Abstract: A current limiting device comprises at least two electrodes; an electrically conducting composite material between the electrodes; interfaces between the electrodes and electrically conducting composite material; an inhomogeneous distribution of resistance at the interfaces whereby, during a high current event, adiabatic resistive heating at the interfaces causes rapid thermal expansion and vaporization and at least a partial physical separation at the interfaces; and a structure for exerting compressive pressure on the electrically conducting composite material, wherein the electrically conducting composite material comprises at least one polymer matrix and at least one conductive filler.

Abstract: Carbon fiber-filled, thermoplastic resin compositions having improved electrical properties at a given level of carbon fibers are formed from thermoplastic resin and carbon fibers associated into bundles with a binder. The thermoplastic resin and the binder are selected to be incompatible such that the adhesion of the fiber to the resin is poor. An exemplary composition is formed from a thermoplastic polymer selected from among polystyrene, high impact polystyrene, polycarbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene ether, polyether imide and blends thereof; and carbon fibers associated into bundles with a polyamide terpolymer binder. The bundles are dispersed within the thermoplastic polymer. The compositions can be used for injection molding of articles for use as components in applications requiring static dissipation and/or EMI shielding. Such articles include electronic devices, dust handling equipment and notebook computer enclosures.

Abstract: A photosensitive device with a microlens array may be packaged for surface mount packaging and subsequent mass reflow processing without significantly degrading the optical performance of the microlens. The microlens may be formed using a series of heat steps of increasing time and temperature. In addition, the microlens may be bleached to prevent degradation of its optical transmissivity at temperatures normally associated with surface mount techniques.

Abstract: A bi-chromal ball production apparatus and method where the bi-chromal ball material is fed from opposite sides of the disk, reconfiguring the internal geometry of the apparatus, and precisely configuring the bi-chromal ball material feeding slit. The bi-chromal ball production apparatus has a disk that rotates, a first supply structure that supplies a first bi-chromal ball material to the disk from a first direction, a second supply structure tube that supplies a second bi-chromal ball material to the disk from a second direction and a motor that rotates the disk. The bi-chromal ball production apparatus includes a first reservoir and a first slit defined by the disk and a top body, a second reservoir and a second slit defined by the disk and a bottom body. An inner surface of each of the first and second reservoir is parabola shaped.

Abstract: A method of overmolding a heat pipe includes providing an injection mold apparatus having a cavity, an input gate, a bleed off overflow gate in communication with the cavity and a tubular heat pipe charged with phase change media which is capable of being collapsed by imparting an external collapsing pressure. The tubular heat pipe is placed into the cavity in the injection mold apparatus. A net shape moldable thermally conductive material is introduced into the cavity and around the tubular pipe. The bleed off overflow gate is set to open at a predetermined pressure which less than the external collapsing pressure which would damage the heat pipe to be overmolded. Pressure is relieved in the cavity of the mold apparatus through the bleed off overflow gate when pressure in the bleed off overflow gate reaches the predetermined pressure. As a result, delicate heat pipes can be overmolded in an injection mold apparatus without damage to the heat pipe during the molding process.

Abstract: Methods of producing polyethylene films having a desired water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) are provided. The methods include casting a polyethylene sheet which has a base layer of a polyethylene and a cavitating agent, and at least one layer of a WVTR-controlling material, and subsequently biaxially orienting the sheet to yield a film having the desired WVTR. The base layer has a porous microstructure and a WVTR substantially higher than the desired WVTR.

