Abstract: Having a sun gear with a tooth count e, n (where n is a natural number of 2 or more) planetary gears having a first gear part with a tooth count z1 meshing with the sun gear and a second gear part with a tooth count z2, a fixed internal tooth gear with a tooth count I1 meshing with the first gear part of the planetary gear, and a movable internal tooth gear with a tooth count I2 meshing with the second gear part of the planetary gear, tooth counts e, z1, z2, I1 and I2 are all a multiple of n. Even if the gear form of each gear has a small module, a planetary gear train mechanism can be configured without causing operating or assembly problems, and it is possible to provide a gear train that can be miniaturized more than conventionally and still have a sufficient gear reduction ratio.

Abstract: The method for precise position assembling a planetary gear unit consisting of a planetary gear, a planet shaft, a bearing, two thrust washers and two guide washers, especially for use in a planetary transmission for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle consists in that the planetary gear unit is inserted within mean position tolerance, aligned and braced in a tool which tool has two displaceable stamps and two jaws with indented rings which jaws surround the stamps forming a ring and can be displaced independently of the stamps. By closing the tool, the indented rings clamp the guide washers until a constant pressure is exerted against them. The stamps are pressed against the ends of the planet shaft until they are forged.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission system and method of controlling a vehicle transmission are provided that control clutch temperatures to extend clutch life. The system is comprised of an input drive shaft configured to be driven by an engine, an output drive shaft configured to drive a drive mechanism and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices connecting the input drive shaft to the output drive shaft and configured to engage and disengage to provide a transition between a plurality of operating ratios. The system is also comprised of a control module configured to calculate a temperature of the plurality of transmitting devices based at least in part upon a shifting status of the plurality of transmitting devices. The control module is further configured to conduct at least a first modification if the temperature is greater than a first predetermined temperature and a second modification if the temperature is greater than a second predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An integrated vehicle engine/transmission control apparatus for an automotive vehicle having an engine capable of changing an operating speed thereof by itself, and an automatic transmission operatively connected to the engine and including a lock-up clutch, the apparatus including a lock-up clutch control device operable to control an engaging force of the lock-up clutch, during a shifting action of the transmission, for reducing a shifting shock of said automatic transmission, and a engine speed control device operable to control the engine so as to reduce its operating speed, during the shifting action of the transmission, such that reduction of the engine speed is initiated after a moment of initiation of reduction of the engaging force of the lock-up clutch by the lock-up clutch control means.

Abstract: Disclosed is a brake system of a vehicle. The present invention includes parking brake interlocking means being installed on a pedal assembly of a main brake wherein the parking brake interlocking means is interlocked with a brake pedal so as for the parking brake to be operated in a brake pedal operation rear range beyond a brake pedal operation range during a normal drive or traveling, locking means for preventing the interlocking means from being returned when the parking brake is operated, and locking control means for releasing the locking of the locking means when an accelerator pedal is operated.

Abstract: Springs (10) or other elastic connectors used to support a bed (14) within the frame of a trampoline or the like are attached using methods that systematically vary the tension (or the travel distance required to reach limit of elasticity) between adjacent (or sets of adjacent) springs (10). These spring attachment methods increase the time it takes a given trampoline to absorb a given amount of energy, increasing the shock absorption time and thereby reducing the likelihood of an injury.

Abstract: A scooter comprises a base and a handlebar frame. The base is formed of a front support rod, a rear support rod, two foot boards, and two rear wheels. The handlebar frame is fastened with the front end of the front support rod of the base and is provided with a front wheel. A scooter rider stands on the two foot boards such that both hands of the scooter rider hole the handlebar of the handlebar frame. The scooter is initially moved by a push made by one foot against the ground. The scooter is subsequently moved by a series of body twisting motions of the scooter rider.

Abstract: A foot mobility device includes a body, two pedals rotatable about an axis in opposition to each other and relative to the body, and a motor drive assembly. The feet of a user are placed on the pedals, and the motor drive assembly is powered to move the pedals even while the user is completely passive; i.e., without any active participation by the user. Moreover, the sensation received by the use, rather than being one of typical “exercise”, is massage-like and therapeutic, all while providing the same benefit of increased blood circulation due to contraction and relaxation of the calf muscle. The device may also be used in an active mode, pedaled by the user. Moreover, the foot mobility device may be moved between an open configuration adapted for use of the device and a collapsed configuration having a low profile and adapted for storage and portability.

