Abstract: BCF yarn is melt-spun, drawn and textured to provide morphologically stable BCF yarns. The yarn texturizing includes a relatively low efficiency fluid jet texturizer, that is a fluid jet texturizer operating at a sufficiently low fluid jet velocity and a sufficiently high fluid jet temperature to obtain a yarn skein shrinkage of less than about 0.50 inch, more preferably about 0.25 inch or less. Most preferably, the BCE yarns are formed of nylon-6 and exhibit an alpha-crystalline content of less than about 45%, and usually between about 45% to about 55%.

Abstract: A method for mounting interior vehicle trim parts in which two trim parts are supported adjacent one another and in which a bead of buffer material is disposed between mating surfaces of the two trim parts. The bead is included to reduce noises such as buzzes, squeaks and rattles produced by contact and relative motion between the first and second trim parts at their mating surfaces. The bead is mechanically locked into a recess in one of the mating surfaces by forming a recess in the mating surface then applying buffer material in the recess. The buffer material is applied in such a way as to form the bead. The bead is allowed to mechanically connect to the first trim part as a result of the hardening of the buffer material within the recess.

Abstract: An elongate polymer member having molecular helical orientation formed by rotation immediately after passing through the extrusion head. The elongate polymer member is rotated downstream of the extrusion head in the molten state prior to solidification in order to impart the molecular helical orientation. Rotating the polymer member in the molten state allows the helical orientation to be imparted at the molecular level, and allows for more rotations per lineal foot of extrusion.

Abstract: Increase or decrease in rubber extruding rate can be freely adjusted while keeping a sectional shape of a rubber extruded intermediate constant. A discharge port of a rubber flow path of a die plate is of a flat shape with a lower section and a higher section and with a height varying along a width direction. An extruding speed from the discharge port of the die plate is made uniform at positions along the width direction of said rubber extruded intermediate.

Abstract: A process for rendering films, film composites, and articles made therefrom less resistant to passage of water vapor by passing a filled precursor film or film composite through the nip of interdigitating grooved rollers. The films or film composites are generally formed using a precursor film of a film forming polyolefin or polyolefin blend, with a relatively high filler loading and optionally an elastomer. A process is disclosed for making diapers or other disposable items where a relatively high water vapor is coupled with a resistance to liquid strikethrough.

Abstract: In order to make weather seals from closed cell elastomer foam material, molten plastic is extruded over a substrate of the foam material. Surface reactions during extrusion are avoided by continuously pulling the substrate through an oven chamber to degas (and remove moisture from) the material at least on its outside to a limiting thickness of the order of 10-30 mil to form a skin or crust. The extrusion of the over-coating is carried out to form a sleeve while the substrate is still hot. Since the skin is a degassed region on the outside of the foam substrate, reactions which may cause blistering and prevent the extrusion of a smooth and firmly adhering skin are avoided. The substrate material is preferably a thermosetting EPDM rubber closed cell foam, and the over coating material is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bonding polymeric materials is provided. The apparatus and method both utilize ferromagnetic materials in association with the polymeric materials to be bonded together. The polymeric materials, and the ferromagnetic material, are placed within a magnetic field, which causes hysteresis losses in the ferromagnetic field, and thus elevation in the temperature of both the ferromagnetic material and the polymeric materials to the point where the polymeric materials melt and fuse together. The ferromagnetic materials only rise in temperature to their Curie temperatures, at which point the hysteresis losses cease, and the polymeric material stops being heated. Removing the electromagnetic field allows for cooling and fusing.

Abstract: A slush-moulding method combined with cross-linking, including the filling of a tank with a suitable quantity of ground polymer blend and the coupling of said tank with a heated mold is provided. The closed system thus obtained is moved in order to transfer the powder onto the mold, so as to carry out on the latter a layer of completely or partially melted powder. Before and after a stage of stripping of the leather off the mold, said leather is cross-linked by means of radiations.

