GIAN Abondoned Patents Database

A stapler includes a base with a magazine and an arm respectively connected to the base. A positioning plate is received in the magazine and a first spring connected between the positioning plate and the magazine. A pusher is slidably engaged with the positioning plate and a connection plate is connected to the pusher. The connection plate is slidably connected between the arm and the magazine. A protrusion extends from the magazine and a positioning hook extends from the positioning plate so that a second spring has one end connected to the pusher and the second spring goes around the protrusion on the magazine, and the other end of the second spring is engaged with the positioning hook. The second spring will not be exposed when loading staples and the second spring does not occupy the space of the magazine.

A pressure cooker has a main body, a cover disposed on a top portion of the main body, an exhaust steam valve disposed on the cover, a heat conductive disk disposed on a bottom of the main body, the heat conductive disk having a center hole receiving a temperature switch, the temperature switch disposed on a bottom center of the main body, an electric heating pipe disposed on a bottom of the heat conductive disk, and a base seat having a hollow interior receiving a lower portion of the main body, the heat conductive disk, the temperature switch, and the electric heating pipe. A timer switch and an electric source switch are disposed on the base seat.

The apparatus for providing access steps to a vehicle and a method of installing same on a heavy or medium duty truck. In its most basic form, the apparatus is comprised of an access step and two step brackets. The brackets are installed to outer surfaces of the tank straps which hold a fuel tank to a frame rail of the vehicle. The access step and step brackets have tabs and flaps or slots which can be combined to attach the access step to the step brackets with a reduced number of fasteners.

A mobile telephone case comprises a main body and a support frame. The main body is provided with a receiving space to accommodate the mobile telephone and with two pivoting holes. The support frame is of a U-shaped construction and is provided at the free end of two arms thereof with a pivoting piece having a through hole. The support frame is pivotally fastened with the main body by two pivots which are engaged with the two pivoting holes of the main body via the two through holes of the two pivoting pieces of the support frame. The main body can be tilted pieces of the support frame. The main body can be tilted on a surface by the support frame.

A body exerciser includes a base frame with two support rods provided with first coupling members, and a handle frame with two bendable handle rods provided with second coupling members that are rotatable relative to the first coupling members. Each of two retaining sets is disposed between inner engaging walls of the first and second coupling members to arrest relative rotation in a tightened state. Only in a loosened state when the inner engaging walls have been brought away from each other will relative rotation between the first and second coupling members be permitted. Each of two biasing members is disposed between the inner engaging walls to bias the second coupling members to move away from the first coupling members. Each of two tightening rods is inserted into the coupling members, and has a pivot end extending outwardly of the respective second coupling member. A locking member is pivoted on the pivot end and has first and second cam surfaces. When in the loosened state, the first cam surface faces the respective second coupling member. By turning the locking member to bring the second cam surface to move against the biasing action of the respective biasing member, the respective second coupling member can be urged to engage the respective first coupling member.

The object of this invention is to provide a novel medicinal use for tramadol the safety, among other properties, of which has already been established. This invention is directed to a therapeutic or prophylactic composition for urinary frequency and a therapeutic or prophylactic composition for urinary incontinence, both comprising tramadol or a salt thereof. The preferable salt of tramadol includes tramadol hydrochloride.

A paper lunch box includes a box body, at least one longitudinal partition member and at least one transverse partition members respectively installed in the box body to support the box body in shape and to separate the holding space of the box body into separated compartments, the box body being formed of a patterned cardboard folded up into a rectangular container having vertical peripheral walls of double-layer construction, the transverse and longitudinal partition members being formed of a respective patterned cardboard, each having a .andgate.-like cross section and reinforcing end flaps for mounting.

An apparatus for depositing a thin film on a substrate by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) includes a material container for containing a liquid CVD source material; a material feeder for feeding the liquid CVD source material from the material container to a vaporizer while keeping the CVD source material liquid; a vaporizer for vaporizing the liquid CVD source material fed from the material feeder by heating the liquid CVD source material to a high temperature to form a CVD source material gas; a reaction chamber connected to the vaporizer by a pipe for forming a thin film on a substrate using the CVD source material gas; and a thermostatic box surrounding the reaction chamber, wherein both of the vaporizer and piping connecting the vaporizer to the reaction chamber are located within the thermostatic box.

