Abstract: A filtration apparatus for improving quality of breathable air, containing a plurality of vortex forming elements, each containing a) a fixed swirler for imparting a centrifugal force on a moving air stream; and b) a filter matrix for capturing particles contained within said moving air stream, wherein the vortex forming elements are disposed within the filter matrix.

Abstract: A method of ameliorating a disorder of insulin sensitivity, which entails administering an amount of one or more glucocorticoid receptor antagonists effective to ameliorate the disorder with no more than an acceptable activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, such that 24 hour serum or urine cortisol levels do not exceed about two to three times the upper normal limit, respectively.

Abstract: A solid state combinatorial synthesis of particulate diamond ranging in size from the macroscopic down to the nanoscale, which entails: a) forming a solution having a source of reactant atoms, a tetrahedranoidal compound reactant, and a solvent vehicle; b) forming liquid droplets of the solution; c) evaporating the solvent vehicle from the liquid droplets of the solution to form particles containing a homogenous solid mixture of the reactants; and d) exposing the particles of the homogeneous solid mixture to a high energy discharge thereby forming diamond particles.

Abstract: A solid state combinatorial synthesis of particulate diamond ranging in size from the macroscopic down to the nanoscale, which entails: a) forming a solution having a source of reactant atoms, a tetrahedranoidal compound reactant, and a solvent vehicle; b) forming liquid droplets of the solution; c) evaporating the solvent vehicle from the liquid droplets of the solution to form particles containing a homogenous solid mixture of the reactants; and d) exposing the particles of the homogeneous solid mixture to a high energy discharge thereby forming diamond particles.

Abstract: A combinatorial synthesis of a heterodiamond unit cell, which entails a step of reacting a tetrahedranoidal molecule with a heteroatom to form heterodiamond unit cell and then heterodiamond mass.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming diamond, which contains a reaction chamber, means for providing tetrahedranoidal reactant molecules to the reaction chamber; and means for providing single carbon atoms in the reaction chamber to provide for reaction between the single carbon atoms and tetrahedranoidal reactant molecules.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing diamond masses and products thereof using diamond unit cell forming reactions in vapor phase and solid phase. The present invention enables the fabrication of diamond products having a purity and morphology previously unattainable.

Abstract: A product of a chemical reaction, being a five carbon atom molecule having a tetrahedral structure consisting of four apical carbon atoms and a fifth carbon atom located centrally within the tetrahedral structure.

Abstract: A combinatorial synthesis of a heterodiamond unit cell, which entails a step of reacting a tetrahedranoidal molecule with a heteroatom to form heterodiamond unit cell and then heterodiamond mass.

Abstract: Diamond unit cell produced by a combinatorial synthesis from a tetrahedranoidal compound and a carbon atom, and diamond mass produced therefrom, are described. Diamond mass produced is spectroscopically-free of graphitic impurities, and free of observable defects.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing diamond masses and products thereof using diamond unit cell forming reactions in vapor phase and solid phase. The present invention enables the fabrication of diamond products having a purity and morphology previously unattainable.

Abstract: A frame leveler is disclosed that automatically levels picture frames, and mirror frames. A pivotable, weighted bob is used as a gravity reference to control a lock that unlocks the extension of a cable on the side of a frame that is tilted up with respect to the other side, when the frame is not level. The extensible cable is let out until the frame is once again level, at which point the extensible cable is locked and prevented from extending further. When the frame side is tilted down with respect to the other side, or the frame is level, the extensible cable is locked and prevented from extending on that side.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for increasing the cooling rate of an item and its contents within a refrigeration system. The item is supported in a housing that also includes a motor driven fan. The apparatus containing the item to be cooled is placed in a refrigeration system and the motor driven fan moves cold air from the refrigeration system through the housing, thereby quickly and favorably cooling the item. An important use of the apparatus and method is for quickly cooling scientific and medical specimens and substances.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bodily waste reservoir deodorizing apparatus and method for deodorizing odors from bodily waste reservoirs, such as ostomy appliances and diapers. The apparatus has a miniature fan that moves air through a deodorizing element, which may contain activated charcoal as a means for eliminating odors. It is often worn inconspicuously under the clothing close to the bodily waste reservoir, and serves to prevent social discomfort and embarrassment on the part of the wearer.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for increasing the cooling rate of an item and its contents within a refrigeration system. The item is held in a housing that also includes a motor driven fan. The apparatus containing the item to be cooled is placed in a refrigeration system and the motor driven fan moves cold air from the refrigeration system through the housing, thereby quickly and favorably cooling the item.

Abstract: An array of molecular chains is added to a dielectric material between two electrodes of a capacitive affinity sensor. Such an array of molecular chains greatly changes dielectric properties between the two electrodes to greatly enhance sensitivity of the sensor. In a sensor using direct binding, a viral fragment is bound to the sensor's surface. A molecular chain, comprising an anti-viral antibody, an anti-human antibody, and a protein molecule, binds to the viral fragment. In a sensor using competitive binding a hapten is bound to the sensor's surface. A molecular chain, comprising an antibody with attached aliphatic hydrocarbons, binds to the hapten. A free analyte competes with the hapten to bind with the antibody.

Abstract: A biochemical sensor includes a material that nucleates as bubbles on the surface of an electrical conductor, optical fiber, or acoustic medium. The nucleating bubbles respectively change the conductivity, refraction, or propagation of such surfaces according to the concentration of the analyte in a solution over the sensor.

Abstract: A biochemical analyte sensor comprises a pair of electrical conductors in a fluid environment. Between the conductors is a surface of silicone rubber, for instance. An enzyme/substrate combination causes molecules of a volatile material to be produced in the fluid. The volatile material nucleates as bubbles near the surface of the sensor. The bubbles displace molecules of the fluid from the surface and drastically alter the dielectric properties on or near the sensor surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous flow competitive assay system for the detection and measurement of chemical and biochemical analytes. It is a time-based, continuous on-line measurement of analyte concentrations comprising three functional assemblies connected in series: a sampler, a reactor and a detector. Tagged immunochemical discharged from the reactor is detected in the detector which contains a model of system response with the tagged immunochemical and keeps track of the amount of tagged immunochemical lost during the course of the operation of the reactor.

Abstract: A capacitive chemical sensor is disclosed that uses an ion exchange layer to detect analyte ions in a liquid medium. An exchange mechanism occurs on the surface of the ion exchange layer, wherein a portion of the counter-ions are removed from the surface in favor of analyte ions. The resulting movement of counter-ions from the surface of the ion exchange layer alters the dielectric constant of the liquid medium along the surface of the ion exchange layer. This change in dielectric constant produces a change in capacitance of the capacitive chemical sensor.