Abstract: A method of making electret fibers, which method comprises: extruding a polymeric material to create fibers; and imparting an electric charge to the fibers; wherein the resulting fibers have a level of extractable hydrocarbon material that is less than 3.0 weight percent, based on the weight of the fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for manufacturing a flexible sheet product having liquid absorbent qualities. The apparatus generally includes first and second competing vacuum systems pulling air in substantially opposite directions into first and second oppositely rotating screens, respectively. A molten polymer-based material, which is blown into the first and second competing vacuum systems, is pulled in substantially opposite directions onto the first and second oppositely rotating screens. The liquid polymer-based material fiberizes as it is being pulled apart by the competing vacuum systems creating a web of fibrous material which cures to develop the flexible sheet product having liquid absorbent qualities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for the forming of a hollow body. The process includes providing a forming mold comprising an upper mold and a lower mold which form a mold cavity having a cross-sectional contour in a closed state of the forming mold. The upper mold includes a roller. The hollow body is placed between the upper mold and the lower mold in an area of the mold cavity. The hollow body is preprofiled by moving at least one of the upper mold and the lower mold into the closed state at which time the roller comes into frictional contact with a surface of the hollow body running at an acute angle with respect to a direction of the movement of the at least one upper mold and lower mold. The preprofiled hollow body is then formed into a final shape corresponding to the cross-sectional contour of the forming mold by applying a hydraulic internal pressure into the preprofiled hollow body and expanding the hollow body while the upper mild and the lower mold are in the closed state.

Abstract: A process for adjusting the level of water or water soluble additives in aqueous-based powder injection molding compounds for the purpose of recycling scrap material, controlling shrinkage or rehydrating dry feedstock. Depending on the objective, the process may require material granulation equipment, equipment for the addition or removal of water and mixing equipment. The molding compounds may be comprised of either recycled scrap material before being heat-treated or dry, virgin feedstock material.

Abstract: This invention describes a novel production method of manufacturing metal/ceramic articles with complex internal undercut features using powder injection molding processes The shape of the undercut/hollow feature is initially molded using a disposable material such as a degradable polymer. The PIM feedstock is then molded onto this to form the required shape geometry, in effect encapsulating the polymeric feature in the PIM feedstock. The resulting two-material part is then sent for processing which removes the polymer through solvent or thermal process. After the polymer and the binder have been removed, the part now comprises a powder skeleton that contains the internal undercut feature within itself. After sintering the result is a metal/ceramic part having an internal undercut feature. The technical advantage of the present invention is that it does not require complex toolings or costly secondary operations while retaining the flexibility to design any internal undercut features of complex geometry.

Abstract: Provided is a steel for separators of solid-oxide type fuel cells, which forms oxide films having good electrical conductivity at 700 to 950° C. or so, has good oxidation resistance and, in particular, resistance to exfoliation even in the case of long hours of use, is excellent in impact properties at room temperature, shows a small difference in thermal expansion from the electrolyte, and is inexpensive. This steel for separators of solid-oxide fuel cells includes, by mass %, not more than 0.2% C, not more than 1.0% Si, not more than 1.0% Mn, not more than 2% Ni, 15 to 30% Cr, not more than 1% Al, one or more elements selected from the group of not more than 0.5% Y, not more than 0.2% REM and not more than 1% Zr, and the balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities. In this steel, amounts of S, O, N and B in the unavoidable impurities are restricted to not more than 0.015%, not more than 0.010%, not more than 0.050% and not more than 0.

Abstract: A zirconium-based alloy for the components of the active core of nuclear reactors comprises (on a weight percent basis): niobium, 0.5-3.0; iron, 0.005-0.5; oxygen, 0.03-0.2; carbon, 0.001-0.04; silicon, 0.002-0.1; nickel, 0.003-0.02; zirconium being the balance; the alloy structure is characterized by an &agr;-solid solution and the &bgr; Nb-phase particles sized below 0.1 &mgr;m and having the niobium content of from 60 to 95%. The alloy may further comprise particles of intermetallics Zr—Fe—Nb with the Fe/Nb ratio of 0.05-0.2. The alloy structure may also be characterized by an oxygen-hardened &agr;-solid solution and by the &bgr; Nb-phase particles, and may further comprise particles of intermetallics Zr—Fe—Nb sized below 0.3 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A device for treating a liquid effluent such as pig slurry containing significant quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus, the device including a mixing reactor for contacting the liquid effluent with the basic reagent, provided with an intake for said effluent and another intake for the basic reagent; an ammonia-extracting reactor, connected to the mixing reactor, and a tank for storing the treated liquid effluent derived from the ammonia-extracting reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vessel for withdrawing blood, the vessel containing a solution which comprises a guanidinium salt, a buffer substance, a reducing agent, and/or a detergent as components. The vessel is particularly suited for withdrawing blood which is to be analyzed with respect to nucleic acids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method comprising a pretreatment step of forming a poly-L-lysine layer on a surface of a base plate, a sample preparation step of preparing a sample containing a DNA fragment, a dilution step of diluting the concentration of the obtained sample, and a supply step of supplying a diluted sample solution onto the base plate to produce a DNA chip. The sample preparation step includes an amplification step of PCR-amplifying the DNA fragment to prepare a PCR product, a powder formation step of drying the obtained PCR product to form DNA powder, and a mixing step of dissolving the obtained DNA powder in a buffer solution.

