Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of saturated C3-C20-alcohols in which a liquid hydrogenation feed comprising at least one C3-C20-aldehyde is passed over a bed of a hydrogenation catalyst in the presence of a hydrogen-containing gas, which comprises adding to the hydrogenation feed an amount, homogeneously soluble therein, of a salt-like base. The addition of base suppresses side reactions, such as acetalization, aldolization, Tischtschenko reaction or ether formation.

Abstract: In a process for the selective production of meta-diisopropylbenzene, a C9+ aromatic hydrocarbon feedstock containing meta- and ortho-diisopropylbenzene is contacted with benzene under conversion conditions with a catalyst comprising a molecular sieve selected from the group consisting of zeolite beta, mordenite and a porous crystalline inorganic oxide material having an X-ray diffraction pattern including the d-spacing maxima at 12.4±0.25, 6.9±0.15, 3.57±0.07 and 3.42±0.07 Angstrom. The contacting step selectively converts ortho-diisopropylbenzene in the feedstock to produce an effluent in which the ratio of meta-diispropylbenzene to ortho-diispropylbenzene is greater than that of the feedstock. The effluent is the fed to a separation zone for recovery of a product rich in meta-diisopropylbenzene.

Abstract: A method for neutralization of the explosive content of mines and UXO by essentially completely consuming the explosive by combustion or decomposition before any explosion occurs. A charge of a compound that reacts with an extremely high heat-release rate is ignited on or near the casing of the device to be neutrlized. The intense exothermic reaction generates high temperature combustion products that will disrupt the casing, thus leading to combustion or decomposition of the explosive. The holes melted in the mine casing enable ignition of a large area of the explosive charge and provide easy access for atmospheric air to support active burnout of tie explosive. The apparatus comprises the compound that reacts with a high heat release rate, an ignition source, and a container for the assembly.

Abstract: A hydrophilic dressing device for use with a gastrostomy tube. The device has a disc-shaped configuration with a central opening. A radial cut extends from the central opening to a peripheral edge of the device to create a pair of opposed free ends that are releasably attachable to one another to facilitate attachment of the device around the tube. The device is positioned in overlying relation to the patient's skin to absorb leaking bodily fluids and prevent skin irritation. The core of the device is a hydrophilic material such as hydrophilic polyurethane foam. The core is covered by nylon because the open mesh structure of nylon allows the fluids to be absorbed by the core material and because nylon does not stick to the patient's skin. The device is washable in a residential washing machine and can be re-used indefinitely.

Abstract: A continuous process for manufacturing a multilayered wound dressing including an apertured wound contact layer, an absorbent material layer and a backing layer, including (a) providing a substantially continuous first web comprising the wound contact layer and a first process release liner; (b) forming a plurality of apertures through the wound contact layer; (c) applying the absorbent material layer to the wound contact layer; (d) laminating a substantially continuous web of the backing layer over the absorbent material layer to form the composite web; and (e) cutting individual multilayered wound dressings from the composite web.

Abstract: An absorbent article is capable of satisfactorily achieving deodorant effect or alternation restricting effect for body waste deposited on a surface sheet even in a thin absorbent sheet which can retain the body waste on the surface sheet. The absorbent article has a liquid absorbent surface sheet formed from at least one of natural fibers, regenerated fibers, mixture of natural fibers and regenerated fibers, composite fibers consisted of synthetic fiber and one of the natural fibers and the regenerated fibers, the surface sheet containing at least one of tea leaves and extract of tea leaves; and a hydrophobic back surface sheet.

Abstract: There is provided a distribution/retention layer for personal care products which is a nonwoven fabric having retention materials and distribution materials in a side-by-side configuration as rows, stripes, channels, etc. These rows may be continuous or discontinuous and may be straight, wavy, or in other patterns. This construction allows liquid to wick along the distribution rows and to be absorbed by the retention material along a broad front on either side. Such a construction more fully utilizes the absorbent core, producing cost and weight savings. This construction also provides greater comfort to a wearer. There is further provided personal care products having the nonwoven web as a component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in a NPY6 receptor gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: The invention represents the disclosure of an insect intestinal mucin (IIM) protein. The IIM protein was been identified and cloned using Trichoplusia ni larva. The cDNA and amino acid sequences have been determined and are disclosed. These sequences are useful for the production of transgenic cells, including plant cells, having insecticidal activity.

