Abstract: A device includes: a first portion configured to be grasped by the hand of the user, and a second portion defining a reservoir containing a control material, wherein the control material contains a target analyte in a known or predetermined concentration. A method of verifying the accuracy of an analyte monitoring device includes receiving a fluid sample, identifying the fluid sample as a control solution, and analyzing the fluid sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides lightweight high-pressure accumulators that avoids diaphragm failure observed in conventional diaphragm accumulators. Lightweight high-pressure composite overwrapped accumulators of the invention are made from a plurality of hollow casings that are mated to form an accumulator housing. The accumulator housing is overwrapped with a composite material to provide additional mechanical strength and structural integrity. More significantly, the accumulators of the invention includes a plurality of annular grooves and a plurality of bulb on the flexible diaphragm such that the plurality of bulbs on the flexible diaphragm are placed in the plurality of annular grooves that are formed between the first and the second hollow casing. In this manner, diaphragm failure is significantly reduced or even completely eliminated during repeated high pressure charge/discharge cycle of the accumulator.

Abstract: The present invention provides lightweight high-pressure accumulators that avoids diaphragm failure observed in conventional diaphragm accumulators. Lightweight high-pressure composite overwrapped accumulators of the invention are made from a plurality of hollow casings that are mated to form an accumulator housing. The accumulator housing is overwrapped with a composite material to provide additional mechanical strength and structural integrity. More significantly, the accumulators of the invention includes a plurality of annular grooves and a plurality of bulb on the flexible diaphragm such that the plurality of bulbs on the flexible diaphragm are placed in the plurality of annular grooves that are formed between the first and the second hollow casing. In this manner, diaphragm failure is significantly reduced or even completely eliminated during repeated high pressure charge/discharge cycle of the accumulator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight high pressure vessels that are made from a liner or a liner housing that is overwrapped with a composite material. Unlike conventional high pressure vessels, the lightweight high pressure vessel of the invention includes a liner that comprises a plurality of liner sections without using welding or crimping. In particular, the lightweight high pressure vessels of the invention include a plurality of elements that are combined to form a liner housing and a composite overwrap that provides structural and mechanical strength to maintain integrity of the high pressure vessel. In one particular embodiment, the high pressure vessel of the invention is a diaphragm accumulator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight high pressure vessels that are made from a liner or a liner housing that is overwrapped with a composite material. Unlike conventional high pressure vessels, the lightweight high pressure vessel of the invention includes a liner that comprises a plurality of liner sections without using welding or crimping. In particular, the lightweight high pressure vessels of the invention include a plurality of elements that are combined to form a liner housing and a composite overwrap that provides structural and mechanical strength to maintain integrity of the high pressure vessel. In one particular embodiment, the high pressure vessel of the invention is a diaphragm accumulator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal-lined composite gas storage device comprising a phase-change material coated on the exterior surface of a metallic liner. The presence of the phase-change material on the exterior surface of the metal liner reduces the temperature change within the interior of the metal liner during a gas filling process compared to a similar vessel that does not have a phase-change material coating, thereby allowing a significantly greater amount of gas to be filled at a given pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal-lined composite gas storage device comprising a phase-change material coated on the exterior surface of a metallic liner. The presence of the phase-change material on the exterior surface of the metal liner reduces the temperature change within the interior of the metal liner during a gas filling process compared to a similar vessel that does not have a phase-change material coating, thereby allowing a significantly greater amount of gas to be filled at a given pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for targeting and delivering solid-phase platelet-dependent vascular occlusion agents. In particular, particles or coils or stents coated with platelet binding agents are directed to target vasculature, such as the vasculature of solid tumor masses or AV-malformations or aneurysms or endoleaks; the solid-phase agent then binds and activates platelets, which in turn bind and activate other platelets. This process results in the rapid formation of a platelet-mediated thrombus about the solid-phase agent causing vessel occlusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for targeting and delivering solid-phase platelet-dependent vascular occlusion agents. In particular, particles or coils or stents coated with platelet binding agents are directed to target vasculature, such as the vasculature of solid tumor masses or AV-malformations or aneurysms or endoleaks; the solid-phase agent then binds and activates platelets, which in turn bind and activate other platelets. This process results in the rapid formation of a platelet-mediated thrombus about the solid-phase agent causing vessel occlusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for treating a disease or condition by administering a first therapeutic protocol comprising targeting and delivering solid-phase platelet-dependent vascular occlusion agents, and administering at least one second therapeutic composition or method.

