Abstract: A method for obtaining an image by MRI, comprising: administering at least one contrast agent to a subject in amounts effective to perform CEDST MRI analysis; and performing CEDST MRI analysis to produce an image of the subject. A number of different contast agents can be used to practice the present method including, without limitation, sugars, animo acids, nitrogen-containing heterocycles, purines and pyrimidines, nucleosides; imidazole and derivatives thereof, imino acids, barbituric acid and analogs thereof, and miscellaneous materials, such as guanidine hydantoin, parabanic acid, and biologically active salts thereof.

Abstract: A periodic signal generation circuit includes a differential crystal oscillator suitable for integration on a semiconductor substrate. The oscillator utilizes an external crystal as a resonator. The circuit is designed such that differential sinusoidal signals are present on the resonator leads to provide superior noise rejection of interfering signals. Differential signal transmission is maintained throughout the oscillator to reject noise generated by other circuitry that may be present on the substrate. Noise radiated out from the oscillator through the power supply, substrate, bond wires and pads is reduced due to the generation of differential signals of controlled sinusoidal amplitude and low harmonic content. The oscillator produces low phase noise so that the oscillator may be used in applications, such as TV receivers, that are sensitive to distortion. The circuit is a square wave that has low jitter, thus reducing jitter produced in digital circuits that, would utilize this square wave clock signal.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (10) includes an engine control unit (14). The engine control unit (14) provides control logic and signals to operate the internal combustion engine (10). The engine control unit (14) receives data from sensors (28) and outputs commands through command lines (30). The engine control unit (14) also communicates to a remote computer to receive changes in parameters or output requirements. A remote communicator (32) facilitates the communication between the engine control unit (14) and the remote computer. The remote communicator (32) also allows functions of the engine control unit (14) to be enabled or disabled. If functions are enabled, the remote computer may also provide initial parameters of operation allowing the engine control unit (14) to properly control the internal combustion engine (10).

Abstract: A method eliminates detonation in an internal combustion engine (10) by identifying conditions that identify the imminence thereof. The method centers about the pressure inside the cylinder (16) of the internal combustion engine (10). The method tracks the pressure and when small rapid changes or fluctuations (38) in the pressure occur, the ignition timing is advanced for that particular cylinder (16). An alternative method utilizes a model of pressure based on an array of inputs and how the pressure should act based thereon. The method may also be used to maximize performance of the output of each cylinder (16) by retarding the ignition timing until the small fluctuations (38) appear. The ignition timing could immediately be advanced to prevent a detonation thus identifying a maximized output performance without reaching a detonation condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flanged ball valve device which can be connected, as an integrated compact unit, to a pump at the valve flange end of the device by means of an integral flange and to various types of piping systems at the pipe end of the device by means of a pipe connector attached to the integrated valve housing of the device. The integral flange of the device is compatible with a variety of different sized pump flanges by virtue of a plurality of slotted bolt holes present in the integral flange. The valve handle provided in the present invention for opening and closing the spherical valve ball valve of the device is preferably U-shaped, thereby allowing increased surface area for insulation material of relative thickness to be wrapped around the integrated valve housing without disturbing handle rotation or covering the handle from view.

Abstract: A method for controlling the ignition of an internal combustion engine (10) for a motor vehicle. More specifically, the method controls the timing of ignition for each of cylinder of the internal combustion engine (10). Control of the timing is based on two parameters, i.e., the speed at which the internal combustion engine (10) is operating and the gear in which the transmission (22) is operating. The speed is measured in terms of revolutions per minute. The gear helps to gauge what type of load may be present on the internal combustion engine (10). By identifying each of these parameters, it may easily be determined at what value the timing may be. If the specific speed of the vehicle is not located within the look-up table, where the data is stored, the method will interpolate the timing value based on values close to the value of the speed of the internal combustion engine (10) based on the neighboring values thereof.

Abstract: A one-piece report cover and improved binding structure. The report cover has a front panel, spine and back panel. The improved binding structure comprises a male connector panel, female connector panel and binding element. The female panel has an aperture for receiving and retaining a tab shaped portion of the male panel located between fastening means fastening the female panel to the back panel and a plurality of integrally formed hinges for folding the panel about an edge of a document. The binding element fixes the relationship between the female panel, document and male panel thereby preventing disengagement of the tab portion from the female panel aperture during use. The document may be removed from the improved binding structure by removing the male panel tab portion from the female panel aperture allowing access to the binding element for disassembly. The improved binding structure allows reuse without damage to the components.

Abstract: A binding structure for binding together sheets of paper having multiple openings along a margin thereof is provided. The structure comprises a male connector panel having multiple openings along its edge and a female connector panel fastened to the back panel of a one-piece report cover by means of adhesive, extending adjacent and parallel to the second hinge and distanced to allow enough room for the tab-shape on the male connector panel to be inserted to the center opening of the female connector panel without interfering with the adhesion of the female connector panel to the back panel of the cover. An elongated binding element is provided extending adjacent and parallel to the margin of the sheets of paper and the male connector panel edge. The male connector panel is disposed on a bottom side of the elongated binding element. A one-piece report cover is provided having a front panel, a center spine panel, a back panel, a first hinge and a second hinge.

Abstract: A method of removing oxygen from a solid metal, metal compound or semi-metal M1O by electrolysis in a fused salt of M2Y or a mixture of salts, which comprises conducting electrolysis under conditions such that reaction of oxygen rather than M2 deposition occurs at an electrode surface and that oxygen dissolves in the electrolyte M2Y and wherein, M1O is in the form of (sintered) granules or is in the form of a powder which is continuously fed into the fused salt. Also disclosed is a method of producing a metal foam comprising the steps of fabricating a foam-like metal oxide preform, removing oxygen from said foam structured metal oxide preform by electrolysis in a fused salt of M2Y or a mixture of salts, which comprises conducting electrolysis under conditions such that reaction of oxygen rather than M2 deposition occurs at an electrode surface. The method is advantageously applied for the production of titanium from Ti-dioxide.