Abstract: Novel used for WIPK, a member of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family, are provided, based on the discovery that the WIPK protein is activatable in association with development or enhancement of resistance to microbial pathogens. Thus, WIPK may play a critical role in signal transduction for activation of plant defenses against certain microbial pathogens. Methods are disclosed for making WIPK transgenic plants with enchanced resistance to disease causing agents. In addition, transgenic plants transformed with WIPK and having enhanced disease resistance are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing plants containing increased quantities of tocopherols, vitamin K, carotinoids, chlorophylls and polyterpenes by overexpression of a DXPRI gene.

Abstract: An inbred cucumber line, designated 8D-5079, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred cucumber line 8D-5079, to the plants of inbred cucumber line 8D-5079 and to methods for producing a cucumber plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line 8D-5079 with itself or another cucumber line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a cucumber plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred cucumber lines derived from the inbred 8D-5079.

Abstract: A novel soybean cultivar, designated S010355, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S010355, to the plants of soybean S010355 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing the cultivar S010355 with itself or another soybean variety. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar S010355 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: An inbred maize line, designated PH26N, the plants and seeds of inbred maize line PH26N, methods for producing a maize plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred maize line PH26N with itself or with another maize plant, and hybrid maize seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line PH26N with another maize line or plant and to methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic maize plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH26N, to methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH26N and to the inbred maize lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: An inbred corn line, designated RII1, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line RII1, to the plants of inbred corn line RII1 and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing the inbred line RII1 with itself or another corn line. The invention further relates to hybrid corn seeds and.

Abstract: An instrument or assembly utilizes a foundation, or platform, which foundation or platform houses a combination of separate and different string elements. The first string element uses the concept familiar to the Chapman Stick, a ten-string fret board. The foundation also includes other string elements, including a plurality of altered eight-string slide guitars and at least one modified six-string guitar all of which are similarly mounted to the foundation or platform. Various controllers are used to output the string vibrations of these various stringed elements to a programmable digital surround mixer which allows for sound processing, enhancement and blending of the sounds generated by the different string arrays used within the instrument.

Abstract: Neck truing devices may include a first member that is adapted to be fixedly embedded within the neck of a stringed instrument. A second member may be coupled to the first member and connected across both ends of the first member. An adjusting mechanism may be operable to selectively apply a first force to the first member via the second member in order to correct warpage of the neck in a first direction and a second force to the first member via the second member in order to correct warpage of the neck in a second direction.

Abstract: A hydrophobic polymer is adhesively coated on the surfaces of the wound string within its interstitial voids, while the exterior surfaces remain uncoated. The polymer is applied by soaking the string in a liquid polymeric solution to flow the solution into the interstitial voids. The string is removed from the bath and the residual solution is removed from the exterior surface of the string using a resilient scraper. The string is hung to dry for 8 hours in a clean room environment at ambient temperatures and, more preferably, maintained at a temperature of between 20° C. and 25° C. Alternatively, the string is treated by a combination of heat and drying.

Abstract: An improved floating bridge lock for stringed musical instruments is provided. The improved floating bridge lock comprises a mount and a throw bolt for mounting on a stringed musical instrument. The throw bolt is movable between an inactive position, out of engagement with the floating bridge, and an active position at which it is engaged with the floating bridge. The mount is affixed to a stringed instrument and arranged so that when the throw bolt is in the engaged position, it precludes movement of the floating bridge in a manner that would increase the tension on the strings. When the throw bolt is not engaged, there is free movement of the floating bridge.

Abstract: A contrabassoon has a body, a tuning slide, a bocal pipe and a novel register system. The body, tuning slide and bocal pipe form a tube having a continuous bore. The register system comprises 5 vent holes formed in the tube. Key mechanisms for selectively opening and closing the vent holes are described. The contrabassoon further comprises linkage to selectively operate a low E vent pad, and an alternative C-sharp tone hole, with accompanying key mechanism.

