Abstract: This invention relates to an aqueous dispersion of (a) from 0.5 to 99.5 weight percent of a fluoropolymer having an average particle size of from 0.01 to 30 microns; and (b) from 0.5 to 99.5 weight percent of an ethylene copolymer which comprises at least 50% by weight ethylene, 1-35% by weight of an acid-containing unsaturated mono-carboxylic acid, and optionally 0-49% by weight of a moiety selected from at least one of alkyl acrylate, alkyl methacrylate, vinyl ether, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide, and further wherein the acid groups are neutralized from 0-100% by a metal ion or other cations, the weight percents being based on the total amounts of (a) and (b) only. The invention also relates to a coprecipate of this aqueous dispersion and a dry powder made by drying the aqueous dispersion or coprecipitate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal substrate with a corrosion-resistant coating produced by means of plasma polymerization, wherein the substrate is subjected to mechanical, chemical and/or electrochemical smoothing in a pre-treatment step and is subsequently exposed to a plasma at a temperature of less than 200° C. and at a pressure of 10−5 bis 100 mbars, whereby in a first step the surface is activated in a reducing plasma and in a second step the polymer is separated from a plasma containing at least one hydrocarbon or silico-organic compound which can be vaporized in plasma conditions, optionally contains oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur and can contain fluorine.

Abstract: A machine for applying sauce to a pizza crust rapidly and accurately. The crust is placed on a turntable, is centered by stationary platforms having terraced surfaces, and the turntable raises the crust to beneath a plurality of nozzles. The nozzles are mounted to cylinder blocks in which cylindrical cavities are formed. Pistons are slidably mounted in the cavities, and are drivingly linked to a linear prime mover to be displaced upwardly and downwardly to pump sauce into and out of the cavities. Check valves control the flow of sauce from the source of sauce to the crust through the nozzles. The pistons are selectively linked to the linear prime mover for reducing the area onto which the sauce is dispensed, for accommodating smaller and larger pizza crusts.

Abstract: Film-forming compositions are disclosed that can comprise, on a dry solids basis, 25 to 75 percent by weight of certain starch derivatives and 25 to 75% primary external plasticizer. The starch derivatives can be chemically modified starches that range in molecular weight from 100,000 to 2,000,000. The high levels of plasticizer in the films give excellent film flexibility and integrity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of pH measurements of tissue as a system for controlling diagnostic and/or surgical procedures. The invention also relates to an apparatus used to perform tissue pH measurements. Real time tissue pH measurements can be used as a method to determine ischemic segments of the tissue and provide the user with courses of conduct during and after a surgical procedure. When ischemia is found to be present in a tissue, a user can effect an optimal delivery of preservation fluids to the site of interest and/or effect a change in the conduct of the procedure to raise the pH of the site. A preferred embodiment includes a method of detecting acidosis in tissue comprising the steps of contacting the tissue of a patient with a first pH electrode disposed in an anterior wall of the left ventricle, and further contacting the tissue of the patient with a second pH electrode disposed in a posterior wall of the left ventricle.

Abstract: We describe a system of electronically active inks which may include electronically addressable contrast media, conductors, insulators, resistors, semiconductive materials, magnetic materials, spin materials, piezoelectric materials, optoelectronic, thermoelectric or radio frequency materials. We further describe a printing system capable of laying down said materials in a definite pattern. Such a system may be used for instance to: print a flat panel display complete with onboard drive logic; print a working logic circuit onto any of a large class of substrates; print an electrostatic or piezoelectric motor with onboard logic and feedback or print a working radio transmitter or receiver.

Abstract: Improvements and modifications are provided in the type of frustrated total internal reflection electrophoretic systems described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,215,920.

Abstract: A composting system is provided that includes an enclosure for containing organic matter undergoing composting. The enclosure has an access through which organic waste can be introduced into the enclosure and through which composted matter can be removed from the enclosure. The enclosure has a sloped roof comprised of a composite laminate which includes an air and moisture permeable membrane having an inside surface that faces into said enclosure. The inside surface of the membrane is adhered to an open grid layer. The composting system may further include a device for introducing fresh air into organic matter being composted within the enclosure.

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

Abstract: The present invention comprises novel combinations of ginseng berry juice and extracts combined with other skin nutrients and moisturizers which may be used to soften and moisturize the skin while providing essential vitamins and nutrients to the skin in a natural way.

