Abstract: A system and method for reducing transmission collisions. In one embodiment, a transmitter for communicating of a smart grid power line network includes an arbiter. The arbiter is configured to select a transmission interval during which the transmitter can transmit. The interval is selected from a plurality of available transmission intervals reserved for contending transmissions, and selected based on a level of a hierarchical network at which the transmitter is located. The interval selected is different from any interval used by a different transmitter spaced two hierarchical levels away from the level of the hierarchical network at which the transmitter is located.

Abstract: A portable container having an exterior surface and defining an interior compartment. The portable container includes a photovoltaic (PV) charging pack and a receiving device coupled to the exterior surface for detachably coupling the PV charging pack to the exterior surface. The PV charging pack includes a PV panel and defines a compartment for containing a portable electronic device. The PV panel is oriented away from the exterior surface when the PV charging pack is coupled to the receiving device.

Abstract: A multi-cell or single-cell electrolysis type electrolyzer for the production of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas with a delivery system through tubes, bubbler and check valve to internal combustion engine, generator, turbine or similar combustion device for the enhancement of hydrocarbon fuels and/or gas combustion device is disclosed. This device comprises at least one or more chambers of sealed containers, distilled water, a variety of electrolytes, multi or single strand stainless steel, nickel or platinum wire, a plastic, glass, or ceramic insulator within a stainless steel, nickel, or platinum tube and an ultrasonic piezo crystal allowing water and or a weak electrolyte solution to decompose into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

Abstract: The synthesis of N-methyl-homocysteines and their use are described.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer input module comprising: a base; a housing, attached to the base; and at least one set of light (infrared or laser) emitter and detector devices. The input module is adapted so as to generate output signals to a host computer based on the interruption of a light beam or beams between said adjustable emitter and detector devices. The preferred embodiment is a computer mouse wherein light switches, rather than the more typical buttons, are used to generate output signals from a computer mouse to its host computer (an “IR Mouse”). Another embodiment is a Wristband Mouse wherein a wristband replaces the base and housing.

Abstract: A mechanical input to electrical output device such as a touch pad module for controlling the movement of a cursor comprising two movable plates attached to a fixed plate and a scanning device. The tracks on the top and bottom of the middle movable plate allows for an “X” axis movement of the top plate and an “Y” axis movement of the middle plate that slides on the fixed plate. This combination allows the scanning device to read the movement of the top plate through a slot (cut-out) on the fixed plate and a slot (cut-out) on the middle moveable plate from underneath all three plates. Consequently, the scanning device is able to track or read the movement or position of the top plate in two dimensions.

Abstract: A mechanical input to electrical output device such as a touch pad module for controlling the movement of a cursor comprising two movable plates attached to a fixed plate and a scanning device. The tracks on the top and bottom of the middle movable plate allows for an “X” axis movement of the top plate and an “Y” axis movement of the middle plate that slides on the fixed plate. This combination allows the scanning device to read the movement of the top plate through a slot (cut-out) on the fixed plate and a slot (cut-out) on the middle moveable plate from underneath all three plates. Consequently, the scanning device is able to track or read the movement or position of the top plate in two dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer input module comprising: a base; a housing, attached to the base; and at least one set of light (infrared or laser) emitter and detector devices. The input module is adapted so as to generate output signals to a host computer based on the interruption of a light beam or beams between said adjustable emitter and detector de vices. The preferred embodiment is a computer mouse wherein light switches, rather than the more typical buttons, are used to generate output signals from a computer mouse to its host computer (an “IR Mouse”). Another embodiment is a Wristband Mouse wherein a wristband replaces the base and housing.

Abstract: The synthesis of N-methyl-homocysteines and their use are described.

Abstract: A method of stimulating polymerization of a tau protein, comprising the step of contacting said protein with a fatty acid. In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of stimulating polymerization of a amyloid peptide, comprising the step of contacting said peptide with a fatty acid.

Abstract: The invention provides novel peptide-based pharmacophores and compounds which bind somatostatin receptors with high affinity and which exhibit improved pharmacokinetic properties over known somatostatin analogs. The pharmacophores and compounds of the invention may be used in labeled or unlabeled form for diagnosing and/or treating somatostatin responsive diseases. The invention also provides radiopharmaceuticals and kits comprising these compounds, as well as methods for diagnosing and/or treating somatostatin receptor mediated diseases.

