Abstract: A process for forming molded articles, partcularly for forming by blow molding, by providing and forming articles from compositions made from blends containing (A) two copolyether ester elastomers that include acid end-groups, (B) an ethylene copolymer that includes at least one unsaturated epoxide group and acrylate and/or (meth) acrylate groups, at least one of (C) or (D) wherein (C) is an ethylene copolymer having acrylate and/or methacrylate groups and at least one anhydride of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and (D) is a rubbery polymer that can be finely dispersed and (E) a calcium compound capable of reacting with the acid end-groups of (A), preferably calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide.

Abstract: A holding tool is adapted to be used in removing and replacing a fan clutch assembly threadably attached and detached relative to a shaft of a hub connected to a pulley on an internal combustion engine of a vehicle by a series of fasteners. The holding tool includes a flat holding plate in which a portion of the bottom edge is provided with arcuate edge adapted to surround a circumferential segment of the hub. The holding plate is formed with a plurality of spaced apart holes adapted to receive certain of the fasteners connecting the hub and pulley together so that the holding plate is attached to the hub. An elongated handle has a proximal end secured to the holding plate and a distal end adapted to rest upon a frame rail of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for forming optical components and new optical materials utilizing electron beam irradiation. The process comprises selectively irradiating optical materials to alter their index of refraction gradient three dimensionally. With the inventive process, new optical materials can be created that have enhanced optical properties over the un-irradiated material. The invention also provides a process in which optical components can be fabricated without requiring a planar/multiple layer process, thereby simplifying the fabrication of these optical components. The inventive process uses a controlled electron beam to alter the properties of optical materials. By using the radiation of a controlled electron beam, controlled changes in the index of refraction gradient of optical materials can be obtained. Further, radiation of the electron beam can be used to create new optical materials from materials not previously believed to be suitable for optical applications.

Abstract: An advertising display device for mounting on a bottle having a top, a cylindrical neck and shoulders is disclosed. The device comprises a body for mounting an advertising display; and a plurality of nested tubes affixed to the body, the tubes having open bottom surfaces such that the bottom surfaces of the tubes having a central opening for permitting the passage there-through of the bottle top and neck; wherein the bottom surface of each tube is disposed lower than the tube which is nested immediately within it. When the neck of the bottle fits within the inner-most tube its top either contacts a closed top surface of the inner-most tube or one of the tubes engages the shoulders of the bottle and the neck of the bottle is engaged against the inner surface of the inner-most tube.

Abstract: A magnetic control system for selectively enabling/disabling an implantable device's operation using externally applied pulsed magnetic means, e.g., a controlled electromagnet or the like. Typically, such implantable devices stimulate a neural pathway or muscle and/or block pain or muscle stimulation according to programmable settings. Preferably, once programmed from an external programmer, such implantable devices can operate “independently” using the externally provided programmed information. However, in certain circumstances, it may be desired to stop/pause the operation of such selected implanted device while not affecting other such devices. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention include a magnetic sensor, preferably a magnetoresistive, Hall effect, saturated core reactors, or the like, to sense an externally provided magnetic field. By externally applying pulsed magnetic fields in sequences of controlled polarities, durations, intensities, etc.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to photoimaging and the use of photoresists (positive-working and/or negative-working) for imaging in the production of semiconductor devices. The present invention also pertains to novel hydroxy ester-containing polymer compositions that are useful as base resins in resists and potentially in many other applications.

Abstract: An articulating and locking mechanism of agricultural implement chassis is disclosed, intended for disc harrows and other implements with great working width, which are characterized by articulation to reduce the total width so as to facilitate transportation and storage, constituted of a main structure or chassis (1), central disc gang chassis (2), lateral and articulating disc gang chassis (3), with arrangements of vertical plates or extensions (4 and 5) welded and joined by shafts (6) for articulation by means of hydraulic cylinders (7), equipped with locking mechanism made up of hydraulic cylinders (8), locking and unlocking actuators (9, 9A), locks (12, 12A), coupling shafts (13, 13A) inserted in sleeves (14, 14A) and joined to the vertical closure plates (15) of the inner ends of the articulating chassis (3).

Abstract: This invention relates to the polymerization of vinylically-unsaturated monomers in the presence of a chain transfer catalysts where the polymerization process is initiated with hydrogen gas or a hydrogen atom donor rather than conventional free radical initiators. This invention further relates to an improved process for the polymerization of vinylically-unsaturated monomers in the presence of a chain transfer catalysts where the polymerization process is initiated with hydrogen gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to coating compositions comprising: A) at least one low molecular weight reactive compound with a molecular weight (Mn) of 300–1,500 g/mol, preferably of 300–1,200 g/mol, with at least one secondary and/or tertiary amino group and at least two hydroxyl groups per molecule, which compound is obtained by reacting A1) at least one hydroxyalkyl ester of an olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid with 2–12 C atoms in the hydroxyalkyl residue with A2) at least one lactone and with A3) at least one hydroxy-functional alkyl-, cycloalkyl- and/or alkoxyamine with at least one primary and/or secondary amino group per molecule and with 2–10 C atoms per molecule, B) at least one cross-linking agent with functional groups reactive towards active hydrogen and optionally, C) at least one binder with functional groups containing active hydrogen.

