Abstract: The invention concerns a method of forming a fabric of interlaced yarn by arranging on a surface a plurality of yarn guide blocks, each guide block adapted to guide yarn from a yarn source to the surface and wherein the relative motion of the yarn guide blocks and surface serves to deposit yarn from the guides onto the surface in such a way that when said yarns are deposited on a surface, the diagonal positions of the yarns from one block are offset from a direct overlapping alignment with the yarns from the remaining blocks to thereby densely cover the surface during repeated cycles of such motion.

Abstract: Melt fabricable compositions of at least 50 wt % polytetrafluoroethylene are provided, wherein the composition contains polyaryletherketone and optionally part of the polytetrafluoroethylene is PTFE micropowder.

Abstract: Methods and kits for determining appropriate treatment for illnesses in humans or animals are disclosed. The method includes: providing a test kit containing a random arrangement of drug(s) and placebo(s) and/or alternative treatment(s) along with a questionnaire or other instrument designed to elicit data concerning the safety, efficacy and desirability of a treatment; administering the drug(s) and placebo(s) and/or alternative treatments to each member of the pool in a random, double blind fashion and following up on patient outcomes as appropriate post-study; assembling a database from the completed pool questionnaires and revealing the random schedule to uncover drug and placebo treatment periods; providing the same kit to a patient in need of the same treatment and comparing the results obtained from the single patient trial with those obtained from the pool to determine an optimal treatment for the patient with the drug; and administering a treatment consistent with the optimal treatment.

Abstract: An adjustable railing support system has a conveyor and a railing extending along each side of the conveyor. The conveyor is used to transport containers of various sizes and shapes in different runs. For each size and shape of container, the support posts must be adjusted and the actuators are connected to a programmable logic controller that is operable and connected to sequentially adjust the support posts relative to the conveyor until all of the support posts have been adjusted as required to transport container of one particular size and shape. The controller has a memory so that the precise location of the support posts for a particular product line can be stored. When switching from one known product line to another, the adjustments can be made automatically from the memory of the controller.

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: Hanging board structure for collectively storing tools, including at least one tool hanging board, at least one hanging hook and a cabinet body. The tool hanging board is a board body having predetermined length and width and formed with several perforations at intervals. One end of the hanging hook is inserted in the perforation of the tool hanging board. A tool can be hung on the other end of the hanging hook. The cabinet body is a rectangular body composed of an upper, a lower, a front and a rear panels which define an interior space. The left and right sides of the cabinet body are formed with openings. The inner faces of the upper and lower panels are respectively formed with corresponding slide sections. Two edges of the tool hanging board are respectively inlaid in the slide sections, whereby the tool hanging board can be reciprocally moved out of or into the cabinet body from left and right sides thereof.

Abstract: A receiving plate supporting device includes a base, a supporting portion, a plate and a pair of rods. The base has a pair of piece-like bodies which are spaced with a predetermined distance and are installed at a wall. A supporting portion is installed at the two piece-like bodies having an upper slide path and a lower slide path. The plate is a rectangular plate with a width corresponding to a distance between two piece-like bodies. The pair of rods is corresponding to the supporting portion and is installed at lateral sides of the plate. The plate can be placed horizontally or vertically as desired. Therefore, it is space-efficient and convenient. Furthermore, the receiving plate supporting device can be assembled easily, and structure of each component is easy and is cost-effective.

Abstract: An optical transmission fiber for use in a metropolitan or access network is disclosed. The transmission line includes a fiber being single mode at a first operating wavelength of around 1310 nm and a second operating wavelength of around 1550 nm. The dispersion of the fiber is negative at one of the first and second wavelengths and positive at the other wavelength, with an absolute value of between about 5 and 15 ps/nm/km. The fiber also has a zero dispersion wavelength that is located between the first and second operating wavelengths, and an effective area at a wavelength around 1550 nm greater than about 60 &mgr;m2. The cabled fiber has a cutoff wavelength less than about 1300 nm. The fiber allows wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) operation in both the bands (1310 nm and 1550 nm) by reducing nonlinear effects such as four-wave mixing (FWM).

