Abstract: A method and composition for plating metal contacts on photovoltaic solar cells is described. The cell is immersed in an aqueous bath containing platable metal ions and a solubilizing agent for aluminum or aluminum alloy ions from the back side of the solar cell. The cell is then exposed to light, causing the two sides of the cell to become oppositely charged. The metal ions are plated without requiring an external electrical contact.

Abstract: An ejector device is mounted in an injection molding machine and has a base, a driving assembly mounted through the base and a hydraulic cylinder and a transmission assembly driving the driving assembly. The driving assembly is further connected to a rotating die of a die assembly and moves recipricatorily and rotates the rotating die to displace a semi-manufactured plastic article from one set of die faces to another set of die faces to form another plastic layer. Thus, a plastic article with multiple layers or multiple colors is formed in one injection molding machine.

Abstract: The controlled delivery of odorant emissions is the primary function of this invention. Containment of the odorant emission is achieved by storing the scented material in a low vacuum chamber sealed by pair of solenoid valves at its openings. The opposite end of each solenoid valve is connected either to the ingress or egress manifold. A vacuum pump induces airflow through a chamber when the corresponding solenoids valves are opened, thereby delivering the scent into the atmosphere. An embedded micro-controller has direct control of the electromechanical devices (solenoid valves and vacuum relay). External hardware may signal the micro-controller. Additionally, application software such as those found in computer gaming, computer simulated training, interactive programs, and broadband technologies can source software enabling communication with the micro-controller over a USB port. As such, an olfactory feedback system can be realized.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus useable with a bicycle or other manually operated vehicle includes first and second housings, as well as a connection mechanism by which the first and second housings are attachable to and detachable from each other. A central processing unit and at least one power source are receivable within the first housing, while the second housing includes a light emitting element that is adjustable to multiple angular positions relative to the first housing to provide illumination at different emission angles. The second housing constitutes one of a plurality of second housings that are interchangeable to provide for varied lighting conditions. The connection mechanism allows relative pivotal movement between the first and second housings and permits electrical communication between the light emitting element and the power source when the first and second housings are attached to each other.

Abstract: A project analysis tool receives a set of activities of a project, receives user input that specifies an activity attribute, groups the activities into groups according to different attribute values, and displays each group's activities within a line located by their start times. Alternatively, the tool receives user input that specifies a start entity and an end entity, determines paths of the activities of the project between the start entity and the end entity using received predecessor/successor relationships, and displays each path's activities within a line located by their start times. Alternatively, the tool creates time phases, populates them with activities based on start/end times, performs metric analysis on each time phase, and displays each time phase's analysis information. The tool also divides groups/paths into time phases across groups/paths, identifies segments that are the intersection of a time phase and a group/path, analyzes each segment and displays its analysis information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for enhancing the cellular uptake and clearance of soluble oligomeric A? peptide assemblies from the environment surrounding both neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Oligomeric A? peptide assembly uptake and clearance is achieved via an agent that enhances insulin receptor signaling. Such ADDL uptake enhancers represent effective anti-ADDL therapeutics for use in the therapeutic treatment and/or prophylactic treatment of diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, and the like, in which compromised nerve cell function is linked to the formation and/or the activity of soluble oligomeric A? peptide assemblies, also known as ADDLs, and ADDL-related assemblies.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of inhibiting, regulating, and/or modulating the formation of soluble, globular, non-fibrillar, neurotoxic amyloid ?1-42 oligomers from amyloid ?1-42 monomers using acylhydrazide compounds. Also disclosed are methods of treating a patient suffering from diseases associated with the formation of soluble, globular, non-fibrillar, neurotoxic amyloid ?1-42 oligomers using acylhydrazide compounds.

