Abstract: A polymeric composition comprising a polymer and a nucleation agent, and having isotropic shrinkage of less than about 20% and a differential shrinkage of less than about 20%.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) including a notch filter, or other suitable filter, is implemented in a communication device for attenuating RFI in transmissions sent from the communication device. The filter includes filter line that runs between at least two conductor layers on the PCB, in a substantially repeating pattern, which maximizes the space available on each conductor layer for additional uses.

Abstract: This invention is a compact, high-performance thermoelectric device for cooling air. Several variations on compact heat sinks are disclosed as well as several optimized configurations for maximized cooling effect, a mechanism to preventing overheating, and robust configuration to withstand rugged applications such as cooling automobile seats, air ducts, and power and temperature control circuitry.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte in a sample is described. The method involves contacting the surface of the solid support with the sample and detecting analyte on the surface of the solid support. A bioconjugate comprising a polypeptide conjugated to a polysaccharide is deposited on the surface of the solid support and the polypeptide of the bioconjugate can interact with the analyte. The analyte can be an antibody and the polypeptide can comprise an antigenic determinant of the antibody. By conjugating the polypeptide to the polysaccharide, the antibody can be detected at lower levels than if the non-conjugated polypeptide were employed. Exemplary solid supports include membranes and assay plates (e.g., ELISA plates). The polysaccharide is preferably a hyaluronic acid or a hyaluronic acid analogue. The method can be used to diagnose diseases such as SARS. Methods of making polypeptide-polysaccharide bioconjugates are also provided.

Abstract: Lipids and compositions of lipids that can be used as lipid aggregates (i.e., liposomes) for the delivery of macromolecules and other compounds into cells are provided. The lipids have a general structure represented by the formula: The lipids can be used to form lipid aggregates (i.e., liposomes). These lipid aggregates can serve as transfection reagents for the delivery of various compounds into cells. Suitable compounds that can be delivered into cells include nucleic acids (e.g. DNA, RNA), oligonucleotides, proteins, peptides, and small molecular drugs.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a number of innovations in the design of self-adjusting pliers. A self-adjusting pliers tool formed of laminated sheet metal construction is provided with separately fabricated cast steel jaws that provide improved strength and durability relative to laminated jaws. Techniques are also disclosed for casting the steel jaws and for treating them to achieve improved surface hardness and corrosion resistance. In certain embodiments, the jaw and the jaw end of the laminated handle are designed to interlock to prevent the jaw from sliding out of position. In certain other embodiments, a “self-energizing” feature is provided in which the shape and tooth configuration of the jaw, and the angle of the jaw end of the pliers, cooperate to keep the tool secured to a workpiece even after the upward squeezing force on the lower handle is released.

Abstract: A float-controlled, ball cock assembly comprises an improved two-piece valve useful with either a fixed height or an adjustable height riser. The two-piece valve includes a resilient valve seal element and a rigid valve cap fitted together to form an annular chamber therebetween. A rigid spacer sleeve is positioned in the chamber to limit the movement of the valve seal element between the closed position in contact with a valve seat and the open position spaced from the valve seat. The adjustable height riser includes inlet and outlet tubes, each composed of two parts telescopically engaging one another. Adjustment of the height of the riser is achieved by the use of one or more T-shaped tabs which are secured by a lock collar threaded onto the outer of the two telescoping outlet tubes and which can be moved locking into and out of engagement with radially extending grooves on the outer surface of the inner outlet tube.

Abstract: A film dispenser having a housing with side and bottom walls, a film roll receptacle and a ledge located forwardly of the receptacle. A heating wire is mounted transverse to the direction of movement of film from the film roll when mounted in the film roll receptacle. A power supply is coupled to the output lines in series with said heating wire. A switch is mounted on the housing in series with the power supply and the heating wire and is operative upon closing to permit the passage of electrical current through the wire. An elongated channel piece is pivotally mounted such that the pivot point is movable to a limited extent and, in response to pulling up film from the film roll, the movement of the channel piece causes the switch to close and at the same time pinches the film against the housing. Upon being released, the channel piece causes the opening of the switch and removes substantially all of the pinching effect.