Abstract: A workstation for integrating two or more automated analyzers. The workstation includes a sample rack handler assembly, having a single common sample rack input area for loading sample racks for the two or more automated analyzers, and a sample rack bypass area for passing sample racks to be processed by one of the two or more automated analyzers. The workstation also includes a sample aliquoting assembly, having a sample pipetter station for aliquoting samples into aliquot vessels for processing by another one of the two or more automated analyzers. The workstation further includes an internal shuttle for shuttling the sample racks between the sample rack input area, the sample rack bypass area, and the sample pipetter station, and an external shuttle for shuttling the sample racks between the sample rack input area, the sample rack bypass area, and the one of the two or more automated analyzers.

Abstract: An integrated optical waveguide sensor system includes: an optical waveguide having a monolithic and roughened metallic layer on which a self-assembled monolayer is formed; an optical energy source for generating an optical excitation signal; and a spectrometer for detecting spectra of optical energy emitted from the optical waveguide. The waveguide facilitates multiple SERS responses resulting from interactions between the optical excitation signal and an analyte of interest that may be present on the surface of the self-assembled monolayer. Thus, the sensor system provides a sensor for detecting organic contaminants with a sensitivity of ppm and even ppb in some cases.

Abstract: A multiple parallel catalytic reactor assembly has been developed. The assembly has (1) a plurality of vessels for containing catalyst, each vessel having an open end and a fluid permeable end; (2) a plurality of bottoms, each bottom having an open end and a closed end with the plurality being supported by a single first support plurality of vessels positioned within the plurality of bottoms; (3) a plurality of tops supported by a single second support with the plurality of tops engaged with the plurality of bottoms to form a plurality of sealed independent reaction chambers; (4) a plurality of first fluid conduits in fluid communication with the reaction chambers; (5) a plurality of second fluid conduits in fluid communication with the reaction chambers; and (6) a plurality of microporous structures in alignment with the open ends of said vessels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing mat comprising a carrier sheet provided with a multiplicity of sealing elements for sealing test tubes. The carrier sheet, on the one hand, and the sealing elements, on the other hand, are made from different materials. The sealing elements can be made from a flexible and/or resilient material. The carrier sheet can be made from a material that is relatively stiff compared with the material of the sealing elements. The sealing elements can be detachably fixed to the carrier sheet. The sealing elements can be fixed to the carrier sheet such that they detach therefrom when the carrier sheet is pulled away while folding it over towards the rear, after sealing one or more test tubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for efficient transport, transfer and movement of fluids. In particular, the invention provides fluidic micro-structures for controlled transport and movement of liquids in devices for analytical and other purposes. Devices of the invention include one or more features that can enhance performance of the fluid transfer, referred to as a pre-shooter stop, a butterfly structure, a cascade structure, a waste chamber inlet, a capillary driven sample inlet chamber, a capillary stop structure, a bifurcation flow-through structure, and a hydrophobic vent.

Abstract: A closed elongate canister having a generally rectangular cross-section formed by a front wall, a five-section back wall and two side walls, the walls of dimensions to house a plurality of ID test rotors stacked one atop another within the canister.

Abstract: A diffuser includes a base portion and a lid portion. The diffuser is adapted to allow emanation of vapor from a burning block of combustible material and contains a block receiving portion elevated from a surface of the base portion. The block receiving portion has one or more grooves formed in a top surface of the block receiving portion and extending below the top surface of the block receiving portion. The base portion further includes apertures forming channels extending from within the base portion to an outer surface of the base portion. The lid portion is preferably substantially pyramidal in shape and has an apex at an end remote from the base portion. The lid portion further includes apertures positioned towards the apex. In use, a burning block of combustible material, impregnated with fragrance, is placed on the block receiving portion, and the lid portion is placed over the block.

Abstract: A gas scrubber with an automatic disassembling device in accordance with the present invention comprises a burning chamber to treat the gas with heat, a wetting chamber connected to the burning chamber for removing water soluble components contained in the gas flowing in from the burning chamber, an outlet which exhausts gas that has been treated, and a housing that contains both the burning chamber and the wetting chamber, wherein said wetting chamber slides out of the housing along guide rails placed at the bottom side edges of the wetting chamber. The bottom back edge of the burning chamber is connected to the top back edge of the wetting chamber with a hinge and a pivot member is placed on both sides of the burning chamber so that when the wetting chamber slides out along the guide rail to the outside to the housing, the burning chamber rotates about 90 degrees in the inside of the housing.

