Abstract: The present invention relates to modification of isotope ratios in peptides and polypeptides as an alternative to full isotopic exchange for coding in proteomics. Subtle modification of isotope ratio does not compromise protein identification experiments and can thus provide elemental composition data for accurate isotope ratio decoding. Application of subtle modification of isotope ratio proteomics (SMIRP) offers a convenient approach to in vivo isotope coding.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a blender blade (10) includes a body portion (12) having an upper surface (15) and a lower surface (16). The body portion includes an aperture (13) effectively defining an axis of rotation for the blender blade (10). A first blade wing (21) extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (23) and a lower surface (25). A second blade (22) wing extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (24) and a lower surface (26). A leading edge (41) is provided on the first blade wing (21) and a leading edge (42) is provided on the second blade wing (22), the leading edges (41, 42) being adapted to cut through a working medium during rotation of the blender blade (10). At least one wing flap (51, 52) extending outwardly, selectively from the first blade wing (21) and the second blade wing (22).

Abstract: A case (10) is provided with a compartment (20) that has a shelf (28) pivotally carried therein. When the shelf (28) is in a stowed position, the compartment (20) is full-sized for larger objects, and when the shelf (28) is in the extended position, the compartment (20) is effectively divided and sized specifically to receive blender components. The case (10) can be transported in three different manners. It can be carried by a handle (43), it can be moved on wheels (44) and controlled by a telescoping handle (45), or it can be carried as a backpack by straps (51) which can be stored in a pocket (52) when not in use.

Abstract: A drive coupling assembly (10) for attaching two shafts includes a coupler body (11) and a locking clip (12). The body (11) has a splined opening (23) which is adapted to receive one shaft, and an aperture (24) which is adapted to receive a drive shaft (13) of a motor (14). A slot (25) is formed in coupler body (11) and the slot (25) communicates with the aperture (24). The clip (12) is positioned in the slot (25) and includes a spring tab (33) which can engage an undercut (40) in the shaft (13) to maintain the drive coupling assembly (10) on the shaft (13).

Abstract: A device (10) for cleaning the inside of a container includes a base (11) carrying a tube (12). A hose (50) is received within the base (11) and is connected at one end to the bottom of the tube (12) and at the other end to a source of water via a quick disconnect assembly (60). A spray head (21) houses a plunger (30) which has a base (31) and a nose (32). A spring (37) urges the nose (32) of the plunger (30) out through an aperture (40) in the spray head (21). A flat washer seal (42) is positioned with a majority of its surface on a shelf (41) formed in the spray head (21). Ribs (43) on the shelf (41) engage the seal (42) on one side, and a rim (44) on the base (31) engages the other side of the seal (42). The quick disconnect assembly (60) includes a valve (66) which is maintained closed by a spring (67) so that when the hose (50) is disconnected from the source of water, or the water supply pressure is lost, backflow is prevented.

Abstract: A system (10) for attaching a cover (12) to a container (11) and for closing an opening (21) in the cover (12) with a plug (13) utilizes a container (11) having an upper lip (16). The cover (12) is made of an elastomeric material and has handles (30) each having a notch (31) therein to receive the lip (16) of the container (11). A ridge (32) depends from the periphery of the opening (21) in the cover (12). The ridge (32) is generally square having sides (33) and corners (34). The ridge (33) includes a notch (35) formed in each side (33), and ribs (36) are positioned at each side of the notches (35). The plug (13) has a generally cylindrical stem (41) whose diameter approximates the length of a side (33) of the ridge (32). Diametrically opposed tabs (45) are positioned on the stem (41). By aligning the tabs (45) with the corners (34) of the ridge (32), the stem (41) can pass through the opening (21). Then rotating the plug (13) allows the tabs (45) to pass over the ribs (36) and into opposed notches (35).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for packaging flat products such as a computer disk into a package assembly of sheet material wherein the sheet material folds closed into a two dimensional configuration having a thin lateral profile or folds open into a three dimensional self supporting display stand.

Abstract: A container adapter (10) includes lower sidewalls (42, 43, 44, 45) and upper sidewalls (56, 57, 58, 59) separated by a rim (40). The lower side walls (42, 43, 44, 45) may be received within a pitcher (12), and the rim (40) is positioned on the upper open end (16) of the pitcher (12). The upper sidewalls (56, 57, 58, 59) increase the height of the pitcher (12) so that it can interface with a splash shield (33) of an ice chute (32) of a drink blending machine (20). Side clamps (50) assist in maintaining the adapter (10) on the pitcher (12), and a pouring spout (62) is provided at the junction of two of the upper sidewalls (58, 59).

Abstract: A drink making machine (10) includes an ice shaving and dispensing unit (11) which provides a predetermined amount of ice, by weight, through a chute (21) to the pitcher (17) of a blending unit (12). A nozzle (30) is carried by the chute (12) and provides water through a nozzle opening (41) until a predetermined amount of water, by weight, is received by the pitcher (14). The water from the opening (41) is not allowed to directly impinge against the bottom of the pitcher (17). The water from the opening (41) is not allowed to directly impinge against the bottom of the pitcher (17) so that it does not adversely affect the weight measurements being taken.

