Abstract: A new bar code symbology in an exemplary embodiment employs three bars (and spaces) within nine modules, similar to Code 93. Fifty-three data characters are defined, including several special mode characters. By employing these special mode characters, together with certain routines, three symbol characters can represent two 8-bit bytes, or one 16-bit word. As a result, the symbology can efficiently encode 8-bit bytes for use in computer processing, or encode 16-bit character sets such as Unicode. Symbology encodes extended channel interpretation (ECI) numbers, provides multiple numeric compression modes, provides a structured append using a single mode character, as well as other features.

Abstract: A sample preparation procedure for mitochondrial (mt) DNA analysis is described. The present method for isolating mtDNA uses sedimentation techniques for separating erythrocytes from lymphocytes and platelets (crude buffy coat fraction), followed by DNA extraction from the crude buffy coat fraction by boiling in water. This approach improves the yield of mutant DNA, enhancing the sensitivity of subsequent mutation interrogation techniques and allowing for meaningful statistical treatment of the degree of heteroplasmy within the mitochondrial DNA.

Abstract: A printhead having multiple print lines of conventional design and a printhead control system for using the multiple print lines in a variety of operations. In one embodiment, the printhead control system prints an image by superimposing the printing from multiple print lines. In another embodiment, the image is printed by alternating the energization of one print line so that each print line is used to print only 1/3 of the image lines. As a result, the print lines are allowed a relatively long time to cool, thus allowing the printhead to be operated at a faster speed. In another embodiment, the printing elements of each print line print with a different image density, and images printed by superimposing the printing elements in the print lines with a variety of combinations depending upon the desired magnitude of the image density.

Abstract: Methods for eliciting or enhancing immune responses to antigens, including tumor antigens, and/or DNA vaccines are provided. The methods employ polypeptides or nucleic acid compositions that contain at least a biologically active portion of a Leishmania braziliensis or Leishmania major homologue of the eukaryotic initiation factor 4A, or a variant thereof. Such polypeptides and compositions are useful for enhancing or eliciting a patient's cellular and/or humoral immune response, for instance within methods for treating tumors.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an anti-angiogenic factor, and a polymeric carrier. Representative examples of anti-angiogenic factors include Anti-Invasive Factor, Retinoic acids and derivatives thereof, and paclitaxel. Also provided are methods for embolizing blood vessels, and eliminating biliary, urethral, esophageal, and tracheal/bronchial obstructions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting genetic mutations in mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c genes that segregate with Alzheimer's Disease and methods for determining the amount of heteroplasmy of mitochondrial nucleic acid. The invention provides methods for detecting such mutations, as a diagnostic for Alzheimer's Disease, either before or after the onset of clinical symptoms.

Abstract: An integrated semiconductor junction antifuse is formed from either adjacent regions of opposite doping types or spaced apart regions of similar doping type within a substrate. In its unblown state, the junction antifuse forms an open circuit that blocks current from flowing while in the blown state, the junction antifuse conducts current. The junction antifuse is blown by applying a breakdown voltage sufficient to overcome a semiconductor junction so that current flows across the reverse-biased semiconductor junction. As current flows across the reverse-biased junction, dopant migration forms a conductive path so that the junction antifuse no longer forms an open circuit.

Abstract: A PCI/ISA computer system architecture is disclosed in which the ISA legacy circuitry (such as the interrupt request controller, DMA controller, and timer counter unit) is integrated within the system controller coupling the processor and PCI buses. Accordingly, the ISA bridge coupling the PCI and ISA buses is simplified relative to prior art PCI-ISA bridges. A high speed communications channel between the system controller and the ISA bridge is established by first placing an address on the PCI bus which is recognizable only by the system controller and the ISA bridge. Data transfer then occurs within standard PCI protocols, but need only require a subset of the A/D lines. Backwards compatibility is maintained, while system performance is improved and system cost is reduced.

Abstract: An electronic module for enhancing an operation of a conventional parking meter. The electronic module comprises a shell defining a hollow conformation and being attachable to a conventional parking meter, in substitution to an upper housing portion of that conventional parking meter. The electronic module has a meter condition sensor for detecting from a distant point one of the time expiry indicator and the violative condition indicator of that parking meter, when the indicator is in an indicating mode, and a vehicle sensor affixed to the shell for detecting from a distant point, a parked vehicle. The electronic module further has: an electronic circuitry mounted inside the shell and having a power source for operating the module; means for receiving a first signal from the meter condition sensor and a second signal from the vehicle sensor; means for processing the first and second signals and means for transmitting a coded message to a remote receiver.

Abstract: A memory module is described which can be programmed with module information, identifying the type and size of the memory module, after completed assembly of the memory module. The memory module includes a plurality of edge connectors for electrically connecting the memory module circuitry external to the memory module, and a plurality of DRAM memory devices electrically connected to corresponding edge connectors for receiving and providing data from and to the external circuitry. The memory module also includes a Serial EEPROM for storing the module information. The Serial EEPROM has a Serial Data pin connected to a first of the edge connectors for providing the module information to the external circuitry. The Serial EEPROM has a Write Control pin for receiving an enabling signal which selectively enables the operation of the Serial EEPROM in Write or Read-Only mode. The memory module further includes interface circuitry which couples the Write Control pin with a second and a third of the edge connectors.

