Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for creating a timing delay for power-on reset. A state machine is formed with three states. It resets a counter value to a predetermined number in an initial state, and increments the counter value for a predetermined number of reset cycles in a reset state until the counter value reaches a predetermined value for creating the time delay, and ends the reset state in a finish state if the counter reaches the predetermined value and if a randomly generated value matches a predetermined signature, wherein if in the reset state the randomly generated value does not match the signature or if in the finish state either the counter value does not reach the predetermined value or the randomly generated value does not match the signature, the initial state starts and subsequently enters the reset state after resetting the counter value.

Abstract: A freeze indicator employs, as active indicator element, dispersion of solid particles in a liquid medium which can be water or aqueous and which coagulates to provide an irreversible appearance change when subject to freezing. The liquid dispersion can be contained in an indicator volume around which extends a vapor block layer. The vapor block layer can prevent loss of liquid vapor from the dispersion and consequent drying out and dysfunctionality of the freeze indicator. For containing an aqueous medium, bilayer and trilayer laminate materials can be used which have a low water vapor transmission rate. The active indicator element can be a dilute colloidal dispersion of a metal such as gold or silver or other inorganic pigment material in water or an aqueous medium. Some embodiments avoid use of dispersants and the like and employ an active indicator element consisting of inorganic pigment particles, water and optionally an ice nucleating agent.

Abstract: A method for offering stock. The method includes offering a first portion of shares of the stock at a first price and offering a second portion of the shares at a second price after a first trading interval of a first predetermined time period after the offering of the first portion of the shares.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a lens having a light entrance end forming a recess defining a concave surface, a heat sink having an end portion facing the recess and a light source positioned to transmit light having a predetermined wavelength via the concave surface of the recess into the lens. The lens may be a non-imaging lens or a total internal reflection lens (TIR) configured to radiate optical radiation received at the concave surface. The light source is in thermal communication with the heat sink to conduct heat generated by the light source to the heat sink.

Abstract: A coupling system is disposed at the distal end of an interventional delivery system for coupling to an implant. The coupling device has a first and second prong connected at one end. The other end of the prongs open or close to release or trap an object, e.g., a bead tethered from an implant. A slot at the distal end of the coupling device allows extra degrees of flexibility for the coupling device.

Abstract: A water storage cell (2) is positioned underneath a pavement (4). An upper boundary of the cell (2) is formed by a surface (6) or wearing course of the pavement (4). The remaining boundary of the cell is defined by a water-retaining layer (8) that may pen-nit infiltration of water into the surrounding ground. Means for enhancing the evaporation rate of the water in the cell are provided. As shown a ventilated pathway (20) extends between a vent (22) and a flue (24) and is surrounded by means such as a liner, suspended dished panels, absorbent mats (32) or particulate material with surface absorbency characteristics to detain water in contact with the airflow in the pathway (20). The cell (2) can be used in a SUDS system without an outfall with both permeable and impermeable pavements.

Abstract: A patient ventilator system for automatically weaning a patient from a ventilator.

Abstract: A computer system, method, and apparatus for editing an interactive image video tour. The system may include a computer including an image editor for providing a visual program interface for editing an interactive image video tour; a database in communication with the computer containing data associated with a plurality of images comprising a portion of the interactive image video tour; and a viewer in communication with the computer for displaying the plurality of images. The method may include selecting a data file that includes image data and displaying an image associated therewith on a computer, the data file being stored in an image database containing a plurality of images for creating an interactive image video tour; and modifying one aspect of the image data contained in the selected data file. The apparatus may include a computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling a computer system to perform a method for editing an interactive image video tour.

Abstract: This present invention is directed towards the identification or design, preparation, and use of suitable transition metal complexes for use as catalysts. The transition metal complexes may comprise heterodonor ligands. The present invention is also directed toward a method of determining the suitability of a transition metal complex for use in a catalytic reaction, such as, but not limited to, atom transfer radical polymerization (“ATRP”), atom transfer radical addition (“ATRA”), atom transfer radical cyclization (“ATRC”), and other catalytic redox reactions. The method assists in the approximate determination of the fundamental properties of the transition metal complex in a reaction media, such as, but not limited to, solubility, redox potential, stability towards acidic, basic, or ionic species, conditional radically transferable atom phylicity, and propensity toward disproportionation and therefore, the suitability of the complex to be used as a catalyst in the reaction media.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle portion, a channel, an anvil, and staple cartridge, a wedge member, a reciprocating firing device, and a lockout arm. The handle portion is operably configured to produce a firing motion and is coupled to the channel portion. The staple cartridge is engaged by the channel and includes a plurality of staple drivers to cam the staples toward the anvil, which is pivotally attached to the channel. The wedge member is proximal to and longitudinally aligned with the staple drivers, and the reciprocating firing device is responsive to the firing motion to progressively drive the wedge member from an unfired to a fired position. The lockout arm is pivotally attached to the channel and operably configured to pivot between a locked position and an unlocked position with respect to the firing device based upon a position of the wedge member.

Abstract: A method of preparing an ultra-cleansed lactoferrin preparation, termed treatment for contaminant reduction (TCR) is provided which includes the steps of treating commercial lactoferrin preparation with at least one each of surfactants, antioxidants and polyphenols to form purified lactoferrin (LF-TCR) and drying the LF-TCR. Additionally a therapeutic lactoferrin composition is provided which contains LF-TCR and optionally surfactants, antioxidants, polyphenols, tissue/membrane diffusion facilitating agents and anionic compounds. The therapeutic lactoferrin composition can additionally contain bioactive agents, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals/functional foods, prophylactic agents, therapeutic agents and probiotic lactic acid bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides which stimulate the release of insulin. The peptides, based on GIP 1-42 include substitutions and/or modifications which enhance and influence secretion and/or have enhanced resistance to degradation. The invention also provides a process of N terminally modifying GIP and the use of the peptide analogues for treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a fusion protein which includes a first portion including an immunoglobulin (Ig) chain and a second portion including interleukin-7 (IL-7).

Abstract: A PFC AC-to-DC power supply is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the PFC AC-to-DC power supply comprises a switching converter comprising at least one main power switch and a PFC controller for controlling the at least one main power switch. The PFC controller may comprise a processing unit comprising a processor and a memory having firmware stored thereon which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to compute an input current set point for the AC-to-DC power supply based on the output voltage of the AC-to-DC power supply. The PFC controller may also comprise hardware circuitry in communication with the processing unit. The hardware circuitry may comprise a first a/d converter, such as a window a/d converter, for outputting a digital input current error value based on the input current of the AC-to-DC power supply and an analog form of the input current set point from the processing unit.

Abstract: A needleless syringe for subcutaneously delivering a therapeutic agent comprising a generally constant diameter elongate tubular nozzle and an inert gas reservoir thereto is described herein. The reservoir is advantageously mounted to the upstream end of the tubular nozzle through a contraction that is either gradual or sudden and wherein a membrane is positioned between the reservoir and the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A system for determining a location of an object. The system includes an object location tracker and a computer system. The object location tracker is configured for attachment to a mobile vehicle and includes an object identification reading device and a position-tracking device. The object identification reading device senses object identification indicia on the object, such as RF ID tags, bar codes, etc., as the mobile vehicle moves around an environment in which the object is situated. The position-tracking device computes the location of the object location tracker as the mobile vehicle moves throughout environment. The computer system associates the sensed object identification indicia of the object, as determined by the reading device, with a location in the environment based on the position of the object location tracker in the environment, as determined by the position-tracking device, when the reading device senses the object identification indicia.