Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting HCV genotype 1 (HCV-1) in a sample which is based on the finding that the 5? non-coding region (NCR) of the HCV genome is conserved between HCV-1 quasi-species but not between other HCV subgroups. The method comprises subjecting the sample to an amplification reaction using at least one primer which anneals specifically to the 5? noncoding region (5? NCR) of the HCV-1 genome, and detecting the product of the amplification reaction. Kits and primers suitable for carrying out the method are also provided.

Abstract: A tethered ligand comprising the reaction product of an organofunctional silica and a ligand containing a functional group capable of reaction with said organofunctional silica, wherein the organofunctional silica is prepared from an alkyl silicate and an organofunctional silane is described. A supported catalyst is also described comprising additionally a source of catalytically-active metal. Methods for preparing the tethered ligand and supported catalyst are provided and uses of the supported catalyst for performing asymmetric reactions are claimed. The catalysts are readily separable from the reaction mixtures and may be re-used if desired.

Abstract: A sampling cartridge for a gas sampling apparatus includes a shell having a cylindrical wall and a sampling window extending through the wall. A pair of spools are coaxially and internally positioned within the shell. The spools are independently rotatable relative to the shell. A first spool may include multiple interval sample collectors while the second spool includes a duration sample collector. Each spool also has a window closing surface which is positioned adjacent the window whenever an access door of the gas sampling apparatus is opened. The sampling cartridge may also include a fully encapsulated section of sample collector material as a negative control, and an integral RF tag for storing chain of custody information including personal identification information of a cartridge replenisher.

Abstract: A furnace blower apparatus has a tubular housing that is connected between a heating furnace and an exhaust flue of the furnace. The housing has an interior bore containing a fan assembly for drawing air through the furnace burner chamber on operation of the fan assembly. The housing includes a panel that is removably mounted to a side wall of the housing. The fan assembly is mounted to an interior surface of the panel, whereby the fan assembly can be removed from the interior of the housing by removing the panel from the housing.

Abstract: An emission management system (200) for a vessel (100) adapted to travel on water. The emission management system includes a monitoring assembly (202) for monitoring an emission from the vessel. The monitoring assembly is adapted to automatically detect the emission from the vessel and generate a data set representative of a vessel location at a time the emission occurred. The emission management system also includes a data storage system (210) in communication with the monitoring assembly for recording the data set generated by the monitoring assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed to enhance access to an archive of motion picture assets for which the storage volume has been physically reduced. All B-negative, trims and outs, sound rolls, mag, dailies, work prints, scripts, and reports are manually consolidated and indexed by a computer database retain accessibility. The consolidated assets are digitized and made available in thumbnail versions to users remote from the archive, thereby increasing the availability, usability, security, and value of the consolidated assets.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for controlling an electric machine. The method can include using a controller to detect whether power is present at a first node of the controller, detect whether power is present at a second node of the controller, generate at least one signal based at least in part on the detection, and energize the electric machine using a detected power when the at least one signal indicates power is present at at least one of the first node, the second node, and a combination of the first node and the second node.

Abstract: Intravascular devices (e.g., stents, stent grafts, covered stents, aneurysm coils, embolic agents and drug delivery catheters and balloons) are used in combination with fibrosing agents in order to induce fibrosis that may otherwise not occur when the implant is placed within an animal or to promote fibrosis betweent the devices and the host tissues. Compositions and methods are described for use in the treatment of aneurysms and unstable arterial (vulnerable) plaque.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, system, and computer readable medium for managing documents that comprises associating a first document in a first category with a second document in a second category, and grouping the documents.

Abstract: A printing device with one or more data capture device. The captured data is used to determine anomalies stet system. Using pattern recognition, image quality verification, and position recognition irregular labels can be discarded and adjustments made to correct for the anomalies and/or reset the printer. A method for using the printing device to analyze the label position and printed image to identify and correct the anomalies.

Abstract: A knife comprising a first side element 10, a second side element 20, the first and second side elements 10, 20 defining therebetween a channel 36 across at least a part of which a cutting edge of a blade extends 38, wherein the second side element 20 is moveable relative to the first side element 10 to vary the width of the channel 36.

