Abstract: The present invention relates to novel 1,3-diimine copper complexes and the use of 1,3-diimine copper complexes for the deposition of copper on substrates or in or on porous solids in an Atomic Layer Deposition process.

Abstract: A front plane laminate useful in the manufacture of electro-optic displays comprises, in order, a light-transmissive electrically-conductive layer, a layer of an electro-optic medium in electrical contact with the electrically-conductive layer, an adhesive layer and a release sheet. This front plane laminate can be prepared as a continuous web, cut to size, the release sheet removed and the laminate laminated to a backplane to form a display. Methods for providing conductive vias through the electro-optic medium and for testing the front plane laminate are also described.

Abstract: An exercising system and method for the treatment and rehabilitation of the paralyzed muscles of the legs. Stimulators and sensors are implanted in several of the main muscle groups of the legs. A computerized controller uses wireless signals for communications with the implanted stimulators and sensors. The person receiving the treatment sits on an exercise machine such as a stationery bicycle, a leg press, a rowing machine or other leg exercising machine. The controller determines the position of the legs and transmits a series of commands to the stimulators to provide functional electrical stimulation (FES) to the muscles of the legs, which move the legs in a cyclical or reciprocating manner, such as that needed to pedal a bicycle. Using data provided by the implanted sensors, the controller is able to adjust the stimulation commands sent to the muscles of the legs to control the amount of force exerted by the foot, to limit user fatigue and to keep the foot in a neutral position on the pedal or footrest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molybdenum carbonyl complexes useful for inhibiting tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production and for treating inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molybdenum carbonyl complexes useful for inhibiting tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production and for treating inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The methods of the invention for scanning a band of frequencies using a nuclear quadrupole resonance detection system with an array of high temperature superconductor sensors to detect nuclear quadrupole resonance signals improve the nuclear quadrupole resonance detection system performance.

Abstract: A stretch film presenting controlled permeability to gases, manufactured by process of balloon co-extrusion and consisting of outer layers (S2) of stretchable polmeric material and by one or two inner barrier layers (S3) of a EVOH based polymeric matrix, which is made stretchable by the addition of a suitable plasticizer in such a percentage as to conciliate the stretchablity with the desired barrier effect, said layers of different material being reciprocally secured by means of layers (S4) of adhesive material. The polymeric matrix which forms the barrier material and the plasticizer are intimately mixed inside a double-screw corotating extruder, immediately before the phase of co-extrusion, through a premelting of the polymeric matrix and the subsequent injection of the plasticizer in liquid phase.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photoactive device comprising an anode, a cathode, and a photoactive layer, which device further comprises an electron transport and/or anti-quenching layer which minimizes both electron transfer quenching and energy transfer quenching of the photoactive layer.

Abstract: A breast tomography scanner including a stationary chamber configured to hold fluid, a movable chamber within the stationary chamber configured to hold fluid, and breast scanning apparatus. Various configurations for housing the ultrasonic transducers are disclosed, along with filling and draining apparatus, leakage protections turbulence-reduction configurations and control systems.

Abstract: A muffler device with catalysts for improving purifying exhaust gas of nitrogen oxides within a motorcycle exhaust pipe comprises a muffler divided into three chambers, a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber; a front exhaust pipe; a front reduction catalyst; a rear exhaust pipe provided with a secondary air inlet behind the reduction catalyst for introducing secondary air therein. Thereby, the exhaust gas from an engine with air-to-fuel ratio less than or equal to 14.7 will firstly pass the reduction catalyst to have its nitrogen oxides (NOX) effectively inverted into nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2), and then secondary air will be added to the exhaust gas so as to increase its air-to-fuel ratio to larger than 14.7, and finally the exhaust gas will pass the oxidation catalyst to have its carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) effectively inverted into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

Abstract: An improved aqueous cathodic electrocoating composition that contains an anti-crater agent which is a water-reducible polyester resin having an acid value less than 40 mg KOH/g. The water-reducible polyester is the reaction product of (1) a hydroxy cyclic carbonate; (2) a polycarboxylic acid anhydride; (3) optional monofunctional epoxy resin; (4) a polyfunctional isocyanate resin; and, (5) a polyamine compound containing tertiary amine and either primary or secondary functionality. The reaction product is neutralized in the presence of acid and water to convert the tertiary amine groups to water-dilutable groups. Hydrolyzable silane groups can also be incorporated into the reaction product to further enhance its crater resistance property. The electrocoat composition produces coatings having a smoother appearance with fewer craters without adversely affecting intercoat adhesion of the cured film to subsequent coating layers applied thereover.

