Abstract: This invention relates to a tire curing system (10) having a plurality of molds disposed in side by side relation, transporting means (91) for transporting green tires (20) to the tire curing system, loading means (71) for loading a green tire (20) into a bottom mold half (14) of one of the molds, mold closing means (34) for closing a top mold half (13) over the bottom mold half (14), self-locking means (15) for locking the top mold half to the bottom mold half, curing means (18) for curing the green tires, mold opening means (35) for opening the top mold half from the bottom mold half, unloading means (72) for unloading the cured tire (22) from the bottom mold half (14) and take-away means (17) for carrying the cured tires (22) away from the curing system (10). The loading means (71) and the unloading means (72) include a movable robot (40) and the mold closing means (34) and the mold opening means (35) include a movable manipulator (30). The robot and the manipulator move in straight lines.

Abstract: The invention comprises a mold useful for the preparation of a polyurethane based article comprising a metal coated on the surfaces to come in contact with the polyurethane materials wherein the coating is a continuous matrix of cobalt or nickel having dispersed in such discontinuous matrix a fluorinated polyolefin polymer. In another aspect the invention is a process for injection molding a part from polyurethane materials which process comprises injecting polyurethane based materials into a mold as described above, exposing the injected materials to conditions such that a solidified article is formed and removing the formed article from the mold. In another aspect the invention is an article comprising polyurethane material prepared by injection molding which contains about 0.5 percent by weight or less of an internal mold release and which can be coated in an industrial coating process without the need for a sealer coated on the article.

Abstract: A method of injection molding a part having two undercut regions using a two-part mold. A combined pin-in-a-sleeve extends into the cavity in each of the mold parts in order to form a bore in a part to be molded in that cavity. Each pin provides a portion shaped to form an undercut region in the bore. The pins abut each other. After an injection molded part is made, the mold opens a limited and discrete distance to allow the molded part to be released from the hold of the mold cavity. Then, the mold opens fully for the continuation of a multi-step operation to pull the pins out of the undercut regions.

Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to a process for forming a multilayer electrical device. The process includes providing a multilayer structure including layers of a dielectric material and an electrode material. The electrode material may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of nickel and copper. A variety of dielectric materials may be used, such as barium titanate. The method also includes sintering the dielectric material by heating the structure using microwaves in an industrial nitrogen atmosphere, which contains an oxygen partial pressure of 10−2 to 10−12 atm.

Abstract: A mat of polymeric fibers is treated to alter a filtration surface by the application of heat and pressure. The filtration surface is heated to a temperature sufficient to soften the fibers and pressure is applied to compact the softened fibers in order to reduce the average pore size on or at the filtration surface.

Abstract: A granulation plant for aqueous granulation of a product includes a granulation tank fitted for the injection of granulation water in order to granulate the product. The granulation plant further includes a sedimentation tank, separate from the granulation tank, in which the granulated product settles in the form of granules, as well as a distributor to transfer the water/granule mixture from the granulation tank into the sedimentation tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting a metallic support element to at least one body consisting of a powder metallurgical sintered material. The method is characterised in that said body is brought into contact with the support element in the form of a green body which is compacted from a sintered powder, in that a thin, flat copper body is brought into contact with the green body respectively and in that the entire resulting arrangement is heated to the temperature required to sinter the green body before being cooled again once the sintering process is complete.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a friction member by mixing powders of copper/tin-contained metal, ceramic and graphite, and performing high pressure molding and sintering. This manufacturing method produces a high-performance friction member of copper/tin-contained metal, in which segregation of tin is suppressed. Basically, the friction member manufacturing method includes the steps of: mixing powders of copper/tin-contained metal, ceramic, and graphite with each other to form a powder; molding the mixed powders under a pressure larger than 3 MPa; and sintering a molded object.

