Abstract: Tuftable primary backings comprise a closed-weave, woven tape fabric to which is affixed a coherent web layer comprising staple fibers with fibers oriented in at least two directions and a plurality of the fibers being fused. The web layer is affixed to the fabric by penetration of fibers from the web into the fabric. The backings have substantial weftline straightness and stability against deformations in the machine, cross and off-axis directions. Improved tufted goods and methods for making the composites and tufted goods are also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable fit in-line skate is disclosed having a rigid frame carrying a plurality of skate wheels. A boot is secured to the frame with the boot having a toe portion and a heel portion. The heel portion has a sole plate which is carried over the length of the frame. The toe portion receives the sole plate and is slidably attached to the heel portion.

Abstract: Fading of synthetically colored beverages is prevented using botanically derived color stabilizers which are C6-C3 phenylpropenoic carbonyl compounds which contain both (i) unsaturation and (ii) oxidation at a carbon atom.

Abstract: A combination of an acidulant system and a buffer salt system is included in lemon/lime flavored beverages to achieve improved stability. The acidulant system includes citric acid and/or phosphoric acid and an additional organic acid having a smaller dissociation constant than both phosphoric acid and citric acid; the buffer salt system includes a citrate salt and a phosphate salt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed, in an interactive broadband set-top box receiving broadband signals from a headend, to facilitate communications with an installed card within the set-top box using a single IC chip that processes the broadband signals. The single IC chip is configured to a PCMCIA PC-card mode such that PC card signals are multiplexed to certain I/O pins of the single IC chip. In the PCMCIA PC-card mode, the single IC chip attempts to detect the presence of and identify an installed card in the set-top box. If an installed card is present and is identified as a POD module, then the single IC chip is reconfigured from the PCMCIA PC-card mode to a POD mode such that POD-compatible signals are multiplexed to certain existing I/O pins of the single IC chip when operating in the POD mode.

Abstract: An aircraft surveillance system that includes an uninterruptible aircraft information broadcasting system (such as an ADS-B system) for transmitting flight information from an aircraft, and one or more ground stations for receiving the broadcast flight information. The flight information preferably includes the aircraft's aircraft ID, current three-dimensional position, and intended path. Optional components according to the invention include a system and method for validating messages received from the aircraft, and an alternative system and method for determining the aircraft's position if a primary navigation aid, such as GPS, is not available. In one embodiment of the invention, the system includes a transmitter and an uninterruptible power supply that are disposed within a secure housing within the aircraft. This serves to prevent passengers and crew members from disabling the system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hemostatic wound dressing that utilizes a fibrous, fabric substrate made from carboxylic-oxidized cellulose and containing a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, the fabric having flexibility, strength and porosity effective for use as a hemostat; and further having a porous, polymeric matrix substantially homogeneously distributed on the first and second surfaces and through the fabric, the porous, polymeric matrix being made of a biocompatible, water-soluble or water-swellable cellulose polymer, wherein prior to distribution of the polymeric matrix on and through the fabric, the fabric contains about 3 percent by weight or more of water-soluble oligosaccharides.

Abstract: A system and method include implementing and accessing a subscriber's telecommunications services, using a graphical user interface (GUI) via the Internet, and an interactive voice response (IVR) system via the public switched telecommunications network (PSTN). The system and method enable a subscriber to review, schedule and modify call forwarding information stored and implemented by a service control point (SCP) through a common server from any dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) telephone and IVR system via the PSTN or any GUI and Web client via the Internet. The subscriber is able to build and edit call forwarding data, such as a scheduler and priority and rejection screening lists, by the GUI via the Internet for subsequent implementation.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive tape substrate is coated with an adhesive, and the adhesive is then printed with an ink or the like that acts as an adhesive-inhibiting masking or barrier along one or more continuous zones or lines. Tapes are formed in whole or in part by slitting along the continuous line or lines so defined. The technique is used to make transfer tapes, diaper fastener tabs, and other products.

Abstract: A low spring rate multi-convoluted collapsible spacer adapted for use as a bearing preloading element. The collapsible spacer comprises a substantially tubular body compressible in an axial direction thereof from a predetermined free length to a substantially shorter length. The tubular body includes a yielding zone and an elastic zone adjacent to said yielding zone. Each of the yielding and elastic zones has at least one convolution curved in the same radial direction. An average thickness of the body of the spacer in the elastic zone is substantially greater than an average thickness of the body in the yielding zone that provides the collapsible spacer a substantially higher resiliency in the axial direction in the elastic zone than in the yielding zone. As a whole, the collapsible spacer has a relatively low spring rate, thus larger amount of “spring back”, hence less sensitivity to wear and maladjustment.

Abstract: A galvanic probe comprises a sensor electrode and a reference electrode. The sensor electrode has an exposed surface that comprises a noble metal or antimony or bismuth, and, optionally, an oxide or hydroxide thereof. The reference electrode is spaced apart from the sensor electrode and has an exposed surface that comprises zinc or magnesium, and, optionally, an oxide or hydroxide thereof. The probe may be incorporated into a device for controlling the pH and/or ORP of a fluid in a vessel to a desired pH and/or ORP level, incorporated into methods for measuring the pH and/or ORP of a fluid, or used as a galvanic cell.

