Abstract: A combination of a capacitance-sensing light switch (sensing cube (1)) and a cover-plate mounting system (2), (3), (4) significantly improving on existing light switches. The capacitance-sensing switch is electrically isolated in an epoxy filled sensing cube (1) yet is compatible with cover-plates (4) made from materials with a wide range of dielectric constants; stone, wood, tile, plastic and metal. The sensing cube (1) integrates into the cube housing (2) creating a package similar in size to the mechanical switches it replaces. The invention eliminates the holes in the cover-plate for the switch and the mounting screws. The sensing cube (1) is activated through the cover-plate (4) by a change in its capacitance when the cover-plate (4) is touched. The cover-plate (4) is connected to the mounting system mechanically and pulled into position using a mechanical spring or friction lever.

Abstract: A composite nozzle strip for hydroentangling of a fibrous mass is provided to lower nozzle erosion potential and increase operational efficiency. The composite nozzle strip comprises a substrate comprising a material of a first hardness having at least one aperture and at least one orifice element comprising a material of a second hardness greater than the first hardness and further defining an aperture of a second diameter less than the first diameter. The at least one orifice element is affixed to the substrate so that the aperture in the orifice element is aligned with the at least one aperture in the substrate for creation of a constricted water jet when subjected to pressurized water.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymorphisms in the IRF6 gene which are associated with various diseases, such as Van der Woude syndrome, Poplitieal syndrome, isolated cleft lip and/or palate, and other orofusial clefting disorders. The invention also relates to the nucleotide sequences of this gene, isolated nucleic acids comprising these nucleotide sequences, and isolated polypeptides or peptides encoded thereby. The invention further relates to vectors and host cells comprising the disclosed nucleotide sequences, or fragments thereof, as well as antibodies that bind to the encoded polypeptides or peptides. In addition the invention relates to methods and compositions employing the disclosed nucleic acids, polypeptides or peptides, or antibodies for use in diagnostics and therapeutics for IRF6 associated disorders, e.g., Van der Woude syndrome, Poplitieal syndrome, isolated cleft lip and/or palate, and other orofusial clefting disorders.

Abstract: A magnetic roller for electrophotography comprises a foamed resin magnetic material. A method of producing a magnetic roller comprises the steps of providing magnetic filler, a resin binder and a foaming agent in a closed mold; activating the foaming agent in the closed mold; and removing the resulting formed roller from the mold.

Abstract: A ski-carrier module and module attachment apparatus for attaching the ski-carrier module to the bars of a pre-existing modular vehicle roof rack system. The ski-carrier module comprises upward-facing ski pole receptors placed on a lower arm thereby simplifying insertion of ski poles into a ski rack, as well as a hinge assembly capable of being locked and unlocked into multiple raised positions enabling the insertion of skis and ski poles into the ski-carrier module unobstructed by the position of the upper arm of the ski-carrier module. The attachment apparatus for attaching the module to a roof rack bar comprising two wrap-around attachment anchors which are placed around the roof rack bar and then inserted into their corresponding anchor head aperture and anchor head slot. The aperture and slot are located on the underside of the lower arm of the module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for withdrawing fluid from a wound comprising providing a passage between the wound and a collection container with a valve therebetween to control flow of fluid from the passage to the container. Cyclically establishing in the passage a level of vacuum at a selected value higher than the level of vacuum in the container to thereby draw fluid from the wound while the valve is closed to collect the fluid in the passage. The valve is opened in response to the level of vacuum in the passage falling below the select value, as a result of the buildup of fluid therein, to permit discharge of fluid from the passage into the container. As a result of the discharge of fluid, the selected level of vacuum in the passage is reestablished.

Abstract: A ski-carrier module and module attachment apparatus for attaching the ski-carrier module to the bars of a pre-existing modular vehicle roof rack system. The ski-carrier module comprises upward-facing ski pole receptors placed on a lower arm thereby simplifying insertion of ski poles into a ski rack, as well as a hinge assembly capable of being locked and unlocked into multiple raised positions enabling the insertion of skis and ski poles into the ski-carrier module unobstructed by the position of the upper arm of the ski-carrier module. The attachment apparatus for attaching the module to a roof rack bar comprising two wrap-around attachment anchors which are placed around the roof rack bar and then inserted into their corresponding anchor head aperture and anchor head slot. The aperture and slot are located on the underside of the lower arm of the module.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power supply circuit for controlling a load which, for example, includes both a gas-discharge lamp and an auxiliary load. The power supply circuit includes a ballast circuit for limiting current supplied to the gas discharge lamp. The auxiliary load, such as an occupancy sensor, is connected to receive an alternating current signal from a transformer winding, inductor coil, or other suitable portion of the ballast circuit. The power supply circuit includes a rectifier for rectifying the alternating current signal to provide a stable, low-voltage direct current signal to drive the auxiliary load.

