Abstract: Wax-based compositions for making barrier layers used in oral treatment devices are thermally stable when formed into a flat sheet or three-dimensional article to a temperature of at least 45° C. and are plastically deformable at room temperature (25° C.). The wax-based compositions include a wax fraction homogeneously blended with a polymer fraction. The wax fraction includes at least one wax and the polymer fraction includes at least one polymer selected such that, when the at least one wax and at least one polymer are homogeneously blended together, they yield a wax-based composition having the desired properties of thermal stability and plastic deformability. Barrier layers and oral treatment devices made from such wax-based compositions are dimensionally stable to a temperature of at least 40° C. without external support and can be plastically deformed in a user's mouth to become at least partially customized to the size and shape of user's unique dentition.

Abstract: Wax-based compositions for making barrier layers used in oral treatment devices are thermally stable when formed into a flat sheet or three-dimensional article to a temperature of at least 45° C. and are plastically deformable at room temperature (25° C.). The wax-based compositions include a wax fraction homogeneously blended with a polymer fraction. The wax fraction includes at least one wax and the polymer fraction includes at least one polymer selected such that, when the at least one wax and at least one polymer are homogeneously blended together, they yield a wax-based composition having the desired properties of thermal stability and plastic deformability. Barrier layers and oral treatment devices made from such wax-based compositions are dimensionally stable to a temperature of at least 40° C. without external support and can be plastically deformed in a user's mouth to become at least partially customized to the size and shape of user's unique dentition.

Abstract: An extensible system and method for providing a communication network including a central controller, a remote controlling device and a peripheral device, the central controller enabling communication between the remote controlling device and the peripheral device, the central controlling device and/or the remote controlling device having an extensible computer program, the extensible system being capable of adding additional peripheral devices, the central controller being capable of learning the communication protocols and communication standards of additional peripheral devices and the extensible control program being capable of learning how to communicate and control any peripheral devices that are connected to the central controller.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed to prevent a user from using the top step of a ladder. The apparatus comprises a substantially solid front face on which a first side flap and second side flap are disposed. The first and second side flaps are disposed at an angle to the front face in order to create a spring force when inserted in a “C” shaped cross section of a ladder. The apparatus is held to a ladder through the spring force and by securing the side flaps and front face to the ladder legs.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed to prevent a user from using the top step of a ladder. The apparatus comprises a substantially solid front face on which a first side flap and second side flap are disposed. The first and second side flaps are disposed at an angle to the front face in order to create a spring force when inserted in a “C” shaped cross section of a ladder. The apparatus is held to a ladder through the spring force and by securing the side flaps and front face to the ladder legs.

Abstract: The present invention involves a simple and rapid method for quantitative detection of a ligand in a sample using a combination of an ELISA-like assay and immunohistochemical staining.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a prognosis of disease—free survival for a cancer patient. The invention further relates to methods of prognosticating recurrence or metastasis by determining a level of an MTA1 polypeptide in the patient. Yet further, the methods allow for prognosticating and/or predicting micrometastasis in a patient and offer the improvement in the efficacy of clinical treatment of the patient.

Abstract: A method of dyeing and treating a substrate using a water-stabilized organosilane. A method of antimicrobially treating a food article. A method of antimicrobially coating a fluid container. A method of antimicrobially coating a latex medical article.

Abstract: A protocol analysis access system (“PAAS”) and a restricted access method for remotely monitoring and testing embedded channels in a signal communicated over a telecommunications network. The PAAS system is capable of accessing a signal from a network circuit through digital cross-connect systems (“DCSs”) or through direct connections. In case of restricted network access, the PAAS performs non-intrusive monitor-only function on the signal without interfering with or interrupting the data flow over the network circuit. In addition, the PAAS system is capable of performing non-intrusive conformance testing on a signal using a protocol analyzer. In case of non-restricted network access, the PAAS system allows full performance testing on a signal. The PAAS system functions are executed by an external command source from a remote network maintenance center via remote control links.

Abstract: The product of reacting an organosilane optionally having a nonhydrolizable organic group, but having one ore more hydrolyzable groups, with a polyol containing at least three hydroxy groups, where any two of the hydroxy groups are separated by at least three intervening atoms. Water-stabilized organosilane compounds. A water stable composition made from the product or compound and water. A method of treating a substrate by contacting the substrate with the product, compound, or composition for a period of time sufficient for treatment of the substrate. A treated substrate having adhered thereto the product, compound, or composition.

