Abstract: A 10 kb gene cluster has been isolated from Rhodococcus ruber SC1 comprising genes encoding enzymes useful for the synthesis of dodecanoic diacid from cyclododecanone and other cyclic intermediates. The six specific open reading frames have been identified that are associated with dodecanoic diacid biosynthesis. In addition to the expected substrates the enzymes of the instant invention have moderate specificity for C11-C15 compounds.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting an optical signal. The invention is directed to a transmission line having first (16) and second (18) spans of single mode fiber. The fiber of the first span has a negative dispersion with an absolute value of between about 2.5 ps/nm/km and 10 ps/nm/km at the operating wavelength. The second span (18) is connected to the first span (16) and has a positive dispersion at the operating wavelength. The positive dispersion of the second span compensates for the negative dispersion of the first span such that the cumulative dispersion across the first and second spans is approximately zero. The increased dispersion of the first span coincides with characteristics to lower non-linear effects, permits a longer length of the second span, and helps lower attenuation in the transmission line.

Abstract: A coating composition containing about 40-90% by weight of film forming binder and 10-60% by weight of an organic liquid carrier; wherein the binder contains about (a) 10-70% by weight, based on the weight of the binder, of a dispersed gelled acrylic polymer having (i) a core of gelled polymerized ethylenically unsaturated monomers which is not soluble in the organic liquid carrier and having chemically grafted thereto (ii) substantially linear stabilizer polymeric components that are soluble in the organic liquid carrier and comprise polymerized ethylenically unsaturated monomers and have a weight average molecular weight of about 500-20,000 determined by GPC (gel permeation chromatography) using polystyrene as the standard; wherein the core, the stabilizer polymeric component, or both contain at least 3% by weight of polymerized ethylenically unsaturated monomers having isocyanate groups attached thereto that are capable of reacting with component (b); (b) 30-90% by weight, based on the weight of the b

Abstract: An anchorless boat positioning system for establishing and maintaining a boat at a selected geographic location without the use of a conventional anchor. In one embodiment, a steerable thruster is used whose thrust and steering direction are determined and controlled on the basis of position information signals received from global positioning system (GPS) satellites, relative steering angle between the boat and the thruster and boat heading indication signals from a magnetic compass. The system continuously monitors the position and heading of the boat and compares it with the stored coordinates of the selected anchoring location(s) to generate control signals for the steerable motor. Several modes of operation are disclosed and Euler transformations for offset antenna placement for error reduction are taught. Proportional, integral, and derivative control (PID) of four constants of vessel control is also provided.

Abstract: A display comprises spaced first and second electrodes, and a plurality of electrochromic nanoparticles disposed between the electrodes, each of the nanoparticles having an electron-rich state and an electron-depleted state, the two states differing in at least one optical characteristic. Upon injection of charge from one of the electrodes, the nanoparticles switch between their electron-rich and electron-depleted states, thus changing an optical characteristic of the display.

Abstract: A path way marking and lighting system utilizes continuous electroluminescent strips of indeterminate length to provide an uninterrupted illuminated path to a target destination such as an egress exit. Powering means responsive to an activation stimulus means are provided to illuminate the electroluminescent strip. Means are provided for self diagnostic testing to carry out one or more sub-system tests to detect system operation within predetermined operating parameters and means provide an alerting indicator in response to a sub-system test detecting a system operation failure.

Abstract: A blend capable of being melt fabricated into an antistatic film which has improved antistatic action practically immediately after production comprises ethylene &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated C3-8 carboxylic acid copolymers having 0-90% of the carboxylic acid groups neutralized by metal ions, particularly sodium ions, and an antistatic effective amount of a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid, particularly Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaureate.

Abstract: Novel phosphine and phosphine oxide ligands are prepared using polymeric supports. These compounds can be easily cleaved from the support, and along with the corresponding supported compounds, used as ligands in the preparation of novel, metal-complexed catalysts. The ligands are obtained by combinatorial synthesis. A process for preparing coumarin by contacting salicylaldehyde with an acrylate is also provided.

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

Abstract: A voltage-comparing device applied in a cursor-control input device is provided. The voltage-comparing device includes an analog-signal converter obtaining an initial reference voltage for the follow-up device in an operational procedure corresponding to an input voltage and a comparing circuit sending a feedback to control the input resistance device, the reference voltage and the offset voltage for preventing the voltage comparing device from the disturbance of noises.

