Abstract: An improved thermally-responsive record material with more intense imaging and resistance to fade when subjected to common environmental challenges is disclosed. The thermally responsive record material comprises a support having provided thereon a color-forming composite comprising chromogenic material and bis(4-hydroxy-3-allylphenyl) sulphone in combination with a compound of formula: wherein n in an integer from 1 to 3.

Abstract: A co-axial catheter is disclosed. The catheter includes a first lumen having a first distal end, a first proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The catheter further includes a second lumen having a second distal end and a second proximal end. The second lumen extends co-axially with the first lumen, wherein the second lumen is at least partially disposed within the first lumen. The second distal end extends distally of the first distal end. The second distal end includes a distal tip and a bulbous projection disposed between the distal tip and the first distal end. A method of manufacturing and of inserting the catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a catheter assembly to a tunneler is disclosed. The adapter assembly has a generally tubular body having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough between the first end and the second end. The first end of the adapter is constructed to engage the proximal end of a trocar. The second end of the adapter is constructed to releasably engage at least one catheter lumen. A slider is disposed about the adapter and is longitudinally slidable along the adapter. When the slider is slid towards the second end of the adapter, the slider engages a plurality of legs on the adapter. The slider biases the plurality of legs toward each other and the longitudinal axis of the adapter. A method of subcutaneously tunneling a catheter using the adapter assembly is also described.

Abstract: A gas/air mixer assembly provides a Venturi metering system that may draw fuel from a zero governor, mix it with air to form a homogenous gas/air mixture for delivery to an internal combustion engine. The gas/air mixer assembly may also accept fuel under pressure from a gas metering valve or fuel injector for delivery to an internal combustion engine. The mixer includes an air horn, the relative position of which in relation to a shaped restriction body governs the air flow into the engine intake manifold. The flange of the air horn is configured to redirect the flow of air without generating significant turbulence, and providing a maximum velocity perpendicular flow to the injection of fuel to be mixed therein. The relative position of the air horn to the shaped restriction body is determined based on the cubic capacity and speed of the engine with which it is used.

Abstract: A system for automatically creating and maintaining a database of information utilizing user opinions about subjects, particularly exceptional experiences. Described is an Internet system assisting/motivating a population of users interested in information about certain categories of subjects to automatically maintain the database content and to improve the usefulness and quality of the database information without any substantial management by the website owner-manager. The user opinions are primarily in the form of both comments and ratings about which natural-language terms best describe a particular subject, enabling user searches of the subject database to be by way of preferred such descriptive natural-language terms, which terms are further preferred to be evaluative and approving.

Abstract: A coupler for a flexible tube is disclosed. The coupler includes a first channeled member having a generally semicircular cross-section and a first longitudinal axis extending therethrough and a second channeled member having a generally semicircular cross-section and a second longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The first longitudinal axis is generally parallel to the second longitudinal axis. A hinge connects a first length of the first channeled member to a first length of the second channeled member. A lateral axis generally bifurcates the first length of the first channeled member and the first length of the second channeled member. A plurality of barbs are disposed in each of the first and second channeled members, wherein each barb extends generally toward an intersection of the longitudinal axis of its respective channeled member and the lateral axis. A lock secures a second length of the first channeled member to a second length of the second channeled member.

Abstract: A base station signal is applied to antenna elements. One signal from a first element is electrically modified and evaluated in conjunction with a second, unmodified signal from a second element. The modified signal is further modified and again evaluated with the unmodified signal. The results of the two evaluations are compared to determine a relative phase and/or amplitude at the respective elements.

Abstract: A system calibrates the gain of a repeater by determining a value based on the difference between respective amplitude measurements made while the repeater is transmitting and while it is not. The value is compared to threshold data in order to determine whether repeater attenuation should be incrementally adjusted.

