Abstract: A quartz crystal sensor cell in which the sensor is secured to the base of a well defining a test sample space by a layer of adhesive between the respective peripheral surfaces. Also a quartz crystal sensor cell is provided in which the quartz sensor crystal is inclined relative to the opposite surface of the test sample space. These constructions respectively improve distinctness of the “Q” peak and problems from reflected waves in the space.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an inflatable device (12) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant, and an inflator (14) with inflation fluid outlets (24). A vent member (30) connected with the inflator (14) has a vent wall (60) having at least one vent opening (62). A vent cover (100) includes an outer wall (110) having first and second end portions (112 and 114). The vent cover (100) has a closed condition clamped on the vent wall (60) and covering the vent opening (62), and an open condition enabling fluid flow through the vent opening. An actuatable device (130) has an unactuated condition connecting the first and second end portions (112 and 114) to maintain the vent cover in the closed condition, and an actuated condition releasing the end portions to release the vent cover to the open condition to vent inflation fluid from the apparatus (10).

Abstract: An analytical apparatus, such as a quartz crystal microbalance, comprises a piezoelectric sensor and an oscillator circuit, coupled to the sensor, to oscillate at a frequency substantially determined by a resonant frequency of the sensor, and to provide an output signal at the oscillator frequency at an output. The oscillator circuit maintains a substantially constant drive signal to the piezoelectric sensor by an AGC (33) within a feedback loop of the oscillator. The gain control signal is used as an indication of the Q of the piezoelectric sensor. The drive signal to the sensor is made substantially sinusoidal by ensuring that all the elements in the feedback loop providing signal gain and attenuation are configured to operate in a substantially linear mode.

Abstract: A method for forming a stabilized airlaid layer (86) can include an airforming of a substantially unbonded fibrous layer (66) which includes absorbent fibers and binder-fibers. The fibrous layer (66) is exposed to high-frequency electromagnetic energy during a distinctively short activation period to activate the binder-fibers to provide the stabilized, airlaid layer (86). In a particular aspect the activation period can be not more than about 3 sec.

Abstract: A demultiplexer applies picture information to pixels arranged in an array of a display device having columns and rows. The demultiplexer includes transistor switches each having a control terminal, an input terminal and an output terminal. A first bus couples switch control signals to the control terminals of the switches. The conductors of a first bus extend in a region containing each of the switches to form a global bus arrangement. Local buses have each conductors coupled to the input terminals of the switches associated with the individual local bus. The output terminals of the switches associated with the individual local bus are coupled to corresponding, consecutively disposed column conductors of the array. The individual local bus has a section that crosses over the first bus and a second section extending between the crossover section and the input terminals of the associated switches.

Abstract: A process for the selective removal of a least a portion of at least one precious metal in the form of a metal-cyanide complex from an ion-exchange resin to which the precious metal and at least one base metal-cyanide complex are bound, wherein the at least one precious metal is eluted from the resing by contacting the resin with an eluent comprising at least one counter-ion contained in a solvent selected from an organic solvent or a combination of an organic solvent and an aqueous solvent.

Abstract: There is provided a distribution/retention layer for personal care products which is a nonwoven fabric having retention materials and distribution materials in a side-by-side configuration as rows, stripes, channels, etc. These rows may be continuous or discontinuous and may be straight, wavy, or in other patterns. This construction allows liquid to wick along the distribution rows and to be absorbed by the retention material along a broad front on either side. Such a construction more fully utilizes the absorbent core, producing cost and weight savings. This construction also provides greater comfort to a wearer. There is further provided personal care products having the nonwoven web as a component.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12). An inflator (14) provides inflation fluid for inflating the protection device (12). A vent member (30) includes at least one vent opening (62) for venting the inflation fluid. A vent cover (100) has a closed condition for blocking fluid flow through the at least one vent opening (62) and an open condition for permitting fluid flow through the at least one vent opening. The vent cover (100) includes a side wall (110) that has at least one portion (134, 372) that projects from the side wall into the vent member (30) to help maintain the vent cover in the closed condition.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus, such as a quartz crystal microbalance, comprising a piezoelectric sensor and an oscillator circuit, coupled to the sensor, to oscillate at a frequency substantially determined by a resonant frequency of the sensor, and to provide an output signal at the oscillator frequency at an output, the oscillator circuit incorporates means to maintain a substantially constant drive signal to the piezoelectric sensor. Preferably the substantially constant drive signal is maintained by AGC means (33) within a feedback loop of the oscillator. Advantageously the gain control signal is used as an indication of the Q of the piezoelectric sensor. It is desirable that the drive signal to the sensor is substantially sinusoidal since this provides greater accuracy, sensitivity and stability for the apparatus. This can be achieved by ensuring that all the elements in the feedback loop providing signal gain and attenuation are configured to operate in a substantially linear mode.

