Abstract: An improved design and manufacturing method is disclosed for calendered, double side segment coated webs. By staggering the leading edges and/or the trailing edges of the segment coatings on one side of the web from those on the other side, web damage, including the incidence of breakage, can be reduced. Further, vibration and wear on the calendering apparatus can be reduced. The invention is particularly useful for heavily calendered webs such as the electrodes in non-aqueous rechargeable lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: A pneumatic oil pump has a cylinder, a piston, a pedal and an oil reservoir. The cylinder has a central bore, a sealed front end and a sealed rear end. An air connector is mounted in a cover on the front end of the cylinder. An actuating valve is mounted in the cover on the front end of the cylinder and communicating with the air connector and the central bore of the cylinder. The piston is movably mounted in the bore of the cylinder to divide the central bore of the cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber. A piston seat is attached to the piston at an end facing the rear end of the cylinder. A ventilative, sound-absorbing material is arranged between the air outlets of the piston and the piston seat. By such an arrangement, the shock of the air flow can be absorbed by the ventilative, sound absorbing material. Therefore, noise and shock will not occur when the pneumatic pump is in operation.

Abstract: An aseptic filling system receives preformed containers through an intake sanitizing lock into a closed system. The containers move through sanitizing and sterilizing zones to a filling and closure zone. Filled containers exit the system through a discharge sanitizing lock. Both intake and discharge sanitizing locks are subjected to flooding with sterilant each time a container enters or leaves the system and provide a seal to prevent the entry of airborne contaminants or micro-organisms when the locks are opened.

Abstract: Novel non-symmetric, partially fluorinated compositions and method of manufacture which are useful as lubricants or as additives to lubricant formulations involving the molecular structure: R1F—F′—R2—F″—R3h where R1f represents a wholly or partially fluorinated organic residue end group, F′ and F″ represent functional linkages which may be alike or different, R2 represents the backbone and R3h represents a non-fluorinated organic residue end group. Such compositions are produced by reacting a mixture of alcohols, mercaptans or amines containing at least one partially fluorinated compound and at least one non-fluorinated compound in the mixture, thus producing the R1f and the R3h residues, with a difunctional organic compound (e.g., diacid, dinitrile, disulfonyl halide, diisocyanate, diisothiocyanate, diphosphoryl halide or dithiophosphoryl halide).

Abstract: Polyester yarns whose polyester fibers are of simple oval peripheral cross-section of aspect ratio at least about 1.85:1 have shown better dye yield in fabrics than polyester staple fibers having lower aspect ratios. Such superior cross-sections for polyester staple fibers have also provided advantages in open-end spinning in providing yarns with fewer spinning failures than fibers of conventional round cross-section.

Abstract: A pigment dispersion useful for forming coating compositions containing dispersed pigment, a non-aqueous carrier liquid and an ABC-block polymer dispersant (binder); wherein the ABC block polymer has a number average molecular weight of about 5,000-20,000 and contains a polymeric A segment, a polymeric B segment and a polymeric C segment; wherein the polymeric A segment of the block polymer is of polymerized monomers selected from the following group: alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers having 1-12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, aryl (meth)acrylate monomers, cyclo alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers or mixtures of any of the above; the polymeric B segment of the block polymer is of polymerized alkyl amino alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers having 1-4 carbon atoms in the alkyl group quaternized with an alkylating agent; and the polymeric C segment of the block polymer is of polymerized monomers of hydroxy alkyl (meth)acrylate having 1-4 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and monomers selected from the following group: alkyl

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing thin film transistor structures useful in controlling electronic displays. Thin film transistors are fabricated using all-additive methods including printing techniques, soft lithography and material deposition methods. The thin film transistors can be deposited with the gate on the bottom or on the top of the structure. The deposition methods include the possibility of isolating nearly completely the transistor structure from the electronic display devices, so as to minimize or eliminate deleterious interactions therebetween.

Abstract: This invention relates to catalysts useful in the vapor phase oxidation of hydrocarbons, such as 1,3-butadiene to furan and maleic anhydride. The catalysts comprise vanadium oxides, vanadium phosphorus oxides or vanadium antimony oxides incorporated in a matrix comprising oxides or oxyhydroxides of silicon, titanium, tantalum and/or niobium derived using sol-gel chemistry, optionally in the presence of an organic directing agent, such as dodecylamine.

Abstract: A stretch bodysuit is provided which allows precise measurements of the proportions of the portion of the body enclosed by the bodysuit. Specific benchmarks and lines are positioned at key locations on the bodysuit. These benchmarks and lines may be aligned with or positioned to coincide with critical measuring points such as joints or other bodily features. The benchmarks act as a guide for using a tape measure. Alternatively, the bodysuit and the lines and benchmarks thereon may be produced in such a fashion as to facilitate optical scanning of the suit. Once the dimensions have been recorded, a computer program uses the dimensions to generate a pattern for the desired garment.