A family of piperidone functionalized polymers based on polymers containing a plurality of hydroxyl groups. Piperidone or piperidone derivatives form a cyclic ketal linkage with hydroxyl groups contained on adjacent or alternating carbon atoms of the base polymer. Preferred compositions are piperidone functionalized poly(vinyl alcohol) having the following general formulae: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 through R.sub.6 are each independently hydrogen, methyl, or a C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 saturated or unsaturated alkyl groups, R.sub.7 is O.cndot. or OR.sub.8, wherein R.sub.8 is hydrogen or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl or C(.dbd.O)alkyl group; X.sup.- is a salt; x ranges from 50 to 99 mol %; y ranges from 0 to 30 mol %; and z ranges from 1 to 20 mol %. The compounds are useful in ink jet paper coating applications.

A mechanical nut cracker for a machine having an adjustably positioned crushing plate and crusher bar for cracking various types of nuts. The mechanical nut cracker includes a crusher assembly having a crusher bar rotationally attached to an end of a base member. The crusher assembly further includes a pair of side walls and a slanted back wall extending upwardly from the crusher bar and between the side walls. A crusher plate assembly is adjustably coupled to the base member for positioning in spaced relationship to the crusher bar. The crusher plate assembly includes a crusher plate, a pair of plate assembly side walls, and a slanted front wall extending up from the crusher plate and between the plate assembly side walls. The crusher plate assembly further includes a pair of arms extending outwardly for adjustably engaging the base member.

A one-way spring tensioned flapper is located at one end of a valve housing to control the direction of flow. A rotatable plug at a second end can be partially opened to control the flow rate through the valve. A top mounted handle controls movement of the rotatable plug 90.degree. in either direction from a longitudinal line between a first and second opening to the valve. A rubber seal on each side of the flapper and the rotatable plug prevents leakage in the closed position.

The apparatus for providing access steps to a vehicle and a method of installing same on a heavy or medium duty truck. In its most basic form, the apparatus is comprised of an access step and two step brackets. The brackets are installed to outer surfaces of the tank straps which hold a fuel tank to a frame rail of the vehicle. The access step and step brackets have tabs and flaps or slots which can be combined to attach the access step to the step brackets with a reduced number of fasteners.

Pharmaceutical compositions comprising from about 50 mg to 500 mg of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic naproxen and from about 15 mg to 120 mg of the decongestant pseudoephedrine are provided in a controlled release oral preparation suitable for dosing every 12 hours in a therapy or cure of sinusitis, or sinus headaches, generally exemplified by discomfort, pain, pressure, and dizziness.

An acid solution for casting solid polymer electrolyte membranes comprising proton conducting polymers stable at temperatures in excess of 100.degree. C. directly from acid solution. The invention further relates to the enhanced performance of these membranes with respect to conductivity. Particularly, the invention relates to the use of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as an acid solvent doped with H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 from which polybenzimiadazole (PBI) solid polymer electrolyte membranes may be cast.

A gas flow guide is disclosed for an aircraft jet engine thrust reverser having a thrust reverser door movably connected to an engine cowling so as to move between forward and reverse thrust positions, the cowling having a reverse thrust opening bounded by a forward edge having a deflector, an opposite lateral side edges, an inner surface of the cowling forming an outer boundary of a gas flow duct, a forward inner surface of the thrust reverser door tapering toward an outer surface so as to form a cavity opening into the gas flow duct when the thrust reverser door is in the forward thrust position, wherein the gas flow guide has at least one guide vane connected to the cowling so as to be located within the cavity when the thrust reverser door is in the forward thrust position and located rearwardly of the deflector extending from the forward edge so as to guide the gas passing through the reverse thrust opening when the thrust reverser door is in the reverse thrust position.

Combination pet water bottle and bowl with a molded plastic vessel capable of retaining water or other liquid having one flat wall and an opposing parallel second wall having a bowl shaped depression integral to the second wall, a replaceable and removable cap integral to the vessel to enable the user to fill the vessel with water or the like, a spring biassed water sealing valve assembly comprised of a resilient stopper and a slidable valve stem that allows water to pass from the inside of the vessel to the bottom of the bowl by use of a pull handle located at the top of the valve stem external to the vessel body, a means of locating the valve assembly so that the vessel can be blow molded using common molding techniques without the need to glue or weld two vessel halves together, and a molded in device for attaching a shoulder strap to the vessel.

