Abstract: Systems and methods are described for determining tissue attributes using ultrasound energy. Various characteristics of a medium, such as an animal tissue, can be estimated using techniques such as signal trace analysis and angular-dependency analysis of reflectivity. Such techniques can be performed in conjunction with a spectral decomposition analysis. Attributes can be cross-plotted so as to facilitate user analysis and better understanding of the medium. Attributes obtained in the foregoing manner do not necessarily need to conform to standard values, especially when attempting to detect and characterize an anomaly within the medium. Relative differences of attribute values within the medium can provide information about the anomaly. Additional information about the anomaly can be provided by an observation of the anomaly by an expert.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a wasp repellent device comprising a suspension member operatively connected to a closed end of a bag. The bag has a skirt extending from the closed end of the bag to a mouth of the bag, with a drawstring for contracting the mouth of the bag to give the bag the approximate shape of an inverted cone. The exterior of the bag is provided with a striated pattern and, in use, the bag imitates the appearance of a wasp nest.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable bow press and a limb connector therefor, for use with a bow comprising a pair of resilient limbs that extend outwardly from a handle. The bow press is used to force the outer ends of the limbs together, thereby releasing tension on the bow string and/or cable. The user is then able to remove, replace or repair the bow string or cable while the bow press holds the bow in position. The bow press may comprise two limb connectors which hold the bow press in place. Each limb connector may comprise an outer peg and an inner peg, which are used to couple the limb connector to a bow limb.

Abstract: This application relates to a light-weight, multi-purpose construction module. The module may be used, for example, as a mold for settable materials such as concrete. A plurality of modules may be aligned together in different configurations for use as a temporary road or support for use on unstable terrain, such as arctic tundra or wetlands. In yet another application the module may be deployed as a storage or shelving unit. The module comprises a deck and a plurality of wall elements projecting from the deck and defining a plurality of honeycomb-like compartments. The module may be used in conjunction with a mating cover for enclosing the module compartments. In one embodiment the cover may be coupled to the module in two different orientations. In one of the orientations connectors may be coupled to an outer surface of the cover. The connectors are useful for joining separate modules together and for providing the assembly with enhanced structural integrity, for example to support heavy loads.

Abstract: An apparatus for shifting the frequency of light comprises a modulator comprising one or more light-reflective elements. The elements are arranged in N groups that are interleaved along the surface of the modulator. The elements are deflected in time in a periodic sawtooth or sinusoidal N-phase manner. The frequency shift can be varied continuously and quickly. Such a modulator may be operated at zero frequency shift, to produce an optical phase shift.

Abstract: A lens retaining structure for a secondary glasses assembly having a frame configured to be mounted on a pair of primary glasses. The lens retaining structure comprises an inner portion and an outer portion, each comprising a flexible, resilient member having a predetermined rest position. The inner portion has an inner lens grabber thereon and the outer portion has an outer lens grabber thereon. The inner and outer lens grabbers are configured to engage corresponding features of a lens. The inner and outer lens grabbers separated by a first distance when the inner and outer portions are in their rest positions, such that the lens retaining structure is operable to retain one of a plurality of lenses of differing sizes and shapes having corresponding features separated by a second distance which is different from the first distance.

Abstract: The invention provides a running board bracket which includes an elongate arm formation which has a first end section which extends vertically and which is movingly engagable with a motor vehicle, an opposing second end section which extends horizontally and which is engagable with a running board and an angled formation between the first and second sections which has an attachment which is engagable with the motor vehicle. Also provided is a method for attaching a running board to a motor vehicle by way of a running board bracket of the aforementioned kind which includes the steps of movingly engaging the first section with the motor vehicle, movingly engaging the attachment with the motor vehicle, and engaging the running board with the second section.

Abstract: A pump has a housing having a top plate and a bottom plate and a shaft slidingly extending through an aperture in the top plate. A piston is connected to the shaft. The piston separates a volume within the housing into a first stage chamber defined in the housing below the piston and a second stage chamber defined in the housing above the piston. A fluid transfer port in the piston is in fluid communication with the second stage chamber and, through a check valve, with the first stage chamber. Another stage check valve allows one-way flow of fluid from a suction area below the bottom plate into the first stage chamber. A pressure control valve may be provided for selectively allowing fluid to flow out of the first stage chamber.