Abstract: A ski-carrier module and module attachment apparatus for attaching the ski-carrier module to the bars of a pre-existing modular vehicle roof rack system, The ski-carrier module comprises upward-facing ski pole receptors placed on a lower arm thereby simplifying insertion of ski poles into a ski rack, as well as a hinge assembly capable of being locked and unlocked into multiple raised positions enabling the insertion of skis and ski poles into the ski-carrier module unobstructed by the position of the upper arm of the ski-carrier module. The attachment apparatus for attaching the module to a roof rack bar comprising two wrap-around attachment anchors which are placed around the roof rack bar and then inserted into their corresponding anchor head aperture and anchor head slot. The aperture and slot are located on the underside of the lower arm of the module.

Abstract: A ski-carrier module and module attachment apparatus for attaching the ski-carrier module to the bars of a pre-existing modular vehicle roof rack system. The ski-carrier module comprises upward-facing ski pole receptors placed on a lower arm thereby simplifying insertion of ski poles into a ski rack, as well as a hinge assembly capable of being locked and unlocked into multiple raised positions enabling the insertion of skis and ski poles into the ski-carrier module unobstructed by the position of the upper arm of the ski-carrier module. The attachment apparatus for attaching the module to a roof rack bar comprising two wrap-around attachment anchors which are placed around the roof rack bar and then inserted into their corresponding anchor head aperture and anchor head slot. The aperture and slot are located on the underside of the lower arm of the module.

Abstract: Parallel processing circuitry on a substrate includes an array of memory elements in rows and columns. Row select circuitry can select the memory elements in any of the rows. Each column has respective processing circuitry to access its memory elements. The columns' processing circuitry can perform operations on data in parallel, so that each column and its processing circuitry form a processing unit. Data can be transferred to or from any of the columns. A column register can be connected so that data from a first column can be read, stored, and then written into a second column. Or a permutation network with connecting lines can be set up so that each connecting line can transfer data from one column to another. The column register can be connected to a shift register for transferring data to or from an external connection. Or the connecting lines of the permutation network can be set up for transferring data to or from the external connection.

Abstract: An improved article carrying system for a vehicle having a pair of generally flat rails directly mounted to the vehicle surface, each rail being characterized by an upstanding wall with a sidewardly facing track formed therein and a ridge spaced from and parallel to the wall. A slider for mounting article support and securing members has a pedestal which rests on the flat surface of the rail and is captured in the track between the wall and the ridge. A grip bar having a plurality of spaced-apart locking tabs is swingably mounted to the slider whereby when the grip bar overlies the rail, the locking tabs on the grip bar lockingly engage the protrusions on the rail, and when the grip bar is swung cross-wise to the rail, the locking tabs clear the protrusions to allow the slider to be moved along the rail.

Abstract: Propositional reasoning is performed on a massively parallel processor, with sets of element value combinations being handled by separate processing units. A host processor operates as a problem solver generating requests for propositional reasoning, and also operates as an interface between the problem solver and the parallel processor. In response to a request that includes a formula, the interface provides one or more formulas such as justifications and class restrictions. The interface provides instructions to the parallel processor based on each of these formulas. The instruction based on each formula are provided so that the set of element value combinations handled by each processing unit is not divided or forked into two subsets until necessary. If possible, forking is avoided by forcing the value of an element to the only value consistent with the current formula.

Abstract: A vehicle ski carrier system carries a plurality of skis oriented in a position inclined from the vertical. The ski carrier system includes hinged lower and upper arms, and ski carrier inserts attached to each arm. The ski carrier inserts have opposed, alternating flat holding members and curvilinear compression members. When the arms are opened, a pair of skis can be placed against a holding member on the lower arm, and when the arms are closed, an opposing holding member on the upper arm closes on the opposite side of the skis and the opposed holding members are then urged tightly together by the compression members. The ski carrier inserts are of a modular construction.

Abstract: An improved free piston power unit includes a pair of power pistons at opposite ends of a common power cylinder, wherein the power pistons are linked for reciprocation in unison in opposite directions. The power pistons carry a respective pair of compressor pistons disposed within compressor cylinders to generate a supply of compressed air or the like upon power piston reciprocation. The power pistons further cooperate with a respective pair of gas-containing bounce cylinders which provide pneumatic reaction forces to return the power pistons through a compresion stroke at the conclusion of a combustion expansion stroke. The bounce cylinders each have a relieved end face to provide an increased minimum bounce cylinder volume thereby limiting the maximum pressure and temperature to which the bounce cylinders are subjected, without requiring increase in the overall envelope size for the power unit.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to what may aptly be termed "genderless", or "hermaphroditic", or perhaps "unisex" electrical connectors, and more particularly to such an electrical connector having a keying system which minimizes the chance of two incompatible cables being connected together.