Abstract: A system for evaluating the quality of an audio test signal derived from an audio reference signal by coding and decoding, said audio test signal and said audio reference signal each comprising a plurality of channels, comprises a unit for converting the audio reference signal into a first audio reference sum signal at a first reference point and into a second audio reference sum signal at a second reference point and for converting the audio test signal into a first audio test sum signal at the first reference point and into a second audio test sum signal at the second reference point, the audio reference sum signals and the audio test sum signals at the first and second reference points being a superposition of the respective channels, which can be emitted by a plurality of loudspeakers, weighted with a respective transfer function between the respective loudspeaker and the reference point in question, and a unit for evaluating the quality of the audio test sum signals while taking into consideration the au

Abstract: An electro-active lens is disclosed. The lens includes at least one electro-active cell to provide a lens having at least two focal lengths, the electro-active cell capable of adjusting its focal length based on voltages applied to the electro-active cell. The voltage is supplied by an alternating current source, including a flying capacitor circuit. The electro-active lenses reduce birefringence through the use of a single cholesteric liquid crystal electro-active cell.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing small items is provided. The dispenser includes a base container having an a hollow space for storing items to be dispensed, a cover sized to fit over the opening of the base container, and a wheel rotationally mounted under the cover which has a shaft and at least three fins radially extending from the shaft and spaced from each other around the shaft. The wheel is mounted under the cover such that the fins of the wheel can rotate under the cover and carry an item stored within the base container to a port in the cover. The rotating fins on the wheel are aligned so as to contact and pass over the raised boss on an inside surface of the cover each time the wheel is rotated 360 degrees. An actuator is also provided for manually rotating the wheel under the cover, which actuator is accessible from outside of the dispenser. Both the cover and the fins of the wheel are made of plastic.

Abstract: Disclosed are polynucleotides encoding a pesticidal fusion polypeptide comprising (i) a toxin domain; and (ii) a heterologous binding domain capable of binding non-specifically to a cell membrane without disrupting that membrane. Preferably the toxin domain is derived from a Bacillus thuringiensis cry toxin (e.g. CryIA (b) or (c)) and the binding domain is derived from a lectin (e.g. ricin toxin B chain). The use of such fusions may help to inhibit the acquisition of resistance in a pest population treated with the polypeptide. A further aspect of the invention is a method of assessing the toxicity of a polypeptide to a pest species by expressing a nucleic acid encoding said polypeptide in a host cell from that species, observing the viability of the cell and correlating the results of the observation with the toxicity of the polypeptide, wherein the viability is determined by assessing esterase activity or membrane.

Abstract: A data file management system for web browsers includes a program configured to search data files upon an activation of an event.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling temperature of a plant comprising plural temperature control zones, wherein an effective control parameter for a first zone for which a signal representing measured temperature is available is produced according to an algorithm relating measured temperature, a desired temperature and a control parameter associated with a device affecting temperature in the first temperature control zone, the effective control parameter is summed with an offset value representing a proportional offset of the effective control parameter of a second temperature control zone relative to the effective control parameter of the first temperature control zone and the result is applied to control a device affecting temperature in the second temperature control zone.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition having a pH of 6.0–10.0 comprises 30% to 70% by weight of film-forming binder and correspondingly 70% to 30% by weight of an aqueous liquid carrier for the binder; wherein the binder comprises a. 20% to 95% by weight, based on the weight of the binder, of a urethane oligomer having a weight average molecular weight of 300 to 2500 and having acid functionality and neutralized with an amine and to form a water-dispersible product; and b. 5% to 80% by weight, based on the weight of the binder, of a water-compatible alkylated melamine formaldehyde crosslinking agent; finishes formed from the composition have good gloss and distinctness of image and excellent acid etch and mar resistance.

Abstract: Method of repairing defective areas in a stoving lacquer coating, in which the defective area ready for repair lacquering is coated with a powder coating composition or with an aqueous powder coating slurry, and the applied powder coating is then melted and cured by irradiation with near infrared radiation (NIR).

Abstract: An electro-active contact lens system and a method for making the electro-active contact lens system is disclosed. The system includes a contact lens, an electro-active element attached to the contact lens, a view detector attached to the contact lens and in electronic communication with the electro-active element, and a power source attached to the contact lens. In certain embodiments, the view detector may be a rangefinder which determines the distance of an object being viewed and these embodiments further include a means to stabilize the rangefinder between the opening of the eyelids when the electro-active contact lens system is worn by a wearer. The electro-active contact lens system provides electro-active vision correction of one or more focal lengths.

