Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a carcass reinforced by a carcass ply extending from a first bead to a second bead and a single belt ply disposed radially outward of the carcass ply in a crown portion of the pneumatic tire. The single belt ply includes a first group of cords oriented in a first direction relative to a centerline of the pneumatic tire and a second group of cords oriented in a second direction relative to the centerline of the pneumatic tire.

Abstract: A request for information system is provided. The request for information system may include at least one computer with a user interface and a program product adapted to provide user-generated elicited information through a question-and-answer forum organized by location. A user may select at least one current location or a custom location of interest. Then the user may subscribe to at least one localized list associated with the selected location of interest. Then the user may select a topic such as food, drink, culture or the like from the localized list. The program product may display the most relevant user-generated requests and elicited information that match the location and or the topics selected. At which point, a user may view such requests and elicited information or submit a new request. If the user submits a request, the program product may provide similar requests based on similarity in topic and location associated with the new request.

Abstract: The invention comprises of a device that allows health care providers to position the body of a patient for progression of labor, for assistance in fetal resuscitation, and for other medical procedures. The device has inflatable chambers that assist the labor and delivery health care provider in turning a patient onto her right or left side while laying in bed. An inflatable positioning pad is used to further assist with the turning of a patient and/or with the shifting of a patient toward the head or the foot of the bed as needed. This device and method will allow turning to be done frequently, rapidly and safely, especially in pregnant patients with epidurals, that are overweight, or that otherwise have difficulty moving on their own.

Abstract: A structural/biological implant and method of use. The implant being utilized as a single or multiple staged system that is designed to encourage new alveolar bone growth with or without the need to obtain autologous bone. The implant has an apical portion that is fastened into existing bone, with the remainder of the implant left outside of existing bone. The exposed portion of the implant may have an external shape or configuration with a variety of attached and/or integrally formed mechanical retention and stability elements. Osteotropic/angiotropic material may be associated with the implant to induce and or conduct new bone growth and possible vascularization, thus, rather than fitting the implant into the bone, the bone is grown integratively with the implant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for controlling mercury emissions, and more particularly, to methods for controlling mercury re-emissions from a wet flue gas desulfurizer by using applied electrochemical potential.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cured rubber composition, its preparation and a tire with a component of such rubber composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making a pneumatic tire having a foam noise damper, the pneumatic tire comprising two spaced inextensible beads; a ground contacting tread portion; a pair of individual sidewalls extending radially inward from the axial outer edges of said tread portion to join the respective beads, the axial outer edges of the tread portion defining a tread width; a supporting carcass for the tread portion and sidewalls; an innerliner disposed radially inward of the carcass, the innerliner having a innerliner surface facing an interior cavity of the tire; the method comprising the steps of: applying a silicone adhesive to the innerliner surface to form an adhesive prepared surface; applying a solid foam noise reducer to the adhesive prepared surface; and curing the adhesive.

Abstract: A structural/biological implant and method of use. The implant being utilized as a single or multiple staged system that is designed to encourage new alveolar bone growth with or without the need to obtain autologous bone. The implant has an apical portion that is fastened into existing bone, with the remainder of the implant left outside of existing bone. The exposed portion of the implant may have an external shape or configuration with a variety of attached and/or integrally formed mechanical retention and stability elements. Osteotropic/angiotropic material may be associated with the implant to induce and or conduct new bone growth and possible vascularization, thus, rather than fitting the implant into the bone, the bone is grown integratively with the implant.

Abstract: A structural/biological implant and method of use. The implant being utilized as a single or multiple staged system that is designed to encourage new alveolar bone growth with or without the need to obtain autologous bone. The implant has an apical portion that is fastened into existing bone, with the remainder of the implant left outside of existing bone. The exposed portion of the implant may have an external shape or configuration with a variety of attached and/or integrally formed mechanical retention and stability elements. Osteotropic/angiotropic material may be associated with the implant to induce and or conduct new bone growth and possible vascularization, thus, rather than fitting the implant into the bone, the bone is grown integratively with the implant. The osteotropic/angiotropic materials may be simultaneously placed with the staged implant to provide consistent stabilization for the materials and to provide an immediately available surface for bone cell adhesion and growth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cured rubber composition, its preparation and a tire with a component of such rubber composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and kits for identifying individuals at risk of thiopurine drug intolerance based on detecting the presence of mutations in the TPMT gene promoter associated with thiopurine drug resistance or intolerance.

Abstract: A method of forming a tread comprising two or more layers of rubber is described. The method includes the steps of: extruding a rubber compound through an extruder and a gear pump and mixing with an accelerant and then applying a continuous strip of rubber directly onto a tire building machine to form a first layer of rubber having a first cure rate; adjusting the amount of accelerant to obtain a second cure rate different than said first cure rate, and then applying a strip of rubber having a second cure rate onto the tire building machine, wherein one of the cure rates is faster than the other cure rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a blended rubber composition directly onto a tire building drum or core is described. The method includes the steps of extruding a first rubber compound through a main extruder and a main gear pump. A second rubber compound is extruded through a second extruder and into a second gear pump. The output from the second gear pump is fed into the main extruder. The ratio of the first compound to the second compound is varied by adjusting the speed of the main gear pump and the speed of the second gear pump. A continuous strip of rubber formed of said first compound and said second compound is laid directly onto a tire building machine to form a first layer of rubber having a first blend ratio. The speed of the main gear pump and the second gear pump is adjusted to obtain a second blend ratio of said first compound to said second compound, and then a strip of rubber formed of said second blend ratio is applied to the tire building drum or core.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of conducting static electricity in a pneumatic tire, comprising the steps of mixing a rubber compound comprising at least one diene based rubber, from 60 to 150 phr of precipitated silica, less than 40 phr of carbon black, and from 1 to 10 phr of carbon nanotubes having a length of at least 5 microns; forming a tire tread from the rubber compound; and including the tire tread in the tire; wherein the volume resistivity of the tire tread is less than 1×109 ohm-cm as measured by ASTM D257-98.

Abstract: A liner consisting of a back piece and straps that can be worn between a backpack and the wearer's shoulders and back. The liner is affixed to the straps and backpack in a way that it can be easily removed for washing or replacement. The liner consists of layers that allow it to transport moisture and dirt away from the wearer, while shielding the backpack and its contents from the same.

Abstract: Method and system of video on demand (VOD) dating. The method and system permitting a user to select video personals for on demand view. The video personal include recordings of individual interviews or other activities which may be used to introduce the individual to the user and/or to otherwise facilitate dating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of screening individuals for the presence or absence of one or more polymorphisms associated with the risk of thiopurine resistance or intolerance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire comprising at least one component, the at least one component comprising a rubber composition, the rubber composition comprising from about 50 to about 100 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of elastomer, of a vinylpyridine-styrene-butadiene (VPSBR) elastomer comprising units derived from monomers comprising styrene, 1,3-butadiene, and vinylpyridine monomers which have the structural formula: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a straight chain or branched alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, wherein the VPSBR comprises from about 0.1 to about 8 percent by weight of vinylpyridine monomer; from 0 to about 50 phr of at least one additional diene-based elastomer; from about 5 to about 15 phr of an at least partially exfoliated clay; and from about 1 to about 40 phr of a polyoctenamer.