Abstract: A method for conducting a broad range of biochemical analyses or manipulations on a series of nano- to subnanoliter reaction volumes and an apparatus for carrying out the same are disclosed. The invention is implemented on a fluidic microchip to provide high serial throughput. In particular, the disclosed device is a microfabricated channel device that can manipulate nanoliter or subnanoliter reaction volumes in a controlled manner to produce results at rates of 1 to 10 Hz per channel. The reaction volumes are manipulated in serial fashion analogous to a digital shift register. The invention has application to such problems as screening molecular or cellular targets using single beads from split-synthesis combinatorial libraries, screening single cells for RNA or protein expression, genetic diagnostic screening at the single cell level, or performing single cell signal transduction studies.

Abstract: A hyperbranched polymer having pendent olefinic groups and comprising polymer units derived from one or more terminally-unsaturated, acyclic aliphatic diene and polymer units derived from maleic anhydride. Optionally, the hyperbranched polymer may further comprise polymer units derived from one or more 1-alkenes and/or a chain transfer agent. A process to prepare the hyperbranched polymer comprises contacting maleic anhydride with at least one terminally unsaturated acyclic aliphatic diene having at least 7 carbon atoms in the presence of an effective amount of a radical initiator in an aprotic solvent under dilute conditions.

Abstract: Stain resistant composition comprises a hyperbranched polymer having pendent olefinic groups and comprising polymer units derived from one or more terminally-unsaturated, acyclic aliphatic diene and polymer units derived from maleic anhydride. Optionally, the hyperbranched polymer may further comprise polymer units derived from one or more 1-alkenes and/or a chain transfer agent. A method to provide stain resistance to a substrate comprises applying the stain resistant composition to said substrate. Suitable substrates include textiles and hard surfaces.

Abstract: A composition for use as a stain blocker and a method of treating substrates therewith, said composition comprising a polymer of Formula 1 having the following repeating units in random sequence wherein R1 is H, methyl or ethyl; R2 and R3 are each independently H, C1 to about C10 alkyl, —COOR4, CONR5R6, or —CN; R4 is M, C1 to about C20 alkyl, or C6 to C10 aryl; R5 and R6 are each independently H, C1 to C10 alkyl, C6 to C10 aryl, or R5 and R6 together with the nitrogen atom form a morpholine, pyrrolidine, or piperidine ring; R7 is a C4 to C8 alkyl group; M is H, an alkali metal or alkali earth metal; h is about 10 to 100 mole %; i is 0 to about 80 mole %; j is 0 to about 60 mole %; k and n are each independently 0 to about 40 mole %; and m is 0.01 to about 0.5; provided that h+i+j+k+n equals 100, and provided that i+j+k+n is greater than zero, except when h is 100%.

Abstract: A composition which provides stain resistance and soil resistance to substrates comprising a copolymer of Formula 1 wherein D is at least one vinyl monomer selected from the group consisting of aryl olefin, vinyl ether, allyl ether, alpha olefin and diene; each M is independently H, NH4, Ca, Mg, Al, or a Group I metal; R is H, a C1-C16 alkyl group, or an arylalkyl group; Rf is a fully fluorinated straight or branched C2 to C20 aliphatic radical, or mixture thereof, which is optionally interrupted by at least one oxygen atom; x is 1 to about 10, or a mixture thereof; k and h are each independently a positive integer; i and j are each independently zero or a positive integer, provided that i and j are not both simultaneously zero; the molar ratio of k to (h+i+j) is from about 3:1 to about 1:3, and the molar ratio of h to (i+j) is from about 1:99 to about 22:78 is disclosed.

Abstract: A microfabricated device employing a bridging membrane and methods for electrokinetic transport of a liquid phase biological or chemical material using the same are described. The bridging membrane is deployed in or adjacent to a microchannel and permits either electric current flow or the transport of gas species, while inhibiting the bulk flow of material. The use of bridging membranes in accordance with this invention is applicable to electrokinetically inducing fluid flow to confine a selected material in a region of a microchannel that is not influenced by an electric field. Other structures for inducing fluid flow in accordance with this invention include nanochannel bridging membranes and alternating current fluid pumping devices. Applications of the bridging membranes according to this invention include the separation of species from a sample material, valving of fluids in a microchannel network, mixing of different materials in a microchannel, and the pumping of fluids.

Abstract: A carpet backing comprising a styrene butadiene rubber latex and at least one adsorbent, said backing reducing the reappearance, or wick back, of stains on carpet after cleaning of the carpet is disclosed.

Abstract: An audio/video distribution system that is cost-effective, highly flexible, and capable of being used over an extended area and without the need for a centralized switching and distribution mechanism. The audio/video distribution system includes a distribution cable, at least one audio/video transmitter, at least one receiver, and a control director. The transmitter is configured to receive signals from at least one audio/video source while the receiver is connected to the distribution cable and configured to receive signals from the distribution cable. The control director is connected to the distribution cable and configured to control the transmitter and receiver.

Abstract: A microfabricated device employing a bridging membrane and methods for electrokinetic transport of a liquid phase biological or chemical material using the same are described. The bridging membrane is deployed in or adjacent to a microchannel and permits either ionic current flow or the transport of gas species, while inhibiting the bulk flow of material. The use of bridging membranes in accordance with this invention is applicable to a variety of processes, including electrokinetically induced pressure flow in a region of a microchannel that is not influenced by an electric field, sample concentration enhancement and injection, as well as improving the analysis of materials where it is desired to eliminate electrophoretic bias. Other applications of the bridging membranes according to this invention include the separation of species from a sample material, valving of fluids in a microchannel network, mixing of different materials in a microchannel, and the pumping of fluids.

Abstract: A semi-recumbent bicycle having a conventional wheelbase. The frame of the bicycle has a unique geometric configuration in that the main tube of the frame is straight such that its axis forms an acute angle with the line of the ground so that the main tube is higher at its rear end than at its front end. This novel arrangement permits the semi-recumbent bicycle to be more easily manufactured and assembled because all of the major components of the bicycle are aligned directly off of the main tube and there is no need, with the exception of the rear triangle which supports the rear wheel, to align and fit together the component parts of the bicycle. Moreover, the semi-recumbent bicycle may be operated by riders of many different sizes because the bicycle seat is adjustable along the main tube toward and away from the foot pedals. The unique geometric configuration also enhances the range of adjustability of the seat and makes it possible to provide a luggage rack which is connected to the back of the seat.