Abstract: An improved drumhead and tensioning apparatus comprising a flat annular hoop having a generally flat upper member and a generally flat lower member parallel to and spaced apart from the flat upper member. Disposed and secured between the flat upper and lower members is a material for constituting a drumming surface which is entirely planar and when joined with the annular hoop, forms a generally uniformly flat drumhead. Around the periphery of the drumhead are a plurality of openings for receiving tensioning bolts with threaded ends. Also provided are a generally flat annular counterhoop and a suspension ring with each having a plurality of spaced apart openings for receiving and engaging the tensioning bolts. The suspension ring includes a vertically projecting collar member with an upper edge portion, which is integrally formed with the suspension ring as a single, unitary component.

Abstract: A shoulder supported percussion musical instrument carrier and vibration isolation support assembly providing support for a plurality of percussion musical instruments on a person while standing, walking, or marching. Each of the percussion musical instruments is detachably secured between upper and lower plates of an instrument support frame utilizing one or more tension element casings located about the circumference of each instrument. The instrument support frame, in turn, is secured to a supporting vest including vibration isolated shoulder straps.

Abstract: A foot pedal for a drum (e.g., a bass drum) is constituted by a pedal frame, a rotation shaft, a rocker, a beater rod having a beater, a foot board, a depression transmission member, and a base plate whose front portion is affixed to a frame body by use of a screw and whose back portion is affixed to a heel. The head and external thread portion of the screw are engaged with a through hole having a keyhole shape formed in the front portion of the base plate. The base plate and pedal frame are subjected to prescribed positioning using projections and engagement holes, which are engaged with each other when the base plate and frame body are fixed together by tightening the screw, which can be loosened to allow removal of the base plate.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic keyboard musical instrument that gives the performance feeling closer to that given by an acoustic piano and enables techniques of expression closer to those used when playing the acoustic piano. Touch information is generated based on first information output when an ON event of a first (deep) SW of a switch section occurs, and a tone generator section generates a musical tone according to the touch. When an OFF event of a third (shallow) SW of the switch section occurs during key release, the musical tone being generated is progressively damped, and at the same time a musical tone having a predetermined characteristic is generated. The OFF event of the third SW is made equivalent to a damper-leaving position in a key stroke of an acoustic piano keyboard.

Abstract: By providing a single, elongated, hollow, cylindrically shaped housing member and locking rings or washers mounted at the ends of the housing member, a simple, easily used, inexpensive conduit coupling and connector assembly is achieved. In one embodiment, the connector assembly is constructed for receiving the free ends of two separate and independent conduits and securely affixing the two conduits in co-axial, aligned, cooperating relationship with each other, while in an alternate embodiment, a single conduit or tubing member is securely mounted to the connector assembly for positioning the conduit or tubing member in a precisely desired location. In addition, the conduit coupling and connector assembly of the present invention may be implemented using various alternate embodiments for either the locking rings or washers or for the housing member.

Abstract: An assembly for shielding an implanted medical device from the effects of high-frequency radiation and for emitting magnetic resonance signals during magnetic resonance imaging. The assembly includes an implanted medical device and a magnetic shield comprised of nanomagnetic material disposed between the medical device and the high-frequency radiation. In one embodiment, the magnetic resonance signals are detected by a receiver, which is thus able to locate the implanted medical device within a biological organism.

Abstract: A protective casing (12) for an electronic appliance (10) is of the type which has a shell (18) in which there is produced an opening (20) closed off by a body (22) made from transparent material with a general flat shape, of the type in which at least one internal peripheral annular fixing area (30) of the transparent body (22) is fixed to a facing area (32) of the periphery of the opening (20) with the interposing of a first decorative cladding (38) between the peripheral fixing area (30) of the transparent body (22), where the peripheral fixing area (30) is inclined with respect to the overall plane of the transparent body (22).