Abstract: A safety shield (10) is adapted to be used in a machine having a blade assembly such as an ice shaving and dispensing machine (11). The machine (11) has an ice bin (13) carried by a pedestal (12). An ice shelf (31) has an opening (32) and is positioned in the bin (13). The opening (32) provides access to the blade assembly which includes a shaver wheel (35) which directs ice to a blade (40). The shield (10) has a ring-shaped sidewall (50) which is carried by the bin (13) and which can extend upwardly out of the bin (13) to increase the capacity thereof. The shield (10) also includes a disk-shaped hub (51) which is connected to the side wall (50) by a plurality of arms (52). The hub (51) is larger than the opening (32) and is positioned over the opening (32) to prevent direct human access thereto. But ice may still pass through openings (53) between the arms (52) and through the opening (32) in the shelf (31) to be received by the blade assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a blender blade (10) includes a body portion (12) having an upper surface (15) and a lower surface (16). The body portion includes an aperture (13) effectively defining an axis of rotation for the blender blade (10). A first blade wing (21) extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (23) and a lower surface (25). A second blade (22) wing extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (24) and a lower surface (26). A leading edge (41) is provided on the first blade wing (21) and a leading edge (42) is provided on the second blade wing (22), the leading edges (41, 42) being adapted to cut through a working medium during rotation of the blender blade (10). At least one wing flap (51, 52) extending outwardly, selectively from the first blade wing (21) and the second blade wing (22).

Abstract: A device (10) for cleaning the inside of a container includes a base (11) carrying a tube (12). A hose (50) is received within the base (11) and is connected at one end to the bottom of the tube (12) and at the other end to a source of water via a quick disconnect assembly (60). A spray head (21) houses a plunger (30) which has a base (31) and a nose (32). A spring (37) urges the nose (32) of the plunger (30) out through an aperture (40) in the spray head (21). A flat washer seal (42) is positioned with a majority of its surface on a shelf (41) formed in the spray head (21). Ribs (43) on the shelf (41) engage the seal (42) on one side, and a rim (44) on the base (31) engages the other side of the seal (42). The quick disconnect assembly (60) includes a valve (66) which is maintained closed by a spring (67) so that when the hose (50) is disconnected from the source of water, or the water supply pressure is lost, backflow is prevented.

Abstract: A telephone line management system in communication with a telephone line is provided. In one aspect, the system includes a caller ID module operatively coupled to the telephone line for receiving and displaying a name and a telephone number of a calling party associated with a received telephone call and a false special information tone (SIT) generator module operatively coupled to the telephone line for sending a false signal on a telephone line substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT in response to an incoming telephone call. In another aspect, the system includes a caller ID module, a false SIT generator module, and a controller for determining when the name and telephone number of a calling party is displayed and when the false signal is operationally coupled to the telephone line. In other embodiments, the system may include an answering machine module or a telephone module.

Abstract: A telephone line management system in communication with a telephone line is provided. In one aspect, the system includes a caller ID module operatively coupled to the telephone line for receiving and displaying a name and a telephone number of a calling party associated with a received telephone call and a false special information tone (SIT) generator module operatively coupled to the telephone line for sending a false signal on a telephone line substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT in response to an incoming telephone call. In another aspect, the system includes a caller ID module, a false SIT generator module, and a controller for determining when the name and telephone number of a calling party is displayed and when the false signal is operationally coupled to the telephone line. In other embodiments, the system may include an answering machine module or a telephone module.

Abstract: A telephone line management system in communication with a telephone line is provided. In one aspect, the system includes a caller ID module operatively coupled to the telephone line for receiving and displaying a name and a telephone number of a calling party associated with a received telephone call and a false special information tone (SIT) generator module operatively coupled to the telephone line for sending a false signal on a telephone line substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT in response to an incoming telephone call. In another aspect, the system includes a caller ID module, a false SIT generator module, and a controller for determining when the name and telephone number of a calling party is displayed and when the false signal is operationally coupled to the telephone line. In other embodiments, the system may include an answering machine module or a telephone module.

Abstract: A telephone line management system in communication with a telephone line is provided. In one aspect, the system includes a caller ID module operatively coupled to the telephone line for receiving and displaying a name and a telephone number of a calling party associated with a received telephone call and a false special information tone (SIT) generator module operatively coupled to the telephone line for sending a false signal on a telephone line substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT in response to an incoming telephone call. In another aspect, the system includes a caller ID module, a false SIT generator module, and a controller for determining when the name and telephone number of a calling party is displayed and when the false signal is operationally coupled to the telephone line. In other embodiments, the system may include an answering machine module or a telephone module.

Abstract: A telephone line management system in communication with a telephone line is provided. In one aspect, the system includes a caller ID module operatively coupled to the telephone line for receiving and displaying a name and a telephone number of a calling party associated with a received telephone call and a false special information tone (SIT) generator module operatively coupled to the telephone line for sending a false signal on a telephone line substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT in response to an incoming telephone call. In another aspect, the system includes a caller ID module, a false SIT generator module, and a controller for determining when the name and telephone number of a calling party is displayed and when the false signal is operationally coupled to the telephone line. In other embodiments, the system may include an answering machine module or a telephone module.

Abstract: A convenience light with a supplemental electrical outlet is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing, a first light source to emit light when the apparatus is coupled to a conventional electrical outlet, and a supplemental electrical outlet having at least the same amount of electrical receptacles as the conventional electrical outlet to which the apparatus is coupled. In another embodiment, the first light source selectively emits light and the apparatus also includes a control device to control when the light source emits light. In yet another embodiment, the supplemental electrical outlet selectively provides access to electrical power associated with the conventional electrical outlet and the apparatus also includes a control device to control when the supplemental electrical outlet provides access to the electrical power.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that can integrate a set of video processing systems for the purpose of increasing productivity and throughput. The integrated system edits video into clips, automatically adds records corresponding to these clips in a centralized database system, adds information about the content of these clips into these records, and controls the compression or conversion of these clips for distribution. The database system is used for managing the clips as well as for the searching of the clips based primarily on the content information added in the above process. Using this process, a digital production line may be built that allows video editors to edit sections from a video tape, have these sections (or clips) be dynamically added to a database system, and provide a mechanism for the editors to apply meta-information to the newly created clips at the same time the clips have been authored.