Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous process for production of poly(trimethylene terephthalate), wherein gaseous 1,3-propanediol by product resulting from the process is condensed in a condenser, and a portion of the condensed by-product is recycled back into the process.

Abstract: A ready to attach actuation device module is provided for use with a dispenser, such as an ice or water dispenser in a refrigerator. The module includes an electrical actuation device, a wiring lead extending from the actuation device and an electrical connector attached at an end of the wiring lead. A housing encloses the actuation device and at least a portion of the wiring lead. The module incorporates an attachment mechanism which is engageable with the dispenser. The housing includes all stylings for the actuation device module.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring protection device that includes a housing assembly having at least one receptacle. The receptacle is configured to receive plug contact blades inserted therein. The housing assembly includes a hot line terminal, a neutral line terminal, a hot load terminal, and a neutral load terminal. A set of receptacle contacts is disposed in the housing assembly and in communication with the receptacle. The receptacle contacts includes a hot user-accessible load contact and a neutral user accessible load contact. A fault detection circuit is coupled to the test assembly. The fault detection circuit is configured to detect at least one fault condition and provide a fault detect signal in response thereto. A four-pole interrupting contact assembly is coupled to the fault detection circuit and includes a set of four-pole interrupting contacts. A reset mechanism is coupled to the four-pole interrupting contact assembly.

Abstract: A mechanism for dispensing ice in each of three selected forms, namely, cubed, crushed and shaved. This mechanism includes a reservoir arranged to hold a supply of ice cubes, a dispensing zone, a delivery mechanism arranged for dispensing ice cubes from said reservoir to said dispensing zone, an ice crushing mechanism located in said dispensing zone arranged to selectively crush ice, an ice shaving mechanism located in said dispensing zone arranged to selectively shave ice, and a control mechanism arranged to selectively activate said ice crushing mechanism and said ice shaving mechanism upon receipt of an appropriate input from a user.

Abstract: A variable flow rate water dispenser mounted on a refrigerator door is provided that can dispense water at user selected flow rates. The water dispenser includes a nozzle for dispensing water from a dispenser housing on a refrigerator door and a user adjustable flow control. The user adjustable flow control can include a variable flow rate water valve or a plurality of water valves that can have different flow rates and can be operated separately or in combination to provide different flow rates. The user adjustable flow control can alternately include a variable flow pump for controlling flow of water to the nozzle at a user selected flow rate. The refrigerator can include a reservoir inside or outside the refrigerator. The reservoir can be connected to a source of water and automatically filled or can be manually filled. The nozzle can include a flow straightener or aerator to minimize splashing.

Abstract: A water dispenser mounted on a door of a refrigerator freezer that is provided with a spigot that is movable between inner and outer dispensing positions. The dispenser includes a dispenser housing having a dispensing cavity and the spigot is movably mounted in the top of the dispensing cavity. When the spigot is in the inner dispensing position water can be dispensed into a container positioned in the dispensing cavity. In the outer dispensing position the spigot can dispense water into a container positioned outside the dispensing cavity. The dispenser housing can be provided with a movable tray in the bottom of the dispensing cavity. The movable tray can be withdrawn to support a container under the spigot in the inner dispensing position and extended to support a container under the spigot in the outer dispensing position.

Abstract: A water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer having a water dispensing control including a measured fill mode of operation in which the water dispenser dispenses a predetermined amount of water and a manual fill mode of operation. The water dispensing control allows user selection of the units of measure, the type of container being filled and selection of the amount to be dispensed. A user display can display the selections and can display the amount dispensed in real time.

Abstract: A method for transferring multimedia information in a system including a primary site 101 and at least one satellite site 102 coupled to the primary site 101 by a transmission medium 103. Information defining each of a selected plurality of objects composing a multimedia presentation is compressed at primary site 101 using a compression/decompression protocol corresponding to a type of each of the objects. The compressed information is transferred to satellite site 102 from primary site 101 via medium 103. Scene information describing the multimedia presentation to be made from the objects is also transferred from primary site 101. The compressed information defining each of the objects is decompressed at satellite 102 using the corresponding compression/decompression protocol. The multimedia presentation composed of the selected objects is generated at satellite site 102 from the decompressed information as directed by the received scene information.