Abstract: An illumination assembly includes a support bracket adapted for mounting on a support structure and a housing adjustably connected to the support bracket. A directional light source is mounted within the housing. A cam follower/locking mechanism connected to the support bracket and the housing angularly adjusts the housing to a selected position relative to the support bracket and locks the housing in the selected position. Also provided is an adjustable directional mounting for a directional light source.

Abstract: A process for manipulating particles distributed substantially non-uniformly in a plasma of a carrier or reaction gas, wherein Coulomb interaction between the particles is so low that the particles substantially do not form a plasmacrystalline state, and the particles are exposed in a location-selective manner to external adjustment forces and/or the plasma conditions are subjected to a location-selective change to apply at least a portion of the particles onto a substrate surface mask-free and/or subject it to a location-selective plasma treatment in the carrier or reaction gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for controlling extrusion processes by applying dynamic periodic pulses to the process throughout and during the process, analyzing the pulse response data and feeding back the results of the analysis to the process parameters and product properties.

Abstract: A toilet bowl (10), a tank (20) for the reception of a quantity of wastewater, a cut-off valve (12) between the bowl outlet and the tank inlet, a vacuum generator (22) connected to the tank (20), a tank inlet valve (23) for the inlet of pressurized air to the tank, a tank discharge valve (21), a plurality of electrically-operated valves and control means (4); these elements are grouped into at least a first module (1) which includes the toilet bowl (10) and the cut-off valve (12) at the outlet from the toilet bowl, a second module (2) which includes the tank (20), the vacuum generator (22), the tank inlet valve (23) for pressurized air and the tank discharge valve (21), and a third module (3) which includes said electrically-operated valves, and in that within each module the elements are joined together and have fixed connections between each other, while between one module and another there are fast-on hydraulic and pneumatic connections.

Abstract: The useful reaction products in an output stream from an ammonolysis reactor are separated in a manner which minimizes the time during which high boiling polyamide intermediate material(s) are in contact with the amine-functional monomer product(s) or with the reactive monomer products in the stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to industrial high relative viscosity (RV) filaments, such as, for use in papermaking machine felts and other staple fiber applications. The invention is further directed to apparatus and processes for solid phase polymerization (SPP) of polyamide flake suitable for use, such as, in remelting and then spinning the industrial high RV filaments. The invention is also directed to processes for melt phase polymerization (MPP) of molten polymer for making the filaments.

Abstract: A stabilization device for a rear-view mirror of a motor vehicle includes a mirror set (1) having a sleeve (41) incorporated in a support structure (20) of the mirror set (1) and articulated in a pivot post (60) of a base member (70). The device proportions and determines the stabilization of the mirror set through an axially squeezing “F’ force to the pivot post (60) of the mirror set (1). The sleeve has a first indented surface (42) and a second indented surface (43) in the base (70) that is adjacent to the first indented surface (42). The first and second indented surfaces (42, 43) have corresponding profiles to engage one in the other. An axial compression spring (44) disposed about the pivot post (60) presses the sleeve (41) to couple the surface (42) of the mirror set (1) in the indented surface (43) of the base (70). A reaction washer (45), fixed around the pivot post (60), presses against the spring (44). The pivot post (60) has an intermediary radial hole (62).

Abstract: A process for making an article with an image protected by a clear fluoropolymer film includes coating the inner surface of the fluoropolymer film with a layer of hydrophobic, ink receptive polymer composition compatible with the fluoropolymer film. An image is printed on the layer of hydrophobic, ink receptive polymer composition using an inkjet printhead supplied with a non-aqueous solvent based ink. The clear, printed fluoropolymer film is then adhered to a substrate with the inner surface facing the substrate whereby the image is viewable through and protected by the fluoropolymer film.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a composition comprising: (a) platinum group metal powder, alloys, or mixtures thereof as a powder or deposited on graphite supports; (b) poly(glycol ether), derivatives, or mixtures thereof; (c) carbon-based electrically conductive filler; and (d) thermoplastic polymer or mixtures thereof. The invention is further directed to a process for dispersing platinum group metal powder, alloys, or mixtures thereof in poly(glycol ether), derivatives, or mixtures thereof. The invention is further directed to the above composition wherein the platinum group metal powder has been dispersed according to the above process.