Abstract: An altered antibody chain is produced in which the CDR's of the variable domain of the chain are derived from a first mammalian species. The framework-encoding regions of DNA encoding the variable domain of the first species are mutated so that the mutated framework-encoding regions encode a framework derived from a second different mammalian species. The or each constant domain of the antibody chain, if present, are also derived from the second mammalian species.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that the administration of at least one immunoconjugate and at least one chemotherapeutic agent provides an unexpectedly superior treatment for cancer. The present invention is directed to compositions comprising at least one immunoconjugate and at least one chemotherapeutic agent and to methods of treating cancer using at least one immunoconjugate and at least one chemotherapeutic agent. The present invention also provides methods of modulating the growth of selected cell populations, such as cancer cells, by administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one chemotherapeutic agent and at least one immunoconjugate.

Abstract: The invention describes a procedure for the examination of objects by the means of ultrasound waves whereby a volume-of-interest is scanned by a 3D-ultrasound-probe by moving a transmitter/receiver beam in a scan plane within selectable limits. This B-mode scan plane is also simultaneously moved in a direction across to this scan plane. The transmitting of sound pulses and acquiring the echo-signals is done more or less continuously during the movement in B-plane and across to it The echo-signals are stored in a volume memory on addresses which correspond to the spatial position of the echo-generating structure inside the object. These stored data-sets are evaluated by a 3D-processor and are represented on at least one display unit by different algorithms with selectable parameters. Important is that the acquisition and the representation is done continuously.

Abstract: A thermal treatment system including a heat applying element for generating thermal doses for ablating a target mass in a patient, a controller for controlling thermal dose properties of the heat applying element, an imager for providing preliminary images of the target mass and thermal images during the treatment, and a planner for automatically constructing a treatment plan, comprising a series of treatment sites that are each represented by a set of thermal dose properties. The planner automatically constructs the treatment plan based on input information including one or more of a volume of the target mass, a distance from a skin surface of the patient to the target mass, a set of default thermal dose prediction properties, a set of user specified thermal dose prediction properties, physical properties of the heat applying elements, and images provided by the imager.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and/or performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device comprises one or more support hoops connected near a distal end of a guide wire, each support hoop having an articulation region, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop or hoops to form a mouth of the blood permeable sac. The mouth of the sac closes when the apparatus is collapsed for removal to prevent material from escaping from the sac.

Abstract: A compact, portable weather station for predicting local extreme weather conditions and for reporting remote weather conditions. The weather station has sensors for determining local temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, ambient light, and ambient static charge. A microprocessor has memory for storing data relating to past weather conditions and data processing apparatus and algorithms for determining probable developing weather conditions responsive to sensed local conditions. The weather station has a radio receiver for communicating with global weather reporting communications systems utilizing cellular communications. Operating commands, predicted local weather conditions, and remote weather conditions are annunciated in synthesized voice in any one of a variety of predetermined languages. The weather station includes voice synthesizing and recognition apparatus for annunciating verbal prompts and weather conditions, and for responding to vocal control.

Abstract: A method of facilitating payment of health care benefits to on behalf of a payer comprising the step of electronically transmitting a stored-value card account payment of the authorized benefit amount concurrently with an explanation of benefits.

Abstract: A system, method and carrier medium for modeling a Financial Service Organization (FSO) business in a computer software program and for storing the model of the FSO business in a database. An object-oriented business model representing the FSO may be created and stored in a business model database. The one or more business objects included in the business model may be configured to describe various products, methods, functions and properties associated with an FSO. A process map business object may describe a process workflow. The process workflow may identify a sequence of tasks to be performed by an FSO production system to process an FSO transaction. The sequence of tasks associated with an FSO transaction may be consistent with pre-defined business logic for the transaction. Selecting a task object from a plurality of task objects and transferring the task object to a process map display representing the process map business object may create the process workflow.