Abstract: An attachment structure for a load bearing fabric. The attachment structure includes an expandable carrier secured to an unstretched load bearing fabric. To attach the carrier to the frame, the carrier and fabric are stretched together to desired shape and secured to a support frame. The present invention also provides a method for securing a load bearing fabric to a support structure. The method generally includes the steps of (a) providing a relaxed section of load bearing fabric, (b) molding an expandable carrier about the fabric while the fabric is in the relaxed state, the configuration of the frame being preselected to assume the desired shape upon later expansion (c) expanding the carrier and fabric to provide the fabric with the desired tension and (d) securing the expanded carrier and tensioned fabric to the support structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to regulating agglomeration of elastic material (e.g., elastic strand) by regulating exposure of the material to water or water vapor. In some versions of the invention, regulating agglomeration in this way decreases, minimizes, or eliminates strand breaks on a production machine using the strand as raw material. Representative embodiments encompass regulating the material's exposure to water or water vapor by regulating temperature, humidity, or both around the elastic material, or containers containing the elastic material, so that the elastic material remains substantially unagglomerated. Other representative embodiments encompass packaging the elastic material in a way that regulates the material's exposure to water or water vapor so that the material remains substantially unagglomerated.

Abstract: A method of providing multiple arcuate ablations on a corner portion of a polymeric laminate. The laminate includes more than one layer, with each layer having a an exposed upper surface. The method comprises selectively ablating a first layer in a first arcuate path, and selectively ablating remaining layers, each remaining layer ablated in a separate arcuate path. The arcuate path of any layer neither overlays nor underlies the arcuate path of any other layer.

Abstract: A method of producing a microporous membrane comprising the steps of: extruding a polymer at a temperature of from (polymer melting point +10° C.) to (polymer melting point +100° C.); drawing the extruded polymer at a rate of 5˜120 m/min in 10˜150° C. to obtain a polymer film; annealing the polymer film at a temperature of from (polymer melting point −100° C.) to (polymer melting point −5° C.) for 10 seconds to 1 hour; irradiating both surfaces of the annealed polymer film with an ion-particle amount of 102˜1020 ion/cm2 energized at 10−2˜107 KeV, at an irradiating distance of 5˜100 cm under a vacuum of 10−2˜10−[torr; cold stretching the irradiated polymer film at a temperature of from −20° C. to (polymer melting point −40° C.); hot stretching the cold stretched polymer film at a temperature of from (polymer melting point −40° C.) to (polymer melting point −5° C.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a boat shell having a hull and deck molded together as a unitary piece in a single molding step is provided. A two part mold is provided including a first and a second mold half. Prior to molding the two halves are separated and materials which are used to form the inner layer, core and outer layer of the shell, are laid up within each half. Cooperative inserts are also removably secured to opposing upper and lower edges of the first and second mold halves. The inserts are then removed, a vacuum is created within the mold, and the shell is heated until cured. By overlapping and curing the port and starboard sides, the two sides become molded in a permanent manner such that the deck and hull of the boat are formed together as a unitary boat shell in a single molding step.

Abstract: A method of forming a socket on a pipe of thermoplastic material is disclosed. In the process, an end section of the pipe is heated in a heating station. Then, the pipe is transferred to a socket-forming station having a socket-forming mandrel. This is followed by the socket-forming mandrel being introduced into the pipe end section, heated to a suitable socket-forming temperature, and the end section being formed into a socket. Prior to the pipe end section being heated in the heating station, a support is introduced into the end section in order to internally support the end section. The support remains in the end section after the socket-forming mandrel is introduced into the pipe and in the process the support is pushed deeper into the pipe.

Abstract: In order to provide a mold of a shape which has been designed to take into account the deformation occurring during the cooling process, the mold cavity is formed so that the external volume of a molded product obtained by blow molding in this cavity ultimately shrinks by a prescribed percentage of the volume of the mold cavity, and so that in the region of maximum shrinkage the external size of the body portion of the molded product shrinks by a prescribed percentage of the size of the corresponding portion of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A ladle after teeming for a continuous casting and a subsequent slag discharge is mounted on a ladle truck and then moved by the ladle truck to a tapping station. The ladle on the ladle truck is then stationed over a predetermined stand-by time and is then immediately moved to a tapping position to receive a molten steel from a converter. The ladle is quickly heated during the stand-by time, by a regenerative-type burner system carried by a ladle lid which is attached to the ladle to cover the top opening of the ladle. This allows the tapping temperature of the molten steel to be set to a low level, offering advantages such as a remarkable reduction in the consumption of carbonaceous materials as the temperature controller, as well as extended life of ladle refractories through suppression of thermal attack. At the same time, consumption of fuel gas for heating the ladle by the burner system is reduced to contribute to saving of energy.

