Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer composition that can be readily and quickly processed into extruded and molded articles and film-based products. More specifically, the invention pertains to melt processing of polyhydroxyalkanoates which contain a novel combination of nucleant and plasticizer for enhancing crystallization rates thus causing improved processibility.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic felt structure for an automobile interior substrate, comprising a pair of mat units, each mat unit having a felt layer which is made by a mixture of a jute fiber and a PP fiber mixed in the weight ratio of about 5 to 5˜6 to 4 and a PP foaming fiber adhered to one side of the felt layer, said mat units being coupled each other on the other sides of the felt layers. With this configuration, a thermoplastic felt structure for an automobile interior substrate can prevent a deflection thereof, and have high strength and stiffness, heat-resistance and impact-resistance. Further, the present thermoplastic felt structure can decrease the cost of raw material, enhance the fuel efficiency with a lightweight body, and accomplish a simple manufacturing process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently querying and identifying multiple items on a communication channel are disclosed. The inventions preferably uses radio frequency identification with interrogation devices and systems that identify radio frequency identification transponders. A depth-first tree traversal protocol algorithm, including commands and symbols, is used to more efficiently interrogate a plurality of transponders in a short amount of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a flexographic printing plate from a photosensitive element having a photopolymerizable layer and a thermally removable layer on the photopolymerizable layer. The process includes imagewise exposing the photosensitive element and thermally treating the exposed element to form a relief suitable for use in flexographic printing. The thermally removable layer can be transparent or opaque to actinic radiation. The invention also relates to a photosensitive element for use in this process. The photosensitive element includes a photopolymerizable layer and at least one thermally removable layer having a filler and a binder, wherein the binder is less than 49% by weight, based on the total weight of the binder and filler.

Abstract: A process for reversible sorption of sulfur trioxide onto a sorbent comprising a) contacting from about 15% to 100% sulfur trioxide with the sorbent under anhydrous conditions at a temperature of from about 35° C. to about 150° C. thereby sorbing the sulfur trioxide onto the sorbent, b) desorbing sulfur trioxide from the sorbent at a temperature of from about 150° C. to about 350° C. at about atmospheric pressure, or under a vacuum pressure, and c) recycling said sorbent by continuously repeating steps a) and b), wherein said sorbent consists essentially of silica or zeolite having a silicon to aluminum ratio in the ranges of from about 1 to about 4.4 or greater than about 5.1, and having a pore size of at least 0.5 nm is disclosed.

Abstract: Genes have been isolated from a Methylomonas sp encoding enzymes in the carbon flux pathway. The genes encode a 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate (KDPGA) and a fructose bisphosphate aldolase (FFBPA), as well as numerous other genes. The genes will be useful in C1 metabolizing microorganisms for the manipulation of the carbon flux pathway.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for forming a plurality of multi-layered filaments from multiple thermoplastic synthetic polymers and an apparatus containing a melt spinning beam comprising an orthogonal beam having disposed within said beam multiple polymer inlet passages each communicating with separate multiple coat hanger distribution manifolds, separate filters connected downstream of each coat hanger distribution manifold, a spinneret connected downstream of said filters with separate polymer flow passages communicating with separate exit orifices for spinning of said multi-layered filaments.

Abstract: Many individuals generate excessively loud snoring during their sleep, often to the point where others cannot tolerate sleeping in the same room with them. Most cases of snoring are caused by excessive bulk and flaccidity of soft tissues of the palate and uvula that vibrate as air flows past them. These palate and uvula contain muscles whose contractions can stiffen and displace the soft tissues so that they do not vibrate. The invention provides electrical stimulation that causes the oropharyngeal muscles to contract during sleep using one or more microstimulators injected into or near these muscles or the nerves which innervate them. The invention also provides methods of determining the anatomical structures implicated in snoring and testing such locations for effective placement and stimulation of muscle contraction to decrease the frequency or magnitude of snoring.

Abstract: Propellant modules for Micro Pulsed Plasma Thrusters, and techniques for bundling propellant modules and for using a two-stage discharge process to increase MicroPPT propellant throughput, and decrease the output voltage required from the power-processing unit are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to corn (Zea mays L.) seed and grain having a significantly higher oleic acid content than conventional corn by virtue of heritable genes for increased oil and oleic acid content and/or lowered levels of linoleic acid. The present invention also relates to the production of high oil, high oleic grain, its oil, its progeny and its uses.

