Abstract: The present disclosure relates to 2,6-dichlorophenylester compounds. Also disclosed are methods for using the same for the preparation of certain conjugates.

Abstract: The composition includes an acrylic monomer having a carboxylic acid group, an acrylic monomer having a hydroxyl group, at least one of an alkyl acrylate or alkyl methacrylate, and from 20 to 35 percent by weight of a compound composed of divalent segments L and at least two X groups. The divalent segments L are represented by formula L. Each segment L is respectively directly bonded to two secondary N atoms, two tertiary N atoms, or a secondary and a tertiary N atom. Each R1 represents an alkylene group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and at least some of the R1 groups are —CH2—CH2—CH2—CH2—. Each X group is independently represented by the formula CH2?C(R)—C(O)—O—V—W—C(O)—. The acrylic monomer having a carboxylic acid group is present in an amount of at least one percent and less than 20 percent by weight. Articles and methods using the composition are also described.

Abstract: A free-radically polymerizable crosslinker comprising divalent segments Z represented by the formula (I). Each divalent segment Z is respectively directly bonded to i) two secondary N atoms, each further directly bonded to a divalent segment Z or an X group; ii) two tertiary N atoms, each further directly bonded to p additional divalent segments Z and (2-p) X groups, wherein p is 0, 1, or 2; or iii) a secondary N atom further directly bonded to one additional divalent segment Z or an X group, and a tertiary N atom further directly bonded to p additional divalent segments Z and (2-p) X groups. R1 represents an alkylene group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, n represents a positive integer. X is represented by the formula: (II) L represents a covalent bond, O, S, NR1, or a divalent linking group having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and up to 3 oxygen atoms.

Abstract: A clinch fastener with a single-element, unitary construction that does not require the preassembly of parts. The fastener provides a clamp load after installation and is fully formed by stamping the part from sheet metal. The fastener provides the necessary rigidity for a clinch attachment shank with the resilience of a head that will provide a residual clamp load to the attached panels. The fastener attaches two panels face-to-face by extending through aligned apertures in the panels. A shank undercut receives the cold flow of material from the second bottom panel while the panels are clamped against a resilient dome-shaped head of the fastener. The fastener may include a central axial well that receives the tip of a press punch during installation.

Abstract: A clinch fastener with a single-element, unitary construction that does not require the preassembly of parts. The fastener provides a clamp load after installation and is fully formed by stamping the part from sheet metal. The fastener provides the necessary rigidity for a clinch attachment shank with the resilience of a head that will provide a residual clamp load to the attached panels. The fastener attaches two panels face-to-face by extending through aligned apertures in the panels. A shank undercut receives the cold flow of material from the second bottom panel while the panels are clamped against a resilient dome-shaped head of the fastener. The fastener may include a central axial well that receives the tip of a press punch during installation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented warranty knowledge base construction system and method. An user interface receives a first rule related to vehicle repair claim processing. A rules syntax data store stores syntax rules for constructing repair claim-related rules. A knowledge base generator module connected to the user interface and to the rules syntax data store determines whether the first rule is in an acceptable syntax based upon the stored syntax rules. The first rule is used in a knowledge base system to process repair claims.

Abstract: A surgical retractor system comprises a support frame and an instrument mounting assembly. The instrument mounting assembly includes a fastening member for securing the mounting assembly to the support frame, a loading member for attaching to the mounting assembly, and a lockable rotational member providing for rotational or angular motion of the instruments about the support frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for strategically illuminating a darkened area. The present invention may be used by law enforcement to illuminate an area without law enforcement officials having to reveal their position, which is the case if flashlights or other lighting means are used. The light emitting device comprises a substantially transparent housing. A circuit comprising light emitting means and battery means is contained within the housing. The circuit further comprises a time delay means, which delays the energizing of the light emitting means. The circuit comprises a switch which, upon activation, closes the circuit providing current from the battery.

Abstract: A surgical retractor system comprises a support frame and an instrument mounting assembly. The instrument mounting assembly includes a fastening member for securing the mounting assembly to the support frame, a loading member for attaching to the mounting assembly, and a lockable rotational member providing for rotational or angular motion of the instruments about the support frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for training a person in a technique for hitting a baseball. The disclosed batting training device comprises an integrated pivoting unit to which are attached a foot-engaging and ground-engaging member. A sealing member encircles adjacent surfaces of the integrated pivoting unit which form a ball bearing housing, to keep dirt and debris away from the ball bearings. The sealing member also provides additional friction, thus increasing the resistance of the device to a pivoting motion. A method of using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for training a person in a technique for hitting a baseball. The disclosed batting training device comprises an integrated pivoting unit to which are attached a foot-engaging and ground-engaging member. A sealing member encircles adjacent surfaces of the integrated pivoting unit which form a ball bearing housing, to keep dirt and debris away from the ball bearings. The sealing member also provides additional friction, thus increasing the resistance of the device to a pivoting motion. A method of using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented vehicle repair claim processing method and apparatus. Repair data is received related to repair of a vehicle. Repair claim expert rules determine at least one response to the input repair claim data based upon the received input repair claim data. The repair claim expert rules include repair claim-related premises and repair claim-related actions. At least one of the repair claim-related premises uses the received repair claim data to determine whether a preselected repair claim-related action should be executed. The preselected repair claim-related action is used to generate a repair claim-related response. The expert rules are accessible by an user in a high level computer expression format.

Abstract: A computer-implemented warranty knowledge base construction system and method. An user interface receives a first rule related to vehicle repair claim processing. A rules syntax data store stores syntax rules for constructing repair claim-related rules. A knowledge base generator module connected to the user interface and to the rules syntax data store determines whether the first rule is in an acceptable syntax based upon the stored syntax rules. The first rule is used in a knowledge base system to process repair claims.