Abstract: The invention relates to a fiducial marker having a marking grid that is used to correlate and view images produced by different imaging modalities or different imaging and viewing modalities. More specifically, the invention relates to the fiducial marking grid that has a grid pattern for producing either a viewing image and/or a first analytical image that can be overlaid with at least one other second analytical image in order to view a light path or to image different imaging modalities. Depending on the analysis, the grid pattern has a single layer of a certain thickness or at least two layers of certain thicknesses. In either case, the grid pattern is imageable by each imaging or viewing modality used in the analysis. Further, when viewing a light path, the light path of the analytical modality cannot be visualized by viewing modality (e.g., a light microscope objective).

Abstract: The invention relates to a fiducial marker having a marking grid that is used to correlate and view images produced by different imaging modalities or different imaging and viewing modalities. More specifically, the invention relates to the fiducial marking grid that has a grid pattern for producing either a viewing image and/or a first analytical image that can be overlaid with at least one other second analytical image in order to view a light path or to image different imaging modalities. Depending on the analysis, the grid pattern has a single layer of a certain thickness or at least two layers of certain thicknesses. In either case, the grid pattern is imageable by each imaging or viewing modality used in the analysis. Further, when viewing a light path, the light path of the analytical modality cannot be visualized by viewing modality (e.g., a light microscope objective).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for definition links for online documentation is provided. According to one aspect of the invention, the definition links for online documentation provide a non-sighted or visually impaired user employing a screen reading utility a method to select a definition link from an online document which in turn navigates the user to a corresponding link definition area of the online document. Once the user has finished reading the definition, the user can easily be navigated back to the original text area of the document. In one embodiment, the definition links for online documentation provides footnote information. In one embodiment, a method of accessing footnote links and corresponding footnote definitions is provided. The embodiments contained herein for definition links for online documentation adhere to United States Federal Section 508 guidelines for accessibility standards.

Abstract: A lens for use on a device to assist in the phototherapeutic treatment of skin disorders where the device includes a housing having an interior containing a source of ultra-violet radiation or being adapted to receive ultra-violet radiation from an external source. The lens comprises a sheet-like structure releasably securable to the housing and for assisting in the direction of ultra-violet radiation from the housing to a desired skin surface. The lens has an upper surface and a lower surface with the upper surface generally adjacent to the interior of the housing. The lens further includes a plurality of generally hollow conical protrusions having upper and lower ends. The protrusions are situated on the lower surface of the lens such that when the lens is secured to the housing ultra-violet radiation is diverted outwardly through the lower ends of the protrusions.

Abstract: A method of plating an article such as an automotive bumper includes providing a bath of electroplating solution, the bath having at least two spaced apart anodes; immersing at least one pair of articles in the bath between the anodes, the articles having respective first surfaces directed towards the anodes and back surfaces opposite the first surfaces and directed towards each other; and simultaneously depositing metal from the electroplating solution onto the front surfaces and the back surfaces of the article to provide front and back layers of metal deposit over substantially all of the front and back surfaces, respectively. The present invention also provides a plated automotive bumper made by the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to combustion engines, and more specifically, to an apparatus for controlling the power of combustion engines which have electrically-modulated throttle systems (also known as drive-by-wire throttle systems). There many applications in which it is desirable to modify the throttle control system of vehicles, for example, in limiting the power production of trucks operating in under ground mines. It is prohibitively expensive for vehicle manufactures to supply such modified vehicles, so a system must be provided and installed as an after market product. The invention provides a simple and inexpensive solution in the form of a voltage modifying device which can be installed inline, between the accelerator pedal sensor and the engine control unit. The voltage modifying device can be designed to limit the power of the engine, or alter the performance profile in a desired manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to combustion engines, and more specifically, to an apparatus for controlling the power of combustion engines which have electrically-modulated throttle systems (also known as drive-by-wire throttle systems). There are many applications in which it is desirable to modify the throttle control system of vehicles, for example, in limiting the power production of trucks operating in under ground mines. It is prohibitively expensive for vehicle manufacturers to supply such modified vehicles, so a system must be provided and installed as an after market product. The invention provides a simple and inexpensive solution in the form of a voltage modifying device which can be installed inline, between the accelerator pedal sensor and the engine control unit. The voltage modifying device can be designed to limit the power of the engine, or alter the performance profile in a desired manner.

Abstract: Methods for quantitatively measuring the amount of an analyte of interest in a fluid sample are disclosed. The methods involve providing a membrane having an application point, a detection zone, and a contact region, where the contact region is between the application point and the detection zone, and has test particles and internal control particles imbedded within it; contacting the application point with the fluid sample; maintaining the membrane under conditions sufficient to allow fluid to transport analyte by capillary action to the contact region, where the analyte binds to the test particles; further maintaining the membrane under conditions sufficient to allow fluid to transport analyte-bound test particles and internal control particles to the detection zone, where they interact with a detection reagent; and detecting the amount of test particles and the amount of internal control particles in the detection zone.

Abstract: Methods for measuring the amount of an analyte in a membrane, by applying to the membrane a clearing agent, are disclosed. The clearing agent can be an agent that has approximately the same refractive index as the membrane; alternatively, the clearing agent can be a dissolving agent, that dissolves the membrane. The analyte can be labelled to facilitate detection. Representative labels include fluorescent labels and detectable particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heterofunctional cellular immunological reagent comprising at least two T cell specific binding ligands covalently linked together, wherein one of the T cell specific binding ligands binds to a specific class or subclass of T cells and another of the T cell specific binding ligands is an antigen associated with disease or a causative agent of disease, or epitope thereof. The present invention also relates to vaccines containing the heterofunctional cellular immunological reagents and methods for the use of the same.