Abstract: A method for removing oxygen from ammonia at low temperature is described. In one embodiment, oxygen contaminated ammonia is contacted with a getter material that includes iron and manganese that sorbs oxygen to yield ammonia that is substantially oxygen free. In one embodiment, the process of contacting ammonia with the getter material takes place at about 25° C. In another embodiment the weight ratio between iron and manganese is about 7:1. In another embodiment, the getter material is dispersed on an inert support of specific surface greater than 100 m2/g. In one embodiment, impure ammonia is contacted with getter material including iron and manganese that sorbs oxygen and with a drying agent that absorbs water to yield deoxygenated anhydrous ammonia. In yet another embodiment, an apparatus consisting of a gas inlet, gas purification chamber and gas outlet that deoxygenates ammonia when charged with getter material that includes iron and manganese is described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating a rapid and long-lasting pH change to a pH dependent polymer or other pH driven reactant is provided by a pH jump molecule in solution. Visible light is used to excite the pH jump molecule. The attendant pH change occurs rapidly (in nanoseconds) and can be maintained by continuous wave light or by an appropriately pulsed light. Heat resulting from the light activation is efficiently discharged by radiative decay through room temperature phosphorescence lifetimes existing on the order of milliseconds.

Abstract: A new process for recovery of common salt, potassium chloride, concentrated magnesium chloride with enriched bromide, and high purity magnesia from brine in an integrated manner, said process comprises preparation of calcium chloride by reaction of hydrochloric acid generated in the process with limestone, desulfatation of brine with calcium chloride, production of sodium chloride of superior quality in solar pans, solar evaporation of bittern thereby producing carnallite and end bittern, processing carnallite through established processes to produce potassium chloride, recovering end bittern containing highly concentrated magnesium chloride and enriched bromide and calcination of a part of the end bittern after solidification to produce high purity magnesia and hydrochloric acid utilizable in the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-63 prepared using N-cyclodecyl-N-methyl-pyrrolidinium cation as a structure-directing agent, methods for synthesizing SSZ-63 and processes employing SSZ-63 in a catalyst.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing elemental sulfur from hydrogen sulfide contained in an acid gas feed stream wherein hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide are reacted in a catalytic only sulfur recovery unit comprising a single catalytic converter containing a Claus catalytic reaction zone. A sulfur dioxide-enriched gas recovered from tail gas treatment is recycled and introduced into the catalytic reaction zone as part of a feed gas mixture that also includes the acid gas feed stream. Temperatures within the catalytic reaction zone are effectively moderated by recycle of tail gas effluent to the converter so that high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide in the acid gas feed stream can be tolerated and improved process flexibility and capacity are realized. A pretreatment process including contacting the acid gas with an aqueous acid wash to reduce the concentration of unsaturated hydrocarbons in the acid gas and inhibit deactivation of the oxidation catalyst is also disclosed.

Abstract: Applicants have synthesized a new crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite identified as UZM-4M. This new zeolite is obtained by treating a UZM-4 zeolite with a fluorosilicate salt to obtain a zeolite having the empirical formula: M1an+Al1-xExSiyOz where M1 is an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, rare earth metal, hydronium ion or ammonium ion, E can be gallium, iron, boron, indium and mixtures thereof and has a Si/Al ratio of 1.5 to about 10.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioconjugates and the delivery of bioactive agents which are preferably targeted for site-specific release in cells, tissues or organs. More particularly, this invention relates to bioconjugates which comprise a bioactive agent and an organocobalt complex. The bioactive agent is covalently bonded directly or indirectly to the cobalt atom of the organocobalt complex. The bioactive agent is released from the bioconjugate by the cleavage of the covalent bond between the bioactive agent and the cobalt atom in the organocobalt complex. The cleavage may occur as a result of normal displacement by cellular nucleophiles or enzymatic action, but is preferably caused to occur selectively as a predetermined release site by application of an external signal. The external signal may be light or photoexcitation, i.e. photolysis, or it may be ultrasound, i.e. sonolysis.

Abstract: Tripodal polyaminophosphonate chelants are disclosed, as well as chelates of the chelants with metal ions to form radiopharmaceutical and radioactive, MRI and X-ray or CT imaging compounds and compositions. Therapeutic and imaging methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of opioids through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing opioids that are used in inhalation therapy. In a composition aspect of the present invention, the aerosol comprises particles comprising at least 5 percent by weight of an opioid. In a method aspect of the present invention, an opioid is delivered to a mammal through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 percent by weight of an opioid, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles, which is inhaled by the mammal. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering an opioid through an inhalation route to a mammal is provided which comprises: a) a composition comprising at least 5 percent by weight of an opioid; and, b) a device that forms an opioid aerosol from the composition, for inhalation by the mammal.

