Abstract: Endodontic sealant compositions and methods for sealing a root canal using sealant or other filling materials. The compositions include one or more resins that promote adhesion to hydrophilic dental tissues. Examples include alkyl methacrylates and derivatives thereof, such as alkylamino methacrylates and oxyphosphoro methacrylates. The compositions include a radio opacifying agent, so that they may be seen using X-rays, and one or more polymerization initiators to effect curing, at least one chemical initiator and, optionally, a photoinitiator, to yield a curable sealant composition. The compositions are introduced into the root canal using a narrow cannula coupled to a high pressure hydraulic delivery device. Additional pressure may be applied to the sealant compositions using a syringe-like plunger introduced within a cylindrical access hole drilled through the crown of the tooth. The chemical initiator causes the mixed composition to harden over time.

Abstract: A braking system for a construction machine includes service brakes operated by service valves to which pressure fluid is supplied by a safety valve which affords protection against unintentional application of the service brakes upon failure or malfunction of a braking system component.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes first and second pole tips separated by a nonmagnetic gap layer. The right side walls of the first and second pole tips are vertically aligned. Similarly, the left side walls of the first and second pole tips are vertically aligned. The side fringing flux is substantially reduced resulting in a magnetic head capable of writing data tracks with well defined boundaries. The fabrication of the magnetic head begins with forming a stack of layers on a substrate. The stack of layers includes a nonmagnetic layer sandwiched between the first pole tip layer and a sacrificial layer which is preferably made of a metal. A protective layer, such as alumina, is then deposited over and around the stack of layers. After planarization and ion milling, the sacrificial layer is exposed. The sacrificial layer is then etched away leaving a volume of space in the protective layer and above the gap layer. An inductive coil with associated dielectric layers are then deposited above the first pole layer.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a control unit to a heater. The control unit has wires that connect to terminals on the heater. The adapter assembly includes a first tubular body portion, a second tubular body portion and at least one locking bolt. The first tubular body portion is attached to the heater. The second tubular body portion is attached to the control unit. At least a portion of the first tubular body portion is retained inside the second tubular body portion. The locking bolt attaches the second tubular body portion to the first tubular body portion by inserting through a hole in the second tubular body portion. The present invention also includes an adapter assembly with the reverse attachments. Specifically, the first tubular body portion (retained inside the second tubular body portion) may be attached to the control unit instead of the heater. Similarly, the second tubular body portion may be attached to the heater instead of the control unit.

Abstract: A fiber tipped dental substance applicator is disclosed. The applicator may include a fluid passageways through which a dental substance may flow fibers at the end of the applicator. The tip may include a flocked smoothing bulb.

Abstract: A piperidine, tetrahydropyridine or piperazine derivative having formula (I), 1

Abstract: An integrated circuit has a Built-In Self-Test (BIST) controller (10) that has a sequencer (16) that provides test algorithm information for multiple memories (44, 46, 48, 50). The sequencer identifies the test algorithm that is to be performed and multiple memory interfaces (32, 34, 36, 38) interpret the output of the sequencer and perform the algorithm on the multiple memories. The multiple memories may be different or the same regarding type, size, data widths, etc. Having multiple memory interfaces provides flexibility to tailor the test algorithm for each memory, but yet keeps the advantage of a single source of identifying the test algorithm. With the memories being non-volatile, timing information with regard to the test algorithm is stored in the memories. This timing information is read prior to performing the test algorithm and is used in performing the test algorithm.

Abstract: A threaded suture anchor useful in orthopedic rotator cuff repair surgical procedures.

Abstract: The invention concerns an article used in conjunction with footwear. Specifically, the invention provides a footwear brace (1) comprising a heel strap (2), a length adjustable sole strap (3), and a length adjustable and tensionable instep strap (4). Braces are typically provided as pairs comprising left and right braces.

