Abstract: A method for removing impurities from racemic cis-6-phenyl-5-[4-(2-pyrrolidin-1-ylethoxy)phenyl]-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ol and purified cis-6-phenyl-5-[4-(2-pyrrolidin-1-ylethoxy)phenyl]-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ol useful as an estrogen agonist/antagonist.

Abstract: An unsupervised method of segmenting data sets using a region growing technique in which data points are initially assigned to a single class, new classes are seeded and points in the data set tested by calculating the probability that they belong to the new class. The probability distributions used in the calculation are adapted as points are reassigned. Classes which fail to grow are discarded. The technique may be applied to the segmentation of data sets in which the data points are taken from medical images. The method may be applied to the demarcation of different parts of structures, e.g. in the medical field demarcating an aneurysm from the surrounding blood vessels in an image or 3-D model of a patient's vasculature. The method may involve using a shape descriptor which is representative of the shape of the structure at each point under consideration. Thus the different parts are distinguished on the basis of their shape.

Abstract: A technique for assessing the progression of multilateral dysfunction, e.g. bilateral diseases is described. The process consists of two stages: firstly, a ‘health measure’ is computed for each of the features of the multi-lateral dysfunction. One example is in terms of the progression of Parkinson's disease by applying it to the uptake of imaging agent in the two striata of the brain, which can be viewed using SPECT imaging. In this example, a characteristic graph for each striatum is matched to a family of such graphs in order to quantify the state of each striatum as a health measure. Then the lower health measure is plotted against the higher health measure. This point is then projected onto a previously computed disease progression trajectory which is used to assign a percentage to the progression of the disease, from 0% normal to 100% extreme progression of the disease. In addition to the disease progression percentage, the technique also provides a confidence measure of the accuracy of this estimation.

Abstract: A method for demonstrating breathability by providing an aliquot of liquid in a container having an opening; forming a closed system by securing a film about the opening; imparting evaporation on the closed system; and measuring or observing the remaining fluid after a predetermined time.

Abstract: A wool or the like fiber scour including at least one of the following, (a) scouring process wherein the fiber is subjected to an acid extraction process to remove absorbed iron, and by to greatly improve the brightness (Y tristimulus value) of the wool; (b) a scouring process wherein a bleaching process is carried out part way through the wet process following by dying, rewriting and chemical reduction, therefore stabilising the bleached color to prevent subsequent reversion in the dyebath; or (c) a scouring process wherein scoured clean fiber is dried and dusted, and then reimmersed in liquors containing detergents and dispersants, thereby effectively removing extra amounts of residual dirt. The scour produces an improved quality of fibres.

Abstract: A method for demonstrating breathability by providing an aliquoit of liquid in a container having an opening; forming a closed system by securing a film about the opening; imparting evaporation on the closed system; and measuring or observing the remaining fluid after a predetermined time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing, flushing contaminants from and replacing vehicle brake fluid. The apparatus has storage tanks for fresh and waste hydraulic fluid, a fill pump to pump hydraulic fresh hydraulic fluid to the vehicle braking system, an adapter for sealably connecting a fill hose to the master cylinder, a suction pump to suction used hydraulic fluid from the vehicle braking system to the waste fluid tank, a suction hose for suctioning fluid out of the master cylinder and hoses for connecting the waste fluid tank to the bleeder valves located at the vehicle wheels. A by-pass valve is provided between the fill pump and master cylinder to by-pass fluid when the fill hose reaches or exceeds a predetermined level. A computer and ancillary electrical and fluid connections between the various parts of the apparatus and the hydraulic fluid system of a vehicle are also utilized. The apparatus can also be used when replacing the master cylinder or when replacing fluid in other hydraulic systems (i.e.

Abstract: Various methods and associated apparatuses are provided for communicating data from a central station to a remote station over some form of communications path. The data, which together form at least one title, are stored on at least one storage device. The data forming that title are then retrieved as data blocks, from storage. Each data block is a sequential segment of the data. Finally, the retrieved data blocks are transmitted from the central station to the remote station. According to preferred embodiments, two types of storage devices are provided. The first type, preferably formed as an array of playback units, allows the data to be stored as data blocks and distributed accordingly over a plurality of storage devices. The second type, preferably formed as ring structures composed of solid state elements, provides a plurality of access points coupled to the storage medium, each of which is able to retrieve the data independently of other access points.

Abstract: Various methods and associated apparatuses are provided for communicating data from a central station to a remote station over some form of communications path. The data, which together form at least one title, are stored on at least one storage device. The data forming that title are then retrieved as data blocks from storage. Each data block is a sequential segment of the data. Finally, the retrieved data blocks are transmitted from the central station to the remote station. According to preferred embodiments, two types of storage devices are provided. The first type, preferably formed as an array of playback units, allows the data to be stored as data blocks and distributed accordingly over a plurality of storage devices. The second type, preferably formed as ring structures composed of solid state elements, provides a plurality of access points coupled to the storage medium, each of which is able to retrieve the data independently of other access points.

Abstract: Various methods and associated apparatuses are provided for communicating data from a central station to a remote station over some form of communications path. The data, which together form at least one title, are stored on at least one storage device. The data forming that title are then retrieved as data blocks from storage. Each data block is a sequential segment of the data. Finally, the retrieved data blocks are transmitted from the central station to the remote station. According to preferred embodiments, two types of storage devices are provided. The first type, preferably formed as an array of playback units, allows the data to be stored as data blocks and distributed accordingly over a plurality of storage devices. The second type, preferably formed as ring structures composed of solid state elements, provides a plurality of access points coupled to the storage medium, each of which is able to retrieve the data independently of other access points.

Abstract: Customer Premise Devices (CPDs) and associated methods according to the invention allow subscribers to send diverse subscriber requests and to receive incoming information such as movies, videogames, educational, business and consumer information, and scientific and other reasearch-related database information. The CPD controls transmissions, carried over a communications medium, between a central information source and customer premise equipment, such as TVs and computers, housed at a remote station. The CPD has (a) a first interface linked to the communications medium; (b) a second interface linked to the customer premise equipment; and (c) an interface controller linking the first interface and the second interface.

Abstract: An elegant plantation security shutter assembly for a window in a wall of a building comprising a casing with components for reinforcing the casing. Structures are for mounting the casing onto the wall behind the window. A pair of shutters are provided, with elements for reinforcing each shutter. Paraphernalia is for securing each shutter within the casing, so as to stop a thief from an unauthorized entry through the window into the building, by preventing the thief from breaking the shutters and the casing.

Abstract: A faucet repair system is provided for the removal of loose or broken faucet components, debris or other material which may be lodged in a faucet body or water feed line. A hollow coupling having threads identical to the bonnet or stem nut of the defective faucet includes a collar over which an outlet tube is connected. The bonnet or stem nut and stem are removed and the coupling is screwed into the faucet body. A bend in the tube directs water flow into a lavatory or sink basin when the water feed line shutoff valve is then opened. The water flow carries with it the loose material. A modified outlet tube includes a trap which retains the dislodged article and is suitable for elongate objects.