Abstract: Processes involving certain nickel metallacycles with phosphite ligands are disclosed as useful for the manufacture of selected substituted hydrocarbons. Also disclosed are selected compounds including both nickel and phosphite ligands.

Abstract: Polyester carpets of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) are disclosed which have excellent stain-resistance, texture retention and resistance to crushing. The bulked continuous filament yarn used to make the carpets and the process for making the yarns are also disclosed.

Abstract: Camptothecin derivatives of camptothecin of formula (I) wherein the groups R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the description are disclosed. The compounds of formula (I) are endowed with antitumor activity and show a good therapeutic index. Processes for the preparation of the compounds of formula (I) and their use in the preparation of medicaments useful in the treatment of tumors, viral infections and antiplasmodium falciparum are also disclosed.

Abstract: The toilet discharge system includes a valve with a body (1) and a shutter member (2), and an unblocking apparatus for the shutter member which acts to displace the shutter between the closing position and an auxiliary position and to return it subsequently to the closing position. Advantageously, the shutter member is a rotating element, and its displacement takes place along the direction of its rotation axis; the unblocking apparatus can include a pneumatic system which injects air into two chambers (6, 7) defined between the valve body (1) and the shutter member (2), on two opposite sides of the latter. The method of operation consists in submitting the shutter member of the valve to a cycle which includes a displacement between the closing position and an auxiliary position, and subsequent return to the closing position. The shutter member is thereby prevented from becoming blocked, by avoiding formation of scale of lime and the like, and lubrication and cleanliness of the valve are improved.

Abstract: An interpolymer consisting essentially of units derived from vinyl fluoride and at least two highly fluorinated monomers, at least one of the highly fluorinated monomers introducing into the polymer a side chain of at least one carbon atom. Films from these interpolymers have substantially reduced haze, low surface tension, and can be made to form solutions in common polar organic solvents that are stable at room temperature. The extremely low surface tensions obtained with these interpolymer films provide enhanced stain resistance and improved release properties compared to polyvinyl fluoride or known vinyl fluoride interpolymers.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding an ornithine biosynthetic enzyme. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the ornithine biosynthetic enzyme, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the ornithine biosynthetic enzyme in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: In an automated quarry operation an unmanned high pressure computer controlled liquid jet cutting system particularly adopted for cutting granite on-site with device for automatically and safely shutting off the operation upon encountering unforeseen, unusual or abnormal technical problems and circumstances such as unworkable hard spots, unusual water pressure etc. The system also includes automatic communication of the status of the system. The system includes a power unit, a balanced oscillator, a communication interface, a plurality of sensors and transducers, an optional mobile system, multiple intensifiers, one or more nozzles with diamond or sapphire orifice and a micro-controller with a control panel for programming and controlling rise and fall, indexer and oscillator system.

Abstract: A thermoplastic solid surface material derived from a thermoplastic latex co-dispersion and downstream intermediates, including (a) aqueous thixotropic slips; (b) polymeric composite flakes; (c) composite powders; (d) composite pastes; and (e) preformed composite pieces

Abstract: Methods and kits for determining appropriate treatment for illnesses in humans or animals are disclosed. The method includes: providing a test kit containing a random arrangement of drug(s) and placebo(s) and/or alternative treatment(s) along with a questionnaire or other instrument designed to elicit data concerning the safety, efficacy and desirability of a treatment; administering the drug(s) and placebo(s) and/or alternative treatments to each member of the pool in a random, double blind fashion and following up on patient outcomes as appropriate post-study; assembling a database from the completed pool questionnaires and revealing the random schedule to uncover drug and placebo treatment periods; providing the same kit to a patient in need of the same treatment and comparing the results obtained from the single patient trial with those obtained from the pool to determine an optimal treatment for the patient with the drug; and administering a treatment consistent with the optimal treatment.

Abstract: An optical modulator includes an optical waveguide and an electrode structure coupled to the waveguide such that a modulating signal applied to the electrode structure varies the refractive index of the waveguide so as to produce a modulated optical output signal. The electrode is fabricated in the form of a transmission line terminated in a short circuit. The ratio of the wavelength of the modulating signal to the effective length of the electrode is comprised between 2.1 and 4.0, and is preferably of approximately 2.7. The modulator can be constructed to provide either phase or amplitude modulation. An optical transmission method having SBS suppression and an optical modulator system are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel roller for use on agricultural produce grading, sorting, cleaning and conveying equipment. The roller comprises a cylindrical hub having protruding fingers thereon which extend outward from the hub in a direction perpendicular to the hub axis and inclined away from the direction of rotation of the hub. The roller further comprises lateral support shoulders which allow the fingers to flex properly in the direction of rotation while providing increased rigidity in a lateral direction to improve grading opening uniformity and consistency. A concave shape on the outer surface of these lateral support shoulders also defines an improved grading opening shape which serves to increase grading uniformity as well. A smooth surface to the grading opening surfaces also prevent accumulation of mud and dirt in the critical grading opening area.

