Abstract: Biocompatible intraocular implants include an anti-excitotoxic agent and a biodegradable polymer that is effective to facilitate release of the anti-excitotoxic agent into an eye for an extended period of time. The therapeutic agents of the implants may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix that is substantially free of a polyvinyl alcohol. The implants may be placed in an eye to treat or reduce the occurrence of one or more ocular conditions, such as retinal damage, including glaucoma and proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Abstract: Biocompatible intraocular microspheres and implants include an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist and a polymer associated with the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist to facilitate release of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist into an eye for an extended period of time. The alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. The implants may be placed in an eye to treat or to prevent the occurrence of one or more ocular conditions, to reduce one or more symptoms of an ocular condition, such as an ocular neurosensory disorder and the like, to enhance normal retinal function and/or to lower intraocular pressure.

Abstract: Biocompatible intraocular implants include an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist and a polymer associated with the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist to facilitate release of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist into an eye for an extended period of time. The alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. The implants may be placed in an eye to prevent the occurrence of one or more ocular conditions, or to reduce one or more symptoms of an ocular condition, such as an ocular neurosensory disorder and the like.

Abstract: An engine cranking system includes an engine, a cranking motor coupled to the engine, a battery coupled to the cranking motor and to a system ground and a capacitor. First and second electrical paths interconnect the capacitor with the cranking motor and the system ground. The system further includes first and second switches and a first relay included in one of the first or second electrical paths. The first relay is moveable between at least a closed-circuit position, wherein the first relay completes one of the first and second electrical paths, and an open-circuit position, wherein the first relay interrupts one of the first and second electrical paths. The first switch is coupled between the first relay and the capacitor.

Abstract: An agricultural combine having a supporting structure that is driven by ground engaging wheels at a harvesting speed by a propulsion assembly. The combine is also provided with crop processing assemblies for processing a harvested crop. A feederhouse directs the harvested crop material to the crop processing assemblies. A feederhouse force sensor senses the force exerted by the harvested crop material as it passes through the feederhouse. The feederhouse force signal is directly related to crop throughput. An operator control in the operator's cab of the combine provides a loss rate signal that is also directed to the electronic controller. The electronic controller converts the loss rate signal into a desired feederhouse force signal. The electronic controller regulates the forward speed or harvesting speed of the combine so that the desired feederhouse force signal is equal to the actual feederhouse force signal.

Abstract: The golf training device comprises an arm band for attachment on the lead arm, above the elbow, and a resilient cord securable at one end to the arm band and having means at the other end for selectively attaching the cord on a golf club below the grip. A general method aspect of the invention comprises attaching an arm band to the golfer's leading arm above the elbow, connecting a resilient cord from the arm band to an attachment means on the club below the grip, assuming a stance by holding the grip of the club with both hands so that the club shaft extends in front and between legs of the golfer, and extending the hands to stretch the cord between the arm band and the shaft until the club head is in a desired position. The golfer maintains the stretch in the cord while moving the club back and forth in either a short or full swing.

Abstract: A dispersion correction optical fiber includes a segmented core having a central core segment, a moat segment and, preferably, a ring segment. The refractive index profile is selected to provide a total dispersion minimum which is located within an operating wavelength band of the fiber. Most preferably, the dispersion value at the minimum is more negative than ?400 ps/nm/km and greater than ?1200 ps/nm/km at 1550 nm. Optical transmission systems including the present invention dispersion correction optical fiber optically coupled to various transmission fibers and dispersion compensating fibers are also disclosed, as is a method of operating the dispersion correction fiber wherein the minimum is located within the desired operating wavelength band.

Abstract: Compositions, and methods of using such compositions, useful for injection into the posterior segments of human or animal eyes are provided. Such compositions include small particles of a poorly soluble therapeutic agent that facilitates formation of concentrated regions of the therapeutic agent in the retinal pigmented epithelium of an eye. The particles are formed by combining a therapeutic agent with an ophthalmically acceptable polymer component. The particles have sizes less than about 3000 nanometers, and in some cases, less than about 200 nanometers. One example of a composition includes particles of triamcinolone acetonide and hyaluronic acid have a size less than about 3000 nanometers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a functional assay for I?B kinase (IKK), the proteasome and ubiquitin ligase. Cells expressing an I?B-beta-lactamase fusion protein are used to screen for inhibitors of IKK, the proteasome and ubiquitin ligase. Inhibitors identified through the inventive assay are useful in the treatment of NF-?B disorders, such as immune and inflammatory disorders. The present invention also includes cell lines useful in assays of the invention, compounds identified by assays of the invention, compositions including such compounds and methods for the treatment of disease states.

Abstract: A motor assisted swivel is disclosed which aids in proper rotation of a swivel in a tether system for animal testing. The swivel may have any number of fluid conduits or electrical or optical leads. A switching mechanism determines a direction of rotation of the tether and activates a motor to rotate the swivel in the direction of rotation. When rotation of the tether stops, further rotation of the swivel causes the switching mechanism to deactivate the motor. The switching mechanism may include a hinged connector with magnets on each side and reed switches to sense movement of the connector about its hinge.