Abstract: A method of regulating the assembly of the protein tau in the brain of a mammal in need of such treatment comprising the step of administering to said mammal a pharmacologically effective amount of a fatty acid liberation or release inhibitor. Also provided is a method of inhibiting production of Alzheimer-type amyloidosis in a mammal comprising the step of administering to said mammal in need of such treatment an effective amount of at least one modulator of fatty acid liberation or release, said modulator capable of controlling the rate of assembly of proteins found in intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular amyloid plaques. In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of stimulating polymerization of a tau protein, comprising the step of contacting said protein with a fatty acid.

Abstract: Assays are disclosed for evaluating the presence or amount of a heme protein in a sample. The assays are based on chemiluminescence. Assay solutions include the sample, a suitable substrate and an oxidizing agent. The substrate is selected to undergo a specific reaction with the proteins of interest to produce an intermediate that emits light. suitable heme proteins include hemoglobin and myeloperoxidase. Suitable substrates include cyclic hydrazides and acridan derivatives.

Abstract: A method is provided to determine glomerular filtration rate employing capillary electrophoresis to measure the concentration of a non-labeled iothalamic acid salt in urine and blood samples.

Abstract: A method of making an alpha alumina-based ceramic abrasive grain comprising, on a theoretical oxide basis, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, and SiO.sub.2. The abrasive grain has a surface roughness height of greater than about 200 nanometers and a density of greater than about 3.50 g/cm.sup.3. Preferably, the alpha alumina-based ceramic abrasive grain has alpha alumina crystallites having an average crystallite size of less than about 0.5 micrometer (more preferably, less than about 0.3 micrometer). The presence of the SiO.sub.2 in combination with Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 increases the amount of transgranular fracture of the abrasive grain, reduces the alpha alumina crystallite growth during sintering of the abrasive grain, dilates at least one of the unit cell dimensions of the abrasive grain, and generally improves the grinding performance of the abrasive grain.

Abstract: A method and device for hemming metal sheet involving upsetting the sheet metal to form a skirt at an angle to the parent sheet and for hemming the skirt to the parent sheet or another sheet interposed therebetween. Both skirt forming and hemming utilize rotary bending tools to convert perpendicular motion into rotational bending force. The novel device of the present invention is a rotary hemming tool having a cylindrical rocker characterized by a flat extending along its length with two lobes defining the intersection between the flat and the cylindrical surface of the rocker. The flat and the lobes are the surfaces of the rocker which act against the upset metal skirt and against the anvil on which the metal sheet is placed. The rocker and saddle are configured to limit rocker rotation such that skirt bending commences simultaneously with rocker contact rather than interaction between the rocker and the anvil.

Abstract: This invention provides a continuous ceramic oxide fiber comprising Al, Y, and O. In another aspect, a method of making the same is taught. The continuous ceramic oxide fiber is useful, for example, as thermal insulation, as a filter component, and as a reinforcement for structural composites.

Abstract: This invention provides a continuous ceramic oxide fiber comprising Al, Y, and O. In another aspect, a method of making the same is taught. The continuous ceramic oxide fiber is useful, for example, as thermal insulation, as a filter component, and as a reinforcement for structural composites.

Abstract: Microcrystalline alpha-alumina based ceramic articles comprising at least 60% alumina by weight, and 0.1-7.0 percent by weight iron equivalence in which substantially all the alumina is in the alpha phase having a uniform grain structure comprising alpha alumina crystallites with an average crystallite size less than 0.5 micrometer and a density greater than 90% theoretical are disclosed. Ceramic articles particularly useful as high modulus refractory fibers, among other shaped bodies such as beads, flakes, coatings, and shaped or randomly-shaped abrasive particles, are produced from a unique sol-gel process wherein hydroxy iron polymers are utilized to nucleate the alpha alumina transformation. An inherent advantage of the unique process disclosed is the resulting fine grained microstructure, and a surface roughness height of less than 100.0 nm, which is essential if a ceramic article such as an alpha alumina fiber is to have reasonable strength.

Abstract: Microcrystalline alpha-alumina based ceramic articles comprising at least 60% alumina by weight in which substantially all the alumina is in the alpha phase having a uniform grain structure comprising alpha alumina crystallites with an average crystallite size less than 0.5 micrometer and a density greater than 90% theoretical are disclosed. Ceramic articles particularly useful as high modulus refractory fibers, among other shaped bodies such as beads, flakes, coatings, and shaped or randomly-shaped abrasive particles, are produced from a unique sol-gel process wherein hydroxy iron polymers are utilized to nucleate the alpha alumina transformation. An inherent advantage of the unique process disclosed is the resulting fine grained microstructure which is essential if a ceramic article such as an alpha alumina fiber is to have reasonable strength.