Abstract: Airbag tear stitches, tear stitch patterns, and related airbag cushions. Some embodiments comprise an airbag cushion comprising a tear stitch, such as one or more tear stitches configured to rupture upon deployment of the airbag cushion. The tear stitch may comprise a first leg extending to a tip and a second leg extending to the tip. The airbag cushion may be configured such that a line intersects the first leg and the second leg at a first angle, the first angle being defined halfway between the first leg and the second leg. The line may be aligned with at least one directional load force to be experienced by the tear stitch during deployment of the airbag cushion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a structure that comprises at least one layer of air beams that define an interior space of the structure wherein laterally adjacent air beams are configured to laterally abut each other. Optionally the structure comprises at least a first layer of a plurality of air beams and a second layer of a second plurality of air beams, wherein the second layer is positioned adjacent to and interior to the first layer for defining an interior space of the protective structure. A structure with laterally abutting air beams may better protect the occupants and contents within the structure from the effects of an explosion. Constructing a structure with at least two layers of air beams may provide a stiffer structure as compared to a structure that is constructed from a single layer of air beams.

Abstract: The use of a harvester head, processor head or merchandiser to deploy or place probes into a standing tree, felled stem or trunk, log, cant or the like whereby a time of flight of a stress or acoustic wave can be measured for the purpose of comparing a relationship to a threshold for the purpose of attributing a characteristic to be harvested, processed or broken down tree, stem or trunk, log, cant or the like.

Abstract: The use of a harvester head, processor head or merchandiser to deploy or place probes into a standing tree, felled stem or trunk, log, cant or the like whereby a time of flight of a stress or acoustic wave can be measured for the purpose of comparing a relationship to a threshold for the purpose of attributing a characteristic to be harvested, processed or broken down tree, stem or trunk, log, cant or the like.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for performing diagnostics in a medical imaging system during the normal operating mode of the imaging system including firing a diagnostic vector with a probe, collecting signal data based at least in part on the diagnostic vector, and processing the signal data to determine a diagnostic status. The diagnostic status indicates an operating condition of at least one component of the medical imaging system.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for performing diagnostics in a medical imaging system during the normal operating mode of the imaging system including firing a diagnostic vector with a probe, collecting signal data based at least in part on the diagnostic vector, and processing the signal data to determine a diagnostic status. The diagnostic status indicates an operating condition of at least one component of the medical imaging system.

Abstract: An improved electromagnetic radiation (EMR) shield that has minimal airflow resistance is presented. The EMR shield includes: a base plate; and plurality of columns that project away from the base plate, wherein each of the columns has a first end that is attached to the base plate, a second end that is distal to the base plate, and a side surface that has at least one side hole therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating coronary artery disease in a patient in need thereof by administering to the patient an antichlamydial amount of a rifamycin for a duration to treat said coronary artery disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to anti-chlamydial antibodies and uses of anti-chlamydial antibodies for detection of the presence of chlamydia.

Abstract: The invention features methods and reagents for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of multiple sclerosis. The invention is based in part on the discovery that Chlamydia is present in patients with multiple sclerosis, and that anti-chlamydial agents improve or sustain neurological function in these patients.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating coronary artery disease in a patient in need thereof by administering to the patient an antichlamydial amount of a rifamycin for a duration to treat said coronary artery disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique approach for the diagnosis and management of infections by Chlamydia species, particularly C. pneumoniae. The invention is based, in part, upon the discovery that a combination of agents directed toward the various stages of the chlamydial life cycle is effective in substantially reducing infection. Products comprising combination of antichlamydial agents, novel compositions and pharmaceutical packs are also described.

Abstract: Use of a single end testing of stems of felled trees whereby by inducing a sonic wave with an impact and by reference to detected reflections and with a knowledge of the length of the stem the stiffness and/or strength characteristics of the stem or logs to be cut therefrom can be derived. A preferred procedure is a determination of the fundamental frequency f0 which relates to velocity V, the speed of longitudinal compressional motions along the stem, and L, the length of the stem, as follows: V=2Lf0. From that value V or a function of V can be derived an indicator of stiffness and/or strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a single end testing of stems of felled trees whereby by inducing a sonic wave with an impact and by reference to detected reflections and with a knowledge of the length of the stem the stiffness and/or strength characteristics of the stem or logs to be cut therefrom can be derived. A preferred procedure is a determination of the fundamental frequency f0 which relates to velocity V, the speed of longitudinal compressional motions along the stem, and L, the length of the stem, as follows: V=2Lf0. From that value V or a function of V can be derived an indicator of stiffness and/or strength. For example the modulus of elasticity (MOE) is such an indicator and can be determined by the equation MOE=&rgr; V2 where &rgr; is density. For green felled timber &rgr; can be estimated as approximating 1000 kg/m3.

Abstract: A water-flood surfactant and the method of making it which comprises the steps of mixing, in a reactor, sodium hydroxide with a sulfonated natural petroleum crude, the sodium hydroxide being in excess of the amount required to convert the sulfonate to phenol and sufficient to convert a portion of the phenol to sodium phenolate; heating the mixture while stirring to about 319.degree. C. for a period of about one hour; passing a current of inert gas through the top of the reactor during the heating step; cooling the mixture to a temperature of approximately 200.degree. C. while continuing to pass an inert gas through the top of the reactor; and passing ethylene oxide gas through the mixture in the reactor while maintaining the temperature in the reactor between 200.degree. C. and 220.degree. C.