Abstract: Compounds of Formula I, commonly referred to as bis-indole pyrroles, including isolated naturally-occurring compounds, synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives thereof having antimicrobial properties and to antimicrobial compositions that include one or more of bis-indole pyrroles and their derivatives or analogs having antimicrobial properties are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of treating bacterial infections with the disclosed compounds or the disclosed pharmaceutical compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter assembly for removing particulate contaminants and chemical contaminants from an incoming dirty air stream for a fuel cell. The filter assembly also includes a noise suppression element that reduces sound waves or noise emanating from any equipment, such as a compressor. The filter assembly can include a particulate filter portion for removing physical or particulate contaminants, a chemical filter portion for removing chemical contaminants, or can have both portions.

Abstract: An air and gas purification system having combined adsorbent material layers in a regenerable adsorbent system. A first adsorbent material, molecular sieve material, is positioned at the inlet end of the adsorbent bed and a second material, activated alumina, is positioned at the outlet end. Additional adsorbent materials may be positioned between the inlet adsorbent material and the outlet adsorbent material. This system, utilizing the combination of adsorbent layers, is particularly useful for fuel cell applications, where the adsorbent system is positioned in the incoming oxidant stream to reduce, and preferably remove, the contaminants that would affect the efficiency of the fuel cell. Using such a system allows using ambient air as the oxygen source.

Abstract: Disclosed are oral compositions comprising a stannous ion source, a fluoride ion source, and a polymeric mineral surface active agent that binds stannous, said compositions providing adequate therapeutic efficacy with minimal side effects of tooth staining and astringency. The composition simultaneously provides reduction and control of supragingival calculus. The present oral care compositions may be formulated as single phase or dual phase compositions. The present invention also provides a method for effective delivery of stannous-containing compositions with minimal side effects of tooth staining or astringency and with effective tartar control by administering to a subject a stable dentifrice composition comprising a clinically effective amount of stannous fluoride and/or other stannous salts in combination with a fluoride ion source and a polymeric mineral surface active agent, preferably a phosphate- or phosphonate-containing polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seat for use around the bathtub area. Specifically, the seat is formed so that it can fit around a side wall of a bathtub. Because there are many standard sizes of bathtubs, some embodiments of the invention include an adjustment mechanism so that the seat can be adjusted to securely attach to the side wall of most sizes of bathtubs. Other embodiments of the invention provide for a seat that can be used within the bathtub itself. Further embodiments are implemented that can sit securely on a bathtub on which a door rail is also attached.

Abstract: A low VOC clear coat composition which comprises an epoxy compound, a melamine component and an aliphatic polyisocyanate having an average of 2 to 6 isocyanate functionalities, and optionally contains a catalyst (e.g., organotin catalysts, acid catalysts and combinations); a polyhydroxyl functional compound (e.g., polycarbonate polyol); or other additives (e.g., light absorbers and light stabilizers). Also disclosed is an article coated with the clear coat composition, a process of making the composition, and a process of applying the composition to, for example, an automobile body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for plating printed circuit boards. Traces are formed using internal and external layers of a printed circuit board from conductive paths including contact pads to a side edge of the printed circuit board. The traces are connected with a plating bar to form a single conductive path that permits all conductive paths to be plated at the same time. When the plating bar is removed, the traces are severed to electrically isolate the various conductive paths. Traces are not present at a front edge of the printed circuit board by the contact pads. A small hole is drilled through traces used to plate transmission lines such that the traces do not affect the transmission characteristics of the transmission lines.

Abstract: A method and system for furnishing an on-line quote for an insurance product, such as auto insurance, makes use of computer hardware and software to provide a user with an on-line, real-time quote. The system allows the user to enter user information and recommends coverages, liabilities, and deductibles to help the user determine the best insurance coverage for the user's needs. Upon entering the user data and coverage information on a presentation server, deployable content profile information is retrieved by the presentation server, and a quote is displayed for the user. If the user indicates a continued interest in the quote, a client number is presented to the user and sent to a computer telephony integration database.

Abstract: A method and system for furnishing an on-line quote for an insurance product, such as auto insurance, makes use of computer hardware and software to provide a user with an on-line, real-time quote. The system allows the user to enter user information and recommends coverages, liabilities, and deductibles to help the user determine the best insurance coverage for the user's needs. Upon entering the user data and coverage information on a presentation server, deployable content profile information is retrieved by the presentation server, and a quote is displayed for the user. If the user indicates a continued interest in the quote, a client number is presented to the user and sent to a computer telephony integration database.

Abstract: An electrical conductor terminating arrangement such as an electrical connector includes a contact-making element which makes good contact with an electrical conductor in response to axial pressure displacement over the contact-making element of a displaceable element to exert a radial force on the contact-making element and to co-operate therewith for providing ongoing pressure engagement between the contact-making element and the electrical conductor without the need for the continuance of axial pressure on the displaceable element after a predetermined axial displacement of the displaceable element.