Abstract: A dual mode trailer hitch that operates in both a “vehicle-tow” mode and a “manual tow” mode. In the vehicle-tow mode of operation, the trailer hitch is configured such that a trailer can be pivotally coupled to and towed by a towing vehicle, such as a tractor. In the manual-tow mode of operation, the trailer hitch is configured to not articulate, so that the trailer can be towed manually by a person. The trailer hitch includes bar pivot attachment member, a connecting link, a handle attachment fitting, at least one side plate, a tow bracket, and a vehicle coupling pin 23. In the preferred embodiment, the side plates are coupled on both sides of the tow bracket. The combined side plates and tow bracket are pivotally coupled to both the bar pivot attachment member and one end of the connecting link by a first pivot pin. The handle attachment fitting is pivotally coupled to the other end of connecting link by a second pivot pin.

Abstract: Tissues are provided as multi-ply tissue products having greater tactile sensation and resiliency in hand. Improved tissues may have a thickened and reduced density middle layer. The tissues may serve as applicators for chemical agents to be released during use of the tissue. A tissue having an improved tactile impression to the consumer, with enhanced resilience and high external bulk is disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-ply structure having at least three plies is desirable. A middle or intermediate ply is comprised an increased thickness and a greater bulk is employed. In general, the exterior plies of the tissue are smooth and desirable to the consumer.

Abstract: The invention provides ribG polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding ribG polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing ribG polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: A process for production of a monolithic article from a web of fibres of oriented polypropylene polymer, comprising the steps of subjecting the web to elevated temperature and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the polymer and compact it, and then cooling the compacted web, wherein an accelerated rate of cooling is employed down to 100° C. The process is of particular benefit when the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the fibres is 250,000 or below. The resultant articles have good stiffness and strength, yet with reasonable ductility. Similar articles cooled slowly are brittle.

Abstract: A method eliminates detonation in an internal combustion engine (10) by identifying conditions that identify the imminence thereof. The method centers about the pressure inside the cylinder (16) of the internal combustion engine (10). The method tracks the pressure and when small rapid changes or fluctuations (38) in the pressure occur, the ignition timing is advanced for that particular cylinder (16). An alternative method utilizes a model of pressure based on an array of inputs and how the pressure should act based thereon. The method may also be used to maximize performance of the output of each cylinder (16) by retarding the ignition timing until the small fluctuations (38) appear. The ignition timing could immediately be advanced to prevent a detonation thus identifying a maximized output performance without reaching a detonation condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amorphous polymer article produced by hot compaction and a method of producing the same. The article is heated to a temperature and maintained at a pressure sufficient to cause softening of the polymer strands to sufficient a degree to allow bonding to adjacent fibres to take place without actually transforming the polymer into a liquid state.

Abstract: A periodic signal generation circuit includes a differential crystal oscillator suitable for integration on a semiconductor substrate. The oscillator utilizes an external crystal as a resonator. The circuit is designed such that differential sinusoidal signals are present on the resonator leads to provide superior noise rejection of interfering signals. Differential signal transmission is maintained throughout the oscillator to reject noise generated by other circuitry that may be present on the substrate. Noise radiated out from the oscillator through the power supply, substrate, bond wires and pads is reduced due to the generation of differential signals of controlled sinusoidal amplitude and low harmonic content. The oscillator produces low phase noise so that the oscillator may be used in applications, such as TV receivers, that are sensitive to distortion. The circuit is a square wave that has low jitter, thus reducing jitter produced in digital circuits that, would utilize this square wave clock signal.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for producing multilayer laminates of polymeric electrolyte material incorporating one of more electrode layers. The apparatus (40) comprises an extrusion apparatus (42) for extruding a polymeric material (76) and a pair of heated rollers (46, 48) between which the material (76) and electrodes (60, 68, 72) are pressed in order to produce a continuous extrudate (80). The method may also include producing a gellable mixture comprising a crystallisable polymer and an aprotic organic liquid, forming the mixture as an elongate tape and contacting the tape with an electrode material. A compression and heating step may be present.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (10) includes an engine control unit (14). The engine control unit (14) provides control logic and signals to operate the internal combustion engine (10). The engine control unit (14) receives data from sensors (28) and outputs commands through command lines (30). The engine control unit (14) also communicates to a remote computer to receive changes in parameters or output requirements. A remote communicator (32) facilitates the communication between the engine control unit (14) and the remote computer. The remote communicator (32) also allows functions of the engine control unit (14) to be enabled or disabled. If functions are enabled, the remote computer may also provide initial parameters of operation allowing the engine control unit (14) to properly control the internal combustion engine (10).

Abstract: A method for controlling the ignition of an internal combustion engine (10) for a motor vehicle. More specifically, the method controls the timing of ignition for each of cylinder of the internal combustion engine (10). Control of the timing is based on two parameters, i.e., the speed at which the internal combustion engine (10) is operating and the gear in which the transmission (22) is operating. The speed is measured in terms of revolutions per minute. The gear helps to gauge what type of load may be present on the internal combustion engine (10). By identifying each of these parameters, it may easily be determined at what value the timing may be. If the specific speed of the vehicle is not located within the look-up table, where the data is stored, the method will interpolate the timing value based on values close to the value of the speed of the internal combustion engine (10) based on the neighboring values thereof.