Abstract: An insert according to the present invention has a very low transverse Coefficient of Thermal Expansion. This is the result of an isolation and compensation structure formed by a sleeve surrounding a post. The sleeve isolates the post from the thermal expansion effects of the panel. This eliminates the influence of thermal expansion/contraction of both the panel and the bonding material. Since the post itself will also expand and contract with temperature, the attachment point of the post to the sleeve is deliberately selected so as to compensate for the post's own dimensional changes.

Abstract: A device for illuminating a flat panel display. The illuminating device has a flat light guide with light input edges and a light output surface, and light sources disposed at the light input edges. A layer of expanded PTFE is wrapped closely around the light sources, conforming to their exterior surface, and is spread across a back surface of the flat light guide. Reflector film layers (white and metallized) are wrapped over the layer of expanded PTFE. Preferably copper tape is then layered over the reflector film layers. Light is emitted from the light output surface when the light sources are energized.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the folding chair of the present invention, a seat back support integrally formed with the front legs of the folding chair is bent forward at a particular angle, at a particular height above the seating surface, to provide comfortable lower back support for a person sitting on the seat, while maintaining stability. According to another aspect of the invention, a cushion for use on the seat back of the chair is disclosed. The cushion has a particular shape with portions that are intended to interlock with a correspondingly shaped apertures in the seat back of the chair. The cushions may be removed for cleaning or replacement with little trouble. In another aspect, the seating surface of the folding chair is contoured with a gentle s-shape.

Abstract: A camera or fiber optic lens is raised from an automobile on a retractable support to a height sufficient to view over SUVs to perceive an image of traffic beyond an obstructive SUV and transmit the image to a display that is viewable by the driver.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting a driver to the presence of an EM signal from a police speed sensor signals (RADAR/LADAR), emergency vehicle signals and traffic hazard warning signals using RADAR/LADAR detectors and coupled GPS positioning system an transceiver. The system receives electromagnetic signal emissions and records the location of the Signal, providing that information to a central processor. A GPS system constantly updates the vehicle position so that the processor can note the vehicle position at the time the Signal was received. The GPS position signal is reformatted and broadcast to other vehicles having similar units. When a position signal is received by the transceiver, it is stored and compared to the present position of the driver's vehicle.

Abstract: A capillary wick for use in capillary evaporators has properties that prevent nucleation inside the body of the wick, resulting in suppression of back-conduction of heat from vapor channels to the liquid reservoir. Use of a central liquid flow channel in the wick is eliminated, and pore size in the wick is chosen to maximize available pressure for fluid pumping, while preventing nucleation in the wick body. The wick is embodied with different geometries, including cylindrical and flat. A flat capillary evaporator has substantially planar heat input surfaces for convenient mating to planar heat sources. The flat capillary evaporator is capable of being used with working fluids having high vapor pressures (i.e., greater that 10 psia). To contain the pressure of the vaporized working fluid, the opposed planar plates of the evaporator are brazed or sintered to opposing sides of a metal wick. Additionally, a terrestrial loop heat pipe and a loop heat pipe having overall flat geometry are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for measuring myocardial function in a mammal in need of such measurement by: a) administering 2-substituted adenosine carboxamide derivatives at a dosage rate of less than 1 &mgr;g/kg/min, preferably between about 0.01 and 1 &mgr;g/kg/min; and then: b) performing a technique on the mammal to detect myocardial function. The method can be used to diagnose myocardial dysfunction by electrophysiologic analysis or by imaging the vasculature of the heart, especially under conditions that simulate stress.

Abstract: A trash receptacle sterilization apparatus having ultraviolet sterilization in an enclosed container to kill bacteria and other disease carrying organisms. The receptacle has a vertical container into which a user places trash, other trash receptacles or other objects to be sterilized. An ultraviolet source within the container irradiates the trash receptacle thereby killing any microorganisms that might reside on or in the trash receptacles. Ultraviolet radiation below 200 nm can also be used thereby creating ozone gas having germicidal characteristics. The ozone gas is circulating in and around the trash receptacles thereby providing further sterilization together with the ultraviolet radiation. An interlocking switch turns the UV source off when the container is opened.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved multi-layer hand wrap stretch film products. The products comprise at least five layers. The first and second outer layers each represent from 10 to 25 percent by weight of the film and comprise a blend of a linear low density polyethylene, and a metallocenes based linear low density polyethylene. The film includes a first and second inner layer where each represents from 20 to 40 percent by weight of the film and comprises a blend of linear low density polyethylene and a low density polyethylene. The core layer represents from 10 to 30 percent by weight of the film and comprises linear low density polyethylene. The linear low density polyethylene components are either single products or blends of products. The final film exhibits improved properties needed in hand wrap films such as puncture resistance and load retention.