Abstract: A powder material is put into a cylindrical mold and electrodes are brought into contact with the side surface of the mold and a current is applied to sinter the material in the mold while a pressure is applied to the material. In this process, local temperature difference is kept as small as possible. A pair of electrodes are brought into contact with the side circumferential surface of a cylindrical mold (25) filled with a powder material (28) to which a pressure is applied and a current is applied to the mold (25) to heat the powder material (28) in the mold (25) and a sintered body is obtained. In order to sinter the material by the current application through the pair of electrodes, two pairs of electrodes (19a, 19b, 19c, 19d) which face each other are all brought into contact with the side surface of the mold (25) and the current is supplied through the electrodes (19) alternately.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aluminium brazing alloy, ideally suitable as fin stock material, having the composition, in weight %: Si 0.4-1.0, Mn 0.7-1.2, Mg up to 0.10, Fe up to 0.8, Zn up to 3.0, Ni 0.5-0.9, Cu up to 0.15, optionally one or more selected from the group consisting of Ti up to 0.20, In up to 0.20, Zr up to 0.25, V up to 0.25 and Cr up to 0.25, other elements up to 0.05 each, up to 0.15 in total, Al balance.

Abstract: Disinfectants having N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)octlyamine as the active substance. The disinfectants are characterized by good activity also against mycobacteria, low efficiency loss under protein load and little foaming. The disinfectants are particularly useful for disinfecting surfaces, containers and pipelines, for instance, in the food industry, and for disinfecting instruments, especially automatic instrument disinfection at low temperatures.

Abstract: A composition for disinfecting an animal product comprising an electro-chemically activated, anion-containing aqueous solution. A plant for treating an animal product including a water reservoir (12), a salt feed device (16) for creating an aqueous salt solution, an electrolysis device (18) to produce anolyte and catolyte solutions, an anion mixing tank (28), and a treatment container (30) to apply the solution to an animal product.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for low temperature processing and high temperature sterilization comprising a halogenated heat-transfer fluid. The apparatus comprises an expansion device which may optionally comprise a membrane. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method therefor.

Abstract: A pressure cleaning vessel 1 is connected to a vacuum chamber P by way of a connecting pipe in the sterilizing and cleaning equipment which utilizes a supercritical fluid. The objects to be treated is impregnated, for a given period, in the supercritical fluid with which the pressure cleaning vessel 1 has been filled. Thereafter, the connection between the pressure vessel 1 and the vacuum chamber P is opened so as to generate sudden bubbling within the vessel 1 as a result of a large pressure difference. Thorough sterilization is achieved at the time when the supercritical fluid having penetrated into bacteria and viruses suddenly explodes and destroys these organisms instantly by its power of vaporization and expansion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for lyophilization comprising one or more delivery containers, e.g. syringes, and a cover plate, which covers them during lyophilization. The cover plate includes a lid region and one or more protuberances, which project perpendicularly from the lid region and fit delivery containers such that the protuberances are not in complete and continuous contact with sidewalls of the delivery containers. The cover plate permits the escape of vapor from the delivery containers during lyophilization process through an annular gap between each protuberance and a sidewall of each container when the cover plate is resting on the top of the delivery containers. At the same the cover plate prevents the escape of lyophilizate, in particular a pharmaceutical, from the containers during lyophilization.

Abstract: Several pin transfer assemblies are disclosed that utilize the surface tension of liquids for picking up and dispensing minute volumes of liquid from wells in a first well plate to a flat substrate surface or into wells in a second well plate. In one embodiment, a plurality of pins reciprocate through complementary arrays of holes in a base plate and an overlying spring plate biased apart by coil springs located around the periphery of the base plate. A foam layer sits on top of the spring plate and a weight plate sits on top of the foam layer. A single coil spring is positioned between a center of the weight plate and the cover to push the weight plate downwardly. The periphery of the cover guides the vertical movement of the weight plate and is connected to the periphery of the base plate. The periphery of the base plate is supported by a frame used to register the pin assembly in a receptacle of a manual or automated liquid transfer apparatus.