Abstract: A process for making a radiation filter element comprises the steps of: exposing part of an assemblage to infrared radiation, the assemblage comprising a donor comprising (1) a support capable of transmitting infrared light, and (2) a transferable layer comprising a transferable material and an infrared-absorbing dye, the transferable layer of the donor being in contact with a receiver to provide an exposed assemblage comprising an exposed part of the transferable layer and an unexposed part of the transferable layer; separating the receiver and the support of the exposed assemblage to obtain an imaged receiver and a spent donor, wherein the imaged receiver comprises the receiver, a transferred portion of the transferable material and a transferred portion of the infrared-absorbing dye, said transferred portion of the IR dye having a color and the spent donor comprises the support and a retained portion of the transferable layer; and heating the transferred portion of the transferable material and the transfe

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for controlling multiple sources of electric power using inter-regulator control. The regulators in the system may be of a universal type that may operate either as a master regulator or a follower regulator. Determination whether a regulator operates as a master or a follower regulator may occur before operation of the system, during operation of the system, or may reverse the role of master and follower regulators in response to operating conditions. The master regulator may control its source of electric power and may send signals to the follower regulators to control their sources of electric power. The control of the sources of electric power may be based on sensing output of at least one of the sources of electric power and based on the operational characteristics of at least one of the sources of electric power. Further, the follower regulator may verify the instructions sent from the master regulator.

Abstract: Fluorinated copolymers useful in photoresist compositions and associated processes for microlithography are described. These copolymers are comprised of a fluoroalcohol or protected fluoroalcohol functional group which simultaneously imparts high ultraviolet (UV) transparency and developability in basic media to these materials and a repeat unit derived from an acrylate monomer containing a fluoroalkyl group or a hydroxyl substituted alkyl group. The materials of this invention have high UV transparency, particularly at 193 and 157 nm, which makes them highly useful for lithography at these short wavelengths.

Abstract: An improved card scanner for imaging and decoding indica such as bar codes on a side surface of an inserted card. The device is electrically powered and features a double scanning method using an electronic imaging element and processor which turns off unnecessary power when not required. This is accomplished through the use of a processor and software to determine if a complete image of the bar code on the inserted card has been captured and allowing immediate extracting of data from the bar code and immediate removal of the card. Should the image of the bar code be incomplete, a second scan is conducted of the bar code as it is removed and if complete, data is extracted and if incomplete a complete image formed from the two individual scans. The device also employs a magnetic strip data reader to extract magnetically encoded data.

Abstract: A support frame for a seat, in particular an aircraft seat, where the support frame includes a seat support member having an upper surface and a lower surface, a plurality of leg members that each have a first end and a second end, with the first end attached to the lower surface of the seat support member. An angled flexible leg brace capable of stretching to absorb a dynamic load on the frame extends between at least two of the plurality of leg members.

Abstract: A seat belt assembly capable of extending from a seat back, the assembly including a frame attached to a seat, an extension member slidably mounted to the frame, an inertial locking reel, and a seat belt positioned within the frame in contact with the extension member, the seat belt having a first end engaged with the inertial locking reel and a second end extending from the extension member.

Abstract: The DNA of the invention are characterised in that they concern the whole or part of genes, with their reading frame, to be found in Neisseria meningitidis, but not in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or in Neisseria lactamica except the genes involved in the biosynthesis of the polysaccharide capsule, frp A, frp C, opc, por A, rotamase the sequence IC1106, IgA protease, pilline, pilC, transferrin binding proteins and opacity proteins. The invention also concerns the polypeptides corresponding to these DNA and the antibodies directed against these polypeptides. It is applicable in the prevention and the detection of meningococcus induced infections and meningitis.

Abstract: An improved door and drawer assembly for use with a seat on a passenger vehicle. The door and drawer assembly are installed in the passenger vehicle independent of the seat and thus not physically connected to the seat frame. Any load that is applied to the seat frame during movement of the vehicle or caused by passenger movement or support is not imposed on the door and drawer assembly. Accordingly, the operation of the door and drawer assembly is not adversely affected by the loads imposed on the seat frame. Alternatively, the drawer assembly can be excluded so that the door assembly can provide access to an area under the seat in which emergency equipment, such as a life raft bag assembly and life vests, can be stored.

Abstract: The present invention relates compositions containing acetoacetylated polyvinyl polymers obtained from polyvinyl polymers, such as polyvinyl butyrals. These coating compositions are especially suitable for use as wash primers in automotive OEM and refinish coating applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a saturable nonwoven material comprising fluoropolymer floc and aramid floc, which can be used as a substrate for a liner for self-lubricating bearings and for other applications.