Abstract: A support bracket article for enabling the adjustable positioning of an electrical box enclosure relative to the bottom of a framing member, and the supporting thereof in an interior wall section of a wall system under construction. The article is able to guide the adjustable positioning of the electrical box enclosure. It is also able to accommodate the supporting and adjustable positioning of the electrical box enclosure in a variety of framing studs and wall systems.

Abstract: A pre-defined conduit knockout is formed as a unitary part of an electronics enclosure so that before its removal the knockout is joined to the housing at a continuous unbroken surface, thereby preventing debris and liquid from entering the housing from around the knockout. The knockout is bounded by a reduced thickness break-away section of an enclosure wall that shears apart to separate the knockout from the enclosure. The knockout is formed with a unitary, pocketed tool receptor adapted to receive a tool, such as a screwdriver or pliers, for twisting the knockout free of the housing without the need to apply an impact force, which could upset sensitive electronics in the enclosure. Methods of forming the knockout in, and removing it from, an electronics housing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A grommet having a longitudinal slot formed through the head and body thereof to expose a bore formed entirely through the body of the grommet may be assembled with a pin extending from the undersurface of a primary panel by addressing the slot formed through the body of the grommet to the pin and applying pressure to the body of the grommet opposite the slot. A detent structure extending inwardly from the body of the grommet into the bore formed therethrough is constructed and arranged to engage a flat formed into the base of the pin and to thereby prevent the longitudinal extraction of the pin from the grommet. The pre-assembled pin and grommet may then be inserted into a bore formed through a secondary panel to effect a blind connection between the primary and secondary panels. Retaining mechanisms on the exterior of the body retain the grommet within the bore formed in the secondary panel and may be adapted to accommodate varying thickness in the secondary panel.

Abstract: A wall box includes a housing having one or more switches and one or more orifices, a frame attached to the housing and having one or more light devices engaged through the orifices of the housing for generating lights, and a transparent cover plate attached to the housing and having an opening for receiving the switches of the housing and for exposing the switches. The lights generated by the light device may be emitted out through the transparent cover plate, for lighting dark environment. The cover plate includes a number of projections for light refracting purposes. A switch button may be used to actuate the light devices.

Abstract: A signal transmission cable, formed in a flat and flexible shape, comprises an insulating body as outmost layer of the signal transmission cable. A woven fabric layer is arranged within the insulating body. A tin foil is arranged within the woven fabric layer. Two signal lines are encapsulated within the tin foil, and two power lines are placed within the insulating body. The signal lines and the power lines respectively are covered with an insulating layer. The signal transmission cable therefore constructed is easily wound and reduces the fabrication cost.

Abstract: This invention relates to a practical superconducting conductor based upon biaxially textured high temperature superconducting coatings. In particular, methods for producing flexible and bend strain-resistant articles and articles produced in accordance therewith are described which provide improved current sharing, lower hysteretic losses under alternating current conditions, enhanced electrical and thermal stability and improved mechanical properties between otherwise isolated films in a coated high temperature superconducting (HTS) wire. Multilayered materials including operational material which is sensitive to bend strain can be constructed, in which the bend strain in the region in which such operational material is located is minimized. The invention also provides a means for splicing coated tape segments and for termination of coated tape stack ups or conductor elements.

Abstract: A multichip module including a frame having contacts suitable for making an electrical connection with an article, preferably a printed wiring board or similar, which is the next level of packaging, a multilayer thin film structure mounted to the frame, and semiconductor devices mounted to the thin film structure with at least one semiconductor device on each of two opposed sides of the thin film structure. The thin film structure includes arrays of pads on opposed surfaces of the thin film structure for connecting the thin film structure to the semiconductor devices and the frame. The thin film structure further includes wiring for chip to chip connectivity and for connecting to the frame.

Abstract: A method of controlling the physical properties of cement by adding a predetermined amount of a second phase to a first phase cementitious precursor. The second phase is added in the form of seed crystals having controlled sizes, shapes, and compositions. The seed crystals provide growth sites upon curing the cement for a second phase in the cement body. The curing is accelerated by the presence of the seed crystals. Control of the microstructure of the resulting cement body through controlled distribution and growth of the seed crystals enables the formation of a cement body having precisely controlled physical properties.