Abstract: Dual functional dispensers, wherein the dispensers comprise dispensing units independently capable of dispensing an actively dispersed spray or an evaporative long term dispersible material, comprise active dispensers in combination with passive dispensers of volatile materials. The passive dispenser may comprise the external shell of said dual function dispenser, and may be fashioned of a porous ceramic, plastic, or paper material impregnated with an evaporative passively dispersible material selected from the group consisting of fragrances, air fresheners, deodorizers, odor eliminators, malodor counteractants, insecticides, insect repellants, medicinal substances, disinfectants, sanitizers, mood enhancers, and aroma therapy compositions. The actively dispersed material may be the same or different. Refill units for such dispensers may comprise a spray can and associated control means, and an evaporative dispenser of dispersible material, provided either separately or as an integral unit.

Abstract: A fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process performed in a FCC process unit containing a reactor, a regenerator and an outboard vessel. Catalyst particles containing vanadium are circulated back and forth from the reactor to the regenerator and back and forth from the regenerator and the outboard vessel. The outboard vessel contains a vanadium trap material that removes vanadium from at least a portion of the catalyst particles.

Abstract: A method for observing and determining the size of individual molecules and for determining the weight distribution of a sample containing molecules of varying size, which involves placing a deformable or nondeformable molecule in a medium, subjecting the molecule to an external force, thereby causing conformational and/or positional changes, and then measuring these changes. Preferred ways to measure conformational and positional changes include: (1) determining the rate at which a deformable molecule returns to a relaxed state after termination of the external force, (2) determining the rate at which a molecule becomes oriented in a new direction when the direction of the perturbing force is changed, (3) determining the rate at which a molecule rotates, (4) measuring the length of a molecule, particularly when it is at least partially stretched, or (5) measuring at least one diameter of a spherical or ellipsoidal molecule.

Abstract: An improved device for generating oxygen radicals (atoms) from air is provided for the purpose of cleaning the specimen and interior specimen chamber of Electron Microscopes, and similar high vacuum chambers. The device is an electrode that is able to generate a plasma at very low RF power without magnetic confinement to suppress production of Nitrogen ions and NO+ ions while producing oxygen radicals from air. The electrode is a cylindrical screen that produces multiple hollow cathodes with RF induction trapping of electrons and allows the flow of molecules, radicals, and ions by convection through it. The electrode device is used in a RF Plasma oxygen-radical generator placed on a specimen chamber port of an electron microscope with a RF excitation source to create a low-power plasma inside the generator.

Abstract: Device for purifying a fluid with photonic pulses includes a quartz tube adapted to allow the fluid to flow therethrough. A helical pulse xenon lamp is mounted concentrically about the quartz tube. The helical pulse xenon lamp emits a photonic radiation ranging from a low ultraviolet to an unbroken infrared. A chamber encloses the helical pulse xenon lamp and comprises wavelength reflecting inner walls. A duration of each flash emitted by the helical pulse xenon lamp is between 100 microseconds and 100 milliseconds.

Abstract: A process for high-efficiency catalytic conversion of carbon monoxide (CO) to carbon dioxide (CO2) of the type comprising the steps of feeding at predetermined speed a gaseous flow comprising carbon monoxide to a reaction space (3) and reacting in the reaction space (3) said carbon monoxide to obtain a gaseous flow comprising carbon dioxide is distinguished by the preliminary step of accelerating said gaseous flow comprising carbon monoxide upstream of said reaction space (3).

Abstract: Vapor processor having an aspirator for collecting condensate pooled in the sump region and reintroducing it into a vapor stream being processed.

Abstract: A reinforcing aluminum-based filler which can be used for reinforcing diene rubber compositions intended for the manufacture of tires, comprising an aluminum (oxide-)hydroxide corresponding, with the exception of any impurities and the water of hydration, to the general formula (a and b being real numbers): Al(OH)aOb, with 0<a≦3 and b=(3-a)/2,  (I) the specific BET surface area of which is between 30 and 400 m2/g, the average particle size (by mass) dw of which is between 20 and 400 nm and the disagglomeration rate, &agr;, of which, measured via an ultrasound disagglomeration test at 100% power of a 600-watt ultrasonic probe, is greater than 5×10−3 &mgr;m−1/s is provided. A rubber composition suitable for the manufacture of tires comprising said aluminum-based filler as reinforcing filler.

