Abstract: The present invention relates to an online method and system for advising customers on service needs, facilitating the scheduling of vehicle service appointments, and checking vehicle service status. A preferred method embodiment of the present invention includes receiving a service inquiry, receiving input information regarding the potential service of the vehicle, and transmitting the input information and an appointment request to a vehicle service provider to facilitate the scheduling of the vehicle service appointment. A preferred computer system of the present invention is configured to receive a service inquiry, receive input information regarding the potential service of the vehicle, and transmit the input information and an appointment request to a vehicle service provider to facilitate the scheduling of the vehicle service appointment.

Abstract: A scanning unit for identifying contraband, such as guns, explosives and illegal drugs, within objects, such as cargo containers and luggage, moving through the unit along a first path comprises at least one source of a beam of radiation movable across a second path that is transverse to the first path and extends partially around the first path. A stationary detector transverse to the first path also extends partially around the first path, positioned to detect radiation transmitted through the object during scanning. In one example, a plurality of movable X-ray sources, each transmitting a cone beam of radiation, are supported by a semi-circular rail perpendicular to the first path. In this example, the detector, which may be a detector array comprising a plurality of two-dimensional detectors, is also semi-circular and perpendicular to the path. A fan beam may also be used. Radiographic images may be obtained and/or computed tomography (“CT”) images may be reconstructed.

Abstract: A wear indicating foot for use on the bottom of a leg of a mobility assisting device having a coupler for coupling the foot to the leg. A ground engaging base opposite the leg has a bottom surface for contact with the ground. An upper surface extends laterally from the coupler opposite the bottom surface. At least one void opening on the upper surface extends into the ground engaging base in a direction towards the bottom surface. The at least one void opening has a predetermined depth so that excessive wear of the bottom surface is indicated by the bottom surface contacting the void opening.

Abstract: A GPS receiver utilizes measurements which span previous and current times, such as delta phase measurements, in a modified Kalman filter. The modified Kalman filter updates position information relating to both the current and the previous times, and s propagates the current position and velocity related information. Using both the current and the previous position related information in the filter in conjunction with delta phase measurements, essentially eliminates the effect of system dynamics from the system model, and a position difference can thus be formed that is directly observable by the phase difference measured between the previous and current time epochs.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding various proteases, from a mammal, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using said reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polynucleotides isolated from cDNA libraries of human fetal liver-spleen and fetal liver as well as polypeptides encoded by these polynucleotides. The polypeptide is a human chemokine receptor that is a member of a family of G protein-coupled receptors characterized by seven transmembrane domains. Other aspects of the invention include vectors containing polynucleotides of the invention and related host cells as well a processes for producing chemokine receptor polypeptides, and antibodies specific for such polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polynucleotides isolated from cDNA libraries of human fetal liver-spleen and macrophage as well as polypeptides encoded by these polynucleotides and mutants or variants thereof. The polypeptides correspond to a novel human CD39-like protein. Other aspects of the invention include vectors containing polynucleotides of the invention and related host cells as well a processes for producing novel CD39-like polypeptides, and antibodies specific for such polypeptides.

Abstract: An ultrasonic processing method and apparatus (20) can include a rotatable, ultrasonic horn member (28) that is operatively joined to an isolation member (42) which has high rigidity. Additionally, a rotatable anvil member (86) can be cooperatively positioned to provide a selected horn-anvil gap (106) between the anvil member (86) and the horn member (28). A transfer device (110) can be configured to selectively adjust the horn-anvil gap (106), and an automated drive (130) can be operatively connected to the transfer device (110) to selectively modify the horn-anvil gap (106). A force sensor (126) can be configured to detect a gap force at the horn-anvil gap (106), and an electronic processor (128) can be configured to employ an output from the force sensor (126) to monitor the gap force, and provide a drive signal to the automated drive (130) to thereby adjust the horn-anvil gap (106).

Abstract: The present invention provides novel therapeutic uses for interleukin-1 receptor antagonists for conditions related to interleukin-18, interleukin-12 and interferon-&ggr;. The present invention also provides novel methods for modulating B cell proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polynucleotides and proteins encoded by such polynucleotides, along with therapeutic, diagnostic and research utilities for these polynucleotides and proteins. In particular, the polypeptides of the invention is useful for detecting cancers.