Abstract: The apparatus stabilizes loads beneath helicopters to prevent undesirable load movement while allowing in-flight optimization of the load's center of gravity to reduce drag and increase banking capability and top speed. An anchoring bracket secures the apparatus to the helicopter. The apparatus comprises an upper section that controls load pitch and lateral movement and a lower section that controls load height during unloading. A pitch regulator comprises a c-shaped yoke with upper and lower collars penetrated by a hollow shaft and elevator. A lateral movement regulator comprises a coupling and a y-shaped chassis. The coupling comprises a central sleeve captivated between the upper and lower collars and a motor permitting selective rotation about the elevator. The chassis secures to the coupling via a ball and socket and a middle suspension system captivated between coupling and suspension plates. Spaced apart terminal chassis arms support the load via a bearing wing.

Abstract: Crystalline propylene polymer compositions having improved impact strength and improved clarity are disclosed. The composition is prepared by melt blending a propylene polymer, e.g., polypropylene, and from about 1 to 35 wt % of an elastomeric interpolymer of a C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 isomonoolefin, e.g., isobutylene, and a para alkystyrene comonomer, e.g., para-methylstyrene. The interpolymer preferably contains a benzylic functional group such as halogen (bromine). The composition may also contain from about 0.5 to 15 wt % of the amide reaction product of an organic acid-grafted propylene polymer, e.g., maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene, and a polyfunctional primary amine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a post-polymerization process for modifying the molecular weight distribution of a polymer having a monomodal molecular weight distribution, which polymer normally exhibits a decrease in molecular weight when subjected to high shear mixing in the presence of a free radical initiator, to produce a polymer having a bimodal molecular weight distribution. The process comprises:(a) heating a mixture of the polymer, a polyunsaturated crosslinking agent and, optionally, a free radical initiator, to form a uniform mixture; and(b) subjecting said mixture to high shear mixing conditions until a polymer having a bimodal molecular weight distribution is obtained. In the more preferred embodiment, the shear mixing is conducted in the presence of a free radical initiator such as an organic peroxide and the crosslinking agent is a difunctional compound containing diallyl, divinyl or diethylenic unsaturation.

Abstract: Multiple sequential chemical reactions on a polymeric feedstock are carried out in an extruder with multiple reaction zones. Each reaction zone has means for introduction of reagents, for mixing of reagents with polymer and for removal of by/co-products or unreacted reagents.

Abstract: Multiple sequential chemical reactions on a polymeric feedstock are carried out in an extruder with multiple reaction zones. Each reaction zone has means for introduction of reagents, for mixing of reagents with polymer and for removal of by/co-products or unreacted reagents.

Abstract: An articulated trailer utilizing two pivot points and an angular transfer system to control the radial movement of the front axle during turning is disclosed. The articulated trailer comprises an elongated carriage having two spaced-part, wheeled axles. The rear axle rigidly attaches to the carriage while the front axle is pivotally mounted. The carriage front end comprises two spaced-apart pivot points, a hollow jack column assembly and a tongue assembly. A structural assembly supports the jack column assembly and the tongue assembly. A draw bar extends from the tongue assembly to the draft vehicle. Tie-rods attach the ends of the upper tongue assembly to a pair of plates. The plates are interconnected by a shaft. A responder plate is coupled to an electric motor. The electric motor selectively rotates to effect the radial movement of the tongue assembly to transfer angular movement to the jack column assembly.

Abstract: A deflection technique utilizing an electronic force gauge to match the flexibility of a set of golf clubs consisting of a bracket at one end of a rectangular backboard which holds the butt end of the shaft to be measured, a movable bracket at the other end of the backboard to which a horizontal bar is attached against which the tip end of said shaft is held, and a bracket attached to an electronic force gauge mounted between the two aforementioned brackets with said gauge measuring the shaft's resistance to pressure when the tip end of the shaft is manipulated downward.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a low molecular weight isoolefin polymer by contacting at conversion conditions a higher molecular weight saturated isoolefin polymer, for example, polyisobutylene or a copolymer of a C.sub.4 to C.sub.7 isoolefin and a para-alkylstyrene, in the melt phase, with an initiator, such as an oxygen-containing gas, an organic peroxide or an azo compound.

Abstract: Multiple sequential chemical reactions on a polymeric feedstock are carried out in an extruder with multiple reaction zones. Each reaction zone has means for introduction of reagents, for mixing of reagents with polymer and for removal of by/co-products or unreacted reagents.

Abstract: A process for halogenating copolymers of an isoolefin having from 4 to 7 carbon atoms and a para-alkylstyrene in the melt phase is provided in which the halogenation reaction is performed in a continuous flow device, such as an extruder-reactor. Halogenated copolymers produced by the process are also provided.