Abstract: A device may determine that a failure occurred in an emergency call between a public-safety answering point (PSAP) and a first user device associated with an emergency caller, and may identify, based on determining the failure, one of a first option, a second option, or a third option for redirecting an emergency callback to a contact of the emergency caller. The device may cause, when the first option is identified, the emergency callback to be redirected to a second user device associated with the contact of the emergency caller, and may cause, when the first option is identified, a bearer path to be established between the PSAP and the second user device for the emergency callback.

Abstract: We described a novel system of targeted cell therapy with a protein toxin, such as anthrax toxin, that has been modified to re-direct it to a desired cell target instead of its natural cell target. The system can be used for, e.g., targeted killing of undesired cells in a population of cells, such as cancer or overly active immune system cells.

Abstract: We described a novel system of targeted cell therapy with a protein toxin, such as anthrax toxin, that has been modified to re-direct it to a desired cell target instead of its natural cell target. The system can be used for, e.g., targeted killing of undesired cells in a population of cells, such as cancer or overly active immune system cells.

Abstract: A battery management system for a vehicle having an electrically powered motor that is powered by a plurality of battery cells includes an electrical system for providing voltage and current from the battery cells to an electrical motor. A control is operable to at least one of (a) cause fuses of the electrical system to be the weakest link in the electrical system only during a failure event, (b) disconnect the battery cells from the battery management system only during a failure event, (c) separate the driving of balancing resistors into first and second stages, with the first stage comprising cell balancing control and the second stage comprising cell balancing with reverse voltage protection and (d) provide single stage reverse voltage protection to limit or effectively eliminate an electrical conduction path through a low impedance balancing circuit.

Abstract: Microfibers have been manufactured from dissolved cellulose, from which threads, yarns, and fabrics can be made. These cellulosic microfibers may be used to produce fabrics with the very soft feel that is characteristic of microfiber fabrics, and the water absorbency and comfort of cellulosic fabrics. Furthermore, since the microfiber diameter may be 2 &mgr;m or smaller (about the same size as dust particles and small oily droplets), these fabrics have an exceptional ability to remove dust and oil droplets from surfaces and gas streams, and are therefore useful in filter media. The novel microfibers may be manufactured by the continuous flow of dissolved cellulose through a converging die. Imposing orientation in the incipient microfiber prior to or during crystallization of the cellulose produces continuous fibers of substantial aspect ratio, without significant entanglement.

Abstract: Elongational viscosity may be easily and accurately measured by observing the flow characteristics of a high viscosity fluid through a hyperbolic or semi-hyperbolic die, without lubrication of the fluid flowing through the die. The effects of developing orientation in the fluid during converging elongational flow are so strong that the shearing contribution becomes negligible in comparison, eliminating the need for lubrication during measurements.

Abstract: Microfibers have been manufactured from dissolved cellulose, from which threads, yarns, and fabrics can be made. These cellulosic microfibers may be used to produce fabrics with the very soft feel that is characteristic of microfiber fabrics, and the water absorbency and comfort of cellulosic fabrics. Furthermore, since the microfiber diameter may be 2 .mu.m or smaller (about the same size as dust particles and small oily droplets), these fabrics have an exceptional ability to remove dust and oil droplets from surfaces and gas streams, and are therefore useful in filter media. The novel microfibers may be manufactured by the continuous flow of dissolved cellulose through a converging die. Imposing orientation in the incipient microfiber prior to or during crystallization of the cellulose produces continuous fibers of substantial aspect ratio, without significant entanglement.

Abstract: Novel fiber bundles may be produced as a by-product of sugar cane or other plants. These fiber bundles may be spun into a yarn, or formed into a non-woven mat. The non-woven mat is useful, for example, as a biodegradable geotextile for inhibiting erosion while allowing plants to become established on roadsides, or in other applications. Sugar cane fiber bundles were extracted from the Tilby-separated rind of cane stalks using alkaline treatments. The amount of lignin removed was dependent on alkaline concentration and time, pressure of treatment, and steam explosion conditions if employed. Agitation and vigorous boiling affected the lignin removal. Alkali concentration significantly affected the mechanical properties of the fiber bundles. Tenacity, toughness, and linear density were higher for the fibers extracted at lower alkali concentration. Bending rigidity and hysteresis of these fibers were also higher. This process is also expected to work with other plant stalks having a high lignin content.

