Abstract: Polyether polymers, such as polyetherimides, are prepared by the reaction of a dihydroxy-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon alkali metal salt, such as bisphenol A disodium salt, with a bis(N-(chlorophthalimido))aromatic compound, such as 1,3- and/or 1,4-bis[N-(4-chlorophthalimido)]benzene, in a solvent such as o-dichlorobenzene and in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst such as a hexaalkylguanidinium chloride. Several embodiments may be employed to improve the method. They comprise employing substantially dry reagents, employing a high solids level in solvent, beginning with an excess of bis(N-(chlorophthalimido))-aromatic compound and incrementally adding alkali metal salt, employing alkali metal salt of small particle size, and using reagents of high purity.

Abstract: The invention includes an adaptive control system used to control a plant. The adaptive control system includes a hedge unit that receives at least one control signal and a plant state signal. The hedge unit generates a hedge signal based on the control signal, the plant state signal, and a hedge model including a first model having one or more characteristics to which the adaptive control system is not to adapt, and a second model not having the characteristic(s) to which the adaptive control system is not to adapt. The hedge signal is used in the adaptive control system to remove the effect of the characteristic from a signal supplied to an adaptation law unit of the adaptive control system so that the adaptive control system does not adapt to the characteristic in controlling the plant.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming sheet metal articles, such as automotive body panels, having significant curvatures in front-to-back and side-to-side directions. Opposing, complementary, preforming and final shape forming tools are used in a single press. A sheet of superplastically or quick plastically formable sheet metal alloy, heated to a forming temperature, is first stretched against the preform tool using pressurized gas to form a preform that has experienced most of the metal stretching required for the final part shape. The preform is removed from the preform tool and formed against the opposing tool with pressurized gas to obtain the final sheet metal part shape.

Abstract: Lossy materials can be used to suppress EMI transmission. Disclosed are methods for applying lossy materials to EMI shielded enclosures to improve EMI shielding effectiveness and the EMI shielded enclosures so produced. In some embodiments, the EMI shielded enclosure includes a printed-circuit board mountable device. In one embodiment, lossy material can be applied to the interior of an EMI shielded enclosure using an adhesive. In another embodiment, lossy materials can be applied to the exterior of the EMI enclosure to suppress EMI incident upon the EMI shielded enclosure, thereby reducing the susceptibility of electronics contained within the EMI shielded enclosure. In yet another embodiment, lossy materials can be applied to both the interior and exterior of the EMI enclosure.

Abstract: The invention includes an adaptive control system used to control a plant. The adaptive control system includes a hedge unit that receives at least one control signal and a plant state signal. The hedge unit generates a hedge signal based on the control signal, the plant state signal, and a hedge model including a first model having one or more characteristics to which the adaptive control system is not to adapt, and a second model not having the characteristic(s) to which the adaptive control system is not to adapt. The hedge signal is used in the adaptive control system to remove the effect of the characteristic from a signal supplied to an adaptation law unit of the adaptive control system so that the adaptive control system does not adapt to the characteristic in controlling the plant.

Abstract: A non-skid, radar absorbing system 10. The system absorbs and scatters incident microwave and/or millimeter wave radiation so as to decrease retro reflectance. The system includes an absorbing layer (RAM) 14 juxtaposed with a substrate 12. Disposed adjacent the RAM 14 is a non-skid matrix layer 16 for providing a safe foot hold. Optionally, a protective environmental topcoat 18 is applied to the non-skid layer 16. The system has electrical and magnetic characteristics such that radar energy at a discrete or broadband frequencies is at least partially absorbed. The invention also includes methods of making and using the non-skid, radar absorbing system 10.

Abstract: A non-skid, radar absorbing system 10. The system absorbs and scatters incident microwave and/or millimeter wave radiation so as to decrease retro reflectance. The system includes an absorbing layer (RAM) 14 juxtaposed with a substrate 12. Disposed adjacent the RAM 14 is a non-skid matrix layer 16 for providing a safe foot hold. Optionally, a protective environmental topcoat 18 is applied to the non-skid layer 16. The system has electrical and magnetic characteristics such that radar energy at a discrete or broadband frequencies is at least partially absorbed. The invention also includes methods of making and using the non-skid, radar absorbing system 10.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-borne thermoplastic polyhydroxyether resins having narrow polydispersity (M.sub.w /M.sub.n <4.0 and 7,000>M.sub.n >12,000), and the use of such resins in water-borne coating compositions.

