Abstract: Apparatus and method for PCI bus extension, via a PCI bridge circuit, as well as PCI device function, via a PCI device circuit and I/O connector, all on a single I/O card. Further, the present invention provides for stackable, partial-height PCI cards. Further, provided are stackable, partial-height I/O card mounting plates. In yet another embodiment, a functional PCI extension card also provides one or more right-angle connector sockets in order to allow multiple additional PCI cards at right angles to the functional PCI extension card.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for manipulating a display of data by utilizing motion input. In an exemplary embodiment, a digital information appliance suitable for utilization of motion input and for display of data includes a detector for detecting rotation of the digital information appliance about an axis and a display device for displaying data. Wherein, a display of data is manipulated in response to the detected rotation. In an additional exemplary embodiment, a digital information appliance suitable for utilization of motion input and for display of data includes a detector for detecting translation of a digital information appliance along an axis and a display device for displaying data. Wherein, a display of data is at least one of enlarged and reduced in response to the detected translation.

Abstract: A system and process for unwinding rolls of material is disclosed. The system is particularly well suited for unwinding soft, high-bulk tissue webs. In one embodiment, the system includes the combination of a center unwind device and a surface unwind device to unwind the roll of material in a primary unwind location. Once the roll of material is partially unwound, the roll is then moved to a secondary unwind location while a new roll of material is moved into the primary unwind location. In this manner, multiple rolls of material can be continuously unwound without substantial downtime. The system of the present invention can be used to unwind a single roll of material or can be designed to unroll multiple rolls of material simultaneously.

Abstract: A system and process for unwinding rolls of material is disclosed. The system is particularly well suited for unwinding soft, high-bulk tissue webs. In one embodiment, the system includes the combination of a center unwind device and a surface unwind device to unwind the roll of material in a primary unwind location. Once the roll of material is partially unwound, the roll is then moved to a secondary unwind location while a new roll of material is moved into the primary unwind location. In this manner, multiple rolls of material can be continuously unwound without substantial downtime.

Abstract: A patient support is disclosed having an adjustable length deck and a mattress positionable on the deck.

Abstract: A process for increasing the tactile properties of a base web without adversely affecting the strength of the web is disclosed. In general, the process includes the steps of placing a base web in between a first moving conveyor and a second moving conveyor. The conveyors are then wrapped around a shear inducing roll which creates shear forces that act upon the base web. The shear inducing roll typically has a relatively small diameter. In some applications, more than one shear inducing roll may be incorporated into the system. In other applications, the shear inducing roll can also be a nip roll for decreasing the caliper of the base web. The shear inducing roll may be stationary, as in the form of a stationary shoe with a convex edge, or may rotate. In one embodiment, the shear inducing roll can rotate on an air bearing.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a polynucleotide of interest, comprising providing one or more sets of consecutive oligonucleotide primers differing within each set by one base at the growing end therof, annealing a single strand of the polynucleotide or a fragment of the polynucleotide to the oligonucleotide primers under hybridization conditions; subjecting the primers to single base extension reactions with a polymerase and terminating nucleotides, the terminating nucleotides being mutually distinguishable; and observing the location and identity of each terminating nucleotide to thereby analyze the sequence or a part of the nucleotide sequence of the polynucleotide of interest, is disclosed. An apparatus comprising a solid support to which is attached at defined locations thereon one or more sets of consecutive oligonucleotide primers differing within each set by one base at the growing end thereof is also described.

Abstract: Expandable implants for intervertebral disc repair, and methods and apparatuses for delivering the same into the disc. The present implants can also be used for repair of bone fractures. The implants generally comprise a compressed form having a size adapted for insertion into a defect in the intervertebral disc, and a composition that allows the implant to expand from the compressed form into an expanded form after the implant is inserted into the defect. The expanded form of the implant has a configuration that fills the defect in the disc. The defect in the disc can be an annular defect that resulted from repair of a herniation of the disc, or a nucleus that needs to be repaired. The composition used to make the implant can comprise a shape memory alloy (SMA) or any other suitable material.

Abstract: A golf bag alarm provides notification of the lifting or moving of a golf bag, to the owner thereof who may be remotely located from the bag. The alarm includes a golf bag component which may be semi-permanently installed upon an existing golf bag, or permanently, integrally installed with a golf bag during bag manufacture. The golf bag component includes a weight actuated switch, an alarm transmitter, a receiver for remotely arming the alarm, and may also include an audio or visual alarm. The second component is carried by the golfer, and includes a transmitter for remotely arming and disarming the alarm system of the golf bag unit, a receiver for detecting an alarm signal from the golf bag unit, and an alarm. The system is valuable for the golfer who must leave his/her bag outside while visiting a golf clubhouse, course restaurant, etc.

Abstract: At least one layer of cascading material overlying an EL lamp converts the light emitted by the EL lamp into infrared light. The EL lamp is supported within in a container transparent to at least infrared light, along with at least one battery and an inverter to provide power for the lamp in portable applications. The lamp is rolled to form a cylinder and fits within the inside diameter of the container. The lamp can be turned on or off by means of a switch interrupting current from a battery or to the lamp.

