Abstract: A washer assembly for a threaded fastener said assembly including a first washer portion having an aperture through which the threaded fastener is to pass, and a surface surrounding said aperture; and a second washer portion, said second washer portion having an aperture through which the fastener is to pass, the second portion having a surface surrounding the aperture of the second portion and being positioned to abut the surface of the first portion and to be urged into contact therewith upon tensioning of the fastener; and wherein the surface of said second portion extends beyond the aperture of said first portion when the surfaces abut, the aperture of said first portion is dimensioned to provide for relative movement between the portions with the apertures aligned to provide for the insertion of the threaded fastener therethrough, and said surfaces have cooperating projections and recesses that inhibit relative movement between the portions when the threaded fastener is tensioned urging the surface of sa

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic component having a semiconductor component, particularly a semiconductor chip, and at least one SMD component, a chip carrier with a support platform and with connecting leads. Whereby the semiconductor component, which is connected electrically via chip bonds to bond fingers of the connecting leads is mounted on the support platform and the SMD component connects the support platform to a connecting lead via contact surfaces arranged thereon, a housing, which encloses the semiconductor component, the SMD component, and at least partially the chip carrier. The support platform and the connecting lead in the area of the SMD component are profiled to create barriers in such a way that flowing of a free-flowing material from the contact surfaces connected to the SMD component of the chip carrier both onto the support platform and onto the connecting lead is prevented.

Abstract: A method of doing business, and related system, for a pre-reservation on an open basis, namely for a guaranteed room on a future unspecified date or future unspecified dates at lodging, which belongs to a group of pre-selected lodgings in a designated geographic area, where the open basis reservation can be converted to a guaranteed room on a specified date or dates. The method and system are useful in one or both of a disaster/emergency or absence of a disaster/emergency.

Abstract: The invention provides CVD-based methods for growing single-walled or multi-walled carbon nanotubes. In the methods of the invention, the nanotube growth environment is separated from the carbon-containing gas feed environment using a membrane which is substantially impermeable to gas flow but permits diffusion of carbon through the membrane. A catalyst for carbon nanotube growth is located on the growth side of the membrane while a catalyst for decomposition of carbon-containing gas is located on the feed side of the membrane. A path for diffusion of carbon through the membrane is provided between the growth and decomposition catalysts. Control of the size and shape of the carbon nanotube growth catalyst enables control over the nanotube structure formed.

Abstract: The invention provides CVD-based methods for growing single-walled or multi-walled carbon nanotubes. In the methods of the invention, the nanotube growth environment is separated from the carbon-containing gas feed environment using a membrane which is substantially impermeable to gas flow but permits diffusion of carbon through the membrane. A catalyst for carbon nanotube growth is located on the growth side of the membrane while a catalyst for decomposition of carbon-containing gas is located on the feed side of the membrane. A path for diffusion of carbon through the membrane is provided between the growth and decomposition catalysts. Control of the size and shape of the carbon nanotube growth catalyst enables control over the nanotube structure formed.

Abstract: A single-pass heavy-ion fusion system includes a new arrangement of current multiplying processes that employs multiple isotopes to achieve the desired effect of distributing the task of amplifying the current among all the various processes, to relieve stress on any one process, and to increase margin of safety for assured ICF (inertial confinement fusion) power production. Energy and power of the ignition-driver pulses are greatly increased, thus increasing intensity of target heating and rendering reliable ignition readily attainable. The present design eliminates the need for storage rings. Further innovations are to give the HIF (heavy ion fusion) Driver flexibility to drive multiple chambers in the most general case of different total distances between the linac output and each of the various chambers. Using multiple chambers steeply decreases the pro-rata capital investment and operating costs per power production unit, in turn decreasing the cost of power to users.

Abstract: A method of doing business, and related system, for a pre-reservation on an open basis, namely for a guaranteed room on a future unspecified date or future unspecified dates at lodging, which belongs to a group of pre-selected lodgings in a designated geographic area, where the open basis reservation can be converted to a guaranteed room on a specified date or dates. The method and system are useful in one or both of a disaster/emergency or absence of a disaster/emergency.

Abstract: A compound having the formula in racemic form, enantiomerically enriched form or enantiomerically pure form; wherein X is a radical precursor; R5 is a C1-10 alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, or a benzyl group; R6 is an alkyl group, —Si(R8R9R10) or —(R7)Si(R8R9R10), wherein R7 is an alkylene group, an alkenylene group, or an alkynylene group; and R8, R9 and R10 are independently a C1-10 alkyl group, a C2-10 alkenyl group, a C2-10 alkynyl group, an aryl group or a —(CH2)NR11 group, wherein N is an integer within the range of 1 through 10 and R11 is a hydroxy group, an alkoxy group, an amino group, an alkylamino group, a dialkylamino group, a halogen atom, a cyano group, —SRc or a nitro group; and R13 is H, F or —CH3.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring competitive binding activity of molecules to nuclear receptors comprising mixing a fluorescence-emitting compound that specifically binds to steroid hormone receptors in a solution wherein the fluorescence-emitting compound is in concentration below the dissociation constant and the steroid hormone receptors are at or above the dissociation constant using fluorescence polarization.

