Abstract: A system for sensing loads and varying the dynamics of mechanical devices to accommodate various load weights is disclosed. The system comprises a load receiving device, a load translocator, a load sensing device, and a control unit for processing information sent to it by the load sensing device. The control unit receives and calculates information corresponding to a load weight and varies the speed of a motor and/or hydraulic drive coupled to the mechanical devices translocating the load. This allows for more efficient and consistent load transfers. The system, as described herein, may be applied to several mechanical devices or systems. Specifically as described herein, the system is applied to a conveyor and sorting apparatus which comprises a hopper having a first and a second end, and further comprising a conveyor for transporting the produce from the first end to the second end, a roller bed, coupled to the second end of the hopper.

Abstract: Polyolefins, preferably polyethylene, having a density of about 0.86 to about 0.93 g/mL, and having methyl branches and at least branches of two other different lengths of six carbon atoms or less, form heat seals at exceptionally low temperatures, thereby allowing good seals to be formed rapidly. This is advantageous when heat sealing these polyolefins, for example in the form of single or multilayer films.

Abstract: Polyethylenes made from ethylene and a series of &agr;-olefins using a catalyst that copolymerizes ethylene and &agr;-olefins usually have excellent melt processing characteristics, especially in uses where high zero shear viscosity and low high shear viscosity are desirable. These polyethylenes are preferably made by forming the &agr;-olefins in situ from ethylene during the polymerization process. The polyethylenes are especially useful in blow molding, extrusion or extruded blown film processes.

Abstract: Mixtures of different polyolefins may be made by direct, preferably simultaneous, polymerization of one or more polymerizable olefins using two or more transition metal containing active polymerization catalyst systems, one of which contains nickel complexed to selected ligands. The polyolefin products may have polymers that vary in molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, crystallinity, or other factors, and are useful as molding resins and for films.

Abstract: An optical lens system that may include a lens with a first focal length and an electro-active region coupled to the lens, where activating the electro-active region alters a portion of the system to a second focal length such that the system has two different focal lengths.

Abstract: A biosensing device for detecting biological analytes, and methods of use and manufacture, are disclosed. The device includes a biosensing element that can remain implanted for extended periods of time. The biosensing element is connected to an optical fiber terminating outside of the body. The optical fiber is also connected to an information analyzer. The information analyzer directs light through the optical fiber into the biosensing element. The light excites fluorophores, created by a chemical reaction between analytes and biosensing material within the biosensing element. Emitted fluorescent light is redirected through the optical fiber to the information analyzer. Optical gratings within the filtering member of the information analyzer selectively deflect fluorescent emissions into a cladding layer.

Abstract: An intra-oral cavity device for preventing contact between upper and lower teeth of an anesthetized patient. The device includes an elongate pillow that when gripped between the teeth of a patient, prevents contact between the teeth and/or gums and thereby prevents damage to the teeth and/or gums. The pillow may be made of a fibrous, porous and/or absorbent material. The device is adapted for single use and thus disposal after use by a patient. A method of the use of performing surgery using such a device is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining images of body organs or other tissue for each of their multiple characterizing aspects, and for classifying different tissue types within the images according to their characterizing aspects, are disclosed herein. The tissue may be irradiated with an ultrasonic signal, and an interaction signal received in return. Sinogram data may be constructed from the received interaction signal, and multiple characterizing data extracted therefrom. The multiple characterizing data representing multiple characterizing aspects may then be matched to tissue type within a database containing information correlating characterizing multi-aspect data with tissue type. Images of the tissue may then be presented with identifiers associating tissue portions with their matched tissue types.

Abstract: A method of modifying the growth of plant roots is provided in which the roots are grown in proximity to a membrane from which water is released during the growth of the roots, wherein the membrane is a hydrophobic porous membrane or a hydrophilic non-porous membrane. The method may also be used to collect materials exuded from plant roots by growing the plant roots in a growing medium that is surrounded by a membrane such that moisture is released into the growing medium from the membrane whilst materials exuded from the plant roots are retained within the growing medium by the membrane, wherein the membrane is a hydrophobic porous membrane or a hydrophilic non-porous membrane.

