Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for a noninvasive optical determination of the volume of a fluid in a compartment within a closed system comprising a compartment wherein a fluid resides which is permeable to at least one wavelength of light, a light source and light detecting device configured to obtain spectral data for a fluid for at least one wavelength, a processor adapted to determine the volume of the fluid by correlating the spectral data for a fluid at a known path length with the spectral data for the fluid at an unknown path length and wherein the processor is further configured to control the release of the substance from the compartment to its end use.

Abstract: A fluid path system includes a vial containing a frozen pharmaceutical product therein. A dissolution fluid path is also included in the fluid path system, the dissolution fluid path having an output end in fluid communication with the vial and an input end attached to a pressure vessel containing a dissolution medium. A delivery fluid path is also included in the system having a first end hermetically attached to the vial to transport therefrom a mixture of dissolved pharmaceutical product and dissolution medium and a second end connected to a receiving vessel to receive the mixture. A dissolution fluid path valve is positioned between the pressure vessel and the dissolution fluid path to control flow of the dissolution medium, and a delivery fluid path valve is also included in the fluid path system to control flow of the mixture from the delivery fluid path to the receiving vessel.

Abstract: A composition that may include branched chain amino acids, alpha amino n-Butyrate and/or alpha amino-n-valerate works synergistically to enhance lean body mass and prevent body mass breakdown. The composition may also be coupled with other agents to a) provide an increased level of amino acids and/or protein in the body's total pool or b) increase markers for protein translation or decrease markers of protein turnover. The composition may be administered in a variety of ways including capsules, tablets, powdered beverages, bars, gels or drinks. Increasing lean body mass is import to athletes looking to enhance performance, in the event of certain muscle wasting diseases, and to the general population that loses muscle mass as it ages.

Abstract: Various compounds can be administered orally to humans or animals for the purpose of enhancing nitric oxide production. Enhancing nitric oxide production is beneficial for those looking to increase lean body mass or enhance exercise performance. Such administration can also be used for the purpose of enhancing nutrient transport for purposes of athletic performance and controlling bodyweight and body fat levels. L-Arginine and alpha amino n-Butryate work synergistically to enhance nitric oxide production and may further be coupled with either and/or a) an inhibitor of nitric oxide breakdown or b) a nitric oxide potentiators or other precursor and serve to accomplish this goal of enhance nitric oxide. The composition may be administered in a variety of ways including capsules, tablets, powdered beverages, bars, gels or drinks.

Abstract: The invention provides for surface mapping of in-vivo imaging subjects using a single camera and a moveable stage on which a subject animal for in-vivo imaging is placed. Images are taken and the stage is moved by known amounts along the optical axis, and the heights of individual features on the subject are determined through analysis of focus, given the known stage displacement. Alternatively, height of sub-regions of the subject are determined through analysis of focus. A mesh or other surface can be constructed from individual features, to provide a surface map of the subject. Accuracy of 0.5 mm or better can be attained for mice and similarly sized subjects.

Abstract: A switching apparatus and method, the apparatus comprising a relay including a relay coil and at least one normally open relay contactor that closes when the relay coil is energized, a normally closed stop contactor and a stop member moveable between a deactivated position in which the stop contactor is closed and an activated position wherein the stop member forces each of the stop contactor and the relay contactor open.

Abstract: The invention provides for surface mapping of in-vivo imaging subjects using a single camera and an illuminator that projects a plurality of targets such as spots on the subject. By limiting the depth-of-field of the camera lens, or of the illuminator optics, or both, a spatial plane is defined in which the spots are most sharply in focus. Controlled displacement of this plane relative to the subject is achieved through movement of the mechanical stage on which a subject is placed; or through movement of the best-focus plane by adjustment of the camera, lens, or illuminator optics. Images are taken at several relative positions of the best-focus plane and the subject, and the height of individual points on the subject is determined through analysis of focus, given the known displacements. A mesh or other surface can be constructed from individual point locations, to provide a surface map of the subject. Accuracy of 0.5 mm can be readily attained for mice and similarly sized subjects.

