Abstract: A plurality of samples are tested for their ability to enhance or inhibit a biological process in a multiplexed diffusive assay. The assay is imaged after the biological process has produced spots in a medium that indicate the tested enhancing or inhibiting ability of the samples. The image containing the resulting spots are evaluated to determine which samples caused the spots to form. The location of spots are identified by user selection or through a gradient triangulation technique that determines spot locations by analyzing the slope of pixel intensities in numerous subimages. The spots may also be analyzed by parametrically modeling the spots and comparing the spot characteristics in the image to a spot function, to determine the location of hit spots in the image. The hit spot locations, corresponding to the location of tested samples in the assay that enhanced or inhibited the biological process, are output to facilitate further analysis of the test samples.

Abstract: Automated drug discovery protocols, or partially automated protocols, in which matrices with memories serve as the platform on which all manipulations are performed or serve as the repository of information that is transferred to other memories as the synthesized compounds are processed and screened. Also provided are automated drug discovery units for use in the protocols. The units provide a means for seamless data tracking and include instrumentation and vials with memories for information transfer to other memories in a unit. The units, which are provided herein, include some or all of the following: an automated or manual sorter, microvessels, which contain memories, an automated or semi-automated synthesizer, a microvessel washer/dryer, a manual or automated cleaver for removing compounds from the matrix with memory microvessels, and associated software. The memories may be any of any type, including electromagnetically encodable memories and optical memories, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An alarm for a travel bag includes a casing attached to the bag having a receptacle thereon for receiving the bag zipper tongue. A locking device locks the tongue within the receptacle while simultaneously providing power to an alarm circuit. The alarm circuit includes a switch that moves to an open position upon the tongue being inserted into the receptacle. If the tongue is removed, the switch closes activating an audible alarm and a wireless transmitter. The transmitter transmits a signal to a remote unit likewise having an audible alarm. The remote unit further includes an activation button allowing a user to remotely activate or deactivate the alarm.

Abstract: Automated drug discovery protocols, or partially automated protocols, in which matrices-with-memories serve as the platform on which all manipulations are performed or serve as the repository of information that is transferred to other memories as the synthesized compounds are processed and screened. Also provided are automated drug discovery units for use in the protocols. The units provide for seamless data tracking and include instrumentation and vials with memories for information transfer to other memories in a unit. The units, which are provided herein, include some or all of the following: an automated or manual sorter, microreactors and microvessels, which contain memories, an automated or semi-automated synthesizer, a microreactor washer/dryer, a manual or automated cleaver with a valved U-tube outlet for removing compounds from the matrix-with-memory microreactors, and associated software.

Abstract: Functionally modified guar products are provided, particularly for food grade applications, which are characterized by reduced viscosity, low ash and high fiber content, and are prepared by a high shear treatment under acid conditions at elevated temperature.

Abstract: A shape memory effect actuated diaphragmatic anti-scald valve, including a valve housing having a fluid flow path therethrough and including a pilot chamber. There is a first valve seat within the housing and a second valve seat within the housing and downstream from said first valve seat. A pilot valve is located within the chamber of the valve housing for preventing fluid flow through the chamber in which the pilot valve element is located when the SME valve is in its normal flow position and a first valve element is retained seated on the first valve seat by the pilot valve. There are means for controlling the open and closed positions of the pilot valve depending upon the temperature of the fluid flowing through the SME valve.

Abstract: A shape memory effect actuated diaphragmatic anti-scald valve, including a valve housing having a fluid flow path therethrough and including a pilot chamber. There is a first valve seat within the housing and a second valve seat within the housing and downstream from said first valve seat. A pilot valve is located within the chamber of the valve housing for preventing fluid flow through the chamber in which the pilot valve element is located when the SME valve is in its normal flow position and a first valve element is retained seated on the first valve seat by the pilot valve. There are means for controlling the open and closed positions of the pilot valve depending upon the temperature of the fluid flowing through the SME valve.

Abstract: A histogram projection system which automatically optimizes, tracks changes in luminance and adjusts in real time the display of wide dynamic range imagery from IR cameras. It is computationally simpler than and offers markedly superior results to the standard available technique for this purpose, histogram equalization. The new technique assigns display dynamic range equally to each occupied intensity level in the raw data in contrast to the old procedure which assigns dynamic range in proportion to the number of pixels at given levels. Less shot noise and greater resolution of image detail for smaller objects or targets are the main improvements from the new algorithm. By the expedient of undersampling the image pixels in carrying out the histogram processing, one can in effect gradually increase the degree of dynamic range assigned to majority or background pixel levels, thereby enhancing the contrast in background regions when desired.