Abstract: Methods for increasing Schwann cell survival are disclosed. The methods of the invention are useful for the treatment of conditions such as peripheral neuropathies, including diabetic neuropathies.

Abstract: A chuck includes a generally cylindrical body and a plurality of jaws reciprocally disposed in the body in communication with a central bore in the body. A first detent extends radially into the central bore and is releasable in a radially outward direction. Upon insertion of an elongated tool shaft having a polygonal cross section into the bore so that a groove in the tool shaft is aligned with the first detent, the first detent engages the groove and axially retains the tool shaft. Upon movement of the jaws so that the jaw faces engage flat sides of the tool shaft, the jaws rotationally retain the tool shaft.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system to inspect the edge of a wafer, comprises an surface analyzer assembly, a first drive assembly to impart linear motion between the surface analyzer and a first surface of the wafer, and a second drive assembly to impart rotary motion between the surface analyzer and the wafer about an axis parallel to the first surface of the wafer.

Abstract: The subject invention is an electrical connector system for a pair of printed circuit boards which utilizes a vertical female connector which is to be connected to one printed circuit board and a separate right angled male connector which has a housing which includes a plurality of right angled first electrically positive terminals which are to be used to connect to a second printed circuit board. Both printed circuit boards are connected together in a right angle relationship with one printed circuit board being located edgewise to the other printed circuit board. A mass of separate positive circuit paths is obtained by the terminals from one printed circuit board to the other. The vertical female connector and the right angled male electrical connector are fixedly mounted on their respective printed circuit boards.

Abstract: Field effect transistors having a power density of greater than 25 W/mm when operated at a frequency of at least 4 GHz are provided. The power density may be at least 30 W/mm when operated at 4 GHz. The power density of at least 30 W/mm may be provided at a drain voltage of 120 V. Transistors with a power density of at least 30 W/mm when operated at 8 GHz are also provided. The power density of at least 30 W/mm may be provided at a drain voltage of 120 V. Field effect transistors having a power density of greater than 20 W/mm when operated at a frequency of at least 10 GHz are also provided. Field effect transistors having a power density of at least 2.5 W/mm and a two tone linearity of at least ?30 dBc of third order intermodulation distortion at a center frequency of at least 4 GHz and a power added efficiency (PAE) of at least 40% are also provided.

Abstract: A heap is constructed with hypogenic copper sulfide bearing ore to include exposed sulfide mineral particles at least 25 weight % of which are hypogenic copper sulfides. The concentration of the exposed sulfide mineral particles is such that the heap includes at least 10 Kg of exposed sulfide sulfur per tonne of solids in the heap. At least 50% of the total copper in the heap is in the form of hypogenic copper sulfides. A substantial portion of the heap is heated to at least 50° C. The heap is inoculated with a thermophilic microorganism, and bioleaching is carried out so that sufficient sulfide mineral particles in the heap are biooxidized to oxidize at least 10 Kg of sulfide sulfur per tonne of solids in the heap and to cause the dissolution of at least 50% of the copper in the heap in a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: Differential dynamic content delivery including providing a session document for a presentation, wherein the session document includes a session grammar and a session structured document; selecting from the session structured document a classified structural element in dependence upon user classifications of a user participant in the presentation; and presenting the selected structural element to the user. In some embodiments, selecting a classified structural element includes selecting a classified structural element in dependence upon the presentation action identifier and the parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permitting a base housing to support a plurality of different product configurations. Some of the configurations include different types of optical indicia readers. The base housing has a reading portal capable of receiving a window frame. The window frame is designed for use with a specific type of optical indicia reading component. The invention permits efficient manufacturing of the housing prior to determining which type of optical indicia reader the housing will house.

Abstract: This electronic musical instrument has an extremely simple user-interface that can be played with only three fingers, one at a time. A user selects from among a small set of chords, and chooses a music-ending. This enables novices to extemporaneously produce good, simple rhythm-guitar and rhythm-banjo music to accompany singing. Strummed-guitar, finger-picked guitar, and finger-picked banjo music is composed by replaying pre-recorded elemental chording-phrases and music-ending phrases. The chording selectors also provide limited notes between strummed chords for embellishment. Optional music-endings automatically match the selected voice, key, beat, tempo and volume, nearly precluding musical errors. Common musical keys and chord types are provided to accommodate all voice ranges, and the majority of songs common to the western world. Persons capable of singing on tune can play this instrument after a brief familiarization without any practice, playing guide, or prior musical education.