Abstract: A gas/air mixer assembly provides a Venturi metering system that may draw fuel from a zero governor, mix it with air to form a homogenous gas/air mixture for delivery to an internal combustion engine. The gas/air mixer assembly may also accept fuel under pressure from a gas metering valve or fuel injector for delivery to an internal combustion engine. The mixer includes an air horn, the relative position of which in relation to a shaped restriction body governs the air flow into the engine intake manifold. The flange of the air horn is configured to redirect the flow of air without generating significant turbulence, and providing a maximum velocity perpendicular flow to the injection of fuel to be mixed therein. The relative position of the air horn to the shaped restriction body is determined based on the cubic capacity and speed of the engine with which it is used.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for generating temperature gradients is described. The apparatus includes a semiconductive wafer and electrical connectors attached to, preferably, one of the edges of the wafer. Methods for transferring the temperature gradients to strata are described. The temperature gradients on the strata can be used for analyses of molecules, particularly biological macromolecules. The present invention also includes improved methods for determining the thermal stability of binding complexes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for DNA hybridization is provided. The apparatus and method work in conjunction with a substrate comprising an upper surface having probes. The apparatus may comprise a material which abuts the substrate, with at least a portion of the material being pliable. The material and the substrate form a plurality of chambers, each chamber having a bottom including at least a portion of the upper surface, at least one sidewall, and an opening. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism for closing the openings of the chambers, thereby sealing the chambers.

Abstract: In a call centre connected via a network to a number of terminals, at least part of a process of automatic call distribution (ACD) is carried out at the terminals.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for generating temperature gradients is described. The apparatus includes a semiconductive wafer and electrical connectors attached to, preferably, one of the edges of the wafer. Methods for transferring the temperature gradients to strata are described. The temperature gradients on the strata can be used for analyses of molecules, particularly biological macromolecules. The present invention also includes improved methods for determining the thermal stability of binding complexes.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for generating temperature gradients is described. The apparatus includes a semiconductive wafer and electrical connectors attached to, preferably, one of the edges of the wafer. Methods for transferring the temperature gradients to strata are described. The temperature gradients on the strata can be used for analyses of molecules, particularly biological macromolecules. The present invention also includes improved methods for determining the thermal stability of binding complexes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light pipe signaling device for signaling a user. A light pipe has a first end portion that fits into a receptacle. Both light pipe and receptacle are constructed using a transparent material. Light from a light source enters the receptacle and is transmitted to the light pipe. The light travels along a body of the light pipe to a second end portion. The second end portion is adapted to reflect or dissipate the light such that the user is able to see the light from a wide field of view. The light pipe is preferably removable and the receptacle is preferably incorporated into a device that activates the light source in order to alert the user.

Abstract: Probes comprise S1 and P1 nuclease (as an enzyme label) linked to a specific binding member such as a nucleotide sequence or an antibody. Such probes are useful for sandwich assays. As compared with known probes using alkaline phosphatase as a label, advantages include relative insensitivity to phosphate and elevated temperature and reduced risk of nonspecific binding.

Abstract: Probes comprise S1 and P1 nuclease (as an enzyme label) linked to a specific binding member such as a nucleotide sequence or an antibody. Such probes are useful for sandwich assays. As compared with known probes using alkaline phosphatase as a label, advantages include relative insensitivity to phosphate and elevated temperature and reduced risk of nonspecific binding.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for generating temperature gradients is described. The apparatus includes a semiconductive wafer and electrical connectors attached to, preferably, one of the edges of the wafer. Methods for transferring the temperature gradients to strata are described. The temperature gradients on the strata can be used for analyses of molecules, particularly biological macromolecules. The present invention also includes improved methods for determining the thermal stability of binding complexes.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for generating temperature gradients is described. The apparatus includes a semiconductive wafer and electrical connectors attached to, preferably, one of the edges of the wafer. Methods for transferring the temperature gradients to strata are described. The temperature gradients on the strata can be used for analyses of molecules, particularly biological macromolecules. The present invention also includes improved methods for determining the thermal stability of binding complexes.

Abstract: An automatic bird feeder and waterer includes both a food and a water reservoir therein, as well as dispensing areas for food and water supplied from the respective reservoirs. The water reservoir comprises a generally cylindrical container installed concentrically through the generally cylindrical food reservoir. The water outlet or dispensing portion is laterally offset by an upturned elbow, which also serves as the lowermost point of the assembly. The feed dispensers may include partial covers to preclude the feeding of larger non-flying animals (squirrels, etc.) therefrom. The device is supported by a rigid support extending downwardly from the elbow. The support column may be anchored in a massive block (concrete, etc.), which may in turn be placed in a decorative container (flowerpot or the like). The entire assembly may be constructed substantially from prefabricated plumbing or pipe components, particularly those formed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic material.