Abstract: A modified asphalt composition is provided comprising at least one plastomer, at least one elastomer, and asphalt. More specifically, a modified asphalt composition is provided comprising an oxidized polyethylene, a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, and asphalt. A hot mix asphalt composition is also provided comprising the modified asphalt composition and aggregate. Processes for producing the modified asphalt composition and the hot mix asphalt composition is also provided as well as articles produced from these inventive compositions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for focusing acoustic waves useful for obtaining an image of a field to be observed in a dissipative heterogeneous medium (2, 3) around which acoustic transducers (T1–Tn, T?1–T?m) forming an imaging network and a target network. The method consists in following a training step during which pulse responses from the medium are measured between each transducer (Ti) of the imaging network (5) and several transducers (Tj) of the target network (6); deducing therefrom reference signals to be emitted by the transducers of the imaging network to produce a focused acoustic pulse in each transducer of the target network, then cumulatively, in determining reference signals to be emitted to focus an acoustic pulse on predetermined points in the medium. Said reference signals are stored and used subsequently to generate an acoustic image of the medium.

Abstract: A multiple band antenna (and an array of such antennas) includes a first radiating element that radiates at a first band, at least one second radiating element that radiates at a second band, and a frame to hold the radiating elements. The frame disposes the first and second radiating elements in different planes so that cross-band interference is substantially avoided. Alternatively, a multiple band array antenna includes a first array of radiating elements in a first plane and a second array of radiating elements in a second plane. The first plane overlays the second plane. As a result, individual radiating elements in the first array are substantially interspersed with individual radiating elements in the second array. But the first array and the second array are arranged so that individual radiating elements in the first array substantially do not overlap individual radiating elements in the second array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of therapeutic chemistry and more especially to the realization of new galenic forms intended to be applied on the skin. More particularly it relates to a topical hormonal composition with a systemic effect for the hormonal treatment of the perimenopause and of the menopause as well as for the treatment of the ovarian hormonal deficiencies in women with amenorrhea, characterized in that it comprises, as active ingredients, a progestogen derived from 19-nor progesterone and estradiol or one of its derivatives, a vehicle which allows the systemic passage of said active ingredients, chosen from the group constituted by a solubilizing agent, an absorption promoting agent, a film-forming agent, a gelling agent and their mixtures, in combination or in a mixture with suitable excipients for the realization of a gelled and/or film-forming pharmaceutical form.

Abstract: A method of generating photons by sonoluminescence, from a gas bubble trapped in a liquid reservoir (2) by a standing ultrasound wave. An ultrasound impulse emitted by high-frequency transducers (T1–T8) is superposed on the standing wave, the high-frequency transducers being pre-focused onto the gas bubble and pre-synchronized with the light emissions from the gas bubble during an initial training stage in which said focusing and said synchronization are optimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of chemistry and more particularly to that of therapeutic chemistry. The invention relates more particularly to novel contraceptive compositions formed from a progestative agent and an oestrogen. The invention relates specifically to novel pharmaceutical contraceptive compositions, characterized in that they contain, as active ingredients, a nomegestrol ester and oestradiol, in combination or admixture with an inert, non-toxic, pharmaceutically-acceptable vehicle or diluent which is suitable for oral administration.

Abstract: Polyesters and polyester containers having a reduced coefficient of friction and improved clarity are produced using an antiblock agent comprising a dried talc having from about 20 to about 300 ppm water or a fatty acid tethered talc. The use of these talcs results in polyesters and polyester containers having a coefficient of less than about 1.0 and a clarity with haze values of less than about 4%.

Abstract: An update process is used to update root certificates in a root certificate store of a client computer, maintaining the integrity of the existing root certificates as well as any new root certificates. In accordance with certain aspects, the integrity of a certificate trust list identifying one or more root certificates is verified. The root certificate store of the client computer is modified in accordance with the certificate trust list if the integrity of the certificate trust list is verified.

Abstract: A method of treating estrogenic deficiencies in women while further avoiding the appearance of osteoporosis, withdrawal bleeding and cardiovascular diseases in post-menopausal women without any androgenic effect, and no deleterious effects on blood vessels comprising continuously without interruption administering to said women, a combination of 0.5 to 3 mg of an estrogenic compound and 1.5 to 3.75 mg of nomegestrol acetate.

Abstract: The invetion is directed to a polymer-clay nanocomposite material comprising a melt-processible matrix oplymer and a layered clay material having decreased levels of extractable material, such as extractible salts of organic cations. This invention is also derected to processes for preparing polymer-clay nanocomposites, intercalates, exfoliates, and articles or products produced from nanocomposite materials.

