Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for optimizing the performance of 13.56 MHz frequency RFID tags in conjunction with metal substrates. Briefly, a thickness exists for each type of RFID isolator material at which the performance of a 13.56 MHz RFID tag is optimal when used with metal. Varying from this optimal value, in either the positive or negative direction adversely affects read distance. A method of determining this optimal thickness is disclosed, as well as an RFID tag or a substrate being used in conjunction with a material of this thickness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for optimizing the performance of 13.56 MHz frequency RFID tags in conjunction with metal substrates. Briefly, a thickness exists for each type of RFID isolator material at which the performance of a 13.56 MHz RFID tag is optimal when used with metal. Varying from this optimal value, in either the positive or negative direction adversely affects read distance. A method of determining this optimal thickness is disclosed, as well as an RFID tag or a substrate being used in conjunction with a material of this thickness.

Abstract: A system and method for the use of ultra high frequency RFID tags in conjunction with metal substrates, as well as substrates used to contain liquid. Briefly, an RFID isolator comprised of a material with complex magnetic permeability, used either by itself, or in combination with dielectric isolator material, is interposed between the RFID tag and the substrate. Alternatively, a material possessing at least two distinct dielectric constants is interposed between the RFID tag and the substrate, such that there is a high dielectric constant at the interface with the substrate, and a low dielectric constant at the interface with the RFID tag. This material can be a single material having a dielectric constant gradient, or alternatively, two or more separate layers, each with a uniform but different dielectric constant, sandwiched together.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for catheterized delivery or infusion of medication and anaesthesia are disclosed. The perforating catheter is first used to perforate the periodontal ligament and/or the cortical plate of bone tissue, and is then left in place and used as a catheter for insertion of a hypodermic needle of smaller gauge to deliver medication or anaesthesia to a target area. The perforator is a bevelled needle for drilling into the ligament or bone tissue. For drilling, the device comprises an adaptor which transmits the rotational movement from a dental hand piece or the like to the bevelled needle. A cap is also included for protecting the bevelled needle during storage of the device. The adaptor may have a rod which extends axially into the bevelled needle when the device is assembled for drilling. The rod is used to prevent the debris resulting from drilling from blocking the passage in the bevelled needle.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking ocular changes during a surgical procedure include directing an eye-safe optical beam toward an undilated, unparalyzed eye. A reflected optical beam is detected, and measurements are performed based upon data contained in the reflected optical beam of at least one geometric parameter of the eye at a predetermined frequency, and from them is calculated a change in the at least one geometric parameter. The calculated change is used to dynamically adjust the directing of laser beam shots during the surgery.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for catheterized delivery or infusion of medication and anaesthesia are disclosed. The perforating catheter is first used to perforate the periodontal ligament and/or the cortical plate of bone tissue, and is then left in place and used as a catheter for insertion of a hypodermic needle of smaller gauge to deliver medication or anaesthesia to a target area. The perforator is a bevelled needle for drilling into the ligament or bone tissue. For drilling, the device comprises an adaptor which transmits the rotational movement from a dental hand piece or the like to the bevelled needle. A cap is also included for protecting the bevelled needle during storage of the device. The adaptor may have a rod which extends axially into the bevelled needle when the device is assembled for drilling. The rod is used to prevent the debris resulting from drilling from blocking the passage in the bevelled needle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer system includes a first component configured to output data on a bus in response to a request for data from a second component. The data output by the first component may include both the requested data and unrequested data, and the unrequested data may have an unpredictable value. A controller coupled to the bus may be configured to replace the unrequested data with data that has a predictable value. A signature analysis register included in the second component is configured to capture the requested data and the predictable data output by the controller. Thus, the signature captured in the second component may be predictable, despite the unpredictable data output by the first component.

Abstract: A microbiological testing method or assay for identifying an organism grown on one chromagenic semisolid nutrient media such as agar, where the organism exhibits at least one color or chromatic aspect. A digitized electrical signal is generated encoding an image of the organism on the nutrient media. The encoded image is stored and digitally processed to detect the color of the organism on the nutrient media. Chromatic characteristics of a multiplicity of known organisms are stored in an electronic library. A computer is operated to compare the detected color of the organism with chromatic characteristics stored in the library.

Abstract: Incorporation in a laundry detergent composition of a graft polymer having a locust bean gum backbone and grafts of an aromatic sulphonic acid improves antiredeposition properties. The preferred polymer is locust bean gum-graft-poly(4-styrenesulphonic acid).

Abstract: A method for gene shuffling to form a mutant or chimeric gene, the method comprising: (a) assigning one or more segments of one or more genes based on regions of encoded amino acid sequence; (b) amplifying the one or more assigned segments of the gene using primers specific for each segment; and (c) causing recombination of the one or more amplified segments to form a mutant or chimeric gene. An oligonucleotide primer suitable for use in gene shuffling, the primer having a non-degenerate core based on a segment or template of a gene to be amplified, and the core being flanked by both 5′ and 3′ degenerate ends.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer system includes a first component configured to output data on a bus in response to a request for data from a second component. The data output by the first component may include both the requested data and unrequested data, and the unrequested data may have an unpredictable value. A controller coupled to the bus may be configured to replace the unrequested data with data that has a predictable value. A signature analysis register included in the second component is configured to capture the requested data and the predictable data output by the controller. Thus, the signature captured in the second component may be predictable, despite the unpredictable data output by the first component.

