Abstract: A tensioning device for maintaining proper belt tension on the drive belt of a tracked vehicle. The flexible drive belt extends between a drive wheel and a carriage mounted free wheel. An idler device dynamically adjusts the tension on the drive belt, and includes a drive wheel mounted to a frame, a carriage slidably mounted to the frame and supporting a free wheel, a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the frame and engaging the carriage for applying a force to the carriage. A hydraulic control circuit operates the hydraulic cylinder, the control circuit being adapted to adjust the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder to apply a first force against the carriage in response to a first detected condition, such as during normal forward operation of the vehicle. The control circuit is further adapted to apply a second force against the carriage in response to a second detected condition, such as during reverse operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Nanocomposite layered materials prepared by co-intercalation of an onium ion, preferably an alkoxylated onium ion and an ethylene vinyl alcohol oligomer or polymer between the planar layers of a swellable layered material, such as a phyllosilicate, preferably a smectite clay. The spacing of adjacent layers of the layered materials is expanded at least about 3 Å, preferably at least about 5 Å, usually preferably to a d-spacing of about 15-20 Å, e.g., 18 Å with the alkoxylated onium ion spacing/coupling agent. The intercalation of the ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer then increases the spacing of adjacent layers an additional at least 2 Å, e.g., to at least about 20 Å, preferably about 25 Å to about 30 Å, generally about 28 Å. Improved O2 barrier properties are observed over a broad range of humidity conditions when intercalation is accomplished by both the solvent route and the direct compounding route.

Abstract: A drive unit includes a hydrodynamic retarder having a rotor paddle wheel, a stator paddle wheel, and a housing surrounding the rotor and stator wheels. The unit includes a coolant cycle system for an internal combustion engine, the coolant for this coolant cycle also being a working medium of the retarder. The drive unit further includes a working medium container for the coolant which is connected to the coolant cycle system. A connecting pipe is disposed between the working medium container and a hydrodynamic center of the retarder. A valve is disposed in the connecting pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating an organic waste water which are capable of utilizing compact equipment by reducing the quantity of a sludge to be treated. Organic waste water (A) is subjected to an aerobic biological treatment in a biological treatment tank (3). Then, solution (B) obtained by the treatment in the biological treatment tank (3) is solid-liquid separated into treated water (C) and sludge (D) in precipitation tank (5). A portion of the sludge (D) separated in the precipitation tank (5) is returned to the biological treatment tank (3) through a route (6). A portion (E) of the sludge separated in the precipitation tank (5)is concentrated by a concentration device (8). Thereafter, the concentrated sludge (E) is solubilized by thermophilic bacteria in a solubilizing tank (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for reducing the noise inside a rotary-wing aircraft, especially a helicopter. According to the invention, said device (1) comprises at least one sensor (Ca, Cb) for measuring the values of at least one vibrational and/or acoustic parameter representing a vibrational and/or acoustic effect of at least one source of noise, at least one mechanical means (A) that can be controlled and is capable of creating a force capable of reducing said vibrational and/or acoustic effect, and a control unit (UC) for controlling the mechanical means (A), on the basis of the values measured by the sensor (Ca, Cb).

Abstract: A method of changing the color of an ink mark includes applying an ink including a solvent and a triarylmethane dye dissolved in the solvent that changes color if contacted with a chemical agent to a substrate. The dye is soluble in phenyl cellosolve. A chemical agent is then applied to cause the dye to change color.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles are disclosed. The multicomponent particles comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each particle contains at least one microdomain of the acidic resin in contact with, or in close proximity to, at least one microdomain of the basic resin. Blends of multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles with particles of a second water-absorbing resin also are disclosed. Improved diaper cores containing particles of the multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles also are disclosed.

Abstract: Tossable ring airfoil projectiles configured to adopt and maintain a flying orientation that generates lift. The tossable ring airfoil projectiles generally include (i) a ring airfoil having a trailing end, an aperture, and a longitudinal symmetry axis running through the aperture, and (ii) a tail associated with the ring airfoil and extending rearward beyond the trailing end. The ring airfoil provides lift that allows the tossable ring airfoil projectile to follow a flying trajectory. The tail stabilizes the projectile during flight and may provide a torque that biases the ring airfoil toward preferred flying orientations. The tail may extend along the longitudinal symmetry axis and may include outwardly extending fins. The tossable ring airfoil projectile further may include a connection configured to associate the tail with the ring airfoil. The connection also may extend along the longitudinal symmetry axis and may include outwardly extending flanges.

Abstract: A method for producing gene targeting constructs in bacterial by way of homologous recombination between bacterial phage and plasmids.

Abstract: Polyester-containing multilayer biaxially-oriented polypropylene films are provided. According to the invention, a two- or three-layer polyester-containing cap layer is bonded to a monoaxially oriented polypropylene core, followed by orientation of the resulting composite in a direction transverse to the direction of orientation of the core layer. At least one tie layer is interposed between the core and the polyester. Advantageously, the polyester contains silicone fluid as a processing aid.

Abstract: A composition for accelerating the setting reaction of an aqueous calcined gypsum slurry, and a method of making the same are disclosed. The composition includes a vibratory ball milled mixture of calcium sulfate dihydrate and a surfactant. The composition is prepared by subjecting the mixture to the high-frequency, low-impact grinding action of a vibratory ball mill. The resultant composition has a potency superior to that of conventional gypsum set accelerators.

Abstract: Improved vehicle restraints, restraint components and specific improvements to certain existing restraints, including: 1) improvements to the design of the barrier portion or head of the restraining member intended to prevent or eliminate downward forces exerted on the restraining member by a departing ICC bar; and 2) providing a locking member for locking the restraining member of a restraint into a given vertical position for a pull away by the parked vehicle, the lock not impeding normal operation of the restraint, but only being activated during a pull away.

Abstract: Provided are ligands for the receptor tyrosine kinase, Flt4. Also provided are cDNAs and vectors encoding the ligand, pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic reagents.

Abstract: A sensing circuit is useful with a power outlet and a power tool having power supplied thereto via the power outlet. The sensing circuit includes a generator, a transmitter, and a detector. A first signal having a high frequency is developed by the generator and supplied to a first terminal of the power outlet by the transmitter. The detector is coupled to the second terminal of the power outlet and tuned in accordance with the high frequency to develop a second signal indicative of whether the power tool is coupled to the power outlet. The sensing circuit may be used in conjunction with a regulating circuit and a two-position switch useful for controlling the electrical energy supplied to the power tool and a vacuum cleaner having the power outlet disposed thereon.

Abstract: A roll-forming apparatus is provided with a plurality of roll-forming stations adapted to facilitate the formation of either a C-shaped component or a Z-shaped component from a sheet of material. The roll-forming stations have forming rolls that make contact with the sheet of material and a pair of telescoping arbor assemblies that support the forming rolls so that the lateral distance between the forming rolls may be adjusted. The roll-forming apparatus has a number of movable forming rolls and a number of fixed forming rolls having two different forming surfaces to facilitate the formation of both C-shaped and Z-shaped components.

Abstract: A compound of formula and salts and solvates thereof, wherein R0, R1, and R2 are defined in the specification. A compound of the present invention is a potent and selective inhibitor of cGMP-specific PDE and has utility in a variety of therapeutic areas where such inhibition is beneficial.

Abstract: Novel stem cell factors, oligonucleotides encoding the same, and methods of production, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating disorders involving blood cells are also disclosed.