Abstract: An interdental brush has a hard body, an encapsulation layer and a plurality of soft and elastic bristles. The hard body takes a straight form and has a grip portion and a slender bristle portion. The hard body is sheathed by a soft and elastic material to form the encapsulation layer by means of insert molding. A grip is formed by sheathing the grip portion with the encapsulation layer to enhance holding comfort. The plural elastic bristles aligned in a radial fashion are formed on a surface of the encapsulation layer corresponding to the bristle portion. Given the foregoing interdental brush structure, the elastic bristles on the bristle portion can be deeply slid in between teeth for cleaning. The soft and elastic nature of the bristles ensures gums are not injured during cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental floss pick, which is mainly a rigid grip having two ends. A pointed end is formed on one end of the grip and is sheathed by a soft elastomer. Two support arms are formed by extending outwardly from the other end of the grip, and dental floss is mounted tightly between terminations of the support arms for cleaning between teeth. Given design of the grip and the pointed end, dental floss can be used for cleaning and since the pointed end of the dental floss pick has the soft elastomer, the pointed end can be deeply inserted in gap between teeth for improved cleaning with reduced risk of gum injury.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus useable with a bicycle or other manually operated vehicle includes first and second housings, as well as a connection mechanism by which the first and second housings are attachable to and detachable from each other. A central processing unit and at least one power source are receivable within the first housing, while the second housing includes a light emitting element that is adjustable to multiple angular positions relative to the first housing to provide illumination at different emission angles. The second housing constitutes one of a plurality of second housings that are interchangeable to provide for varied lighting conditions. The connection mechanism allows relative pivotal movement between the first and second housings and permits electrical communication between the light emitting element and the power source when the first and second housings are attached to each other.

Abstract: A handle for a brush has a handle body, multiple embossments and a protective layer. The handle body has two sides. The embossments are formed respectively on the sides of the gripped portion. The protective layer is transparent and is mounted on the gripped portion to cover at least one of the sides of the gripped portion. Accordingly, the appearance of the handle is aesthetic and durable.

Abstract: In a device including a headlight assembly that outputs a beam of light and a lens housing mountable at a forward end of the headlight assembly, an arrangement, receivable on the lens housing, renders the beam of light adaptable to different weather and lighting conditions. In a preferred form, the arrangement includes a plurality of interchangeable filter elements, such as green, blue, yellow, and red elements, that are alternatively receivable on the lens housing, A wide angle lens could also be included among the interchangeable filter elements. The device as a whole could be provided in the form of a packaged collection of elements adapted for subsequent assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for providing access to a body lumen, e.g., to deliver a pacing lead within a patient's heart. The apparatus includes a tubular member including a proximal end, a distal end sized for insertion into a body lumen, and a lumen extending therebetween. An elongate member extends from the distal end of the tubular member. An expandable sheath extends along at least a portion of the elongate member, the sheath being expandable from a contracted condition to facilitate insertion into a body lumen, and an enlarged condition wherein the sheath at least partially defines a lumen communicating with the tubular member lumen. A stylet or other shaped element is insertable into the elongate member for changing a shape of at least a distal tip of the elongate member, e.g., for accessing side branches extending from a body lumen, e.g., within a patient's coronary venous system.

Abstract: An exercise method and apparatus for ensuring the completion of a predetermined number of steps each day as part of an exercise routine by integrating steps taken during a normal daily routine with steps taken on a treadmill or stepper machine.

Abstract: A cylindrical repair tool has each end configured as a handle, with each handle being separable from one another. One handles is provided with a shaft with a wrench, that, when fully extended, can pivot 90°. At least two diametrically opposed LEDs are arranged on each side of the aperture. On the side of this one handle, hex wrenches and a screw driver can be magnetically held or stored parallel to the shaft central axis. The other handle of the tubular repair tool is a two-part casing that can pivot open to allow access to a variety of tools pivotally mounted inside the casing.

Abstract: A four electrode bio-electrical impedance analyzer having a 45 KHz constant current pulse waveform and a synchronized detection scheme to measure the human body impedance and therefore calculate total body resistivity. The resistivity is used in conjunction with the pre-input data concerning characteristics of the person under tests to determine the percentage of body fat in a manner which is repeatable and which suppresses electrical interference.

Abstract: An improved treadmill having a weight-scale sensor and a console display which displays a history of weight loss or weight control based upon goals set over a period of time in order to facilitate an enclosed loop system for a weight loss monitoring program.

Abstract: A wrist-based fitness monitoring watch which uses a lap sensing device and a step or a stroke sensing device for detecting movement. In response to the output of a micro controller, information is displayed concerning the number of laps completed, the distance completed, and the time. Also included is a wireless heart rate transfer system which is provided through the micro controller in order to provide heart rate indicators during movement of the user. The lap measurement is based on a synchronization between a heading direction from the lap sensing device and the step/stroke frequency in order to provide the lap count, as well as the distance traveled and the time. Each of these items are accomplished on a wrist based monitoring system which does not require periodic intervention by the user. The system is able to provide split times without the requiring of continual pressing of the start/stop button either before or after a running or swimming event.