Abstract: A transportation wheel for a treadmill consists a roller and an engraved pattern defined in an outer surface the roller. The roller has an enlarged middle portion and two tapered ends on which a traveling belt is positioned. The engraved patterns are similar to fabric texture and defined on the outer surface of the roller, especially the enlarged middle portion. The engraved patterns provide an excellent guiding efficiency to keep the traveling belt from detaching from the roller.

Abstract: An improved device for exercising the PC muscles comprises a pair of squeezable arms that contract and expand in relation to one another. A spring biasing means inside an axle section provides a resistive force element that urges the arms in the expanded position and thus the female can exercise the PC muscles against this force by squeezing the arms together. Each of the arms is symmetrical in shape includes a bulbous tip portion and a narrower shaft portion.

Abstract: Control means for controlling the activation of exercising loads are disclosed. According an embodiment of the invention the control means comprising at least one linking channel connectable to a control system, and at least one link terminal in active communication with the linking channel, wherein said at least one link terminal is associatable with said exercising load.

Abstract: A dual path helical ramp consisting of a wire rail formed as a helix, a straight rail, a closed transparent cylindrical wall rail, and a ball. The helical rail extends between a first elevation where the ball enters or exits the ramp to a second, lower elevation where a ball exits or enters the ramp. The straight rail extends through the center of the helical rail for the length thereof. The cylindrical wall rail extends outside of the helical rail for the length thereof. The helical rail is joined at either end of the straight rail and the straight rail is joined at either end of the cylindrical wall rail, thereby forming two elevations. The helical rail is dimensioned such that the distance between it and straight rail and it and wall rail is less than the diameter of the ball.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device that allows the exerciser to do sit-up type exercises to stress the exerciser's abdominal muscles. The device has a frame assembly made of several members. A deformable seat for the exerciser is connected to frame assembly. The deformable seat is a fillable container. Footholds are positioned on the frame assembly to allow an exerciser to sit on the deformable seat and place the exerciser's feet in the footholds while performing an exercise. Additionally, there are handholds that an exerciser may hold so that an exerciser may stabilize himself while getting on and off the exercise device and during performance of exercise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for processing of sheet-shaped materials comprising a first module having a first sheet-processing mode, a second module having a second sheet-processing mode, the first module being interchangeable with the second module within a common space. The sheet-processing modes include, without limitation, punching, cutting, embossing, creasing, folding and perforating, without limitation, alone or in combination. The first and second modules may be interchanged manually or automatically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for folding continuous medium including a swing arm pivotable about an axis at one end of the swing arm. The continuous medium is guided by the swing arm and accordion-folded with equal widths as a result of the swinging operation of the swing arm. The swing arm has a telescopic structure for varying the length of the swing arm over a range of a swing of the swing arm.

Abstract: A rotor locator and centrifuge body locator includes a pair of locator arms that close about the rotor shaft and an aligmuent pin to center the rotor shaft. A registration mechanism rotates the rotor shaft and the centrifuge body until it reaches a known home position. A method of consistently registering the centrifuge body includes centering a rotor shaft of the body along a known center line and aligning the body to a home position both before and after centrifugation.

Abstract: An opaque, low resistivity silicon carbide and a method of making the opaque, low resistivity silicon carbide. The opaque, low resistivity silicon carbide is doped with a sufficient amount of nitrogen to provide the desired properties of the silicon carbide. The opaque, low resistivity silicon carbide is a free-standing bulk material that may be machined to form furniture used for holding semi-conductor wafers during processing of the wafers. The opaque, low resistivity silicon carbide is opaque at wavelengths of light where semi-conductor wafers are processed. Such opaqueness provides for improved semi-conductor wafer manufacturing. Edge rings fashioned from the opaque, low resistivity silicon carbide can be employed in RTP chambers.

Abstract: Use of a metallocene compound of general formula Ind2R″MQ2 as a component of a catalyst system for the production of a polyethylene copolymer substantially in the absence of comonomer, wherein each Ind is the same or different and is indenyl or substituted indenyl; R″ is a bridge which comprises a C1 to C4 alkylene radical, a dialkyl germanium or silicon or siloxane, alkyl phosphine or amine, which bridge is substituted or unsubstituted, M is a Group IV metal or vanadium and each Q is hydrocarbyl having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or halogen; and the ratio of meso to racemic forms of the metallocene in the catalyst system is at least 1:3.