Abstract: Digital assets are in a secured form that only those with granted access rights can access. Even with the proper access privilege, when a secured file is classified, at least a security clearance key is needed to ensure those who have the right security clearance can ultimately access the contents in the classified secured file. According to one embodiment, a secured file or secured document includes two parts: a header, and an encrypted data portion. The header includes security information that points to or includes access rules, a protection key and a file key. The access rules facilitate restrictive access to the encrypted data portion and essentially determine who the secured document can be accessed. The file key is used to encrypt/decrypt the encrypted data portion and protected by the protection key.

Abstract: A transmission process of control data is carried out simply and the reliability of transmission of the control data is improved. Data transmission among a plurality of communication stations is performed with a predetermined packet arrangement and transmission of the control data from a control station or a communication station is performed with the same predetermined packet arrangement.

Abstract: There is provided a safety vest assembly including a vest having a vest outer layer defining a vest inner cavity. A pair of contact substrates is disposed within the vest inner cavity. Each contact substrate includes an input connection element. A data input is connected to a respective contact substrate. The data input is electrically connected to the respective input connection element and is configured to receive data from the wearer. A data output is connected to a respective contact substrates and is communicable with a remote transceiver. The data output is electrically connected to the respective input connection element and is configured to communicate data to the remote transceiver. An input flex circuit is engageable with the pair of input connection elements to facilitate communication between the data input and data output along the input flex circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing element for an article of clothing, in particular for a goalkeeper glove, that allows a bending in a first direction, but resists bending in a second direction. The reinforcing element includes at least one bending area that has a curvature with a shape that allows bending of the reinforcing element in the first direction and blocks a bending of the reinforcing element in the second direction.

Abstract: A calf protector for rowers, comprising a single strip of neoprene (or a similar synthetic or natural rubber) covered by nylon (or other fabric having loops) with a strip of hook fasteners (as in VELCRO®) on one end. The neoprene strip is wider in the main middle part, and narrower at the ends. Hook fasteners on the inside surface at one end of the strip can engage loops in the fabric on the outside surface at the opposite end of the strip (or visa versa) so that it forms a loop around the rower's leg, to protect the back of the leg from friction against the front ends of rails on which the seats in a boat move when rowing. The invention may also be used by other persons to protect their legs and/or arms. The invention encompasses both an apparatus and a method for protecting limbs using the apparatus.

Abstract: A training garment is provided for use by a swimmer. The garment includes a layer of material that is configured to conform to a body portion of the swimmer, and a plurality of pockets that extend from the layer of material for increasing drag on the swimmer as the body portion is moved in a preselected direction of movement. At least one of the pockets has first and second conditions. In the first condition, drag is increased by that pocket on the swimmer as the body portion moves in the preselected direction of movement. In the second condition, drag is not increased by that pocket on the swimmer as the body portion moves in the preselected direction of movement.

Abstract: A jacket has several features useful for participating in a sport while wearing the jacket. The jacket may have a shell with a pocket in an upper region of the shell and a semi-rigid collar located in the pocket, wherein the semi-rigid collar is movable between a storage position wherein the semi-rigid collar is in the pocket and a use position wherein the semi-rigid collar is partially removed from the pocket. The jacket may also have a shoulder region with discrete areas of gripping material located on the shoulder region. The jacket may also have an inner core wrap having a perimeter, wherein a portion of the perimeter is removably attached to the outer shell that hugs the torso of a wearer.

Abstract: A protective sports glove including a contoured wrist cuff that substantially shields a gap defined between adjacent portions of the protective sports glove, such as hand and cuff portions. The contoured wrist cuff can include a leading edge that contours forwardly adjacent a thumb portion of the contoured wrist cuff and rearwardly across a portion of the radial side of a wearer's hand when the glove is on the wearer's hand. This can allow protection of the wearer's wrist in flexion without also impairing movement of the wearer's wrist.