Abstract: The snow shovel easily and with minimal effort, scoops up a pile of snow, pivot and wheels the contents to another location, whereupon operation of a lever releases its load. The telescoping frame and rotatable handle provides a selection of lockable positions. The front mounted scoop head is pivotally mounted to the lower end of the frame. Upon activation of a release lever, the scoop head is allowed to rotate downward, releasing its load. A wheel assembly mounted to an intermediate portion of the frame supports the shovel in an inclined position, allowing the user to concentrate on applying force in a forward direction rather than expending effort lifting the handle. Furthermore, the wheel assembly acts as a fulcrum whereby downward pressure on the handlebars of the shovel elevates the scoop for ease of transport. The wheel assembly may be rotated towards the frame when not in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a female articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car in a reconditioning fixture is disclosed. The apparatus is a centering tool having a generally annular cylindrical arc shape for placement against the bore of a female connector and against an alignment tube traversing the bore to ensure proper alignment.

Abstract: A patient positioning system for radiation therapy, including an elongated table, a lock bar positioned on the table and extending perpendicular to a length of the table, and first and second clamps secured to opposing ends of the lock bar. The clamps are adapted to grip flat surfaces of sides of the table so as to secure the lock bar in a fixed position along the length of the table. The second clamp is adjustably secured on the lock bar so that the second clamp can be unsecured from the lock bar, the lock bar can be re-positioned on the table as desired, and the second clamp then re-secured to the lock bar to fix the lock bar in place on the table. The system also includes a patient restraint member secured to the lock bar and adapted to extend over a patient lying on the table.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the present invention, execution-state transitions occur in a first portion of a system, and a cumulative execution state for each process is maintained by a second portion of the system so that, when a second-portion routine is called, the second-portion routine can determine whether or not the current execution state is suitable for execution of the second-portion routine. In various embodiments, a callpoint log, allocated and maintained for each process, stores the cumulative execution state for the process. In one embodiment, the first portion is an operating system, and the second portion is a secure kernel, with the cumulative execution state used by the secure kernel to prevent unauthorized access by erroneously or maliciously invoked operating-system routines to secure kernel routines. In another embodiment, the cumulative execution state is used as a debugging tool by the second-portion routines to catch errors in the implementation of the first-portion routines.

Abstract: An archive of motion picture assets having reduced physical volume and method of manufacture are disclosed. All B-negative, trims and outs, sound rolls, mag, dailies, work prints, scripts, and reports are manually consolidated and indexed by a computer database retain accessibility. The consolidated assets are digitized and made available in thumbnail versions to users remote from the archive, thereby increasing the availability, usability, security, and value of the consolidated assets.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring wear and specified dimensions and aiding in the method of reconditioning of articulated connectors is disclosed. The apparatus is a drop-in bore gauge with a handle, a flange and at least one elongated fin for insertion into the bore of the female castings. Once inserted, dimensions can be determined by placement of the gauge at a reference point and observing the location of an elongated fin measuring edge relative to the bore.

Abstract: A bayonet locking system for vending machines or the like is provided for locking and unlocking the machine preferably with a remotely controlled electronic operating device. The lock system includes at least one axially and rotationally movable bayonet that can be mounted selectively on the door of the machine and at least one receptacle receiving device disposed within the interior of the machine and positioned for engagement by the bayonet when the door is moved between an open position, an intermediate position, and a closed position. When the door is manually moved from the open position to the intermediate position, the bayonet advances into the receptacle and rotates to capture it in the receptacle. Then the bayonet axially retracts to pull the door into the closed position wherein a gasket disposed between the door and the vending machine is substantially uniformly compressed and sealed around its periphery.

Abstract: A method for reconditioning an articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car is disclosed. The connector is measured to find areas and amounts of wear on portions of the connector. The measurements are taken relative to a reference portion of the connector. Weld metal is then applied to the worn portion of the connector. The excess weld metal is manually or automatically machined away so that the connector falls within the required dimensions. A measurement of the weld area is again taken to ensure that the specified dimensions have been achieved. Apparatuses for measuring wear and specified dimensions and aiding in the method of reconditioning the connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to auto-ignition/booster compositions for inflators of occupant restraint systems, for example. An exemplary auto-ignition composition in accordance with the present invention includes a metal chlorate, an auto-ignition fuel selected from the group including sugars and orgainic acids, and a nitrogen-containing secondary fuel.