A belt worn golf accessory holder for holding tees, ball markers and divot repair tools to the belt of the golfer. The belt worn golf accessory holder includes a panel. The panel has a first portion and a second portion. Each of the first and second portions has a front side and a back side. The panel has a peripheral edge. The panel is foldable on a juncture of the first and second portions of panel. At least one loop for releasably mounting the panel to the belt is fixedly attached to the back side of the panel. At least one loop for releasably securing the accessories to the panel is fixedly coupled to the front side of the panel. At least one pocket is located on the front side of the panel. At least one ball marker mounting is fixedly mounted in the panel. The mounting is located on front side of the panel. A securing means releasably secures the first portion of the front side of the panel to the second portion of the front side of the panel.

A magnetism-sensitive lifter rotatable intermittently and dividing angles by a computer includes many permanent magnets and many induction silicon steel magnets to attract and repel one another, possible to rotate intermittently, divide angles equal and unequal and move up and down vertically by control of a computer.

A lock assembly includes a tube received in an outer handle and a first driving tube is rotatably received in the tube. The tube has a cruciform groove defined through the wall thereof and a driving disk is movably received in the first driving tube has two slots with two protrusions of the driving disk extends through the two slots. An inner handle has an actuating plate extending therethrough which is fixedly connected to the driving disk so that when locking the lock assembly by pushing the lock button, one of the protrusions of the driving disk is moved to be received in the transverse portion of the cruciform groove so that the handles are allowed to rotate a larger rotational angle.

A combination eyelash curler and eyeliner applicator for curling eyelashes and applying eyeliner simultaneously. The combination eyelash curler and eyeliner applicator includes an eyelash curler having an upper applicator portion, a plurality of replaceable eyeliner cartridges that are attachable to the upper applicator portion of the eyelash curler and a case having a plurality of cavities containing cartridges of different color eyeliner.

A colored refracting cup includes a cup body, a recess chamber formed in a bottom of the cup body, the recess chamber having multi-angle cut faces, and a bottom cap fused with the bottom of the cup body by means of supersonic welding process. An adornment with multi-angle cut faces for refraction is fixed on the bottom cap and plated with many colors. The colors of the adornment may be refracted through the multi-angle cut faces of the recess chamber to appear on the cup body, permitting the cup body look like very brilliant and glamorous and enhancing worth of the cup.

The present invention relates to new substituted benzo[a]carbazoles and indenoindoles which are useful as estrogenic agents, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment utilizing these compounds, having the general structures below. ##STR1##

A method and apparatus for evaluating the end cap round transducer horn assemblies used in debubbling operations wherein the ECR THA can be evaluated off-line at both high and low power and on-line by making electrical measurements on the ECR THA. The electrical measurements are used to characterize the physical condition of the piezoelectric ceramics of the THA. A test box is employed to practice the method. The test box is connected between the THA and a signal analyzer. Power is supplied to the THA and the electrical signals across the THA are sampled. The sampled electrical signals are transmitted to the signal analyzer while maintaining the amplitude and phase relationship thereof. The sampled electrical signals are used to generate an impedance trace for the particular THA. That impedance trace is compared to a model impedance trace. In such manner, it can be determined whether the ECR THA is operational. Further, if the ECR THA is in working condition, the impedance trace can be used to determine how efficiently it is operating. This allows for an ultimate determination to be made of how well a particular ECR THA is functioning.

A boat docking device adapted for use in combination with a boat having an oar lock. The boat docking device includes a body member with a closed loop of flexible line and a bolt that are attached to and extend from the body member. The free end of the bolt has a number of vertically spaced annular grooves that are adapted to receive a locking spring pin. In use, the closed loop is placed over a dock post, the bolt is inserted in the sleeve of the oar lock with the free end extending below the sleeve, and the spring pin is attached to the groove closest to the bottom of the oar lock.

A lid mounted on a container maintains a header panel flat against a front wall of the container during shipping of merchandise therein. Upon removal of the lid, the header panel self-deploys to an upwardly- and forwardly-facing display position tilted relative to the front wall to display information relating to the merchandise on display in the container.

A bulk bag has side walls and a bottom in which a liner is inserted made of a flexible plastic material. The liner has a bottom and a plurality of sides and at least one frame member extending inwardly from the sides substantially along a plane oriented substantially parallel with the bottom.

