Abstract: An inbred cantaloupe line, designated I446, a hybrid cantaloupe designated I446*I444, and a hybrid cantaloupe designated I446*I407 are disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred cantaloupe line I446, of hybrid cantaloupe I446*I444, and of hybrid cantaloupe I446*I407, to the plants and plant parts of inbred cantaloupe line I446, of hybrid cantaloupe I446*I444, and of hybrid cantaloupe I446*I407 and to methods for producing a cantaloupe plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line I446 with itself or another cantaloupe line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a cantaloupe 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 cantaloupe lines derived from the inbred I446.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 4805442 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 4805442, to the plants of soybean 4805442, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 4805442 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 4805442 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 4805442, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 4805442 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 4805442 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety S06-M03256 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety S06-M03256 and its progeny, and methods of making S06-M03256.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 6188027 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 6188027, to the plants of soybean 6188027, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 6188027 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 6188027 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 6188027, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 6188027 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 6188027 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I211986. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I211986, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I211986 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I211986 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I211986.

Abstract: A novel inbred maize line designated PHE67 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing inbred maize line PHE67 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHE67 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the inbred line PHE67 or a trait conversion of PHE67 with another maize line. Inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PHE67, methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PHE67 and the inbred maize lines and their parts derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A novel inbred maize line designated PHEJW and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing inbred maize line PHEJW with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHEJW through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the inbred line PHEJW or a trait conversion of PHEJW with another maize line. Inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PHEJW, methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PHEJW and the inbred maize lines and their parts derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A novel inbred maize line designated PHF1J and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing inbred maize line PHF1J with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHF1J through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the inbred line PHF1J or a trait conversion of PHF1J with another maize line. Inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PHF1J, methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PHF1J and the inbred maize lines and their parts derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I286375. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I286375, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I286375 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I286375 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I286375.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated LH390. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety LH390, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety LH390 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety LH390 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety LH390.

Abstract: A novel hybrid maize variety designated 39B63 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety 39B63 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 39B63 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize hybrid_variety 39B63, the hybrid seed, the hybrid plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of hybrid maize variety 39B63. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from hybrid maize variety 39B63 and to the maize varieties derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A bat for an upright piano is provided for ensuring stable swinging movements of a hammer to generate a proper piano sound even if a hammer assembly has the centroid which is laterally asymmetric about a center pin. The bat for an upright piano is supported by the center pin having a circular cross section and arranged horizontally in a bat flange, in order to swing a hammer to cause the same to strike a string. The bat comprises a bat body integrally formed with the hammer, and having a linear pin holding groove in a back surface thereof, and a metal plate having a linear pin retaining groove in one side thereof, and attached to a back surface of the bat body such that the pin retaining groove extends in parallel with the pin holding groove, wherein the bat is pivotally supported by the center pin while the center pin is in engagement with the pin holding groove and the pin retaining groove, and the center pin is sandwiched between the bat body and the metal plate.

Abstract: Provided is a string tuning mechanism that enables a musician to clamp and anchor a musical instrument string to a musical instrument tuning peg. The claimed subject matter enables the musician to put on and take off the strings of a stringed musical instrument easily and rapidly. The string attachment device also enables the installed musical instrument string to equalize to pitch faster than currently possible and enables a stringed musical instrument to remain in tune longer. The disclosed device is designed to fit easily against a tuning peg and to enable the musician to use the locking of the string to the peg technology without permanently changing the physical state of their musical instrument. Another purpose of the claimed subject matter is to provide a method and device that enables the musician to use the same strings he has always used, and not to have to buy special strings.

Abstract: A brass instrument with improved tonal characteristics that includes a tonal material attached to the brass instrument. The instrument may be a trumpet. The tonal material may have a Mohs hardness of greater than about 6, such as a semi-precious stone. Also disclosed is a method of improving tonal characteristics of a brass instrument by attaching a tonal material to the brass instrument.