Abstract: A surgical garment (1) has a front portion (2) and a back portion (3) and two sleeves (4). Each sleeve (4) has at least one adhesive region (6) for affixing a donned surgical glove (11) thereto, each such region (6) being covered by a strip (7) of release material being removable from the associated adhesive region (6) in a sterile manner after donning of the surgical glove (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a garment that includes a torso portion and a pair of sleeves, with the junction between the torso portion and each of the sleeves including a closable opening. Each of the closable openings includes a first portion positioned on a respective underarm, extending along a side of the torso portion, and a second portion extending on a respective one of the sleeves, with each of the sleeves including a proximal portion adjacent the torso portion, a distal portion adjacent the proximal portion, and an arrangement carried by the proximal portion to maintain the distal portion in a lifted-up state.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cervical spine protection apparatus one or more composite bands attached to provide restraint of one or more motions of the cervical spine of a wearer. The apparatus is designed to protect a wearer from incurring cervical spinal injuries, and/or to reduce the severity of cervical spine injuries without substantially compromising the normal functional range of motion of the wearer's cervical spine.

Abstract: An opening/closing apparatus capable of manipulating a sun visor, which is opened and closed at a front side of a front opening of a helmet main body, from a top portion of the helmet is provided. The opening/closing apparatus includes a sliding member in which its one end portion is coupled to a central top end portion of the sun visor, and a grip helping the sliding member to move forwards and backwards is formed at another end portion, a guide holder that is attached to an inner top portion of the helmet main body and guides a forward and a backward movement of the sliding member, and a damper that is a saw-toothed member and is attached to one side of the guide holder.

Abstract: The invention provides a workout garment for protecting a wearer from injury while the wearer exercises. The garment includes a plurality of supporting straps for providing customziably adjustable support to the shoulders and arms of the wearer. The supporting straps may be wrapped around the wearer's arms at a tightness suitable to accommodate the wearer's desired amount of support and comfort. Wrapping the straps tighter will provide increased support. Wrapping the straps looser will provide less support but may be more comfortable.

Abstract: A system for flushing a vacuum toilet contains a flushing water reservoir container, which may be filled with flushing water, a toilet bowl, which is connectable using a vacuum wastewater line and via a flushing valve to a vacuum system, and a spray device, situated in the toilet bowl, which is connected via a Venturi nozzle to the flushing water reservoir container. A partial vacuum is generated in the vacuum wastewater line when the flushing valve is open, which generates an airflow, by which flushing water contained in the flushing water reservoir container is suctioned, sprayed via the spray device into the toilet bowl, and suctioned into the vacuum wastewater line.

Abstract: A vertical sliding enclosure for a bathtub, including three vertically slidable glass panel assemblies, wherein each assembly contains a slidable glass panel attached by the left and right glass connectors serving as the transverse position limiters which limit the panel in the transverse movement, a pair of left and right housings having the respective longitudinal tracks for the panel in the vertical movement, and room for a counterbalancing weight system containing left and right pulleys and weight combination so that a weight of the glass panel can be balanced. The enclosure provides a sufficient height for a user to access the bathtub when the three panels are raised to their maximum heights. When in their lowered position, the three panels prevent shower water from entering the bathroom floor.

Abstract: An adjustable curved double curtain rod shower assembly for hanging and supporting the weight of two shower curtains and attached to the walls of a shower area and forms a shower enclosure area and the curtain rod assembly comprises: (a) two adjustable curved curtain rods in a horizontal plane one an inner rod and the second an outer rod and each rod comprises a first and a second tubular section wherein the first section fits into the second section thereby providing for telescopic adjustment of each of the rods and two end pieces that join the ends of each of the two adjustable rods together; (b) two end hanging means having pivotably positioned therein the two end pieces wherein each of the hanging means is attached to the walls of the shower enclosure and when shower curtains are attached to each of the rods form an enclosed shower area.

Abstract: A spa apparatus including a frame, a basin received in the frame, and an adjustable leg rest coupled to the frame. The adjustable leg rest is configured to slide between a first retracted position and a second extended position. The adjustable leg rest is selectively lockingly engaged by a fixation member to hold the adjustable leg rest in the desired position relative to the frame.

Abstract: A patient support is connectable to an external power source. The patient support includes a bedframe supported on a floor, a plurality of wheels coupled to the bedframe, and a brake configured to prevent the bed from moving on the floor. The brake is moveable between a braked position and an unbraked position. The patient support also includes a controller configured to activate an alarm when the brake is moved to the unbraked position when the bed is connected to the external power source.