Abstract: A dispensing nozzle for a container having at least two separate compartments and a single neck finish. The dispensing nozzle comprises a hollow shell having an outer surface, an inner surface, a distal end, and a proximal end. At least one partition projects inwardly from the inner surface of the shell, the partitions defining at least two channels within the shell, each channel aligning with a separate compartment of the container. A flange extends radially from the outer surface of the shell, the flange having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface seating against the sealing surface of the container neck. The proximal end of the shell extends beyond the flange and is configured so as to conform to the dimensions of the inner surface of the container neck.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a durable multi-layered coating on difficult-to-coat substrates, such as aluminum. The process includes subjecting the surface of the difficult-to-coat substrate to a adhesion promoting step, followed by applying an intermediate layer of flexible primer, which contains a polyester copolymer produced through a two-stage polymerization process. A mar resistant top layer of clear coating composition is then applied over the intermediate layer to produce the multi-layered durable coating on the difficult-to-coat substrate. If desired, the intermediate layer may be pigmented or it may be applied in the form of one or more patterned layers of different colors. Alternatively, one or more patterned layers of different colors may be applied over the intermediate layer before the application of the mar resistant top layer.

Abstract: Methods for isolating novel antigens that stimulate CD4-positive T cells are disclosed. The methods provided comprise the steps of: transforming a host cell with a plasmid suspected of containing such a DNA sequence encoding such an antigen and inducing antigen expression; incubating the transformed host cell with at least one dendritic cell for a period of time sufficient to form a peptide/MHC Class II complex on the dendritic cell, the peptide being derived from the expressed antigen; incubating the dendritic cell with CD4+ T cells; determining the level of CD4+ T cell stimulation, thereby identifying a transformed host cell that expresses at least one CD4+ T cell-stimulating antigen; and isolating DNA from the transformed host cell. DNA sequences isolated using such methods, together with antigens encoded by such DNA sequences, are also provided.

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

Abstract: The invention provides an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) system and method for manufacturing. The AMC has a post plane with posts and slots. The posts are operatively disposed adjacent to conductive shapes on one or more frequency selective surfaces. The posts formably extend from the post plane.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for learning the optimal channel change instruction recognition speed for the components of a particular entertainment system. A memory provides storage for information relating to: time increments between channel change signals; pulse width of each individual digit of a channel instruction; and the duration of time between each digit pulse signal. As a function of the information stored in memory, a microprocessor constructs and sends channel change commands at a particular speed, progressively increasing the speed. A means is provided for monitoring the television receiver and for detecting whether the channel change command resulted in the change of the programming channel received by the television receiver.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a low gloss crosslinkable coating composition that produces a low gloss coating upon cure. The crosslinkable composition includes a binder component and a crosslinking agent. The binder component includes a combination of at least two partially compatible crosslinkable components retained in an evaporable medium, such that the low gloss coating exhibits a 60° specular gloss that is at least 5% lower than gloss of coatings from coating compositions containing any one of the crosslinkable components. The low gloss coating composition of the present invention is especially suited for OEM and refinish automotive coating applications, such as automotive fenders and automotive side boards, typically used in sport utility vehicles.

Abstract: A cable, in particular for power transmission, for telecommunications or for data transmission, or also combined power/telecommunications cables, wherein at least one coating layer consists of a recyclable material which is halogen-free and has superior mechanical, electrical, and flame-retardant properties. This material consists of a polymer mixture comprising: (a) a crystalline propylene homopolymer or copolymer; and (b) a copolymer of ethylene with at least one alpha-olefin having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and optionally with a diene; the said copolymer (b) being characterized by a density of between 0.90 and 0.86 g/cm3 and by a Composition Distribution Index, defined as the weight percentage of copolymer molecules having an alpha-olefin content within 50% of the average total molar content of alpha-olefin, of greater than 45%. This material may also include a flame-retardant inorganic filler.

Abstract: This invention relates to the isolation of a novel putative efflux gene from Pseudomonas mendocina. The putative efflux gene is useful for probing an organism's efflux system to gain an understanding of the mechanisms of solvent tolerance. The invention further provides a Pseudomonas mendocina strain deficient in this gene. This strain is unable to grow in the presence of chloramphenicol and, compared to the wildtype strain, grows slowly in the presence of high concentrations of PHBA.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved extrusion die assembly for controlling the flow of polymer in a melt extrusion process. The die assembly is useful for extruding low molecular weight polymer melts.

Abstract: A moisture vapor permeable, substantially liquid impermeable composite sheet material includes a powder-bonded nonwoven web adhered to a moisture vapor permeable thermoplastic film. The nonwoven web includes a first layer comprised primarily of fibers that are compatible with an adhesive used to bond the web, and a second layer comprised of a blend of fibers, some of which are compatible with, and some of which are incompatible with the bonding adhesive and the thermoplastic film. A method for making the composite sheet material and an item of apparel made from the sheet material are also provided.