Abstract: A fault indicator for indicating the occurrence of a fault in an electrical conductor has a housing, a high capacity battery, a permanent fault display for indicating the occurrence of a permanent fault, a temporary fault display for indicating the occurrence of a temporary fault, a current sensor for sensing the load current in a monitored conductor, a microcontroller for determining when a fault condition occurs and for activating the permanent or temporary fault displays. Preferably, each display includes one or more LEDs. Upon detecting a fault, the microcontroller begins flashing the permanent fault LEDs. After a predetermined interval, the microcontroller again senses the load current. If the current is zero, the fault is permanent and the permanent LEDs continue to flash until a timed reset occurs. If the load current is present, the fault is temporary and the temporary LED is flashed until the timed reset.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for using an e-duction card as a payment instrument, whereby a purchase price of articles purchased on-line or off-line is deducted from an employee's paycheck. The e-duction card is similar to a credit card but is not bound by the same terms and conditions of a credit card. An employer authorizes the inventive system to accept payroll deduction as a payment option for the employer's employees. The employer and/or the system establish guidelines for utilizing the payroll deduction option during commerce and the system stores the guidelines and identifying information for the employer and corresponding employees in a database. Merchants also sign up with the inventive system and agree to accept the e-duction card is a payment instrument. Thereafter, when an employee selects articles from the merchant's web site or store, the employee may use the e-duction card to pay for the selected articles.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for binding nucleic acids to a solid phase in which a nucleic acid containing solution is contacted with a solid phase which has hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups on its surface or/and which comprises a hydrophilic, water-containing polymer matrix, in the presence of dehydrating reagents, in particular in the presence of a salt and polyethylene glycol whereby the nucleic acid is bound to the surface.

Abstract: Polyamide resin compositions suitable for molded articles comprising polyamide, thermoplastic polyphenol, and of carbon fiber are disclosed. These may optionally include aramid fiber and zinc oxide whisker. Such compositions show remarkable shielding performance when subjected to electromagnetic fields, and with outstanding control of warpage and toughness.

Abstract: The invention is a method of bonding a ceramic part (6) to a metal part (4) by heating a component assembly (2) comprised of the metal part (4), the ceramic part (6), and a thin laminated interlayer material (8) placed between the two parts and heated at a temperature that is greater than the temperature of the eutectic formed within the laminated interlayer material (8) or between the metal part (4) and the laminated interlayer material (8), but that is less than the melting point of the ceramic part (6) or of the metal part (4). The component assembly (2) is held in intimate contact at temperature in a non-reactive atmosphere for a sufficient time to develop a strong bond between the ceramic part (6) and the metal part (4). The compact interlayer material (8?) may be further comprised of two or more sets of metal alloy spheres (16, 16?) each having distinct compositions.

Abstract: An asymmetric multi-layer insulative film of improved internal adhesive strength is made by combining a layer of polyimide and a high-temperature bonding layer, the high-temperature bonding layer being derived from a high temperature base polymer made of poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-perfluoro[alkyl vinyl ether]) (PFA) and optionally blended with from 0–60 weight percent poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene) (FEP). The polyimide and high-temperature bonding layer laminate optionally also contains a layer of unsintered, partially sintered, or totally sintered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bonded directly to the high-temperature bonding layer. In addition, the polyimide high-temperature bonding layer laminate may be adhered to a poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene) (FEP) adhesive primer layer to more effectively bond the polyimide core layer to the high-temperature bonding layer.

Abstract: An electronic display comprises an electro-optic material (preferably an electrophoretic medium) having a plurality of pixels, and separate first, second and third sets of addressing means for addressing these pixels. Each of the pixels is associated with one addressing means in each of the three sets, such that addressing of any specific pixel requires application of signals within predetermined ranges to each of the three addressing means associated with the specific pixel being addressed.

Abstract: Improved suspensions of transition metal complexes of 2,6-diacylpyridine(bisimines) or 2,6-pyridinedicarboxaldehyde(bisimines), which are useful in catalysts for the polymerization or oligomerization of olefins, are prepared by sonicating a mixture of one or more of these complexes and an inert liquid. The resulting suspensions can be directly used as olefin polymerization or oligomerization catalyst components in oligomerization or polymerization processes. These processes may produce, for example, polyolefins useful for molding resins or films, or linear ?-olefins.

Abstract: The invention provides a user interface, such as used by an electronic trading hub. The interface includes a representation that describes instances in which a participant has won some units, but less than the number of items initially bid on. The representation of this partial win is displayed on web pages that present information to a user. Another representation shows start and end times for at least some of the markets in which the user is currently participating, and the start and end times for future markets. Color-coding of temporal events may also be included in the graphical representation. A representation of activities occurring in markets owned by a user is generated and displayed. Such representations useful to commercial entities which take positions as both buyers and sellers. Another representation identifies which type of market is referred to such as English auctions, RFBs (request for bids), Dutch auctions and others.

Abstract: A range finder device for use with a controller in an optical system is disclosed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The range finder device comprises a transmitter to produce a first beam of non-visible radiation for intersecting a perceived object, and a receiver to detect non-visible radiation reflected from that object. The controller determines a viewing distance of the perceived object based on signals received from the transmitter and receiver. A method of controlling an optical lens system comprises utilizing a range finder device to determine a viewing distance of an object perceived through an electro-active lens and adjusting a focal length of a portion of the lens based on the viewing distance. An optical lens system comprises an electro-active lens and a controller to adjust a focal length of at least a portion of the electro-active lens based on a signal from a range finder device.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a plant enzyme that catalyze steps in the biosynthesis of lysine, threonine, methionine, cysteine and isoleucine from aspartate, the enzyme a member selected from the group consisting of: dihydrodipicolinate reductase, diaminopimelate epimerase, threonine synthase, threonine deaminase and S-adenosylmethionine synthetase. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the enzyme, 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.