Abstract: Coextruded layers of polyamide and fluoropolymer adhere to one another without an intervening tie layer by adhesive activation of polyamide of the polyamide layer, e.g. by incorporating into the polyamide layer a dispersed phase of maleic anhydride-grafted ethylene/propylene/diene copolymer. The fluoropolymer is a copolymer of ethylene with perhalogenated comonomer or a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene with perfluorinated comonomer.

Abstract: A frequency reconfigurable artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) includes a ground plane, a spacer layer disposed adjacent the ground plane and a plurality of vias in electrical contact with the ground plane and extending from a surface of the ground plane in direction of the spacer layer. The AMC further includes a frequency selective surface (FSS) disposed on the spacer layer and including a periodic pattern of bias node patches alternating with ground node patches, the ground node patches being in electrical contact with respective vias of the plurality of vias, and components between selected bias node patches and ground node patches, the components having a capacitance which is variable in response to a bias voltage. A network of bias resistors between adjacent bias node patches provides the tuning voltage.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing RCFZH by reaction of an iodide compound of the formula R′CFZI with hydrogen at an elevated temperature, wherein R is SF5, CF2SF5 or RfCF2Y, R′ is SF5, CF2SF5 or RfCF2X, Rf is a perfluoroalkylene group containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms and optionally containing one or more ether oxygen atoms, Z is selected from F, CF3 and CF2CF3, Y is selected from H, F and SF5, and X is selected from H, F, SF5, and I, provided that when Y is F, X is F, when Y is SF5, X is SF5, and when Y is H, X is H or I.

Abstract: Device (10) and method to optimize the combustion of hydrocarbons able to be used as fuel and mixed with air containing oxygen, said device (10) comprising means (20, 23) to generate a magnetic field, advantageously of the pulsating type, in correspondence with a fuel feed pipe (13).

Abstract: In the present invention, a media conveyor belt (1) presents an arrangement that will allow the publishing of all kinds of messages, thus maximizing its utilization. This media conveyor belt has a purpose to allow the display of every kind of message and information on its external surface, innovating not only its arrangement but also in its utilization. The media conveyor belt (1) is characterized by presenting, in its upper surface (2), the application of messages (3).

Abstract: Novel addressing schemes for controlling electronically addressable displays include a scheme for rear-addressing displays, which allows for in-plane switching of the display material. Other schemes include a rear-addressing scheme which uses a retroreflecting surface to enable greater viewing angle and contrast. Another scheme includes an electrode structure that facilitates manufacture and control of a color display. Another electrode structure facilitates addressing a display using an electrostatic stylus. Methods of using the disclosed electrode structures are also disclosed. Another scheme includes devices combining display materials with silicon transistor addressing structures.

Abstract: A system is provided for routing calls. The system includes a plurality of call centers coupled to a public switched telephone network which supports a caller identification feature and a transfer feature. A trunk interface, coupled via a link to the public switched telephone network, receives a call from the public switched telephone network over the link. A database stores customer profile information and call center information. A processor is coupled to the trunk interface and the database. The processor identifies a customer placing the call utilizing the caller identification feature, retrieves from the database customer profile information associated with the identified customer, and selects one of the call centers in response to the customer profile information and the call center information. The processor routes the call to the selected call center, after which the link is released utilizing the transfer feature.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing surface treated, prefinished valve seat inserts. The method entails forming the valve seat insert, precision machining the valve seat insert to precise tolerances so that the valve seat insert can be installed in one of the cylinder head and engine block without the need for additional seat machining and treating the valve seat insert with a wear resistant treatment prior to inserting the valve seat insert into on of the cylinder head and engine block.

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 polymer dispersant for pigments based on an acrylic graft copolymer wherein the graft copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 3,000-100,000 and comprises a polymeric backbone and macromonomer side chains attached to the backbone, wherein (1) the polymeric backbone is formed of polymerized ethylenically unsaturated monomers and (2) the side chains are macromonomers that are attached to the backbone at a single terminal point and are formed from polymerized ethylenically unsaturated monomers and have a weight average molecular weight of about 1,000-30,000 wherein the graft copolymer contains about 2 to 70% by weight, based on the weight of the graft copolymer, of polymerized ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing acetoacetate groups that are polymerized into the backbone, side chains, or both, and the acetoacetate groups are reacted with a primary amine to form a pendant acetoacetyl amine group on the graft copolymer which serves as the pigment anchoring group.