Abstract: Catalytic systems and methods for oxidizing materials in the presence of metal catalysts (preferably manganese-containing catalysts) complexed with selected macropolycyclic rigid ligands, preferably cross-bridged macropolycyclic ligands. Included are using these metal catalysts in such processes as: synthetic organic oxidation reactions such as oxidation of organic functional groups, hydrocarbons, and heteroatoms, including enantiomeric epoxidation of alkenes, enynes, sulfides to sulfones and the like; oxidation of oxidizable compounds (e.g., stains) on surfaces such as fabrics, dishes, countertops, dentures and the like; oxidation of oxidizable compounds in solution, dye transfer inhibition in the laundering of fabrics; and further in the bleaching of pulp and paper products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds in which a transition metal is complexed with two ligand systems and the two systems are reversibly bonded together by at least one bridge consisting of a donor and an acceptor, at least one substituent on the acceptor group being a fluorinated aryl radical, to the use of these compounds as catalysts and to a process for the polymerization of olefins.

Abstract: The present invention concern, a method for enhancing the activity of vanadium phosphorus oxide (VPO) catalysts. Promoter reagents are grafted onto or reacted with the catalyst surface. An optional calcination and activation heating cycle transforms the catalyst precursor into a final active phase. A preferred VPO catalyst produced has a ratio of molybdenum to vanadium on the surface of the catalyst to molybdenum to vanadium in the overall bulk of the catalyst represented by the equation (Mo/V) Surface≧1.10 (Mo/V) overall bulk.

Abstract: In a coated catalyst having a core and at least one shell surrounding the core, the core is made up of an inert support material, the shell or shells is/are made up of a porous support substance, with the shell being attached physically to the core, and a catalytically active metal selected from the group consisting of the metals of the 10th and 11th groups of the Periodic Table of the Elements is present in finely divided form or a precursor of the catalytically active metal is present in uniformly distributed form in the shell or shells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monolith catalysts comprising a catalytic metal deposited onto a coated monolith substrate comprising a wash coat applied to a monolith substrate wherein the monolith catalysts have a surface area ranging from 0.1 to 25 m2/gram as measured by adsorption of N2 or Kr using the BET method. The invention also relates to the coated monolith substrates used in such monolith catalysts. The monolith catalysts of the present invention are particularly suited toward use in hydrogenation processes which employ an immiscible mixture of an organic reactant in water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat-sensitive recording material comprising a support and a heat-sensitive recording layer formed on the support and containing a leuco dye, a developer and a binder, wherein the heat-sensitive recording material uses as the developer at least two hydroxy-diphenylsulfone compounds such as 4-hydroxy-4′-isopropoxy-diphenylsulfone, 2,4′-dihydroxy-diphenylsulfone and the like, and uses as the leuco dye a black-color-forming leuco dye such as 3-di(n-butyl)amino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluoran or the like and 0.5 to 3.5 wt. %, relative to the black-color-forming leuco dye, of a red-color-forming leuco dye such as 3-diethylamino-7-chlorofluoran or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material comprising a sheet wherein said sheet comprises at least one layer comprising polyether polymeric antistat and thermally processable onium salt.

Abstract: Fungicidal mixtures comprise as active components

Abstract: A water dispersible granule formulation prepared by pulverized a part of active ingredients into fine particles under wet milling and pulverized another part of the active ingredients into coarse particles under dry milling, then kneading the both active ingredients for the granulation, and a process for producing the water dispersible granule formulation are disclosed. The water dispersible granule formulation according to the present invention is applicable for production of a water dispersible granule formulation comprising an active ingredient which is easily decomposed owing to environmental conditions and allows to provide the water dispersible granule formulation provided with enhanced initial and residual biological activities.

Abstract: A method of making a high density Mg—B superconducting article includes providing a packed powder sheath, said powder comprising a source of magnesium and boron, subjecting the packed powder sheath to a symmetric deformation, said deformation selected to elongate the packed powder sheath to form a wire while retaining the free flow of particles within the powder core, subjecting the wire to high reduction rolling, said high reduction rolling selected to reduce the wire thickness by 40 to 95% and heating the rolled article to improve the superconducting properties of the article. A superconducting article comprised of one or more elongated metal matrix regions containing one or more embedded elongated superconducting Mg—B regions running the full length of the article is disclosed, wherein the superconducting Mg—B regions have a density greater than 95 % of the theoretical density, and a transition temperature in zero field of 30 K.

