Abstract: PVC/wood fiber composites are comprised of (1) wood fibers; and (2) a composite comprising PVC, a polyester and a lubricant package comprised of one or more polyol esters, polyols, fatty acid esters of aliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acids, fatty acid salts, fatty alcohols, hydrogenated fatty acid glycerides and combinations thereof. The composites are easier to process than conventional composites because they require lower extruder torque that translates into less work and corresponds to lower process temperatures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for setting policy goals and using the policy goals to assist in controlling a process or system are disclosed. The policy goals preferably codify some or all of an organization's policy goals for the operation of the process or system. The policy goals preferably express what an organization considers a good (or bad) solution and what level of goodness (or badness) the situation or solution incurs given a particular context. The operation of the process or system can then be evaluated using the predefined policy goals.

Abstract: A system of managing changes in the states of interrelated objects provides for synchronization of change notifications transferred between source and target objects. In one embodiment, target objects subscribe to state changes in source objects and the change notifications are provided with unique temporal state identifiers such as a system time stamp or an assigned number to provide a temporal dimension and allow synchronization of the notifications at the target object. The state changes are actually in the form of methods applied to the source, and equivalent or identical methods are then applied to the target. A log of change notifications is provided, and each of the notifications are applied to the target object to synchronize it with relevant source objects to which it is dependent upon and to a particular selected point in time.

Abstract: An engine control system for protecting a turbocharger of an internal combustion engine from an overspeed condition occurring as a result of a failure of the turbocharger wastegate device. In one embodiment of the invention, sensors provide signals for engine speed, ambient pressure and boost pressure between the turbocharger and the engine intake. Correction factors are added to the boost pressure and ambient pressure signals, and a turbocharger pressure ratio is calculated from these signals. A reduced fueling table maps turbocharger pressure ratio and engine speed to reduced fueling signal values. An engine control computer utilizes a nominal fueling table that maps engine speed and boost pressure to nominal fueling signal values. The control computer also includes a decision module that selects the lesser of the nominal fueling signal values and the reduced fueling signal values and provides the selected value to the engine fueling system.

Abstract: A universal multimedia access apparatus for accessing any of a plurality of multimedia applications provided by a multimedia network. The universal multimedia access apparatus accesses a predetermined one of the plurality of multimedia applications using an application-specific module interfaced thereto, the application-specific module being selected from a plurality of application-specific modules. The universal multimedia access apparatus comprises a transceiver and a processing unit. The transceiver communicates multimedia information between the multimedia network and the application-specific module, and communicates with the multimedia network in any one of a plurality of communication modes.

Abstract: A support apparatus for scaling and working on an inclined roof made up of at least one ladder having a pair of ridge hooks to engage the roof ridge, a rotatable support frame secured to the ladder, and a pivotally mounted platform for support of workers and materials. The support frame includes a pair of horizontal members, a pair of vertical legs, and a cross brace assembly, attached to one another by a mechanism adapted to allow rotation of the legs of at least 180 degrees around the outside of the horizontal member from an axle formed by the cross brace. The ladder includes hollow rungs and an opening in each rail forming a tubular passage. Each of the legs have a tube horizontally attached to each end forming an opening for alignment with the ladder openings whereby a securing rod can be passed through the passage. The rod acts as a spindle upon which the legs rest to the outbound sides of the ladder.

Abstract: The device, for use in contraception and in preventing transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, comprises a thin, flexible pouch having an open end in the form of a peripheral flange with a peripheral ribbed rim, and a closed end. An insert is provided within the closed end of the pouch so as to protect the pouch during insertion thereof into the vagina by means of an applicator rod or the like. The insert, which is typically absorbent and of flexible expanded plastics material, and may have dispersed therein a spermicide and/or an antiviral agent, comprises a central portion and four spurs. A continuous coating layer of an adhesive material which can temporarily adhere the barrier device to mucous membrane material in the presence of aqueous body fluids is preferably provided on the vulva-contacting surface of the flange and/or on the vagina-contacting surface of the pouch.

Abstract: A apparatus for providing a tamper- or damage-indicating member, such as a tamper-evident glove. The apparatus comprises first and second layers, typically inner and outer glove-shaped bodies, of substantially liquid- and air-impermeable material, at least a portion of the second layer being of translucent material and having a contrasting color relative to the first layer. The apparatus further comprises means for sealing at least the portion of the second layer to the first layer, such that the portion surrounds a zone of the surface of the first layer, forming a space between the layers which is adjacent the zone and is substantially free of air. When the second layer is sealed to the first layer, breach in either layer adjacent the zone results in a change in perceived color in the area of breach.