Abstract: A hospital bed includes a frame having a head end, a foot end longitudinally spaced from the head end, and first and second laterally spaced sides. A siderail is coupled to the frame adjacent one of the first and second laterally spaced sides. A footboard is coupled to the frame adjacent the foot end such that a gap is defined between the siderail and the footboard. A barrier pad is coupleable to the frame in a first position and in a second position. The barrier pad is situated in the gap and extends generally longitudinally when coupled to the frame in the first position. The barrier pad extends generally laterally in juxtaposition with the footboard when coupled to the frame in the second position. The barrier pad, therefore, serves as a gap filler when in the first position and serves as a footboard pad in the second position.

Abstract: A bed has a head section and a foot section. The bed can assume a horizontal position and at least one position in which the foot section is at an angle relative to horizontal. For instance, the bed may assume a chair position, in which the head section is pivoted upwardly and the foot section is pivoted downwardly, to a substantially vertical position. Casters allow the bed to move relative to the floor. The casters can retract toward the head section of the bed as the foot section pivots downwardly toward the floor.

Abstract: A decorative object, most conveniently embodied as a decorative pillow, is constructed to maintain a substantially fixed spatial relationship to a supporting substrate within a vehicle interior while not requiring the use of fastening means. The supporting substrate may comprise a vehicle seat. A decorative pillow is provided with a surface or surfaces providing ornamentation. Components in the interior of the pillow interact to function efficiently as a fill chamber and a ballast chamber. The ballast chamber may be positioned to avoid engagement with surfaces exposed to a user. Ballast provides for inertia so that the pillow will tend to stay in place when acceleration forces are applied thereto.

Abstract: An inflatable child containment assembly generally in the form of a play pen type structure capable of multiple uses including a contained play area, a resting or sleeping space, a splash pool, a wash basin, and a support platform for changing a child. A wall assembly has sufficient structural integrity when inflated to assume either a first operative or upright position or a second operative, inverted position, depending on the intended use. A plurality of interconnected wall sections define the wall assembly and are collectively disposed in a closed, continuous configuration to form an interior child containment area having a closure assembly covering one end thereof. An inflatable base may serve as a cushion when removably disposed within the containment area. When in the deflated and collapsed orientation, the containment assembly may be easily carried by an individual utilizing an appropriate pouch or bag.

Abstract: A baby support device is described. The baby support device comprises an elongate first surface adapted to support all or part of a baby and a shorter second surface adapted to support at least part of a baby, the first and second surfaces being arranged at an angle with respect to one another such that the first surface alone or the first and second surfaces together can, in use, fully support a baby in both the prone or supine orientations.

Abstract: A baby change mat has a rectangular base mat, and pockets attached to a side of the base mat. The base mat has a non-slip fastening belt for fastening the base mat to a change table. The base mat provides a first work surface for changing a baby. The pocket provides storage space for storing items needed for changing the baby. A cover is detachably attached to the base mat for providing a second work surface. A flap is detachably attached to a side of the rectangular base mat. The flap can be folded on top of the base mat or the cover for providing a third work surface. The baby change mat can be rolled up and held in the rolled up configuration with an elastic closure loop. A carrying handle facilitates attaching the rolled up baby change mat to a support such as a baby stroller.

Abstract: An adjustable head support apparatus includes an adjustable head support member including one or more inflatable members; and an encasement layer configured to encase the one or more inflatable members. The adjustable head support apparatus further includes a measurement unit configured to provide measurements relating to a pressure of the one or more inflatable members; an analysis unit configured to determine goal characteristics of the adjustable head support member for a person using the measurements relating to the pressure of the one or more inflatable members; and a control unit configured to control adjustments to pressure of the one or more inflatable members using the determined goal characteristics.

