Abstract: A market research database includes first and second information sets. The first information set contains first market research information, and the second information set contains second market research information. The market research database also includes a set of dynamic rules. At least one rule of the set of dynamic rules is arranged to respond to first data being entered into the first information set by entering second, different data into the second information set.

Abstract: Devices and use thereof, the device comprising a filter and a means for region specific compression of the filter. Alternatively, a single step assay device whereby fluid movement through the device occurs substantially solely due to action of capillary force, the device comprising a filter; a region containing the filter; a fluid access port to the region containing the filter; a means for retarding movement of particles through a peripheral filter surface; a fluid egress port from the region containing the filter; a lateral fluid flow path through the filter connecting the fluid access port to the fluid egress port, whereby sample fluid substantially devoid of particulate matter is released from the filter through the egress port; and, an exit region fluidly connected to the egress port.

Abstract: A configuration for triggering restraining devices in a motor vehicle. The configuration has a sensor device with two acceleration sensors with differently orientated sensitivity axes and with a rotational movement sensor for detecting rotational movements about the vertical axis of the vehicle. A triggering signal for at least one of the restraining devices is generated in a triggering circuit as a function of the acceleration signals and of the rotational movement signal.

Abstract: Optical information processor and storage of pixelated data pattern in a Fourier plane of a lens as achieved by a plurality of optical elements operating with a spatial light modulator. A laser light source illuminates a data pattern with a wavefront that is created by a phase mask to effect a phase shift. The optical information can be effecitvely processed or stored, for instance, in a holographic data storage system. The holographic data storage system for storing a data array contains illuminated and dark regions including a multi-fold phase shift mask. This affects a linear and non-random shift of an image. The image is stored on a holographic storage medium. There is a spatial light modulator between the input location for the optical data and the storage medium. The phase shift is effected in the Fourier plane.

Abstract: The assay devices, assay systems and device components of this invention comprise at least two opposing surfaces disposed a capillary distance apart, at least one of which is capable of immobilizing at least one target ligand or a conjugate in an amount related to the presence or amount of target ligand in the sample from a fluid sample in a zone for controlled fluid movement to, through or away the zone. The inventive device components may be incorporated into conventional assay devices with membranes or may be used in the inventive membrane-less devices herein described and claimed. These components include flow control elements, measurement elements, time gates, elements for the elimination of pipetting steps, and generally, elements for the controlled flow, timing, delivery, incubation, separation, washing and other steps of the assay process.

Abstract: A controller for an occupant protection device in a motor vehicle includes a control unit, a first interface for receiving data, and a second interface. The second interface effects data interchange with a control device remote from the controller and operable with vehicle-specific characteristic operating values. After the controller has received vehicle-specific characteristic operating values for the control device, the characteristic operating values are passed on via the second interface to the control device and are stored there.

Abstract: The assay devices, assay systems and device components of this invention comprise at least two opposing surfaces disposed a capillary distance apart, at least one of which is capable of immobilizing at least one target ligand or a conjugate in an amount related to the presence or amount of target ligand in the sample from a fluid sample in a zone for controlled fluid movement to, through or away the zone. The inventive device components may be incorporated into conventional assay devices with membranes or may be used in the inventive membrane-less devices herein described and claimed. These components include flow control elements, measurement elements, time gates, elements for the elimination of pipetting steps, and generally, elements for the controlled flow, timing, delivery, incubation, separation, washing and other steps of the assay process.

Abstract: Assay device structures for a device where fluid flows from a one region to another. The device structures have one or more capillarity-inducing structures; where the capillarity-inducing structure induces capillary force along an axis that is essentially perpendicular to the axis along which capillary force induced in another region of the device.

Abstract: A market research database includes industry code information containing industry codes (such as UPCs), naked product information containing information about naked products, package information containing information about packages, and product definition information linking naked product information, package information, and industry codes. Accordingly, the storage of information in the database is not dependent upon UPCs or other industry codes, making access to product related information difficult. The use of naked product information, together with the way of identifying products, facilitate a third normal form database.

Abstract: A market research database contains a plurality of sets of product related information. Each set of product related information relates to a corresponding market aspect of products. For example, a set may relate to packages in which products are contained, another set may relate to brand names of products, still another set may relate to business enterprises which package, distribute, or market products, and so on. Each set includes a current layer of product related information, wherein the current layer of product related information is in current time. The product related information in the current layer of each set of product related information includes a control designator. The control designator permits direct access to the current layer of product related information substantially exclusive of other product related information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining the time of a myocardial infarction in a patient by measuring the ratio of oxidized to reduced troponin I in a blood sample obtained from the patient. This ratio is measured through the use of two or more distinct components which specifically bind oxidized troponin I, reduced troponin I, and/or both forms of troponin I present in the blood sample. Each distinct component may be an antibody or an antibody fragment. The measured ratio reflects the time elapsed from the time of the myocardial infarction.

