Abstract: The invention relates to a miniature linear vibrotactile actuator comprising: a first element 14, 104 of generally cylindrical shape, comprising permanent magnets 15, 105 aligned so that two adjacent sides of two adjacent magnets 15, 105 have identical polarities; a second element 11, 101 defining a cylindrical cavity 12, 102 into which the first element 14, 104 is inserted with play so as to be able to slide therein in a sliding direction X2, the second element 11, 101 comprising coils 13, 103 of conductive wire having strands that extend perpendicularly to the sliding direction X2, in order to form magnetic force generators, and that are placed so as to be able to influence the first element 14, 104 electromagnetically; and means 25, 41, 125 for returning and guiding the first element 14, 104 toward an equilibrium position in the second element 11, 101, in which position a median plane P2 between two adjacent magnets substantially coincides with a median plane P1 of a facing force generator 111.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roofing product comprised of an asphalt coating on a nonwoven fiberglass mat. Enhanced tear strength for the roofing product, generally an asphalt shingle, is obtained by the presence of a release agent. The release agent can be a coating on the fiberglass mat, an additive in the mat binder, or present as an additive in the asphalt itself. Preferably, the release agent is a reactive polysiloxane which can react with any component within the roofing product, including the glass surface, sizing chemicals, binder chemicals, as well as the asphalt coating. The reaction can take place either during or after the polysiloxane is added or applied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a miniature linear vibrotactile actuator comprising: a first element 14, 104 of generally cylindrical shape, comprising permanent magnets 15, 105 aligned so that two adjacent sides of two adjacent magnets 15, 105 have identical polarities; a second element 11, 101 defining a cylindrical cavity 12, 102 into which the first element 14, 104 is inserted with play so as to be able to slide therein in a sliding direction X2, the second element 11, 101 comprising coils 13, 103 of conductive wire having strands that extend perpendicularly to the sliding direction X2, in order to form magnetic force generators, and that are placed so as to be able to influence the first element 14, 104 electromagnetically; and means 25, 41, 125 for returning and guiding the first element 14, 104 toward an equilibrium position in the second element 11, 101, in which position a median plane P2 between two adjacent magnets substantially coincides with a median plane P1 of a facing force generator 111.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roofing product comprised of an asphalt coating on a nonwoven fiberglass mat. Enhanced tear strength for the roofing product, generally an asphalt shingle, is obtained by the presence of a release agent. The release agent can be a coating on the fiberglass mat, an additive in the mat binder, or present as an additive in the asphalt itself. Preferably, the release agent is a reactive polysiloxane which can react with any component within the roofing product, including the glass surface, sizing chemicals, binder chemicals, as well as the asphalt coating. The reaction can take place either during or after the polysiloxane is added or applied.

Abstract: A pliable reinforcement carrier membrane for use in a coated membrane composite includes a pliable non-woven fibrous mat of entangled polymeric fibers and a hydrophobic binder. The membrane is made so that a first surface of the mat has portions of a portion of the polymeric fibers of the mat protruding therefrom in extent and in sufficient amounts to give the first surface of the mat a fuzzy characteristic to facilitate adhesion of a coating material and a second surface of the fibrous mat has a generally smooth, non-fuzzy surface. A pliable waterproof composite, including the membrane, has a bottom surface formed by a filled asphalt, modified bitumen, or non-asphaltic polymeric coating that overlies and is adhered to the first surface of the mat to provide a barrier against liquid water transmission through the composite and a top surface formed by the second surface of the mat.

Abstract: A pliable reinforcement carrier membrane for use in a coated membrane composite includes a pliable non-woven fibrous mat of entangled polymeric fibers and a hydrophobic binder. The membrane is made so that a first surface of the mat has portions of a portion of the polymeric fibers of the mat protruding therefrom in extent and in sufficient amounts to give the first surface of the mat a fuzzy characteristic to facilitate adhesion of a coating material and a second surface of the fibrous mat has a generally smooth, non-fuzzy surface. A pliable waterproof composite, including the membrane, has a bottom surface formed by a filled asphalt, modified bitumen, or non-asphaltic polymeric coating that overlies and is adhered to the first surface of the mat to provide a barrier against liquid water transmission through the composite and a top surface formed by the second surface of the mat.