Abstract: A stud bridging/spacing member generally having at least three longitudinally spaced apart notches for receiving and engaging therein a web of a metal stud. At least one of the notches has opposing notch sides which are oriented such that when a portion of a web is received therein, one of the notch sides contacts the web at a first portion of the web and the other notch side contacts the web at a second portion of the web such that the first portion of the web and the second portion of the web are not located on a common longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A step stool includes a frame and a tray coupled to the frame. The tray includes a pair of container receivers. Each container receiver is adapted to receive a container on the container receiver.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed comprising a transmission input, a transmission output, and a continuously variable ratio unit (“variator”) arranged to be coupled between the transmission input (205) and output (240) by means of at least one clutch (230,250) thereby to enable transfer of drive between the input and the output at a continuously variable transmission ratio. The variator is connected to a hydraulic control circuit (50) and so subject to a hydraulic control pressure which is adjustable by the control circuit and is also influenced by changes in variator ratio. The variator is constructed and arranged such as to adjust its ratio to provide a variator reaction torque which corresponds to the control pressure. The transmission further comprising means (311,310) for adjusting the torque capacity of the clutch while it is engaged so that by controlling torque loading applied to the variator, the clutch influences the control pressure and the reaction torque.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle frame reinforcement system has a skeleton member designed to be secured to a vehicle frame, such as a roof or pillar section. An expandable material, such as an epoxy-based reinforcing foam, is disposed on the skeleton member. Once the system is attached to the frame, the foam expands and cures during an automobile assembly operation, bonding the reinforcement system to the frame. As a result, the reinforcement system provides enhanced load distribution over the vehicle frame without adding excessive weight.

Abstract: Error detection mechanisms for devices that have multilevel signal interfaces test multilevel signals of an interface with a binary test apparatus. The error detection mechanisms include converting between multilevel signals of the interface and binary signals of the test apparatus. The error detection mechanisms also include repeated transmission of multilevel signals stored in a memory of a device having a multilevel signal interface for detection by the test apparatus at different binary levels.

Abstract: A barrier net across a space defined by the fuselage of an aircraft and a floor of the aircraft comprises a plurality of intersecting net members, at least some of the members being attached to the fuselage by attachment structures attached to attachment points on the fuselage of the aircraft and held forward of the attachment points so that a major portion of the net is in a plane further forward than the attachment points.

Abstract: An improved charge pump used in a phase-locked loop includes transient current correction capability by adding a canceling capacitance for each parasitic capacitance associated with a switching device in a charge pump. For each transient current component flowing through the parasitic capacitance, a canceling capacitance is implemented to create a canceling transient current component in the opposite direction such that it cancels out the transient current component. Preferably, an additional switching device is added to implement such a canceling capacitance for each parasitic capacitance.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for detecting biomolecular interactions said method comprising: (a) selecting an appropriate reporter molecule selected from the group consisting of a protein, a fluorescent protein, a luminescent protein and a phosphorescent protein; (b) effecting fragmentation of said reporter molecule such that said fragmentation results in reversible loss of reporter function; (c) fusing or attaching fragments of said reporter molecule separately to other molecules; followed by (d) reassociation of said reporter fragments through interactions of the molecules that are fused to said fragments; and (e) detecting said biomolecular interactions by reconstitution of activity of the reporter molecule.

Abstract: A staple-forming and inserting apparatus 10 is provided having an apparatus 22 for movement of the cutter box 20 to allow automatic variations in staple length for one or more staple-forming and inserting apparatus 10 said staple-forming and inserting apparatus 10 being provided with a staple crown 105 supporting shoe 56 to permit supported insertion of the staple into the workpiece the device 10 having blades 50a, 50b for pinch-cutting of the staple wire 72 to provide chisel ends to legs 101 of stable 100 device 10 have key and rail construction to allow the operating drive 16 and bender 18 rails to travel on keys 32 that may be replaced to avoid wear on drive 16 and bender 18 rails and replacement of the rails and a floating bender rail 18 that prevents overstrike and damage to knives 50a, 50b.

Abstract: Lightweight, hook-engageable materials capable of functioning as hook-engageable fasteners are treated and configured for use for economical and attractive displays and decorations. Laminates of the material with various substrates with associated printing are used to form visually attractive point of purchase, merchandise or trade show displays. Self-supporting or stable materials having lettering or designs on their surface are used to form banners or floor coverings. Non-woven materials with varied areal density of fibers perform those functions with particular economy. Low density knit fabrics are also useful according to broad features of the invention. Methods are shown to produce reinforced corrugated board and desirably laminated and printed materials having hook-engageable surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention features a combination utility/camper trailer capable of being converted between a first utility functioning configuration or position, a second utility functioning configuration or position, and a sleep functioning configuration or position via means for repositioning, which allows first and second configurable panel members to be relocated or repositioned between these positions. In the first utility functioning position, the combination utility/camper trailer is capable of supporting and carrying a load atop the panel members, while simultaneously providing storage in the trailer bed below. In the second utility functioning configuration, the trailer is configured to increase the volume of the interior storage portion of the trailer bed by positioning first and second configurable panel members in an upward extending manner.