Abstract: Methods of calculating the platelet count of an individual, by measuring the amount of a released platelet granule protein of interest in a sample of whole blood or of platelet-rich plasma from the individual, are described. The platelet granule protein of interest is either thrombospondin or .beta.-thromboglobulin. The amount of released platelet granule protein of interest in the whole blood sample or platelet-rich plasma sample is measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; radioimmunoassay; sandwich assay; a quantitative immunochromatographic assay; or non-solid phase nephelometry. The platelet count is directly related to the amount of released platelet granule protein of interest in the sample, and can be determined from the amount of platelet granule protein of interest that is released from a known number of platelets.

Abstract: A pure, smooth microcrystalline cellulose bulking agent for oil containing foods such as nut butters, chocolates, cream containing foods, mayonnaise, and salad dressings. The bulking agent having a loose bulk density greater than 0.40 and a oil absorptivity of less than 1.0.

Abstract: Quantitative immunochromatographic assays for measuring the amount of an analyte, and an apparatus for use in the assays, are disclosed. The assays involve obtaining a fluid sample which contains the analyte; supplying a RAMP.TM. apparatus which includes a membrane having an application point, a detection zone, and a contact region, where the contact region is between the application point and the detection zone, and has antibody-coated particles imbedded within it; contacting the application point with the fluid sample; maintaining the RAMP.TM.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heterofunctional cellular immunological reagent comprising at least two T cell specific binding ligands covalently linked together, wherein one of the T cell specific binding ligands binds to a specific class or subclass of T cells and another of the T cell specific binding ligands is an antigen associated with disease or a causative agent of disease, or epitope thereof. The present invention also relates to vaccines containing the heterofunctional cellular immunological reagents and methods for the use of the same.

Abstract: The application of electrochemical reduction treatment liquids and electroless reduction treatment liquids to elements such as circuit boards for cleaning metallic surfaces in preparation for soldering is accomplished using a wave of the treatment liquid over a liquid tank. A wave treatment has advantages over spraying, which causes too much atomizing, and dipping, which is slow and requires complicated conveyors that are multi-directional. The method comprises forming a wave of reduction treatment liquid in an atmosphere having a limited included oxygen content and passing components through the wave so the reduction treatment liquid contacts the surfaces to be solder coated.

Abstract: A preheater for a wave soldering machine has high volume convection heating permitting components on circuit boards to be heated to more uniform temperatures throughout the assembly and more rapidly without damage to the components, the assemblies or both. The machine comprises a conveyor for circuit assembly boards, a housing through which the conveyor passes having an entrance and an exit, and a plurality of heating zones in the housing extending along the conveyor. Dividers are provided between heating zones and apertured heating panels are disposed in each of the zones with a space behind each of the panels and a recirculating gap around each of the panels. A fan is positioned in the space behind each of the panels for recirculating gas, either air or inert gas through the panels and the recirculating gap.

Abstract: A solder nozzle to produce a smooth turbulent free solder wave has at least one air jet associated therewith to remove solder icicles and bridges that can form on the under surface of circuit boards and other elements. The circuit boards move in an upward inclined path in the direction of travel and after passing through the solder wave an air knife projects a non-oxidizing gas with sufficient force to remove excess solder. The soldering can occur in a non-oxidizing gas enclosure such as an inert gas, or a reducing gas, and vibrating the solder wave below ultrasonic frequencies can assist in the soldering.

Abstract: The application of electrochemical reduction treatment liquids and electroless reduction treatment liquids to elements such as circuit boards for cleaning metallic surfaces in preparation for soldering is accomplished using a wave of the treatment liquid over a liquid tank. A wave treatment has advantages over spraying, which causes too much atomizing, and dipping, which is slow and requires complicated conveyors that are multi-directional. The method comprises forming a wave of reduction treatment liquid in an inert atmosphere and passing components through the wave so the reduction treatment liquid contacts the surfaces to be solder coated.

Abstract: A tunnel for fluxless soldering, is a straight linear tunnel which contains vibrating means to vibrate a solder wave and a non-explosive gas atmosphere. The gas atmosphere includes a small portion of hydrogen or other gaseous reducing agent, sufficient to achieve a fluxing action. A process for soldering an element comprises the steps of conveying the element through a tunnel containing a non-explosive gas atmosphere substantially excluding oxygen, heating the element in the tunnel, soldering the element, and retaining the element in the gas atmosphere of the tunnel until solder on the element has solidified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning workpieces, particularly printed circuit boards upon which electrical components have been soldered, is capable of using a potentially flammable or explosive liquid cleaning solvent. In one embodiment, there are two immersion wash stages between which is a spray wash stage. The spray wash stage is formed as a closed chamber which is sealed when the immersion wash stages by liquid seals. To reduce the danger of fire or explosion in the spray wash stage an inert gas such as Nitrogen is introduced into the closed chamber. In another embodiment the spray nozzles are immersed in liquid solvent in a combined immersion/spray wash stage. This reduces atomization of the flammable solvent further reducing the danger of fire or explosion.