Abstract: An electro-active phoropter and a method of using the electro-active phoropter to measure a patient's vision prescription is disclosed. The electro-active phoropter includes a series of individually addressable electro-active lenses. The lenses have either a positive or negative optical power when an electrical potential is applied across the lens and a neutral optical power when no electrical potential is applied across the lens. Each lens provides an optical power that is part of a net optical power of the series of lenses when a patient views through the phoropter. The optical power of the phoropter can be incrementally adjusted by changing the distribution of the electrical potential across the different lenses of the series to provide increasing or decreasing optical power until a patient achieves a desired level of clarity and a vision prescription has been determined.

Abstract: Cross-linked polymers comprising an anhydride or partially hydrolyzed anhydride functionalized polymer having oligomeric polyamic acid cross-links are provided. In solution, a polymer of the invention forms a formable gel. The formable gel is useful for forming shaped articles that are useful for electronics applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for monitoring production of a target composition, such as an automotive paint or an architectural paint and a monitoring device used therein. The process includes (a) identifying one or more formulas associated with identification criteria of the target composition, the formula providing a required inventory for making a desired amount of the target composition; (b) generating a current inventory; (c) comparing the current inventory against the required inventory to ascertain whether said current inventory fulfills said required inventory; (d) generating a supplementary inventory if the current inventory partially fulfills the required inventory; (e) dispensing required items listed in the required inventory from current items listed in the current inventory, supplementary items listed in the supplementary inventory, or a combination thereof to make the desired amount of the target composition; and (f) generating an updated inventory.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods of using a surgical drain, and more particularly to a surgical drain having at least one sensor for monitoring and/or recording the condition of the anatomical site or fluid emitted from the site where the surgical drain is placed. The invention may also include modifications of the surgical drain to improve stabilization or immobilization in the proximity of the anatomical site to be monitored.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for measuring the caster angle of a steerable wheel assembly without contact with the vehicle. An image capture device, preferably a CCD type video camera or sensor, views a vehicle wheel mounting and steering assembly that is illuminated by a light source. Information from the captured image is transmitted to a computer based control, such as a computer or processor, that determines the angle of a preformed line or preselected physical features on the wheel assembly in the captured image, and determines the caster angle of the steering axis based on the fixed angular relationship of the line or physical features to the steering axis that is stored or accessed by the control. Preferably, the image capture device is mounted below the vehicle on a vehicle alignment machine that supports the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for scribing the coating on a coated panel; comprising a base, at least one linear guide affixed to the base, a moveable table, a pivotable bracket mounted on the base, a cutter element mounted on the bracket; a loading mechanism positioned on top of the bracket, such that when the cutter element in the cutter assembly is brought into contact with a panel positioned on the moveable table, the loading mechanism applies a uniform force to the panel position on the table. The cutter element in contact with the panel scribes the panel through the coating thereby forming a scribe of at least one line on the panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising or produced from nanoparticle-sized TiO2, an ethylene copolymer or ionomer of the ethylene copolymer, and optionally a second polymer. Also disclosed are films and other shaped articles produced therefrom. The composition, possessing a UV light barrier, can be used to protect the products that may be susceptible to UV such as foodstuffs.

Abstract: The invention provides a plant base comprising a base section with a seat for a plant pot, in which a tail section extends in a horizontal direction from the rear of the base section. A groove/protuberance combination is provided at the front of the base section and the rear of the tail section that is able to be accommodated in the groove of another corresponding plant base. The groove and the protuberance each has a support surface that is lower or higher than the support surface of the groove, such that when the protuberance of the plant base has been taken up in the groove of the other plant base, one of the two plant bases is lifted from the substrate at the location of the engaging protuberance and groove. Thus, the invention provides a plant base that continuously retains the same orientation during transport over a conveyor belt, with successive plant bases kept a sufficient distance apart.

Abstract: High resistance PEDT/PSS buffer layers are provided for use in electroluminescent devices such as, e.g., OLEDs. In accordance with another embodiment, there are provided OLEDs comprising high resistance PEDT/PSS buffer layers. In accordance with a further embodiment, methods have been developed for decreasing the conductivity of a PEDT/PSS layer cast from aqueous solution onto a substrate, by adding a cyclic ether co-solvent to the aqueous solution of PEDT/PSS prior to casting. In one embodiment, there are provided methods for decreasing the inherent conductivity of a PEDT/PSS layer cast onto a substrate so that this material can be used as an intermediate buffer layer in red, green, blue organic light emitting diodes (RGB OLEDs).