Abstract: The present invention is a flexible plastic membrane which supports embedded components such as light emitting diodes and plastic pressure switches, and conductors on a plastic ribbon which connects the embedded light emitting diode and plastic pressure switch to a connector. The flexible plastic membrane supports an adhesive which enables it to be stick to the surface of the module faceplate. The inventive structure is more economical to build and install than presently used mechanical spring loaded push switches and light emitting diodes as they must be physically mounted to the face plate and hardwired when the module is manufactured. In addition, the inventive structure can be replaced in the field when a fault develops without disturbing or disconnecting the optical fiber connected to the front or rear of a module.

Abstract: An automated centrifuge comprising a rotor having a plurality of cavities located in the rotor. A tube is structured to be insertable into any one of the cavities and a controller is configured to insert the tube into the cavity. The cavities located in the rotor are grouped in clusters, and the cavities of each cluster are substantially parallel.

Abstract: The specimen plate lid is generally a block, with a cover portion and a side portion. An alignment protrusion extends from the side portion and cooperates with an alignment member of the specimen plate to assist in manually or roboticly guiding the lid onto the specimen plate. An underside surface of the cover has a sealing perimeter for receiving a seal constructed from a compliant material, and shaped to cooperate with a complimentary sealing surface on the specimen plate. The lid is weighted so that when the lid is aligned and positioned on the specimen plate, the weight of the lid provides a gravitational force to sufficiently compress the seal against the sealing surface on the specimen plate. Accordingly, the lid is sufficiently sealed to the specimen plate to avoid contamination and impermissible drying.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the optical loss characteristics of optical fibers in an optical fiber network. An optical transmission module is provided. The optical transmission module produces a light signal and an electrical signal that contains data regarding the characteristics of the light signal being generated. The light signal output of the optical transmitter module is connected to the input of a calibrated optical switch. The outputs of the optical switch are connected to the optical fibers that are to be tested. At the opposite ends of the optical fibers, a second optical switch is provided. The second optical switch connects the various optical fibers to a monitor module. The monitor module detects the light signal transmitted by the optical transmitter module through the various optical fibers. The monitor module converts the received light signal into a corresponding electrical signal. A systems controller is coupled to both the optical transmitter module and the monitor module.

Abstract: An acoustic device having a panel-form member adapted to support bending wave vibration and having a frequency distribution of resonant bending wave modes. The member is of substantially triangular form with the parameters of the member being selected to provide a desired frequency distribution of resonant modes. At least one of the parameters is selected from the ratio of the effective lengths of two of the sides of the triangular form, the effective angle between at least two of the sides of the triangular form, and the curvature of at least one side.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible plastic membrane which supports embedded components such as light emitting diodes and plastic pressure switches, and conductors on a plastic ribbon which connects the embedded light emitting diode and plastic pressure switch to a connector. The flexible plastic membrane supports an adhesive which enables it to be stick to the surface of the module face plate. The inventive structure is more economical to build and install than presently used mechanical spring loaded push switches and light emitting diodes as they must be physically mounted to the face plate and hardwired when the module is manufactured. In addition, the inventive structure can be replaced in the field when a fault develops without disturbing or disconnecting the optical fiber connected to the front or rear of a module.