Abstract: A coiled blank defines two elongated parallel bands and a parallel web separating the bands. Opposite ends of the web form diagonally opposed spacer strips arranged such that, when the blank is coiled to bring the ends of the web into juxtaposition, the opposed spacer strips define between themselves an open triangle having a base lying along an edge of one of the bands. Preferably the triangle base lies along the band of greater thickness in the coiled configuration. A second embodiment provides three parallel bands and two webs. When the second blank is coiled, the second web also forms an open triangle with exposed base between opposed diagonal end spacer strips at its juxtaposed opposite ends.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a musical output is disclosed. The method and apparatus permit the creation, storage and retrieval of a first data structure representing a musical piece. The first data structure includes digital music information that represent musical notes of the musical piece. A second data structure can be created, stored and retrieved as well. The second data structure can include information different than the first data structure and the second data structure can be used to modify the first data structure and to produce a modified musical output. The apparatus and method also permit reuse of the first data structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for making music data each perform converting an input audio signal indicative of a music piece into a frequency signal indicative of magnitudes of frequency components at predetermined time intervals; extracting frequency components corresponding to tempered tones respectively at the predetermined time intervals from the frequency signal; detecting two chords each formed by a set of three frequency components as the first and second chord candidates, the three frequency components having a large total level of the frequency components corresponding to the extracted tones; and smoothing trains of the detected first and second chord candidates to produce music data.

Abstract: A solar cell structure includes a solar cell having a front side and a back side and an active semiconductor structure. The solar cell produces a voltage when the front side is illuminated. The solar cell is protected by a by-pass diode structure including a by-pass diode positioned at the back side of the solar cell. A first electrical interconnection structure extends between the back side of the solar cell and the first diode terminal, and a second electrical interconnection structure extends between the front side of the solar cell and the second diode terminal. An entire length of the second electrical interconnection structure contacts the solar cell.

Abstract: The electrical apparatus suspension unit 1 is provided with two power supply wires 20-1 and 20-2 by which the electrical apparatus 3 is conducted and suspended from the ceiling 5. Each of the wires 20 is connected to the hung member of the electrical apparatus 3 at the lower end by the a lower holder 40, and connected to the rail 9 laid on the ceiling 5 at the upper end by an upper holder 100. The power supply wire 20 comprises a core wire 21, an insulating layer 23 covering the core wire 21 and an outer layer 25 covering the insulating layer 23. The core wire 21 of the power supply wire 20-1 conducts to a grounded conductor cable W1 and the core wire 21 of another power supply wire 20-2 conducts to a voltage applied conductor cable W2. The power supply wires 20 having high tensile strength enables to suspend the electrical apparatus and also supply power thereto.

Abstract: A multi-layer, strip-type screening sheet for electric lines comprises at least a substrate layer of plastic material and at least one screening layer of electrically conductive material, in particular metal, which the substrate layer is lined with, the screening layer being provided with spacing gaps that recur at longitudinal intervals for electrical interruption thereof in the longitudinal strip direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall element for a magnetically shielded room and to a magnetically shielded room. The wall element comprises at least one first layer (1) which is formed of metal plate having a high electrical conductivity, and at least two layers, a second layer (2) and a third layer (3), which consist of metal plates having a high magnetic permeability. The layers (1, 2, 3) are superimposed one on top of another in surface contact with each other without any separating air gaps, so that each first layer (1) having a high electrical conductivity lies between each second (2) and third layers (3) having a high permeability substantially in surface contact with the second and third layers, the layers together forming a compact structure in which the product (?×?) of electrical conductivity (?) and permeability (?) is maximized so as to minimize the penetration depth of magnetic interference.

Abstract: A load cell apparatus has a load cell adapted to couple to a first structure. The load cell comprises a load cell body and a sensor. The sensor provides an output signal indicative of an amount of weight applied to the load cell. A stud extends away from the load cell body. The load cell apparatus has a stud receiver including a space in which a portion of the stud is received. At least one roller is coupled to one of the stud receiver and a second structure and contacts the other of the stud receiver and the second structure.

Abstract: This invention is an installation of a safety apparatus to prevent safety problems of machine tools caused in work-loading process. The safety apparatus comprises an actuator, used for connecting circuits of the machine tool to control its power on-off status, and a storing unit to ensure the chuck wrench resting at a designated safe position. This safety system will activate the actuator when the chuck wrench is returned to the designated position and, therefore, it will keep the circuits of the machine tool stay active during the machining operation. On the other hand, this safety apparatus will remain in power-off status if the chuck wrench is not placed at the designated position and, therefore, it will make the power circuits open and paralyze the machine tool operation.

Abstract: A timepiece button structure has a base having a first cavity, a first button member, a second button member having a second cavity part, first and second urging members, and first and second movement-limiting members. The second button member is disposed to protrude from and recede into the first cavity part with the second urging member urging the second button member in the direction protruding from the first cavity part and the second movement-limiting member limiting movement in the protrusion direction. The first button member is disposed to protrude from and recede into the second cavity part with the first urging member urging the first button member in the direction protruding from the second cavity part and the first movement-limiting member limiting movement in the protrusion direction.