Abstract: The invention provides for surface mapping of in-vivo imaging subjects using a single camera having a lens which is not telecentric in object space, and a moveable stage on which a subject animal for in-vivo imaging is placed. Images are taken and the stage is moved by known amounts, and the height of individual features on the subject is determined through analysis of how much the feature shifts in the image, given the known stage displacement and lens placement. A mesh or other surface can be constructed from individual features, to provide a map of the subject. Alternatively, two cameras are used in a calibrated stereo viewing arrangement. Resolution of 0.5 mm or better can be attained for mice and similarly sized subjects.

Abstract: A café door having a beam and a panel where the beam contains an oscillator and the beam is secured to the door panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric device (10) comprising a housing (13) and a cooling body (16) which is secured to the housing (13). A gap (43) is arranged between the cooling body (16) and the separated housing (13), said gap comprising, at least partially a collar (31) which surrounds an opening (34), and a groove (49) which receives the collar (31). Sealing means (52), which seal the gap (43) in an at least liquid-tight manner, is arranged between the collar (31) and the groove (49).

Abstract: An optical filter assembly having selectable bandwidth is presented. The optical filter assembly includes a first optical filter, a first optical retarder with optical retardance R1, a second optical retarder with optical retardance R2, a polarization switch positioned between the first and second retarders which causes their retardances to substantially add in a first switch setting and to substantially subtract in a second switch setting, and an exit polarizer. A multispectral imaging system using tunable optical filters having selectable bandwidth is presented. A method of filtering light is also presented. The method includes providing a first optical filter, providing a dynamic bandwidth stage including a polarization switch, selecting a first setting of the polarization switch, and producing a first filter action for light passing through the first filter and the dynamic bandwidth stage.

Abstract: A method of generating a checksum for a data message comprises processing the data message to extract data blocks therefrom and computing a checksum from the data blocks. In particular non-linear operators are applied to the data blocks.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient using quick-connect sleeve assemblies. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly can be coupled to a bone fastener assembly in a fast and intuitive way. In one embodiment, a quick-connect sleeve assembly has a detachable member and a movable member. Both members engage a collar of the bone fastener assembly. In one embodiment, the engagement can be locked via one or more locking features to facilitate screwing a bone fastener of the bone fastener assembly onto a vertebral body in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly has a low profile and is particularly shaped for minimally invasive entry.

Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to be secured in generally close proximity to the stationary contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier accentuates a magnetic field associated with the stationary contact and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. A pair of arc guides extend along the magnetic intensifier and, cooperatively with the magnetic force, ensure efficient, repeatable, and expedient transfer of a circuit termination arc to the arc arrestor. Such a construction increases the operable range and lifecycle of the contactor by reducing the damage associated with propagation of the circuit termination arc.

Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to extend in generally close proximity to one of the stationary contact and the arc contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier manipulates a magnetic field associated with current passing through the contactor assembly and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. Preferably, the magnetic intensifier is formed integrally with a turnback associated with one of the stationary contact or the arc contact. Such a construction simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the contactor assembly and provides efficient and repeatable arc suppression.

Abstract: A panel for use in a door having an access area that allows a window to slide into at least one channel formed in the sides of a window area within the panel.

Abstract: A ball ratchet mechanism suitable for use with an electrical disconnect employs a track and drive surface that engage the ball so as to capture it without significant shear force being applied to ridges of the track. In this way, the shape of the track can be optimized for smooth ratcheting action without the risk of high torques shearing track ridges.

Abstract: A method of identifying a valid version of a data value and voting on separate instances of the data value is described. A processor receives an instance of the data value generated by one processor and a transmitted version of that generated instance transmitted by another processor and compares the received values to validate them. The processor further determines an agreed version of the data value from a comparison of the validated instances. As a result a simple and robust voting system is provided.

Abstract: Method and system for detecting authenticate products based upon alteration of emission characteristics due to interaction of the emissions with the product and the container.

Abstract: The invention is a process for removing excess surfactant from a resin dispersion. The excess surfactant is initially required to form the dispersion, but it is not needed to maintain the stability of the dispersion. The process involves the addition of an acid to a dispersion. The acid reacts with one of the surfactants, and the acidified surfactant returns to its original non-neutralized form or its original hydrophobic form and no longer has the structural capacity to serve as a surfactant. The reduction of the surfactant concentration in the dispersions improves the cohesive strength of adhesives made with the dispersions.