Abstract: In order to configure a bell and hopper for shaft furnaces, in particular, blast furnaces, comprising a charging bin with a feed tube, a rotating chute carrier with rotary drive, a swiveling chute in the interior of the furnace with drive means arranged external to a housing, in a less failure-prone and a wear resistant way, the drive means for the swivel movement of the chute are to comprise: at least one motor (7) which drives by a respective pinion (8) a crown gear (9), wherein the crown gear (9) engages the spindle gear wheels (11) of at least two spindles (13) distributed about the periphery of the bell and hopper external to the rotating chute carrier (3) for generating a lifting and lowering movement of the spindles, as well as means (14, 15, 17, 21) for transmitting this vertical movement of the spindles onto the tilting shafts (22), which penetrate the inner wall (24) of the chute carrier (3) and from which the chute can be suspended, for generating a swivel and tilting movement of the chute.

Abstract: The invention concerns combinations of substances with (1) an aromatic mercaptothiazole or triazole, (2) a multiple substituted phenol insoluble in water, (3) L ascorbic acid or one of its salts and possibly (4) a suitable carboxylic acid/salt pair that after sublimation and condensation on metal surfaces can stabilize the pH value of a condensed water film in the range 4.8≦pH≦6.5 (referred to 25° C.), and use of the combinations of substances as vapor-phase corrosion inhibitors in packaging or for storage in closed spaces for protecting preferably metals that cannot be passivated, like copper, silver, manganese, magnesium and their alloys, against atmospheric corrosion.

Abstract: A process useful for disinfecting medical instruments is presented involving reacting a hydrogen peroxide donor with an N-acyl compound in an aqueous medium having a pH of 9 to 11 to form an acylated hydrogen peroxide preparation, reducing the pH of the acylated hydrogen peroxide preparation to pH 7 to 9; and contacting the acylated hydrogen peroxide preparation with a medical instrument. The process provides good antimicrobial activity with little corrosion. The process is effective against mycobacteria.

Abstract: An electronic device performs active biological operations such as, for example, the analysis of a solution containing charged biological materials. The device can take the form of a flow cell that includes an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber connected to a flow cell chamber. An array containing a plurality of electrodes is contained within the flow cell chamber. Inlet and outlet ports are provided in the inlet chamber and outlet chamber, respectively. The inlet and outlet chambers advantageously have substantially constant cross-sectional flow areas.

Abstract: A test device 1 for analyzing a specific component in a test solution with a reagent by allowing the solution introduced via a feed opening 4 to react with the reagent maintained in a predetermined position in a capillary tube 3 having the opening 4 and an air outlet 5. The tube is provided with two hydrophilic regions 31,33 and a hydrophobic region 32. The region 31 transfers the solution from the opening 4 to the reagent. The region 33 is delimited to a predetermined area maintaining the reagent. The region 32 separates the region 31 from the region 33. The reagent and the solution are applied in predetermined amounts to the region 33. A measuring device need not previously measure the solution. The device is useful as an analytical device for rapid and easy analysis, and can be produced in a less number of steps because the reagent can be fixed by merely applying it onto a predetermined position.

Abstract: A humidity sensor 10 with high assembling properties and environmental resistance comprises a detecting element 14 having electrodes 14a and 14b formed on a base, conducting wires 12 and 13 connected individually to the electrodes by means of resin conductors formed of an organic high-molecular resin having an electrically conductive material dispersed therein, and a holding member 11 of an organic high-molecular resin for holding the detecting element and the conducting wires. The holding member has a connecting aperture 11c through which junctions between the electrodes and the conducting wires are exposed.

