Abstract: A half-dispersion-shifted single mode optical transmission fiber (HDSF) having a core and a cladding. The core has an inner core with a first refractive-index difference and a first glass layer surrounding the inner core and having a second refractive-index difference. The HDSF fiber has a peak refractive index difference of less than or equal to about 0.0140, a zero-dispersion wavelength greater than 1450 nm and lower than 1500 nm, a dispersion value of between about 6 and 11 ps/nm/km at an operating wavelength of about 1560 nm and an effective area of at least 60 ?m2. The cabled HDSF fiber has cutoff wavelength of less than about 1500 nm.

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: An apparatus for inspection of fluids, particularly dispersions and tints, having a fluid analysis cell with a cavity enclosed by two light transmitting windows and having a spacer member fixedly positioned therebetween which provides a fluid analysis chamber of fixed pathlength where fluid flows by the windows and wherein the flow is laminar and at a uniform shear to provide accurate color measurements. The apparatus is particularly useful in the manufacture of dispersions and tints used in the manufacture of paints, so that the color of material being made can be accurately matched to a standard color in the wet state with confidence that the color will match in the dry state.

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: This invention relates to a nucleic acid fragment encoding a plant 5-methyltetra-hydropteroyltriglutamate-homocysteine methyltransferase or methionine synthase. The invention also includes chimeric genes, a first encoding a plant methionine synthase (MS) gene, a second encoding a plant cystathionine ?-synthase (CS) gene, a third encoding feedback-insensitive aspartokinase (AK) or bifunctional feedback-insensitive aspartokinase-homoserine dehydrogenase (AK-HDH), which is operably linked to a plant chloroplast transit sequence, and a fourth encoding a methionine-rich protein, all operably linked to plant seed-specific regulatory sequences. Methods for their use to produce increased levels of methionine in the seeds of transformed plants are provided.

Abstract: Genes have been identified in the Methylomonas genome that are responsive to various metabolic and growth conditions. The identified responsiveness of these genes allows for the use of their promoters in regulated gene expression in C1 metabolizing bacteria. In particular, the hps promoter, which in its native state drives the expression of 3-hexulose-6-phosphate synthase (HPS), was found to be useful for directing expression of heterolgous coding regions (e.g., crtZ) in the obligate methanotroph Methylomonas sp. 16a.

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: The present invention is a polymeric composite comprising a polyimide component and a fluoropolymer component derived from a micro powder. The fluoropolymer micro powder has a melt point between 250 and 375° C. The fluoropolymer micro powder has an average particle size between 20 and 5000 nanometers (5.0 microns). The polyimide component and the fluoropolymer component are inter-mixed at a high dispersion level where the fluoropolymer component is present in a weight ratio from 10 to 60 percent. The polymeric composite of these two components is particularly useful in the form of a thin film used in high-speed digital circuitry or high signal integrity for low loss of a digital signal. The film can also be used as a wire wrap, or as a coverlay or base film substrate for flexible circuitry laminates.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing 5-methyl-N-(methyl aryl)-2-pyrrolidone, 5-methyl-N-(methyl cycloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidone and 5-methyl-N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone by reductive amination of levulinic acid esters with aryl or alkyl cyano compounds utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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.