Abstract: An ultrasonic processing method and apparatus (20) can include a rotatable, ultrasonic horn member (28) that is operatively joined to an isolation member (42) which has high rigidity. Additionally, a rotatable anvil member (86) can be cooperatively positioned to provide a selected horn-anvil gap (106) between the anvil member (86) and the horn member (28). A transfer device (110) can be configured to selectively adjust the horn-anvil gap (106), and an automated drive (130) can be operatively connected to the transfer device (110) to selectively modify the horn-anvil gap (106). A force sensor (126) can be configured to detect a gap force at the horn-anvil gap (106), and an electronic processor (128) can be configured to employ an output from the force sensor (126) to monitor the gap force, and provide a drive signal to the automated drive (130) to thereby adjust the horn-anvil gap (106).

Abstract: A syringe pump has a plunger head retainer with two retainer arms mounted on shafts extending parallel to the syringe axis. Each shaft carries a gear, which is engaged by common gear wheel mounted on a threaded shaft. Initially, the shaft is rotated to displaces the gear and hence the retainer arms axially forwardly, and thereafter swing the retainer arms outwardly to an open position. After the syringe has been loaded in the pump, the plunger head retainer is driven forwards until a pad coupled with a force sensor detects contact with the head. This causes the retainer arms to be swung in across the forward side of the plunger head and to be pulled rearwardly against the plunger head. The pump then reduces the force applied by the retainer arms to ensure that the force sensor can respond to force on the plunger during expulsion of liquid from the syringe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic processing method and apparatus (20) can include a rotatable, ultrasonic horn member (28) that is operatively joined to an isolation member (42) which has high rigidity. A rotatable anvil member (86) can be cooperatively positioned to provide a selected horn-anvil gap (106), and an automated drive (130) can be connected to an actuator (110), or other transfer device, to automatically adjust the horn-anvil gap (106). An electronic processor (128) can be configured to monitor an intermittent gap force detected from an output provided by a force sensor (126), and can provide a drive signal to the automated drive (130) to thereby adjust the horn-anvil gap (106) to operatively maintain a target, gap force value.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nucleic acids, the novel polypeptide sequences encoded by these nucleic acids and uses thereof. These novel polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences were determined to be a novel Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polynucleotides and proteins encoded by such polynucleotides, along with therapeutic, diagnostic and research utilities for these polynucleotides and proteins. In particular, the polypeptides of the invention is useful for detecting cancers, treating cancer and treating degenerative disorders by stimulating cell growth.

Abstract: A wear indicating foot for use on the bottom of a leg of a mobility assisting device having a coupler for coupling the foot to the leg. A ground engaging base opposite the leg has a bottom surface for contact with the ground. An upper surface extends laterally from the coupler opposite the bottom surface. At least one void opening on the upper surface extends into the ground engaging base in a direction towards the bottom surface. The at least one void opening has a predetermined depth so that excessive wear of the bottom surface is indicated by the bottom surface contacting the void opening.

Abstract: A plastic floor mat and foot rest unit is disclosed in which a front edge of the support surface of the foot rest is inserted through a slotted opening in the floor mat to the underside of the floor mat, and a latching projection is also inserted through the opening to latch the front edge of the support surface in the opening, yet permit its ready removal if desired. The rear edge of the support surface is also supported by a support plate to permit the incline angle of the foot rest support surface to be adjusted and to support the rear edge by the pile of the carpet upon which the floor mat and foot rest unit is to be used.

Abstract: A receiver that uses a single processor to control a GPS sub-system and an inertial (“INS”) sub-system and, through software integration, shares GPS and INS position and covariance information between the sub-systems. The receiver time tags the INS measurement data using a counter that is slaved to GPS time, and the receiver then uses separate INS and GPS filters to produce GPS and INS position information that is synchronized in time. The GPS/INS receiver utilizes GPS position and associated covariance information in the updating of an INS Kalman filter, which provides updated system error information that is used in propagating inertial position, velocity and attitude. Whenever the receiver is stationary after initial movement, the INS subsystem performs “zero-velocity updates,” to more accurately compensate in the Kalman filter for component measurement biases and measurement noise.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel therapeutic methods of administering an amount of IL-1Ra to treat IL-18 related disorders. Specifically, the method involves treating IL-18 related disorders such as liver injury, hepatis, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, multiple sclerosis, tumors, cytotoxicity resulting from antitumor therapy, or other autoimmune disorders with a therapeutically effective amount of IL-1ra, and optionally measuring IFN-&ggr; and IL-18 activity from human samples.