Abstract: A peeling apparatus includes a frame, and at least one set of abrasive rollers carried by the frame to define at least one peeling chamber. Each abrasive roller includes an elongate body portion having an abrasive outer surface and may have a pair of mounting stubs permanently affixed to respective opposing ends of the elongate body portion. The elongate body portion and the pair of mounting stubs may each comprise metal, and the pair of mounting stubs may be welded to respective ends of the elongate body portion to provide the permanent fixation. The abrasive outer surface may include a plurality of knurls arranged in a pattern. Each knurl may also comprise a leading edge portion being steeper than a trailing edge portion.

Abstract: This invention provides a disk drive having an actuator for engaging and disengaging read/write heads with a recording medium, where the actuator comprises a head stack assembly, on which the heads are mounted, a guide track on which the head stack assembly slides, and a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating on at least a portion of the guide track, wherein reduced actuator friction and increased wear resistance is achieved. The invention also provides an actuator, for mounting in a disk drive and for communicating with a recording medium, a head stack assembly having read/write heads thereon, a corrosion resistant, heat dissipating guide track on which the head stack assembly slides, and a DLC coating on at least a portion of the guide track, for reducing actuator friction and wear and wherein corrosion resistance and heat dissipation is achieved.

Abstract: This invention provides an anionic borate ligand, and its synthesis. Zwitterionic complexes formed by the ligand and a metal, and Group 9 and 10 metals in particular, are described. Uses of the complexes in stoichiometric and catalytic reaction chemistry are also provided.

Abstract: A screw-clamp assembly is useful for connecting a pair of spine rods in a spinal fixation system. The screw-clamp assembly includes an upper half-clamp, a lower half-clamp, an anchor screw, and a nut for clamping the half-clamps together. The upper and lower half-clamps mate to define a pair of openings for receiving the spine rods. The anchor screw is placed through an aperture in the lower half-clamp, an aperture in the upper half-clamp, and is threaded into a nut. By tightening the nut, the half-clamps are drawn together to securely grip the spine rods. A pair of screw clamp assemblies are arranged with perpendicular openings to be combined with a transverse rod to form a transverse connector assembly for bridging a pair of generally parallel spine rods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a spectrally variable radiation source and systems including same is disclosed. An embodiment of a spectrally variable radiation source is disclosed including a broadband radiation source, a collimating element, a dispersive element, an imaging element, an output aperture and an optional output collimating element. An embodiment of a spectrally encoded infrared chromatograph incorporating the inventive spatially variable radiation source is disclosed. An arbitrary spectrum projector for simulating emission or absorption spectra for chemical and biological agents, as well as projecting calibration and test spectra for characterizing sensors is also disclosed.

Abstract: A three zone, reinforced, continuous, geometrically symmetrical microporous membrane including a porous support material encapsulated within a middle zone disposed between an upper zone and a lower zone wherein at least one of the three zones has a pore size at least about twenty (20%) percent different than the pore size of the other two zones is disclosed. Apparatus and methods for fabricating three zone reinforced, continuous, geometrically symmetrical, microporous membrane are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel group of gastrokines called Gastric Antrum Mucosal Protein is characterized. A member of the group is designated AMP-18. AMP-18 genomic DNA, cDNA and the AMP-18 protein are sequenced for human, mouse and pig. The AMP-18 protein and active peptides derived from it are cellular growth factors. Surprisingly, peptides capable of inhibiting the effects of the complete protein, are also derived from the AMP-18 protein. Control of mammalian gastro-intestinal tissues growth and repair is facilitated by the use of the proteins, making the proteins candidates for therapies.

Abstract: A spiral wound filter element is disclosed which includes at least three radially successive prequalifying sections of filter medium commencing with a radially outer prequalifying section of filter medium and concluding with a radially inner prequalifying section of filter medium, each prequalifying section of filter medium having a number of perforation formed therein, wherein the number of perforations in the filter medium of each radially successive prequalifying sections is less than the number of perforations in the filter medium of a radially preceding prequalifying section, and further including a radially inner qualifying section of filter medium succeeding the radially inner prequalifying section, the radially inner qualifying section of filter medium having imperforate filtering layers.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for tracking identity traits of commodities during the production, handling, processing and/or distribution chain of the commodity. The method includes providing a database having a unique identifier identifying a commodity to be tracked, inputting identity traits of the commodity into the database, associating the inputted identity traits with the unique identifier, tagging the commodity with a tag associated with the unique identifier, and selectively retrieving from the database the preserved identity traits of the commodity by querying the database.

Abstract: A bed having a foot prop on an adjustable length deck foot section and a mattress with a length and thickness adjustable foot section and a thickness adjustable heel section. The adjustability of the deck and the mattress allows sizing of the bed to the occupant as well as heel management. The foot prop is also adjustable.