Abstract: A speculum comprising a lower member including a handle having a proximal end and a distal end, and a lower blade extending from the proximal end of the handle, an upper blade configured to be movable with respect to the lower member, and an illumination assembly including at least one light source, at least one power source housed in the handle and an ejection mechanism for removal of the at least one power source from the handle, wherein the at least one power source is housed in the handle at a position closer to the proximal end of the handle than to the distal end, and wherein the ejection mechanism is configured to remove the at least one power source via an opening formed in the distal end of the handle.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of generating data for calibrating optical coating apparatuses for applying optical coatings to surfaces of substrates is disclosed. The method includes measuring spectral data of a test coating applied by an optical coating apparatus at a first location; sending a coating data file containing the spectral data to a second location; comparing the measured spectral data of the test coating to target specification data for the test coating; and determining correction factors for correcting deviations to the target specification data for the optical coating apparatus based on the comparison between the measured spectral data and the target specification data; and receiving a target data file containing the correction factors at the first location and calibrating the optical coating apparatus by adjusting an operation parameter of the optical coating apparatus based on the correction factors to correct for deviations from the target specification data.

Abstract: The isoflavone equol has the ability to mimic estrogen at the receptor level, as well as the ability to mitigate the deleterious effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in vivo, thus resulting in potential health benefits for both men and women. Only an approximated one-third of the global population has the inherent ability to produce equol. Diet and colonic bacterial composition play a large role in natural equol production. The present invention can increase the probability of producing significant quantities of equol in vivo. Experimentation has shown the repeatable and measurable evidence of equol. Data from male test subjects indicates clinically significant positive effects on androgenic alopecia and acne vulgaris.

Abstract: A high speed video cable carries signals according to the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), and includes a raw cable and a boost device. Each of four high speed video signals is carried on the inner conductors of a pair of coaxial lines in the raw cable. The boost device receives only one of the polarities of one of the high speed video signals, and generates a differential signal therefrom. Lower speed signals are carried on the galvanically or capacitively coupled shields of a pair of coaxial lines, thus permitting fourteen HDMI signals to be carried in a cable comprising only eight coaxial lines, resulting in a simpler and lower cost production and assembly of the cable.

Abstract: It has been recognized that to improve the usability of diagnostic systems and software, such a system can be designed to step the user through a systematic diagnosis of a problem. The process of systematically stepping through the diagnosis can be designed to teach the user how the system operates. In the result, as users gain more knowledge about how the control system operates they can become more efficient at solving problems independently of the diagnostics software. A methodology is utilized which incorporates a hierarchy of conditions in order to drill down into a problem by making one or more simple queries that can be understood without special skills or training.

Abstract: A system and method for testing an electronic or on-line credit application process is provided. The system and method, which may be run in a production environment, include selecting at least one fictional credit applicant entity from an entity database. A script database then executes one or more predetermined test scripts using the information from the entity database to simulate a real credit application through the electronic or on-line process. Screen shots or other data may then be recorded such that a tester may review the process to ensure the system is properly operational.

Abstract: A system and method for testing an electronic or on-line credit application process is provided. The system and method, which may be run in a production environment, include selecting at least one fictional credit applicant entity from an entity database. A script database then executes one or more predetermined test scripts using the information from the entity database to simulate a real credit application through the electronic or on-line process. Screen shots or other data may then be recorded such that a tester may review the process to ensure the system is properly operational.

Abstract: A composite or multi-layer sheet material, suitable for use as a housewrap material, and the manufacturing process therefore, comprising an extruded pressure sensitive adhesive disposed between a polypropylene fabric layer, woven or non-woven, and a polyurethane layer. Preferably a scrim reinforcing layer is disposed between the polypropylene layer and the polyurethane layer for added strength and tear resistance. A non-slip layer may be added to the exterior side of the polypropylene layer for certain applications, such as roof underlayment. The material is an absolute barrier to liquid water transmission that has moderate permeability to water vapor of greater than 35 grams/sq. meter/24 hrs, and most preferably between approximately 105 to 210 grams/sq. meter/24 hrs.

Abstract: An ultrasonic wave generator includes a resonant member tapered to a thin edge, the member having a Q of about 300 or more.

Abstract: An acoustic pump including a resonant member having low internal damping and asymmetrically tapered to a thin edge; a piezoelectric driver mounted on the resonant member; and means for applying an alternating voltage to the piezoelectric driver in the resonant range of the resonant member for vibrating the resonant member and pumping fluid away from the thin edge.