The present invention provides a biodegradable expanded material having excellent expandability, moldability, impact resistance, heat resistance and storage stability. The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of the foregoing expanded material. The present invention further provides a laminate of a non-expanded material layer and an expanded material layer prepared from the foregoing expanded material which exhibits excellent impact resistance and heat resistance and an excellent transparency in the non-expanded material even after heat treatment so that a pattern printed on the inner side of the non-expanded material layer can be clearly viewed from the outside. A novel expanded material is provided made of a hydroxycarboxylic acid based polyester having a weight-average molecular weight of from 20,000 to 400,000 comprising as structural units a structural unit derived from hydroxycarboxylic acid, a structural unit derived from molecular weight increasing agent and/or a structural unit derived from polymerization catalyst deactivator.

A method and apparatus for evaluating the end cap round transducer horn assemblies used in debubbling operations wherein the ECR THA can be evaluated off-line at both high and low power and on-line by making electrical measurements on the ECR THA. The electrical measurements are used to characterize the physical condition of the piezoelectric ceramics of the THA. A test box is employed to practice the method. The test box is connected between the THA and a signal analyzer. Power is supplied to the THA and the electrical signals across the THA are sampled. The sampled electrical signals are transmitted to the signal analyzer while maintaining the amplitude and phase relationship thereof. The sampled electrical signals are used to generate an impedance trace for the particular THA. That impedance trace is compared to a model impedance trace. In such manner, it can be determined whether the ECR THA is operational. Further, if the ECR THA is in working condition, the impedance trace can be used to determine how efficiently it is operating. This allows for an ultimate determination to be made of how well a particular ECR THA is functioning.

An automatic cooking machine includes a feeding device, a deep-fry device, stove device, a cooker transmission device, a serving device, a washing device, a stir-fry device and a panel each mounted on a base. A program logic controller corresponding with micro-switches and photoelectric sensors controls each of the devices to carry out an automatic cooking process. With such an automatic cooking machine design, the automatic cooking machine can stir-fry and deep-fry like a human cook and is easy to keep in good repair.

A child-proof, senior-friendly safety closure for medicine containers is formed with a cylindrical wall including a continuous mid-level band and slotted upper and lower walls. The slotted walls, in conjunction with the mid-level band, form a plurality of lever-like locking elements which can be pivoted about the region of the mid-level band with which they are integrally associated. The associated receptacle is formed with a dispensing neck having an internally projecting locking flange arranged to engage with notches at lower ends of each of the cylindrically arrayed locking levers, the latter being resiliently biased to remain in locking engagement with the flange. To release the cap, an adult finger is inserted downward into the upper end of the cap, the dimensions of which are such that insertion of an adult finger causes the upper ends of the locking levers to be displaced radially outward. Radially outward displacement of the upper ends simultaneously releases the lower ends of the locking levers from the locking flange and allows the cap, which now is in a gripping relation to the finger, to be removed by withdrawing the finger. The internal diameter of the cap is such that the finger of an infant or young child is not large enough to displace all of the locking levers, and displacement of only a few of them is not effective to release the cap.

A connector plate application apparatus presses connector plates into wood members to connect them together for forming wood frames, truss components and the like. Connector plates are supplied to the apparatus in the form of a strip which is pre-punched with nailing teeth. The connector plates are sheared from the strip and driven into the wood members by drivers. The strip is fed forward automatically by a strip feed which engages the strip in openings left by punching the nailing teeth. Loading of a new strip of connector plates is facilitated by an alignment mechanism which allows non-visual alignment of the strip with the strip feed so that the strip feed engages the strip in the openings.

A solid pharmaceutical composition for the oral administration of chelating agents to an individual consists essentially of: at least 100 milligrams of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or a molar equivalent amount of pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrated salts of EDTA, at least 75 milligrams of N-acetyl-L-cysteine, and an appropriate amount of at least one pharmaceutical formulating agent.

Improved combination apparatus is described for creating a fuel rich mixture in a displacer volume, separate from the combustion chamber of a piston internal combustion engine. This mixture is subsequently delivered into the engine combustion chamber, to create a stratified mixture, which is then ignited and burned only in the engine combustion chamber. By use of such stratified mixtures, several benefits over the prior art can be achieved, including: reduced engine friction losses, and consequently improved efficiency; reduced soot formation and engine exhaust emissions; more complete utilization of available air and increased engine power per unit of displacement.