Abstract: The invention is a stacked patch antenna having a plurality of patch antennas having respective operating frequency bands arranged in a stack, each antenna comprising a radiating conductive patch and a first cable comprising a plurality of coaxial conductors separated from each other by dielectric. A first conductor of the first cable carries the feed signal for the uppermost antenna and is conductively coupled to a null point of the radiating conductive patch of the uppermost antenna and passes through apertures at the null points of the other ones of the antennas in the stack. Each of the successively lower antennas in the stack is coupled to another one of the plurality of conductors of the cable, which conductors reference the other patches to ground. With this arrangement, high isolation is maintained between the frequency operating bands.

Abstract: A system and method include implementing and accessing a subscriber's telecommunications services, using a graphical user interface (GUI) via the Internet, and an interactive voice response (IVR) system via the public switched telecommunications network (PSTN). The system and method enable a subscriber to review, schedule and modify call forwarding information stored and implemented by a service control-point (SCP) through a common server from any dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) telephone and IVR system via the PSTN or any GUI and Web client via the Internet. The subscriber is able to build and edit call forwarding data, such as a scheduler and priority and rejection screening lists, by the GUI via the Internet for subsequent implementation.

Abstract: An executing computer program is debugged by the use of an events table comprising a plurality of table entries, each table entry comprising an event description describing an event occurring during execution of the executing computer program; a debugger description specifying a debugger to be invoked to debug the executing computer program upon an occurrence of the event; and debugger options to be passed to the debugger upon invocation of the debugger. Debugging the executing computer program comprises monitoring for the event; detecting the event; gathering event information beyond the event description; searching the event table responsive to the detection of the event; finding the table entry corresponding the event; responsive to the finding of the table entry, invoking the debugger specified by the debugger description in the table entry corresponding the event; passing the debugger options to the debugger; and passing the event information to the debugger.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the generation, online viewing and display of the level of significance, and printing of reports created by the analysis and diagnosis of tissue and organ specimens provided to pathology laboratories by client/physicians. These reports graphically indicate the site, severity and diagnosis of the specimen and include textual analysis, diagnosis and treatment information. The present invention also relates to systems and methods for the generation, online viewing and printing of diagnostic fact sheets that are related to the site, severity and diagnosis of a specimen and to systems and methods for the generation, online viewing and printing of requisitions for the analysis and diagnosis of a specimen by a pathologist.

Abstract: The invention is a stacked patch antenna having a plurality of patch antennas having respective operating frequency bands arranged in a stack, each antenna comprising a radiating conductive patch and a first cable comprising a plurality of coaxial conductors separated from each other by dielectric. A first conductor of the first cable carries the feed signal for the uppermost antenna and is conductively coupled to a null point of the radiating conductive patch of the uppermost antenna and passes through apertures at the null points of the other ones of the antennas in the stack. Each of the successively lower antennas in the stack is coupled to another one of the plurality of conductors of the cable, which conductors reference the other patches to ground. With this arrangement, high isolation is maintained between the frequency operating bands.

Abstract: A system (10) and method is provided for calibrating a tire pressure monitoring system using an EM transmitter (14). The present invention includes a first pressure sensor coupled to a wheel of an automotive vehicle (12). The EM pressure transmitter (14) is coupled to the pressure sensor (32). The transmitter (14) has a serial number associated therewith. An EM calibration device has a transmitting range. The EM transmitter device has an actuator. When the actuator is activated, a calibration signal (34) is transmitted within the transmitting range. The calibration signal causes the EM pressure transmitter (32) to transmit a serial number. A controller (16) is EM coupled to the pressure transmitter. The controller (16) receives the serial number and associates the serial number with a tire location of the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention provides a strategy and system for an hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that is not equipped with a hydraulic torque converter wherein a generator motor is utilized to maintain engine rotational velocity during up-shifting of the vehicle transmission in situations where the throttle of the engine is released. This invention can reduce undesirable torque reversals during up-shifting of the vehicle transmission in such situations where the throttle of the engine is released. A controller is adapted to control the generator is supplied with data output by detectors that monitor the rotational velocity of said engine and the gear ratio of the transmission. The controller is programmed to command the generator to maintain the rotational velocity of said engine above a preselected threshold during up-shifting of the transmission.

Abstract: A system is provided for communicating encoded signals to control a device for performing work related to yarding operations. The system includes a transmitter for transmitting an encoded signal having two or more digital portions. The first portion is a preamble, and a second portion is an action code. The system also includes a receiver for receiving the encoded signal to produce a controlling signal. The receiver is activated to process the action code to produce the controlling signal, thereby controlling the device for performing work related to yarding operations, when the preamble is of a predetermined pattern.