Abstract: A carrying apparatus for a cycle-type vehicle comprises a pair of object carriers releasably mountable on corresponding transverse sides of the cycle, a pair of upper support members which extend transversely between the cycle and the object carriers to support upper portions of the object carriers, and, a pair of lower support members which extend transversely between the cycle and the object carriers to support lower portions of the object carriers.

Abstract: This application relates to recombinant human interferon-like proteins. In one embodiment a recombinant protein created by gene shuffling technology is described having enhanced anti-viral and anti-proliferative activities in comparison to naturally occurring human interferon alpha 2b (HuIFN-?2b). The invention encompasses a polynucleotide encoding the protein and recombinant vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotide. Preferably the polynucleotide is selected from the group of polynucleotides each having a sequence at least 93% identical to SEQ ID: No. 1 and the protein is selected from the group of proteins each having an amino acid sequence at least 85% identical to SEQ ID No: 2. The proteins and compositions comprising the proteins can be used for treatment of conditions responsive to interferon therapy, such as viral diseases and cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of treating psoriasis, protein tyrosine kinase-associated disorders, inflammation, epidermal hyperproliferation, diabetes, immune and autoimmune diseases, eczema, and inflammatory bowel disease, inhibiting protein kinase, neutrophil activation, cell proliferation, tumour growth, metastasis, and the development of atheromatous plaque and restonosis, controlling angiogenesis, and preventing inflammatory bowel disease, using hydroxystilbenes and novel stilbene derivatives.

Abstract: This application relates to recombinant human interferon-like proteins. In one embodiment a recombinant protein created by gene shuffling technology is described having enhanced anti-viral and anti-proliferative activities in comparison to naturally occurring human interferon alpha 2b (HuIFN-?2b). The invention encompasses a polynucleotide encoding the protein and recombinant vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotide. Preferably the polynucleotide is selected from the group of polynucleotides each having a sequence at least 93% identical to SEQ ID: No. 1 and the protein is selected from the group of proteins each having an amino acid sequence at least 85% identical to SEQ ID No: 2. The proteins and compositions comprising the proteins can be used for treatment of conditions responsive to interferon therapy, such as viral diseases and cancer.

Abstract: An RV roof frame and cover system protects an RV during storage. The system comprises a roof frame and a cover. The frame has a ridge pole member having two sets of rafter members extending downwardly therefrom. The rafter members are attached at their lower ends to one of two horizontal members which can be moved towards and apart from one another to adjust the width of the frame. The rafter members are rotatably attached to both the ridge pole member and the lower horizontal member. The horizontal members are tied to one another by tie beam members which have an adjustable length to accommodate the movement of the horizontal members towards and away from one another. The tie beam members may be provided on legs which extend downwardly from the horizontal members.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for improving the resolution and quality of an image formed by signals from an array of receivers. Multiple receivers introduce variations in arrival times that can be less than the period of an operating signal, and also less than the period associated with a sampling operation. Thus, multiple receivers allow sampling of fine features of reflected signals that would be considered beyond the resolution associated with the operating signal. Use of multiple receivers also provides an effective sampling rate that is greater than the sampling rate of an individual receiver. Similar advantages can be obtained using multiple transmitters. Such advantageous features can be used to obtain high resolution images of objects in a medium in applications such as ultrasound imaging. Sub-Nyquist sampling is discussed. Accounting for the effects of refraction on pathlengths as a signal passes between two regions of different sound speed allows improved calculation of focus distances.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for improving the resolution and quality of an image formed by signals from an array of receivers. Multiple receivers introduce variations in arrival times that can be less than the period of an operating signal, and also less than the period associated with a sampling operation. Thus, multiple receivers allow sampling of fine features of reflected signals that would be considered beyond the resolution associated with the operating signal. Use of multiple receivers also provides an effective sampling rate that is greater than the sampling rate of an individual receiver. Similar advantages can be obtained using multiple transmitters. Such advantageous features can be used to obtain high resolution images of objects in a medium in applications such as ultrasound imaging.