Abstract: Liquid crystalline polymers (LCP) with relatively high melting points are prepared by a process which includes solid state polymerization of a (pre)polymer, which contains alkali metal cations, to raise the LCP molecular weight. The presence of the alkali metal cations in the (pre)polymer usually results in a final polymer with less color and/or a higher melting point. The LCPs are useful as molding resins and for films.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pipe cleaner apparatus that is attached to a pipe fusion machine. The pipe cleaner removes dirt, snow, mud, and other debris from the outer surface of pipe sections prior to the butt fusion process. The pipe cleaner may be a wiper through which the pipe slides, or may be a multi-piece scraper with spring loaded flaps that clean the outside surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A lens module using electromagnetic force to drive the focus-adjusting lens is disclosed. The lens module includes a base, two steel plates, four springs, a bottom plate, a lens holder, a coil, a lens, a top plate, two magnets, a magnet housing and a top cover. The lens holder, the coil and the top plate are disposed outside the circumference of the lens to form a linked body and the coil is clipped between the lens holder and the top plate so as to reduce diameter and volume of the coil. By the two arc magnets disposed on right and left sides of the coil instead of general circular magnets, volume of the magnets is reduced. By the four springs vertically hooked between four corners of two steel plates respectively and four corresponding brackets of the lens holder, the lens is provided with axial traction for focus adjustment. Therefore, the lens with smaller volume moves steadily to adjust the focus.

Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation, sequencing, and recombinant expression of genes encoding either a nitrile hydratase (NHase) or amidase (Am) from Comamonas testosteroni 5-MGAM-4D, where the NHase is useful for catalyzing the hydration of nitriles to the corresponding amides, and the amidase is useful for hydrolysis of amides to the corresponding carboxylic acids. Also provided are transformed host cells containing polynucleotides for expressing the nitrile hydratase or amidase enzymes from Comamonas testosteroni 5-MGAM-4D.

Abstract: The preparation and use of nucleic acid fragments useful in altering the oil phenotype in plants are disclosed. Recombinant DNA construct incorporating such nucleic acid fragments and suitable regulatory sequences can be used to create transgenic plants having altered lipid profiles. Methods for altering the oil phenotype in plants using such nucleic acid fragments also are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a UDP-galactose 4-epimerase. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the UDP-galactose 4-epimerase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the UDP-galactose 4-epimerase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: This invention is glass laminate article comprising a mar-resistant clearcoat. A laminate of the present invention resists scratches, and is easily repairable and even self-healable at temperatures above about 40° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dispersing and passivating particulate powders in water and aqueous media. It is particularly advantageously applicable in the handling and processing of non-oxidic powders, e.g., in the ceramic and hard-metal industry. In the method claimed auxiliaries are added due to the process. According to the invention this method is characterized in that polyvinylamines and/or the initial products thereof are used as these auxiliaries.

Abstract: The invention is an antenna for use with an implantable microdevice, such as a microstimulator or microsensor, having a dipole antenna that is formed by ceramic processes on the inner or outer surface of the ceramic case of the microdevice. The antenna receives data transmitted from an external device, and transmits data to an external device. A dipole antenna may be formed from two radiating elements separated by an insulating material. A tuning circuit comprising capacitors and/or inductors is used to obtain resonance in the dipole antenna. In a preferred embodiment, the antenna is formed of a biocompatible material by applying a metal-containing paste to the ceramic case of the microdevice and thermally processing it.

Abstract: This invention relates to a combined nuclear quadrupole resonance and X-ray contraband detection system with a metal shield alarm that is activated when the area of the metal in the object being scanned as determined by the resonance frequency shifts of the NQR sensors exceeds the area of the metal in the object being scanned as determined by X-rays by an amount sufficient to shield contraband.

Abstract: This invention is glass laminate article comprising a film which can block the transmission of infra red (IR) light. A laminate of the present invention comprises at least two sheets of a non-plasticized thermoplastic polymer which forms the outer layers of a three-layer IR-blocking laminate film.

Abstract: A system for producing a sound having a certain frequency range to maintain laying hens in stable and comfortable conditions. includes a basic wave generator for generating a pair of first basic waves having the same phase and a pair of second basic waves having opposite phases, a relaxation wave generator for generating a pair of relaxation waves by combining the pair of first basic waves and the pair of second basic waves with time, a modulator for generating a pair of relaxation sounds by modulating the pair of relaxation waves with a sound wave having an audible frequency, and an audio output unit composed of two left and right parts such that stereo sound is outputted, for receiving the pair of relaxation sounds and outputting the pair of relaxation sounds to the left and right parts, respectively.