Abstract: A portable weighing system for a bed comprising a pair of scales placed under the legs or support members of a bed and a weight data collector unit. The scales are positioned directly below the ends of a bed and resting on the floor, and the legs or support members of the bed are then placed on the scales. Each scale is comprised of a beam shaped load cell, support bar, and support bar extensions. The load cell is shaped such that a section of the load cell rests on a horizontally disposed floor engaging base and the ends of the load cell are elevated above the base such that the ends do not rest on the base. The support bar is positioned above said load cell and attached to said load cell by a pair of threaded fasteners. The two support bar extensions are adjustably attached to each end of the support bar such that the width of said scale can be readily adjusted to accommodate beds of varying widths.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device that allows a fisherman 12 to measure and weight their catch 14 to determine if they are of legal size or a throw back. The device of the present invention consists of a plastic housing 16, including a carrying handle 18. A measuring ruler 20 is stenciled upon the horizontal face of the device and is used to measure the user's catch. On the opposing rear wall is a pictorial display of game fish 22 with information on size, and weight restrictions of different species as dictated by local authority. A weight scale 42 is provided and housed within an end wall 24 having an access panel 40. A hook chain device 36 is also provided and consists of a hook 44 attached to one distal end of the chain 46 and another hook 44 attached to the other distal end of the chain 46 stored within the weight scale compartment 26. One end hook 44 of the chain device 46 is attached to a loop 38 on the weight scale plate 52.

Abstract: A golf club swing weight balance and scale according to the invention includes a weighing beam having and extending between first and second ends, a grip backstop disposed at the second end of the weighing beam and including a grip cap compensator movable within the grip backstop between an extended position and a retracted position, a slide weight slideably mounted on the weighing beam, and a pivot assembly pivotally supporting the weighing beam at a location intermediate the first and second ends and including a single support member disposed on only one side of the weighing beam so that the slide weight can be moved from the first end to the second end in a single stroke. The pivot assembly preferably includes a knife edge fulcrum, one end of which includes a knife edge pivotally connected to the weighing beam. The slide weight indicator includes a balance indicator indicating when the weighing beam is balanced, most preferably a bubble level mounted on the slide weight.

Abstract: A transfer switch that includes output contacts, primary input contacts, secondary input contacts and a toggle mechanism. The toggle mechanism includes moving contacts that alternately connect the output contacts with the primary and secondary input contacts. The transfer switch includes an actuator that rotates the first crossbar to alternately engage a first set of moving contacts with the output contacts and the primary input contacts, and rotates the second crossbar to alternately engage a second set of moving contacts with the output contacts and the secondary input contacts. A method of actuating a transfer switch to alternate the supply of power to an electric load. The method includes rotating a first crossbar within the transfer switch to engage a first set of switching contacts with a primary power source and rotating a second crossbar within the transfer switch to engage a second set of switching contacts with a secondary power source.

Abstract: A low profile modular switch, the switch including a switch plate including an actuator and a housing, and a sense plate including a switch mechanism configured to interface with the actuator, and a flat wiring harness having one end joined to the sense plate and another end having a connector, wherein tactile feel of the modular switch is determined by a property of the switch plate independent of the sense plate.

Abstract: A switch to be mounted on a design element in the passenger room of a motor vehicle includes a haptic element that functions as a mechanical operater and a visual element. Electrical and/or electronic switch elements are mounted on a flexible conductor element and optionally further electrical and electronic components. A zone of the flexible conductor element which carries the switch elements and an allocated zone of the haptic element are configured such that the corresponding zones can be positioned and fixated in relation to one another and do not establish a permanent electrical connection.

Abstract: The invention is a normally-open, momentary, non-latching, inertial thresholding switch 30, fabricated on a substrate 1 in a planar configuration, using no cylindrical tilt mass, with low mass 16 and small switch gap 36, 37, 38, 39 to allow fast switch action and rapid reset. Of ultra-miniature, rugged construction, its high mechanical frequency limits sensitivity to vibration inputs.