Abstract: Polyesters and polyester containers having a reduced coefficient of friction and improved clarity are produced using an antiblock agent comprising a dried talc having from about 20 to about 300 ppm water or a fatty acid tethered talc. The use of these talcs results in polyesters and polyester containers having a coefficient of less than about 1.0 and a clarity with haze values of less than about 4%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of achieving contraception in a woman, comprising daily administering to said woman, from the first day of her cycle, a pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) estradiol, an ester thereof or an equine conjugated estrogen and (ii) nomegestrol acetate.

Abstract: A method for determining gloss in a curative powder coatings containing at least two polyester resins and &bgr;-Hydroxyalkylamide formulations. The method includes the steps of: providing a powder coating comprising a first polyester resin and &bgr;-hydroxyalkylamide formulation having a first acid value and a second polyester resin and &bgr;-hydroxyalkylamide formulation having a second acid value; blending the first and second formulations together to make coating; determining the percent difference in the acid values between the first and second polyester resins; determining a surface gloss of the coating after application; determining a gloss versus percent difference in acid values correlation; and determining the amount of at least one of the resins to be present in the blend to achieve the desired gloss using the correlation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a polymer-clay nanocomposite material comprising a melt-processible matrix polymer and a layered clay material having low quartz content. This invention is also directed to a process for preparing polymer-clay nanocomposites, and articles or products produced from nanocomposite materials.

Abstract: A method of generating photons by sonoluminescence, from a gas bubble trapped in a liquid reservoir (2) by a standing ultrasound wave. An ultrasound impulse emitted by high-frequency transducers (T1-T8) is superposed on the standing wave, the high-frequency transducers being pre-focused onto the gas bubble and pre-synchronized with the light emissions from the gas bubble during an initial training stage in which said focusing and said synchronization are optimized.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for focusing acoustic waves useful for obtaining an image of a field to be observed in a dissipative heterogeneous medium (2, 3) around which acoustic transducers (T1-Tn, T′1-T′m) forming an imaging network and a target network. The method consists in following a training step during which pulse responses from the medium are measured between each transducer (Ti) of the imaging network (5) and several transducers (Tj) of the target network (6); deducing therefrom reference signals to be emitted by the transducers of the imaging network to produce a focused acoustic pulse in each transducer of the target network, then cumulatively, in determining reference signals to be emitted to focus an acoustic pulse on predetermined points in the medium. Said reference signals are stored and used subsequently to generate an acoustic image of the medium.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool is provided having a housing with an axis, the housing enclosing a piston having a driver blade, a nosepiece associated with the housing and extending in the axial direction, the nosepiece having a barrel for accepting a fastener and for axially guiding the driver blade toward impact with the fastener, a magazine associated with the nosepiece for feeding a collation strip of fasteners to the barrel of the nosepiece, and a magazine follower slidably mounted on the magazine for biasing the collation strip of fasteners toward the nosepiece, the magazine follower having a profile, and wherein the collation strip includes an extension having a profile that complements the profile of the magazine follower.

Abstract: An electrical connecting element is disclosed comprised of a dielectric substrate having two conductor paths disposed on opposite sides and being substantially aligned with one another. The electrical connecting element employs differential-mode signaling such that the first conductor path carries a signal of opposite polarity to the second conductor path. A virtual ground exists between the differential + and − lines that permits an otherwise “groundless” differential transmission line. The substantial alignment of the first and second conductor paths improves the space constraints, relative to conventional electrical connecting elements. The characteristic impedance of the disclosed differential transmission line depends on the width of the trace lines the thickness of the dielectric substrate.

Abstract: A multiple band antenna (and an array of such antennas) includes a first radiating element that radiates at a first band, at least one second radiating element that radiates at a second band, and a frame to hold the radiating elements. The frame disposes the first and second radiating elements in different planes so that cross-band interference is substantially avoided. Alternatively, a multiple band array antenna includes a first array of radiating elements in a first plane and a second array of radiating elements in a second plane. The first plane overlays the second plane. As a result, individual radiating elements in the first array are substantially interspersed with individual radiating elements in the second array. But the first array and the second array are arranged so that individual radiating elements in the first array substantially do not overlap individual radiating elements in the second array.

Abstract: Polyester containers having a reduced coefficient of friction (“COF”) are produced by increasing the surface roughness of the polyester using either thermal crystallization or solvent crystallization. Because the low COF reduces or eliminates friction between polyester containers, the containers do not become entangled and disrupt the manufacturing process. As a result, the containers move easily through typical conveying and filling lines in manufacturing processes that use the containers.