Abstract: The present invention provides novel osmium-based electrochemical species for the detection of wide variety of analytes using immunological techniques. The present invention also provides diagnostic kits and test sensors supporting electrode structures that can be used with the osmium-based electrochemical species. The test sensor can be fabricated to support interdigitated arrays of electrodes that have been designed to provide amplification of the electrical signal amplification desired to analyze analytes that may be present at low concentrations.

Abstract: The application describes small hand-held dispensers suitable for use with creamy flowable products such as cosmetics. The dispensers are of a kind having a top plate (4) with a dished pick-up surface (42), and a product discharge opening (43) opening into the pick-up area (42). Specific proposals include positioning the pick-up surface (42) and an actuator (8) side-by-side on the top plate. The actuator (8) operates a pump (6), desirably positioned beneath the actuator and offset from the pick-up surface (42). A corresponding transverse outlet conduit (69) may be provided. The container (1) may be plastics or a metal container. Embodiments using plastic pump springs and resiliently deformable pump chamber walls are also described. Also, embodiments in which actuation is by tilting of the top plate in its entirety, the pick-up area then optionally being central.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to identity verification devices and methods. A system is provided that utilizes a system of tonal and rhythmic visualization of a spoken word to accurately identify the true owner of a credit or other personal card based on their voice.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering one or more implantable members, such as metal coils, via an introducer member, such as an endoscopic needle, into a space created within the submucosal layers of the LES to augment and bulk the sphincter to improve compliance in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The implantable member comprises a first substantially straightened configuration when carried by the introducer member, whereby it assumes a more curvilinear or coiled configuration following deployment such that it expands against adjacent submucosal tissue, creating a bulge at the implantation site. In another embodiment, the implantable member can serve as an anchoring port for sutures or other elements introduced for gastroplication of the LES to create tissue folds that increase sphincter compliance. The implantable members may be configured to include an external portion that interconnects with an adjacent implantable member, thereby creating tension that also increases compliance of the LES.

Abstract: A modular fan housing unit designed to create a focused column or columns of downwardly moving air such that there is little deflection when the column or columns of downwardly moving air arrives at the ground level. The modular fan housing includes an elongated body element having a fluid impelling device to create the downwardly moving air. At least one plate disposed within the elongated body element directs the downwardly moving air into columns. The modular fan housing unit may be coupled to another modular fan housing unit to provide additional columns of downwardly moving air. The modular fan housing units may be coupled in various configurations, depending on the type of application. Furthermore, the modular fan housing unit or multiple modular fan housing units may be coupled to an elevated structure.

Abstract: An improved water tight, chambered planing pontoon assembly incorporates a hollow shell with a cross sectional shape in the form of an upper portion and lower portion. The upper portion of the shape is generally semi-cylindrical extending downward and terminates with opposing chines extending the full length of the tube. The lower portion of the shape is formed by equal and opposing planing surfaces which extend upward at acute angles from a vertical center line, then turn outward, perpendicular to the vertical center line, meeting at the chines. The tube terminates on the bow end with an elongate semi-cone and on the opposite end with a water tight bulkhead. The upper and lower portions of the tube are formed of one homogeneous sheet of metal. The semi-cone with opposing chine portions is formed of one homogeneous sheet of metal.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a container, the container including a raised outlet defining a dispensing opening, includes a closure body having a nestable and extendable spout formed with a generally cylindrical section, a frustoconical section, and an invertible fold between these two sections so as to enable the closure body to be either nested or extended. The generally cylindrical section defines an outlet opening and a threaded closing cap is assembled to the generally cylindrical section for closing off the outlet opening. A retainer is used for connecting the closure body to the raised outlet wall and the frustoconical section includes a thicker wall portion, described as a memory band portion, for enabling the closure body to maintain a selected orientation upon deflection into the selected orientation in order to provide directional discharge of the container contents.

Abstract: A stent graft (10) with a stent frame (12) having a plurality of stents (16) connected together with monofilament line (22). A covering (14) of collagen having an extracellular matrix (ECM), such as small intestine submucosa (SIS), is disposed through the inside and over the outside of the stent frame. The covering (14) is affixed to the stent frame (12) such as by being sutured onto the stent frame at the ends of the stent frame and also at the connections of the stent bodies, such as at eyelets (24).