Abstract: A pipette for the handling of a syringe. The pipette has jaw chucks which are adjustably arranged with respect to the plunger receptacle, being pivotably mounted on a plunger-gripping device. The syringe is insertable with opened jaw chucks with the plunger head only partially contacting the jaw chucks. The jaw chucks are laterally engageable on the plunger head upon insertion of the syringe. The engaging movement of the jaw chucks on the plunger head is regulated according to the invention so that the engaging movement has a substantially tangential component with respect to the surface of the plunger head. As a result, a desired and form-locking connection to the plunger head of the syringe results that requires a small amount of force.

Abstract: A microtitration plate including a plastic base having a multiplicity of cups shaped and sized to receive biological liquid samples, each cup being surrounded by an attenuated zone and having an upper collar sized and shaped to cooperate with a complementary sized and shaped tool to exert a torsional force on the upper collar, thereby causing detachment of the cup by tearing at least a portion of the attenuated zone.

Abstract: Reactors for the total recycling of contaminated liquid waste, which produce a clean burning combustible gas, usable heat, and solid precipitates. Different embodiments include the efficient recycling of automotive antifreeze and oil waste, a new method for the production of a fuel from crude oil, for desalting seawater and for recycling biologically contaminated liquid waste, such as town sewage, into a clean burning combustible gas, nutrient rich water useful for irrigation, and solid precipitates useful for fertilizers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the irradiation, in particular UV irradiation, of a liquid. The irradiation takes place in this case under precisely defined and reproducible operating conditions. The apparatus has a rotating cylinder with an upper inflow, a lower outflow and an irradiation unit, the cylinder forming an angle of inclination (&agr;) with the horizontal. The lower outflow also has two connections for passing on the liquid, one connection being closable with the aid of a first control unit if the irradiation of the liquid deviates from the defined conditions.

Abstract: The invention is a three-way catalyst, its method of manufacture, and use for treating exhaust gas generated by a gasoline internal combustion engine. The method comprises coating a substrate with mixed metal oxide particles in an amount of 10-30 wt. % based on the weight of the substrate. The mixed metal oxide comprises at least aluminum and rare earth metals of cerium and lanthanum. Precious metals are then deposited on the oxide coating and comprise at least one of platinum and palladium overcoated with rhodium. The total loading of precious metals is about 5-35 g/ft3 of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing hexafluorophosphoric acid complexed with about 1 to 3.3 molecules of water which are stable at temperatures below 20° C. and the compositions prepared thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the synthesis of MeAPO molecular sieves which includes the following steps: providing a source of alumina, a source of phosphorus, water, and a template suitable for forming a MeAPO molecular sieve; providing a source of metal (Me) including metal particles, the metal particles measuring, in their largest dimension, equal to or less than five nanometers; providing a water soluble organic solvent capable of solubilizing the source of metal; forming a synthesis mixture from the source of alumina, the source of phosphorus, the water, the template, the source of metal, and the solvent; and forming a MeAPO molecular sieve from the synthesis mixture.

Abstract: Process and reactor for the preparation of ammonia at elevated pressure and temperature in an ammonia reactor, wherein a process stream of ammonia synthesis gas is successively passed through at least three catalyst beds with intermediate cooling of partially reacted synthesis gas leaving the catalyst beds by heat exchange in heat exchangers arranged between each catalyst bed. The process stream is obtained by combining prior to introduction into a first catalyst bed, a first feed stream of synthesis gas having been preheated through indirect heat exchange during the intermediate cooling of the partially converted synthesis gas and a second feed stream of synthesis gas for adjustment of temperature of the process stream. The first feed stream is passed successively through the interbed heat exchangers for cooling the partially converted synthesis gas and space velocity of the synthesis gas is adjusted to be substantially in the same range in all catalyst beds.