Abstract: This invention is an automotive device or method used to disable fuel injector(s) on a sequential multi-port fuel injected engine in a modulated fashion. The modulation provides an equal average load to all cylinders. This technique improves fuel economy when properly compensated for the additional air proportion. Electronic control enables reserve power when needed by returning to normal operation. Also a device to reduce typical acceleration is presented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating or preventing the onset of Alzheimer's Disease comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof an Alzheimer's Disease-preventing or treating amount of a plasma-triglyceride level-lowering agent. Optionally, the plasma-triglyceride level-lowering agent can be co-administered with a cholesterol level-lowering agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing information-retrieval related system performance based on users' communication relationships. Users' interactions and relationships with each other are tracked by a ‘relationship analyzer’ that queries multiple heterogeneous information sources, such as e-mail logs, organization charts, calendar entries, phone logs, etc. A data structure is created for each user reflecting the intensity of communication relationship with other users, and modified over time as the data in the information sources change. A relationship group is defined based on the data structure and preference or importance ratings for each type of communication relationship that includes each user's group of highest-priority other users. A derived relationship group may also be defined based on high-priority users of a user's highest-intensity relationships.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous gel compositions comprising an odor controlling agent for deodorizing skin surfaces. Articles of manufacture and methods of deodorizing the skin using disclosed compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are cleansing compositions having a pH of from about 2.0 to about 5.5, comprising an amphoteric surfactant in combination with 2-pyrrolidone-5 carboxylic acid as a proton donating agent. Also disclosed are corresponding articles of manufacture and methods of cleansing the skin using the described compositions. The compositions are mild to the skin and provide immediate and residual antimicrobial benefits to the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-counterfeiting and inventory management system. The backbone of the system is a digital watermark. Merchandise includes a digital watermark having an identifier, which is used to link to information regarding the merchandise. Inspectors test merchandise for an embedded watermark. The absence of a watermark alerts the inspector to a potential counterfeited item. The inspector can record inspection details in the database. In another embodiment, a digital watermark-based system is used to track inventory as it moves in distribution channels.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing and dispensing fluid mixtures is provided. Fluid wells are positioned below a plurality of fluid dispensing devices, such as syringes configured to dispense fluid into the individual fluid wells. The fluid dispensing devices are configured to be positionable relative the fluid wells to enable different fluid dispensers to be sequentially positionable over a particular fluid well. A controller controls the relative movement between fluid wells and the fluid dispensing devices. In a preferred embodiment, the controller selectively moves multi-well vessels in one direction and moves the fluid dispensing devices in a second direction so that when directed by the controller, a selected fluid dispensing device is enabled to deposit a determined quantity of a fluid into a selected individual well of the multi-well vessels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel combinations of one or more anti-epileptic compounds that demonstrate pain alleviating properties, with one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of analgesics, NMDA receptor antagonists, NSAIDs, and combinations thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising same. It has been discovered that the administration of anti-epileptic compounds that demonstrates pain alleviating properties in these novel combinations results in an improved reduction in the frequency and severity of pain. It is also believed that the incidence of unwanted side effects can be reduced by these novel combinations in comparison to using higher doses of a single agent treatment to achieve a similar therapeutic effect. The present invention is also directed to methods of using effective amounts of the novel pharmaceutical compositions to treat pain in mammals.

Abstract: A gripper apparatus for grasping an object such as a specimen holder. The gripper apparatus comprises two arms. In one embodiment the arms are pivotable, and in a second embodiment, each arm includes a pivotable member. The arms are moveably coupled to each other and are structured to grasp the object therebetween.

Abstract: An article assembly comprising a plurality of members includes a multi-layered brazed joint provided in the assembly between a first member that can be affected adversely by thermal exposure at a limiting and a second member requiring exposure, such as for brazing, at least at the limiting temperature. The assembly is provided with a multi-layered brazed joint directly or indirectly between such members by brazing to the second member a second brazing alloy that can be brazed at a temperature required to braze the second member, providing a preform. The assembly is brazed to include the first member by brazing members of the assembly together with a first brazing alloy, brazing at a temperature less than the limiting temperature, brazed at the second brazing alloy.

Abstract: Disclosed are antimicrobial cleansing compositions that have a pH of from about 2.0 to about 5.5 and comprise an antimicrobial agent, an amphoteric sulfactant, and 2-pyrrolidone-5 carboxylic acid as a proton donating agent. Also disclosed are corresponding articles of manufacture and methods of cleansing the skin using the described compositions. The compositions are mild to the skin and provide improved antimicrobial benefits to the skin.