Abstract: This invention relates to rapid curing coating compositions that are particularly useful for automotive OEM and refinish applications. The coating composition includes a binder component that contains a novel highly branched copolyester polyol, and a crosslinking component that contains conventional crosslinking agents, such as polyisocyanate and melamine. This invention is also directed to a process for producing coatings from the rapid curing coating compositions. These compositions are especially useful in providing for mar resistant and flexible coatings.

Abstract: A seating device comprising a connecting element having an end portion dimensioned to be releasably and rotatably inserted into an aperture defined in a ground or floor. The aperture is dimensioned to receive the connecting element so as to support the seating device. The seating device also comprises a supporting element connected to a seat. The supporting element is pivotably connected to the connecting element. Moreover, at least one of the connecting element and supporting element comprises at least one stop so as to permit the supporting element to pivot between a first position whereat the supporting element is in a substantially vertical position, and a second position whereat the supporting element is forwardly inclined of 30 degrees or less with respect to the first position. Such a device is particularly useful for persons who need to stabilize their posture while performing a task.

Abstract: A drawer locking structure including a cabinet body, a drawer disposed inside the cabinet body and a lock device. The lock device includes a shift body, a stopper body and a resilient body. The shift body has a driving section and a force application section. The shift body is pivotally connected with the front board of the drawer. The stopper body is disposed on outer side of the drawer. The resilient body includes a first connecting section and an engaging section. Via the first connecting section, the resilient body is disposed on inner side of the cabinet body corresponding to the stopper body. When the drawer is positioned in the cabinet body, the engaging section is engaged with the stopper body, whereby the drawer is prevented from slipping outward due to inclination or movement of the cabinet body. When it is desired to draw out the drawer, a pulling force can be applied to the force application section. At this time, the driving section is driven to press down and deform the resilient body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel new technique for detecting an intended activation of a touch sensor in the presence of noise. An algorithm is described that compares a cumulative deviation of a touch sensor reading to a scale to obtain a ratio expressed as a percentage. The percentage is compared against a target threshold and the period required to reach the threshold is examined to determine whether the rise or fall in touch sensor readings is attributable to a touch or to system noise. Additional disclosed embodiments describe circuits configured to operate in a noisy environment and have touch sensors arranged as arrays that are capable of detecting a direction and speed of a human-like contact.

Abstract: A retarded electric motor designed as a series motor or an asynchronous motor having a squirrel cage rotor. A valve is provided for switching between motor operation and braking operation. During motor operation the motor is operated in a known configuration as series motor or as asynchronous motor. If configured as a series motor, the valve (S1, S2, S3) allows to bypass the armature and to operate the motor as an externally excited direct current generator when switching into braking operation. If configured as an asynchronous motor, a switch is utilized to disconnect at least two field windings from mains. A valve is utilized to excite the motor externally from mains with a pulsating direct current during braking.

Abstract: The invention is a method of qualifying an implantable ceramic component made of high-purity dense yttria tetragonal zirconium oxide polycrystal (Y-TZP) by application of non-destructive tests. Specifically, a qualified Y-TZP ceramic component or witness sample is examined by X-ray diffraction to determine the initial monoclinic phase content. The component or witness sample is exposed to steam at 127° C. for a predetermined period of time, preferably six hours. The monoclinic phase content is determined for the post-exposure sample. The absolute difference between the initial monoclinic phase content and the post-exposure monoclinic phase content is calculated by difference. If the difference is less than 2.1% the sample is accepted. In an alternate embodiment, the components that pass the screening test are examined by ultrasonic testing to evaluate soundness of the ceramic component. Any component that presents a flaw of greater than three microns is rejected.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to bioproduction of isopentenyl diphosphate within the latex of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. Isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) synthesis from acetate is mediated by a set of enzymes, acetyl-coA acetyltransferase, HMG-coA synthase, HMG-coA reductase, mevalonate kinase, phosphomevalonate kinase and mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase, encoded by six genes isolated as expressed sequence tag (EST) cDNAs from Hevea brasiliensis latex. In addition, a variant sequence of one of these enzymes, acetyl-coA acetyltransferase, has been found.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-layer thermoformable film constructions. At least one layer of the multi-layer construction is a polymer blend of: (a) 40–95% by weight of an ethylene-acrylic acid or methacrylic acid copolymer or of an ethylene-acrylic acid or methacrylic acid-alkyl acrylate or alkyl methacrylate copolymer with 30–70% of the acid groups of the acrylic acid or methacrylic acid of either copolymer neutralized with metal ions, and (b) 5–60% by weight of a metallocene catalyzed linear polyethylene.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a D/A converter includes a D/A module and a first differential amplifier. The D/A module converts a digital signal to a first analog signal. The first differential amplifier amplifies the first analog signal from the D/A module to a second analog signal. In another embodiment, an electronic device includes D/A converters and sample-and-hold circuits coupled the D/A converters. The D/A converters may or may not include the D/A modules and differential amplifiers. In still another embodiment, an electronic device includes a first electronic component and a first control signal regulator coupled to the first electronic component. A method of using the electronic device includes determining a first maximum setting for the control signal regulator in order to achieve a first radiation intensity from the first electronic component during a first time period and determining a second maximum setting during a second time period.