Abstract: A method for quantitating enzyme activity that causes phosphorylation or dephosphorylation of a peptide or protein substrate is provided. The method utilizes the differences in fluorescence polarization of a phosphorylated amino acid-containing fluorescence-emitting reporter molecule free in solution as compared to being bound to a binding molecule.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward the delivery of a toxic protein to pathogenic cells, particularly cancer cells. In preferred embodiments, the toxic protein is a ribonuclease that has been modified to make it toxic to target cells and that can be conjugated to a target cell-specific delivery vector, such as an antibody, for delivery to pathogenic cells.

Abstract: A medical device is described that comprises a polymeric component and a microcapsule additive including a fluid that enhances direct visibility during magnetic resonance imaging of at least a predetermined portion of the polymeric component.

Abstract: A metallized substrate, such as used to make a resonant circuit tag with inductive and capacitive elements in series, has a thin inorganic or polymeric dielectric layer formed on a metal layer. The inorganic layer may be formed by anodizing a surface of the metal layer. The organic layer may be formed by flexographic printing. In both cases, a via hole is formed through the dielectric layer. A second layer of very thin conductive metal is deposited on the dielectric layer and in the via hole. The substrate is subsequently patterned with an etch resist and then etched to form the inductor coil and the capacitor plates, which are interconnected via the metallized via hole.

Abstract: An articulate railroad grade crossing assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the crossing assembly has an adjustable reach so that it can be adjusted to completely or partially close roadways of various sizes. In another preferred embodiment, the assembly includes one or more sensors for detecting the presence of people and/or objects in the crossing area so that the assembly can automatically respond to such presence.

Abstract: The present application discloses an apparatus for treating vascular aneurysms and includes an occlusive support device comprised of one or more support members. The occlusive device has a first end portion and a second end portion, an end cap member at the first end portion of the occlusive support device, and an anchoring member at the second end portion. The end cap member is comprised of at least one of one or more of the support members. The end cap member has openings and the end cap member comprises a reactive material that is configured to hydrate upon delivery of the device and to reduce the size of said openings. The end cap member has an end cap diameter and the end cap is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support device. The end cap has an extension along the longitudinal axis of said device that is less than two times the end cap diameter.

Abstract: A compound has the formula in racemic form, enantiomerically enriched form or enantiomerically pure form. R6 is preferably —Si(R8R9R10) or —(R7)Si(R8R9R10), wherein R7 is an alkylene group, an alkenylene group, or an alkynylene group; and R8, R9 and R10 are independently a C1-10 alkyl group, a C2-10 alkenyl group, a C2-10 alkynyl group, an aryl group or a —(CH2)NR11 group, wherein N is an integer within the range of 1 through 10 and R11 is a hydroxy group, alkoxy group, an amino group, an alkylamino group, a dialkylamino group, a halogen atom, a cyano group, —SRc or a nitro group. R1-R4 can be broadly substituted. R5 is preferably a C1-10 alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, or a benzyl group. R13 is preferably H, F or —CH3. R16 is R16 is —C(O)Rf or H. The E-ring (the lactone ring) may be opened. A method of synthesis of compound (1) and intermediates in the synthesis thereof are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided relationally modeling a trimmed NURBS surface. The relational model may be formed of a NURBS surface object, a trimming curve object that depends on the NURBS surface object, and a third object which depends on both the NURBS surface object and trimming curve object. Modeling a NURBS surface and a trimmed NURBS surface as separate objects eliminates the issue of circular definitions discussed earlier with respect to relational modeling of trimmed NURBS surfaces.

Abstract: A comprehensive program method and system particularly adapted for the segments of the healthcare industry dealing with Durable Medical Equipment items and related out-patient services, such as found in the home health care segment, wherein the prescribed patient goods and services, 3rd party providers, and insurance companies are efficiently integrated according to various functions, e.g. pre-certification, purchasing, leasing, inventory management, billing coding of goods/services, fraud detection and prevention, and final delivery to the patient or consumer.

Abstract: A telephone system incorporating the present invention provides the capability for automated dialing of a telephone number stored in a caller ID log by determining the correct dialing procedure and then dialing the telephone number in accordance with the correct dialing procedure.

Abstract: A hybrid atomizing fuel nozzle includes a stem with primary and secondary fuel circuits. A nozzle assembly fixed at the downstream end of the stem includes primary and secondary nozzle portions. A shroud and swirler assembly surrounds the nozzle assembly, and includes an annular body with a prefilmer surface. A radial inflow swirler in the annular body directs a first swirling air flow radially inward toward the secondary nozzle portion. An outer air swirler disposed in surrounding relation to the annular body provides a converging second swirling air flow downstream of the prefilmer surface. Discrete fuel passages direct fuel streams outward and downstream toward and against the prefilmer surface. The fuel passes through the first air flow and is evenly distributed across the prefilmer surface in a thin continuous sheet. The first and second air flows then cause the sheet to form a conical spray of atomized fuel.