Abstract: A polymer comprises a monomer having a N-halo sulfonamide pendant group and having the formula: wherein A is a trivalent linkage; wherein Q is a divalent linkage and y is 0 or 1; wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as described within; wherein X is halogen; and wherein M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal. In specific embodiments, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are hydrogen; X is chlorine; and M is sodium or potassium.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding avirulence proteins or polypeptides of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae DC 3000, or nucleic acid molecules which are complementary thereto. Expression vectors, host cells, and transgenic plants which include the DNA molecules of the present invention are also disclosed. Another aspect relates to the isolated proteins or polypeptides and compositions containing the same. The various nucleic acid molecules and proteins of the present invention can be used to impart disease resistance to a plant, make a plant hypersusceptible to colonization by nonpathogenic bacteria, modify a metabolic pathway in a cell, cause eukaryotic cell death and treat a cancerous condition, as well as inhibit programmed cell death.

Abstract: An electrophotographic imaging device comprises generally, an image transfer station configured to transfer a toned image to a substrate, a fuser assembly configured to fuse the toned image to the substrate and a transport device configured to transfer the substrate from the image transfer station to the fuser assembly. The device further includes a controller for controlling a first process rate of the image transfer device and a second process rate of the transport device. The controller has a mode of operation wherein the first process rate is different from the second process rate when a hand off is performed to pass the substrate from the image transfer station to the transport device.

Abstract: A strapless spur system having a retainer attached to a boot or other footwear, a detachable base with a spring loaded plunger for secure attachment and detachment of the base to the retainer on the footwear. A preferred embodiment includes a mechanism built into the base which releasably engages the spur. The mechanism may be a spring lock which engages a void on the retainer. The spur assembly may have an upward or downward configured spur and the spur assembly may be engaged to the footwear with any of a number of reciprocal mating configurations.

Abstract: A biocidal solution comprising aromatic N-halosulfonamide organic compounds and methods of using the biocidal solution are disclosed. The solution may further comprise a wetting agent, a low molecular weight alcohol, and buffering agents. The biocidal solution is used to arrest or kill unwanted organisms.

Abstract: Sulfonamide compounds have been used as biocides for over one hundred years. Sulfonamide compounds are also useful as stain removal agents. This invention is concerned with a process whereby stains on a variety of substrates may be removed by treating a stained area of a substrate with a solution of a sulfonamide compound. In one embodiment a stained substrate is sprayed with the solution of a sulfonamide compound. The stained area may also be treated with a slurry or paste of a sulfonamide compound in order to effect stain removal. Solutions of sulfonamide compounds have the ability to remove undesirable stains without adversely affecting the substrate i.e. clothing, carpet, flooring etc. Sulfonamide compounds are particularly useful as stain removal agents for stains which originate with body fluids such as, blood, urine, vomit, feces etc. The stain removal solutions may be buffered to a predetermined pH.

Abstract: An airbag assembly is disclosed. The airbag assembly includes an inflatable cushion having a recess in its lower portion. The recess may form split sections in the lower portion of the cushion. The recess may be configured to receive a rear-facing child car seat during deployment. The airbag assembly may further include a tethering system to control deployment of the split sections of the cushion.

Abstract: Enhanced airbag modules and associated methods are provided. An airbag module according to the invention may have a cushion with an inflatable protection zone and a flexible venting tube coupled to the inflatable protection zone. A closure mechanism may be used to compress the flexible venting tube against an anchoring member, such as a housing of the airbag module or a vehicle feature, until venting through the flexible venting tube is needed. The closure mechanism may then be actuated, for example, by igniting a pyrotechnic within a specially designed bolt of the closure mechanism. The bolt may, for example, have a bore with a pyrotechnic initiator molded-in-place within the bore. The bolt may fracture to open the closure mechanism, thereby permitting inflation gas to flow out of the inflatable protection zone via the flexible venting tube.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems relating to automotive airbags. Embodiments of the disclosed invention include multiple inflatable chambers. The chambers may be configured to inflate sequentially such that one or more side chambers may inflate before a center chamber is inflated. Embodiments of the invention may employ separate inflators to inflate the side and center chambers such that the side chamber inflator is deployed prior to the center chamber inflator or, alternatively, a single inflator may be employed with vent openings between the side and center chambers to allow for fluid communication of the inflation gas therethrough.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining pyrimidine metabolism of an individual. By collecting a saliva sample containing a concentration of a pyrimidine from an individual, the saliva sample can be measured for the pyrimidine to yield a pyrimidine measurement. Through the comparison of the pyrimidine measurement to a value measured for a control person with a known pyrimidine metabolism, the relative pyrimidine metabolism of the individual is determined. An individual with a defective or deficient ability to metabolize pyrimidines is vulnerable to dietary excess of pyrimidines or is at a great likelihood of suffering undesirable and potentially lethal side effects if the individual is given anti-cancer or anti-viral pyrimidine analogs. A kit is provided that includes a pipette and a piece of filter paper for collecting saliva from an individual. The use of saliva as a sampling substance indicative of an individual's pyrimidine metabolism affords numerous advantages over conventional usage of blood or urine.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing operational shock sensitivity of a MEMS device includes a closed-loop control circuit for controlling the MEMS device and a shock detector for detecting a shock experienced by the MEMS device. The closed-loop control circuit includes a movable MEMS structure, a detector for sensing a position of the MEMS structure and for providing a first feedback signal related to the sensed position, and a processor for receiving the first feedback signal and for providing a control signal used to control the MEMS device. The shock detector, which according to a preferred embodiment is the MEMS structure itself, is used for detecting the shock experienced by the MEMS device and for generating a second feedback signal, which is used to alter the control signal such that a response of the closed-loop control circuit to the shock is minimized.

Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a vent flap that, prior to cushion deployment, extends from the cushion exterior through a vent. A strap is coupled to the vent flap and to an interior surface of the cushion. Upon airbag deployment, the strap extends until taut or extends until the cushion encounters an obstruction. If pulled taut, the strap pulls the vent flap into the cushion interior where the interior air pressure effectively presses the vent flap against the vent. If the cushion encounters an obstruction, the strap remains lax, and the vent remains open. Means are provided for retaining the vent in the closed position during occupant ride down.

Abstract: This invention provides a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) downhole assembly for use in drilling boreholes which utilizes directional formation evaluation devices on a rotating assembly in conjunction with toolface orientation sensors. The data from the toolface orientation sensors are analyzed by a processor and toolface angle measurements are determined at defined intervals. Formation evaluation sensors operate substantially independently of the toolface orientation sensors and measurements of the formation evaluation sensors are analyzed in combination with the determined toolface angle to obtain formation parameters.

Abstract: Animal litters and in particular cat litter are in wide spread use. This invention is concerned with a process whereby the odors which are emitted by used animal litters and in particular cat litter are eliminated or controlled. Odor control in accordance with this invention is effected by the utilization of an animal litter which is treated with a halo sulfonamide compound. In use the halo sulfonamide compound reacts with odorous nitrogen and sulfur bearing compounds which are contained on the litter, as a result of animal waste being positioned on the litter. The halo sulfonamide compound reacts with the nitrogen and sulfur compounds to reduce these compounds to a non odorous format. Wipes for animal litter boxes may further be created by treating textiles with solutions of halo sulfonamide compounds. This invention is particularly effective in controlling odors which originate with used cat litter.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with odor control animal shampoo. Odor control animal shampoos in accordance with this invention comprises a shampoo base to which is added a halo sulfonamide compound. In use the halo sulfonamide compound, as is contained in the shampoo, reacts with odorous nitrogen and sulfur bearing compounds which are contained on the body of a pet. The halo sulfonamide compound reacts with the nitrogen and sulfur compounds to reduce these compounds to a non odorous format. The animal shampoo of this invention are particularly effective in controlling odors which originate on dogs and cats. The halo sulfonamide compound can be present in the shampoo formulation at any at any effective concentrations. Shampoo formulations which incorporate from about 0.1 to about 5.0 weight percent of a halo sulfonamide compound have been found to be effective. Chloramine-T is a preferred sulfonamide compound for use as an odor control agent in the shampoo formulations of this invention.

Abstract: An airbag assembly is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. In one embodiment, the airbag assembly includes a cover with one or more ribs. A tray defines a cavity for housing an airbag and includes one or more channels that each receive a corresponding rib. An end of the cover is secured to an end of the tray. Upon deployment of an airbag, the cover pulls from the tray and dislodges the ribs from the channels.

Abstract: Enhanced airbag modules and associated methods are provided. An airbag module according to the invention may have a cushion with an inflatable protection zone and a flexible venting tube coupled to the inflatable protection zone. A closure mechanism may be used to compress the flexible venting tube against an anchoring member, such as a housing of the airbag module or a vehicle feature, until venting through the flexible venting tube is needed. The closure mechanism may then be actuated, for example, by igniting a pyrotechnic within a specially designed bolt of the closure mechanism. The bolt may, for example, have a bore with a pyrotechnic initiator molded-in-place within the bore. The bolt may fracture to open the closure mechanism, thereby permitting inflation gas to flow out of the inflatable protection zone via the flexible venting tube.

Abstract: A device and method for testing the contents of a sample of a controlled substance to confirm the presence or absence of the controlled substance within that sample. In one implementation, the device and method utilize antibodies designed to interact with one or more anesthetics, e.g., opioid analgesics. The antibodies may be tagged (e.g., attached to a colored marker) to allow for optically identifying the occurrence of an antibody reaction with an antigen (e.g., associated with a given anesthetic) within a sample. The antibody/antigen reaction may be implemented in connection with a number of different devices, including fluid drop testers and thin layer chromatographic systems. In addition to the presence of a anesthetic in a given sample, the inventive device may identify the concentration of the anesthetic in order to identify diluted samples.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing operational shock sensitivity of a MEMS device includes a closed-loop control circuit for controlling the MEMS device and a shock detector for detecting a shock experienced by the MEMS device. The closed-loop control circuit includes a movable MEMS structure, a detector for sensing a position of the MEMS structure and for providing a first feedback signal related to the sensed position, and a processor for receiving the first feedback signal and for providing a control signal used to control the MEMS device. The shock detector, which according to a preferred embodiment is the MEMS structure itself, is used for detecting the shock experienced by the MEMS device and for generating a second feedback signal, which is used to alter the control signal such that a response of the closed-loop control circuit to the shock is minimized.