Abstract: An identification appliance, such as a wristband, bracelet, patch, headband, necklace, card, sticker, or other wearable appliance, has an improved patch or microstrip antenna. The microstrip antenna comprises a conductive patch layer, a conductive ground layer and a dielectric layer in between the conductive layers. The microstrip antenna is mounted to or disposed in the identification appliance, where preferably the ground layer is closest to the user and the patch layer is furthest from the user. Electronic circuits may be located in the dielectric layer, on a surface of a conductive layer, or on another part of the identification appliance. Connecting holes through the dielectric layer may allow circuits to be connected to a conductive layer or layers. This improved antenna resolves detuning and communication degradation problems.

Abstract: An integrated electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter capacitor and DC blocking capacitor is provided in a single monolithic casing of ceramic dielectric material. First and second sets of electrode plates are disposed within the monolithic casing to form the DC blocking capacitor, and ground electrode plates are disposed between selected portions of the first and second sets of electrode plates to form the EMI filter. In several of the embodiments, the first and second sets of electrode plates form a plurality of distinct DC blocking capacitors. The ground electrode plates cooperatively form, with the first and second sets of electrode plates, EMI filters for each of the distinct DC blocking capacitors. Discontinuous lead wires may be provided which extend at least partially into the casing, wherein a first segment of the lead wire is conductively coupled to the first set of electrode plates, and a second set of the lead wire is conductively coupled to the second set of electrode plates.

Abstract: A paint roller assembly includes an elongated shaft, an articulated paint application assembly disposed at one end of the shaft, and an actuator connected to the articulated paint application assembly and extending through the shaft to a handle at an opposite end of the shaft. A portion of the shaft adjacent to the articulated paint assembly is angled to facilitate wetting of the roller with paint. The articulated assembly includes a roller frame interconnected between a joint mechanism and a roller supporting cage. The actuator includes a rod interconnected between the handle and a joint mechanism of the articulated paint application assembly. The joint mechanism provides rotational movement of the roller frame. In one form of the invention, the joint mechanism includes a universal joint. In another form, the joint mechanism includes miter gears.

Abstract: A first method is provided for in vitro selection of Lemhi and Russet Burbank potatoes for blackspot resistance using plant tissue culturing techniques. A second method is provided using at least one melanin precursor added to the tissue culturing media. The blackspot resistant potatoes produced from such methods are also provided.

Abstract: A reproducing piano is provided which is capable of reproducing the notes of a chord or a sequence of multiple intensity notes within several groups of common intensity. This is accomplished by sorting the notes into a plurality of groups and then assigning intensity levels to the various groups so that notes within a group will be played at the same intensity. A limited number of solenoid driver circuits are multiplexed among the solenoids according to the grouping of notes, thereby providing faithful reproduction of the music, but at a lower cost than by individual control of each key.

Abstract: A transfer or delivery cylinder for a sheet-fed rotary printing press having an endless chain conveyor carrying gripper bars and grippers and driven by a sprocket wheel concentrically mounted on a drive shaft for pulling freshly printed sheets from the impression cylinder onto the transfer or delivery cylinder for movement to a further processing station within the press, wherein the transfer or delivery cylinder is a right circular cylinder eccentrically mounted to the drive shaft so that upon initial engagement of the freshly printed sheet by the grippers, the leading edge of the cylinder is spaced below the sheet which is thereafter pulled smoothly and uniformly into contact tangentially with the sheet support surface of the transfer or delivery cylinder.

Abstract: A modular power drive wheelchair is provided for rapid assembly and/or disassembly of relatively compact modular components. The wheelchair comprises a base module including a base frame and related support wheels, wherein the base frame is adapted for facilitated mounting or dismounting of a seat module. A battery module including at least one storage battery is provided for relatively easy slide fit mounting onto the base frame at a position below the seat module. A controller module is also provided for mounting onto the base module and functions during wheelchair operation to control battery powered operation of one or more drive motors coupled to the wheelchair wheels. The various modules are designed for rapid disassembly to permit easy transporting of the wheelchair, for example, within the trunk of a standard automobile. Moreover, the base and seat modules are designed for relatively easy size adjustment to accommodate changing size requirements, for example, of a growing child.