Abstract: Register banks are used to allow for fast beam switching in a phased array system. Each beam forming channel is associated with a register bank containing M register sets for configuring such things as gain/amplitude and phase parameters of the beam forming channel. The register banks for all beam forming channels can be pre-programmed and then fast beam switching circuitry allows all beam forming channels across the array to be switched to use the same register set from its corresponding register bank at substantially the same time, thereby allowing the phased array system to be quickly switched between various beam patterns and orientations. Active power control circuitry may be used to control the amount of electrical power provided to or consumed by one or more individual beam forming channels such as to reduce DC power consumption of the array and/or to selectively change the effective directivity of the array.

Abstract: A propeller according to an embodiment includes a hub and a series of blades extending outward from the hub. Each blade of the series of blades includes a core and a skin covering the core. The core may be formed of a ceramic first material and the skin is formed of a second material different than the ceramic first material. The ceramic first material of the core may be ceramic Si3N4 (silicon nitride), yttria-toughened zirconia ceramic, or alumina-zirconia ceramic, and the second material of the skin may be a polymer. The polymer skin is configured to function as a shock absorber protecting the ceramic core, and the ceramic core is configured to provide rigidity to maintain the shape of the propeller blades under aerodynamic loading, which enables improved aerodynamic efficiency and reduced noise generation.

Abstract: Methods and kits for estimating the age of a biological fluid sample.

Abstract: A punctum dilating and plug inserting system includes an inserter and a protective cover defining a dilator. The inserter includes a longitudinal body, and a handle. The handle has a rounded stationary member and a trigger rotatably connected to the handle by a living hinge. A mounting wire extends through the body and is connected to the trigger. When the trigger is activated, the wire is retracted and a plug mounted on a distal end of the wire is released. A packaging is provided for receiving, protecting, and handling at least a portion of the entire inserter until ready for use. An end of the packaging includes a dilator dip for dilating the punctum in advance of receiving the punctum plug.

Abstract: A punctum dilating and plug inserting system includes an inserter and a protective cover defining a dilator. The inserter includes a longitudinal body, and a handle. The handle has a rounded stationary member and a trigger rotatably connected to the handle by a living hinge. A mounting wire extends through the body and is connected to the trigger. When the trigger is activated, the wire is retracted and a plug mounted on a distal end of the wire is released. A packaging is provided for receiving, protecting, and handling at least a portion of the entire inserter until ready for use. An end of the packaging includes a dilator dip for dilating the punctum in advance of receiving the punctum plug.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining, in a single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reaction, the quantity, quality, and gender of origin of DNA in a sample, and whether or not the sample contains PCR amplification inhibitors. The methods involve carrying out a single PCR multiplex reaction utilizing primer sets specific for amplifying: the human amelogenin locus; an X- and/or Y-chromosome specific gene that is shorter than the amelogenin gene; at least one mitochondrial DNA sequence, and preferably two differently-sized mitochondrial sequences; and a heterologous, non-human reporter gene.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining, in a single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reaction, the quantity, quality, and gender of origin of DNA in a sample, and whether or not the sample contains PCR amplification inhibitors. The methods involve carrying out a single PCR multiplex reaction utilizing primer sets specific for amplifying the human amelogenin locus, an X- and/or Y-chromosome specific gene that is shorter than the amelogenin gene, and a heterologous, non-human reporter gene.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining, in a single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reaction, the quantity, quality, and gender of origin of DNA in a sample, and whether or not the sample contains PCR amplification inhibitors. The methods involve carrying out a single PCR multiplex reaction utilizing primer sets specific for amplifying the human amelogenin locus, an X- and/or Y-chromosome specific gene that is shorter than the amelogenin gene, and a heterologous, non-human reporter gene.

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of a purified immunoglobulin preparation wherein the antibodies are substantially enriched by means of a selective two-step ammonium sulfate fractionation procedure employing centrifugation and ion depletion processes. The purified immunoglobulins are subsequently commingled with condensed skim milk and spray dried. The resulting product for example is employed in the formulation of milk replacers for artificial rearing of neonatal pigs to provide the passive immunity to disease normally provided by sows' colostrum and later milk.

Abstract: A heat engine comprises first and second tanks radially mounted for rotation with respect to an axis of rotation and so as to be spaced from each other, a conduit connecting the tanks for transfer of fluid therebetween, a relatively heavy fluid disposed in the tanks for transfer therebetween, apparatus for heating the heavy fluid, and apparatus for introducing a relatively volatile fluid in a condensed state into direct contact with the heavy fluid for vaporization of the volatile fluid at predetermined times during the rotation of the tanks about the axis of rotation such that the expansion of the vaporized volatile fluid causes the heavy fluid to be cyclically transferred from a predetermined one of the tanks to the other of the tanks so as to maintain the rotation of the tanks about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A solar collector for a solar energy system comprises a solar absorber for converting solar radiation into heat, a heat transfer fluid for transferring heat from the solar absorber, at least one passage for flow of the fluid in contact with the solar absorber surface, and apparatus for creating a relative vacuum in the at least one passage so as to minimize the creation of a stagnant boundary layer of the fluid when it is pumped through the at least one passage. The at least one passage is preferably formed by a convoluted surface on the solar absorber which defines at least one groove, and a flexible sheet which overlies the convoluted surface and sealingly engages the surface through the action of a vacuum. The heat transfer fluid preferably is selected from the group of mineral oil, aliphatic hydrocarbon oils, and silicone oils.

Abstract: Solar tracking apparatus for a solar energy system comprises at least one chamber containing a volatile fluid, a shading arrangement for controlling the degree to which the at least one chamber is exposed to the sun in dependence on the position of the sun so as to control the extent to which the fluid is vaporized due to solar heating of the at least one chamber, and apparatus for coupling the expansive force generated by vaporization of the fluid to a work piece to control the position, orientation, and/or operation thereof.

Abstract: A cis- complex or -salt of a square planar platinum compound and a nitrogen containing oligomer or polymer prepared by reacting a platinum (II) compound with a nitrogen containing oligomer or polymer in an organic solvent or an acidic aqueous medium, said complex or salt being useful for treating animal malignant tumor cells sensitive to cis-square planar platinum compounds.

Abstract: A cis- complex or -salt of a square planar platinum compound and a nitrogen containing oligomer or polymer prepared by reacting a platinum (II) compound with a nitrogen containing oligomer or polymer in an organic solvent or an acidic aqueous medium, said complex or salt being useful as an anti-cancer agent.