Abstract: Methods are provided of producing a heater cable. An electrical conductor is coated with a preceramic resin. At least a portion of the coated electrical conductor is deployed into a operational location. The preceramic resin is pyrolyzed while the portion of the coated electrical conductor is in the operational location to convert the preceramic resin into a ceramic insulator disposed to electrically insulate the electrical conductor from the sheath.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for targeting and delivering solid-phase platelet-dependent vascular occlusion agents. In particular, particles or coils or stents coated with platelet binding agents are directed to target vasculature, such as the vasculature of solid tumor masses or AV-malformations or aneurysms or endoleaks; the solid-phase agent then binds and activates platelets, which in turn bind and activate other platelets. This process results in the rapid formation of a platelet-mediated thrombus about the solid-phase agent causing vessel occlusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for targeting, delivering, and activating platelet-dependent vascular occlusion agents. In particular, antibodies carrying platelet binding agents are targeted to hyperplastic cells or tissues, such as the vasculature of solid tumor masses; the platelet binding agent then binds and activates platelets, which in turn bind and activate other platelets. This process results in the formation of a platelet-mediated thrombus-causing vessel occlusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for targeting and delivering solid-phase platelet-dependent vascular occlusion agents. In particular, particles or coils or stents coated with platelet binding agents are directed to target vasculature, such as the vasculature of solid tumor masses or AV-malformations or aneurysms or endoleaks; the solid-phase agent then binds and activates platelets, which in turn bind and activate other platelets. This process results in the rapid formation of a platelet-mediated thrombus about the solid-phase agent causing vessel occlusion.

Abstract: An integral packing housing and packing material unit; a method for packing replacement, boiler cleaning; and a method for maintenance of a desired boiler output rating. The integral packing unit includes a housing for removably holding a sacrificial packing material that is configured to form a steam seal between a sootblower steam tube and lance spindle when the packing unit is installed in an operative position in association with the steam tube and the spindle and the packing material is loaded by applying compression to the packing material. A compression unit is typically coupled to the housing unit to apply such compression to load the packing material while the packing unit is installed in the operative position. The packing unit may also includes a detent mechanism, such set screws, for unloading the packing material to facilitate installing the packing unit on, and removing the packing unit from, the operative position.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for targeting and delivering solid-phase platelet-dependent vascular occlusion agents. In particular, particles or coils or stents coated with platelet binding agents are directed to target vasculature, such as the vasculature of solid tumor masses or AV-malformations or aneurysms or endoleaks; the solid-phase agent then binds and activates platelets, which in turn bind and activate other platelets. This process results in the rapid formation of a platelet-mediated thrombus about the solid-phase agent causing vessel occlusion.

Abstract: An integral packing housing and packing material unit; a method for packing replacement, boiler cleaning; and a method for maintenance of a desired boiler output rating. The integral packing unit includes a housing for removably holding a sacrificial packing material that is configured to form a steam seal between a sootblower steam tube and lance spindle when the packing unit is installed in an operative position in association with the steam tube and the spindle and the packing material is loaded by applying compression to the packing material. A compression unit is typically coupled to the housing unit to apply such compression to load the packing material while the packing unit is installed in the operative position. The packing unit may also includes a detent mechanism, such set screws, for unloading the packing material to facilitate installing the packing unit on, and removing the packing unit from, the operative position.

Abstract: A platelet function assay reagent is provided for performing a platelet function assay, wherein the reagent contains a mixture of magnetic and non-magnetic particles, wherein the magnetic particles have bound to an outer surface thereof an amount of a first ligand having an affinity for direct interaction with GP-Ib receptors on blood platelets and wherein the non-magnetic particles have bound to an outer surface thereof an amount of a second ligand having an affinity for direct interaction with GP-Ib receptors on blood platelets, such that interaction of either of the first or second ligands with the GP-Ib platelet receptor will activate the blood platelets toward aggregation, wherein the first ligand and the second ligand can be the same or different, and the assay using such reagent, for providing a fast, reliable point-of-care assessment of platelet function.

Abstract: A platelet/leukocyte interaction assay method and reagent therefor are provided using the presence of a solid-phase stimulus, such as magnetic or non-magnetic particles or mixtures thereof, having bound to the surface thereof one or more ligands that interact directly with platelets, leukocytes or both, for providing a fast, reliable point-of-care assessment of platelet/leukocyte interaction.

Abstract: A cardon joint is provided for mounting in a wall of a boiler to accommodate a sootblower lance and to allow the lance to be manipulated with respect to the boiler wall. The cardon joint includes a wall box having a central opening. An outer ball having a substantially spherical outer surface and a central bore is mounted for axial rotation about a first axis within the central opening of the wall box. An inner ball having a substantially spherical outer surface and a central bore is mounted for axial rotation about a second axis within the central bore of the outer ball. The first and second axes are mutually orthogonal and the central bore of the inner ball is sized to accommodate the lance of a sootblower. As the lance is manipulated to clean an opposite wall of the boiler, the inner and outer balls rotate about their axes to accommodate the manipulation.