Abstract: A broadcast network for selectively transmitting individualized weather output signals to at least one of a plurality of communicator devices remotely located from the broadcast network. The broadcast network comprises a user input database, a communicator location database, a weather analysis unit, and a communication network. The user input database contains a plurality of predefined user profiles. Each user profile includes a user identifier code. The communicator location database contains real-time data indicative of the spatial locations of the communicator devices. The weather analysis unit compares the spatial locations of the corresponding communicator devices contained in the communicator location database with real-time weather data to generate individualized weather output signals. The communication network receives the user identifier codes and the individualized weather output signals.

Abstract: There is disclosed a surgical instrument for inserting material into the body. The surgical instrument generally includes an outer tubular member. The instrument has a longitudinal section and an arcuate section having at least two different radii of curvature. An inner member is movably positioned within the outer tubular member and includes structure for engaging a length of material to draw the material through the outer tubular member and into the body. Methods of using the surgical instrument to position a length of tape beneath the urethra to form a support are also disclosed.

Abstract: Crosslinkable polymer compositions comprising an aqueous fluid; a water-soluble polymer comprising carbonyl groups; an organic crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the water-soluble polymer comprising carbonyl groups; and a water-soluble carbonate retarder. Methods comprising: providing a crosslinkable polymer composition; introducing the crosslinkable polymer composition into a portion of a subterranean formation; and allowing the crosslinkable polymer composition to form a crosslinked gel in the portion of the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a portable system for UV spectroscopy capable of the detection and quantification of chemicals from either open air environments or by insertion of a sample using a sample chamber. The system is capable of simultaneously detecting and quantifying chemicals in either a gaseous or liquid form with both sharp and broad spectroscopic features. UV light is generated, collimated into a beam, and focused through a sample volume. The volume can be comprised of an open environment system, or a closed system with a sample cell. The sample cell may contain a number of mirrors which results in one or more “bounces” of light through the volume prior to being focused into a UV Spectrometer. The said light source may be supplied by a variety of sources. Said light is collected and transferred to the processor by short length optical fibers thereby minimizing the light loss in the deep UV.

Abstract: The invention provides for a composition for treating a subterranean formation, the composition comprising a water-swellable agent and a sealing agent. Preferably, the water-swellable agent: i) absorbs greater than 100 weight % of water; and ii) swells to greater than 100 weight % as it absorbs water. Preferably the sealing agent: i) is greater than 0.01 weight % soluble in water; and ii) forms a three dimensional gel structure in water. The invention also provides for a method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of: a) introducing a sealing agent into the subterranean formation; and b) introducing a water-swellable agent into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating diabetes in a subject, comprising administering to the diabetic subject an immunotoxin, thereby reducing the subject's T-cell population, and administering to the subject pancreatic islet cells from a donor. The immune tolerance inducing treatment regimen, used optionally with adjunct immunosuppressive agents, prevents pancreatic islet cell rejection while maintaining long term islet cell function following xenogeneic and allogeneic pancreatic islet cell transplantation. Thus, the methods of the present invention provide a means for treating diabetes, wherein the need for exogenous insulin or immunosuppressive agents is decreased or eliminated. Also provided is a method of inhibiting a rejection response of a transplant recipient, comprising administering an immunotoxin during the peritransplant period, thereby transiently reducing the number of T-cell lymphocytes and promoting long-term survival of the transplant.

Abstract: Systems for handling and/or dispensing hydrogen or a mixture of fuels containing hydrogen gas including refueling stations for hydrogen-powered vehicles. Pure hydrogen or various mixtures ratios of hydrogen and CNG may be dispensed. Hydrogen handling equipment may include a hydrogen generator, a pressurizing apparatus or compressor, pressure vessels, piping, valves, vent pipes, and/or a dispenser. Substantially vertical orientation of pressure vessels may reduce the amount of land required and facilitate installation in urban environments. Pressurization may take place before hydrogen generation to reduce the power required for pressurization. Safety features include enclosures and surrounding walls that lean away from the equipment. Any leaking hydrogen, fires, or explosions may be contained and/or directed upward, protecting human life and property. Systems may be shop assembled and certified.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for fracturing a subterranean formation which use a liner fracturing tool. The liner fracturing tool consists of a liner, with at least one jet extending through the liner. During fracturing operations, fracturing fluid is pressured through the jet to form microfractures. Fractures are formed by the stagnation pressure of the fracturing fluid. The jets may be mounted within a jet holder that may be dissolved following fracturing operations to allow reservoir hydrocarbons to flow into the liner more readily.

Abstract: A mobile collection application is disclosed that is capable of providing collection data to a field agent on a wireless pocket PC. A collection case inventory module is used to generate a list of collection cases on the wireless pocket PC. The field agent may view a detailed report of collection cases that are contained in the list of collection cases. A payment plan component is also provided that allows the field agent to work out a payment plan with the debtor. The mobile collection application is also capable of allowing field agents to register transient taxpayers for the purpose of collecting sales and use taxes.

