Abstract: A sensing edge is provided for causing a door to open by actuating a device upon force being applied to the sensing edge. The sensing edge includes an elongate outer sheath with a first strip of resiliently compressible material affixed to one of the inner surfaces. A first strip of flexible, electrically conductive material is affixed to the strip of resiliently compressible material. A second strip of flexible, electrically conductive material is supported on the opposite inner surface of the outer sheath. The second strip of conductive material faces the first strip of conductive material, with a space being provided between the first and second strips.

Abstract: A rotatable heat transfer coupling for rotatably connecting a first object to a second object for transfer of heat from the first object to the second object is provided. The rotatable heat transfer coupling includes a first heat transfer housing for attachment to one of the first and second objects. The housing has an outside surface and an inside surface defining a generally cylindrical cavity having a longitudinal axis. A slot is provided through the housing between the surface and the generally cylindrical cavity. The housing is geometrically configured to have substantially uniform strength in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis. A cylindrical heat transfer component which is connected to the other of the first and second objects is located within the generally cylindrical cavity. A clamp is positioned on the outside surface of the housing to apply an additional force on the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-supporting, sound absorbing interior surface panel comprising a non-woven fabric. The non-woven fabric may be laminated to a facing fabric using a heat activated thermoplastic adhesive, or the panel may be provided with a micro-porous top-coat finish. The panel of the invention may be provided with a vibration absorbent perimeter edge which may be shaped in an accordion-like fashion integrally with the rest of the panel, or manufactured separately of a flexible but resilient material and attached to the panel. The invention further relates to a suspended ceiling module comprising a support structure, such as a tee bar grid, and a panel of the invention which could be supported within the module in either tegular or coffered orientation. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the self-supporting interior surface panel.

Abstract: A low pressure, fast response sprinkler of the early suppression type includes a generally tubular body having an inlet end, an opposing discharge end and an internal passageway extending between the inlet and discharge ends with a K factor greater than 16 where the K factor equals the flow of water in gallons per minute through the internal passageway divided by the square root of the pressure of water fed into the tubular body in pounds per square inch gauge. A deflector is coupled with the tubular body and spaced from and generally aligned with the discharge end of the internal passageway so as to be impacted by a flow of water issuing in a column from the discharge end upon activation of the sprinkler. The deflector is configured and positioned to deflect the flow of water generally radially outwardly all around the sprinkler.

Abstract: A composite catheter stabilizing device, a catheter assembly including such a stabilizing device and a device for removing a catheter assembly are provided. The stabilizing device includes a cuff having a first and second edge which is configured to be positioned around a catheter. The device further includes a first and second end piece. The first and second end pieces have internal surfaces defining tubular openings which extend through the end pieces. The first and second end pieces are tapered from first sides which abut the edges of the cuff to second sides and the second sides of the end pieces are configured for receiving a catheter in facing engagement. The device for removing a catheter assembly includes a handle and a head having an external gripping surface which is sized for inserting into a lumen of a catheter assembly having a tissue ingrowth cuff for gripping an internal surface of the catheter assembly within the cuff and dislodging the cuff from surrounding tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making nipple holes or similar holes in a double-walled wheel rim having an inner wall positioned radially inward and outside of that an outer wall. The holes are made by punching by means of a punching tool provided with a cutting edge whereby the cutting edge is moved successively through the outer wall and the inner wall of the wheel rim and a punch die supporting the inner wall. The invention encompasses also an apparatus for the application of this method.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to create a video product with synchronized video and text of an event. The video product allows a user to play back a video of the event, while simultaneously viewing the corresponding transcript. If an original transcript was made of the event, the video product allows the user to play back the video while also viewing the page and line numbers of the original transcript.

Abstract: The invention features a substantially pure preparation of a peptide having corticotropin release inhibiting factor (CRIF) activity comprising at least three contiguous amino acids contained within the amino acid sequence positioned between the fourth and fifth thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) sequence on a prepro-TRH protein. The CRIF peptide further comprises the fourth uncleaved TRH portion of prepro-TRH positioned at the amino terminus of CRIF. Compositions, methods of diagnosis and methods of treating CRIF related diseases are also included in the invention.