Abstract: An oral compound of water; glycerin; a cranberry source; methylsulfonylmethane; melaleuca alternifolia oil; hydroxyethylcellulose; and a surfactant, in proper combination for use by injecting the compound around a person's gum line followed by its use in a dental tray over a person's teeth and gums for a specified period of time. The next phase to the overall treatment regimen is a daily health care regimen involving: a systemic immune defense compound having colostrum beta 1,3 Glucans; fructo-oligosaccharides; amla fruit 4:1; inositol hexaphosphate; selected minerals; selected enzymes; selected probiotics; and methylsulfonylmethane; an antimicrobial compound having sodium bicarbonate, silicone dioxide, and a cranberry source; and an oral probiotic compound having selected probiotics; vitamin C; and colostrum.

Abstract: Improvedly photostable, topically applicable cosmetic/dermatological sunscreen compositions well suited for enhanced photoprotection of human skin and/or hair against the damaging effects of UV-A and UV-B irradiation, particularly solar radiation, comprise (i) 4-tert-butyl-4′-methoxydibenzoylmethane, (ii) at least one particular 1,3,5-triazine compound, and (iii) at least one alkyl &agr;-cyano-&bgr;,&bgr;′-diphenylacrylate, formulated in a cosmetically/dermatologically acceptable vehicle, diluent or carrier therefor.

Abstract: A product for application to skin includes a container having an open end, a non-flowable composition within the container including an application surface at the open end having a visual pattern, and a removable cap having a % opacity of less than 5%.

Abstract: Disclosed are ophthalmic compositions comprising ketotifen and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, as well as methods for making such compositions.

Abstract: A stable granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-containing formulation comprising a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant in an amount of 1 part by weight or less per part by weight of the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and having a pH of 7 or less.

Abstract: A method of treatment of and composition for human degenerative neurologic diseases discloses the administration of therapeutically amounts of an enhancement agent, such as thrombopoietin, to enhance the repair of neurons, including re-myelinization. A regulatory agent, such as thyroid hormone or thyrotropin, may also be included as part of the method and composition as a regulator of cell division and oligodendroglia production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to encapsulated cells producing viral particles, especially retroviral particles containing the genome of a retroviral vector carrying therapeutic genes, to methods for the preparation of such encapsulated cells, as well as to the use of such encapsulated cells for the delivery of genes, especially therapeutic genes, to target organs/cells.

Abstract: Novel antisense sequences to the unspliced or single spliced portions of mRNA transcript from HIV-1 provirus, optionally co-expressed with an inhibitory transdominant mutant HIV-1 protein, are found to be useful in the treatment of HIV-1 infection.

Abstract: Molecularly-mediated and cellular-based &bgr;-adrenergic receptor-dependent biological pacemakers are disclosed. Methods of using these compositions to improve cardiac chrontropic responsiveness by upregulating heart rate and altering cardiac rhythm are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel vectors are described that incorporate, inter alia, a novel 3′ gene trap cassette which can be used to efficiently trap and identify previously unknown cellular genes. Vectors incorporating the described 3′ gene trap cassette find particular application in gene discovery and in the production of mutated cells and animals.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to the treatment of respiratory disorders by intratracheal administration of an effective amount of lysozyme. Respiratory disorders include emphysema, pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, interstitial fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and neoplasia. The treatment is intended for a variety of animals, such as premature neonates to adult humans. Administration of lysozyme may be performed by aerosol, which can be generated by a nebulizer or by instillation. The lysozyme may be administered alone or with a carrier such as saline solution, DMSO, and alcohol, or water. It may also be used as a vehicle for the intratracheal administration of drugs or other agents to the lung. The lysozyme may be isolated from a natural source, such as eggs, or synthesized by a bioprocess, such as fermentation. The effective daily amount of lysozyme is from about 10 &mgr;g/kg to about 1 mg/kg of body weight.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of acute pancreatitis in a mammal. Particular compositions comprise a binding element, a translocation element, and a therapeutic element able to prevent accumulation of digestive enzymes within the pancreas.

Abstract: A method for treating priapism in a mammal by administration of a botulinum toxin.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating a patient suffering from a disease, disorder or condition and associated pain include the administration to the patient of a therapeutically effective amount of a neurotoxin selected from a group consisting of Botulinum toxin types A, B, C, D, E, F and G.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel recombinant vaccines providing protective immunity against tuberculosis. Further, the present invention refers to novel recombinant nucleic acid molecules, vectors containing said nucleic acid molecules, cells transformed with said nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides encoded by said nucleic acid molecules.