Abstract: A graphite having geometrically shaped holes limited to the top atomic layer such as circles, polygons and combinations thereof, and a method of preparing a graphite having geometrically shaped holes such as circles, polygons and combinations thereof where the geometrically shaped holes are limited to the top atomic layer.

Abstract: The process according to the invention comprises bringing gaseous hydrogen chloride in a non-condensable gas into contact with an absorbing medium selected from water or a dilute aqueous hydrogen chloride solution in an absorption column to cause the medium to absorb the gaseous hydrogen chloride, and subjecting the resultant absorbed solution to distillation in the presence of a salt having a salting-out effect to produce anhydrous hydrogen chloride.

Abstract: Tantalum and niobium aluminate mixed metal oxides may be made by a process comprising mixing a first metal compound selected from the group consisting of aluminum alkoxide, aluminum beta-diketonate, aluminum alkoxide beta-diketonate, and mixtures thereof with a second metal compound selected from the group consisting of niobium alkoxide, niobium beta-diketonate, niobium alkoxide beta-diketonate, tantalum alkoxide, tantalum beta-diketonate, tantalum alkoxide beta-diketonate, and mixtures thereof to provide a precursor and then hydrolyzing the mixture. The resulting mixed metal oxide may be used in a variety of components of integrated circuits.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus (vessel) for providing a heat transfer rate from a reaction chamber through a wall to a heat transfer chamber substantially matching a local heat transfer rate of a catalytic thermal chemical reaction. The key to the invention is a thermal distance defined on a cross sectional plane through the vessel inclusive of a heat transfer chamber, reaction chamber and a wall between the chambers. The cross sectional plane is perpendicular to a bulk flow direction of the reactant stream, and the thermal distance is a distance between a coolest position and a hottest position on the cross sectional plane. The thermal distance is of a length wherein the heat transfer rate from the reaction chamber to the heat transfer chamber substantially matches the local heat transfer rate.

Abstract: Intestinal radiation injury (radiation enteropathy) is an important dose limiting factor during treatment of abdominal and pelvic tumors and a major determinant in the quality of life among cancer survivors. Inflammatory and fibrogenic mediators released by mucosal inflammatory cells are involved in the mechanisms of injury. Treatment with Orazipone decreases the toxicity following Gy radiation dose, as measured by histopathologic scoring, TGF-&bgr;, IL-1&agr;, and ED-2 macrophage antigen immunoreactivity.

Abstract: Compositions comprising cyaniding reagents for binding to Fc&ggr;RI receptors, and methods and kits for use therefor are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying inhibitors of the bitter taste response, and by methods of using such inhibitors to either block the perception of bitterness and/or promote the perception of a sweet taste. The inhibitors of the invention may be used as flavor enhancers in foods and pharmaceuticals. The methods of the invention may further be used to characterize the gustatory perception of novel tastants.

Abstract: Improved methods for detecting lesions in dense breast tissue are disclosed. The methods of the invention generally feature administration to a subject of an LHRH antagonist in an amount and for a period of time sufficient to reduce the density of breast tissue prior to generating an image of the breast tissue, for example by mammography, to detect a lesion in the breast tissue. Packaged formulations for reducing breast density in a subject prior to generating an image of the subject's breast tissue, comprising an LHRH antagonist packaged with instructions for using the LHRH antagonist to reduce breast density in a subject prior to imaging the breast tissue, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Kits for detecting and treating endometriosis are provided, which contain a targeting molecule comprising an eosinophil peroxidase-binding component. Methods of detecting and treating endometriosis using eosinophil peroxidase-specific targeting molecules are also provided Targeting molecules comprise an eosinophil peroxidase-binding component and an accessory component; the accessory component comprising an agent conferring detectability or a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of particulate materials as contrast agents in in vivo light imaging.