Abstract: A staple remover, with a plurality of magnets by which staples that have been removed are captured and held until they can be suitably disposed of. The staple remover has a first channel member, with a front end from which prongs extend, and a rear end and a second channel member, smaller in width than the first channel member, with a front end from which prongs extend towards the prongs of the first channel member, and a rear end pivotally attached to the rear end of the first channel member, so that the second channel member fits inside the first channel member. The channel members can move between an open position in which the prongs are separated, to a closed position in which the prongs overlap so as to grasp and remove staples from paper or other material in which they are embedded. There are supporting members attached to the channel members, with two or more magnets attached to the supporting members.

Abstract: A submersible, foldable seat for use in a hot tub. The seat is folded down to be used as a seat and folded up to provide an increased unobstructed area for use of the hot tub for other activities such as exercise. The foldable seat uses pivoting attachment members which allow flush connection to the curved hot tub wall. Frame members of the seat use connectors with transverse apertures to rotatably receive tubular portions of the seat frame to allow folding of the seat.

Abstract: A method and system for sharing application programs between multiple computer systems. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a multipoint application sharing (MAS) system that resides at each computer system (i.e., node) in a network of computer systems. The MAS system at each computer system communicates with each MAS system at each other computer system by sending messages over the network. The MAS system enables a user at each computer system to share one or more application programs with each user at each other computer system. To share an application program, a user at a host computer system invokes the application program. Then, the user requests the MAS system to share the invoked application program with users at other computer systems. Each computer that is sharing the application, can view the output of the application and can, under certain circumstances, take control of the application so that it can send remote keyboard and pointing device information to the application.

Abstract: A memory device includes an array of memory cells arranged in rows and columns. A row-address decoder allows a row address to propagate therethrough while a row address strobe is at an inactive logic level. In response to a transition of the row address strobe from the inactive level to an active level, the decoder enables a row of memory cells selected by the row address. A row-address latch stores the row address in response to the transition of the row address strobe. The memory device may also include a transition detector that monitors the row address for a transition thereof. A delay circuit is coupled to the decoder, the latch, and the detector. If the monitor detects a transition of the row address, the delay circuit delays the enabling of the row of memory cells and the storing of the row address at least predetermined time after such a transition.

Abstract: A mattress system for use in cribs or beds for small infants or adolescent children is constructed of a base and a sleeping recess defined by side walls, a head wall, a foot wall, and a floor. The mattress is constructed of a foam material which is air permeable. The mattress including the side, head, foot walls and floor of the recess, are enclosed in a removable cover. The floor of the recess is covered by a detachable vinyl panel formed as part of the cover and having hook or loop type strips. A second floor cover in the form of a detachable sheet, having mating hook or loop style patches which engage their opposite counterpart on the vinyl panel. An accessory panel is constructed having the dimensions of the recess to fill the recess and convert the specialty mattress into a conventional mattress.

Abstract: A corrective lens system and apparatus for use in protective eyewear devices such as ski goggles and sports shields is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a corrective lens assembly releasably snaps into place in multiple protective eyewear devices, allowing a user to own a single pair of corrective lenses for use with multiple devices. In preferred embodiments, the protective eyewear devices include a bridge support positioned behind the device lens for receiving and holding the corrective lens assembly. A nose clip embodiment is provided for use with ski goggles.

Abstract: An interface circuit, which can form part of a memory device or a memory controller, includes a read circuit, a write circuit, and a clocking circuit. The read circuit includes two registers or latches that receive alternate data read from burst EDO or synchronous memory. A multiplexer and read output register provide the data to a CPU or other application. If the memory is burst EDO, then the clocking circuit receives the system clock signal and generates a CAS signal based on positive or negative going edges of the clock signal, depending upon delays inherent in the system in which the present invention is employed. The CAS signal is then used to drive the two read latches. If the memory is synchronous memory, then the clock circuit includes an inverter that inverts the clock signal, and provides the inverted clock signal to the synchronous memory. The inverted clock signal is delayed and then used to drive the two read registers.

Abstract: A positioning tool for positioning the windshield wiper of a vehicle. The tool includes an engaging member which has at least one bend and extends at least partially around a retaining region. A user engages the windshield wiper with the engaging member and positions the wiper in the retaining region to move the wiper toward or away from the windshield. The tool has a handle which may be gripped by the user and which has a length sufficient to allow the user to stand on the ground beside the vehicle while positioning the windshield wiper relative to the windshield of the vehicle.

Abstract: A gaming facility having a plurality of coin game machines (100) and a coin handling mechanism (200) for supplying coins to the coin game machines and collecting coins therefrom is disclosed. The coin handling mechanism comprises a coin collection transporter (210) for collecting coins input for playing games, a coin replenishment transporter (230) for transporting coins with which the coin game machines are replenished, a replenishment coin supply unit (240) for supplying coins to the coin replenishment transporter, coin branch units (250) for making coins transported by the coin replenishment transporter branch therefrom into the corresponding coin game machines, and a controller (300) for at least controlling coin replenishment.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the quantity of dissolved oxygen in water. The apparatus includes an inlet for receiving untreated water. A cell housing having an electrolytic cell therein is coupled to the inlet. A translucent resident time housing is connected to the cell housing for receiving water containing oxygen and hydrogen gas. The resident time housing is vertically oriented and longitudinally extended for a selected vertical length above the cell housing. This provides sufficient resident time of the water in a quiet zone to permit the generated oxygen gas to transition into the dissolved state prior to reaching the top of the resident time housing. An outlet is provided at the top of the resident time housing to dispense water having a high dissolved oxygen content. A gas vent is provided at the outlet to permit the escape of hydrogen or other gases which have not been dissolved into the water. Preferably, a chill unit is provided prior to the electrolytic cell to reduce the temperature of the water.