Abstract: A kit for use in producing a three-dimensional article from flat cardboard sheets, includes: a cardboard assembly of flat cardboard sheets, each cut according to a predetermined configuration and formed with a predetermined arrangement of fold lines such as to permit the cardboard assembly to be folded from a flat condition for shipping and handling, to a three-dimensional condition defining a three-dimensional article having dimensional stability, structural rigidity and a pleasing appearance. Disclosed, for purposes of example, are kits for producing a stool, a chair, a desk and a table.

Abstract: A protective agent suitable to protect the human skin against lesions caused by vesicants or other percutaneous chemical agents, particularly against sulfur mustard gas injury and VX intoxication, which comprises a protective-effective amount of a hydrophilic water-based cream, alone or together with one or more additives selected from among the group consisting essentially of polyols, mono-, oligo- or polysaccharides, and salts of organic or inorganic acids. The additive polyol may be glycol, propylene glycol, polyglycerol, glycerin, sorbitol, dulcitol, tritol, sorbitol or mannitol. The additive monosaccharide may be ribose, xylose, glucose, fructose, galactose or mannose. The additive oligosaccharide may be sucrose, maltose, lactose, raffinose or cellobiose.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel net member for supporting one or more cell constructs in the culture chamber of a bioreactor, which comprises an array of impermeable pyramidal elements protruding from the face thereof, wherein each of the corners of the base of each of said impermeable pyramidal elements comprises a circular opening. This net member provides for uniform and unobstructed flow of culture medium through 3D cell constructs in culture. Also disclosed are a bioreactor and bioreactor system incorporating said net member. The bioreactor and bioreactor system may be used in the bioproduction of therapeutic proteins and stem cell expansion.

Abstract: Polybrominated bisaryl compounds containing bromomethyl or bromomethylene groups are provided, as well as flameproof polymeric formulations comprising the compounds. The novel compounds exhibit a good thermal stability, and are particularly suitable for flame-retarding polystyrene thermoplastic foams. A process for making the polybrominated bisaryl compounds is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the preparation of highly pure pentabromobenzyl bromide, PBB-Br, wherein the benzylic bromination reaction is carried out in a suitable organic solvent in the presence of water and wherein the reaction temperature is such that it is sufficient to activate the initiator but not high enough to consume a substantial amount thereof.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a fabric having distinctive and sharp differentially colored patterns or designs, which process comprises the steps of: (a) producing a first and a second polyamide, said polyamides having different concentrations of amine groups; (b) producing a first and a second polyamides having different concentrations of carboxyl end-groups and sulfonate groups; (c) producing a first yarn from said first polyamide and a second yarn from said second polyamide; (d) making a fabric having first surface areas defined by said first yarn and second surface areas defined by said second yarn; and (e) chemically dyeing said fabric in a dyeing bath comprising at least one anionic (acid) dyestuff and at least one cationic (basic) dyestuff, whereby said first yarn and therefore said first surface areas are dyed predominantly by said anionic dyestuff and said second yarn and therefore said second surface areas are dyed predominantly by said cationic dyestuff.

Abstract: Electronic currency consists of data in a form suitable to be stored in a user's data storage medium, comprising information on the data value, identification of each specific set of data or data point, and authentication information suitable to verify that said data has been generated by a specific Currency Issuing Authority (CIA). A method and a system for effecting currency transactions between two users over the Internet or other communication network are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for dynamic vulcanization comprising grafting organic silane on disperse phase component, thereby introducing chains into the component which are cross-linkable in the presence of cross-linking agents when the component is molten. The invention further provides thermoplastic vulcanizates having superior properties, including high flexibility and impact resistance, low hygroscopicity, non-toxicity, and excellent processability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a styrenic polymer composition comprising a flame-retardant effective amount of a compound of formula (I): (C6H(5-n)Yn)CH2X, wherein X is Cl or Br; Y is Cl or Br; and n is an integer between 1 and 5; or a mixture of two or more of said compounds of formula (I) or their homologues and derivatives or other Br-FRs.

Abstract: A first plastic component and a second plastic component are joined together by an expansive joint system on the first plastic component and a driving joint system on the second plastic component. The expansive joint system has two expansive units while the driving joint system has corresponding driving units. When the driving units simultaneously expand the respective expansive units to a predetermined point, the expansive units contract to their original position and securely lock onto portions of the second plastic component.

Abstract: A circulatory long-lived cholinesterase (ChE) protein, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) or butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), which is a ChE protein modified with a non-antigenic polymer. The ChE may be AChE, such as native AChE of mammalian origin or of non-mammalian origin, or recombinant AChE. The recombinant AChE may be mutated at one or more amino-acid residues. The BChE may be native BChE of mammalian origin or of non-mammalian origin.

