Abstract: To allow accurate positioning relative to a printer mechanism, a printhead is provided with a reference surface formed on a reference member. The reference member is attached to the base of the printhead but positioned with reference to a nozzle of an ink ejecting unit mounted on the base member. This obviates the need for the base member to be manufactured to narrow tolerances.

Abstract: Polynucleotide sequences encoding novel cadherin-like polypeptides, designated protocadherins, and variants thereof are provided by the invention as well as methods and materials for the recombinant production of the same. Antibody substances specific for protocadherins are also disclosed as useful for modulating the natural binding and/or regulatory activities of the protocadherins.

Abstract: Intercalated layered materials prepared by co-intercalation of a multi-charged onium ion spacing/coupling agent and a matrix 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 to about 15-20 Å, e.g., 18 Å with the di-charged onium ion spacing/coupling agent. The intercalation of the matrix polymer then increases the spacing between adjacent layers to at least about 15 Å, preferably to about 20 Å to about 30 Å.

Abstract: On an inspection machine for bottles or the like with an inward conveyor and arranged thereon a first lateral inspection device, with an outward conveyor and arranged thereon a second lateral inspection device, and with an intermediate conveyor which spans a gap between the latter and arranged thereon a base inspection device, the inward conveyor and the outward conveyor are arranged at an angle with respect to one another, whereas the intermediate conveyor incorporating two endless conveyor mechanisms adapted to be driven at the same speed extends at least partly in an arc. This enables the two lateral inspection devices to check different peripheral zones of the bottles without the bottles rotating independently and the malfunctions thereby caused, so as to achieve a high level of inspection accuracy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a custom decorative license plate frame from a blank having a base member and a lamination of a contrasting color. The blank is aligned to a reference and message zones are defined relative to the reference. Data representing text and/or graphics to be transferred to the frame are input by a user and a data processor scales the data to the message zones. Transfer data is generated from the scaled message data and the message is transferred to the frame using a transfer tool and the transfer data.

Abstract: A clip for mounting panels and doors to indexed poles utilizes a resilient C-shaped pole receiving member with an interiorly-directed ridge centrally located along the inner perimeter thereof. The interiorly-directed ridge is received in any desired unoccupied annular groove along the indexed pole. The clip further utilizes first and second opposing panel interface members that extend in one direction from the exterior of the C-shaped pole-receiving member. A raised button or projection extending from a first panel interface member toward a second panel interface member may be provided to secure a panel between the two panel interface members. Use of the clip allows mounting and dismounting of panels to indexed poles, such as the indexed poles found in shelf organizing systems, without the need for tools. By utilizing clips along only a single edge of a panel, each of the clips can serve as a hinge and the panel as a door member.

Abstract: A new gram negative coccoid bacterium, Okadaella gastrococcus is disclosed. The bacterium was isolated from an animal with a gastrointestinal disorder.

Abstract: Novel pyrrolidine compounds that are potent and selective inhibitors of PDE4, as well as methods of making the same, are disclosed. Use of the compounds in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and other diseases involving elevated levels of cytokines, as well as central nervous system (CNS) disorders, also is disclosed.

Abstract: A multilayer heat-sealable chlorine-free film of relatively low modulus, high interlaminar strength, and low noise upon flexing is provided. The film comprises an odor barrier layer of polyester resin and at least one heat-sealable skin layer, preferably two such skin layers on opposite sides of said odor barrier layer, composed of a homopolymer of ethylene or a copolymer of ethylene and an alpha-olefin or an ester-containing monomer. In a preferred embodiment, the odor barrier layer is formed of polyethylene terephthalate and adhesive tie layers are interposed between the odor barrier layer and the skin layers, resulting in a multilayer film of five layers. Pouches formed of such multilayer films are also disclosed.

Abstract: The network allows communications at various bit rates, with signals transmitted in successive frames each divided into elementary timeslots which can be used for different communications. A frequency band is allocated to communications between base stations of a group of cells and mobile stations. This band is subdivided into blocks of width 2M−1×B0, where B0 is a predefined spectral width and M an integer greater than 1 chosen as a function of a maximum communication bit rate. Each of the blocks is divided into carriers of width 2m(i)−1×B0, m(i) being an integer dependent on the relevant block such that 1≦m(i)≦M. The partition of the blocks and of the carriers within the allocated frequency band is identical for all the cells of the group. To support a communication in one of the cells, a logic channel is selected, defined, depending on the bit rate required, as one or more timeslots on one of the carriers.