Abstract: Rayon/nylon and other sheath/core composite fibers or other materials, with good adhesion between sheath and core resulting from an adhesion promoter. The adhesion promoter is difunctional and sterically hindered. Fumaric acid and terephthalic acid are preferred adhesion promoters for the composite fibers or other materials, because each compound has both difunctionality and steric hinderance, allowing either to form covalent bonds to both the sheath and the core. Fibers produced in accordance with this invention may be used to produce fabrics which have the strength and wrinkle resistance shown by a number of synthetic fibers, but with the water absorption characteristics of natural fibers such as cotton.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for measuring elongational viscosity are disclosed. It is shown that in a hyperbolic or semi-hyperbolic die geometry with lubricated flow, the elongational viscosity of a fluid can be obtained from pressure drop--flow rate data. Experimental data for polypropylene as core and polyethylene as skin material, and the calculated extensional viscosities are presented. Alternative embodiments of the novel elongational rheometer are described, including alternatives suitable for biaxial flow.

Abstract: Rayon/nylon and other sheath/core composite fibers or other materials, with good adhesion between sheath and core resulting from an adhesion promoter. The adhesion promoter is difunctional and sterically hindered. Fumaric acid and terephthalic acid are preferred adhesion promoters for the composite fibers or other materials, because each compound has both difunctionality and steric hinderance, allowing either to form covalent bonds to both the sheath and the core. Fibers produced in accordance with this invention may be used to produce fabrics which have the strength and wrinkle resistance shown by a number of synthetic fibers, but with the water absorption characteristics of natural fibers such as cotton.

Abstract: A sheath core fiber having an inner continuous core made from an oriented thermoplastic material, such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and olefin, and a sheath made of a nonthermoplastic material, such as regenerated cellulose and protein. The fiber maintains the crease and tear resistance of the core material, yet has the water sorptivity and dyeability of the sheath material.A method of manufacturing such a fiber is also disclosed.

Abstract: Silica products obtained from trivalent metal e.g. Al compounds and silica can be used as corrosion inhibitors or adhesion promoters for organic coatings on surfaces by way of no-rinse or phosphating treatment or as pigments.

Abstract: Silica products obtained from trivalent metal e.g. Al compounds and silica can be used as corrosion inhibitors or adhesion promoters for organic coatings on surfaces by way of no-rinse or phosphating treatment or as pigments.

Abstract: A sheath core fiber having an inner continuous core made from an oriented thermoplastic material, such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and olefin completely surrounded by an adherent continuous sheath which is not readily removable from said core, is retained on said core during ultimate usage of said fiber, and is made of a nonthermoplastic material, such as regenerated cellulose and protein. The fiber maintains the crease and tear resistance of the core material, yet has the water sorptivity and dyeability of the sheath material.A method of manufacturing such a fiber is also disclosed.

Abstract: Silica products obtained from trivalent metal e.g. Al compounds and silica can be used as corrosion inhibitors or adhesion promoters for organic coatings on surfaces by way of no-rinse or phosphating treatment or as pigments.

Abstract: A composite extrusion, such as a fiber, film or ribbon, having an inner core and an outer sheath, wherein the inner core is made of a molecularly oriented polymer capable of being rigidified by imposition of a temperature gradient and the sheath is made of a polymer wherein its molecules are generally not oriented. A method of making such a composite extrusion utilizing melt transformation coextrusion wherein the inner core-forming material is caused to assume a molecular orientation coaxial to the longitudinal axis of said core while in a molten state and then forced through a reducing die while being subjected to a temperature gradient while surrounded by the liquid sheath-forming material such that crystallization in at least the outer skin of said core occurs within the die but the sheath-forming material does not crystallize until the extrudate exits the die.

Abstract: A channeled photosensitive element is described. In particular, the element has a substantially solid photosensitive, thermoplastic layer having grooves or channels therein, the layer being applied with pressure to a surface, e.g., having raised areas such as in a printed circuit board without entrapping air bubbles.

Abstract: An extrusion method and apparatus for preparing highly oriented fibers and other extrudates of thermoplastic polymeric materials. The apparatus includes a plasticating extruder leading into a reservoir having a constricted discharge orifice opening into the inlet end of an extrusion die orifice, temperature control means for maintaining certain critical temperatures within the reservoir and die, and a variable speed take-up mechanism for withdrawing the extrudate exiting from the die at a critical controlled exit rate.

Abstract: A channeled photosensitive element and a process and apparatus for laminating the same are described. In particular, a substantially solid, photoresist-forming layer having grooves or channels therein is applied with pressure to a surface having raised areas, such as a printed circuit board without entrapping air bubbles.