Abstract: The compounds of the formula described herein wherein R, R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings given in the specification, are endowed with A3 adenosine receptor agonist activity. These compounds can be used in a pharmaceutical composition to treat disorders caused by excessive activation of the A3 receptor, or can be used in a diagnostic application to determine the relative binding of other compounds to the A3 receptor. The compounds can be labeled, for example with fluorescent or radiolabels, and the labels used in vivo or in vitro to determine the presence of tumor cells which possess a high concentration of adenosine A3 receptors.

Abstract: A twist-lock connector assembly for securing an engaged electrical plug to an electrical outlet which includes a rotatable cylindrical sleeve disposed enclosing an electrical plug and a modified cover plate for replacing the conventional cover plate of an electrical outlet, such as a wall socket or a portable power box. The forward end of the rotatable sleeve includes a plurality of external thread members. Each socket hole of the cover plate includes an inner cylindrical wall having a plurality of radially inwardly projecting nubs formed thereon. In use, the electrical plug is inserted into the socket portion of the wall outlet and the cylindrical sleeve is rotated about a ¼ turn. This causes the external threads on the rotatable sleeve to lockingly engaged the nubs disposed surrounding the socket opening(s) of the cover plate and thereby prevent the electrical plug from being accidentally pulled loose from the outlet by its connection with cover plate.

Abstract: A ribbon drive pumping apparatus and method for liquids is disclosed. The pump has an extended tube having an intake at a first end and an outlet at a second end. A ribbon formed of helical coils is mounted in the tube for rotation and the frequency of the coils decreases from the first end to the second end of the tube. Liquid is collected at the first end, an axial component of velocity of the liquid is increased via the rotating ribbon, and the liquid is ejected from the second end to provide pumping of the liquid. A central opening helps decrease cavitation.

Abstract: A ribbon drive power generation system and method is disclosed. The system is equipped with an extended tube having an intake at a first end and an outlet at a second end. A ribbon formed of helical coils is mounted in the tube for rotation and the frequency of the coils increases from the first end to the second end of the tube. Moving water is directed into the first end, an axial component of momentum of the water is decreased via the rotating ribbon, and the rotation is used to induce electricity or drive an electrical generator. The scalability and modular nature of the present invention allow flexible implementation.

Abstract: A point of sale system designed to accept payer account number input with a subsequent debiting of a payer account and crediting merchant's account for the goods or services provided. Point of sale terminals are designed to accept bank account information by manually keying, MICR reading of a payer check, OCR reading of a payer check, magnetic stripe reading of a payer debit card, or electronic reading of a payer smart card. Thereafter, the transaction information is transmitted to a central computer system which stores the transaction event information for subsequent bank reconciliation via the ACH or other competing network. The invention eliminates the need for paper checks with all bank reconciliation being accomplished electronically. Additionally, there is no need for the present system to retain the check after verification.

Abstract: A twist-lock connector assembly for securing an engaged electrical plug to an electrical outlet which includes a rotatable cylindrical sleeve for enclosing an electrical plug and a modified cover plate for replacing the conventional cover plate of an electrical outlet, such as a wall socket or a portable power box. The forward end of the rotatable sleeve includes a plurality of external thread members. Each socket hole of the cover plate includes an inner cylindrical wall having a plurality of radially inwardly projecting nubs formed thereon. In use, the electrical plug is inserted into the socket portion of the wall outlet and the cylindrical sleeve is rotated about a ¼ turn. This causes the external threads on the rotatable sleeve to lockingly engaged the nubs disposed surrounding the socket opening(s) of the cover plate and thereby prevent the electrical plug from being accidentally pulled loose from the outlet by its connection with cover plate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the distillation of a readily polymerizable vinyl aromatic compound employing a polymerization inhibitor. The vinyl aromatic compound is subjected to distillation in at least one fractionation column having at least one reboiler for maintaining the bottoms of said column at a proper temperature. The reboiler includes a heating section and a vapor phase section. The bottoms fraction from the fractionation column is cycled to the reboiler and subjected to heat to vaporize at least a portion of the bottoms fraction to form a vapor phase in the vapor section, A slip stream of the bottoms fraction is introduced to the vapor phase section of the reboiler. The slipstream contains polymerization inhibitor that had been added to the process at the fractionation column. The invention reduces fouling at the reboilers. The slipstream is optionally introduced to the reboiler using one or more spray nozzles.

Abstract: A polyolefin shrink film having high shrinkage and low shrink force. The film has a core layer formed from a polymer of ethylene with a melting point of greater than 100° C., outer layers of a homopolymer of ethylene or propylene or an ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer. The film is not irradiated. The film may be used in the packaging of articles subject to breakage, distortion or deformation if packaged in shrink films with higher shrink force.