Abstract: A coated substrate comprising: (a) a substrate; (b) a primer layer containing adhesion-promoting polymer on said substrate; and (c) at least one topcoat of a permeation resistant composition of ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) copolymer and mica, therein the ETFE is a copolymer of about 40 to 60 mole % ethylene and about 60 to 40 mole % tetrafluoroethylene, wherein the mica is present in amounts of about 3 to about 25 wt % based on the ETFE and mica, and wherein the topcoat having a thickness of at least 150 &mgr;m. The coated substrate is formed by applying the primer to the substrate and drying, followed by dry powder coating at least one layer of ETFE and mica composition, followed by heating said layer.

Abstract: An electromagnetic control device for controlling a flush valve of a flush tank includes a housing, a lever pivotally coupled to the housing to actuate the flush valve. A casing is secured in the housing for slidably receiving an armature which is coupled to the lever with a spring member. An electromagnetic device may actuate the armature to operate the lever via the spring member. A number of plates and one or more magnets are disposed in the casing for maintaining the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions of cactus fruit extract which are dried to a powder form for use in food products and nutritional supplements. The novel powders of the present invention may be used in food products and drinks as well as capsules or tablets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process, for the electrolytic coupling of carboxylic acids, carried out in a polymer electrolyte membrane reactor. The reactor design (1) discloses the use of gaseous or neat liquid reactants without the use of organic cosolvents, (2) prevents the loss of platinum, and (3) permits the use of oxygen reduction to water as the cathode reaction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a graft copolymer emulsion which is anionically stabilized and which contains an amino-functional monomer. The graft copolymer, useful in a coating composition, has a weight average molecular weight of at least about 3,000 and comprises 20 to 95 weight percent of a polymer backbone and 5 to 80 weight percent of a macromonomer. The polymer backbone further comprises 0.5 to 30 weight percent of an amino-functional monomer and the macromonomer comprises at least about 5 weight percent of an unsaturated acid-functional monomer.

Abstract: A terpolymer having units of Formula I wherein X is a C2-10 alkyl, C6-12 aryl, or C4-12 alkoxy radical, d is from about 3 to about 50, R is a fluoroalkyl radical Rf—(A)v—(B)w—, Rf is a fully fluorinated straight or branched aliphatic radical optionally interrupted by at least one oxygen atom, A is a divalent radical selected from —SO2N(R″)—, —CON(R″)—, —S—, or —SO2—, where R″ is H, or a C1-6 alkyl radical, B is a divalent linear hydrocarbon radical —CtH2t—, where t is 1 to 12, Y is a divalent radical —CH2—O—, u, v, and w are each independently zero or 1, R′ is hydrogen or methyl, e is from about 0.05 to about 10, M is hydrogen, alkali metal, or ammonium, and f is from about 5 to about 40, and its use to provide soil resistance and resistance to staining by acid dyes for fiber substrates is disclosed.

Abstract: A multilayer packaging film comprising: a) a copolyester heat seal layer comprising a base polymer, wherein: i) 10-60 mole % of the base polymer is derived from a terephthalic acid monomer, ii) 10-60 mole % of the base polymer is derived from an ethylene glycol monomer, and iii) 5-60 mole % of the base polymer is derived from a member of the group consisting of: A) a diacid other than terephthalic acid; B) a diol other than ethylene glycol; and C) a mixture of A) and B); b) an interface layer comprising an acrylic polymer; c) a support layer; wherein the multilayer film has a peel strength of less than 200 grams per linear inch when the heat seal layer is sealed to itself at heat sealing temperatures of above 100° C. to about 200° C.

Abstract: A television viewer uses a PIP format for display of program related information such as television program listings from a program schedule data base in the background and moving, real time or stored video clip images of a program selected from the displayed listings in the PIP window. All the text of the background information lies outside the PIP window. In one embodiment, as the viewer selects a particular program from the display of current television program listings by means of a cursor or a code number, the corresponding program automatically appears in the PIP window.

Abstract: The present invention is a low-density polyethylene-lamellar silicate composite material, and a manufacturing method thereof.