Abstract: An article including a substrate, a layer of an inert oxide material upon the surface of the substrate, (generally the inert oxide material layer has a smooth surface, i.e., a RMS roughness of less than about 2 nm), a layer of an amorphous oxide or oxynitride material upon the inert oxide material layer, a layer of an oriented cubic oxide material having a rock-salt-like structure upon the amorphous oxide material layer is provided together with additional layers such as at least one layer of a buffer material upon the oriented cubic oxide material layer or a HTS top-layer of YBCO directly upon the oriented cubic oxide material layer. With a HTS top-layer of YBCO upon at least one layer of a buffer material in such an article, Jc's of 1.4×106 A/cm2 have been demonstrated with projected Ic's of 210 Amperes across a sample 1 cm wide.

Abstract: Environmentally acceptable or regulatory compliant oil-based drilling fluids and methods of using same in drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation are disclosed. The fluids are able to meet environmental regulations while maintaining acceptable oil mud rheology and overall oil mud performance. The fluids are comprised of an invert emulsion. The base or continuous phase of the emulsion is comprised of esters blended with isomerized olefins, and/or other hydrocarbons, such as paraffins, mineral oils or glyceride triesters or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the emulsion has as a base comprising isomerized olefins blended with other hydrocarbons such as linear alpha olefins, paraffins or naphthenes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment to be used as an additive to a stock lubricant. The present invention may comprise an amount of a base fluid or other fluid, such as polybutylene, naphthenic oil, or a group III base fluid and a bismuth in a non-active sulfur. The present invention formula may further comprise one or more of a defoamer, a friction modifier, a detergent, a dispersant, and a polyol ester. Bismuth may be a particularly good sacrificial material for use as a lubricant additive because it is a heavy weight inorganic material that becomes soft at high temperatures. The preferred embodiment may utilize approximately 60% of the base fluid and approximately 30% of the bismuth in a non-active sulfur (approximately 15%-18% by weight bismuth) by volume. The treatment can be useful as a additive to a motor oil, a hydraulic lubricant, a gear lubricant, a diesel oil lubricant, or a compressor lubricant.

Abstract: A process for modifying an unsaturated triacylglycerol oil, such as an vegetable oil stock, to enhance its fluidity and/or oxidative stability is provided. Lubricants containing a modified an unsaturated triacylglycerol oil and methods for their production and use are also provided.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a lubricant or lubricant additive having a viscosity ranging from 200 to 1100 cSt which at the same time is compatible with non-polar base fluids such as poly(&agr;-olefins), and which comprises a copolymer of an &agr;-olefin having of from 8 to 18 carbon atoms and a fumaric diester having an aliphatic alcohol as the esterifying component, the copolymer having a weight average molecular weight above approximately 3500, and the esterifying component being C8 to C10 alcohol (linear or branched) or iso-C13 alcohol. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of the copolymers wherein an &agr;-olefin having of from 8 to 18 carbon atoms is reacted with a fumaric diester under the influence of a peroxide radical initiator having tertiary alkyl groups while applying a temperature of from 110° C. to 150 ° C.

Abstract: A viscosity index improver, which comprises a polymer (A) having a solubility parameter of 8.6-9.4, a crystallizing initiation temperature of equal to or less than −15° C.

Abstract: Perfume delivery compositions and/or consumable compositions that include perfumed particles made of a porous inorganic mineral carrier and a perfume composition absorbed and/or adsorbed thereon. The perfume composition having low levels of certain classes of perfume ingredients that tend to be unstable when incorporated onto or into a porous mineral carrier. Articles of manufacture include the perfume delivery or consumable compositions, and a moisture impermeable container. Optionally, the moisture impermeable container is designed for single use or unit dosing of the compositions. Optionally, the moisture impermeable container is designed for bulk compositions and optionally includes a reclosable or resealable closure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for topical application, comprising at least one electrolyte and at least one amphiphilic polymer including at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing a sulphonic group, in free form or partially or totally neutralized form and comprising at least one hydrophobic portion.

