Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ultraviolet sterilization are provided. The apparatus can include a housing having an opening through which objects can be inserted for sterilization, a killing chamber having an inner surface that is substantially reflective at ultraviolet wavelengths; and at least one ultraviolet radiation source inside the housing. The methods and apparatus are well suited for medical tools, dental tools, body art tools, and baby feeding related objects.

Abstract: A display element for use in a display device that exhibits extended illumination longevity and uniformity, as well as a wide viewing angle, is provided. The element can include a light source that emits ultraviolet light, a liquid crystal device having a plurality of independently controllable (i.e., addressable) shutters, a screening element between the light source and the liquid crystal device, a plurality of luminescent elements optically aligned with the shutters, and a regulated power supply. Display devices, calibration techniques, and power management methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous sizing composition including: (a) a first component comprising an emulsion having alkenylsuccinic anhydride component containing alkenylsuccinic anhydride particles and a surfactant component; suspended in water; and (b) a second component selected from the group consisting of cationic starches, non-ionic starches, anionic starches, water, water-soluble polymers, and mixtures thereof; such that the alkenylsuccinic anhydride component and the second component are sufficiently diluted to enable the sizing composition to impart useful sizing properties to a fibrous substrate when the sizing composition contacts the fibrous substrate. The invention also relates to fibrous substrates treated with such a composition as well as processes for making and using the composition. In one embodiment, alkyl ketene dimer is used instead of alkenylsuccinic anhydride.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous sizing composition comprising (a) an emulsion comprising an alkenylsuccinic anhydride component containing alkenylsuccinic anhydride particles suspended in a first starch component containing emulsifying starch selected from the group consisting of non-ionic starches, ionic starches, and mixtures thereof, and (b) a second starch component selected from the group consisting of non-ionic starches, ionic starches and mixtures thereof, such that the alkenylsuccinic anhydride and the starch in the emulsion and the second starch component are present at a starch: alkenylsuccinic anhydride weight ratio that is sufficiently high to enable the sizing composition to impart useful sizing properties to a fibrous substrate when the sizing composition contacts the fibrous substrate. The invention also relates to fibrous substrates treated with the sizing composition, processes for making the composition and processes for using such a composition, and other compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous sizing composition including (a) an emulsion comprising alkenylsuccinic anhydride component containing alkenylsuccinic anhydride particles suspended in an aqueous polymer, and (b) a second component selected from the group consisting of cationic starches, non-ionic starches, anionic starches, water-soluble polymer, water and mixtures thereof, such that the alkenylsuccinic anhydride component is sufficiently dilute to enable the sizing composition to impart useful sizing properties to a fibrous substrate when the sizing composition contacts the fibrous substrate. The invention also relates to fibrous substrates treated with such a composition as well as processes for making and using the composition. In one embodiment, alkylene ketene dimer can be used instead of alkenylsuccinic anhydride.

Abstract: Merchants directly access a network of thousands of large, high resolution electronic billboard displays and directly send their own advertisements electronically to the network to be displayed at locations and times they select. The advertisements include order numbers that may be used by consumers to order the advertised products and product information through a universal, automated order processing system that represents many merchants.

Abstract: Commercial advertisers, such as consumer product companies and the advertising agents that represent them, directly access a network of thousands of large, high resolution electronic displays located in high traffic areas and directly send their own advertisements electronically to the network to be displayed at locations and times selected by the advertisers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for exposing fluids and other materials that may contain biohazards to ultraviolet radiation are provided. One system for exposing a fluid includes a baffled conduit for conveying the fluid so that the fluid flow and its exposure to ultraviolet radiation is rendered more uniform. Other systems include feedback for determining when to replace light sources and filters and to ensure proper biodosimetry. Additional methods and systems for exposing fluids and other materials that may contain biohazards are also provided.

Abstract: A highway marker comprising an emissive device positioned on a highway, wherein said emissive device emits electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Music is blanket transmitted (for example, via satellite downlink transmission) to each customer's computer-based user station. Customers preselect from a list of available music in advance using an interactive screen selector, and pay only for music that they choose to have recorded for unlimited playback, for example, by a “CD burner”. An “ID tag” is woven into the recorded music so that any illegal copies therefrom may be traced to the purchase transaction.