Abstract: A one-piece pull-tight or strap-type security seal adapted for closing bags or the like that is designer to be easily applied in comparison with existing ones. One seal of this type has a lever operation in which a clousure strap (4) is integral with a central or operating portion (2) that is, in turn, integral with a lever member (6) to which the strap may be fixed during application around the neck of a bag to be closed. The lever member is then pivoted outwardly and backwardly over the opening portion, tightening the loop so formed by means of a lever action, and then locked by security locking formations (16, 19) to effect sealing. The closure strap is for all effects flat, its formations for fixing it to the lever member (6) including a series of orifices (7) distributed along its length, whereas the immobilizing formation for the closure strap includes a first protuberance (15) adapted, on formation of the loop (25), to be received in one of the orifices (7).

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of nanotechnology. Specifically the invention describes a method for cutting a multiplicity of nano-structures to uniform dimensions of length, length and width, or area, or to a specific distribution of lengths or area using various cutting techniques.

Abstract: A stable partially oriented poly(trimethylene terephthalate) yarn suitable for use in subsequent drawing and/or draw-texturing operations characterized by an elongation to break of at least 110%, and a process for false-twist texturing a partially oriented poly(trimethylene terephthalate) yarn.

Abstract: A device for pretreating a signal to be transmitted over a transmission path, wherein the transmission path comprises a band-pass filter whose pass-band width is smaller than a predetermined bandwidth and a non-linear amplifier, includes a linearization means for performing a linearization of the signal to be transmitted before the transmission of the same, such that a non-linearity caused by the non-linear amplifier is counteracted. Further, the device includes a signal-shaping means downstream to the linearization means comprising a frequency response such that the overall frequency response of the signal-shaping means and the band-pass filter corresponds to the frequency response of a filter whose pass-band width is at least equal to the predetermined bandwidth.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to fulfill, in a way that is superior to that of the previous state of the art, the demands placed by the engine on a variable valve control with regard to the shaping and accuracy of the valve lifting curves, to the simplicity of the structural design of the valve drive and of the associated adjusting mechanism, and to mechanical losses due to friction. These demands are met without any additional structural complexity, and, more particularly, without any changes to the overall height. This feat is achieved by means of the provision of a rotatable drive consisting of a housing (G), a shaft (W), an intermediate element (Z), and of an output element (A).

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved desalination process to produce potable water. The process represents an improvement of hybrid of membrane and desalination technologies. The improvement of the invention comprises the operation of an ion selective membrane at a variable pressure as a function of the cost of electricity to form a softened salt water that is blended in variable proportions, to increase the top operating temperature of the desalination system and increase recovery of potable water, with untreated salt water.

Abstract: A control is provided for switching on and off two heating devices of a hob forming a hotplate. In cyclic manner the continuous energy or power generation level can be adjusted by an energy control device. A temperature limiter monitors a maximum temperature via the first heating device, but not via the second heating device. The energy control device controls the first heating device directly or switches the same. The temperature limiter trips a power relay in order to switch the second heating device simultaneously with the first heating device.

Abstract: A system provides messages from deceased relatives and friends, which messages are readily accessible. Before death a person records various messages for loved ones. The system stores these messages at a location and associates PIN numbers with each individual for whom there is a message. Either the intended recipient is given information about the message or leaving of a message by a symbol located in a conspicuous place, e.g., on the headstone of the deceased. The person then calls a 900 number or logs onto a specific website. In response to the correct answers to certain questions, the intended recipient is given their PIN. Using the PIN, the person can contact the system and received the recorded message at any time, e.g., by cell phone at the grave site. Alternatively, the grave site itself can be wired to provide the message, e.g., from a tape recorder over headphones or at special kiosks at the cemetery.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for protecting a plant from a pathogen, particularly a fungal pathogen, are provided. Compositions include novel amino acid sequences, and variants and fragments thereof, for antipathogenic polypeptides that were isolated from microbial fermentation broths. Nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences that encode the antipathogenic polypeptides of the invention are also provided. A method for inducing pathogen resistance in a plant using the nucleotide sequences disclosed herein is further provided. The method comprises introducing into a plant an expression cassette comprising a promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence that encodes an antipathogenic polypeptide of the invention. Compositions comprising an antipathogenic polypeptide or a transformed microorganism comprising a nucleic acid of the invention in combination with a carrier and methods of using these compositions to protect a plant from a pathogen are further provided.

Abstract: An appliance for a hotplate has two heating devices installed parallel to one another. By means of an energy control device and as a function of an angular position, either a first heating device is operated in controlled manner or a second heating device is connected thereto in fixed form. The power of the second heating device is defined so low that no temperature limiter for protecting a glass ceramic plate has to be provided in the control path of the second heating device. On connecting in the second heating device, the controlled power of the first heating device is lowered to an initial value by roughly the amount of the power of the second heating device. The total power results from the summated power of the two heating devices.