Abstract: A difference between the prior art and the present invention is that the applicant has added two stop screws. The two stop screws are positioned in a track adjuster and extend through the retainer's riser side so each stop screw contacts a corresponding terminal end of the brackets when a lever is (a) in the relaxed position or (b) moved up in relation to a musical instrument. That way stop screws can be adjusted to maintain a predetermined minimum distance between (a) a moving plate's second aperture or second perch and (b) the track adjuster's perches.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent device providing multi-shape and optionally multi-color images that comprises two fluid-impermeable polymer sheets of the same shape, sealed together at their edges to provide a space for reactants, at least one of said sheets being translucent or transparent; one absorbent sheet (pad) having essentially the same shape as said fluid-impermeable sheets and placed between them in said space; reactants capable of producing chemiluminescent effect, comprising at least one chemiluminescent compound, peroxide, solvent, and optionally one or more fluorescent dye; separation means that prevents mixing said chemiluminescent compound and said peroxide before wishing to start said effect; and partition means providing that at least one of said reactants does not reach the whole volume of said space during said chemiluminescent effect. This effect is started, and said images are created, by removing said separation means.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a maternal protector. The maternal protector has at least a flexible protection device and a pocket in a pocket positioning material. The pocket receives a portion of the flexible protection device. The pocket positioning material positions the pocket over a mother to allow the protection device to be positioned over at least a portion of the mother's uterus.

Abstract: The invention is a transgastric method for the endoscopic partial fundoplication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The method makes use of an articulated endoscope, which is introduced through the mouth and esophagus into the stomach of the patient. A cutting tool is introduced through the working channel of the endoscope to cut a hole in the wall of the stomach. The endoscope is pushed through the hole and a grabbing tool is introduced through the working channel and used to grab the tissue at a location on the outer surface of the stomach and move the grabbed tissue close to the esophagus. The grabbed tissue is then stapled to the esophagus using a stapling device that is an integral part of the endoscope. If desired, after stapling the endoscope can be rotated one or more times and the procedure repeated.

Abstract: A device and method for forming an indented female connector where the dimension of the indented female connector provides for removing a male molding component without damaging a set of internal ribs formed inside the female connector. A structure comprising an indented female blow-molded connector having a first wall having a top surface and a thickness, with the first wall surrounding an opening. At least one inner wall extends substantially perpendicular to the first wall and borders the opening. At least one rib is formed in the inner wall. A bottom wall is joined to the inner wall and the distance from the rib to the top surface is greater than the thickness of the first wall. The structure further comprising a male connector having a contact edge that, when positioned inside the indented female blow-molded connector, engage the at least one rib, such that the male connector and indented female blow-molded connector are releaseably joinable with one another.

Abstract: A device that can be attached to any existing reclining type device such as chairs and beds that will eliminate shear forces on the user's body regardless of the level of movement. The primary components of the device are a seat plate, a seat slide plate, a back plate and a back slide plate. The back slide plate is pivotally attached to the seat plate. The seat slide plate is pivotally attached to the back plate. Pivoting the back plate with respect to the seat plate engages the pivotally attached seat slide plate and the pivotally attached back slide plate toward or away from each other depending on the starting position. The engagement of the slide plates mirrors the movement of the occupant in both the recline to horizontal position or the return to upright to vertical position.

Abstract: A rotational mattress has (a) a support surface and a rotating bladder object or (b) the support surface, the rotating bladder and a cushion material object. Depending on the embodiment used, the rotating bladder object and/or cushion material object has at least one longitudinal hinge; a longitudinal hinge extends from the object's head end toward the object's foot end. In one embodiment, the longitudinal hinge can be a shaped aperture and within the shaped aperture is a second cushion material. The second cushion material is less rigid than the cushion material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stand alone integrated mattress. The system has a self-contained mattress unit, at least one inflatable bladder, at least one fluid source, at least one dispersion unit and at least one control unit. The self-contained mattress unit has at least a head section and a foot section, and is capable of converting from a horizontal position or an inclined position to a chair-like conformation. There is at least one inflatable bladder in each section of the self-contained mattress unit. There is also at least fluid source. In addition there is at least one dispersion unit in each section and each dispersion unit provides a fluid, obtained from the fluid source, to a conduit which directs the fluid into the inflatable bladder positioned in the section of the dispersion unit. The control system is positioned in one of the sections and interconnected to each dispersion unit to control the dispersion of the fluid to the inflatable bladders in each section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multifunctional ?-agonist compounds comprising a reactive oxygen species scavenger group and a nitric oxide donor, and their use for the treatment of respiratory diseases involving airway obstruction, such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. The invention further relates to methods and devices for administering the compounds.