Abstract: Methods to obtain nucleic acid ligands that photocrosslink to target molecules associated with a disease state are provided. The methods presented are variations on the photoSELEX methods for obtaining nucleic acid ligands. In one method, a candidate mixture of photocrosslinkable nucleic acids is contacted with a biological substance obtained from a source associated with a disease state suspected of containing a target molecule to form nucleic acid-target molecule complexes, the complexes are irradiated to form crosslinked complexes, the photocrosslinked complexes are partitioned from the remainder of the candidate mixture; and the nucleic acid ligands that photocrosslink to molecule are retained. These nucleic acids are then contacted with a second biological substance of the same type as the first, but obtained from a source not associated with a disease state. This removes nucleic acids with affinity to molecules that are not associated with the disease state.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a packaging arrangement includes a belt material supply component, a pair of roll assemblies for supporting stacks of goods, and rods for moving the belt material so as to form a lifting sling.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for quantitatively measuring groups of magnetic particles. The particles are complexed with substances to be determined and are excited in a magnetic field. The magnetizations of the magnetic particles are thereby caused to oscillate at the excitation frequency in the manner of a dipole to create their own fields. These fields are inductively coupled to at least one sensor such as sensing coils fabricated in a gradiometer configuration. The output signals from the sensing coils are appropriately amplified and processed to provide useful output indications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ion channel modulating agents. More particularly, the present invention relates to a particular class of chemical compounds that has proven useful as modulators of SK Ca, IK Ca and BK Ca channels. In further aspects, the present invention relates to the use of these SK/IK/BK channel modulating agents for the manufacture of medicaments, for methods of therapy, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the SK/IK/BK channel modulating agents. The SK/IK/BK channel modulating agents of the invention are useful for the treatment or alleviation of diseases and conditions associated with the SK/IK/BK channels.

Abstract: Botulinum neurotoxins, the most potent of all toxins, induce lethal neuromuscular paralysis by inhibiting exocytosis at the neuromuscular junction. The light chains (LC) of these dichain neurotoxins are a new class of zinc-endopeptidases that specifically cleave the synaptosomal proteins, SNAP-25, VAMP, or syntaxin at discrete sites. The present invention relates to the construction, expression, purification, and use of synthetic or recombinant botulinum neutoroxin genes. For example, a synthetic gene for the LC of the botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) was constructed and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The gene product was purified from inclusion bodies. The methods of the invention can provide 1.1 g of the LC per liter of culture. The LC product was stable in solution at 4° C. for at least 6 months. This rBoNT/A LC was proteolytically active, specifically cleaving the Glu-Arg bond in a 17-residue synthetic peptide of SNAP-25, the reported cleavage site of BoNT/A.

Abstract: By providing a coffee pot with a strainer (3) in the form of a bag which extends down into the pot (1), coffee may be brewed in a novel and more advantageous manner.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining a light output of a light emitting diode (LED) in a scanner. The system includes a processor circuit to execute current control logic to obtain an optimum light output from the LED. The current control logic repeatedly applies increasing or decreasing currents to the LED until a saturation point is identified. This may be accomplished, for example, by comparing two measures of the light output of the LED for two different currents applied to the LED. When a difference equaling a predetermined threshold between the two measures is detected, then the saturation point is identified.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a remote center positioner used to support an instrument and provide a center of spherical rotation, remote from any bearings or mechanical supports, at a desired location of the instrument. The remote center positioner is particularly useful in laparoscopic surgery to constrain a surgical instrument to move around a fixed center of rotation remote from any bearings or mechanical supports and coincident with an entry incision in the abdominal wall.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for calibrating an output from a sensor array in a scanner. The system comprises a processor circuit having a processor and a memory. Stored on the memory and executable by the processor is the scanner calibration logic. The scanner calibration logic comprises logic for determining a minimum dark value for the sensor array, and logic for determining an optimum exposure time of a number of light sources associated with the sensor array. The scanner calibration logic also includes logic for determining a maximum white value for the sensor array at the exposure time, and logic for setting an analog offset based upon the minimum dark value. The scanner calibration logic further comprises logic for setting an analog gain associated with the sensor array based on a sensor output range from the minimum dark value to a maximum white value.

Abstract: A method of preventing and treating various ailments and diseases by utilizing the Cox-2 selective inhibition characteristics of processed Morinda citrifolia.