Abstract: A crib rail bumper is formed with a cushioning pad, a fabric cover dimensioned to encompass the pad, and reversible fastening means on opposite sides of the cover for securing the cover and pad to the crib rail. The reversible fastening means is preferably a reversible zipper. The crib rail bumper is compressible along the length dimension so as to encompass crib rails of varying lengths. The cushioning pad has a major length dimension, a minor width dimension, and a thickness dimension, the dimensions being selected for encompassing a crib rail. The reversible fastener allows multiple bumpers to be attached together to encompass wide rails or a plurality of rails.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing variable support and variable comfort control of a sleep system, the apparatus including a sleep support member including: a comfort layer including: a plurality of comfort layer inflatable members; and a comfort layer sensor configured to provide data relating to respective pressures of the comfort layer inflatable members; a data analysis unit configured to analyze data provided by the comfort layer sensor and to generate analyzed comfort layer data; and a control unit configured to control a pressure within each of the respective comfort layer inflatable members using the analyzed comfort layer data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a drum type washing machine having ball balancers and a controlling method of the same that are capable of reducing spin-drying time. The drum type washing machine having ball balancers according to the present invention includes a rotary tub having the ball balancers mounted therein, a wash motor to rotate the rotary tub, and a controller to detect the eccentricity amount of the rotary tub while controlling the rotary tub to be rotated at a first rotation speed, and, when the rotation speed of the rotary tub reaches a second rotation speed, to control the rotary tub, such that the rotary tub is decelerated to a third rotation speed and a drainage process is carried out.

Abstract: The method for constructing precast coping for bridge enables for a segment to be match-cast manufactured at the top of a pier body. The method may be applied to small and medium size bridges by introducing transverse tendon force to each segment through tendons after manufacturing a subsegment which is match cast manufactured using sides of a pre-made segment as molding. Further, the method for constructing precast coping for bridge enables to construct precast coping for bridge by easily lifting the coping, which is assembled on the ground, using lifting lugs that are formed on the top of manufacturing segments.

Abstract: A suction-powered pool cleaning robot is provided, including a fluid outlet, configured for connection to a suction hose, and a fluid inlet, with a fluid path therebetween, a turbine, which may be any suitable device is configured to extract energy, such as in the form of rotational motion, from a fluid flow, at least partially disposed within the fluid path so as to extract energy from flow of fluid therethrough, and an electrical control system configured to regulate at least some of the operations of the robot, the control system including an electrical generator for providing power to the control system and configured to be driven by the turbine, and an electronic controller configured for the regulation.

Abstract: The power toothbrush includes a toothbrush body and a stem portion extending from the toothbrush body which has a workpiece with a flexible membrane at a remote end thereof, and a flexible membrane at a near end thereof as well. A movable piston is positioned in the stem portion, as well as a fluid which is in communication with the flexible membrane at the workpiece end of the toothbrush and the flexible membrane at the near end of the stem portion. The body includes a solenoid coil which, when actuated, moves the piston in opposing directions in a controlled manner within the stem, which acts on the fluid in the stem and moves the flexible membrane at the workpiece in and out at a desired frequency and amplitude.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes an electric toothbrush main body that includes a grip portion; a brush member that includes a brush; a motor that moves the brush; an actuator that relatively rotates the brush member with respect to the electric toothbrush main body in order to change an orientation of the brush; an acceleration sensor that detects an attitude of the main body; and a CPU that controls the actuator such that a brush angle becomes a predetermined optimum value based on the detected attitude.

Abstract: The brush head of the toothbrush has filaments that are pointed at one end and led through clearances in the bristle carrier. These filaments have a length of about 10-20 mm. The tips of the pointed filaments produce a height profile other than that of a plane and the ends of the pointed filaments that are remote from the tips are melted.

Abstract: A dual mode floor scrubber with a square cleaning pad that can rotate in a first mode to achieve a scrubbing operation away from the walls, and reciprocate longitudinally in a second mode adjacent to a wall to remove the sediment next to the wall and corners.