Abstract: A motor assisted swivel is disclosed which aids in proper rotation of a swivel in a tether system for animal testing. The swivel may have any number of fluid conduits or electrical or optical leads. A switching mechanism determines a direction of rotation of the tether and activates a motor to rotate the swivel in the direction of rotation. When rotation of the tether stops, further rotation of the swivel causes the switching mechanism to deactivate the motor. The switching mechanism may include a hinged connector with magnets on each side and reed switches to sense movement of the connector about its hinge.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical transmission system and module which includes a negative dispersion, dispersion compensating optical fiber coupled to a micro-structured optical fiber (such as band gap fiber, photonic crystal fiber or holey fiber) for compensating for the accumulated dispersion in a transmission fiber. The optical transmission system and module in accordance with the invention provides substantially equal compensation of total dispersion over an operating wavelength band, reduced overall system length, and lower insertion loss.

Abstract: An oil tank sight glass monitor comprising a housing having an opening therein sized to receive the sight glass of an oil tank; an emitter for emitting a beam of light, the emitter being mounted to the housing on one side of the opening so that the beam of light is directed across the opening; a detector for detecting the beam of light generated by the emitter, the detector being mounted to the housing on the other side of the opening, in optical alignment with the emitter, so as to detect the beam of light emitted by the emitter; and an alarm for producing an audible sound when the detector fails to detect the beam of light generated by the emitter.

Abstract: Methods and compounds for the treatment of conditions including pain, particularly chronic pain, glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure with reduced cardiovascular or sedative side effects. Also included are methods of making and using such compounds.

Abstract: A harvester with a control system responsive to at least one crop processing variable for automatically controlling forward speed of the harvester includes a crop presence responsive switch connected to an automatic harvester control system. The switch, preferably a proximity switch responsive to movement of the feeder house drum from an empty feeder house limit position, provides a signal in response to crop entering the feeder house for initiating the automatic speed control of the harvester after the header receives the crop and prior to the crop entering the processing structure. The automatic control initiation structure is particularly useful with an automatic combine throughput control and eliminates unstable operation resulting from delayed control initiation. The switch is part of an adjustable down stop mechanism for the feeder house drum.

Abstract: A system for transporting and dewatering solids in a fluid system. An auger is used to transport solids and provide first stage compaction. A dewatering plate having a restricted opening provides second stage compaction and dewatering. The auger maybe be shafted or shaftless. First stage compaction is achieved by a change in helical pitch of the auger immediately preceding the location of the dewatering plate.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for phototreatment in which replaceable containers comprising one or more adjuvant (consumable or re-useable) substances are employed. The adjuvant substance can be, for example, a topical substance or a coolant. Systems are disclosed for using a topical substance to detect contact of a phototreatment device with a tissue, detect speed of a phototreatment device over the tissue, detect regions of tissue that have been treated by a phototreatment device and/or to provide other benefits to the tissue such as improved skin tone and texture, tanning, etc. Safety systems are also disclosed that ensure that a proper consumable substance and/or container is connected to a phototreatment device and/or directed to a proper target. Additionally, cooling systems and methods that utilize phase change materials for extracting heat from a light generating device are disclosed.

Abstract: A fax machine for a system and/or method for routing voice/video/fax mail includes a processor and memory, and the fax machine is configured for routing voice/video/fax mail to associated recipients. The fax machine includes an operating panel, an operating display screen, a microphone/speaker, a telephone handset, a sealed paper tray, an auxiliary paper tray, a printer, an audio/video recording camera, a voice/video/fax mail display monitor, a modem, a processor, memory, and a communication bus which interconnects of the elements of the fax machine. The fax machine may also include an additional key pad, PCI slots, voice generator circuitry, voice recognition circuitry, a sound card, a paper scanner, a bar code reader, a finger/thumb print scanner, a retina scanner, a stylus pen, a signature pad, a shredder, a hard drive, and/or a removable drive.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing a fax document includes a fax device which may be configured for transmitting/receiving fax transmissions. When a transmitting fax device with a video camera and a video display transmits a fax transmission to a receiving fax device with a video camera and a video display, and the receiving fax device receives the fax transmission, the transmitting fax device controls the receiving fax device until the fax transmission ends. An image of the fax transmission may then be previewed on the transmitting fax device, the fax transmission may then be electronically released from the receiving fax device, and an image of the fax transmission may then be printed. The video camera of the receiving fax device may then scan the printed image, display the scanned printed image, and physically release the scanned printed document from the receiving fax device.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and apparatus for treating tissue in a region at depth by applying optical radiation thereto of a wavelength able to reach the depth of the region and of a selected relatively low power for a duration sufficient for the radiation to effect the desired treatment while concurrently cooling tissue above the selected region to protect such tissue. Treatment may be enhanced by applying mechanical, acoustic or electrical stimulation to the region.