Abstract: A silicone dissolving composition includes an organo-acid compound such as sulfonic acid or phosphinic acid, a solvent miscible with the organo-acid and able to swell a silicone, a thickener and a small amount of mineral acid. Silicone films dissolve to a liquefied mass capable of being wiped from a substrate in a matter of minutes. The removal of automotive, electrical, and construction sealants and gaskets is simplified with the use of such a silicone dissolving composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to catalytically bleaching substrates, especially laundry fabrics, with a transition metal catalyst and an anionic surfactant that readily forms micelles at a low concentration in solution.

Abstract: Liquid or gel bleaching compositions comprising a diacyl peroxide, thickener, and water are disclosed. Preferred compositions are for use in automatic dishwashing machines. The compositions are effective in removing stains, especially carotenoid stains, from plastics while minimizing deposition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solvent-welding process for water-soluble films, characterized in that the solvent used comprises a plasticizer.

Abstract: A solvent composition that comprises a C1-C4 lactate ester and an odor-reducing amount of a tertiary amine having a boiling point at one atmosphere of about 80° C. to about 160° C. is disclosed. The composition (a) is substantially free of odor due to the tertiary amine, (b) exhibits a reduced amount of odor due to the lactate ester as compared to the same composition without the tertiary amine, and (c) is a homogeneous liquid or gel at zero degrees Celsius. A method of reducing the odor of a lactate ester-based solvent is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to gemini surfactants, optionally in combination with ingredients customary in rinse aids, optionally with further nonionic surfactants and anionic surfactants, and to the use of the gemini surfactants for improving the wetting behavior in rinse aids.

Abstract: Disintegration adjunct particles for use in detergents and cleaning agents include an alkali layer silicate and a water swellable compound. The adjunct particles provide increased disintegration of solid particles in detergents and cleaning agents by facilitating the penetration of water into the adjunct particles and hence increase the expansion rate of the water swellable compound. The adjunct particles may also include a readily soluble, non-bleaching active detergent substance to thereby increase the disintegration rate.

Abstract: Adjuvant surfactant compositions for beneficially modifying the properties, particularly rheological properties, of surfactant systems are provided. The surfactant compositions, which include at least one primary surfactant and can be substantially free of monoethanolamines, diethanolamines, and diethanolamides include alkoxylated hydroxyalkyl isostearamide which is substantially a liquid at room temperature. The isostearamide composition may also include a second surfactant. Methods of preparation and uses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A softener composition, which contains tri-long-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt that has been considered to be difficult to use as a softener base agent, and which can provide a softener composition that provides a sufficient softening performance, is provided with (A) a cationic surfactant comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium salts represented by the formulae (I), (II) or (III), wherein the ratio of quaternary ammonium salt represented by the formula (I) to the total amount of these salts exceeds 50 weight %, with the ratio thereof represented by (III) being set to not more than 10%, and (B) at least one nonionic surfactant. In this case, (A) may include tertiary amine.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for the prevention, treatment, or management of gastrointestinal disorders or symptoms thereof, employing two or more agents or compounds to provide a triple site action on 5-HT3 receptors, 5-HT4 receptors, and at least one of H2 receptors and proton pumps.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel peptide compounds which have HCV protease inhibitory activity as well as methods for preparing such compounds. In another embodiment, the invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising such peptides as well as methods of using them to treat disorders associated with the HCV protease.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient having a wound is described. The method includes administering an amount of a chemodenervating agent such that healing of the wound is enhanced. The method is illustrated by detailing the mean differences of the scores of the paired experimental and control scars across three observers.

Abstract: A method for separating a chemical or biological compound present in a mixture of similar compounds by diffusion in a medium, the method comprising (i) introducing a mixture of compounds into said medium (ii) reacting the compounds (Ci) of the mixture in the medium with a component (P) present in the medium to obtain products (Qi), wherein the reactions Ci+P→Qi are reversible and have kinetic constants k1,I in the direction of production of products (Qi) and (k2,i) in the reverse direction; and (iii) applying to the medium a field that varies periodically with time and to which compounds (Ci) are sensitive, wherein the period of the field and the concentration of component (P) in the medium are determined as a function of the kinetic constants (k1,k2) of the compound (C) to be separated to establish resonance condition between said reactions and the field, for which compound C has an apparent diffusion coefficient (Da) in the medium that is a maximum value.

Abstract: Methods for modulating the levels of plasma triglyceride and other lipids in a subject which comprise administration of an effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist, alone or in conjunction with other compounds or compositions that lower blood triglyceride and/or other lipid levels.