Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the registration of one elongated continuous structure (e.g., plastic zipper) with attachments or formed features (e.g., sliders or pre-seals) as it is fed to a sealing station, where it is joined to another elongated continuous structure (e.g., packaging film) with formed features (e.g., thermoformed pockets). The latter elongated continuous structure will be intermittently advanced through the machine, pulling the former elongated continuous structure joined thereto forward. Registration is accomplished by tacking the respective elongated continuous structures together while the respective features on the elongated continuous structures are in proper registration. After tacking, the respective portions of the elongated continuous structures immediately downstream of the tack zone are advanced to the sealing station in proper registration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automated insertion of sliders on continuous zipper material. The method involves the following steps: (a) advancing a section of zipper material past a leading edge of a splitter plate that pries the zipper strips of the zipper material apart; (b) clamping a first portion of one zipper strip against one side of the splitter plate, while clamping a first portion of the other zipper strip against an opposite side of the splitter plate, the first portions of the zipper strips being disposed on an upstream side of a slider insertion zone; (c) closing a portion of the zipper comprising respective second portions of the zipper strips disposed on a downstream side of the slider insertion zone; and (d) inserting a slider onto the zipper in the slider insertion zone. A plow of the slider is disposed between respective third portions of the zipper strips.

Abstract: Novel compounds composition capable of inhibiting TNF? and having antiimmunoinflammatory and autoimmune properties useful in a pharmaceutical composition, such as for a drug containing this as an active ingredient; and a therapeutic method with the use of these novel compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pad for carrying liquid having a piece of non-woven material wherein the piece of material is capable of absorbing an amount of the liquid at least about 1.5 times the weight of the piece of material, a first printed ink on a first surface of the material, and a second printed ink on either the first or a second surface of the material, and wherein the first ink is substantially in register with the second ink. The present invention is also directed to a method for making a printed pad for carrying a liquid including the steps of feeding a web of non-woven material into a rotogravure press, wherein the material is capable of absorbing at least about 1.5 times its own weight of the liquid, printing a first ink with the press on a first surface of the web, printing a second ink with the press substantially in register with the first ink on the first surface or a second surface of the web.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pad for carrying liquid having a piece of non-woven material wherein the piece of material is capable of absorbing an amount of the liquid at least about 1.5 times the weight of the piece of material, a first printed ink on a first surface of the material, and a second printed ink on either the first or a second surface of the material, and wherein the first ink is substantially in register with the second ink. The present invention is also directed to a method for making a printed pad for carrying a liquid including the steps of feeding a web of non-woven material into a rotogravure press, wherein the material is capable of absorbing at least about 1.5 times its own weight of the liquid, printing a first ink with the press on a first surface of the web, printing a second ink with the press substantially in register-with the first ink on the first surface or a second surface of the web.

Abstract: A method for sharing geometric information and maintaining parametric consistency amongst different software applications in a collaborative environment is presented. The method is based on geometric information sharing via neutral files, and incorporates Internet based messaging mechanisms amongst applications to maintain the parametric control over the exchanged geometry. In a preferred embodiment the proposed method is applied to Heterogeneous Assembly Modeling (HAM). By means of the presently disclosed method, within the heterogeneous assembly model, the parametric control over part geometry is maintained, even though the parts are imported in the assembly via neutral files originated by other CAD applications.

Abstract: A composition of and a method of making high performance mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes is described. The membranes have a high resistance to plasticization by use of a predetermined amount of crosslinking. The preferred polymer material for the membrane is a polyimide polymer continuous phase comprising ester crosslinks and a molecular sieve material dispersed within the polymer continuous phase. The resultant mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane exhibits a high permeance of CO2 in combination with a high CO2/CH4 selectivity. Another embodiment provides a method of making the mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane from a monesterified polymer followed by final crosslinking after hollow fiber formation.

Abstract: A composition of and a method of making high performance hollow fiber membranes is described. The membranes have a high resistance to plasticization by use of a predetermined amount of crosslinking. The preferred polymer material for the membrane is a polyimide polymer comprising covalently bonded ester crosslinks. The resultant hollow fiber membrane exhibits a high permeability of CO2 in combination with a high CO2/CH4 selectivity. Another embodiment provides a method of making the hollow fiber membrane from a monesterified polymer followed by final crosslinking after hollow fiber formation.

Abstract: A composition of and a method of making high performance mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes is described. The membranes have a high resistance to plasticization by use of a predetermined amount of crosslinking. The preferred polymer material for the membrane is a polyimide polymer continuous phase comprising ester crosslinks and a molecular sieve material dispersed within the polymer continuous phase. The resultant mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane exhibits a high permeance of CO2 in combination with a high CO2/CH4 selectivity. Another embodiment provides a method of making the mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane from a monesterified polymer followed by final crosslinking after hollow fiber formation.