Abstract: A linerless double-backed adhesive tape structure is disclosed. In one embodiment the tape has three tape strips each with an adhesive coated surface and an adhesive free surface. Two of the strips are joined to a center strip along its lateral edges with the adhesive coated surfaces of the two strips overlapping and adhered to the adhesive coated surface of the center strip. Also disclosed is a method of unitizing and sealing a plurality of containers. In one embodiment a double-backed adhesive tape structure is adhered to each of the containers and the containers are stacked together with the exposed adhesive side of the tape on each container adhered to the exposed adhesive side of the tape on an adjacent container. Finally, an apparatus for dispensing the double-backed adhesive tape of the present invention is disclosed.

Abstract: Bituminous compositions of enhanced physical/performance properties comprising an oxidation product of a naturally occurring asphalt from the Orinoco Belt of Venezuela and the bitumen base material, and methods for their preparation.

Abstract: Fire retardant plastic construction materials containing a fire retarding quantity of the oxidation product of certain asphalts.

Abstract: A device for triggering a passive safety system in a vehicle upon detection of an impact. At least two acceleration sensors, the sensitivity axes of which are aligned for detecting an angle of a frontal impact, are each assigned to a signal channel which, in series with the respective impact sensor, comprises an evaluation circuit, particularly an integrator circuit for its output signals, and a threshold value circuit. During the formation of the speed integral, the physical signal course and the course of the signal edges is evaluated by several logic units in a logical unit (LOG) in order to obtain factors which influence the integration constant of integrators (by multiplication and reduction) to enlarge the area that can be evaluated.

Abstract: Novel process for removing polymer from aqueous absorbent solutions used to contact organic gas-containing gas streams comprising the steps of adjusting the polymer-containing aqueous absorbent solutions to a pH of not more than about 8.5, preferably not more than about 7.5, for example, about 6.0 to about 8.5, preferably about 7.0 to about 7.5, and removing the polymer from the resulting solutions by decantation and/or filtration. The novel process is particularly applicable to the system of removing acid gas from hydrocarbon-containing feed gases which contain one or more polymerizable components wherein the feed gas is contacted with an aqueous absorbent solution which absorbs the acid gas and, thereafter, the absorbent solution is stripped to rid it of said acid gas. The adjustment of pH can be accomplished by increasing the acid gas loading in the aqueous absorbent or by adding an acid, preferably one which will not form a heat stable salt with the absorbent. The pH adjustment, e.g.

Abstract: An injection moulding machine to make a container from a blank which has an end panel and side panels hinged to the end panel, the machine includes guide means which position edges of the side panels as they are folded relative to the end panel and positioned around the core tool during closing movement of the tools.

Abstract: A composite product and a method of making the product, the product being a central panel of flexible sheet material having a peripheral molding of plastics bonded to the margin of the panel, the arrangement being such that the margin of the panel is deformed to define two marginal parts displaced out of the plane of the central part of the panel, the moulding extending across the junction of the two marginal parts with each other but stopping short of the junction of the inner marginal part with the central part so that the blank at that junction is free to unwind, i.e. return to the flat and any bowing of the blank, which being uniform as to direction, is substantially less than would be the case were the moulding to cover both junctions.

Abstract: A feed system for an industrial sewing machine having a toggle type stitch regulator. The feet stop for determining forward stitch length is located in the sewing machine frame for direct engagement with the stitch length regulating yoke to reduce vibration and noise in the system. The feed length is adjusted by a knob through a gear train connected through the bed of the machine to the stop abutment so as to allow stitch length adjustment without tipping the sewing machine. An elastomeric dynamic damper is included in the regulating system so that during reverse feed when the regulating yoke is displaced from the stop abutment the damper is effective to reduce vibration and noise that would normally travel through the system to the reversing lever.

Abstract: A continuous process for the selective absorption of hydrogen sulfide from a feed gas comprising an acid gas mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide is provided which comprises counter-currently contacting the feed gas with an aqueous alkanolamine solution in an absorption zone having from two to ten separate stages, contacting the feed gas in each stage with lean aqueous alkanolamine solution and withdrawing rich aqueous alkanolamine solution from the bottom of each stage, in each stage maximizing the equilibrium approach between the hydrogen sulfide in the gas and liquid phases and minimizing the equilibrium approach between the carbon dioxide in the gas and liquid phases, and maintaining the rich solution loading in each stage within the range from about 0.1 to about 0.3 mole of acid gas per mole of alkanolamine. The absorption zone is operated in combination with a stripping zone to which rich aqueous alkanolamine solution is passed and in which lean solution is generated.