Abstract: A new technique for adjusting the parameters of a feedback controller. A linear feedback controller includes proportional, integral and derivative (PID) controllers but is not limited to them. The feedback controller may utilize non-linearity in its control and still have its parameters adjusted by this algorithm. The technique involves calculating an error derivative signal, which is the derivative of the processes loops' error with a parameter, for each parameter being adjusted and utilizing these error derivative signals along with error using a modified LMS algorithm. A key aspect of the modified LMS algorithm is the development of the error derivative signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to golf balls having a cover and a core and to golf balls having a cover, a core, and an intermediate layer between the cover and the core, where the core or at least one of the intermediate layer or the core is formed from at least one terpolymer of a first monomeric component of an olefinic monomer having from about 2 to about 8 carbon atoms, a second monomeric component of an unsaturated acrylate class ester having from about 2 to about 18 carbon atoms, and a third monomeric component of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of carbon monoxide, anhydride monomers, and monomers having a structure according to the formula ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is hydrogen or a linear chain or branched chain alkyl group of from about 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, and R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of linear chain alkyl, branched chain alkyl, carbocyclic, and unsubstituted aryl groups, each containing an epoxy moiety.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable mixture for photopolymerizable printing plates with an improved resistance to UV-hardenable printing inks, contains 10-45% by weight of at least one thermoplastic, elastomeric, block copolymer comprising of two or more polymer blocks comprising aromatic vinyl units and one or more polymer blocks comprising isoprene and/or isoprene/butadiene units. The block copolymer has a vinyl bond content not above 70%, a glass transition temperature not above 20.degree. C., and a peak temperature of a primary dispersion of tan .delta. not above 30.degree. C.

Abstract: A support device for controlling breast thickness during stereotactic guided needle biopsy is provided. The support device includes a compressible support having an inner surface which extends adjacent to a substantial portion of a peripheral surface of a patient's breast when the breast and the support are disposed between the fixed and pressure plates of an apparatus for performing stereotactic guided needle biopsy. The compressible support restricts the inferior and lateral excursion of the breast as the plates are moved toward one another and the patient's breast and the compressible support are pressed between the plates. A method for controlling breast thickness during stereotactic guided needle biopsy is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for melt blending a mixture of a thermoplastic polyamide and segmented thermoplastic copolymers of polyurethane and the product thereof. The process of the invention is useful for recycling textile goods, such as pantyhose, into a form useful for fabricating into shaped articles such as moldings, sheets, and fibers.

Abstract: A combination side-drum holder includes a mounting unit having a mounting plate fastened to the shell of a base drum to hold a sliding bar and a holding down block for fixing the sliding bar in position, and a holder unit fastened to an upright support rod at one end of the sliding bar to hold a pair of side drums, the holder unit including two ball socket halves fastened together, two balls rotatably mounted in between the ball socket halves and held down in position when the ball socket halves are fastened tight, and two supporting rods respectively connected to the balls and extended to the outside for holding a respective side drum.

Abstract: Ionomers based on ethylene/unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymers are modified with from 0.5 to 15 weight percent adipic acid. The modified-ionomers have improved melt flow and melt processing behavior over unmodified ionomers having a comparable level of neutralization of acid groups present. Certain mechanical properties are improved, particularly stiffness, abrasion resistance and low temperature izod impact. The ionomers modified with adipic acid are in particular suitable for balata ball replacement when formulated as golf ball cover compositions and covers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable water-containing cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions which comprise a biologically active agent and an enzyme-based oxygen-scavenging antioxidant system. The composition preferably comprises an antioxidant system comprising effective amounts of an oxidase, a substrate for the oxidase, and a peroxidase, and at least one species oxidizable by hydrogen peroxide, such as iodide and/or thiocyanate anions.