Abstract: A golf practice hole with a variable diameter rim provides a flexible material positioned over a series of radially-movable supports that each define a portion of an edge or rim of a hole. The flexible material is typically provided with expansion areas that can include slits that define separate flaps of material. The flaps of material are tensioned beneath the movable supports to maintain the flaps in engagement with the supports. As the supports are moved radially-inwardly and radially-outwardly, the material follows the supports and defines a continuous surface above the rim throughout a range of movement of the supports. The range of movement defines a corresponding range of hole rim diameters. The flexible surface remains free of discontinuities and breaks despite diametral changes in the rim and provides an improved playing surface.

Abstract: A wide-angle lens produces a distorted wide-angle optical image. An imaging sensor, having a surface in optical communication with the wide-angle lens, converts the wide-angle optical image into a corresponding output signal. The imaging sensor includes a plurality of imaging elements. The plurality of imaging elements have a distribution on the surface of the sensor that is representable by a nonlinear function, wherein the distribution of the imaging elements corrects the distortion in the wide-angle image.

Abstract: Surgical suturing apparatus comprises upper and lower jaw elements selectively movable relative to one another between open and closed position. Each jaw element is provided with a respective recess arranged to receive a portion of an elongate incision member or length of surgical thread and securing means is provided arranged to selectively secure the surgical incision member or length of surgical thread in a respective recess. The jaw elements are typically provided at an end of an elongate positioning and operating arm making the device particularly useful for use in laparoscopic surgery.

Abstract: A method for improving the atomization quality from a fluid injector includes the steps of inducing a first vortex turbulence in the fluid flowing past a first protrusion in a supply orifice having a flow axis therein, guiding the fluid through a turbulence cavity and then out through a first metering orifice having another protrusion positioned downstream from the first protrusion by a distance y measured generally parallel to the flow axis and by a distance x measured generally perpendicular to the flow axis. The droplet size of the fluid exiting from the metering orifice is reduced by sizing the x and y dimensions to position the first vortex turbulence within the turbulence cavity operatively adjacent to and upstream from the first metering orifice. In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of x/y is greater than 0.5 and less than 5. A fuel injector nozzle practicing this process is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for monitoring biofilm formation which comprises incorporating in an aquatic system, a sampler apparatus comprising a duct 1 having a port 5 in which is retained a stud 17 having a test surface 19 which lies flush with the wall of the duct. The invention can also be used to detect Legionellae bacteria.

Abstract: The members, which are typically in the form of a bi-layer glove, comprise an inner layer and an outer layer, both being liquid- and air-impermeable. The outer layer is sealed to the inner layer so as to surround a zone of the inner layer which is not sealed to the outer layer. The space between the layers in the above-mentioned zone is free of air, and the outer layer is translucent or transparent in the area overlying that zone and having a contrasting color relative to the color of the inner layer, so as to provide a visual indication (a change in the perceived color) when the outer layer is breached, as a result of tampering, accidental damage or the like.

Abstract: The device, for use in contraception and in preventing transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, comprises a thin, flexible pouch 1 having an open end 2 in the form of a peripheral flange with a periperal ribbed rim 3, and a closed end 4. An insert 17 is provided within the closed end 4 of the pouch so as to protect the pouch during insertion thereof into the vagina by means of an applicator rod 15 or the like. The insert 17, which is typically absorbent and of flexible expanded plastics material, and may have dispersed therein a spermicide and/or an antiviral agent, comprises a central portion 18 and (extending radially outwardly from central portion 18) four spurs 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. A continuous coating layer of an adhesive material which can temporarily adhere the barrier device to mucous membrane material in the presence of aqueous body fluids is preferably provided on the vulva-contacting surface of the flange and/or on the vagina-contacting surface of the pouch.

Abstract: The device includes a continuous flexible pouch which is entirely surrounded by a flange member which acts as a shield to cover the periphery of the vaginal entrance. The pouch, which is preferably in the form of a loose collapsed sheath, is arranged to be introduced into the user's vagina so as to form a liquid barrier between the penis and vagina. Straps and ribbed protrusions are provided for securely maintaining the flange member in its operational position. Preferably, an applicator rod is also provided.

Abstract: The dicarboxylic, heterocyclic and substituted benzoic acid alkylene bridged piperidyl amides and esters are serotonin M antagonists.

Abstract: The substituted benzoic acid heterocyclic amides and esters are serotonin M antagonists. Included are compounds of the formula Iq ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, Z' and R.sub.8 ' have various definitions.

Abstract: The dicarboxylic, heterocyclic and substituted benzoic acid alkylene bridged piperidyl amides and esters are serotonin M antagonists.

Abstract: Carbocyclic and heterocyclic carbonylmethylene- and carbonylmethylpiperidines and -pyrrolidines are serotonin antagonists.