Abstract: An initiator assembly (38) is factory-pre-assembled and comprises an initiation fixture (10) secured to a triggering device (40). The initiation fixture (10) comprises a unitary body, i.e., one without moving parts, and includes a bushing groove (18) to receive as an accessory an O-ring (64) to seal the device within the barrel (42) of the triggering device (40). A fuse/fixture sub-assembly (34) includes an initiation charge (30) disposed at the firing face (13a) and a signal-transmission fuse (22). The initiation fixture (110) may be a “universal” fixture having thereon optional external threads (36) and being otherwise dimensioned and configured to be received within either an internally threaded barrel (42) of a triggering device (40) or the barrel (42) of a triggering device which utilizes a fuse-holder cap (56). The initiator assembly (38) may include a spool (66) on which the signal-transmission tube (22) is wound.

Abstract: A computing device having an improved enclosure arrangement is disclosed. One aspect of the enclosure pertains to enclosure parts that are structurally bonded together to form a singular composite structure. In one embodiment, structural glue is used to bond at least two unique parts together. Another aspect of the enclosure pertains to enclosure parts that are electrically bonded together to form a singular integrated conductive member. In one embodiment, conductive paste is used to bond at least two unique parts together. The improved enclosure is particularly useful in portable computing devices such as laptop computers.

Abstract: Nitrogen and aluminum and fluxing agents (Al2O3, SiO2, CaO and MgO) are added to molten silicon to create an oxy-nitride slag that acts as a sink for dissolved boron and phosphorus. The nitrogen can be added by bubbling nitrogen gas through the molten silicon; the aluminum can be added as aluminum metal or as Al2O3. Normally, the silicon must initially be deoxidized to allow the boron and phosphorus refining reactions to occur. The process may be followed by oxidative refining, SiC settling, the Silgrain process and directional solidification to remove other impurities and produce silicon suitable for use in solar cells. In an alternative version of the process, the molten silicon is passed through a particulate bed formed of a nitrogen-containing compound and an aluminum-containing compound.

Abstract: A dual element door chime assembly, positioning pick and fixed mount miniature guitar door chime, which provides musical, door opening audible indication and visual guitar decorative theme. The apparatus can be easily adapted to various sizes of doors and a plethora of doorway entry designs. The apparatus is comprised of a movable guitar pick and stationary fixed mount inverted miniature guitar, constructed of a spring-door stopper pick rotating about a horizontal plane and a fixed mount, wooden miniature guitar with metal string assembly.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for determining or predicting response to cancer therapy in an individual.

Abstract: A computing device having an improved enclosure arrangement is disclosed. One aspect of the enclosure pertains to enclosure parts that are structurally bonded together to form a singular composite structure. In one embodiment, structural glue is used to bond at least two unique parts together. Another aspect of the enclosure pertains to enclosure parts that are electrically bonded together to form a singular integrated conductive member. In one embodiment, conductive paste is used to bond at least two unique parts together. The improved enclosure is particularly useful in portable computing devices such as laptop computers.

Abstract: An exemplary vibrating mass gyroscope uses a mass disposed for movement along an x-axis and y-axis. First and second electrodes are disposed adjacent surfaces of the mass along an x-axis and y-axis. Circuitry, coupled to the first and second electrodes, provides during a first mode a dither driving voltage on one of the first and second electrodes causing vibrating displacement of the mass along the one of the x-axis and y-axis. The measurement voltage is sensed on the other of the first and second electrodes where the measurement voltage represents a first angular rate value. During a second mode, the circuitry provides a dither driving voltage on the other of the first and second electrodes causing vibrating displacement of the mass along the other of the x-axis and y-axis and measurement voltage is sensed on the one of the first and second electrodes where the measurement voltage represents a second angular rate value.

Abstract: A spectrometer is designed capable of effectively covering the full desired spectral range using an array of multiple diffraction gratings arranged in gradually differentiated angles to diffract certain sub-range of photon wavelengths to the target detectors without relying on mechanically changing gratings or use of any moving parts. The optically subdivided spectral analysis results are then electronically integrated to accurately yield the desired full range spectral measurement at a speed compatible to the limit of optical and digital analyzers' speed of the measuring system without manual adjustment and/or mechanical movement delays.

Abstract: Flt3-ligand can be used to generate large numbers of dendritic cells from hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells. Flt3-ligand can be used to augment immune responses in vivo, and expand dendritic cells ex vivo. Such dendritic cells can then be used to present tumor, viral or other antigens to naive T cells, can be useful as vaccine adjuvants. When flt3-L is used and/or administered in combination with other reactive agents, e.g. CD40 binding proteins, 4-1BBL or antibodies reactive with 4-1BB, CD30 ligand antagonists, RANKL, and/or interferon alpha the combination further enhances immune responses and the effectiveness of vaccine adjuvants.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present system encompass: a hemispherical resonator gyro (HRG); digital control loop algorithms which operate in two, distinct modes, Force to Rebalance (FTR) and Whole Angle (WA); and a closed-loop slewing-voltage phase control that reduces quadrature error when the hemispherical resonator gyro transitions from WA to FTR.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a coffee pod includes a filter sheet, a receptacle, and a plunger. A portion of the plunger conforms to a portion of a cavity of the receptacle so that when the filter sheet is placed over the receptacle cavity and the plunger is thrust against the filter sheet and into the cavity, the plunger forces a portion of the sheet to conform to the cavity. The plunger is removed, leaving the sheet in the cavity. Coffee grounds are placed in the portion of the sheet that conforms to the cavity, and the sheet is folded to envelop the ingredient.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention encompass the collection of multispectral images from a population of objects, and the analysis of the collected images to measure at least characteristic of the population, using photometric and/or morphometric features identifiable in the collection of images. In an exemplary application, the objects are biological cells. In a particularly preferred, but not limiting implementation, the plurality of images for each individual object are collected simultaneously. In an empirical study the characteristic being measured involves the synapse between conjugated cells. The conjugated cells may represent a subpopulation of the overall population of objects that were imaged. In a particularly preferred, yet not limiting embodiment, the present invention enables the quantization of the redistribution of cellular molecules due to the conjugation of different biological cells. Significantly, such quantization is not feasible with standard microscopy and flow cytometry.