Abstract: The invention provides a faster simpler method of manufacturing injected molded polyurethane footwear consisting of two or more parts with different compositions. The business practice of leasing this turnkey system and providing a full-time technician to administer the system allows for minimal investment by a business owner and yields the highest quality product. Simultaneously injecting two different formulas of polyurethane into two different cavities of the same mold will significantly cut production time and cost. The dual rotating or shuffling sole-plate makes it possible to inject the outsole and the insole/upper/shaft simultaneously without fear of mixing. Similarly other poly products consisting of,two or more parts may also be produced using this complex molding system. The unique multi-station linear molding table provides the necessary platform for these special complex molds and enables the changing of molds and/or service to the equipment without fully shutting down or halting all production.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a lens element which redirects light emitted from a display screen onto a keypad, keyboard or a control pad placed in front of or adjacent to the display screen such that without disturbing the display of other information on the display screen, the light emitted by the display screen illuminates the keypad, keyboard or control panel without the need for auxiliary light sources or auxiliary power sources. A simple program or program modification controls the display screen to provide appropriate light to the lens element.

Abstract: A scalable and portable disc player or recorder for containing and transferring audio, video or computer data to and from an optical disc of various sizes. The casing of the disc player provides a case scaling mechanism having a set of pivotal wings and slidable sleeves that can be adjusted to accommodate various optical disc sizes. This same process changes the structural size of the disc player casing.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a lens element which redirects light emitted from a display screen onto a keypad, keyboard or a control pad placed in front of or adjacent to the display screen such that without disturbing the display of other information on the display screen, the light emitted by the display screen illuminates the keypad, keyboard or control panel without the need for auxiliary light sources or auxiliary power sources. A simple program or program modification controls the display screen to provide appropriate light to the lens element.

Abstract: An expandable case includes a top portion including a rectangular top having four edges, and four top side walls hingedly connected to the top at its four edges, respectively, the top and the four top side walls each having an outside surface and an inside surface, and a bottom portion including a rectangular bottom having four edges, and four bottom side walls hingedly connected to the bottom at its four edges, respectively, the bottom being smaller than the top, the bottom and the four bottom side walls each having an outside surface and an inside surface. The top portion and the bottom portion are positioned relative to each other such that the inside surface of each of the four top side walls faces the outside surface of a corresponding bottom side wall.

Abstract: A microwave resonator, particularly for use in cellular telecommunications, comprising a hollow electrical conductor defining a resonant cavity and a substantially cubic member located within the cavity. The substantially cubic member has a high dielectric constant compared with the remainder of the cavity.

Abstract: A microwave resonator, particularly for use in cellular telecommunications, comprising a hollow electrical conductor defining a resonant cavity and a substantially cubic member located within the cavity. The substantially cubic member has a high dielectric constant compared with the remainder of the cavity.

Abstract: A power transmission system used in connection with a vehicle power wheel of a bicycle or other vehicle which has a fixed axle and which utilizes a rotating chain sprocket engaging an endless chain for receiving an input torque and transmitting an output torque. The system includes a transmission ratio varying apparatus that is operably connected to the wheel by the endless chain. The transition ratio apparatus incorporates a drive collar fixedly secured to a sprocket and having one or more input and output drive rings. A drive body is displaceable with respect to the input and output drive rings and includes input and output pawls pivotally connected to the drive body and engageable with the input and output drive rings. A shifter housing is moveable with respect to the fixed axle cam to rotatably shift the drive body with respect to the drive ring and change the relationship between the input and output pawls and thereby vary the torque transmission ratio.

Abstract: A hoist drum drive control is provided with both variable displacement and fixed displacement motors geared to the drum and connected in parallel to a variable displacement pump. During high speed hoisting the variable displacement motor is shifted to zero displacement until the back pressure reaches a certain level at which time the displacement is automatically increased until a balanced condition is achieved. When lowering heavy loads a feedback to the variable pump decreases its displacement to prevent over speeding the engine.

Abstract: A valve for regulating the braking pressure applied to a wheel has a braking fluid inlet and a braking fluid outlet. A fluid passageway through the valve provides communication between the inlet and outlet. A first piston assembly is adapted to close the passageway upon the occurrence of a skid or an impending skid situation at the wheel. The first piston is also adapted to reopen the passageway upon removal of the skid or impending skid situation. A second piston assembly is adapted to partially restrict passage of fluid through the passageway upon the reopening of the passageway by the first piston assembly after the skid or an impending skid situation.