Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and a method to unload bulk powders from large bulk containers. The system and method are particularly useful for unloading bulk cohesive powders.

Abstract: The invention is directed to gassing stabilized aqueous coating compositions comprising A) a metallic pigment and at least one reaction product of: (a) 5 to 95 weight percent of a at least one phosphonic acid derivative selected form compound I and II wherein R1 is H or O═P(OH)2; R2 and R3 are independently H, OH or an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and aromatic substituent having 1 to 25 carbon atoms and optionally up to 10 heteroatoms of at least one of oxygen and phosphorus; and R′ is an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and aromatic substituent having 1 to 25 carbon atoms and optionally up to 10 heteroatoms of at least one of oxygen and phosphorus; (b) 5 to 95 weight percent of a at least one compound having at least two epoxy groups and a number average molecular weight Mn of 300 to 5000 g/mol; and (c) 0 to 90 weight percent of a compound having one epoxy-functional group, wherein the proportions by weight of components (a), (b) and (c) total 100 weight percent.

Abstract: A vehicle testing assembly for performing tests to determine certain characteristics of a motorized vehicle having a set of driven wheels. The testing assembly includes an annular roller with an outer surface. The roller is preferably formed of a steel composition. A controller is connected to the roller for retrieving data from the roller during a rotation of the roller. The testing assembly is characterized by a coating being applied to the outer surface of the roller to define a contact surface of the roller. The coating is formed of a coating composition different from the steel composition of the roller. Preferably, the coating composition comprises nickel and phosphorus. During operation of the vehicle testing assembly the wheel of the vehicle continuously contacts the contact surface of the coating to provide an accurate testing of the characteristics of the vehicle as the roller rotates.

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: Coating composition containing a binder/crosslinking agent system, organic solvents, optionally together with pigments and/or extenders and conventional lacquer additives, wherein the binder/crosslinking agent system contains A) 20 to 80 wt. % of carboxy-functional (meth)acrylic copolymers and/or polyesters which are dissolved in the continuous phase of the coating composition, with an acid value of 15 to 300 mg of KOH/g, B) 80 to 20 wt.

Abstract: Blends of two or more polyethylenes are made by reacting ethylene with an oligomerization catalyst that forms &agr;-olefins, and two polymerization catalysts, one of which under the process conditions copolymerizes ethylene and &agr;-olefins, and the other of which under process conditions does not readily copolymerize ethylene and &agr;-olefins. The blends may have improved physical properties and/or processing characteristics.

Abstract: A process for making a compound of the formula I

Abstract: A manufacturing process for &agr;-olefins using certain iron containing ethylene oligomerization catalysts together with alkylaluminum cocatalysts, in which using a low ratio of Al:Fe in the process results in a lowered formation of undesired polyethylene waxes and polymer. This results in less fouling of the process lines and vessels in the manufacturing plant.

Abstract: Secondary alcohols, specifically diols and polyols, are dehydroxylated to the corresponding primary alcohols using a homogeneous organometallic ruthenium complex catalyst.

Abstract: A planar optical attenuator designed as a MEMS structure has a mirror opposite an input and an output waveguide, and a TAB actuator for lateral displacement of the mirror relative to the input port and/or output port. The effective reflectivity of the mirror is variable as a function of the lateral location on the mirror. The optical attenuation is varied by varying the location on the mirror at which the optical beam is reflected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil substitute useful in supporting plant growth. More particularly, the present invention relates to biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymer fibers for use in plant cultivation.

Abstract: Additive composition for polymer compounds containing magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate at least a phosphorus compound and at least a nitrogen compound, capable of conferring flame-retardant properties to the polymer compounds to which it is added, maintaining the mechanical properties of said compound within limits acceptable for the use of the end product.