Abstract: An electrically operated diffuser has a fragrance-emitting element (8) for facilitating diffusion of an active material, and at least one light emitting diode (7). The at least one light emitting diode (7) serves as a nightlight and has a luminous intensity rating of at least about 5000 mcd at 20 mA. Also, the at least one light emitting diode (7) may be positioned at a back surface of the diffuser, such that when an active material is received in the compartment the at least one light emitting diode (7) shines through the active material. The diffuser may include a remote-use assembly to supply power to the diffuser from a wall socket remote from the diffuser. The diffuser may also include a light controller to change one or more of the color and the intensity of the at least one light emitting diode (7).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymorphisms in the MME gene (encoding metalo-membrane endopeptidase, neutral endopeptidase (NEP), enkephalinase) and the ANPEP gene (encoding amino peptidase N (APN), alanyl membrane aminopeptidase) or their gene products and to a process for the diagnosis of internalizing disorders. Internalizing disorders, such as depression, withdrawal, negative affect, anxiety, social problems, phobias, paranoid ideation, alcoholism and interpersonal sensitivity, are diagnosed in accordance with the present invention by analyzing the DNA sequences of the MME and/or ANPEP genes of an individual to be tested and comparing the respective DNA sequence to the known DNA sequence of a normal MME and/or ANPEP gene. Alternatively, the MME and ANPEP genes of an individual to be tested can be screened for mutations which cause internalizing disorders. Prediction of internalizing disorders will enable practitioners to treat internalizing disorders using existing medical therapy.

Abstract: A process for starting a polymerization of butadiene to produce polybutadiene in a gas phase reactor having a seed bed which comprises (i) passivating the reactor and the seed bed by introducing an aluminum alkyl having a concentration ranging from about 2,000 to 20,000 ppm and (ii) feeding the catalyst and co-catalyst to the reactor before the addition of the butadiene.

Abstract: A precipitating agent for precipitating precious metals such as gold from aqueous cyanide solution of the precious metal ions includes aluminum powder and a reducing agent such as sodium hydrosulfite, sodium borohydride or hydrazine. The precipitating agent may also include an alkali metal carbonate, such as potassium carbonate, as an activator. The precipitating agent efficiently reduces the precious metal ions to elemental metal for recovery and also consumes a portion of the cyanide content, which is often high in such solutions.The method of use includes adjusting the precious metals cyanide solution to a high pH, adding the precipitating agent with agitation, preferably in incremental portions of the amount required. The solution is allowed to stand to permit the precipitated metal to settle, and the metal is separated from the solution.

Abstract: Precious metals such as gold and silver are recovered from aqueous cyanide solutions thereof by a stepwise process. The pH of the solution is, if necessary, initially adjusted to about 13 and thereafter is adjusted and maintained at 10 or above throughout the process. A "starter" carbonyl compound (e.g., formaldehyde or dextrose) which reacts with free cyanide ions is dissolved in the solution. Following this, an "accelerator" (e.g., hydrogen peroxide or a persulfate) is added and the solution is heated to aid in conversion of free cyanide ions to other chemical species. Finally, a "clarifier" (e.g., hydrazine or a hydrosulfite) is added and the elevated temperature is maintained for at least a brief period after the addition. The solution is then cooled and the elemental precious metal particles formed are allowed to settle and are separated from the supernatant solution.

Abstract: A process for making high purity alkali produced is sulfite substantially free from chloride ions includes the step of admixing gold chloride solution with magnesium oxide at an alkaline pH to form magnesium aurate which is recoverable as a coating upon the magnesium oxide precipitate. The magnesium aurate is thereafter admixed with a solution of alkali metal sulfite at an alkaline pH to produce alkali metal gold sulfite and a precipitate of magnexium oxide.When the alkali metal gold sulfite being produces ia a potassium gold sulfite, the process desirably includes the step of admixing the potassium gold sulfite with a sulfamic acid compound to provide stability. The magnesium aurate precipitate is desirably rinsed to remove chloride ion contamination.