Abstract: An exemplary frame assembly (2) includes a frame (21), plural posts (212), a button member (22), and plural push buttons (222). The frame includes a bottom wall (211). The posts are formed at the bottom wall. The button member includes a fixing board (223) having plural fixing holes (225). Plural protuberances (2252) are formed on an inner wall surrounding each fixing hole. Each push button connects to the fixing board by an elastic connector (221). Each post is interferentially engaged in a corresponding fixing hole.

Abstract: Embodiments of a peripheral backlighting system for keyboards are shown and described, which include one or more light-emitting panels exterior to the keyswitches of the keyboard. The panels are preferably electroluminescent material or light-emitting chemical cells and surround at least two sides, and preferably all sides, of the actuation portion of a keyswitch or the space in which the actuation portion slides up and down during use. Alternatively, the panel(s) may extend substantially continuously between and underneath a plurality of keyswitches. The panels extend closely adjacent to the actuation portion or actuation path, or under the keyswitch, to be as far under the key cap as possible without extending into the keyswitch. Preferably, the keyswitch is translucent or partially translucent, and the housing plate over the light-radiant panels, if any, is at least partially translucent or transparent.

Abstract: A keypad assembly for an electronic device is disclosed. The keypad assembly includes a light guide plate through which a light moves, a plurality of first key buttons on the top surface of the light guide plate, a plurality of reflecting patterns on the bottom surface of the light guide plate for reflecting the light moving through the light guide plate toward the first key buttons, protrusions under the reflecting patterns, a plurality of light emitting devices for supplying the light to the light guide plate, and a switch board including a plurality of dome switches and at least one first optical filtering layer whose color is changed into various colors by reacting or not reacting to the wavelengths of lights generated from the light emitting devices is included under each of the first key buttons.

Abstract: A switching device is provided having an air-gap switch for an electrical load. The switching device can include a switch keycap configured for controlling the switching of the electrical load. A faceplate can be configured to surround the switch keycap. In addition, an air-gap actuator can be contained substantially within the switch keycap. The air-gap actuator can be pulled from the switch keycap to short out an electrical connection to the electrical load.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device (30) for manually controlling the position of switching means which have two extreme positions A and C and an intermediate position B. Said device comprises a crank (5) and a crankpin (6). The invention is characterized by the fact that the device comprises a translationally movable sliding member (1) that has a neutral position and is provided with guideways (20, 21), within which the crankpin (6) is displaced. Said guideways allow the crankpin to be guided towards three areas of the sliding member, in which the position thereof is stable and which correspond to the three positions of the switching means, when the sliding member is moved towards the neutral position. The inventive device has the advantage of being simple while allowing a change in the state of the motor which operates the closing element, darkening element, or sun-shading element, or sun-shading element to be controlled by means of a single movement of a rod (14).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the separation of foreign bodies from a material flow, in particular a tobacco stream. Method is characterized in that at least a portion of the material from the material flow is conveyed into the area of a foreign-body detection device in the form of a partial material flow, whereby foreign bodies are identified by the foreign-body detection device in the partial material flow and subsequently removed from the partial material flow, whereby the partial material flow is formed by a separation step by an air flow upstream from the foreign-body detection device. Apparatus is characterized in that a material flow conveyor and a separation device arranged diagonal to the material flow conveyor are provided by which a partial material flow can be separated from the material flow. A foreign-body detection device is arranged after the separation device and after this, a foreign-body separation device.

Abstract: A process for producing a die for forming a honeycomb structure having slits having hexagonal honeycomb cell shape 5 at one of surfaces 7 of a plate-like base material for die 2, and backside holes 4 each communicating with respective slits 5 at the other surface 8, which comprises the steps of forming holes 3 for dielectric fluid each having an opening diameter smaller than the width of the slit 5 in a predetermined depth at the one of surfaces 7 thereof, and holes 4 communicating with holes 3 at the rest surface 8; and then passing a dielectric fluid 10 for electrical discharge machining from the surface 8 to the surface 7 via holes 3 and 4 until the machining proceeds to a position communicating with each hole 4; thereby, the slits 5 are formed at the surface 7 of the base material 2.

Abstract: A method of welding a stud 15 to a base material 14, both made of magnesium or magnesium alloy, comprising; a first step of disposing the stud 15 having a projection 28 at an end portion thereof to have a gap to the base material 14; a second step of lowering the stud 15 rapidly; and a third step of welding the end portion of the stud 15 to the base material 14 by discharging an electric charge stored in a capacitor 11 between the base material 14 and the stud 15, each having an oxide layer destroyed by the rapid lowering of the stud 15, wherein the discharge of the capacitor 11 is carried out by applying a pulse signal having a duration of more than 0.1 seconds to a gate of a thyristor 13 as a signal to start welding, the thyristor 13 serving as a discharge switch of the capacitor 11.