Abstract: A conveyor system for delivering items between a processing station and a remote delivery station includes a pair of flexible drive members and a pair of spaced apart drive guides each positioned to define a path of travel for one of the drive members between the stations. A carrier member having an item receiving portion and upper and lower ends is attached to both of the flexible drive members adjacent one of its upper or lower ends for reciprocation between the stations along the guides. A third flexible stabilization drive member and a corresponding stabilization guide is positioned to define a third path for the stabilization drive member. The carrier member is attached to the stabilization drive member adjacent to the other of its upper or lower ends. The active stabilization guide member provides for more uniform and stable translation of the carrier member between the stations.

Abstract: A computer-implemented approach for processing search queries generally involves normalizing names and descriptions of items. The various forms of a name or description of an item is referred to as an item name variant. The normalized form of the name or description of an item is referred to as a normalized item name. Item name variants that are similar are grouped together to form clusters. Each cluster of item name variants is mapped to a normalized item name. A dictionary of normalized item names are created by storing: 1) the item name variant, 2) the information that is obtained from the item name source and which is associated with the item name variant, and 3) the mapping information that maps the item name variant to the corresponding normalized item name.

Abstract: A structure facilitating easy assembly of fiber-optic communication components includes a lower and an upper support being provided with small and big V-shaped cuts, respectively, for receiving optical fibers and collimators, respectively. The upper support is inverted to seat on a middle recess of the lower support, such that tangent planes passing top points of the optical fibers and the collimators are contained in horizontal planes passing openings of the small and the big V-shaped cuts, respectively, and axes of the collimators are either in alignment with or horizontally coplanar with axes of the optical fibers. The two supports together define a central positioning cavity between them for receiving different function elements, such as optical isolator, modularized filter, etc., between the collimators, so that fiber-optic communication components with reduced volume and increased reliability could be easily assembled in mass production at reduced cost.

Abstract: An implantable substrate sensor has electronic circuitry and electrodes formed on opposite sides of a substrate. A protective coating covers the substrate, effectively hermetically sealing the electronic circuitry under the coating. Exposed areas of the electrodes are selectively left uncovered by the protective coating, thereby allowing such electrodes to be exposed to body tissue and fluids when the sensor is implanted in living tissue. The substrate on which the electronic circuitry and electrodes are formed is the same substrate or “chip” on which an integrated circuit (IC) is formed, which integrated circuit contains the desired electronic circuitry. Such approach eliminates the need for an hermetically sealed lid or cover to cover hybrid electronic circuitry, and allows the sensor to be made much thinner than would otherwise be possible. In one embodiment, two such substrate sensors may be placed back-to-back, with the electrodes facing outward.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for preparing a carboxylic acid from the corresponding nitrile using a nitrilase catalyst. More particularly, the instant invention converts 2-methylglutaronitrile to 4-cyanopentanoic acid in aqueous solution using an enzyme catalyst having an nitrilase activity, immobilized in alginate, and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde and polyethylenimine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting an electronic implantable medical device prior to it being implanted in a patient's body. The apparatus affords protection against electronic component damage due to electrostatic discharge and/or physical damage due to improper handling. The apparatus is comprised of a circuit board having first and second spring clips mounted on the board. The spring clips are configured to receive and releasably grasp the electrodes of a medical device housing to support the housing just above the surface of the circuit board. First and second conductive paths are formed on the circuit board extending between the first and second clips for shunting electrostatic discharge currents to prevent such currents from passing through the device electronic circuitry. The respective shunt paths include oppositely oriented diodes, preferably comprising diodes which emit light (i.e., LEDs) when current passes therethrough.

Abstract: A curable coating composition comprising functionalized oligomer components i and ii which cross-link at cure to form a three-dimensional network having chains of substantially uniform, controllable molecular weight between cross-links; oligomers i and ii having weight average molecular weights not exceeding about 3,000, a polydispersity for (i) not exceeding about 1.5, and functionalities that react with one another to cross-link i and ii at cure to yield coatings with an excellent balance of hardness and mar resistance.