Abstract: This invention relates to a medicinal aerosol formulation and, more particularly, to a medicinal aerosol formulation an insulin combination and a fluid carrier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a medicinal aerosol formulation and more particularly, to a medicinal aerosol formulation containing a &bgr;-cell hypoglycemic agent and a fluid carrier.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of crystalline polymers based on hydrophobic monomers, preferably on a mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers which contains a crosslinking monomer, particularly side chain crystalline (SCC) polymers. The dispersions are useful for providing coatings on substrates, particularly on seeds (whose dormancy is thus extended) and on fibrous substrates, particularly human hair (which thus becomes heat-settable).

Abstract: This invention relates to novel sunscreen compositions containing inorganic sunscreen agents, anionic emulsifiers and an oil component which permit the use of high amounts of inorganic sunscreen agents in the compositions without having extreme whitening effects and achieving high sun protection factors.

Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable polyesters based on lower hydroxy acids and hydroxy fatty acids. The resulting polyesters are useful as cosmetic vehicles for sunscreens, skin lotions and by themselves are also useful as milder skin exfoliants.

Abstract: A method of reducing or preventing body malodour by topically applying to human skin perfume components capable of inhibiting the producation of odoriferous steroids by microorganisms on the skin. The perfume components are capable of inhibiting bacterial 4-ene reductase and/or 5&agr;-reductase.

Abstract: An anhydrous or substantially anhydrous self-warming rinse-out composition which comprises: a) a glycol, b) a quaternary ammonium compound, c) an amidoamine, and d) a silicone.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a physiological method for improving vision in a human patient. This method involves topical application to the eye, an amount of acetylcholine esterase inhibitor containing composition so that it is sufficient to provide a therapeutic benefit to improve the visual acuity in the human patient. The composition is administered topically and at bedtime after an eye straining work for about 20 minutes. The method disclosed herein is used for treatment and prevention of congenital and acquired color vision blindness, treatment of ocular hypertension and glaucoma, prevention of the progression of myopia, treatment of strabismus or squint, potentiation of best visual acuity, neuro-protection, treatment of aberrations secondary to pupil dilation.

Abstract: A stabilized insect mating disruption pheromone compositions comprising an insect pheromone and 2,2′-Methylenebis(6-t-butyl-p-cresol). Methods of use and microcapsules containing these compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Elk ligand (Elk-L) polypeptides as well as DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in providing elk-L polypeptides are used in methods for enhancing the survival or inhibiting the death of neurons, particularly hippocampal neurons. The elk-L polypeptides bind to a cell surface receptor that is a member of the tyrosine kinase receptor family.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are topical formulations of Interleukin-11 and methods for treating a variety of disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis, and infectious colitis), mucositis (e.g., oral mucositis, gastrointestinal mucositis, nasal mucositis, and proctitis), necrotizing enterocolitis, inflammatory skin disorders (e.g., psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and contact hypersensitivity), aphthous ulcers, pharyngitis, esophagitis, peptic ulcers, gingivitis, periodontitis, and ocular diseases (e.g., conjunctivitis, retinitis, and uveitis).

Abstract: The invention relates to macrophages which have at least one of the following properties: their cytotoxic activity without IFN-7 is increased by about 20 to 30% with respect to standard macrophages, and is preferably of about 70%; their cytotoxic activity with IFN-&ggr; is increased by about 20 to about 40% with respect to standard macrophages, and is preferably of about 93%; the extension of the deactivation of the cytotoxic activity in reply to an activation of IFN-&ggr; is in a ratio such that after 60h of activation with IFN-&ggr;, the cytotoxic activity is higher than or equal to 30%, preferably of about 55%, compared to the maximum cytotoxic activity presented by the macrophages due to IFN-&ggr; activation, with said cytotoxic activity being measured as the percentage of inhibition of 3-H thymidine incorporation by target tumoral cells, particularly U 937 cells.