Abstract: The invention describes a structure and a process for providing ESD semiconductor protection with reduced input capacitance. The structure consists of a heavily doped P+ contact area residing in an N well region on a P substrate and electrically connected to the input pad of active integrated field effect transistor devices. NFET devices with floating gates and drains to reduce capacitance are located in the substrate near the N-well. The NFET source elements as well as the substrate are connected to ground. The NFETs are isolated from the N-well and associate P+ contact area by shallow trench isolation (STI) structures that reduce the NFET drain to substrate and N-well to substrate junction boundary area with a subsequent reduction in the junction capacitance. A voltage pulse from an ESD event will cause the SCR structure and associated parasitic bipolar transistors to trigger providing a path to ground for the ESD current, thereby protecting the internal circuits from damage.

Abstract: System for removal of targeted pollutants, such as oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, mercury compounds and ash, from combustion and other industrial process gases and processes utilizing the system. Oxides of manganese are utilized as the primary sorbent in the system for removal or capture of pollutants. The oxides of manganese are introduced from feeders into reaction zones of the system where they are contacted with a gas from which pollutants are to be removed. With respect to pollutant removal, the sorbent may interact with a pollutant as a catalyst, reactant, adsorbent or absorbent. Removal may occur in single-stage, dual-stage, or multi-stage systems with a variety of different configurations and reaction zones, e.g., bag house, cyclones, fluidized beds, and the like. Process parameters, particularly system differential pressure, are controlled by electronic controls to maintain minimal system differential pressure, and to monitor and adjust pollutant removal efficiencies.

Abstract: A process and system is disclosed for removing sulfur from tail-gas emitted from a Claus sulfur recovery process. First, the tail-gas is oxidized so as to convert sulfur therein to sulfur oxides. Oxidized tail-gas is directed into an absorber where a solid absorbent absorbs substantially all the sulfur oxides thereon. After allowing sufficient time for a desired amount of sulfur oxides to be absorbed, absorption is ceased. Next, the solid absorbent containing the absorbed sulfur oxides is contacted with a reducing gas so as to release an off gas containing hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide. Upon releasing sulfur from the solid absorbent, the solid absorbent is regenerated and redirected into the absorber. Sulfur in the off gas emitted by regeneration is concentrated to an extent sufficient for use within a Claus sulfur recovery process for conversion to elemental sulfur.

Abstract: A fuel processing system is operative to remove substantially all of the sulfur present in a logistic fuel stock supply. The fuel stock can be gasoline, diesel fuel, or other like fuels which contain relatively high levels of organic sulfur compounds such as mercaptans, sulfides, disulfides, and the like. The system is a part of a fuel cell power plant. The fuel stock supply is fed through a reformer where the fuel is converted to a hydrogen rich fuel which contains hydrogen sulfide. The hydrogen sulfide-containg reformer exhaust is passed through a sulfur scrubber, to which is added a small quantity of air, which scrubber removes substantially all of the sulfur in the exhaust stream by means of the Claus reaction. The desulfurizing step causes sulfur to deposit on the scrubber bed, which after a period of time, will prevent further sulfur from being removed from the reformer exhaust stream.

