Abstract: Methods of treating, managing or preventing psoriatic arthritis are disclosed. Specific methods encompass the administration of (+)-2-[1-(3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylsulfonylethyl]-4-acetylaminoisoindoline-1,3-dione alone or in combination with a second active agent. Pharmaceutical compositions and single unit dosage forms are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush with a removable brush section having a transponder communicating with a handle portion of the toothbrush via a non-contacting inductive coupling.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash is dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transmitting tire condition variables from a transmission device mounted on a motor vehicle to an electronic evaluating or control unit arranged in the area of the vehicle body, which is detachably fastened to a motor vehicle wheel described hereinbelow for providing an electromechanical compound arrangement. Further, a transmission device is disclosed wherein tire condition variables can be detected, and wherein a coupling device is integrated into the wheel hub (3) and composed of a rotor and a non-rotating stator for producing a field coupling, and its one or more field coupling elements are arranged opposite one another, separated by a narrow air slot (24), and energy and/or signals are coupled by means of electric fields and/or magnetic fields and/or electromagnetic fields.

Abstract: A seat cushion is provided including an integral gripping member that prevents the cushion from sliding during use. The gripping member attaches to the cushion by a connecting strap which therefore allows the gripping member to be selectively placed in contact with either panel of the cushion. Accordingly, either one of the panels may be exposed during use which allows the seat cushion to be constructed of differing materials, colors or patterns for the respective panels. Additionally, damage to one of the panels still allows the gripping member to be used because the cushion can be reversed to expose the non-damaged panel.

Abstract: Clock and data recovery circuitry includes an interleaved sampler having multiple integrators, where at least one of the integrators integrates the input data for at least two unit intervals (UIs). One embodiment includes a four-way interleaved sampler, where each integrator in the sampler integrates the input data for two UIs, where each integrator is sampled at or near the middle of its two-UI integration cycle. In an exemplary 10-GHz system, the reset cycle of each integrator may begin many tens of picoseconds after the data is sampled. Since the signal is sampled near the center of the integration cycle and is not highly proximate to the time of the integrator reset, the latch signal has a window of uncertainty extending into the length of a data bit cell with little possibility of latching erroneous data. The sensitivity of the clock recovery circuitry may be optimized by centering the latch function over the time of highest signal level, thereby maximizing signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A protective heat absorbing and heat reflective covering material comprising an open mesh weave of scrim material, the mesh having warp and weft strips forming a substantially thin layer having opposed major surfaces, where at least one of the warp or weft strip materials is a heat absorbing or heat reflecting material, and at least one of the major surfaces of the scrim material has a discontinuous coating having heat reflecting or heat absorbing properties opposite to that of the warp and or weft strip, the discontinuous coating thereon at least partially covering the surface.

Abstract: A male sexual impotence treatment apparatus includes an elongate adjustable constriction member extending in a loop around a male patient's penile tissue or the prolongation thereof. An adjustment device adjusts the longitudinal extension of the constriction member in the loop to temporarily constrict the penile tissue or the prolongation thereof to restrict the penile exit blood flow to achieve erection. A layer of a soft viscoelastic material is applied on the constriction member such that it is located between the constriction member and the patient's penile tissue or the prolongation thereof at least along a portion of the constriction member to protect the penile tissue or the prolongation thereof from being eroded by the constriction member.

Abstract: A device for automatically maintaining tension and control of a drivebelt as the driving direction of the drivebelt is rapidly reversed and when the drivebelt is worn.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide an opposed piston, opposed cylinder (OPOC) internal combustion engine. The OPOC engine comprises two cylinders opposed at 180 degrees. A linking element connects two outer pistons so that they move in tandem. A central piston is disposed between and moves in opposition to the outer pistons. The linking element is adapted to drive secondary mechanisms in accordance with embodiments of a drive shaft, electric generator, hydraulic pump, pneumatic pump, and gear-driven mechanisms, among others.

Abstract: A clamp for holding of films, tape lines or the like consists of an underpart consists of a floor and stops projecting from the floor and arranged at a distance from each other, laterally bounding a holding region, and a top part attached to the underpart and opposed to the floor, an entry opening being provided between the top part and the stop arranged on one side of the holding region. The clamp comprises a lid overreaching the top part in closed position and connected to the underpart by a closure, with which lid the entry opening is closable.

Abstract: An acceleration sensing unit (1) includes an acceleration sensor element (4), wherein said sensing unit (1) emits an electric signal at a signal output (k3, k4), the sensing unit (1) is electrically active and supplied with electric energy through the signal output. In an assembly composed of the above-mentioned sensing unit and a control unit, the sensing unit includes at least one signal line (3) connected to control unit (2), with said control unit being in particular an electronic motor vehicle brake control unit, and the control unit (2) transmits the energy for the connected sensing unit(s) (1) by way of the signal lines (3).

Abstract: A remotely controlled apparatus for grasping an object such as a satellite in space includes a free-flying grasper unit connected by a selectively extendable cable to an orbital platform. The orbital platform and the grasper unit are preferably each independently propelled by respective propulsion systems including multi-axis maneuvering nozzles respectively provided on the orbital platform and on the grasper unit. The grasper unit preferably includes a grasper unit body and a grasper-arm mechanism having a controllable grasping claw articulately mounted on the end of a controllable telescoping arm that extends from the grasper unit body. The grasper unit preferably further includes a camera and a distance measuring sensor to provide visual and distance feedback data for assisting the remotely controlled maneuvering of the grasper unit and actuation of the grasper-arm mechanism.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for estimating maximum rate of data and for estimating a transmission power required for transmission of a data with a rate of data in a communication system are disclosed. A terminal determines a quality metric of a communication link, over which data are to be transmitted, and modifies the determined quality metric by a quality metric margin. The terminal then estimates the maximum rate of data in accordance with the modified quality metric. Alternatively, the terminal then estimates transmission power required for transmission of a data with a rate of data in accordance with the rate of data and the modified quality metric. The quality metric margin may be a pre-determined or dynamically adjusted. The terminal dynamically adjusts the quality metric margin in accordance with a result of comparison of a transmit power corresponding to the estimated maximum rate of data with an actual transmit power used to transmit the data.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotide molecules provide recombinant PIV genomes and antigenomes for production of recombinant PIV vaccines. The recombinant genome or antigenome can be expressed with a nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), and a large (L) polymerase protein to produce isolated infectious PIV particles. The recombinant PIV genome and antigenome can be modified to produce desired changes, for example to incorporate attenuating mutations from biologically derived PIV mutants or to create chimeric PIV clones, to generate attenuated, immunogenic viruses for vaccine use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of exercise utilizing fluid containing bladders. The bladders may be in communication with each other so that compression of one bladder causes the fluid to be transferred to a neighboring bladder. The system may be used to exercise complementary muscle groups. Additionally, the system may be adjustable to provide different workout levels or so that the device can be used to exercise a variety of muscle groups.

Abstract: The device comprises an optical waveguide and an acoustic wave generating device. The waveguide has an optical band gap and a sharp electronic transition (e.g. an excitonic transition) in the band gap, and the acoustic wave generating device generates acoustic waves within the waveguide. Light passing through the waveguide is of a frequency within the band gap of the waveguide and is nearly resonant with the sharp electronic transition. The wave generating device is arranged to generate acoustic waves so as to induce optical band gas in the polariton spectrum, thereby affecting the transmission of the light passing through the waveguide, the transmission of which is thereby affected.