Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a composite structure. A thickness profile of a portion of a region of a composite structure is identified. The region has a cross-section with non-parallel surfaces. An estimated thickness for a location within the region and outside of the portion is identified using the thickness profile. An indication of whether the location has undesirable porosity is generated based on information about attenuation of response sound signals and the estimated thickness for the location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a composite structure. A thickness profile of a portion of a region of a composite structure is identified. The region has a cross-section with non-parallel surfaces. An estimated thickness for a location within the region and outside of the portion is identified using the thickness profile. An indication of whether the location has undesirable porosity is generated based on information about attenuation of response sound signals and the estimated thickness for the location.

Abstract: Apparatus for non-destructive inspection of structural elements or workpieces, in particular those having an airfoil configuration, that moves a scanning sensor across the width (span) of a structural element or workpiece for the purpose of detecting structural damage. In one embodiment, the apparatus simultaneously traverses the length (chord) of the structural element or workpiece. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a guide rail that encompasses the structural element or workpiece and the scanning sensor travels along the guide rail from a first location at an upper rear region, to the front, of the structural element or workpiece, and then around the leading edge toward the lower rear region. The apparatus includes a processor and a display device to display the processed, sensed, information.

Abstract: This application relates to antibodies, e.g., humanized antibodies, and antigen-binding fragments thereof, that bind to interleukin-13 (IL-13), in particular, human IL-13, and their uses in regulating immune responses mediated by IL-13. The antibodies disclosed herein are useful in diagnosing, preventing, and/or treating a subject, e.g., a human patient, one or more IL-13-associated disorders, e.g., respiratory disorders (e.g., asthma); atopic disorders (e.g., allergic rhinitis); inflammatory and/or autoimmune conditions of the skin (e.g., atopic dermatitis), and gastrointestinal organs (e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)), as well as fibrotic and cancerous disorders.

Abstract: Apparatus for non-destructive inspection of structural elements or workpieces, in particular those having an airfoil configuration, that moves a scanning sensor across the width (span) of a structural element or workpiece for the purpose of detecting structural damage. In one embodiment, the apparatus simultaneously traverses the length (chord) of the structural element or workpiece. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a guide rail that encompasses the structural element or workpiece and the scanning sensor travels along the guide rail from a first location at an upper rear region, to the front, of the structural element or workpiece, and then around the leading edge toward the lower rear region. The apparatus includes a processor and a display device to display the processed, sensed, information.

Abstract: This application relates to antibodies, e.g., humanized antibodies, and antigen-binding fragments thereof, that bind to interleukin-13 (IL-13), in particular, human IL-13, and their uses in regulating immune responses mediated by IL-13. The antibodies disclosed herein are useful in diagnosing, preventing, and/or treating a subject, e.g., a human patient, one or more IL-13-associated disorders, e.g., respiratory disorders (e.g., asthma); atopic disorders (e.g., allergic rhinitis); inflammatory and/or autoimmune conditions of the skin (e.g., atopic dermatitis), and gastrointestinal organs (e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)), as well as fibrotic and cancerous disorders.

Abstract: This application relates to antibodies, e.g., humanized antibodies, and antigen-binding fragments thereof, that bind to interleukin-13 (IL-13), in particular, human IL-13, and their uses in regulating immune responses mediated by IL-13. The antibodies disclosed herein are useful in diagnosing, preventing, and/or treating a subject, e.g., a human patient, one or more IL-13-associated disorders, e.g., respiratory disorders (e.g., asthma); atopic disorders (e.g., allergic rhinitis); inflammatory and/or autoimmune conditions of the skin (e.g., atopic dermatitis), and gastrointestinal organs (e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)), as well as fibrotic and cancerous disorders.

Abstract: An NDI system includes an ultrasonic transducer and an electronic device having an indicator, such as a light source. The electronic device energizes the transducer, receives sinusoidal signals from the transducer, determines impedance-plane coordinates corresponding to quadrature-phase separated components of the sinusoidal signals, and automatically activates the indicator if impedance-plane coordinates exceed a preset threshold. The system may be used in methods of inspecting layered structures such as composite aircraft components and repair patches applied to such structures.

Abstract: A method for encouraging the development of new flavors, wherein the method includes the steps of providing a plurality of sets of comestible pieces available for combination experimentation, providing a plurality of predetermined flavor combination suggestions, and encouraging experimental combination of comestibles from different sets. Preferably, each set is characterized by a unique flavor and the flavor of each piece is provided by a predetermined amount of flavoring contained therein. Also preferably, the predetermined amount of flavoring contained in each piece is standardized relative to flavor intensity. Optionally, rewards are given for the development or identification of successful flavor combinations.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for adjustably supporting probes are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sensor support assembly includes a base member adapted to be positioned proximate to and move along a surface of a material, the base member including a first outwardly projecting engagement member and a second outwardly projecting engagement member spaced apart from the first engagement member, and a support member coupled to the base member and including a boss adapted to engage a probe, wherein the first and second engagement members are adapted to engage the surface and to maintain a stand-off distance between the probe and the surface.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying defects in a workpiece are provided. The system includes a sensor for non-destructive testing. The system also includes a movable arm carrying the sensor and being pivotally attached to a base. The movable arm includes at least one pivotable joint between the base and the sensor, and is capable of being moved such that the sensor acquires data indicative of a workpiece as the sensor travels proximate to the workpiece. A data acquisition system is capable of communicating with the sensor to create an image of at least a portion of the workpiece based on the data acquired by the sensor.

