Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for evaluating the integrity of a seal on liquid-filled container. According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a tank for containing a liquid solution and a clamp with a first and second member between which the container is engaged. The clamp is positioned with respect to the tank such that a portion of the container properly situated in the clamp will extend into the tank and contact the liquid solution. A ram and cylinder are operatively connected to the clamp to engage the container. A seat is provided to support a portion of the container such that at least a portion of the container supported by the seat will extend into the tank. A drill is provided to pierce a surface of the container to make an opening. The drill is positioned such that the opening can be made while the container is in the clamp and/or the seat such that at least a portion of the container extends into the tank.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing oligonucleotide products and detecting single-stranded target nucleic acid sequences, are disclosed. The methods include amplifying a template sequence to produce a complementary strand hybridized to the template sequence, which is subsequently cleaved by at least one cleavage agent displacing the complementary strand as a single stranded sequence complementary to the template sequence.

Abstract: A latch for an oven comprises a support plate mounted within the oven. A bracket member is pivotably supported on the support plate. A handle is fixed to the bracket member and is manually operable to move the latch between the latching and unlatching positions. A latch arm is movably supported on the support plate and connected to the bracket member to be moved between the latching and unlatching positions in accordance with the movement of the bracket member. A spring is connected between the support plate and the bracket member for biasing the bracket member toward the latching or unlatching position, selectively. First and second arcuate guide projections are integrally formed with the support plate beneath the bracket member for guiding the bracket member.

Abstract: A patient management system includes a programmable patient monitor for monitoring and recording a plurality of physiological conditions of a patient, a plurality of physiological condition sensors and a communications unit. The plurality of patient monitoring sensors are electrically coupled to the programmable patient monitor. Each sensor detects a particular physiological condition of the patient, such as core temperature, ECG electrodes for providing an electrocardiogram and blood oximetry sensors. The patient monitor is small and compact and easily worn by the patient during his normal at home activities. To provide communication with a caregiver via a remote controller at the caregiver's location, a communications unit is disposed in the facility.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for texturing a yarn product. The method includes the step of passing the yarn product along a yarn path through a liquid jet arrangement. The method also includes the step of applying a force to the yarn transversely to the axis thereof.

Abstract: A roll-up overhead door assembly which is selectively moved up and down to open and close an opening and which is guided along sides of the opening by columns, the door having an open position, a closed position and a cleaning position. The door includes a drum positioned proximate the top of the opening, a flexible door panel connected to the drum and a drip guard. The door panel is attached to the drum such that when the door assembly is in an open position the door panel is wound around the drum. The drip guard partially surrounds the drum and is positioned and sized to catch residue falling from the drum or door panel overhead. The door panel is sized such that in the closed position the door panel is connected to a point on the drum so that the panel does not significantly overlap the drum. The door further includes columns on opposed sides of the opening and surrounding the guides.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating the presence of one or more trains near a railroad crossing having at least two train tracks. The signaling system has a first sensor for detecting the presence of the first train near or approaching the railroad crossing and a second sensor for detecting the presence of the second train near or approaching the railroad crossing. A warning signal having a first and second mode is responsive to the sensors such that the detection of either the first train or the second train generates the first mode warning signal and the detection of both the first train and the second train generates the second mode warning signal.