Abstract: A brush for cleaning a trailer hitch receiver that comprises an elongated stem attached to a handle at one end and a cleaning head at the opposite end. The brush is configured so that a person can grasp the handle of the device and ream the cleaning head having at least two flat abrasive sides into the trailer hitch receiver so as to clean out accumulated salt, asphalt, rust debris from the receiver hitch. A method for cleaning a substantially square trailer hitch receiver using the aforementioned cleaning device.

Abstract: A disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a mop includes a layer of sponge material, a layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin fixedly attached to the layer of sponge material and attachment structure secured to the layer of sponge material for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the mop. In using the cleaning pad, the layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin is the layer that contacts the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning pad may be provided with a suitable attachment structure for mounting the pad onto a butterfly mop, a squeeze mop or a roller mop.

Abstract: A device for wiping a section of the human body surrounding the anus having a contoured body that is shaped to mimic the contours of the anatomy between the anus and groin within the natural depression. A ridge is formed on the contoured body. The ridge starts proximate a forward edge and progresses toward a rear edge. The ridge follows an ascending slope to an apex. Additionally, sloped side surfaces ascend from the side edges toward the ridge. A handle extends laterally from the contoured body. The handle enables the contoured body to be pulled laterally across the body. The contoured body is covered with a disposable wipe. As the wipe moves across the body, it wipes clean the contacted area. The wipe is then removed and thrown away.

Abstract: A swab (10, 110) for a mop includes an outer casing (14) and an inner filling (20), the outer casing (14) being made of an absorbent material and enveloping the inner filling (20), and the inner filling (20) being made of an absorbent material, opposite major surfaces (16, 18) of the outer casing (14) being attached together though the inner filling (20) to form depressions (28) in the opposite major surfaces (16, 18) of the outer casing (14) and to limit movement of the inner filling (20) within the outer casing (14).

Abstract: Paint roller support includes a substantially rigid sleeve portion for supporting a roller cover thereon and a plurality of flexible fingers that are engageable by an actuator to cause outer ends of the fingers to flex outwardly. An elastomeric material at least partially covers outer surfaces of the fingers for pressing engagement of the elastomeric material against the inner diameter of a surrounding roller cover during outward flexing of the fingers for securely retaining the roller cover in place on the support.

Abstract: A universal connector (100) is adapted to connect a wiper blade assembly (20, 102) with a variety of wiper arm ends (300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316). In order to connect side pin type wiper arm ends (302, 304, 306), the connector includes a pin hole (216) having a figure “8” shape defined by larger and smaller overlapping lobes (218, 220). A flexible tongue (222) carried by the connector (100) includes a pair of scalloped pawls (224, 226) aligned with the respective larger and smaller lobes (218, 220) so as to engage either a ¼? or 3/16? wiper arm side pin (302-306). In order to connect wiper arm ends having hook slots (310, 312, 314 316), the connector (100) includes a generally planar upper landing (204), a generally planar lower return (206), and a forward nose profile (208). Sides (210) include cantilevered extensions (212) projecting beyond the nose profile (208) and which carry a pair of 9×4 stops (214) set below the plane of the lower return (206) by a clearance gap.

Abstract: A break-away wiper arm assembly which allows a vehicle escape window to be opened rapidly without any delays or undue forces to impede the escape of the vehicle crew. The invention uses a two piece coupling held together using a retaining ring. As the window is pushed open, the window frame pushes against the wiper arm which overcomes the retaining ring retention force allowing the wiper arm to break away, clearing the area in front of the window for free motion of the window and the unimpeded exit of vehicle occupants.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising a carrier element, as well as a wiper blade which includes opposing longitudinal grooves on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighboring ends of the longitudinal strips are interconnected by a respective connecting piece, wherein at least one connecting piece comprises engaging members engaging around the longitudinal strips so that the strips are mounted in grooves formed by the engaging members wherein the strips and the connecting piece are slidably connected by means of a snap connection, wherein the snap connection comprises laterally extending means on the strips, and wherein the laterally extending means comprise at least one protrusion extending laterally from an interior edge of each strip, the protrusion being located within the outer contour of each strip and between stops on the connecting piece, with the special feature that the grooves of the wiper blade each comprise a stop