Abstract: A mattress including an air pressure indicator configured to indicate the pressure of the mattress.

Abstract: Methods and systems to provide a home system with information about a wireless unit roaming in a visited system based on information the wireless unit provides to the visited system. A mobile switching center (MSC-V) of the visited system receives the information from the wireless unit and routes a message to an international gateway. In response, the international gateway creates a new message or alters the original message, and transmits the new or altered message to a mobile switching center (MSC-H) of the home system. In response to receipt of the new or altered message, the MSC-H validates the wireless unit (if valid), creates a response to the new or altered message, and routes the response to the international gateway. The response may include an authorization period for the wireless unit and/or OCOS/TCOS information. In response, the international gateway creates a new response or alters the response, and transmits the new or altered response to the MSC-V.

Abstract: Highly efficient cationic liposomes have been developed as an improved delivery system for biologically-active reagents. A novel structure, the sandwich liposome, is formed and comprises one or more biologically active agents internalized between two bilomellar liposomes. This structure protects the incoming agent and accounts for the high efficiency of in vivo delivery and for the broad tissue distribution of the sandwich liposome complexes. These novel liposomes are also highly efficient carriers of nucleic acids. By using extruded DOTAP:cholesterol liposomes to form complexes with DNA encoding specific proteins, expression has been improved dramatically. Highest expression was achieved in the lung, while increased expression was detected in several organs and tissues.

Abstract: Supported three-dimensional arrays of a polydiacetylene backbone bonded to and supported by a solid support in a sample are provided. The bonding is achieved by providing a support having thiol and/or amine groups and epoxy groups and/or maleimide groups, and a polydiacetylene backbone containing the other of thiol and/or amine groups or the epoxy and/or maleimide groups for reacting with the corresponding thiol groups or epoxy groups and/or maleimide groups on the support; provided that when an amine is used the other group is an epoxy; and/or having a layer of a polyelectrolyte on the support; and/or having a multiple atom linker between the three-dimensional array of the polydiacetylene backbone and the solid support.

Abstract: This application discloses a method and system for facilitating the delivery of a mail piece bearing a post office box identifier to a United States Postal Service Branch, for final delivery to a post office box. The system facilitates the delivery by scanning the mail piece and obtaining the mail piece's destination information. If the destination information includes a post office box identifier, e.g., P.O. Box #1234, the system determines a street address of the post office location containing P.O. Box #1234. The street address is determined using the zip code contained within the destination information. Once the street address is determined, a new label, bearing the street address of the USPS branch location is affixed to the mail piece so that the mail piece can be delivered to the consignee.

Abstract: A cash dispensing automated banking machine, such as an ATM, has leveling legs. The legs are also used to fasten the ATM to a shipping pallet. Each leg has a support foot and an opposite free end. The free end is inserted through an opening in an intermediate shipping plate. With the shipping plate situated between the foot and the ATM underside, the free end is screwed into an underside opening. The leg is rotated until the plate is raised to be secure against the underside. The plate is then set on the pallet and fastened thereto by lag screws. The pallet includes horizontally adjustable stabilizing feet at sides thereof. The pallet feet can be extended outward to decrease the ability of a supported ATM to tip over. When not needed, such as during pallet storage, the feet can be retracted inward to reduce pallet size.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer having an infrared sensor is of a type suitable for taking temperature in the mouth of a patient. The thermometer may view body tissue directly or may have a tip that rapidly heats to equilibrium with the body tissue temperature. The tip is viewed by the infrared sensor. A probe cover having a metallized tip for indirectly measuring temperature is also disclosed.

Abstract: A card actuated automated banking machine (152, 198, 200) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader (170), a printer (174), a bill dispenser (176), a coin dispenser (178), a display (182), a check imaging device (186) and at least one processor (190). The automated banking machine is operative responsive to receiving a check and certification data to dispense cash in exchange for the check. The person presenting the check need not provide user identifying inputs through input devices in order to receive cash for the check. A check recipient prior to presenting the check for payment is also enabled to verify that the check will be paid through communication with at least one computer (204) through at least one consumer interface device (208).

Abstract: A cathodic protection system for protecting an underwater structure includes a plurality of blocks which are capable of conforming to various structures. Each of the blocks include: a flexible wire rope, the rope constructed and arranged to pass through the center of each block in two directions, and embedded therein to fasten the blocks to each other by rows and columns; a sacrificial anode embedded in at least one of the blocks, and electrically attached inside the block to the flexible wire rope; and a connecting system electrically attached to the wire rope and to the underwater structure. Each block has a non-abrasive pad attached to it. The pad provides spacing between the block and the underwater structure. The system includes means for collecting performance data from the system. The sacrificial anode is made of a composition taken from the group comprising alloys of: zinc, aluminum, or magnesium.