Abstract: A system of manufacturing a custom set of pre-manufactured upper and lower dentures is provided. In one form, a set of master upper and lower dentures is created. The master upper and lower dentures are used to create reusable upper and lower dental matrices, respectively. These re-usable upper and lower dental matrices are repeatedly used to manufacture upper and lower pre-manufactured or standard sized dentures, respectively. Optionally, a dental patient can have these upper and lower pre-manufactured dentures custom fit or relined to fit the dental patient's mouth to form upper reline and/or lower reline pre-manufactured dentures. The dental patient can have custom fit dentures in two visits with the dentist, even two visits in the same day.

Abstract: Disclosed are organometallic compounds derived from Groups VIIb, VIII, IX, and X metals useful as precursors for the formation of metal containing powders and for the chemical deposition of the metals on substrates, particularly for the chemical vapor deposition of metal films suitable for the manufacture of electronic devices. Methods for their use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented to facilitate simulation of complex systems on multiple computing devices. Model authors can specify state-related information to be exported for viewing or access by other applications and models. Subsystem models may be written to enable connection with other subsystem models via controlled interfaces, such as by defining state-related information for export and providing for a particular use of data imported from other models to which a subsystem model is connected. In some embodiments, a consistent distributed simulation API enables cross-platform, multi-device simulation of complex systems, wherein the proprietor of each subsystem simulation can keep its implementation secret but accessible to others.

Abstract: A folding ladder includes a hinge assembly having first and second ladder hinge plates each defining a plate opening and a plurality of locking slots. A housing is associated with the first ladder hinge plate and extends through the plate openings to provide a rotation axis for the plates, and the second plate is operable to rotate relative to the first plate about the rotation axis to selectively align slots of the first and second plates. A key outside the housing selectively engages aligned slots to selectively prevent rotation of the ladder hinge plates about the rotation axis and is operated by a manual rotation member. An extension ladder includes a pair of nested outer and inner ladder rails. Ladder rungs connected between and the inner rails define a plurality of supporting openings and the inner rails include outer bearing surfaces associated with the supporting openings.

Abstract: A bodily fluid sampling device is operable to breach the skin surface and allow bodily fluid to emerge from the breach location. The bodily fluid sampling device further evaluates the amount of bodily fluid emerged from breach location and determines whether the amount is sufficient or insufficient for a particular purpose, such as sampling and testing. The determination is accomplished automatically without moving the device. The user may also intervene to perform a variety of tasks following the determination of the amount of bodily fluid.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: In certain preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a grinding machine for creating depression patterns in a surface such as asphalt or concrete. The depression pattern may be a rumble strip for alerting drivers who drift off a driving lane, or may be for other uses. Use of a depression pattern (instead of protrusions) eliminates interference with snowplow operation in areas where plows are used. In the present invention, the grinding machine is based on a trolley which moves at a uniform height along a surface, and includes a forward “gauge” wheel which controls the relative grinding drum depth based on the wheel position and rotation. In a preferred embodiment, the grinding assembly is raised and lowered relative to the trolley in correspondence with the advancement of the trolley.

Abstract: A motorcycle transporting device, comprising a docking bar receiver, including a pair of stationary brackets, each having corresponding apertures therethrough, that are permanently affixable to a frame of a motorcycle; a docking bar assembly that is removeably insertable through corresponding apertures in the docking bar receiver when the motorcycle is to be transported, and that is removeably secured therethrough without the use of tools with a removeable securing pin; a docking station that is mountable to a bed of a transporting device, having a pair of opposed rotating capture mechanisms that automatically capture the docking bar assembly therein, and each rotating capture mechanism having foot pedal apparatus to simultaneously release the docking bar assembly from each rotating capture mechanism; and secondary security apparatus to secure the docking bar assembly within the rotating capture mechanism when the transporting device is in motion.

Abstract: A modular building structure comprises a service corridor (2) to which are connected separate cabin modulates (1) that form accommodation or offices etc. The service module contains apparatus for the supply and distribution of mains services such as water, electricity, waste disposal and air conditioning to the building modules. The modules are connected to the corridor and to said mains supply services. Each of the cabin modules is free-standing, pre-fitted for its intended use. Adjacent modules are interconnected by a flexible grommet (26) that extends between aligned apertures in each module.

Abstract: A combustion system including a plurality of axially staged tubular premixers to control emissions and minimize combustion noise. The combustion system includes a radial inflow premixer that delivers the combustion mixture across a contoured dome into the combustion chamber. The axially staged premixers having a twist mixing apparatus to rotate the fluid flow and cause improved mixing without causing flow recirculation that could lead to pre-ignition or flashback.