Abstract: A surgical wound retractor is adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter, the retractor includes a first ring having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound. A second ring has a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and is adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound. A plurality of retraction elements are disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship to each other, between the first ring and the second ring. These elements extend through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound which is dependent on the distance separating the first ring and the second ring. Retraction elements, both distensible and non-distensible are contemplated with appropriate attachment means at the rings to provide for variations in the retraction force. With a suitable retraction sleeve, a third ring can be provided to form a circumferential retainer to vary the retraction force.

Abstract: In a digital acoustic transmission device in which a digital sequence (31) is electrically modulated (22) on a carrier cos ?t, the modulated carrier (23) is prefaced with at least two pulse signals (24) of known timing relative to each other and to the modulated digital sequence to provide an output signal (13) for acoustic transmission. The pulse signals indicate to receiver the start of a transmission, and contain Doppler information for resampling the modulated signal prior to demodulation. Where the information sequence is in encoded blocks of equal length, the relationship between successive blocks can be used to update the Doppler information for use with the following block. Channel information can also be derived from the pulse signals and/or blocks for raking the next part of the incoming signal. Preferably the pulse signals have good correlation characteristics. In the embodiments the pulse signals are an immediately successive identical pair of linearly rising chirps.

Abstract: The present invention includes interactive communication systems that incorporate several beneficial embodiments including an interactive tray system, an electronic presentation messaging system, an interactive podium, and a key drive system. The interactive tray system enables a single, transferable interactive unit to be fastened to a communication medium, turning into a fully interactive medium. The electronic presentation messaging system enables the e-mailing of presentations and notes to and from components of the interactive communication system. The interactive podium increases conventional podium mobility, enabling both the presenter, and podium, to move and be moved about the room without attention to wired connections.

Abstract: The application discloses markers associated with organ transplant rejection and associated conditions, and in particular provides materials and methods for the diagnosis, prognosis or treatment of chronic rejection of transplanted organ such as heart and kidney. Examples of the markers include ribosomal protein L7, ?-transducin, 1-TRAF (also known as TANK) or lysyl-tRNA synthetase, or antibodies against these antigens.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the coning in a brake rotor in which the brake rotor comprises a central rotor portion, a first set of mounting members connected to the central rotor portion and an inboard friction section and a second set of mounting members connected to the central rotor portion and an outboard friction section where the inboard and outboard friction sections are connected by a plurality of air directing structures. A channel comprising the first set of mounting members, the second set of mounting member and the plurality of air directing structures is provided.

Abstract: A fiber optic system for detecting a stroke of a pump, the fiber optic system including a first fiber optic line configured for directing light onto a portion of the pump that moves during the stroke of the pump. The system further includes a second fiber optic line configured for receiving light that has been transmitted from the first fiber optic line and reflected by the portion of the pump, wherein receipt of the light by the second fiber optic line occurs at a specified point during the stroke of the pump. The moving portion of the pump may be the diaphragm, the reciprocating portion, or any other part of the pump that cycles at regular intervals as the pump operates.

Abstract: A presentation system for presenting information to an audience within a space, the system comprising a control interface, a master presentation unit including a flat panel display screen and a processor, the screen including a master space and a slave presentation assembly including a slave presentation surface and a first projector for projecting images on the slave presentation surface, the master unit processor linkable to the interface to receive commands therefrom, the processor programmed to monitor for a command from the interface to flip an image from the master space to the slave space and, when a command to flip an image is received, causing the image from the master space to be presented in the slave space.

Abstract: A presentation method and system for presenting information to an audience within a space that mimics a flip chart assembly, the system including a control interface, a communication network and a master presentation unit including a processor and a master display screen, the master screen juxtaposed within the space so as to be viewable by the audience within the space, the processor operable to transmit an image displayed on the master screen over the network upon user command and a slave presentation unit including a slave presenter operable to receive and present an image to the audience within the space that is transmitted by the master unit to the slave unit over the network such that the master unit can be used to create a new image while the first image is simultaneously presented.

Abstract: A method for producing a damped part where a sand core is formed with at least one dampening structure with the sand core. The sand core with the at least one dampening structure therein is located in a mold. A part is cast from the mold and the sand core. The sand core is removed from the cast part leaving the at least one dampening structure in contact with the part.

