Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating leukocytes from platelets. Blood serum is added to a centrifuge tube. A suspension containing leukocytes and platelets is then added to form a layer on top of the blood serum, the layer having a density less than the density of the blood serum. The cells and the layers are centrifuged at a force and for a time sufficient to separate the leukocytes from the platelets. The resulting, isolated leukocytes are then recovered from the centrifuge tube. In some embodiments, a suspension of the leukocyte cells are pretreated by incubating with a stannous ion reducing agent, the suspension having a stannous ion concentration of from about 50 .mu.g to about 1000 .mu.g stannous ion per 10.sup.8 leukocyte cells. A suspension of the pretreated leukocyte cells is then incubated with a solution containing a technetium-99m (VII) salt, preferably sodium .sup.99m Tc-pertechnetate, to radiolabel the leukocyte cells.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided prosthetic articles having polyurethane coatings with biologically active compounds incorporated within the interstices of the polymer. Methods for the preparation of such articles are also provided. Thus, a polyurethane coating is applied to a prosthetic article, the coating then swelled (without significantly dissolving the polymer) so that substantial quantities of biologically active compounds can be incorporated within the interstices of the polymer. Upon long term exposure of a prosthetic article of the invention to physiological conditions, the biologically active compound is slowly released by the treated polymer. The biologically active compound is, therefore, released only at the site where it is desired, i.e., where the prosthetic article is positioned.

Abstract: Low-fat meat foods with much of the flavor and physical properties of conventional full-fat meat foods are provided. These low-fat meat foods comprise meat and thermo-irreversible starch gel. Also provided are methods of making low-fat meat foods comprising combining low-fat meat with thermo-irreversible starch gel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a no fat or low fat cheese product from a culture medium prepared by combining from about 50 to about 94 wt. % whole milk, from about 0 to about 45 wt. % water, and from about 0.2 to about 1 wt. % of at least one food grade, polyanionic gum. The culture medium is inoculated with at least one lactic acid- or heteroacid producing bacterium to form a cultured mixture. The cultured mixture is then combined in a vat with skim or low fat milk to form a cultured milk. The cultured milk is ripened, sufficient rennet added to form a coagulum, the coagulum cut to form curd in a whey solution, and the curd cooked while in the whey solution. The cooked curd is transferred to a means for draining the whey solution where the whey is separated from the curd and the curd salted. After salting, the curd is further processed to produce a no fat or low fat cheese.

Abstract: A plate for use in fixating the position of a first bone segment relative to a second bone segment, the plate comprising a body portion having a plurality of attachment mechanisms located therein, wherein the attachment mechanisms include: a first group of three attachment mechanisms substantially positioned within 90.degree.-150.degree. of one another about a circle, and preferably within substantially 120.degree. of one another, whereby the first group of attachment mechanisms is designed to facilitate attachment of a plurality of adjustable length struts to the plate; and a second group of attachment mechanisms substantially positioned about the circle that are designed to facilitate attachment of accessories to the plate, wherein the total number of the attachment mechanisms is a multiple of three.

Abstract: The invention resides in apparatus and methods for isolating and collecting cells from donor tissue for later use in medical procedures. The apparatus includes a sealed enclosure, at least one screening material inside the enclosure, an inlet port configured to conduct a fluid through the screening material, and an outlet port for receiving the fluid from the screening material and conducting the fluid out of the enclosure. A material to be screened is placed inside or conducted into the enclosure. Screened material is entrained in the fluid. The fluid carries bits of the material through the screening material and out of the enclosure for later separation from the fluid. Preferred embodiments include a series of screening materials of decreasing pore size, usually in the range from ten to one thousand micrometers in diameter.

Abstract: A system of antennas for conserving space and concealing the separate identity of the individual antennas. The antennas may be a radio antenna and a telecommunications antenna. The antennas may have a common base to eliminate separate wires and holes in the vehicle on which they are mounted. The antennas may be housed within the same casing to protect them from the elements and from other harm.

Abstract: A replaceable valve system for a fluid dispenser having a container with an opening for slidingly receiving the valve system, including an outer sleeve having an inlet end and an outlet end and being slidable in the container opening, the outer sleeve having a valve seat adjacent the inlet end thereof, a plunger slidable in the outer sleeve and having an internal passage for fluid flow from an inlet end to an outlet end, a one way valve positioned adjacent the inlet end for permitting fluid flow from the plunger inlet end to the outlet end while blocking fluid flow from the outlet end to the inlet end, an inner sleeve carried within the outer sleeve, a first spring carried between the plunger and inner sleeve urging the plunger and inner sleeve away from each other, a second valve positioned within the inner sleeve, a second spring positioned between the second valve and inner sleeve urging the second valve into sealing engagement with the outer sleeve valve seat for blocking fluid flow from the outer sleeve

Abstract: Early-induced genes by interleukin-2 (IL-2) have various DNA sequences. This patent describes a polyribonucleotide with a nucleotide segment encoding amino acids 1-412 of SEQ. ID No: 14, antibody binding homologues thereof, antibody binding fragments thereof at least 5 amino acids long, and fusion proteins thereof, alleles or naturally occurring mutants of the polyribonucleotide, and anti-sense polyribonucleotides thereof. Also provided are proteins, homologues, fragments, fusion proteins, vectors, transfected hosts, animal models, probes, and other related technology.

