Abstract: An operating system is provided wherein a plurality of objects are established and registered in response to requests from hardware or software associated with the computer system. The objects include at least one type, at least one attribute, and a handle. The plurality of objects are then manipulated to effect processing and exchange of information.

Abstract: A system and method uses near-field or inductively coupled UWB (Ultra Wide Band) systems to implement high speed electrical data connectors without the need for a direct electrical connection. A data connector system has a first connector portion and a second connector portion. The first connector portion comprises a UWB transmitter with a data input and a first UWB coupling element driven by the UWB transmitter. The second connector portion comprises a second UWB coupling element and a UWB receiver with a data output. The UWB receiver has an input from the second UWB coupling element. The data connector system has a connected configuration in which the first and second UWB coupling elements are within an operative range of one another, such that the coupling elements are inductively coupled to one another to permit data to be transferred from the data input to the data output, and a disconnected configuration in which the first and second connector portions are separated by greater than the operative range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in an ABC transporter-like ATPase gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in an anaphylatoxin C3a receptor gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in an OGR1 gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: GDNFR?, GDNFR? extracellular domain (ECD), GDNFR? variants, chimeric GDNFR? (e.g., GDNFR? immunoadhesin), and antibodies which bind thereto (including agonist and neutralizing antibodies) are disclosed. Various uses for these molecules are described, including methods to modulate cell activity and survival by response to GDNFR?-ligands, for example GDNF, by providing GDNFR? to the cell. Also provided are methods for using GDNFR?, GDNF, or agonists thereof, separately or in complex, to treat kidney diseases.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a system in which medical devices, such as external defibrillators, vital signs monitors, or computers, collect medical event information during the treatment of a patient, and transmit the medical event information to a data destination, e.g., a computer at hospital or other medical facility. The system includes a remote server that stores data destination information for one or more data destinations, and transmits the data destinations information to the medical devices via a network. A medical device transmits medical event information to a data destination according to the data destination information that was received from the server for that destination. The data destination information for a particular destination may include, for example, information indicating a communication medium, a communication protocol, a telephone number, a network address, a network name, or login information used by a medical device to communicate with the destination.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to networks of communications devices, in particular ultra wideband (UWB) communications devices. An ultra-wideband (UWB) network comprising a plurality of UWB devices each forming a node of said network, pairs of said UWB devices being configured for communication with one another using one of a plurality of UWB channels, each said UWB device comprising a UWB transceiver for bidirectional communication over one or more of said UWB channels with at least one other of said UWB devices; and a device controller coupled to said UWB transceiver, said controller being configured to determine a said UWB channel for use in establishing a communication link with each other UWB device; whereby said network is configured for automatic construction of a set of communications links between said nodes of said network.

Abstract: A venturi-type fan is composed of a wire basket between front and rear flares. The wire basket has a rear portion to which the motor and fan blade assembly is mounted. The rear flare controls the admission of air into the fan to reduce turbulence and allows the flow of air to be accelerated and directed forward in a slowly diffusing column.

Abstract: A method for treating biomaterial is provided in which a biological tissue, typically after being cross-linked, is contacted with an anticalcification treatment solution under condition effective to render the biomaterial resistant to in vivo calcification upon implantation in a host animal. The anticalcification treatment solutions comprise higher alcohol solutions, a polyol solutions and/or a polar aprotic organic solvent solutions. Methods of reducing cytotoxicity to host tissue of bioprostheses that comprise fixed animal tissues, and treatments to reduce viral contamination of implantable medical devices are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in a platelet-activating factor receptor gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to electronic circuit packages designed to hold high frequency circuits operating particularly, but not exclusively, in the microwave, millimetre wave, and sub-millimetre wave bands. The invention provides a package incorporating a cavity in a material for containment of the circuits, wherein the package further incorporates at least one conductive surface mounted on an inner surface extending into the cavity, the conductivity thereof being adapted to be at least partially absorbent to electromagnetic radiation. The conductive surface according to the present invention will tend to attenuate electromagnetic radiation present within the cavity, and so help to prevent undesired coupling from one point to another within the cavity. The conductivity of the conductive material is preferably arranged to match the impedance of the radiation mode estimated or computed to be present within the cavity.

Abstract: A thermal control system (11) for a light source (46) of a vision system (10) includes a cooling assembly (61) that has a cooling device (62) and is thermally coupled to the light source (46). A thermal sensor (60) is thermally coupled to the light source (46) and generates a light source temperature signal. A control circuit (50) is coupled to the cooling assembly (61) and to the thermal sensor (60) and operates the cooling device (62) when the light source temperature signal is above a minimum temperature limit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held labeler for printing and applying labels and for printing tags. The labeler has a keyboard, a display, a scanner, and a battery-containing handle. The labeler is user-friendly and compact. The labeler can be easily loaded with label and tag webs of different widths. The labeler has a discharge chute for the carrier web which can be slid to a position outside the labeler for easy cleaning.

Abstract: A method of operating an active night vision system includes generating a first oscillating signal (48). A trigger signal (43) is generated having a duty cycle (51) with a cycle start time (52) and a cycle end time (53). The cycle end time (53) is synchronized with a pulse end time (54) of the first oscillating signal (48). A light source (26) is operated in response to the duty cycle (51).

Abstract: A razor cleaning device particularly suited for multi-bladed disposable razors, comprising a brush and at least two sets of teeth supported by a handle. One of the sets of teeth of said device extend from the handle at an oblique angle. The second set of teeth extend from the opposite side of the handle at equal but opposite oblique angles. Therefore, the teeth on each side to point in equal, but opposite directions. Further, the teeth in each set are tapered in a stepwise fashion to coincide with the offset parallel blades of a razor. This allows each set of teeth to align with and clean several blades of the razor simultaneously. A cloth-like tail is also attached to the device for wiping and cleaning the blades and razor during or after cleaning with the brush and teeth.

Abstract: Apparatus for assessing compliance with FTC/FCC predictive dialer requirements includes a predictive dialer for dialing selected calls, a call-log data record for recording data necessary to determine for a selected call by said predictive dialer whether said call meets FTC/FCC requirements for calls from a consumer telemarketer, a compliance analyzer, a data transfer agent for transferring data from the call-log data record to said compliance analyzer which is operative to analyze the transferred data to determine whether it is in compliance with said FTC/FCC requirements, and a result presentation system for generating a report to demonstrate compliance with the FTC/FCC requirements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support block and a system for roof cooling. The support block supports a pipe above a structure, wherein the pipe has a cross sectional area and a diameter of predetermined dimensions, and the support block includes a number of outer surfaces each having an opening and a cavity. Each cavity has a cross sectional area larger than the cross sectional area of a pipe and the opening can be less than the diameter of the cavity cross sectional area or slightly less than the diameter of a pipe. Dovetail notches on the surfaces of the support block are present to attach the support block onto the roof. Adhesives can be used in the dovetail notches or an adaptor plate attached to the roof can be used to attach the support block to the adaptor plate. Alternatively, the support block can be used to assist in supporting and routing any type of conduit or cabling.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for radio frequency communications over mains power cabling and other wiring, in particular communications at microwave frequencies. Embodiments of the invention are particularly suitable for ultra wideband (UWB) communications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in a glucagon receptor gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions. The present invention also relates to diabetes and diabetic condition, as it demonstrates the role of the glucagon receptor in diabetes and diabetic conditions. The present invention further relates to weight gain and weight related conditions, such as obesity, and demonstrates the role of the glucagon receptor in weight gain and weight related conditions, such as obesity.