Abstract: A quartz crystal sensor cell in which the sensor is secured to the base of a well defining a test sample space by a layer of adhesive between the respective peripheral surfaces. Also a quartz crystal sensor cell is provided in which the quartz sensor crystal is inclined relative to the opposite surface of the test sample space. These constructions respectively improve distinctness of the “Q” peak and problems from reflected waves in the space.

Abstract: The present invention provides food containers with increased release characteristics. More specifically, plastic food containers containing glycerol monostearate at a level of greater than about 4000 ppm, and preferably at levels of about 6000 to about 8000 ppm are provided. The glycerol monostearate apparently acts as a release agent to allow food products to be dispensed more easily. For example, cream cheese provided in the food containers of this invention can be can be dispensed in a single block which would be especially useful for recipe use.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus, such as a quartz crystal microbalance, comprising a piezoelectric sensor and an oscillator circuit, coupled to the sensor, to oscillate at a frequency substantially determined by a resonant frequency of the sensor, and to provide an output signal at the oscillator frequency at an output, the oscillator circuit incorporates means to maintain a substantially constant drive signal to the piezoelectric sensor. Preferably the substantially constant drive signal is maintained by AGC means (33) within a feedback loop of the oscillator. Advantageously the gain control signal is used as an indication of the Q of the piezoelectric sensor. It is desirable that the drive signal to the sensor is substantially sinusoidal since this provides greater accuracy, sensitivity and stability for the apparatus. This can be achieved by ensuring that all the elements in the feedback loop providing signal gain and attenuation are configured to operate in a substantially linear mode.

Abstract: A system for editing images on a digital camera is disclosed. An exemplary system comprises an image capture element for capturing an original image, a memory for temporarily storing the original captured image as an image file, a first logic for generating edit description information used to edit the original captured image and for creating an edited image, where the edited image replaces the original captured image in the memory, and a second logic for generating undo edit description information used to reverse the edits and restore the original captured image. Exemplary methods and computer readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pixel structure having at least one organic thin film transistor (OTFT) that minimizes gate-to-pixel capacitance. In one embodiment, a pixel structure provides a new transistor structure where an OTFT electrode on the data-line side of the transistor is extended or wrapped around three sides of the transistor relative to a pixel-side electrode. Thus, the pixel-side electrode can be made very small without reducing the effective width (and therefore on-current) of the transistor.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an inflatable device (12) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant, and an inflator (14) with inflation fluid outlets (24). A vent member (30) connected with the inflator (14) has a vent wall (60) having at least one vent opening (62). A vent cover (100) includes an outer wall (110) having first and second end portions (112 and 114). The vent cover (100) has a closed condition clamped on the vent wall (60) and covering the vent opening (62), and an open condition enabling fluid flow through the vent opening. An actuatable device (130) has an unactuated condition connecting the first and second end portions (112 and 114) to maintain the vent cover in the closed condition, and an actuated condition releasing the end portions to release the vent cover to the open condition to vent inflation fluid from the apparatus (10).

Abstract: LED pixel structures and methods that improve brightness uniformity by reducing current nonuniformities in a light-emitting diode of the pixel structures are disclosed.

Abstract: A reusable camera is provided. The camera comprises an image processing unit configured to capture images and a memory coupled to the image processing unit. The memory is configured to store a plurality of images to be captured by the image processing unit.

Abstract: A stabilized creped nonwoven web and a method for producing the same, wherein a creped nonwoven web is thermally stabilized, for example by through-air-bonding or embossing, to produce the stabilized creped nonwoven web. The stabilized creped nonwoven web having increased tensile strength in the machine direction and an enhanced appearance. The stabilized creped nonwoven web of this invention id capable of withstanding a tensile force or load in a machine direction of at least about 2.0 lbs. at 20% strain and a tensile force or load in the machine direction of at least about 5.0 lbs. at 50% strain.

Abstract: A method for forming a stabilized airlaid layer (86) can include an airforming of a substantially unbonded fibrous layer (66) which includes absorbent fibers and binder-fibers. The fibrous layer (66) is exposed to high-frequency electromagnetic energy during a distinctively short activation period to activate the binder-fibers to provide the stabilized, airlaid layer (86). In a particular aspect the activation period can be not more than about 3 sec.

Abstract: A holster for a compound bow comprising a body-fitting curvilinear backing plate with a structure for affixing the plate to the hunter's body and having mounted thereon a diagonally disposed tubular member to receive the stabilizer of the bow, the tubular element having a notch in the upper portion of the tubular element extending from the upper terminus of the tubular element transversely across the tubular element in the direction of the width of the backing plate, the notch receiving the riser portion of the bow to which the bow stabilizer is attached. In a preferred embodiment, the backing plate has a tab extending from its bottom portion and the tubular element is connected in a rotational and locking relationship on a spacer situated on the tab.