Abstract: A reconfigurable web processor, comprising: a first and a second base modules, each of the base modules including an external surface with at least one alignment structure disposed on the external surface; a plurality of pacing rolls, with a different one of the plurality of pacing rolls associated with each of the base modules to adjust the pace of a web moving within the associated base module; a plurality of transducers, with a different one of the plurality of transducers associated with a different one of the base modules and disposed to monitor a characteristic of the web at said associated base module and to generate a transducer signal in accordance therewith; a plurality of pacing servos, with a different one of the plurality of pacing servos associated with each different one of the pacing rolls, each of the pacing servos to adjust the pace of the web in accordance with a different pacing control signal for its associated the pacing roll; and a process head drive disposed to drive a drive roll in a

Abstract: A printing machine designed to accommodate different repeat lengths for a first and second cylinders, that includes: a front and rear frames; a first cylinder cartridge, including a first cylinder with a centerline; a first assembly attached to the front and rear frames for holding the first cylinder cartridge; a second cylinder cartridge separate from the first cylinder cartridge, with the second cylinder cartridge including a second cylinder with a centerline; a first and second cradles for holding the ends of the second cylinder cartridge, with the cradles including a cradle arm with an opening therein; and a second assembly for each cradle for moving its respective cradle to hold different diameter second cylinders in parallel adjacency with the first cylinder. The second assembly is specifically designed to be operable to change the orientation of its respective cradle for each different diameter second cylinder to facilitate lift-off.

Abstract: A printing cylinder system for use in a printing press comprising a unique apparatus and method for tensioning and releasing a flexible printing plate that is wrapped around a printing cylinder and clamped by a clamping mechanism disposed within the printing cylinder and accessed by a longitudinal slot. The invention features a mounting mechanism for holding the clamp mechanism in a relative position within the printing cylinder and including control means for moving the clamping mechanism within the printing cylinder substantially toward or away from the cylindrical slot to either apply tension to the printing plate or release tension on the printing plate. In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a piston assembly for pushing the edge or edges of the printing plate outwardly toward the cylindrical slot opening, upon actuation.

Abstract: The invention is an oil changer intended to encourage proper disposal of used motor oil. It is comprised of an outer container made of cardboard and an inner container of polypropylene and a tie device to seal the motor oil in the inner container. The polypropylene material is non-reactive with the petroleum products and additives found in used engine oil; its tensile strength is approximately 8,000-pounds/inch.sup.2, rendering it durable enough to prevent inadvertent oil spillage; and it can withstand temperatures of up to 320.degree. F., making it possible to drain the engine oil into the inner container while the oil is hot. The tie device is of the cable tie variety, providing locking security against oil leakage. The sealed double containment of used engine oil within a durable outer container makes possible the safe and clean transportation, storage and handling of the oil changer during collection for recycling of both the used oil and the component parts of the oil changer itself.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a microorganism which produces a desired substance. The method involves overlaying a membrane on an agar surface in a predetermined orientation. Microorganisms are grown on the membrane and the substance allowed to pass into the agar. The membrane is removed and a detectable reaction between the substance and one or more reagents is observed. The location of the microorganism to be detected can be determined by the predetermined orientation, and the microorganism can be isolated by removing it from the membrane. When the substance is not secreted by the microorganism, the microorganisms are lysed releasing the substance for passage into the agar. The microorganisms producing the substance can be located on replicate plates and isolated.

Abstract: Asporogenous mutant B. subtilis RUB 331 (ATCC 31578) and a process for using such mutant are disclosed. The asporogenous mutant desirably reverts to sporeformers with a frequency not greater than 10.sup.-7 reversions per bacterium per generation and meets the requirements of the NIH "Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules" for a B. subtilis host component of a Host-Vector 1 system.