Abstract: This invention relates to peptide-containing &agr;-ketoamide inhibitors of cysteine and serine proteases, methods for making these compounds, and methods for using the same.

Abstract: A compact, handheld imaging apparatus which can be used to capture high-quality iris images for identification of a person. The handheld iris imager is non-invasive and non-contacting and comprises a camera, a cold mirror, a lens, and an illuminator. The imager has sensors and indicators which assist a user in aligning and focusing the device. The imager also automatically captures the image when proper positioning is achieved. A template representative of the iris features is extracted and then compared to a database of previously stored templates to identify the person.

Abstract: A flexible magnetic disk drive is disclosed which is linked to a computer via a universal serial bus interface having firmware held on a read-only memory. In order to facilitate the upgrading of the firmware, an electrically erasable, programmable ROM is employed for firmware storage. Each new firmware version is issued in the form of a flexible magnetic disk which may be loaded in the disk drive just like an ordinary data disk, only with the disk drive disconnected from the computer as far as data transmission is concerned. The EEPROM is preprogrammed to identify the loaded firmware disk, erase the old firmware version on the ROM, and write the new version thereon. In another embodiment a self-testing program disk is employed in place of the firmware disk, for performing a set of tests on the disk drive including the interface. The tests are conducted automatically as the self-testing program disk is loaded in the disk drive, again with the disk drive disconnected from the computer.

Abstract: A multi-storage deck connector apparatus having at least an upper and lower storage deck is connectable to a printed circuit board. Each deck has its own set of contact pins that must make electrical connection to the printed circuit board. A vertical connector is arranged between the storage decks so that the upper storage deck contact pins are connected to the vertical connector and the vertical connector is connected to the printed circuit board. The lower storage deck contact pins are connected directly to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: This invention discloses a gene-targeted non-human mammal and generational offspring with respect to the gene encoding a mutant protein product of a mutated presenilin 1 gene (PS-1); more specifically, a gene-targeted mouse with respect to the gene sequence encoding the mutant protein product of PS-1 which has been mutated to contain the human P264L mutation. Methods for screening chemical compounds using such mammals are also disclosed.

Abstract: The new metallocene catalysts according to the present invention are prepared by reacting a metallocene compound with a compound having at least two functional groups. The metallocene compound is a transition metal compound, which is coordinated with a main ligand such as cyclopentadienyl group, and an ancillary ligand. The functional groups in the compound are selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an alkyl or aryl magnesium halide, a thiol group, a primary amine group, a secondary amine group, a primary phosphorous group, a secondary phosphorous group, etc. The metallocene catalysts according to the present invention have a structure in which an ancillary ligand of a metallocene compound is bonded to the functional groups of a compound having at least two functional groups. A structure of the metallocene catalysts can be varied with the type of a metallocene compound and a compound having at least two functional groups, and the molar ratio of each reactant.

Abstract: A station-based method for use in a wireless location system determines the geographic location of a mobile wireless transmitter. The wireless location system includes signal collection systems and location processors for processing digital data provided by the signal collection systems. The station-based method comprises receiving a transmission from a wireless transmitter at multiple antennas and at multiple signal collection systems. The transmission is converted into a digital format in a receiver connected to each antenna at the multiple signal collection systems. At each signal collection system, digital data representative of the received transmissions are stored in a memory. The transmission is then demodulated at a first signal collection system, and appropriate phase correction intervals are determined.

Abstract: A digital watermarking process whereby an invisible watermark inserted into a host image is utilized to determine whether or not the image has been altered and, if so, where in the image such alteration occurred. The watermarking method includes the steps of providing a look-up table containing a plurality of coefficients and corresponding values; transforming the image into a plurality of blocks, wherein each block contains coefficients matching coefficients in the look-up table; and embedding the watermark in the image by performing the following substeps for at least some of the blocks: First, a coefficient is selected for insertion of a marking value representative of a corresponding portion of the watermark. Next, the value of the selected coefficient to used to identify a corresponding value in the look-up table. Finally, the identified coefficient is left unchanged if the corresponding value is the same as the marking value, and is changed if the corresponding value is different from the marking value.

Abstract: The new metallocene catalysts according to the present invention are prepared by reacting a metallocene compound with a compound having at least two functional groups. The metallocene compound is a transition metal compound which a transition metal is coordinated with a main ligand such as cycloalkanedienyl group and an ancillary ligand. The functional groups of the compound having at least two functional groups are selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a thiol group, a primary amine group, a secondary amine group, etc. The metallocene catalysts according to the present invention have a structure which an ancillary ligand of a metallocene compound is bonded with functional groups. A structure of the metallocene catalysts can be varied according to the metallocene compounds, the compound having at least two functional groups, and the molar ratio of each reactant. The metallocene catalyst is employed with a co-catalyst for styrene and olefin polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic closing device for air passage holes in a support cylinder, or compression sleeves used in printing applications. The automatic closing devices of the invention are inserted into the thickness of the wall of the cylinder and comprises a support, a seat with an interior passage and a valve mobile in translation in the support. The support is capable of assuming two positions, the first in which the valve comes into tight contact with the aforementioned seat and the other in which it is retracted so as to allow for a passage.

