Abstract: A process of preparing new down-like clusters employs a method of point-bonding thermoplastic cut fibers in a stack of webs of carded fibers or continuous filaments in a tow, and then cutting and separating the resulting clusters which have an entirely different structure that is refluffable. Ultrasonic bonding has worked well as the bonding method, but other methods may prove useful.

Abstract: This invention relates to the isolation of nucleic acid fragments from soybean that encode ADP ribosylation factor (ARF) protein. This invention also relates to nucleic acid fragments encoding proteins that are capable of conferring herbicide tolerance to chlorimuron-ethyl, a sulfonylurea herbicide. The invention encompasses genetic screens for crop protection chemicals, transgenic plants, and breeding methods.

Abstract: A process for producing phosgene is disclosed which involves contacting a mixture comprising carbon monoxide and chlorine (e.g., at about 300.degree. C. or less) with carbon which (1) has a micropore to macropore ratio of 3.5 or less; (2) has a high degree of oxidative stability (i.e., loses about 16% of its weight, or less, in the WVC Temperature Test as defined herein); and (3) has a minimum surface area of at least 10 m.sup.2 /g. The use of this carbon having an active metal content of 1000 ppm or more is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing phosgene is disclosed which involves contacting a mixture comprising CO and Cl.sub.2 (e.g, at about 300.degree. C. or less) with a silicon carbide catalyst having a surface area of at least 10 m.sup.2.g.sup.-1.

Abstract: A control device employing a remote switch, intended to ensure activation and de-activation of electrical devices in accordance with a plurality of pre-established control functions, from different control members. Each of the control members is constituted by a single electrical contactor adapted to produce, when acted on by the user, a train of electric pulses. The control device includes elements for counting the number of electric pulses produced. The number of pulses counted controls the electric devices depending on the control function which is associated with this number of pulses.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding soybean enzymes that catalyze steps in biosynthesis of isoflavones, the enzyme a member selected from the group consisting of chalcone isomerase, isoflavone reductase and vestitone reductase. The invention also relates to the construction of chimeric genes encoding all or a substantial portion of the enzymes, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the enzyme in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: A fluid distribution device for distributing cleaning fluid to the floor surface comprises a hollow tube extender attached to a hollow fixed shaft. A hub assembly having a plurality of hollow open-ended spokes is rotatably mounted to the tube extender. If used with a brush floor cleaning apparatus a portion of each spoke extends into and terminates within a radial passage in the brush.

Abstract: A portable workshop includes a storage cabinet having shelves in lower portions thereof for receiving relatively large, heavy items and drawers in the upper portion thereof for receiving relatively small tools, accessories, and supplies. The storage cabinet is supported on wheels and casters for movement. The storage cabinet includes a top comprising the work surface. A work table top is supported on the storage cabinet for pivotal movement between a storage orientation and a working orientation. A retractable handle is utilized for manipulating the portable workshop on the wheels and casters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluid jet interlace apparatus and related methods for interlacing filaments into a yarn with the filaments intermingled with adjacent ones of the filaments and groups of the filaments to maintain unity of the yarn by frictional constraint between the filaments at periodic nodes along the yarn. The invention also relates to methods of making fluid jet interlace apparatus.

Abstract: The invention discloses oil congealing compositions to coagulate oil that has been spilled on water. The congealing composition is oliophilic based and floats on the water surface to contract and congeal oil spills in both salt and fresh water, which includes in significant amounts a polypropylene glycol ether, an alcohol, an ester and polyoxyalkyl glycol ether. After the congealing composition is applied to the oil spill, the floating congealed oil can be readily mechanically removed from the water such that at least 99.9% of the oil is removable from the water with minimal negative environmental impact.

Abstract: A push-up device includes a base that has a rubber-padded bottom and opposed long flanges rising from the bottom. A series of apertures is formed in each flange to establish a series of aperture pairs, such that two wood dowels can be positioned through respective aperture pairs to establish respective hand holds for the left and right hands of a user. The distance between the dowels can be established as desired by the user by positioning the dowels in the appropriate aperture pairs. Alternatively, the apertures in each flange can be connected to each other to establish a long channel having a series of enlarged bays. In still another embodiment, an elongated rectangular base with opposed long flanges rising from the bottom of the base includes transverse hand ramps that span the flanges, with the hand ramps being angled relative to the base. The angle of successive hand ramps relatively to the horizontal plane becomes increasing acute, moving from the center of the base outwardly.

Abstract: A wheel restraint assembly (10) for securing a wheel (12) of a vehicle (14) to a test platform (16). The restraint assembly (10) includes a wheel chock mechanism (18) with front (20) and rear (22) chocks for engaging and securing the wheel (12) of the vehicle (14). A mount (44) is attached to the test platform (16) some distance away from the chock mechanism (18). The restraint assembly (10) is characterized by an adjustment mechanism (46) interconnecting the chock mechanism (18) and the mount (44) for laterally and transversely moving the chock mechanism (18) in an arcuate path relative to the mount (44). Preferably, the adjustment mechanism (46) includes a pair of parallel link arms (64) interconnecting the chock mechanism (18) to the mount (44). A locking member (78) has a first end mounted to one of the link arms (64) and a second end mounted to the test platform (16).

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a tire. The tire has sidewalls and a tread portion. The tread portion has inner and outer surfaces. The apparatus comprises a tire lift. The tire lift has a main frame and a subframe. The subframe engages the main frame and is movable in a vertical direction. First and second drive rollers are operably connected to the subframe and arranged to support the tread portion. A stabilization roller is operably connected to the tire lift. The stabilization roller is arranged and configured to be placed proximal to one of the sidewalls. First and second electrodes are operably connected to the tire lift. The first and second electrodes are arranged and configured to be positioned on opposite sides of the tread portion. A power supply is arranged and configured to create an electrical potential between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Fluoromonomer is polymerized to obtain a fluoropolymer with the polymerization being carried out in a pressurized polymerization reactor containing a polymerization medium comprising liquid or supercritical CO.sub.2. The polymerization medium is withdrawn from the reactor together with the fluoropolymer and flash decompressed to thereby recover the fluoropolymer from the medium.

Abstract: A guide assembly for performing a biopsy with a biopsy device having an elongated and substantially hollow cylindrical barrel is described. The guide assembly includes a bracket which is selectively movable relative to a base. The bracket has a longitudinal opening formed through a housing portion of the bracket into which the biopsy device may be mounted for guiding the biopsy device into desired tissue.