Abstract: Compositions of fluoropolymer containing a first filler component such as mica and a second filler component such as talc are resistant to permeation by water and aqueous acid and provide useful coatings for such items as chemical equipment. The composition can be used as coatings which can be applied by electrostatic spray of dry powder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for presenting a plurality of product images for review by a user on a computer including a display, a memory, and an input device. The method includes the steps of displaying a plurality of product images on the display, providing product image review boxes on the display for a side-by-side comparison of selected product images, receiving a user input selecting a product image from the plurality of product images displayed on the display, and displaying the selected product image in one of the review boxes for a side-by-side comparison with at least one other selected product image. The product images include both a product image and a selected background image. The step of displaying the selected product image includes the step of integrating the product image with a selected background image to provide a customized product image on the display.

Abstract: A method for regulating gene expression in a stably transformed transgenic plant cell utilizing a Gal4 chimeric transcription factor is described.

Abstract: Simultaneous drawing of mixed polyester filaments is improved by use of chain-branched polyester for the polymer from which the polyester filaments are spun.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for feeding particulate material to a fluidized bed reactor operated at greater than atmospheric through a standpipe wherein the ratio of the absolute pressure where the standpipe enters the fluidized bed reactor to the absolute pressure where the particulate material enters the standpipe is at least about 1.5 and gas is injected into the standpipe at a velocity which is about 20-80 percent of the minimum fluidization velocity of the particulate material.

Abstract: Inflatable radar reflectors comprising three mutually orthogonal radar reflective planes incorporated within the structure thereof can take the form of a teardrop, a cylindrical drogue or a set of three intersecting discs. A preferred embodiment includes three inflatable hollow toruses of flexible material which mutually intersect in a manner such that their planes are mutually orthogonal and each intersection provides a passage for air to pass between the intersecting sections thereof, inflation means for filling the three toruses simulataneously and collapsible circular panels of radar-reflective material covering each torus so that they form mutually orthogonal radar reflective planes. The preferred embodiment can be encased in a radar permeable balloon.

Abstract: A reaction of perfluoroolefins with bis(silyl) ethers to produce novel partially fluorinated and perfluorinated copolymers and macrocyclic compounds is disclosed.

Abstract: Aqueous ink jet inks with improved water fastness, smear fastness and improved chroma comprise an aqueous vehicle; a polymeric dispersant; and an insoluble colorant comprising an organic pigment having adsorbed thereon a dye/polymer complex.

Abstract: The multi-use articulation includes a stationary articulation section (10), mounted on the internal face of the rear wall of the housing (2), a moveable articulation section (20) on which the mirror plate (1) is mounted and a U-shaped connecting element (30) for torque adjustment and vibration absorption connecting both sections. The U-shaped connecting element (30) of the articulation sections has respective outwardly extending end portions (31) connected to a pair of opposite hook-shaped projections (23) of the moveable articulation section (20) so that the hook-shaped projections (23) and/or end portions (31) of the U-shaped element (30) can provide an axially tighter or looser assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making continuous rolls of a thin laminate composite that is ideally suited for the large scale production of reclosable bags which can be used for sealably packaging a wide variety of articles, including food products. The bags of the invention, after being opened, can quickly and easily be closed by rolling the open end downwardly upon itself in a manner to sealably deform one or more inelastic, malleable metal filaments which are interconnected with at least one of the laminate side walls of the bag.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for arranging book, magazine, segnature parcels (A, B, . . . ) and the like in rows with a predefined separation of the parcels from one another for transferring them onto a pallet, said rows being formed by causing the parcels (A, B, . . . ) to advance integrally with a lower transportation device (3) and an upper transportation device (7) in lengths of a set amplitude.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cyclic oligomers comprising substituted or unsubstituted m-phenylene isophthalamide, complexes of these oligomers with selected metal salts, novel methods for their preparation, and polymerization of the cyclic oligomers to linear aramids. The aramids are useful, for example, as fibers for fire resistant clothing. Amino-functional cyclic oligomers may be reacted with polyfunctional acyl halides to produce polyamides.