Abstract: An apparatus and methodology for diagnosing an alignment condition of a vehicle. The methodology includes determining an alignment condition of the vehicle using an apparatus set forth herein, and calculating a result corresponding to a difference between the determined alignment condition of the vehicle and specifications for a plurality of alignment conditions stored in a memory. The methodology further includes selecting one of a plurality of graphics stored in the memory, each corresponding to a value defined by the stored specifications, by determining the value to which the result corresponds, and outputting the selected one of the plurality of graphics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new 14-aminosteroids, pharmaceutical compositions containing the new compounds and methods of treatment for humans or other mammals afflicted with congestive heart failure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for suppressing the generation of passive intermodulation within passive devices. A dielectric sheet comprising dielectric material is placed between first and second conductive elements of the passive device. The second conductive element is then mounted to the first conductive element, thereby "sandwiching" the dielectric sheet between the first and second conductive elements. In this manner, a direct contact connection can not be formed at the junction of the first conductive element and the second conductive element. This absence of a continuous direct contact minimizes the opportunity for passive intermodulation products to be generated at this junction of the passive device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligosaccharide-containing 14-aminosteroid compounds and the pharmaceutically-acceptable acid salts or esters thereof of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein a) R.sub.1 is(i) COOR.sub.5, whereR.sub.5 is hydrogen, a 1-6 carbon lower alkyl; a 1-6 carbon lower alkyl substituted by an amino group; an arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl or a carbocyclic ring, or(ii) CHR.sub.6 OH, whereR.sub.6 is a hydrogen atom or 1-6 carbon lower alkyl group, or(iii) COR'", where R'" is hydrogen; 1-6 carbon lower alkyl; 1-6 carbon lower alkyl substituted amino; amino or dialkylamino; andb) R.sub.2 is --NR.sub.7 R.sub.8, whereR.sub.7 and R.sub.8, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen atoms or a 1-6 carbon lower alkyl; andc) R.sub.3 is an oligosaccharide sugar residue; andd) R.sub.4 is(i) OH, or(ii) H, or(iii) OR.sub.13, whereR.sub.13 is a monosaccharide sugar residue; acetoxy; benzoxy; arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl; ande) Z is(i) --CH--, wherea and b are single bonds, or(ii) .dbd.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel imporvements in a clamping apparatus adapted to grip the sides of a clamped member and, more specifically, the sides of rails such as those used for cranes and railroads. The clamping apparatus includes a frame adapted for primary movement relative to and substantially parallel with the clamped member, and secondary movement substantially perpendicular to the sides of the clamped member. Secured to the frame, in opposed relation to the clamped member, are lateral guides. A pair of yokes, including clamp guides and lever centering surfaces is slidably mounted in the lateral guides for movement substantially perpendicular to the sides of the clamped member. A pair of clamp levers, having clamping surfaces in opposed relation to the sides of the clamped member, are pivotally mounted intermediate their ends in the pair of yokes. An actuating link is pivotally connected to the other end of each clamp lever.

Abstract: An electric air stream heater adapted to operate directly on 120 volts with a wattage output of less than 500 watts without the need for any special control module, comprising, a cylindrical heating assembly having at least two spaced apart, parallel electrically connected lengths of crimped metallic foil provided with electrical power connections and secured to an insulating backing and rolled around an insulating core. Ceramic pins and a thermostatic control element which extend radially through the heating unit provide respectively, support means to prevent sagging of the heating elements in use and a means for detecting heat build-up across a large cross sectional area of the heater while creating a minimum of air flow resistance.

Abstract: A spring-set power-released caliper brake, adapted to grip the sides of a clamped member and, specifically, to provide a substantially uniform clamping force irrespective of actuator spring extension. The caliper brake includes a base mounted in fixed relation with respect to the clamped member. An actuator lever and an actuated lever are pivotally mounted in the base intermediate their ends. One of a pair of brake shoes is pivotally mounted on one end of each lever. The cylinder portion of a spring-set, power-released linear actuator is secured to the other end of the actuator lever and a compensating link is pivotally mounted in the other end of the actuated lever. The thruster portion of the linear actuator is pivotally connected to one end of the compensating link. One end of a toggle link is interconnected to the other end of the compensating link and the other end of the toggle link is interconnected to the actuator lever.

Abstract: There is provided a roll-on type ceiling material that has a monolithic appearance free from batten strips, rosettes, or plastic inserts. A base surface is applied and this is covered by a flexible, decorative sheet to form the ceiling covering.

Abstract: Mobile home ceiling boards are normally made in 4-foot-wide sheets which are fastened to the ceiling roof trusses at 16-inch intervals. Herein are shown at least three separate ways of fastening the ceiling board to the roof trusses by the use of a fastening means which engages the back of the ceiling board and is fastened to a roof truss member. This permits the utilization of a concealed fastening structure for fastening the large ceiling boards to the roof trusses of a mobile home ceiling or any other conventional ceiling structure. Each of the three fastening techniques involves the use of cuts in the ceiling board which receive the flanges of a fastening structure. This structure can be previously attached to the roof truss or installed in the board cuts before attaching to the roof truss. A combination system could also be used wherein a part inserted in the board cuts would mate with a part previously attached to the roof truss.