Abstract: A plasma jet electrode device includes an orientation base, a ceramic pipe, a round plate having a plurality of tilted through holes thereon and a high-voltage metal electrode. A dielectric discharging plasma area is formed between the high-voltage metal electrode and the ceramic pipe. The plasma jet electrode device further has a rotating base, a bottom plate, and a grounding electrode. A low-temperature non-equilibrium plasma area is formed between the grounding electrode and the high-voltage metal electrode. The round plate has a spray head praying low-temperature non-equilibrium plasma. The plasma treatment area is increased, and the uniformity is improved. The present plasma jet electrode system has a frame for fixing at least one plasma jet electrode device. It evidently increases the effective plasma treatment area. The system can also provide additional functions of cooling, guiding, plating and etching, etc.

Abstract: A detection unit (8) is disposed for detecting the magnitudes of f1 and f2 frequency components of a composite signal which is passed through a center electrode cable (4). A detecting signal generating unit (9) generates a detecting signal corresponding to a gap between a nozzle (5) and a workpiece (6) from the magnitudes of the f1 and f2 frequency components of the composite signal, which are detected by the detection unit (8). As a result, even if plasma occurs in the gap between the nozzle (5) and the workpiece (6), the gap can be detected with a high degree of precision.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for MIG welding is disclosed. When in an ac mode the output is unbalanced, or the balance may be controlled. The balance may be controlled to provide a desired deposition rate and /or to obtain a desired dilution. The frequency may be any frequency, for example 30 Hz, 60 Hz, 90 Hz, or more. The weld path may have groove with angle of less than 50 degrees. A consumable, cored, wire may be used, and provide at rates of 30 or 35 pounds per hour using a single arc. In various embodiments the balance may have a negative portion of at least 1.5 times the positive portion. The process may be started using an extended negative portion, for example 0.5 or 0.75 seconds.

Abstract: A method for the orbital welding of tubular elements held in abutment comprising the steps of striking an arc at a strike point with an orbital welder between an electrode and a seam formed by a first tubular element and a second tubular element, held in abutment within a fixture; initiating an orbit of said electrode around an abutment of said first tubular element and said second tubular element; adjusting the current of said arc in a pulsed manner from a maximum current to a minimum current at a set frequency, combination of said maximum current and said minimum current forming an average current; decreasing said average current in a generally continuous manner as said orbit of said electrode progresses from said strike point, the rate of decrease of said maximum current having a generally inverse relationship to the rate of increase in temperature experienced by said tubular elements.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a wire feeder is disclosed. The speed by which a wire feeder delivers consumable weld wire to a weld is dynamically controlled based on feedback from a contact-less sensor. The contact-less sensor provides the feedback directly from the consumable weld wire as it is being delivered to a weld. The present invention is particularly applicable with MIG and CSC welding systems.

Abstract: An electric PCB heating component for a heating electric component is coupleable to an electronic circuit board. The PCB heating component includes a fastening element, a heating element for generating thermal energy, and a heating body. The heating body emits thermal energy via a heat radiating surface. For a low cost PCB heating component, the heating element is a PTC heating element. A plurality of heating projections of the heating element cooperate to form a relatively large heat radiating surface such that thermal energy can be emitted in a substantially directional mode. The heating projections can be convection or radiation elements.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus and method of determining the type of igniter for a burner at each stage of a boiler. The apparatus includes a controller operable to detect whether a first type of igniter or a second type of igniter is installed in the burner based on whether the first type of igniter or the second type of igniter transmits a response to the controller after receiving an activation signal from the controller.

Abstract: A rod-shaped heating element with a tubular carrier element attached to a cylindrical carrier ring and to the rod-shaped heating element using a magnetic forming process, the carrier ring and the rod-shaped heating element being within the tubular carrier element with the outer circumferential surface of the carrier ring contacting the inner circumferential surface of the tubular carrier element. As a result of the parts having been joined by magnetic forming, they are in a plastically deformed state which is free of thermal treatment effects and scuffing.

Abstract: A toaster uses radiant heat at infrared wavelengths optimized for producing rapid and uniform toasting of a food product. The infrared wavelengths of the radiated heat are selected for optimum speed and quality (browning and moisture content) of the food product. The selected infrared wavelengths of the radiated heat may also effectively defrost a food product. Defrosting of the food product by the infrared radiated heat adds very little time in obtaining a desired toast color to the food product. A plurality of infrared wavelengths of radiated heat may also be used, wherein the plurality of infrared wavelengths are selected for optimal heat penetration and surface browning of the food product. Shorter wavelengths for browning and slightly longer wavelengths to penetrate the food product for evaporating the moisture therein to allow surface browning by the shorter wavelengths.