Abstract: The product of reacting an organosilane optionally having a nonhydrolizable organic group, but having one or more hydrolyzable groups, with a polyol containing at least three hydroxy groups, where any two of the hydroxy groups are separated by at least three intervening atoms. Water-stabilized organosilane compounds. A water stable composition made from the product or compound and water. A method of treating a substrate by contacting the substrate with the product, compound, or composition for a period of time sufficient for treatment of the substrate. A treated substrate having adhered thereto the product, compound, or composition.

Abstract: X-ray dispersive and reflective structures utilizing special materials which exhibit improved performance in the specific ranges of interest. The structures are formed of alternating thin layers of uranium, uranium compound or uranium alloy and another spacer material consisting of elements or compounds with low absorptance chosen to match the wavelength of interest. These low index of refraction elements or compounds are those best suited for water window microscopy and nitrogen analysis, or are similar elements or compounds best suited for carbon analysis, boron analysis, and x-ray lithography. The structures are constructed using standard thin layer deposition techniques such as evaporation, sputtering, and CVD, or by novel methods which allow thinner and smoother layers to be deposited.

Abstract: X-ray wave diffraction devices are constructed using atomic layer epetaxy. A crystalline substrate is prepared with one or more surface areas on which multiple pairs of layers of material are to be deposited. These layers are then formed by atomic layer epetaxy on the surface areas of the substrate, one on top of another, with the material of each layer of each pair being selected to have a different index of refraction from that of the material of the other layer of each pair. The layers are formed so that the thickness of each layer of a pair is substantially the same as that of the corresponding layer of every other pair and so that x-ray waves impinging on the layers may be reflected therefrom. Layer pairs having a thickness of about 20 angstroms or less are formed on the substrate.

Abstract: A laser assembly adapted to retrofit industrial mechanical engravers to convert the mechanical engraver to a laser engraver.

Abstract: An optical device for interacting with x-ray radiation, wherein the device includes an optical element configured for use as part of a spectroscopy tube, proportional counter, Geiger counter, optical detector or similar optical instrument. An exposed surface of the optical element is coated with at least one bonded layer of boron hydride composition to protect against abrasion, corrosion and other forms of degradation, as well as to provide enhanced sealing of the Z material against leakage. Methods of bonding the desired coating to the optical element are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multilayered article includes at least one periodically repeating set including a layer of amorphous crystallizable material and a layer of crystallization inhibiting material in generally superposed relationship. The layer of crystallizable material has its crystallization temperature raised by the presence of the inhibiting layer. Also disclosed are methods for the fabrication of the multilayered article.

Abstract: A method of forming a magnetic material. The magnetic material is a solid mass of grains, and has magnetic parameters characterized by: (1) a maximum magnetic energy product, (BH).sub.max, greater than 15 megagaussoersteds; and (2) a remanence greater than 9 kilogauss. The magnetic material is prepared by a two step solidification, heat treatment process. The solidification process is carried out by growing microwave powder or snow. The microwave powder or snow is grown by introducing a reaction gas comprised of precursor compounds of the magnetic material into a substantially enclosed reaction vessel. The reaction gas is energized by providing a source of microwave energy coupled to the substantially enclosed reaction vessel while maintaining the reaction gas pressure high enough to form the powdery microwave polymerizate, condensate, or precipitate, i.e., microwave snow.

Abstract: Water straining device for removing sand, grit and other foreign suspended particles from water characterized by a cylindrical housing having a bottom closed end and an open top end together with multiple annular holes through the cylindrical side wall. Cylindrical baffles are mounted inside the housing adjacent each hole. At least one strainer containing multiple slots is located inboard of the baffles and is connected at one end to a pump with a one way valve interposed between the strainer and pump. A backwash system is connected to the inside of the housing to remove particles clogging the strainer slots.

Abstract: An improved method of fabricating the thin film layers of an electrostatic image producing device utilizing microwave energy by operating at substantially the minimum of the pressure-power curve for the particular geometry of reaction vessel and composition of reaction gases being utilized.