Abstract: A two-wheel drive motorcycle having a drive train that supplies power to the front wheel and includes a series of rigid shafts or other internalized drive systems. The front wheel drive consists of components located on the axis of steering within the head tube and positioned symmetrically in a counterbalancing fashion within the front fork in order to counteract the torque reactions from the rotating front wheel drive while providing a full range of steering. The front wheel drive lengthens and shortens in parallel with the shock-absorbing front fork. An engagement clutch, a one-way hub, and torque limiting clutch operatively engaged with the front wheel drive are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides an edible composition comprising fat and at least one transition metal, divalent metal, or compounds thereof, and 0.01 to 50% wt based on the weight of the fat, of emulsifier comprising a carboxylic ester group attached to a carbon chain having 3-6 carbon atoms and one or more free hydroxyl groups and comprising a mixture of esterified glycerol emulsifiers and esterified alginates. Thirty percent or less of the kilocalories in the edible composition are provided from the fat. The compositions have good stability and nutritional values.

Abstract: An interactive display system is provided including a support frame having a vertical positioning element that counterbalances the weight of an attached interactive display, for example a touch-sensitive display. The support frame optionally includes a power supply increasing the range of mobility of the interactive display system by eliminating the need for power cord and power outlet connections. One exemplary support frame for an interactive display includes a base element, at least one support extending vertically from the base element, and a positioning element housed within the at least one support. The positioning element counterbalances the weight of the interactive display allowing vertical repositioning of the interactive display with a force of less than about 25 pounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coolant crossover member and intake manifold assembly adapted for use in a vehicle engine and method for producing the same. The crossover and manifold assembly includes crossover and a manifold. The crossover has a passage formed therein extending between a first end and a second end thereof. The manifold is joined to the first and second ends of the crossover. The manifold is provided with first and second openings which define first and second inner surfaces, respectively.

Abstract: A ventilator circuit for use in administering medication to a patient includes a chamber housing defining an interior space and having an input end and an output end and a one-way inhalation valve positioned upstream of the interior space. The one-way inhalation valve is operative to permit a flow of medication into the interior space of the chamber housing. An inhalation conduit communicates with the output end of the chamber and is adapted to transmit the medication to the patient. An exhaust conduit is connected to the inhalation conduit and a one-way exhaust valve is located in the exhaust conduit. The one-way exhaust valve is adapted to prevent a backflow of gas from the exhaust conduit into the inhalation conduit. A method of administering a medication to a patient includes transmitting oxygen from a gas source through a holding chamber and an inhalation conduit to the patient during an inhalation sequence and introducing the medication into the holding chamber.

Abstract: A method for producing a damped part where a sand core is formed with at least one dampening structure with the sand core. The sand core with the at least one dampening structure therein is located in a mold. A part is cast from the mold and the sand core. The sand core is removed from the cast part leaving the at least one dampening structure in contact with the part.

Abstract: An improved serrated cutting blade is characterized by the shape and positioning of the sharpened teeth of the cutting edge. In preferred embodiments the blade may be used in combination with a handle or holder such as that typically referred to as a utility knife or box cutter.

Abstract: Described is a mechanism for enabling an application operating as a web application to transition to a client-side application without impacting a user's interaction with the application. The progressive installation transitions through three states: a start-up state, a demand state, and an install state. During the start-up state, a subset of components associated with the application is downloaded and stored in a local data store. The subset is sufficient to allow execution of the application in a manner similar to a web application. During the demand state, additional resources associated with the application are downloaded. Transitioning from the demand state to the installed state occurs without impacting a user's interaction with the application. The transition may occur autonomously based on the number of additional resources stored in the local data store or upon an external trigger.

Abstract: A rupturable bubble package for containing an implement such as, for example, a drinking straw is disclosed. The bubble package is characterized by its construction from a flexible, substantially impervious material capable of maintaining a positive pressure when sealed with the implement inside. A weakened portion is provided on at least one surface of the package whereby the weakened portion will rupture when the package is squeezed, thereby providing access to the implement for its removal and use.

Abstract: A white light emitting lamp is disclosed comprising a solid state ultra violet (UV) emitter that emits light in the UV wavelength spectrum. A conversion material is arranged to absorb at least some of the light emitting from the UV emitter and re-emit light at one or more different wavelengths of light. One or more complimentary solid state emitters are included that emit at different wavelengths of light than the UV emitter and the conversion material. The lamp emits a white light combination of light emitted from the complimentary emitters and from the conversion material, with the white light having high efficacy and good color rendering. Other embodiments of white light emitting lamp according to the present invention comprises a solid state laser instead of a UV emitter. A high flux white emitting lamp embodiment according to the invention comprises a large area light emitting diode (LED) that emits light at a first wavelength spectrum and includes a conversion material.

Abstract: An improved serrated cutting blade is characterized by the shape and positioning of the sharpened teeth ofthe cutting edge. In preferred embodiments the blade may be used in combination with a handle or holder such as that typically referred to as a utility knife or box cutter.