Abstract: Disclosed is calcium metasilicate having an aspect ratio (average major axial diameter/average minor axial diameter) of from about 1:1 to about 2.5:1, and an oil absorption of from about 20 ml/100 g to about 220 ml/100.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a homogeneous and ammonium free calcium nitrate melt with high solidification temperature, suitable for conventional particulation methods, by mixing a potassium source with a calcium nitrate source and heating the formed mixture to 150-155° C. for forming a melt comprising 1.5-5.5% by weight of K (as KNO3), 13-18% by weight of water and 70-80% by weight of Ca(NO3)2. The invention further relates to homogeneous and ammonium free calcium nitrate particles where the particles are a particulated product from a melt comprising 1.5-5.5% by weight of K (as KNO3), 13-18% by weight of water and 70-80% by weight of Ca(NO3)2.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the biological production of sulfuric acid are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition of matter of the formula (I): V—L—R, where V is a vector moiety having affinity for an angiogenesis-related endothelias cell receptor, L is a linker moiety or a bond and R is a detectable moiety, characterized in that V is a non-peptidic organic group, or V is peptidic and R is a macromolecular or particulate species providing a multiplicity of labels detectable in in vivo imaging.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide in vivo analytical methods that allow for diagnosis and management of therapy for diseases involving discrete biochemical pathways. In the method of the invention, a labelled tracer probe, a specifically designed substrate of a “gateway” enzyme, an enzyme marking a regulatory point in a discrete biochemical pathway, is administered to a subject; a labelled product of the action of the enzyme is measured; and the appearance and concentration of the product are related to the disease condition of interest. Determination of the rate of substrate-product conversion of the gateway enzyme allows for the analysis to be made. The method involves administering a defined amount of a labelled “metaprobe” substrate of the gateway enzyme to a subject, at a site that provides access to a desired pool of the gateway enzyme in the subject, and measuring the amount of the chosen labelled product.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition of lorazepam and its pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives are provided for intranasal administration of at least one predetermined volumetric unit dose in the form of a spray by means that delivers one or more therapeutically prescribed unit doses that are highly accurate as to the volume discharged and which leave no significant quantity of the composition in the delivery means.

Abstract: A medicinal formulation is disclosed comprising pioglitazone or a derivative thereof. The formulation additionally comprises a fluid carrier and a stabilizer.

Abstract: A medicinal aerosol steroid solution formulation product with enhanced chemical stability. The steroid is a 20-ketosteroid having an OH group at the C-17 or C-21 position and the aerosol container has a non-metal interior surface which has been found to reduce chemical degradation of such steroids.

Abstract: Therapeutic composition having anti-infective activity. The therapeutic composition is a formulation comprising an antibiotic, preferably a tetracycline, most preferably doxycycline, which has not been chemically modified to eliminate antimicrobial efficacy. The antibiotic is preferably in a liquid vehicle, most preferably one that contains at least 20% alcohol by volume. The therapeutic composition is preferably in local delivery form and is self-administered orally or via the nasal cavity.

Abstract: A device for treating potable water contains a mixed buffer of a cation exchange resin in the hydrogen ion form and an anion exchange resin, a chelating agent and a sparingly soluble calcium salt, all contained in a porous, flow-through bag.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel dental compositions and methods for preventing dental plaque and carie formation and generally for inhibiting tooth decay and brightening/whitening teeth. The compositions of this invention comprise organic acids such as acetic acid and salts thereof which can be combined with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents to be administered in the form of conventional dental compositions. The compositions of the present invention also preferably contain sodium hexametaphosphate.

Abstract: An appetite suppressant toothpaste formulations which simultaneously suppresses the users appetite while promoting intraoral cleanliness. The toothpaste composition includes toothpaste base ingredients; and at least one of appetite suppressant and appetite depressant herbs. The toothpaste base ingredients include a combination of known amounts of Vegetable Glycerin; Sorbitol, Hydrated Silica; Purified Water; Xylitol; Carrageenan; Sodium Lauryl Sulfate; and Titanium Dioxide and a flavoring agent. The appetite suppressing and depressing herbs include at least one of Garcinia Cambogia; Gymnema Sylvestre; Kola Nut; Citrus Aurantium; Yerba Mate; and Griffonia Simplicifolia and comprise a range of substantially 5.5% to substantially 22% by weight of the composition. The appetite suppressing and depressing herbs may further include at least one of Guarana, Green Tea, myrrh, guggul Lipid and black current seed oil. Alternatively, the toothpaste composition may be in the form of a dental cream or mouthspray.