Abstract: A composition of and a method of making high performance mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes is described. The membranes have a high resistance to plasticization by use of a predetermined amount of crosslinking. The preferred polymer material for the membrane is a polyimide polymer contineous phase comprising ester crosslinks and a molecular sieve material dispersed within the polymer contineous phase. The resultant mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane exhibits a high permeability of CO2 in combination with a high CO2/CH4 selectivity. Another embodiment provides a method of making the mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane from a monesterified polymer followed by final crosslinking after hollow fiber formation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pad for carrying liquid having a piece of non-woven material wherein the piece of material is capable of absorbing an amount of the liquid at least about 1.5 times the weight of the piece of material, a first printed ink on a first surface of the material, and a second printed ink on either the first or a second surface of the material, and wherein the first ink is substantially in register with the second ink. The present invention is also directed to a method for making a printed pad for carrying a liquid including the steps of feeding a web of non-woven material into a rotogravure press, wherein the material is capable of absorbing at least about 1.5 times its own weight of the liquid, printing a first ink with the press on a first surface of the web, printing a second ink with the press substantially in register with the first ink on the first surface or a second surface of the web.

Abstract: A composition of and a method of making high performance hollow fiber membranes is described. The membranes have a high resistance to plasticization by use of a predetermined amount of crosslinking. The preferred polymer material for the membrane is a polyimide polymer comprising ester crosslinks. The resultant hollow fiber membrane exhibits a high permeability of CO2 in combination with a high CO2/CH4selectivity. Another embodiment provides a method of making the hollow fiber membrane from a monesterified polymer followed by final crosslinking after hollow fiber formation.

Abstract: A method for sharing geometric information and maintaining parametric consistency amongst different software applications in a collaborative environment is presented. The method is based on geometric information sharing via neutral files, and incorporates Internet based messaging mechanisms amongst applications to maintain the parametric control over the exchanged geometry. In a preferred embodiment the proposed method is applied to Heterogeneous Assembly Modeling (HAM). By means of the presently disclosed method, within the heterogeneous assembly model, the parametric control over part geometry is maintained, even though the parts are imported in the assembly via neutral files originated by other CAD applications.

Abstract: Telemetry systems and methods are provided for transferring data between sensor devices and a base station using a local carrier media network, such as AC power lines. A relay module receives sensor data from a sensor, e.g., monitoring a health-related parameter of a patient. The relay module is connected to the local carrier media network and generates carrier media signals including sensor data and an identifier identifying the sensor device and/or the patient. A base station is connected to the local carrier media network for detecting carrier media signals from one or more relay modules. The base station extracts sensor data and associated identifiers from detected carrier media signals. The base station is connected to an electronic network, e.g., the Internet, for transferring sensor data and associated identifiers over the network to a remote server computer for inclusion in a patient database.

Abstract: A microdispensing apparatus comprising a jetting tube comprising an orifice at one end and an aperture at the other end, a transducer coupled with the jetting tube and adapted to apply a pressure pulse to the jetting tube in response to an electrical signal applied to the transducer such that liquid in the jetting tube is caused to pass therethrough, and means for collecting, capturing or retaining one or more compounds from liquid passing the jetting tube; a system for sampling, collecting and dispensing compounds in small volumes of liquid including the microdispensing apparatus; and methods of sampling, collecting and arraying small quantities of compounds in a liquid sample on a target.

Abstract: Porous composite particles are provided which comprise an aluminum oxide component, e.g., crystalline boehmite having a crystallite size of from about 20 to about 200 Angstroms and additive component residue, e.g., silicate, phosphate, of a crystal size growth inhibitor, intimately dispersed within the aluminum oxide component. The aluminum oxide component of the composite particles are derived from a mixture of alumina trihydrate (e.g., gibbsite) and an alumina seed component, i.e., active alumina, which are both converted to crystalline boehmite in the presence of the additive component. Also provided is a method for making the composite particles, agglomerate particles derived therefrom, and a process for hydroprocessing petroleum feedstock using the agglomerates.

Abstract: An instrument and method of the present invention facilitates accurate IOP determination, both before and after any laser eye treatment. A tonometer according to the present invention is specially designed to measure IOP by contacting the sclera instead of the cornea. To ensure accurate pressure measurement, the programmable logic of the tonometer assumes and compensates for normal sclera thickness, normal sclera radius of curvature, and normal sclera tissue modulus of elasticity. The tonometer preferably comprises a housing that is contoured such that it is easily grasped, in a manner of a writing pen. The functioning components of the instrument include an activation button, located on the anterior dorsal surface in close approximation to the index fingertip of the user, a liquid crystal display, a reset button, and a removable battery cover. The tip of the instrument is a solid state pressure transducer element that produces a change in voltage with a change in intraocular pressure.