Abstract: A solid fuel candle which is highly adapted for use both in a container and also as a free-standing candle includes at least 85 percent hydrogenated soybean oil, approximately 0 to 4 percent synthetic wax composition, approximately 0 to 4 percent of a second hydrogenated vegetable or petroleum oil, approximately 0 to 10 percent fragrance or scent, and approximately 0 to 3 percent dye. The hydrogenated vegetable oil most preferably has an iodine value of approximately 50 and a melting point of approximately 125 degrees Fahrenheit, with a free fatty acid content of less than one-tenth of one percent. The synthetic wax composition is most preferably formed from alpha olefin monomers and oligomers under free radical conditions at relatively low pressures to yield a highly branched polymer wax having congealing and melting points lower than the starting alpha olefin material and a higher molecular weight.

Abstract: This invention generally concerns electronically controlled hydraulic valves for use in electro-hydraulically controlled transmissions. The proportional pressure control valve 20 includes a hollow cage 42 pierced by cage tank ports 52, cage clutch ports 54, and cage pump ports 56. The cage pump ports 56 receive fluid from a pump. The cage clutch ports 54 supply fluid to a hydraulic actuator. The cage tank ports 52 return fluid from the valve 20 to a tank from where fluid circulates back to the pump. Main spool 112 controls fluid flow between cage clutch ports 54 and cage pump ports 56 or cage tank ports 52. An electromagnetically operated pilot valve regulates fluid pressure applied to a control pressure surface 138. A feedback pressure passage 126, having a feedback restriction orifice 128, restrains the rate fluid flows between the cage clutch ports 54 and the feedback pressure surface 114.

Abstract: This invention generally concerns electronically controlled hydraulic valves for use in electro-hydraulically controlled transmissions. The proportional pressure control valve 20 includes a hollow cage 42 pierced by cage tank ports 52, cage clutch ports 54, and cage pump ports 56. The cage pump ports 56 receive fluid from a pump. The cage clutch ports 54 supply fluid to a hydraulic actuator. The cage tank ports 52 return fluid from the valve 20 to a tank from where fluid circulates back to the pump. Main spool 112 controls fluid flow between cage clutch ports 54 and cage pump ports 56 or cage tank ports 52. An electro-magnetically operated pilot valve regulates fluid pressure applied to a control pressure surface 138. A feedback pressure passage 126, having a feedback restriction orifice 128, restrains the rate fluid flows between the cage clutch ports 54 and the feedback pressure surface 114.

Abstract: A microphone and method of use in which pulsed laser light is directed against a reflective diaphragm which is vibrated by sound waves thereby modulating the pulsed laser light reflected from the diaphragm. The modulated, pulsed laser light is transmitted from the microphone for conversion into digital, electrical signals or is converted to digital, electrical signals in the microphone and transmitted therefrom as digital signals.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention generally concerns electronically controlled hydraulic valves adapted for use in electro-hydraulically controlled automotive transmissions. The proportional pressure control valve 20 includes a hollow cage 42 pierced by cage tank ports 52, cage clutch ports 54, and by cage pump ports 56. The cage pump ports 56 receive fluid from a pump. The cage clutch ports 54 supply fluid to a hydraulic actuator, such as that for an automotive clutch. The cage clutch ports 54. supply the fluid at a pressure that is proportional to an electrical control signal applied to a solenoid coil 252 of the valve 20. The cage tank ports 52 return fluid from the valve 20 to a tank from which the fluid circulates back to the pump. Located in the cage 42 is a main spool 112 that is movable laterally relative to the cage 42 for controlling a flow of hydraulic fluid between the cage clutch ports 54 and either the cage pump ports 56 or the cage tank ports 52.

Abstract: A computerized idea generator and problem solver that can receive English language sentences describing a problem to be solved and generate solutions by analogy. The computer uses words in the problem description sentences to obtain information from a database that relates to the type of problem to be solved, for example, animal, plant or human. The computer then uses this information to access analogous information from a second database. The information used can include (1) where a noun in the problem description is categorized in a hierarchy of information within the database, and (2) what purpose or what function is provided by that noun. This information is used to obtain a noun from a second database and a description of how to solve an analogous problem with respect to that noun. The original noun is substituted in the sentence for the second noun to arrive at a solution.

Abstract: A canvas stretching and framing device upon which canvas or other sheet material may be stretched includes fixed corner sections and straight sections. The fixed corner sections ensure the squareness and rigidity of the device while simultaneously allowing for easy adjustments in order to maintain the canvas in a taut condition over the device. The straight sections may be easily cut to any desired length, which allows for easy adjustment of the device's size. The corner sections may include a plurality of protrusions which engage a plurality of cavities formed in the straight sections in a way that forms a continuous perimeter upon which canvas may be stretched.