Abstract: Inserts for use in fabricating modular jack connectors. The inserts include conductors having a rectangular cross section. A first insert includes a plurality of groups of conductive leads that extend across a top wall in first and second common planes toward a front end. A first group of leads form a terminal edge by extending toward the rear end of the first insert in a first common oblique plane. A second group extends angularly toward the front end from the second common plane in a second common oblique plane to form a second terminal edge which extends beyond the first terminal edge. A third group may be provided that extend across portions of the top wall in both the first and second common planes. The first and second oblique planes intersect to form a first contact area. A second insert includes a plurality of groups of conductive leads that extend across a top wall in third and fourth common planes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for calibrating a Wireless Location System to enable the system to make highly accurate TDOA and FDOA measurements are disclosed. An external calibration method in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of transmitting a first reference signal from a reference transmitter; receiving the first reference signal at first and second receiver systems; determining a first error value by comparing a measured TDOA (or FDOA) value with a theoretical TDOA (or FDOA) value associated with the known locations of the receiver systems and the known location of the reference transmitter; and utilizing the first error value to correct subsequent TDOA measurements associated with a mobile transmitter to be located.

Abstract: The camera of this invention includes a parking mechanism that ensures a visual exposure indicator of an APS film cassette is in the parked position prior to removing the film cassette from the camera. The camera may include a rotatable wheel that rotates in order to move the film between a film cassette compartment, a film exposing area and a film spool. In a preferred embodiment, the parking mechanism includes a pin that engages the rotatable wheel after the film has been rewound into the film cassette and the wheel has been rotated sufficient distance to ensure that the visual exposure indicator moves to the parked position. When the pin engages the rotatable wheel, the pin prevents further rotation of the rotatable wheel. This indicates to the camera user that the visual exposure indicator is in the park position. The wheel may include a cam slot into which the pin travels as the film is being rewound into the film cassette.

Abstract: A cartridge for use in a data drive is disclosed. The cartridge comprises at least one optical pipe for transmitting light incident on one point along the exterior of the cartridge to another point on the exterior of the cartridge where the light is illuminated from the cartridge.

Abstract: A data storage device has a disk-drive motor, a head-drive motor, read/write heads, and an integrated circuit board, all mounted on a single-piece integral frame and enclosed by a casing. Each motor is mounted within a surface recess on the frame via an attachment lip integrally formed into each recess. Additionally, a bend is formed across the width of the frame. The single-piece frame, frame bend, and surface recesses provide the data storage device with significant structural rigidity and thus enhance the ability of the device to withstand the application of externally-applied forces.

Abstract: Novel melt-spun elastomeric fibers and methods for their preparation. Embodiments are provided in which fibers are melt-spun from a melt-spinnable elastomeric polymer comprising a diisocyanate-capped polyol prepolymer which is chain-extended with an aromatic dihydroxy compound. Also provided are melt-spinnable elastomeric polymers and prepolymers therefor. The fibers may be knit or woven into textile articles including, inter alia, hosiery and pantyhose.

Abstract: Chemical reaction apparatus, materials and methods are provided for the automatable, efficient synthesis of chemical species and libraries. In accordance with preferred embodiments, chemical droplet generation and direction techniques are employed to prepare oligomers and libraries of chemical species. Reaction assemblies adapted for efficient synthetic employment and for improved collection are also disclosed.

Abstract: Noel compounds that mimic and/or modulate the activity of wild-type nucleic acids. In general, the compounds are oligonucleotides which contain at least one region of 2′-modified nucleosides connected by alternating phosphodiester and phosphorothioate linkages.

Abstract: A connector couples with a mating component and has a main body and a generally planar latch. The main body is insertable into the mating component in a coupling direction, and has a face generally parallel to the coupling direction. The latch is resiliently coupled to the main body at the face thereof, and is generally parallel to the face. The latch includes a latching surface for cooperating with a latch-catch of the mating component, and is resiliently actuatable in the plane thereof. Accordingly, the latching surface is released from the latch-catch of the mating component. In one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of the connectors each couple with a respective mating component.

Abstract: An electrical connector such as a modular jack receives a component package having a plurality of first conductive elements and at least one electrical device electrically coupled to the first conductive elements. The electrical connector has an insulative housing with an interior and an insulative insert with a forward portion and a rear portion. The rear portion defines a recess for receiving the component package therein, and the insert is mounted within the interior of the housing. A plurality of first contacts are mounted to the forward portion of the insert for electrically contacting conductors in a mating connector inserted into the electrical connector. Each first contact extends from the forward portion of the insert to the recess and terminates at a termination in communication with the recess. The termination of each first contact electrically contacts a corresponding first conductive element of the component package as received in the recess.