Abstract: A computing device having an improved enclosure arrangement is disclosed. One aspect of the enclosure pertains to enclosure parts that are structurally bonded together to form a singular composite structure. In one embodiment, structural glue is used to bond at least two unique parts together. Another aspect of the enclosure pertains to enclosure parts that are electrically bonded together to form a singular integrated conductive member. In one embodiment, conductive paste is used to bond at least two unique parts together. The improved enclosure is particularly useful in portable computing devices such as laptop computers.

Abstract: An apparatus having a memory and an operating system running a plurality of applications that are controlled by user signals, means to register the user signals required by each application, means to receive user signals, and means to send each received user signal to the application registered to require that signal. A method of passing user signals to a plurality of applications running with an operating system comprising receiving from each application information on user signals required by that application; saving in a memory the required user signals associated with each application; receiving a user signal from a user interface device; retrieving from the memory applications that require the received user signal; and sending the received user signal to each of the retrieved applications.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying at least two modes comprising an interactive application mode and a television program mode on a display device. In one aspect the apparatus comprises: a television program signal receiver; an interactive application signal receiver; means for switching between said television program mode and said interactive application mode being active in said display device; means to receive remote control signals from a remote control device having a mute key for generating a mute signal; means to enable a mute-to-interactive application feature; and wherein when said mute-to-interactive application feature is enabled and said television program mode is active in said display device, upon receipt of said mute signal, said mode switching means is activated causing said interactive application mode to be active in said display device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting distortion of characters included in an auxiliary data signal received with a video signal. The distortion is corrected by generating a signal representing a background and foreground of both a first character and a second subsequent character. The background and foreground of the first and subsequent adjacent character are then rendered. It is then determined whether the first character is rendered in italics. If so, a foreground color of the first character is re-rendered. Additionally, where a replacement character is received for the first character, it is determined whether the first character is rendered in italics. If so, the foreground and background color of at least a portion of the second subsequent character is re-rendered. A signal representing a background and foreground of a replacement character is generated. The foreground color and the background color of a replacement character superimposing the first character is then rendered.

Abstract: An initiator assembly (38) is factory-pre-assembled and comprises an initiation fixture (10) secured to a triggering device (40). The initiation fixture (10) comprises a unitary body, i.e., one without moving parts, and includes a bushing groove (18) to receive as an accessory an O-ring (64) to seal the device within the barrel (42) of the triggering device (40). A fuse/fixture sub-assembly (34) includes an initiation charge (30) disposed at the firing face (13a) and a signal-transmission fuse (22). The initiation fixture (110) maybe a “universal” fixture having thereon optional external threads (36) and being otherwise dimensioned and configured to be received within either an internally threaded barrel (42) of a triggering device (40) or the barrel (42) of a triggering device which utilizes a fuse-holding cap (56). The initiator assembly (38) may include a spool (66) on which the signal-transmission tube (22) is wound.

Abstract: A computing device having an improved enclosure arrangement is disclosed. One aspect of the enclosure pertains to enclosure parts that are structurally bonded together to form a singular composite structure. In one embodiment, structural glue is used to bond at least two unique parts together. Another aspect of the enclosure pertains to enclosure parts that are electrically bonded together to form a singular integrated conductive member. In one embodiment, conductive paste is used to bond at least two unique parts together. The improved enclosure is particularly useful in portable computing devices such as laptop computers.

Abstract: Compositions, kits and methods for reducing or inhibiting apoptosis in a cell or tissue and for treating or preventing an apoptosis-related disease or condition in a mammal that is not infected with HIV are disclosed. The methods involve administering to said mammal a therapeutically effective amount of one or more HIV protease inhibitors, and/or reducing mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) dependent permeability transition pore complex (PTPC) opening and/or mitochondrial cytochrome c release in target cells or tissues.

Abstract: A cap (10) is provided for the load box (16) of a vehicle, like a pickup truck (12), including a box-like structure sized and adapted to fit on the load box to form an enclosed area for the storage of personal items, camping equipment, tools, parts or the like. On the forwardmost corner of the cap there is included a door (40) in the form of three-sided box (53, 58, 60), i.e., a door that wraps both around the forward corner of the cap and into the roof. Hinges (50) are provided at the cutline with the roof so that the door opens upwardly. In the preferred embodiment, closable and latchable steps (28) are structurally integrated into the a side of a load box at its forwardmost end and the door of the cap is aligned with the steps forming a doorway for improved ingress and egress to the enclosed area under the cap.