Abstract: A tool for distributing electrically conductive particles, and optionally abrasive particles, on the surface of a male, electrical jack connector and a tool for distributing electrically conductive particles, and optionally abrasive particles, on the surface of a female, electrical jack connector which tools can be interfitted so that each acts as a removable cover for the other. The tools can simultaneously clean while distributing particles. A method for using each of the tools.

Abstract: Vacuum insulating and construction materials are provided by producing bubble containing, solid materials such as individual bubbles, multiple bubbles, foamed material, and the like in an environment of less than atmospheric pressure and enclosing the bubbles produced in an air-tight encapsulating material while still in the environment of less than atmospheric pressure or encapsulating natural material containing chambers having gas-porous enclosing walls. On being moved into an environment of atmospheric pressure the bubbles retain their vacuum quality.

Abstract: A computerized idea generator and problem solver that can receive English language sentences describing a problem to be solved and generate solutions by analogy. The computer uses words in the problem description sentences to obtain information from a database that relates to the type of problem to be solved, for example, animal, plant or human. The computer then uses this information to access analogous information from a second database. The information used can include (1) where a noun in the problem description is categorized in a hierarchy of information within the database, and (2) what purpose or what function is provided by that noun. This information is used to obtain a noun from a second database and a description of how to solve an analogous problem with respect to that noun. The original noun is substituted in the sentence for the second noun to arrive at a solution.

Abstract: A control system for a mobile planting apparatus which permits discrete plant spacing to be determined and maintained independent of wheel rotation on the planting apparatus having: (1) a ground speed sensor wherein the rate of movement relative to the ground is determined independent of wheel rotation of the planting apparatus; (2) an input/display device for inputting desired plant spacing; (3) a variable speed motor for driving seed metering devices on the planting apparatus at varying rates independent of wheel rotation of the planting apparatus, wherein the motor changes speeds in response to an electronic signal; (4) a programmable control circuit communicating electronically with the input/display device and ground speed sensor, wherein the programmable control circuit: (a) determines the number of seeds to be dispensed per unit distance based on the desired spacing received from the input/display device; (b) determines the distance traveled based on electronic signals from the ground speed sensor; and

Abstract: A security label system includes a security label, a protective label, and a means for applying said labels to an item using an applicator workstation. Preferably, said security label system inexpensively and readily identifies and protects compact disc multimedia from theft or damage occurring during sale or rental. Said security label system includes tamper-evident, non-transferable security labels and a reliable means of identification that does not damage or interfere with delicate digital data. In particular, a security label system readily informs merchants if merchandise has been tampered with.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preventing the development of epithelial ovarian cancer by administering a Vitamin D compound in an amount capable of increasing apoptosis in non-neoplastic ovarian epithelial cells of the female subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preventing the development of epithelial ovarian cancer by administering progestin products, either alone or in combination with other agents such as estrogen products.

Abstract: An extendable apparatus incorporating a support member slidably retaining at least one extension element which is biased by a tensioning means to remain in a retracted position and means for securing the at least one extension element in a position in which the overall length of the apparatus is extended. The extendable apparatus further incorporating a means for producing light and/or a means for attachment to a multiwheeled vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus that uses the burster method for positioning coupons from a continuous web at a predetermined time at a predetermined location for insertion is disclosed. Positioning rolls define a bight to receive the leading edge of a coupon and are driven by positioning drive assembly. A feed drive assembly advances coupons to the positioning rolls. Sensors actuate and deactuate the feed drive assembly in response to the presence of a container at a selected position and the presence of a coupon at another sensing position.

Abstract: A removable companionway, for use in conjunction with a manufacturer-supplied door as desired depending on weather and user preference, having a frame with adjustable corner brackets to accommodate companionways of different dimensions, a cover for protection from wind, rain, and objects, and a hinge means for moving said companionway about an axis.

Abstract: A three-dimensional insert for use in a handling system comprising a sheet of cardstock or the like defined by ends and first and second sides, a laminate applied to the top surface of the cardstock, and an overwrap material bonded to the laminate proximate to the first and second sides. This structure enables a three-dimensional object to be placed within the overwrap material without risk of movement to the peripheral sides.

Abstract: A container of blow-moulded oriented thermoplastic material includes a base structure comprising a convex annular surface (which may be divided into a plurality of feet (118) by radial webs (112) and a central re-entrant portion (116). In blow-moulding the container, a moulded preform is enclosed within a mould heated, and stretched such that its bottom surface impinges upon a projecting surface of the mould bottom corresponding to the topmost surface (158) of the re-entrant portion. After blow-moulding, the material of the re-entrant portion (116) remains unoriented and relatively thick in comparison to the material of the remainder of the base. The unoriented material in the base is substantially confined to the re-entrant portion (116) which itself is strengthened by its relatively thick walls and the base thus exhibits improved creep and stress cracking properties.