Abstract: A method and structure for a reflective optical switch. According to the structure, a chamber is housed within a solid material. A plurality of piezoelectric elements within the chamber are coupled to the solid material. A slug within the chamber is operable to be coupled to one or more of the plurality of piezoelectric elements. A liquid metal within the chamber is coupled to the slug. One or more signals of a first one or more optical waveguides coupled to the chamber are operable to be coupled to a second one or more optical waveguides coupled to the chamber. According to the method, one or more of the plurality of piezoelectric elements are actuated, with the actuation of the one or more piezoelectric elements causing the slug coupled to the one or more piezoelectric elements to move from a first number of wetting pads to a second number of wetting pads wherein the first number of wetting pads and the second number of wetting pads are wetted by the liquid metal.

Abstract: A switch device and a method of manufacture are provided that includes providing two substrates. The two substrates collectively include a fluid conductor switch device structure and a trench surrounding the fluid conductor switch device structure. An inner seal material is deposed on one of the substrates and an outer seal material is deposited in the trench. The substrates are joined to one another using the inner seal material and a peripheral hermetic seal is formed between the substrates using the outer seal material.

Abstract: The invention is applicable to automatically triggered switches that are turned on by means of angular displacement, in either direction, of a contact bridge and its support (1). It is characterized in that the outside of the support (1) includes pins (3) which, when the switch is off, are perpendicular to the direction of displacement of an actuator (4) joined to a remote handle (13). Since the pins (3) turn as a consequence of the switch being turned on, when the handle is operated, the actuator (4) is displaced and its arms (6) force the pins (3) to move in the opposite direction into their initial position, effecting the reset. It is preferably used to reset switches provided in elevator speed limiters.

Abstract: A push button designed such that it is not damaged or broken even when an excessive external force is applied. The push button includes a control panel having a seat depression and a switch controlling a function. A button unit is seated in the seat depression so as to be movable by a predetermined distance. A push unit passes through the seat depression and moves by a force transmitted from the button unit to push the switch. The push button also has first and second springs having different spring constants. When a normal external force is applied, the second having a smaller spring constant, is elastically compressed to turn the switch on or off. When an excessive external force is applied, the first and second springs are elastically compressed to absorb external force, thus preventing components, such as the switch, from being damaged or broken.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrical switch having an extremely simple structure allowing up to six contact positions, based on a slightly lengthened control having a button end and a shaft end, equipped to close a first pair different circuits when it is moved in one longitudinal direction of the other, to close a second pair of different circuits when one of its shaft sides tilts forward or backward, and finally to close a third pair of different circuits through similar forward or backward movement by its other shaft side.

Abstract: To reduce the number of components for facilitating assembly and parts management, and to ensure prevention of rattling of the movable block, a switch contact structure is disclosed, which comprises a substrate 63, a movable block 67 disposed so as to be movable along the substrate 63, a fixed contact 89 mounted on the substrate 63, and a movable contact mounted on the movable block 67, the movable contact being brought into and out of contact with the fixed contact 89 by the movement of the movable block 67 along the substrate 63, wherein the movable block 67 is provided with a resin spring portion 107 formed integrally therewith for urging the movable block 67 toward the substrate 63, and the movable contact plated or printed on the surface facing toward the substrate 63.

Abstract: An electric contact member has a texture wherein fire proof metal powder having the form of a flat plate is diffused in a matrix of a highly conductive metal. The flat surface is oriented in one direction and the surface in parallel with the flat surface of the fire proof metal powder is used as a contact point face.

Abstract: An electrode of a vacuum circuit breaker has a cup member and a contact. The cup member has an opening and a periphery which is formed with a slit so as to form a coil section. An electric current flows in the coil section so as to generate a longitudinal magnetic field in a direction along an axis of the cup member. The slit is bent and continuously extends on the periphery from a first end of the cup member to a second end of the cup member opposite to the first end of the cup member. The contact is shaped into a plate, and seals the opening of the cup member.