Abstract: Genes have been identified in the Bacillus genome that are responsive to various metabolic conditions and growth cycle changes. The new responsiveness of these genes allows for their use in regulated gene expression in Bacillus sp. and for the monitoring of bioreactor health.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an individually folded and wrapped product, comprising and absorbent article and an enveloping sheet. The absorbent article is provided with side flaps and adhesive regions that aid in fixing it to a wearer's panties, keeping it in the correct position and avoiding the occurrence of leakage. The enveloping sheet totally encloses the absorbent article when the absorbent article is transversely folded over itself with the flaps in an open position.

Abstract: A mobile radio networks (2) linked with fixed networks (1a, 1b) in each case at least one charge detection station (7) is switched in, over which the charges in the linked networks (1, 2) are detected, and that each subscriber end apparatus (8, 9 and 10, 11, respectively) communicates with an exchange center (5, 6) over a telecommunication connection (12, 13 and 14, respectively) and that for each connection from a subscriber register, which is emplaced for example in the mobile radio network (2), specific data of the subscriber end apparatus (8, 9 and 10, 11, respectively) are asked, which are included in the charge calculation, in which a connection from the fixed network (1) or the mobile radio network (2) which is not covered by a credit is prevented by the means that the transfer of the data to the charge detection station (7) and the demanding of the subscriber data from the data bank occurs already at the requesting of a connection, and that in the case of a lack of credit the build-up of the requested

Abstract: A process for producing 5-methylbutyrolactone from levulinic acid utilizing an optionally supported metal catalyst is described. The catalyst has both a hydrogenation and a ring-closing function.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding soybean enzymes that catalyze steps in biosynthesis of isoflavones, the enzyme a member selected from the group consisting of chalcone isomerase, isoflavone reductase and vestitone reductase. The invention also relates to the construction of chimeric genes encoding all or a substantial portion of the enzymes, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the enzyme in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: A process for generating a computer image of a three-dimensional object provided with a special-effect coating, involves coating a test panel with the coating, taking a plurality of angle-dependent colorimetric measurements of the coating; storing the calorimetric data in a datafile with assignment of the corresponding angles; facetting the visible surfaces of a three-dimensional object by computer into a sufficient number of flat polygonal areas each being sufficiently small for the sufficiently accurate description of the surface topography; assigning the colorimetric data to each individual polygonal area by computer as a function of the position of an observer and at least one illumination source; and assembling the polygonal areas into a computer image of a three-dimensional object with a visually perceptible special-effect coating thereon.

Abstract: Superconducting cable (1) comprising:

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly includes a rocker arm body having opposing side walls which are connected by a bottom wall having separate first and second portions. The first portion is configured to engage a push rod and the second portion is configured to engage a valve stem. The side walls and the first and second portions of the bottom wall cooperate to form an aperture having first and second edges. A bridge is configured for snap-fit cooperation with the first and second edges, respectively. The bridge includes upstanding lips which cooperate with the opposing side walls to form first and second oil-transporting channels for transporting oil from the first portion of the bottom wall to the second portion for lubricating the rocker arm body at the point of engagement with the valve stem as the rocker arm body rocks back and forth.

Abstract: An organizational structure of an enterprise is defined in a performance evaluation system by storing a plurality of user-defined levels. A user-defined hierarchy is stored for the levels. A plurality of user-defined members are also stored. Each member is associated with a level. The performance evaluation system is operable to generate the organizational structure of the enterprise based on the user-defined levels, hierarchy, and members.

Abstract: A method for jet-dyeing fabrics, which contain elastomeric fibers, by pre-heating the dyebath prior to introducing the fabric, is provided.