Abstract: In an automatic medium changing apparatus capable of storing a multiplicity of optical disks, the control parameters required for the drive control system of a drive unit for recording-reproducing are automatically regulated for all the combinations of the existing drive units and all the media held. The resulting values of the control parameters are stored in a control unit of the automatic medium changing apparatus and the apparatus is controlled by the corresponding control parameters transferred from the control unit at the time of processing the medium.

Abstract: A computer system and a method for determining a travel scheme minimizing travel costs for an organization, where the organization expects to purchase travel trips for a plurality of travelers for a plurality of travel links. Each travel link comprises a travel origin and a travel destination, and is served by at least one of the carriers. The system comprises a data input device for receiving travel information relating to the carriers and the links, a data storage device for storing the travel information received by the data input device, a processor, and a data output device. From the travel information, the system constructs an objective function representing a travel cost to the organization to purchase travel trips for the plurality of travelers for the plurality of predetermined links, and a set of constraints comprising restrictions relating to the objective function.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module that serves as a shingle, tile or other building material that may be placed onto the exterior of a structure. The photovoltaic module generates a voltage when exposed to light and this voltage may be directed onto transmission lines of a power utility and/or into an external battery that may serve as a source of power for the building on which the photovoltaic shingles are laid. The practice of the present invention provides for a variety of mechanical and electrical connectors for securing together the photovoltaic modules and/or for connecting the photovoltaic modules to the exterior structure. Furthermore, the structure of the modules is such that the modules are automatically electrically connected together when laid on the building.

Abstract: To increase heat dissipation from a plasma display panel, a heat sinking unit 2 bonded to a curved back surface 11 of a panel unit includes a large number of fin blocks 21 arranged spaced apart from each other by a prescribed distance and a flexible thin-wall portion 22, and a joining section 221, which consists of fin anchoring portions 212 and thin-wall portions 22, is capable of being bent between the fin blocks 21, thus allowing the heat sinking unit 2 to conform to the curvature of the panel unit back surface 11. When using a heat sinking unit not structured to conform to the curvature of the panel unit back surface 11, a high-orientation graphite film as a heat equalizing layer is interposed between the panel unit back surface and the heat sinking unit.

Abstract: A resistance thermometer has a measuring resistor in the form of a resistance layer essentially made of a metal of the platinum group, preferably of platinum, laid on an electrically insulating surface of a carrier having a thermal expansion coefficient in the range 8.5 to 10.5 ppm/K range, and is provided with an electrically insulating cover layer. The carrier for the resistance layer can be constructed in the following manner: (a) as a substrate of a material containing a magnesium compound, preferably magnesium titanate; (b) as an intermediate layer mounted on a substrate, wherein the material of the substrate contains at least one magnesium compound; or (c) as an intermediate layer mounted on a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises aluminum oxide. With the resistance thermometer it is possible to attain a high long-term stability in the upper temperature range (above 500.degree. C.).

Abstract: An on-site sewage treatment and disposal system for areas having a ground water level above a minimum depth below grade is provided. The system includes a perimeter barrier arranged around a selected subterraneal volume. A drainage pipe which is adapted to receive fluid is provided. The drainage pipe is at least partially located within the selected subterraneal volume inside the perimeter barrier. A pump having a gas intake and a discharge side which discharges gas at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure is also provided. The discharge side of the pump is in fluid communication with the selected subterraneal volume to lower the ground water level within the perimeter barrier to a level at or below the minimum depth below grade. A method for on-site wastewater disposal is also provided utilizing the treatment and disposal system.

Abstract: The invention provides a three-dimensional puzzle consisting of a plurality of interlocking components. Each component has at least one engagement surface with which it engages with one or more other components. The puzzle includes at least three components in which the first and second components engage and the third component engages both first and second components and prevents their disengagement from each other whilst engaged with the third component. Further, there is provided a device for hot wire cutting of thermoplastic material comprising an electrically conductive wire, an arrangement for driving the wire between two points, and a voltage arrangement for applying a potential difference to the wire between the two points.