Abstract: A portable dental system and method is disclosed for cleaning endodontic files and the like during a operation such as a root canal procedure. This allows a dentist to clean files in situ while performing the removal of root material. As the file is withdrawn from the patients mouth by the dentist, it can be inserted into a sealed container through the lid and can be cleaned ultrasonically and immediately withdrawn and reinserted into a patients tooth canal for further removal of tooth and root material. Debridement of the files ensures less likelihood the file will break within the canal; furthermore, since no passing off to or cleaning the tip by an assistant is required, there is less likelihood of inadvertent skin puncturing and infection of the dentist or assistant. The sealed disposable container housing a cleaning fluid is insertably removable from the base, which supports it and provides a source of ultrasonic energy thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for catheterized delivery or infusion of medication and anaesthesia are disclosed. The perforating catheter is first used to perforate the periodontal ligament and/or the cortical plate of bone tissue, and is then left in place and used as a catheter for insertion of a hypodermic needle of smaller gauge to deliver medication or anaesthesia to a target area. The perforator is a bevelled needle for drilling into the ligament or bone tissue. For drilling, the device comprises an adaptor which transmits the rotational movement from a dental hand piece or the like to the bevelled needle. A cap is also included for protecting the bevelled needle during storage of the device. The adaptor may have a rod which extends axially into the bevelled needle when the device is assembled for drilling. The rod is used to prevent the debris resulting from drilling from blocking the passage in the bevelled needle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for catheterized delivery or infusion of medication and anaesthesia are disclosed. The perforating catheter is first used to perforate the periodontal ligament and/or the cortical plate of bone tissue, and is then left in place and used as a catheter for insertion of a hypodermic needle of smaller gauge to deliver medication or anaesthesia to a target area. The perforator is a bevelled needle for drilling into the ligament or bone tissue. For drilling, the device comprises an adaptor which transmits the rotational movement from a dental hand piece to the bevelled needle. A cap is also included for protecting the bevelled needle during storage of the device. The adaptor may have a rod which extends axially into the bevelled needle when the device is assembled for drilling. The rod is used to prevent the debris resulting from drilling from blocking the passage in the bevelled needle.

Abstract: Alkalophilic and thermophilic cellulases having high stability to elevated temperatures and pH have been isolated from an organism of unknown species, which most closely resembles those in the Caldicellulosiruptor genus and which has been called by us, Tok7B.1, These cellulases have been cloned and expressed in a recombinant system, so that they can be produced in quantity. These are particularly useful in treating cellulosic materials including cotton-containing fabrics, as detergent additives, and in aqueous compositions. We also provide genomic DNA which can be used in recombinant expression vectors and expression systems to produce enhanced alkali and/or temperature stability properties in cellulases other than those specifically described.

Abstract: A stable oral composition comprising a natural or synthetic macromolecule with a monofluorophosphate moiety covalently bonded thereto.

Abstract: A dental implant for anchoring in bone, wherein said bone comprises an outer cortical bone section and an inner cancellous bone section is made of a body of resorbable material such as coral, having a portion capable of being wedged into the cancellous bone. The body of coral has a generally cylindrical root portion, an emergent portion capable of being wedged into said outer cortical bone section, and a transgingival coronal portion being sized to extend beyond said emergent portion to end beyond a gingival layer, and an abutment portion and a head for retention of said prosthetic device at the other end, wherein said abutment portion meets said coronal portion at an interface beyond said gingival layer. The body of coral is substantially electroplated with a suitable plating material such as gold. At least some of the root portion is absent said plating material so as to allow the bone to enter the substantially plated body of coral to resorb and replace at least some of the coral.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for catheterized delivery or infusion of medication and anaesthesia are disclosed. The perforating catheter is first used to perforate the periodontal ligament and/or the cortical plate of bone tissue, and is then left in place and used as a catheter for insertion of a hypodermic needle of smaller gauge to deliver medication or anaesthesia to a target area. The perforator is a bevelled needle for drilling into the ligament or bone tissue. For drilling, the device comprises an adaptor which transmits the rotational movement from a dental hand piece or the like to the bevelled needle. A cap is also included for protecting the bevelled needle during storage of the device. The adaptor may have a rod which extends axially into the bevelled needle when the device is assembled for drilling. The rod is used to prevent the debris resulting from drilling from blocking the passage in the bevelled needle.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a microbiological assay comprises a holder for holding an agar diffusion plate in operative proximity to a sensing system having one or more sensing devices, which in concert are able to read in a digital or digitizable form both pattern information created by the growth of microbial cultures on an agar gel and in particular the patterns created by the diffusion of compounds inimical to the growth of said microorganism from the loci of circular disks impregnated with the compounds, and also identification codes imprinted on the disks prior to use of the disks in a multi-disk agar diffusion assay.

Abstract: The invention provides a oral care composition with particular calcium carbonate as abrasive cleaning agent, and a fluorine-providing compound as anti-caries agent. The loss of available fluorine, caused by interaction between the calcium carbonate and the fluorine-providing compound is reduced by inclusion in the oral care composition of fully neutralized polyacrylic acid.