Abstract: A powder-based solid cosmetic composition is provided having a hardness not greater than 75 as measured by an Asker hardness tester type C1L, a porosity of at least 0.4 and an impact resistance of at least 5. A process is also provided for making the powder-based solid cosmetic composition. The composition according to the present invention has excellent skin feel upon use and is not easily broken.

Abstract: This invention relates to an anhydrous cosmetic composition comprising: (a) 15-33% of an external phase (also called the oil phase) which is made with at least one selected naphthalate organic ester; a volatile silicone based emulsifier; and a volatile silicone; and (b) 85-67% of an internal phase which is made with an active ingredient, such as an antiperspirant active, in a glycol solvent. For the external phase all or a major portion of what would have been a non-volatile silicone component has been replaced by the naphthalate ester. While a dimethicone copolyol is still included, the use of this particular naphthalate ester obviates the need for the use of any other non-ionic emulsifiers.

Abstract: A hair treatment composition containing a silicone component comprising droplets of silicone blend, the silicone blend comprising (i) from 50 to 95% by weight of the silicone component of a first silicone having a viscosity of at least 100,000 mm2/sec at 25° C., and (ii) from 5 to 50% by weight of the silicone component of a second silicone which is functionalised.

Abstract: Water soluble activated polymers are provided containing an active ethyl sulfone moiety having a reactive site located at the second carbon from the sulfone group. In an embodiment, a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derivative is disclosed that is activated with the active ethyl sulfone moiety for selective attachment to thiol moieties on molecules and surfaces. The activated PEG is water soluble, hydrolytically stable for extended periods, and forms hydrolytically stable linkages with thiol moieties. The linkages generally are not reversible in reducing environments. The PEG derivative is useful for modifying the characteristics of substances including modifying biologically active molecules and surfaces for biocompatibility.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions containing biologically active compounds that slowly release the biologically active compound. These compositions may be directly incorporated into the locus to be protected or may be applied to a structure in a coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing bile acids from a patient and certain polymers of use in the method. The method comprises the step of administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a polymer composition which includes a a poly(diallylamine) polymer which is substituted with hydrophobic groups. The hydrophobic groups can be a substituted or unsubstituted, straight chain or branched C3-C24-alkyl group, an aralkyl group or an aryl group.

Abstract: A preparation for prevention and healing of inflammation affections comprising in an amount of 0.1 to 99.9% by weight derivatives of sterically hindered amines selected from the group consisting of: soluble polymers or copolymers prepared by radical polymerization in the presence of 0.01 to 10% by weight, of initiators prepared:in a polymerization mixture comprising individually or in combination an aliphatic amine monomer of the general formula (A), soluble polymers or copolymers prepared by radical polymerization in the presence of 0.

Abstract: A full-length cDNA corresponding to an EST (AA418955), which does not show any homology to other proteins in the database but has a weak homology to G-CSF, has been successfully isolated by synthesizing primers based on the EST sequence, and effecting PCR-cloning from a human fetal spleen library. Sequencing of the thus-isolated cDNA and analysis of its structure revealed that the cDNA has typical characteristics of a factor belonging to the IL-6/G-CSF/MGF family. It is also found out that the culture supernatant of said sequence-transfected CHO cells shows a proliferation supporting activity towards bone marrow cells in the coexistence of kit ligand.

Abstract: A method for treating IL-20 induced inflammation. An antagonist to IL-20 is administered to treat inflammation and associated diseases. The antagonist can be an antibody that binds to IL-20 or its receptor or a soluble receptor that binds to IL-20. Examples of such diseases are adult respiratory disease, psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, septic shock, multiple organ failure, inflammatory lung injury, bacterial pneumonia, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of gene delivery to cells in the nervous system by introducing and expressing gene sequences mediated by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) vectors with a mutation in a gene for viral replication. The present invention further relates to methods for modulating neuronal physiology and for treating nervous system disorders. The present invention also relates to an animal model for nervous system disorders and to methods for producing such an animal model.