Abstract: A method for delivering a target volume of fluid to a destination is provided. The method includes delivering a first volume of fluid to the destination in increments each having approximately a first incremental volume, the first volume of fluid being less than the target volume and delivering a second volume of fluid to the destination in increments each having approximately a second incremental volume, the second incremental volume being less than the first incremental volume, such that the sum of the first volume and the second volume is approximately equal to the target volume.

Abstract: A flexible thin metal film system is made by directly depositing an electrically-conductive metal onto the metal surface of a self-metallized polymeric film.

Abstract: A detachable, reusable strike alert device for signaling a strike on a fishing line includes: (a) a generally watertight main housing including a translucent, bulbous end portion; (b) a pressure adjustment switch portion opposite the bulbous end portion, the pressure adjustment switch portion including a pressure adjusting switch; (c) at least one light emitting diode in the bulbous end portion; (d) an accessible battery compartment, at least one battery in the battery compartment being in connection with the pressure adjustment switch and the light emitting diode; (e) a set of electrical contacts in the pressure adjustment switch portion; and (f) an attachment mechanism on the bulbous end portion for suspending the strike alert device above-water from a fishing support; wherein, when a fishing line extending between the contacts is moved, the light emitting diode illuminates, which signals a fish strike.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for dynamic radio station tuning in a data processing system. A play list is identified. The play list is a user-defined list and includes an identification of a number of songs. Music information is obtained from a plurality of radio stations. This music information is compared to the play list to generate a schedule. Dynamic tuning to a radio station within the plurality of radio stations is performed using the schedule to present songs from the number of songs to a listener.

Abstract: The invention relates an assay useful for screening and identifying compounds as modulators of lower alkyl phenol activation of TRPA1. Thymol, a lower alkyl phenol anti-infective and the active ingredient in, e.g., mouthwashes, is stringent and has an objectionable burning taste sensation. Thymol activates the transient receptor potential like ion channel TRPA1. The assay described and claimed herein involves measurement of activation of TRPA1 and enables the screening of compounds that inhibit lower alkyl phenol, or thymol activation of TRPA1. Inhibitors of thymol activation of TRPA1 can be used to prevent the objectionable taste of thymol in medical uses where taste limits acceptance.

Abstract: A method is provided for regulating fluid pump pressures by detecting an elevation differential between a fluid flow control device and the distal end of a fluid line in communication with the fluid flow control device. A fluid flow control device, for instance a peritoneal dialysis device, is at a first height, a distal end of a fluid line is at a second height, and a valved outlet, when open, affords communication between the fluid flow control device and the distal end of the fluid line. The elevation differential is correlatable with a pressure measurable during a calibration procedure provided as a part of the methodology.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions containing and methods of using a compound having the formula: wherein R1, Ar1, Ar2, and Ar3 are defined herein. The compounds of the present invention are useful as inhibitors of certain taste perceptions and functions. The invention is also directed to compositions comprising a compound of the above formula.

Abstract: A thermally driven piston assembly comprises a material that undergoes a dimensional change when subjected to a temperature change in the temperature range of interest. The dimensional change imparts movement which effects an end result such as actuation, shock absorption, clutch action, braking, or mechanical power. The assembly can further comprise position sensing means for sensing movement of the component of interest, and passive and/or active heating and/or cooling means for effecting the temperature change.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a compound having the formula wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, L1, and L2 are defined herein. The compounds of the present invention are useful as inhibitors of certain taste perceptions and functions. The invention is also directed to compositions comprising a compound according to the above formula.

Abstract: An in-line, two-wheeled vehicle, with a torque generator operably secured thereto is disclosed. The torque generator generates a defined auxiliary torque about the point-of-contact of the steering wheel, and it is sized to balance the naturally occurring torques arising at slow speeds about the point-of-contact of the steering wheel, thereby improving the stability and control of the vehicle. In one disclosed embodiment, the vehicle is a stand-up riding board. In another disclosed embodiment, the vehicle is a cycle, such as a bicycle or the like. Torque generator structures such as using an elastic member, mechanical linkage, and dampening systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: There exists a need in the art for high throughput screening assays that can identify compounds that specifically modulate the activity of fast-acting ion channels, such as TRPM5. Current methods suffer from a lack of sensitivity, low throughput, and are labor intensive. The claimed methods provide fluorescent assays with an optical readout that gives rapid readout of the results, has a high signal to noise background ratio, are easy to use, can be modified for automation and miniaturization, and provide verification that a compound specifically modulates TRPM5.