Abstract: A machine tool center (10) displays at least one machine tool (11, 12, 13) which has a working area (17) accessible through an operator door (16) to process workpieces (21). Furthermore, a loading/unloading station (14) for the workpieces (21) and a loading device (22) which transports the workpieces (21) between the loading/unloading station (14) and the respective machine tool (11, 12, 13) and changes these at the machine tool (11, 12, 13) are also provided. In the new machine tool center (10) the loading device (22) is arranged below the working space (17) of the machine tool (11, 12, 13) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A lid for a container having an open top with a rear wall having a snap slot and a hook slot, the lid having a latch mechanism with a snap member and a hook member projecting downward for positioning in the snap slot and the hook slot, respectively, when the lid is in position on the container, and having a key slot adjacent the snap and hook members. Each of the snap member and the hook member has a cam surface adjacent the key slot for engagement by a key member pushed downward through the key slot to pivot the snap and lock members away from the snap and hook slots, respectively, for removal of the lid from the container. The hook member has an upward and rearward projecting hook adjacent the lower end of the hook member for entering the container hook slot, and the snap member has a rearward projecting shoulder adjacent the lower end of the snap member for entering the container snap slot.

Abstract: Early-induced genes by interleukin-2 (IL-2) have various DNA sequences. This patent describes a polyribonucleotide with a nucleotide segment encoding amino acids 1-60 of SEQ. ID No: 4, antibody binding homologues thereof, antibody binding fragments thereof at least 5 amino acids long, and fusion proteins thereof, alleles or naturally occurring mutants of the polyribonucleotide, and anti-sense polyribonucleotides thereof. Also provided are proteins, homologues, fragments, fusion proteins, vectors, transfected hosts, animal models, probes, and other related technology.

Abstract: Early-induced genes by interleukin-2 (IL-2) have various DNA sequences. This patent describes a nucleotide segment encoding a polypeptide including amino acids 1-258 of SEQ. ID No: 10, antibody binding homologues thereof, antibody binding fragments, and fusion proteins thereof, alleles or naturally occurring mutants of the polyribonucleotides, and anti-sense polyribonucleotides thereof. Also provided are proteins, homologues, fragments, fusion proteins, vectors, transfected hosts, animal models, probes, and other related technology.

Abstract: An animated figure method and apparatus including an animated figure having moveable elements and a base unit for supporting the animated figure. The apparatus of the present invention includes multiple control cables, a first end of each control cable connects to a cable driver assembly or cable driver mounted on the base unit and a second end of each control cable attaches to a corresponding animated figure moveable element or assembly. The cable drivers that are attached to the base unit drive the control cables, and propel the animated figure's moveable elements. The present invention achieves detailed control of many animated figure functions using intricate control cable branching which may require many bends in the control cable. In addition, a walk mechanism provides both horizontal and vertical movement of the animated figure's feet to achieve simulated stepping movements in a very realistic manner.

Abstract: A reflector assembly is provided for efficiently collecting and forming the electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source into a desired beam pattern. The reflector assembly uses a smaller non-symmetrical generally convex reflector and a larger non-symmetrical generally concave reflector. The generally convex reflector intercepts a large fraction of light emitted by the source that would otherwise escape without interacting with the assembly and redirects this light onto the generally concave reflector for eventual inclusion in the beam.

Abstract: A machine tool comprises a spindle having a tool receptacle for receiving tool holders in their working position. A tool changer is provided for conveying a tool holder in a first changing step between a magazine position and a spindle position at said spindle. Further provided is a linear stroke mechanism for conveying said tool holder in a second changing step between said spindle position and said working position. A common drive mechanism is linked to said tool changer and said linear stroke mechanism such as to affect both said first and second changing step.

Abstract: A shrimp tray having a raised, circular, outer rim, a first annular surface extending downwardly from the outer rim toward the center of the tray and a central recessed area. The first annular surface includes a lower portion that defines a plurality of drain holes. The tray is preferably made from a single sheet of material having a uniform thickness. A plurality of shrimp are nested relative to each other on the first annular surface with their tail ends overhanging the circular outer rim of the tray and their forward ends preferably contacting an annular wall. An annular spacer member may be provided to increase the diameter of the tray. Additional annular surfaces may be provided for serving additional layers of shrimp.