Abstract: A reinforced elastomeric membrane installed over a new, or existing, non-reinforced waterproof elastomeric membrane of a roof covering and the method of installing the reinforced elastomeric membrane in a continuous and watertight condition that will offer more continuous puncture resistance than current art. The overlapped edge portions of the two membranes (i.e. the new or existing EPDM membrane and the new reinforced EPDM membrane) are sealed together by an intervening adhesive layer. Using reinforced EPDM as walkways to, around, and between serviceable roof top curb units, roof hatches, and roof access points, on new or existing non-reinforced EPDM roofs, provides a greater degree of continuous protection than current art.

Abstract: A zero turning radius mowing machine has a string trimmer bracket-mounted to it. An extra sheave is mounted to a mower blade shaft above the mower deck, and belt-coupled through an electric clutch to a hydraulic pump mounted on the mower deck. A switch mounted near the operator's seat, is operable to activate the clutch to operate the hydraulic pump and supply hydraulic power to a hydraulic motor coupled to the string trimmer to drive it as the mower is mowing a lawn or the like. The trimmer mounting is adjustable, and the trimmer has a ground-engaging pod causing the trimmer head to float along the ground contour activate and de-activate the pump. Hydraulic oil storage is in a tank serving also as a front bumper and trimmer bracket mount.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the regulation of lignin composition in plant tissue. Plants are transformed with a gene encoding an active F5H gene. The expression of the F5H gene results in increased levels of syringyl monomer providing a lignin composition more easily degraded with chemicals and enzymes.

Abstract: A linear water-soluble quaternary ammonium polymer having a homopolymeric chain of repeating unit of general formula (I): where each of R1 and R2 independently represents a member selected from the group consisting of linear or branched alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl groups having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, X− represents an anion and n is an integer comprised between 30 and 220 has been prepared. Furthermore, the polymer has a molar mass distribution of less than or equal to 1.5. The polymer is used as a displacer in a displacement mode of chromatography.

Abstract: A process for purifying high molecular weight hyaluronic acid from a biological source, including the steps of adjusting the pH of an aqueous solution containing high molecular weight hyaluronic acid from a biological source to a pH in the range from 1.7 to 3.3 and then diafiltering said aqueous solution at the same pH using a filter having a pore size in the range from 100,000 Daltons nominal molecular cut-off to 0.45 m, and of removing cells from the aqueous solution containing high molecular weight hyaluronic acid from biological source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using a spectral analysis technique are disclosed. In one form of the invention, probabilities are selected to characterize the presence (and in another form, also a quantification of a characteristic) of peaks in an indexed data set for samples that match a reference species, and other probabilities are selected for samples that do not match the reference species. An indexed data set is acquired for a sample, and a determination is made according to techniques exemplified herein as to whether the sample matches or does not match the reference species. When quantification of peak characteristics is undertaken, the model is appropriately expanded, and the analysis accounts for the characteristic model and data. Further techniques are provided to apply the methods and apparatuses to process control, cluster analysis, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, and other procedures involving multiple comparisons of indexed data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a CD-ROM holder that is suitable for binding by being saddle stitched, sewn, or the like.

Abstract: A posterior fixation system includes a saddle member, an anchoring member, an occipital plate, an occipital rod, and a cross-link connector. The anchoring member anchors the saddle member to bone. The saddle member includes a pair of upright portions that define a channel. The channel is adapted to receive an orthopedic rod, and the saddle member can include a hole to receive the anchoring member. The saddle member and the anchoring member can be coupled so as to allow multi-axial movement of the members. The anchoring member in one embodiment is a screw coupled to the hole of the saddle, and in another embodiment, the anchoring member is a hook. The offset member may be coupled to the saddle member to allow for offset connection of rods. Connection of individual rods can be accomplished by connecting the rods with the cross-link connector. The cross-link connector has an integrally formed cylindrical member that couples a pair of coupling portions together.

Abstract: A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a casing which is pressed against a skin surface to produce a seal therewith. A cocking mechanism is pulled rearwardly to place a lancing device in a cocked state. By releasing a trigger, the lancing device is driven forward to produce an incision in the skin, and then is retracted out of the incision. A plunger mounted on the cocking mechanism is then retracted to generate a negative pressure at the front end of the casing to draw body fluid from the incision.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for implementing a technique for idling a diesel engine. The system comprises an engine controller, an air temperature sensor, and an engine speed sensor. The air temperature sensor provides a first signal indicative of an internal temperature of an intake manifold in fluid communication with the diesel engine. The engine speed sensor provides a second signal indicative of a rotational speed of a crankshaft of the diesel engine. In response to various other signals collectively indicating the diesel engine is idling, the engine controller controls the supply of fuel to the diesel engine as a function of the first signal. When the first signal is below a temperature level, engine controller supplies fuel to each combustion chamber of the diesel engine for a fixed period of time to achieve a desired range of rotational speeds of the crankshaft as indicated by the second signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling heat recovery coils in an exhaust stack. A set of heat recovery coils at least partially filled with a heat conducting fluid is positioned in a hot zone. The recovery coils are biased in a direction out of the hot zone to prevent accidental overheating in the event of a control or power failure. A heat transduction system is connected in fluid communication with the heat recovery coils. Heat energy is transferred from the hot zone into the heat conducting fluid, and the heated heat conducting fluid is then flowed into the heat transduction system where heat is removed from the heat conducting fluid. The extracted heat is then transduced into useful energy.

Abstract: White-rot fungi are grown on a sugar beet pulp substrate. By-product of fungal growth, such as lignin-degrading enzymes, can be recovered from the culture.

Abstract: Described are preferred polymerized organic-inorganic processes for producing mixed metal oxide powders suitable for use in the ceramics and related industries. The preferred processes employ a non-chelating polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol or polyalkylene glycol as a carrier and can provide single-phase, mixed oxide powders in high yields at relatively low temperatures.

Abstract: A method of the present invention comprises providing an attachment device including a first end portion that defines a cavity and an opening intersecting the cavity. The attachment device also includes one or more components of an adhesive material positioned in the cavity and at least one frangible barrier to retain these components in the cavity. The method further includes inserting a free end of a tendon through the opening and into the cavity to break the barrier, rotating the attachment device about the tendon to disperse the one or more components of the adhesive material within the cavity, and coupling the tendon to the attachment device with the adhesive material after rotation.

Abstract: A waveguide structure comprising a medium disposed of a sensing layer (21), a second layer of material (22) having a refractive index greater than that of the medium, and a substrate (24). The structure defines a waveguide capable of supporting an optical mode confined in a sensing layer. The medium is adapted for performing chemical or biological reactions within the medium which will result in a change of an optical property of the sensing layer of the waveguide. The thickness and refractive indexes of the layers are chosen such that an optical mode confined in the sensing layer will suffer substantially anti-resonant reflection as a consequence of the interface between the sensing layer and the second layer and the interface between the second layer and the substrate. Alternatively, the waveguide may comprise a low index sensing medium held between a superstrate and a substrate each of which has a refractive index higher than that of the medium.

Abstract: A handgun assembly is provided. The frame of the handgun includes a forwardly extending portion that terminates at the forward end of the muzzle or slide of the handgun. The forwardly extending portion of the frame has a dust cover that supports the entire length of the slide, and provides for the assembly of the standard handgun components therein. The frame provides additional weight forwardly displaced from the hand of the shooter, providing better feel and balance to the handgun and reducing muzzle flip.