Abstract: An NDI system includes an ultrasonic transducer and an electronic device having an indicator, such as a light source. The electronic device energizes the transducer, receives sinusoidal signals from the transducer, determines impedance-plane coordinates corresponding to quadrature-phase separated components of the sinusoidal signals, and automatically activates the indicator if impedance-plane coordinates exceed a preset threshold. The system may be used in methods of inspecting layered structures such as composite aircraft components and repair patches applied to such structures.

Abstract: A system for non-destructive inspection using laser profiling and an associated method are provided. The system includes a support surface, and at least one laser carried by the support surface and directed towards the workpiece at an oblique angle such that at least a portion of the workpiece is illuminated by the laser. The system also includes a camera carried by the support surface and capable of capturing reflections from the workpiece, as well as a translation device capable of traveling proximate to the workpiece. The support surface is coupled to the translation device such that the laser and the camera are capable of traveling along the workpiece. The system further includes a data acquisition system capable of communicating with the camera such that the data acquisition system creates an image indicative of at least a portion of the workpiece based on the reflections from the workpiece.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for materials inspection using microwave sensing are disclosed. In one aspect, a system for detecting corrosion of a workpiece includes a scanning assembly having a support assembly adapted to be coupled to the workpiece, and a first translation device coupled to the support assembly. A microwave sensor is coupled to the first translation device. The first translation device is adapted to translate the microwave sensor along at least a first direction, and the microwave sensor is adapted to transmit incident microwave signals onto the workpiece and to receive reflected microwave signals reflected from the workpiece. In an alternate aspect, a system may further include a second translation device that is adapted to translate the microwave sensor along at least a second direction that is transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for materials inspection using microwave sensing are disclosed. In one aspect, a system for detecting corrosion of a workpiece includes a scanning assembly having a support assembly adapted to be coupled to the workpiece, and a first translation device coupled to the support assembly. A microwave sensor is coupled to the first translation device. The first translation device is adapted to translate the microwave sensor along at least a first direction, and the microwave sensor is adapted to transmit incident microwave signals onto the workpiece and to receive reflected microwave signals reflected from the workpiece. In an alternate aspect, a system may further include a second translation device that is adapted to translate the microwave sensor along at least a second direction that is transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: A novel secreted and glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored protein, GPI-122, is disclosed, as are antibodies that specifically bind to this protein. Polynucleotides encoding GPI-122 are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies which recognize defined regions of the T-cell receptor (TCR). In a specific embodiment, the invention provides monoclonal antibodies which are reactive with a constant region of the alpha chain of the TCR. In particular embodiments, the invention relates to two monoclonal antibodies, termed &agr;F1 and &agr;F2, which react with two different epitopes on the framework region of the &agr; monomer of the TCR molecule. In another specific embodiment, the invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies reactive with a variable region of the beta chain of the TCR. In particular, the invention provides two monoclonal antibodies, termed W112 and 2D1, which react with &bgr; chain variable regions V&bgr;5.3 and V&bgr;8.1, respectively. In another specific embodiment, the invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies reactive with a variable region of the delta chain of the TCR. In particular, the invention provides monoclonal antibody &dgr;TCS1, isotype IgG2a.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies which recognize defined regions of the T-cell receptor (TCR). In a specific embodiment, the invention provides monoclonal antibodies which are reactive with a constant region of the alpha chain of the TCR. In particular embodiments, the invention relates to two monoclonal antibodies, termed .alpha.F1 and .alpha.F2, which react with two different epitopes on the framework region of the .alpha. monomer of the TCR molecule. In another specific embodiment, the invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies reactive with a variable region of the beta chain of the TCR. In particular, the invention provides two monoclonal antibodies, termed W112 and 2D1, which react with .beta. chain variable regions V.beta.5.3 and V.beta.8.1, respectively. In another specific embodiment, the invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies reactive with a variable region of the delta chain of the TCR. In particular, the invention provides monoclonal antibody .delta.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies which recognize defined regions of the T-cell receptor (TCR). In a specific embodiment, the invention provides monoclonal antibodies which are reactive with a constant region of the alpha chain of the TCR. In particular embodiments, the invention relates to two monoclonal antibodies, termed .alpha.F1 and .alpha.F2, which react with two different epitopes on the framework region of the .alpha. monomer of the TCR molecule. In another specific embodiment, the invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies reactive with a variable region of the beta chain of the TCR. In particular, the invention provides two monoclonal antibodies, termed W112 and 2D1, which react with .beta. chain variable regions V.beta.5.3 and V.beta.8.1, respectively. In another specific embodiment, the invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies reactive with a variable region of the delta chain of the TCR. In particular, the invention provides monoclonal antibody .delta.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies which recognize defined regions of the T-cell receptor (TCR). In a specific embodiment, the invention provides monoclonal antibodies which are reactive with a constant region of the alpha chain of the TCR. In particular embodiments, the invention relates to two monoclonal antibodies, termed .alpha.F1 and .alpha.F2, which react with two different epitopes on the framework region of the .alpha. monomer of the TCR molecule. In another specific embodiment, the invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies reactive with a variable region of the beta chain of the TCR. In particular, the invention provides two monoclonal antibodies, termed W112 and 2D1, which react with .beta. chain variable regions V.beta.5.3 and V.beta.8.1, respectively. In another specific embodiment, the invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies reactive with a variable region of the delta chain of the TCR. In particular, the invention provides monoclonal antibody .delta.