Abstract: An equipment for the management of hospital activities as medical tests and pharmacological treatment in conditions of certainty against the mistaking of patients is described. The equipment comprises a bed unit (1) associated with the bed of each patient, at least one cabinet unit (2) associated with every ward and a computerised tray cart (3) that is movable among said units (1, 2). The computerised tray cart (3) comprises a computer (10) provided with display, a reader (11) of computer data connect with said computer (10) and approachable to the bed of the patient for the reading of computer data and their transfer to said computer (10), a plurality of drawers (14-16) with opening controlled by said computer (10), and a printer (17)controlled (10). The bed unit (1) comprises a display (18) connected with a computer for the visualisation of data relative to the patient.

Abstract: A side mirror cover for allowing flickering or illumination of lamps to be visible from relatively a wide range is provided. The side mirror cover has a mirror cover body and a cover lamp. The lamp has a lamp housing having plural light emitting elements and a translucent lamp cover for covering the elements. The housing has a curved first corner section for closing up a part of the through hole and a first principal portion for closing up the remainder thereof. The lamp cover has a second corner section facing the first corner section and a second principal portion facing the first principal portion. The light emitting elements include first LEDs and second LEDs for emitting light toward the front and the side of the vehicle, respectively. The inner surface of the lamp cover has a projected portion facing the second LED, and the inner surface of the second corner section has concavities and convexities for reflecting light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel copper formate complexes and the deposition of metallic copper on substrates or in or on porous solids using these novel copper complexes.

Abstract: Various olefins may be polymerized using a catalyst systems containing selected &agr;-diimine, urethane or urea ligands, some of them novel, complexed to nickel, palladium or other selected transition metals. The polymers are useful as molding resins and elastomers.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes recirculating systems though which the dispersants are recirculated to prevent settling of solid components, such as pigments that may be present in the dispersants. The apparatus includes dispensers located on a movable table positioned inside a frame assembly of the apparatus. The table is positioned to dispense a selected dispersant into a container placed atop a weighing scale through the dispenser selected in accordance with a recipe. The weight of the selected dispersant is monitored by the weighing scale and once a desired amount of the selected dispersant is dispensed, a signal is received by the apparatus from the weighing scale to switch off the dispensing of the dispersant. The table is then moved to deliver the next dispersant, required in the recipe. The process is continued until all the desired dispersants are dispensed in the container to form the composition, such as an automotive paint.

Abstract: Disclosed are partially fluorinated and fully fluorinated polymers that are substantially transparent to ultraviolet radiation at wavelengths from 187 to 260 nanometers.

Abstract: A digital music player and particularly a music player capable of coupling with an audio system or a radio to broadcast digital music without altering the original design of FM, AM or cassette tape playing functions, and reading digital music data from different storage devices through a storage device interface includes a storage device connector, a storage device interface chip, a digital music decoding unit, an audio signal output unit and a power supply unit. The digital music player allows users to read digital music data from different storage devices and transmit by radio signals to the audio system or radio for receiving and broadcasting digital music in addition to the FM, AM or cassette tape playing functions.

Abstract: A digital music player and particularly a music player capable of coupling with an audio system or a radio to broadcast digital music without altering the original design of FM, AM or cassette tape playing function, and connecting to different digital music broadcasting devices through an input port to output music through different output devices includes an input port, a data conversion unit and a power supply unit. The digital music player also transmits by radio signals to the audio system or radio for receiving and broadcasting digital music in addition to the FM, AM or cassette tape playing functions.

Abstract: A receptacle partitioning structure disposed in a receptacle defining an interior rectangular solid space and having an upper opening. The receptacle partitioning structure includes: a pair of first assembling bodies oppositely disposed on inner edges of the receptacle, each of two ends of each first assembling body being formed with a perforation, a middle section of the first assembling body being formed with at least one first insertion slit; a pair of second assembling bodies, two ends of each second assembling body being respectively formed with two bending sections transversely extending by a certain length in reverse directions; and a partitioning slat. The bending sections of the second assembling bodies are inserted in the perforations of the first assembling bodies, whereby the first and second assembling bodies can be readily, conveniently and firmly assembled into a rectangular frame.

Abstract: A digital music broadcasting audio system and particularly a music broadcasting audio system to retrieve digital music information from different storage devices consists of a basic audio system structure (including at least a tape broadcasting device, a CD broadcasting device, a radio-receiving device, a front end processor, an audio selection switch, a back end amplifier and one or more speaker) to couple with a storage device input unit so that users can retrieve digital music information from different storage devices, and the audio system can broadcast digital music besides performing the function of broadcasting radio, CDs and cartridge tapes.