Abstract: A method and system for designing electro-active lenses adapted to correct for a higher-order aberration, whereby a desired pixel size is determined. In certain embodiments, the desired pixel size may be determined by identifying a desired pixel size for an electro-active lens adapted to correct for a conventional aberration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a legume processing method, comprising the steps of: (a) washing beans; (b) cooking the washed beans; (c) crushing the cooked beans; (d) holding the crushed beans in step (c) for a predetermined period of time; and (e) pulverizing the beans in step (d) to obtain a bean product containing single bean cells, wherein steps (b)-(c) are carried out in the same tank. The bean processing method disclosed does not require the use of any enzyme or chemical reagent. The present invention further provides a method for making whole bean soymilk, which can further process the whole bean soymilk into liquid or powder soybean products.

Abstract: A carotenogenic biosynthetic gene cluster has been isolated from Panteoa stewartii strain DC413, wherein the genetic organization of the cluster is crtE-idi-crtX-crtY-crtI-crtB-crtZ. The genes contained within this cluster encode geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) synthetase (CrtE), isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase (Idi), zeaxanthin glucosyl transferase (CrtX), lycopene cyclase (CrtY), phytoene desaturase (CrtI), phytoene synthase (CrtB), and ?-carotene hydroxylase (CrtZ). The gene cluster, genes and their products are useful for the conversion of farnesyl pyrophosphate to carotenoids. Vectors containing those DNA segments, host cells containing the vectors and methods for producing those enzymes by recombinant DNA technology in transformed host organisms are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a primer composition having a low VOC content useful in the manufacture of automobiles and trucks in which the film forming binder contains: a) a cycloaliphatic or polycycloaliphatic epoxy compound; b) an alkoxy silane or silicate reactive diluent; and, c) a curing catalyst to catalyze the reaction between (a) and (b). These primers are characterized in that the curing or crosslinking reaction is presumably based, at least in part, on a ring opening polymerization reaction between the epoxy structures of (a) and silanol groups formed on (b) in the presence of atmospheric moisture and acid. Curing chiefly utilizing a ring opening reaction of the forgoing epoxy structures with the forgoing reactive diluents not only avoids volatile compounds from being generated and released into the atmosphere during the curing process, but also keeps the viscosity low enough for practical application such as by spraying.

Abstract: A coating composition containing a film-forming organosilane polymer, optionally a non-aqueous dispersed polymer, and a crosslinking agent selected from one or both of an organic polyisocyanate and melamine crosslinker. Fluorine functionalities are incorporated in the organosilane polymer to enhance soil resistance and cleanability. The coating composition can be used as a clearcoat over a conventional pigmented basecoat. The coating composition provides improved soil resistance and cleanability.

Abstract: A pigment dispersion with improved rheology useful for forming solventborne paint compositions is disclosed. The dispersion comprises a copolymer pigment dispersant having at least one quaternary ammonium functional group; a pigment having a pH below 7.0; and an organic liquid carrier. The dispersion is particularly useful for forming colored exterior finishes for automobiles and trucks.

Abstract: A method for minimizing the access delay in wireless communication systems, e.g. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) networks, which includes at least a base station system and at least a mobile terminal having a communication context with the GPRS network. The above mentioned mobile terminal is also adapted to open a communication with the radio access network of said base station system to initiate a Temporary Block Flow or TBF establishment each time has to transmit data packets to the network and the TBF is released when the transmission of the packet has been completed. The TBF establishment is requested by means of a Radio Link Control message or RLC called Packet Channel Request or PCR sent on one of the Control Channel of the GPRS radio access and in particular on the Packet Random Access Channel or PRACH. The GPRS data packets and messages are organized in frame with a predetermined number of TDMA slots and in multiframe.

Abstract: A flexible electro-optic display comprises a layer of solid electro-optic material; a backplane comprising at least one electrode arranged to apply an electric field to the layer of electro-optic material; and an adhesive layer disposed between the layer of electro-optic material and the backplane and adhesively securing the layer of electro-optic material to the backplane, the adhesive layer having a storage modulus (G?) of at least about 104 Pascals at 10?3 Hz and 70° C.