Abstract:
The invention relates to an aqueous sizing composition comprising (a) an emulsion comprising an alkenylsuccinic anhydride component containing alkenylsuccinic anhydride particles suspended in a first starch component containing emulsifying starch selected from the group consisting of non-ionic starches, ionic starches, and mixtures thereof, and (b) a second starch component selected from the group consisting of non-ionic starches, ionic starches and mixtures thereof, such that the alkenylsuccinic anhydride and the starch in the emulsion and the second starch component are present at a starch: alkenylsuccinic anhydride weight ratio that is sufficiently high to enable the sizing composition to impart useful sizing properties to a fibrous substrate when the sizing composition contacts the fibrous substrate. The invention also relates to fibrous substrates treated with the sizing composition, processes for making the composition and processes for using such a composition, and other compositions. In one embodiment, alkylene ketene dimer is used instead of alkenylsuccinic anhydride.
Abstract:
A movement and sound monitor and stimulator which is particularly useful for preventing death in human infants from sudden infant death syndrome is disclosed. The movement and sound monitor and stimulator has a base member which may be a fluid-filled sensing pad for supporting the infant or other animate object which is being monitored and a transducer positioned for detecting movement or acoustic activity (e.g., heartbeat, breathing) of the object on the base member to provide an output signal in response to forces applied thereto which are generated by such movement. A circuit is connected to monitor the output signal from the transducer and activates a stimulator which is operable to provide movement to the base member to stimulate movement in the object when output from the transducer to the circuit corresponds to no movement from the object. The transducer may be a pressure transducer in fluid communication with the fluid interior of the sensing pad. In the alternative, a piezo-electric sheet operatively connected to a surface of the sensing pad to detect such movement as well as movement cessation. The circuit may also be connected to an alarm which can provide an audible or visual indication to third parties when there is no movement from the object.
Abstract:
An automated banking machine is operable to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that can read from cards, user data that corresponds to financial accounts. The machine can operate responsive to the read card data to carry out transactions that transfer and/or allocate funds between accounts. The machine can provide a transaction receipt. The machine includes a cash dispenser to dispense cash to machine users. Value of dispensed cash can be assessed to an account which corresponds to read card data. The machine also includes a check acceptor device that can receive checks from users. The machine can image a received check and then read check data from the check image. An account determined from read card data can be credited the amount of the check.
Abstract:
An ATMemo arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement allows an ATM to present a person's own reminder memo to that person. A personal memo is authored by an ATMemo customer with a personal computer and then the memo is stored at a remote data store. The data store is accessible by an ATM network. The stored memo is associated with the customer and a display period. Any ATM in the network is operative to display the memo to the customer. Display of a stored memo at an ATM is based on valid customer identification, the memo's display period, and the current date. The ATM accesses and displays the memo if both the ATM customer ID matches the memo author ID and the current date is within the time period for displaying the memo. The ATM can also print the memo on a transaction receipt.
Abstract:
Mufflers are provided for a vehicle exhaust system having a combustion chamber and an exhaust pipe. The vehicle exhaust system is configured to reduce the noise of combustion gasses generated in the combustion chamber. An exemplary muffler includes a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being configured for mounting the muffler to the exhaust pipe leading to the engine, the distal end being configured to allow the combustion gasses to pass therethrough, and at least one vortex chamber disposed between the proximal end and the distal end. The at least one vortex chamber includes a circular peripheral wall for inducing a vortex on a portion of the combustion gasses expelled from the combustion chamber during high-pressure pulsations created by the operation of a vehicle engine. The vortex impedes flow of the combustion gasses from the pipe such that acoustic energy associated with the expulsion of the combustion gasses is dissipated.
Abstract:
An arrangement for the insertion, retention and extraction into and from a motherboard back plane of at least one card-let printed circuit board without protective hardware, in order to be able to ensure the accurate alignment between mating connectors of these components. Furthermore, provided is a method facilitating the insertion, retention and extraction of a card-let printed circuit board of the type described, by utilizing the inventive arrangement.
Abstract:
An ATMemo arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement allows an ATM to present a person's own reminder memo to that person. A personal memo is authored by an ATMemo customer with a personal computer and then the memo is stored at a remote data store. The data store is accessible by an ATM network. The stored memo is associated with the customer and a display period. Any ATM in the network is operative to display the memo to the customer. Display of a stored memo at an ATM is based on valid customer identification, the memo's display period, and the current date. The ATM accesses and displays the memo if both the ATM customer ID matches the memo author ID and the current date is within the time period for displaying the memo. The ATM can also print the memo on a transaction receipt.