Abstract: A combination toaster/caramelizer oven for treating food products comprising: a housing; at least one heating element; a removable platen; and at least one conveyor disposed opposite the platen for conveying the food products through the housing, wherein the platen is disposed between the heating element and the conveyor. Optionally, the caramelizer oven can further include at least one moisture injector that introduces moisture to the surface of the food product which is in contact with the platen.

Abstract: A multifunctional griddle having hinged top and bottom heating plate assemblies which receive reversible cooking plates or, alternatively, interchangeable cooking plates for cooking different types of foods such as waffles, pancakes, and hot sandwiches. In one embodiment the reversible cooking plates are nested in face-to-face contact with mating top and bottom heating plates to improve heat transfer to the cooking plates. This is accomplished by forming a mating waffle grid in the heating plates for receiving the waffle iron surfaces of the cooking plates in intermeshing engagement. The intermeshing engagement of the cooking plates with the heating plates also reduces the overall vertical height of the appliance providing a slimmer profile. In an alternative embodiment a set of interchangeable cooking plates is provided having a sliding interface with modified heating plates. In this embodiment the cooking plates are conveniently interchanged to vary the cooking configurations of the appliance.

Abstract: A cooking stove which prevents the quantity of heat generated by a gas burner from increasing continuously contrary to the user's expectations, while allowing the user to easily operate the appliance. A cooking stove includes an operation portion 6 having touch switches provided on a glass top plate 2 covering a top surface of a cooking stove main body 1 accommodating burners 4a and 4b, the touch switches allowing a user to give instruction on activation of the burners 4a and 4b, the touch switches sensing an object that contacts or approaches the top surface of the glass top plate 2, and a controller for determining whether each of the touch switches is on (sensing state) or off (non-sensing state) to control activation of the burners 4a and 4b in accordance with the result of the determination. When a thermal power up switch for the burner 4a in the operation portion 6 is kept on while the burner 4a is in operation, controller increases the thermal power of the burner 4a by only one level.

Abstract: A resistor heater includes an anode (10) arranged along one side and a cathode (20) arranged along the other side of a thin-line-shaped resistor (30). The anode (10) is connected to the resistor (30) at connections points (P2, P3) by a plurality of branches (13, 14) arranged at a certain interval along the resistor (30). The cathode (20) is connected to the resistor (30) at connection points (P1, P4) by branches (23, 24) arranged at a certain interval along the resistor (30). The connection points (P1, P4) are located at positions shifted from one another along the resistor (30). A portion (31) of the resistor (30) located between the connections points (P1, P2) and a portion (32) of the resistor (30) located between the connection points (P3, P4) function as effective regions of the resistor (30).

Abstract: In a fixing device according to this invention, a coil bobbin around which coils are formed into a predetermined shape is formed at an induction heating portion including a plurality of coils. To minimize the axial temperature difference of a heating roller, the coil bobbin has a shape with which the interval between coils is held at a predetermined interval.

Abstract: Heating element assemblies, heating furnaces incorporating heating element assemblies, methods to form heating element assemblies, methods to form heating furnaces and methods to reduce a magnetic field in a bifilar coil are disclosed. The heating element assembly includes two components, each component formed from heating element wire. The two components are spatially positioned and electrically arranged, relative to each other, so that an electrical current applied to the heating element assembly simultaneously travels through the two components in opposite directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process for producing a transparent missile dome having a spanning angle larger than 180°, comprising the step of: (a) growing from single crystals of a ceramic material a first dome portion, said first dome portion being a portion of a sphere (b) growing from single crystals of a ceramic material a second dome portion, said second dome portion being a complementary sphere-portion for said first dome portion (c) attaching said complementary dome portion to said first dome portion and to the body of the missile, thereby forming a missile with a front dome having a spanning angle larger than 180°.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for improving the depth discrimination in optically imaging systems. It is applicable in particular in light microscopy for improving image quality when examining three-dimensionally extending objects. It is applicable in the method of structured illumination as described in WO 97/6509. For this purpose, influences due to variations in the brightness of the light source, positioning of the imaged periodic structure and bleaching of the object in fluorescence illumination are determined and taken into account in the calculation of the object structure.

Abstract: A system and method of wavefront sensing with a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor precisely locates focal spots on a detector array, and determines the location of the lenslet array with respect to the detector array.