Abstract: A novel organophosphorus composition and synthesis thereof, the composition being characterized by one phosphite moiety, one phosoxophite moiety, and a plurality of sterically bulky substituents. The novel composition finds utility as a ligand in Group VIII transition metal phosoxophite complex catalysts and complex catalyst precursors that are used in carbonylation processes, preferably, hydroformylation processes. Additionally, there is disclosed a novel method of preparing a phosphoromonochloridite composition that finds utility as a precursor to the novel phosoxophite composition.

Abstract: The invention comprises an entertaining digital chroma-key video photography event (“photo event”) wherein at least one photo subject is placed in front of a green screen background. The participant is photographed while moving or speaking in response to verbal prompts or from viewing action in a simultaneously shown interactive composite of the participant with the substitute and moving background. The participant may be provided with a still photo produced from the video or photographed simultaneously with the video. The participant may view or retrieve the full video or additional still photos by logging onto an Internet website, intranet or other computer network. The invention also comprises use of multiple substitute images wherein there may be at least a substitute background and a substitute foreground. The image of the participant appears in the resulting composite as variably being in an intermediate position, the foreground or background.

Abstract: The invention comprises an entertaining digital chroma-key video photography event (“photo event”) wherein at least one photo subject is placed in front of a green screen background. The participant is photographed while moving or speaking in response to verbal prompts or from viewing action in a simultaneously shown interactive composite of the participant with the substitute and moving background. The participant may be provided with a still photo produced from the video or photographed simultaneously with the video. The participant may view or retrieve the full video or additional still photos by logging onto an Internet website, intranet or other computer network. The invention also comprises use of multiple substitute images wherein there may be at least a substitute background and a substitute foreground. The image of the participant appears in the resulting composite as variably being in an intermediate position, the foreground or background.

Abstract: The invention comprises an entertaining digital chroma-key video photography event (“photo event”) wherein at least one photo subject is placed in front of a green screen background. The participant is photographed while moving or speaking in response to verbal prompts or from viewing action in a simultaneously shown interactive composite of the participant with the substitute and moving background. The participant may be provided with a still photo produced from the video or photographed simultaneously with the video. The participant may view or retrieve the full video or additional still photos by logging onto an Internet website, intranet or other computer network utilizing a handheld device such as a mobile phone or personal digital assistant (PDA). The invention also comprises use of multiple substitute images wherein there may be at least a substitute background and a substitute foreground.

Abstract: The invention comprises an entertaining digital chroma-key video photography event (“photo event”) wherein at least one photo subject is placed in front of a green screen background. The participant is photographed while moving or speaking in response to verbal prompts or from viewing action in a simultaneously shown interactive composite of the participant with the substitute and moving background. The participant may be provided with a still photo produced from the video or photographed simultaneously with the video. The participant may view or retrieve the full video or additional still photos by logging onto an Internet website, intranet or other computer network. The invention also comprises use of multiple substitute images wherein there may be at least a substitute background and a substitute foreground. The image of the participant appears in the resulting composite as variably being in an intermediate position, the foreground or background.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of chronic wounds using electromagnetic energy. The apparatus includes a generator and at least one applicator. The generator can produce electromagnetic energy and the applicator can apply the electromagnetic energy produced by the generator. A detector is disposed on the applicator that can measure the field strength of the electromagnetic energy applied.

Abstract: A thermally driven piston assembly's housing has (i) a first material slidingly fitted therein, and (ii) at least one plug of a second material slidingly fitted therein and abutting the first material. The first material is one (e.g., a liquid crystal elastomer) that undergoes a stiffness change and/or a dimensional change when subjected to a temperature change in the temperature range of interest. When subjected to the temperature change while in the housing, the first material is restricted to changing dimensionally along a single dimension. The second material retains its shape and size throughout the temperature range of interest. As a result, the plug moves in the housing in correspondence with the dimensional change of the first material or the plug's movement is damped by the stiffness change of the first material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of chronic wounds using electromagnetic energy. The apparatus includes a generator and at least one applicator. The generator can produce electromagnetic energy and the applicator can apply the electromagnetic energy produced by the generator. A detector is disposed on the applicator that can measure the field strength of the electromagnetic energy applied.

Abstract: A disposable cover for electromagnetic treatment applicators prevents undesired exposure to potentially harmful radiation. The cover is a pouch-like structure having a back surface constructed from shielding material, such as metallized polyethylene, which back surface faces opposite, or away from, the treatment area. At least a portion of the cover which faces the treatment area is constructed solely from RF non-shielding material. Securing means, such as adhesive strips, or interlocking edges, secure the applicator inside the cover and close off any leaks. The electromagnetic properties of the cover are integrated into the circuitry for the treatment applicator, such that the applicator is not functional in the absence of the cover. In use, an electromagnetic treatment applicator is inserted into the cover and positioned over the area to be treated with the non-shielding portion or window of the cover overlying the treatment area.