Abstract: A portable furniture assembly has a pair of opposed and spaced apart scissor assemblies. A stop mechanism is provided to retain a pair of scissor structures of the portable furniture assembly in a set-up condition and yet permit easy release of the stop mechanism to permit folding of the furniture assembly for transport. A foldable and portable chair has a flexible sling suspended between two scissor assemblies to define a seat and a back for the chair. The portable chair also has two bottom rails connected to front supports of the scissor assemblies via pivots. Rear supports of the scissor assemblies are removably connected to the bottom rails at the stop mechanism to retain the portable chair in a set-up condition and yet permit the chair to be folded to a completely flat or folded condition.

Abstract: A vehicle seat slide includes a fixed section, a mobile section, a memory shoe sliding along the fixed section and defining a memorized position of the mobile section, a first actuator which simultaneously unlocks the slide and fastens the shoe to the mobile section, and a second actuator which unlocks only the slide. The second actuator operates a fastener device of the shoe via a cable.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting a reagent into a stream of pressurized rinse fluid delivered to a vacuum toilet. The apparatus is pressure-operated in response to the flow of pressurized rinse fluid, thereby eliminating the need for electric outlets or controls. The apparatus includes an orifice located in a main conduit upstream of a reagent discharge outlet. The orifice reduces the pressure of the rinse fluid thereby to unload a check valve which controls injection of the reagent into the rinse fluid stream. In addition, the volume of a pump chamber for holding reagent is reduced to ensure that the pump maintains its prime. Furthermore, the piping leading into the pump chamber has a relatively uniform inside surface and a tapered insert is used to reduced the cross-sectional area of the reagent extreme, thereby directing air bubbles through the pump chamber.

Abstract: An improved ear probe tip for the end of a probe which can be inserted into an ear canal. The ear probe tip comprises a body portion having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end. The body portion inner surface defines a passage that extends the entire length of the body portion. The ear probe tip also has a plurality of flexible annular flanges disposed at spaced intervals on the outer surface of the body portion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a talking toy in the form of an animated figure having a plurality of appendages for detachably combining with the toy body and that plays voice messages upon recognizing combinations of particular appendages with particular locations on the toy body.

Abstract: A processing device includes a ROM having program instructions and at leas one jump instruction stored therein, a patch program for patching the program instructions in the ROM, a RAM capable of storing the patch program and a patch vector table that indicates the location of the patch program. A processor executes the program instructions in the program ROM and uses the patch vector table to execute the patch program when one of the jump instructions is reached. The patch program may be stored in the RAM and the patch vector table may point to the address in the RAM at which the patch program is stored so that the processor jumps directly to the RAM to execute the patch program when it reaches the one of the jump instructions. Likewise, a patch engine may be used to locate a specified patch program, load the specified patch program into the RAM and execute the specified patch program when the processor reaches the one of the jump instructions.

Abstract: A binding line having increased capacity and increased flexibility to deliver customized or personalized signatures to the gathering conveyor in order to customize or personalizes the content of a book to appeal to targeted demographic groups or individuals. The binding line includes a gathering conveyor, a plurality of packer boxes positioned along the gathering conveyor, each of the packer boxes being adapted to deliver a distinct signature to the conveyor, and a feeder system operatively associated with at least one of the packer boxes. The feeder system includes a feed conveyor and a plurality of feeder boxes, each of the feeder boxes being adapted to deliver a selected signature to the associated packer box. A primary controller is provided for activating a selected set of the packer boxes, thereby delivering a set of signatures to the gathering conveyor.

Abstract: A printed publication having integrated labels or bookmarks, as well as a method for manufacturing same are disclosed. The printed publication includes a plurality of pages and a cover, at least one of which includes a plurality of bookmarks releasably adhered thereto. The bookmarks can be individually removed by the user, and repositioned elsewhere within the publication for marking and later reference purposes. The method includes the steps of applying an adhesive coating along a moving web of material, applying a release coating to the moving web, folding the web such that the adhesive coating is adhered to the release coating, and cutting the web into individual labels.