protected coupled ester compound to form a first intermediate compound, benzoylating the first intermediate compound at the 3′-N-position thereby to form a second intermediate compound, and deprotecting the second intermediate compound by replacing P1 with hydrogen in the presence of an acid. The present invention also provides chemical compounds useful in the production of paclitaxel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing paclitaxel or a paclitaxel analog comprising the esterification of C-7, C-10 di-CBZ 10-deacetylbaccatin III with an N-carbamate protected, C-2-protected 3-phenyl isoserine side chain. The C-7, C-10 carbobenzyloxy groups are then replaced with hydrogen and an acyl group is substituted at the C-3′ nitrogen. The resulting compound is acylated at the C-10 hydroxyl position, and deprotected at the C-2′ position by replacing the hydroxyl protecting group with hydrogen to produce paclitaxel or a paclitaxel analog. The present invention also relates to alternative methods of acylating a 10-hydroxy paclitaxel analog. The first method comprises dissolving a 10-hydroxy paclitaxel analog in an acceptable ether solvent therefor to form a first solution at a first temperature.

Abstract: A method of managing snoring is provided by the instillation orally of a solution containing 1-20% methylsulfonylmethane by weight dissolved in water so as to cover the mucous membranes of the orophyrnx. Preferably, the solution has between 10%-15% by weight methylsulfonylmethane. The solution may be buffered, and/or a flavoring may be included. The method prefers that instillation occur as close to the sleep event as possible, and it should be at least within thirty (30) minutes to fifteen (15) minutes before a person retires for sleep. The solution may be introduced by spray or drop-wise, and a product packaging the solution in a suitable container is described.

Abstract: A slider for use during production of a rigid memory disk comprises a rigid body fabricated from a single phase material having a fracture toughness greater than 4 MPam0.5. A head gimbal assembly and a test device are also provided. The head gimbal assembly comprises a flexure and a slider secured to the flexure's distal end portion. The test device comprises a support structure, a rotary drive operative to rotate a disk thereon relative to the support structure, a head gimbal assembly, a piezoelectric transducer supported on the slider of the head gimbal assembly for producing an electronic signal in response to asperity detection, signal processing electronics for processing the electronic signal, and electrical Interconnects for establishing communication between the transducer and the signal processing electronics.

Abstract: A prosthetic device is provided having a proximal end portion adapted to be secured to an amputee and a distal foot structure. The improvement comprises a pivoting ankle joint disposed between the proximal end portion and the foot structure. This ankle joint includes a matable socket and head assembly interconnecting the proximal end portion and the foot structure for relative movement about a pivot axis between first and second positions. A spring element operates to resiliently bias the socket and head into the first pivot position. A load-sensitive locking mechanism operates, upon the existence of a triggering load which exceeds a predetermined threshold magnitude, to cause the socket and head assembly to lock at a selected locking position, thereby preventing relative pivotal movement. In the absence of the triggering load, relative pivotal movement of the socket and head assembly between the first and second positions is permitted.

Abstract: A memory album retains and displays items of memorabilia and comprises top and bottom covers, which may be constructed of a stiff backing material and have a selected geometric configuration, and a foldable display panel disposed between the covers for receiving the items of memorabilia. The foldable display panel is moveable between a compact state where it is in a collapsed configuration with the top and bottom covers positioned in a first orientation with respect to one another, and an expanded state where it is in a flattened configuration with the top and bottom covers positioned at a second orientation with respect to one another. The display panel is operative upon movement of the memory album between the compact state and the expanded state to extend along both a first direction that is parallel to longitudinal axis and a second direction that is transverse thereto, thereby to reveal a plurality of display panel regions adapted to receivably retain the items of memorabilia.

Abstract: A mobile storage unit broadly comprises a support frame, primary and auxiliary wheel assemblies, and first and second storage shelves. The primary wheel assembly assists to position the support frame upright on a transport surface and permits movement of thereover, while the auxiliary wheel assembly movably supports the frame in a horizontal position above the transport surface. Each storage shelf is pivotally disposed on the support frame and selectively moveable between a stowed and extended positions to support a respective container for Implements. The unit may also have a single storage shelf and a removable panel insert nestably received therein. Alternatively, first and second frameworks can be provided to receive a tool box for vertical and horizontal transport, respectively, as desired.

Abstract: A security support system and method adapted to display an item on a support surface having spaced apart parallel channels to lockably retain the item against unauthorized removal. The security support system includes a base member that is sized and configured to engage the channels, a support arm that is adjacent to the base member that holds the display item, an optional retainer element that is sized to prevent removal of the display item and a lockable element that engages the support arm on the distal end opposite the base member. The lockable element is secured to the support arm in a locked state and is configured alone or with the optional retainer element to prevent removal of the display item. The lockable element in an unlocked state disengages from the support arm allowing removal of the display item and the optional retainer.

Abstract: A motion detection system for detecting an object's movement through a threshold in a selected direction comprises first and second transmitters for producing respective broadcast signals across the threshold along respective transmission paths, a receiver circuitry operative in an absence of movement through the threshold to receive the broadcast signals and generate a receiver circuitry reference signal, and operative upon interruption of both broadcast signals within a selected period of time to generate receiver circuitry interrupted output corresponding to movement of the object, respectively, through first and second transmission paths. Processing circuitry monitors the receiver circuitry and operates upon detection of the receiver circuitry interrupted output to produce an event detection signal, and output circuitry responds to generate selected output, thereby indicating movement of the object through the threshold in one of two movement directions.

Abstract: A fragrance extender releases fragrance from a fragrance producing composition over a prolonged interval of time. The fragrance includes a piece of ceramic material of sufficient porosity to permit penetration of the fragrance emitting substance and the carrier liquid therefor. A support structure supports the piece of material relative to a support surface so that the exposed surface area that receives the fragrance emitting substance is at a removed location. A method of retarding the evaporation of a selected fragrance producing composition is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a piece of ceramic material and then contacting a portion of the exposed surface of the ceramic material with the selected composition.

Abstract: A coating station for an apparatus and method used to coat at least one side of a pontinuous strip of material includes a housing having a conduit that connects to a source of coating material, a fluid dispensing passageway and a wick that contacts the strip. The passageway has an intake port and a discharge port. A metering member is interposed in the passageway, and a drive rotates it about an axis between the intake and discharge ports. The metering member has a metering bore, and a reciprocating metering piston is disposed in the bore. The metering member may be a cylindrical shaft, and one or more metering bores extend diametrically through the shaft with each being provided with a piston to dispense predetermined amounts of coating material onto the strip.