Abstract: A system and method for determining back muscle dysfunction comprises data collection and data analysis elements. The system collects electrical muscle activity measurements by applying a plurality of electrodes in a pattern across a patient's or test subject's back, measuring the electrical activity at each of the electrodes and storing the measurements. One or more normative or examined patient databases comprising measurements and results from a number of individuals are used for comparison against the patient's measurements. A patient's back muscle activity is characterized by collecting electrical muscle activity measurements for the patient and comparing an analysis of the patient's electrical muscle activity to the results of the normative or previously examined group.

Abstract: The instant invention is a series of benzothiazine dioxides, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which are potent endothelin A antagonists with profound in vitro activity, and improved syntheses for the Formula 1 The compounds are useful in treating elevated levels of endothelin, essential renovascular malignant and pulmonary hypertension, cerebral infarction, cerebral ischemia, congestive heart failure, and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Abstract: The instant invention is a series of benzothiazine dioxides, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which are potent endothelin A antagonists with profound in vitro activity, and improved syntheses for the Formula 1 The compounds are useful in treating elevated levels of endothelin, essential renovascular malignant and pulmonary hypertension, cerebral infarction, cerebral ischemia, congestive heart failure, and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Abstract: The invention discloses novel fused-azacylic quinoxalinediones. These compounds may be employed as excitatory amino acid antagonists and as analogs for use in immunological assays. The invention is also directed to both a radioimmunoassay and enzyme immunoassay for detecting and quantitating 1,4,7,8,9,10,-hexahydro-9-methyl-6-nitropyrido[3,4-f]-quinoxaline-2,3-dion e PNQX and analogs thereof.

Abstract: A jersey having a back and an openable front. An enclosure is connected to the back for removable insertion of a liquid-fillable bladder within the enclosure. A shoulder harness is connected between upper and lower portions of the enclosure for shoulder support of the liquid-fillable bladder when the jersey is worn with the liquid-fillable bladder inserted within the enclosure. The shoulder harness has left and right upper straps which are respectively connected to the left and right sides of the upper enclosure portion; and, left and right lower straps which are respectively connected to left and right sides of the lower enclosure portion. A left strap coupler adjustably couples the left upper strap to the left lower strap; and, a right strap coupler adjustably couples the right upper strap to the right lower strap. The shoulder harness is also provided with bladder supports.

Abstract: A machine for fastening rail plates to cross-ties, utilizing spikes or the like, and method therefore, is disclosed in the present invention. The preferred apparatus of the present invention teaches a system wherein there is provided a conveyor for conveying a plurality of laterally arranged, juxtaposed ties in bulk, a loader or retriever for loading a single tie upon a template conveyer, and a positioner for positioning the single tie during the pre-plating process. The present invention further includes a template system for securing the cross-tie or tie in place, feeding and positioning the rail-plate in place, feeding, dispensing, and positioning the spikes in place, driving the spikes, and discharging the processed tie, the template system utilizing as a principle motive force the displacement of the template reciprocating drive piston for positioning the template, as well as dispensing the plates.

Abstract: A system and a method for sorting are provided for distributing articles, such as mail pieces or other flats, to predetermined destinations. At the destination, the particular article is raked by a raking assembly from a carrier for placement into a container. The container, when full, is gravity fed onto a discharge conveyor and automatically replaced with a new empty container. The carrier operates on two levels for delivery of articles to containers on two levels while maintaining the carriers in a horizontal position throughout the sorting process. A sloped front end of the carrier allows the articles to be transported at a rapid speed and in a continuous fashion.

Abstract: An aircraft has a fuselage with a forward cockpit, an aft mounted fin, and an upper deck extending between the two, there being a weapon launcher assembly of elongated form with a forward end through which rocket propelled weapons are launched, a rearward end through which rocket exhaust is dissipated, and an upper deck extending between the two, the launcher being pivotable between a stowed position wherein it lies with its upper deck smoothly continuous with the upper deck of the fuselage and an extended weapon launch position wherein the weapons can be launched clear of the forward cockpit.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for measurement of nuclear radiation, particularly beta particle radiation due to contamination, of a worktop or bench, comprises a plastic scintillator sheet mounted in the base of a housing, a photomultiplier within the housing, optically coupled to the plastic scintillator sheet, and a rate-motor or counter connected to the photo-multiplier. A pump is also provided, to reduce pressure between the work surface and the plastic scintillator sheet to substantially below atmospheric pressure, so as to increase the mean range of the radiation. Accordingly, the base of the housing is also fitted with a sealing ring.