Abstract: A device for holding a beverage container, such as an aluminum can, may include a holder and a stake. The stake may be driven into the ground to keep the beverage container relatively free from spillage and contamination. The holder may have minimal surface area in contact with the beverage container. The holder may also form an insulating air gap between the beverage container and the inner surface of the holder. The insulating air gap serves to help maintain a temperature of the contents of the beverage container.

Abstract: Computer-based tangible property item valuation systems and methods are disclosed. In one general aspect, these include business logic responsive to a machine-readable inventory listing comprising a plurality of machine-readable entries that each include at least a description of an item to be valued. A database stores valuation information for at least a plurality of the item entries, and logic is provided for assembling a valuation listing that includes valuation information retrieved from the database for at least a plurality of the item entries.

Abstract: A commutating auto zero amplifier system, comprises a first amplifier (A1), a second amplifier (A2) and a switching arrangement which defines a two phase operation, with one amplifier in an output mode providing the output and the other amplifier in a zeroing mode during each phase. A capacitor arrangement (Cof1. Cot1) stores offset voltages, a buffer amplifier (B) couples the output from the amplifier in the output mode to an input of the amplifier in the zeroing mode. This eliminates voltage swings at the output of an amplifier as it switches between modes of operation.

Abstract: A commutating auto zero amplifier system, comprises a first amplifier (A1), a second amplifier (A2) and a switching arrangement which defines a two phase operation, with one amplifier in an output mode providing the output and the other amplifier in a zeroing mode during each phase. A capacitor arrangement (Cof1. Cot1) stores offset voltages, a buffer amplifier (B) couples the output from the amplifier in the output mode to an input of the amplifier in the zeroing mode. This eliminates voltage swings at the output of an amplifier as it switches between modes of operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a cartridge containing an addressable array for detecting the presence of one or more target analytes in a fluid sample. The cartridge comprises (i) a housing defining a sample inlet, an optical cell, an outlet, a first conduit in fluidic communication with the sample inlet and the optical cell, and a second conduit in fluidic communication with the outlet and the optical cell, (ii) an addressable array disposed within the optical cell; and (iii) a reagent dried upon a fluid contacting surface of at least one of the sample inlet and the first conduit, such that, when a fluid sample is applied to the fluid inlet, the fluid sample mobilizes and transports the reagent to the optical cell. The invention also provides a method of detecting one or more analytes in a fluid sample of interest.

Abstract: A signal generator has matched reference (4) and modulation (6) ramp circuits, each including current source (8, 32), capacitance (10) charged by the current source, voltage detector (18) and switch (24). The output of one of the voltage detectors (8) controls both switches (24), and the output of the other voltage detector (18) is used as the output.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds which inhibit aggregation of proteins or peptides, or disaggregate protein aggregates, and thereby antagonize the toxic effects of such aggregates. The invention also relates to methods for using such compounds and methods for discovering compounds that inhibit protein or peptide aggregation.

Abstract: A signal generator has matched reference (4) and modulation (6) ramp circuits, each including current source (8, 32), capacitance (10) charged by the current source, voltage detector (18) and switch (24). The output of one of the voltage detectors (8) controls both switches (24), and the output of the other voltage detector (18) is used as the output.

Abstract: A disabling device comprises a U member (12) having a U-shaped cross section defining a base of the U and two limbs (21, 22). Each limb has an aperture (23, 24), the two apertures being opposite each other. A pin (11) has a stem (32) and a head (31), the stem being sized to engage in the apertures (23, 24) and to extend between the limbs while engaged in the apertures. A lock (14) locks the pin to the U member, whereby the device cannot be removed from the apparatus being disabled.