Abstract: An acid-dyeable polyester composition comprising (a) polyester and (b) secondary amine or secondary amine salt in an amount effective to promote acid-dyeability. The acid-dyeable polyester composition may be prepared by melt blending: the polyester; and polymeric additive prepared from (i) triamine containing secondary amine or secondary amine salt unit(s) and (ii) one or more other monomer and/or polymer units. One polymeric additive comprises polyamide selected from the group consisting of poly-imino-bisalkylene-terephthalamide, -isophthalamide and -1,6-naphthalamide, and salts thereof. Also, the polymeric additive, the blends, shaped articles (e.g., fibers and films), processes of dyeing, and processes for preparing an acid dyeable polyester composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for controlling selective application of heat into a material, preferably into a biological material, having an ultrasonic-wave generating unit which couples the ultrasonic waves into the material, an ultrasonic-wave-detecting unit which detects the ultrasonic waves emerging from the material and an evaluation unit which generates information-providing parameters on the basis of the detected ultrasonic waves which provide information about the thermal and structural changes inside the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable, in particular an optical fiber cable, which is resistant to the radial permeation and to the longitudinal propagation of water. This cable contains a water-soluble polymer material which is a water-swellable and water-soluble material. In particular, this cable is characterized in that, following the ingress of water into this cable, the propagation of water is impeded on account of the combined effect of the swelling of the water-soluble material and the formation of an aqueous solution of said material which has a predetermined viscosity, so as to impede the passage of the residual water. Preferably, the water-soluble material is chosen from polyacrylamide, modified polyvinyl alcohol, vinyl alcohol/vinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and mixtures thereof, the material preferably being a vinyl alcohol/vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for managing stored-value card data over a communications network between a plurality of terminals and a central processor is provided. Each of the terminals is accessible to respective users and is located in a respective location generally remote relative to the central processor. The stored-value card data is configured to securely process in real time stored-value cards transacted by respective users to enable charging prepaid stored-value services to a recipient of the transacted stored-value card. The method allows for providing a database coupled to the central processor. The method further allows for storing in the database a plurality of records comprising stored-value card data for each stored-value card. An associating step allows for associating in each stored record respective identifiers to uniquely match a respective stored-value card and a respective terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions of cactus fruit extracts combined with ginseng berry extracts and foods and drink products made therefrom. The novel beverages and extracts of the present invention may be used in food products and drinks to enhance flavor and nutritional value.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a polarization beam splitter and a feedback unit, preferably having an autocorrelator, a processing unit and a polarization controller. Polarized splitter separates the lower-speed tributary signals out of the higher-speed optical signal based upon a polarization relationship (e.g., orthogonal) between the tributary signals. The feedback unit, typically an autocorrelator and a polarization adjustment device, adjusts the higher-speed signal's state of polarization based upon an autocorrelation value of one of the lower-speed tributary signals. The autocorrelation value of one of the lower-speed tributary signals is provided to the polarization adjustment device, which typically includes a processing unit and a polarization controller. The polarization adjustment device adjusts the higher-speed signal's polarization state based upon the autocorrelation extinction ratio value.

Abstract: Structure for firmly resting tools thereon, including a base board, a magnetic section and at least one insertion key. The base board is formed with multiple insertion holes arranged at predetermined intervals. The magnetic section is laid on the base board. The insertion key can be inserted into the insertion hole. Various tools with different configurations can be rested on the base board and the insertion keys can be inserted into the insertion holes around the tools to elastically locate the tools. In addition, the magnetic section is able to attract iron-made tools to more firmly rest the tools on the base board.

Abstract: The present invention is a wireless network system, which comprises at least one wireless instrument (e.g. a cellular telephone) in combination with at least one cradle (e.g. a telephone cradle), said cradle comprising a wireless local area network (WLAN) interface. The WLAN interface, which interfaces to a WLAN, allows the cradle to communicate with a controller. In turn, the controller communicates with a base station of a wireless communications network. In a variation of the exemplary embodiment, a wired local area network (LAN) can be utilized rather than the WLAN. Alternatively, the present invention supports point-to-point communication configurations between each wireless cellular telephone and the controller. Typically, the base station is owned and operated by wireless service provider. The wireless service provider directly supports service for the wireless cellular telephone when the telephone is not operating in conjunction with the wireless network system.

Abstract: A symmetrical, heart-shaped breast prosthesis has two identical notches which are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry dividing the prosthesis body into two equal halves and at an angle in the range between 30° and 90° between them, in such a way that, when the prosthesis is worn, only one of the two notches is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wearer's body. The notches have the effect that the prosthesis collapses slightly when the wearer is in the upright position and becomes flatter when the wearer is in the prostrate position. In the state when worn, the heart-shaped prosthesis which is symmetrical in the unshaped state becomes an asymmetrical prosthesis having a lateral branch and an upper branch which moves downwards when the wearer is in the upright position and slips upwards when the wearer is prostrate.

Abstract: A method for sensing the state of an electrophoretic display includes the steps of applying an electrical signal to a display element, measuring an electrical response for the display element, and deducing the state of the display element from the measured electrical response. Also, the parameters of the display materials are determined using the encapsulated electrophoretic display media as a sensor, either alone or in conjunction with other sensors.

Abstract: A holder for table napkins or letters has a base supporting an upstanding receiver member for engaging table napkins or letters and the like to hold them upright. A suction cup is held to the underside of the base for holding the base securely to a surface such as a table top or desk upon removal of a napkin or letter held by the receiver member. The suction cup is secured within a recess of the base by a washer held within the recess, and has upstanding portions engaging the underside of the base to enable the suction cup to be depressed by movement of the holder downwardly. In preferred form, the base and upstanding receiver member are made from wood, and the base has an opening for receiving a tab connected to the suction cup for releasing the suction cup from the table or desk.