Abstract: A human-machine interface assembly includes a user interface and a passive force feedback mechanism. The user interface is configured, upon receipt of an input force that exceeds a null breakout force, to move from a null position to a first control position and, upon receipt of an input force that exceeds a soft stop force, to move beyond the first control position. The passive force feedback mechanism is coupled to the user interface and is configured to supply the null breakout force to the user interface when the user interface is in the null position, and supply the soft stop force to the user interface when the user interface is in the first control position. The soft stop force exceeds the null breakout force and is not supplied to the user interface unless the user interface is in the first control position.

Abstract: A user interface fluid linkage system includes first and second user interfaces that are linked by a single, constant volume fluid line. The system includes identically configured, but oppositely mounted hydraulic fluid chambers to link motion between the first and second user interfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides biological oils and methods and uses thereof. The biological oils are preferably produced by heterotrophic fermentation of one or more microorganisms using cellulose-containing feedstock as a main source of carbon. The present invention also provides methods of producing lipid-based biofuels and food, nutritional, and pharmaceutical products using the biological oils.

Abstract: A serviceable gas/liquid separator is provided. The gas/liquid separator has a cross-section with one long axis and one short axis, with an aspect ratio of at least 1.3. A preferred cross-section, is an elliptical cross-section. Assemblies in which the separator unit can be used, are provided. In addition methods of use and construction are provided.

Abstract: Most microalgae are obligate photoautotrophs and their growth is strictly dependent on the generation of photosynthetically-derived energy. In this study it is shown that the microalga Phaeodaclylurn tricornutum can be engineered to import glucose and grow in the dark through the introduction of genes encoding glucose transporters. Both the human and Chlorella kessleri glucose transporters facilitated the uptake of glucose by P. tricornutum, allowing the cells to metabolize exogenous organic carbon and thrive, independent of light. This is the first successful trophic conversion of an obligate photoautotroph through metabolic engineering, and it demonstrates that methods of cell nourishment can be fundamentally altered with the introduction of a single gene. Since strains transformed with the glucose transport genes are able to grow non-photosynthetically, they can be exploited for the analysis of photosynthetic processes through mutant generation and characterization.

Abstract: A serviceable gas/liquid separator is provided. The gas/liquid separator has a cross-section with one long axis and one short axis, with an aspect ratio of at least 1.3. A preferred cross-section, is an elliptical cross-section. Assemblies in which the separator unit can be used, are provided. In addition methods of use and construction are provided.

Abstract: Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains.

Abstract: Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains.

Abstract: An HST propel system includes first and second pumps having displacements variable in response to movement of first (31) and second (33) control shafts, respectively; and a linkage arrangement for moving the control shafts in unison in response to movement of an operator input (37). The linkage arrangement comprises a crank arm (35) rotatable about its axis in response to movement of the input device, first (41) and second (51) input arms fixed relative to the crank arm, and first (45) and second (55) elongated control rods pivotally connected to the input arms. The system includes a swivel connector (43) cooperating with its input arm to define a swivel axis (S.A.1), fixed relative to the axis of the crank arm, and a swivel connector (53) cooperating with its input arm to define a swivel axis (S.A.2), moveable relative to the axis of the crank arm for straight tracking adjustment.

Abstract: A multilayer composite comprises a printable facestock with a carrier sheet separably laminated directly to its top surface. The facestock is a dimensionally unstable and/or low flexural stiffness transparent film having a thickness not greater than about 4.0 mils. In subsequent processing, graphics are printed on the bottom surface of the facestock followed by the application of pressure sensitive adhesive and a release liner. The liner is removable, allowing the composite to be adhered to a substrate, with the graphics remaining beneath and protected by the facestock. The carrier sheet is separable from the top surface of the facestock, either before or following removal of the release liner.

Abstract: An improved circumscribing plug wrap and tipping material are provided. The plug wrap and tipping material are a cast sheet which includes 20 to 70 percent by weight water dispersible cellulose material, 20 to 70 percent by weight of a water soluble film forming material and 0 to 10 percent by weight of a humectant. A smoking article (e.g., cigarette) using such plug wrap or tipping material or both is also provided.

Abstract: A Yagi antenna array is specifically designed for insertion in a thin wing leading edge radome. Tubular elements for driver, director components are inserted within the structural web of the radome and critical dimensions of antenna components, relative to wavelength, help achieve superior performance in the compact package.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided which utilize the tailgate of a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck, to create an aerodynamic windspoiler for the vehicle. In one form, the apparatus includes a housing is pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a rod having a first end supported within the housing and a second end attached to the tailgate, wherein the rod is capable of being slidably extended and retracted from the housing. Ideally, the positioning of the rod relative to the housing is controlled relative to the speed of the vehicle to adjust the inclination of the tailgate. This may be accomplished utilizing either an electrically driven motor or an hydraulic cylinder. In another form, the apparatus includes a rotatable shaft attached to a sheet of stretch resistant material. Upon extending and attaching the sheet of material to the tailgate, a windspoil is created.

Abstract: A deformable surgical repair device is manufactured from a block or graft copolymer. The copolymer comprises a plurality of first linkages selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid ester and lactic acid ester linkages, and mixtures thereof, and a plurality of second linkages selected from the group consisting of 1,3-dioxan-2-one; 1,4-dioxan-2-one and .epsilon.-caprolactone linkages. The plurality of first linkages comprises at least about 50 up to about 90 mole percent of the copolymer. In an alternative Claim, the deformable surgical repair device is manufactured from a blend of a first and a second absorbable polymer. The first absorbable polymer comprises a plurality of linkages selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid ester and lactic acid ester linkages, and mixtures thereof. The second absorbable polymer comprises a plurality of linkages selected from the group consisting of 1,3-dioxan-2-one; 1,4-dioxan-2-one and .epsilon.-caprolactone linkages.

Abstract: An MRI machine RF body coil is arranged so that it can also function as a hyperthermia treatment apparatus by arranging the RF body coil as an array of individual antenna element connected to each other by individually controllable switches and feedthrough elements.

Abstract: An antenna system includes a reflector grid which reflects signals which are within the operative frequency range of the antenna and passes received signals of higher frequency. An absorber is placed proximate to the reflector grid to absorb signals which are passed by the grid. A second reflector located proximate to the absorber reflects signals back through the absorber such that signals reflected by the antenna system are twice attenuated by the absorber.

Abstract: A normally-solid, bioabsorbable, hydrolyzable, polymeric reaction product of (A) a polyglycolic acid composition and (B) a polyester of diglycolic acid and an unhindered glycol and to the process of preparing the same and the use of said polymeric reaction product as a sterile surgical element and as a device for the controlled continuous administration of a predetermined dosage of a drug to a living animal.

Abstract: A normally-solid, bioabsorbable, hydrolyzable, polymeric reaction product of (A) a polyglycolic acid composition and (B) a polyester of diglycolic acid and an unhindered glycol and to the process of preparing the same and the use of said polymeric reaction product as a sterile surgical element and as a device for the controlled continuous administration of a predetermined dosage of a drug to a living animal.