A nail polish remover device adapted for removing fingernail polish from all the fingers and thumb on a hand comprising a cylindrical receptacle defining a chamber with a brush insert assembly mounted within the chamber. The brush insert assembly defines a plurality of finger holes with adjacent semicylindrical support members to receive bristle members which are mounted in the semicylindrical support members allowing the finger and thumb of a user to remove nail polish from the users fingernails.

A container system for pressurized fluids that includes a plurality of generally ellipsoidal chambers connected by a tubular core. The tubular core is formed along its length with a plurality of apertures each of which is positioned within one of the chambers. The apertures are of comparatively small size so as to be able to control the rate of evacuation of pressurized fluid should a chamber be ruptured.

A push-button type bottle head to be disposed on a bottle body can make it easier for pouring water out of the bottle body and for preventing water leakage. The push-button type bottle head mainly comprises a bottle head set on the bottle body and a bottle cap set on the bottle head. After the bottle cap is opened and when an external force is applied to an active element, a driven element will be pushed to drive a passive element to enter an "open state" for pouring inside water out; and when the external force is removed, a second elastic element will restore the active element to its original position and the driven element as well as the passive element back to a "close state."

A hat hanger device for safely storing a hat when not being worn. The hat hanger device includes includes a frame having a first elongate support member and a second elongate support member which is attached to the first elongate support member and has a second end portion which is spaced from and parallel to the first elongate support member, and further includes an arm member being pivotally and biasedly attached to a first end of the first elongate support member and having a padded member securely attached to a second end thereof, and also includes a ring member which is securely attached to a second end of the second elongate support member and is adapted to fit about the crown of a hat; and further includes a hook member which is pivotally secured in a coupling member which is also pivotally attached to the first elongate support member. In combination, the arm member and the ring member securely retains a hat to the hat hanger device.

A trigger switching structure of a contact/full sequential actuation fastening tool, being used in a trigger pivotally mounted between a safety yoke and a trigger valve both of the fastening tool, the switching structure is comprised at least of a receiving seat, a stop piece and a spring. The receiving seat is provided therein a positioning rod and a supporting rod, the stop piece is pivotally mounted on the receiving seat by the positioning rod, and the receiving seat can be combined with the trigger with the supporting rod; the spring is mounted straddling the trigger and the receiving seat to allow a user to move the receiving seat to change the contact position of the stop piece and the safety yoke of the fastening tool to choose a contact actuation or a full sequential actuation position desired for fastening. By embedding the above members in the trigger, occupied space can be reduced, and accidental touching for fastening can be effectively eliminated, safety of use of the fastening tool can thus be increased.

A head support pillow formed of a visco-elastic foam that is securable to a car seat, baby carrier, or the like that includes a number of support surfaces for maintaining the head of a user in an upright position by providing support to the back of the head, the left and right sides of the head and the chin. The head support pillow also includes a cervical support portion for supporting the cervical spine in a comfortable position.

A profiling and/or calibration sample plate allowing approximately full scale calibration monitoring of an ablation achieved in corneal tissue. The profiling/calibration sample plate also allows for a permanent record of an achieved corneal ablation to be made immediately before (and/or during) the actual cornea to be ablated is ablated. The present invention allows "in vitro" full scale determination of the ablation profile resulting from a given set of refractive laser parameters. One exemplary profiling/calibration sample plate includes a plate (or other shape) having a recess adapted to contain a cross-linked collagen material. The collagen material serves as an approximation of corneal tissue having a similar ablation rate to allow for a "full scale" calibration and/or measurement of an ablation procedure as it will actually occur in a cornea. The profiling/calibration sample plate may include alignment registration elements to allow precise positioning of the calibration plate with respect to an astigmatism or other directional optical component if included in the ablation profile. A non-contact interferometer may be used to measure the resultant or achieved ablation profile on the surface of the cross-linked collagen material contained in the profiling/calibration sample plate. The measured surface features in the collagen material and/or a preserved original or copy of the cross-linked collagen material may be maintained as a permanent record of the actual ablation performed on a particular patient.

A method for the generation of ammonia from dinitrogen is provided including reacting a three coordinate, low oxidation state transition metal complex with dinitrogen under substantially atmospheric pressures to obtain a metal-nitrido complex, whereby the oxidation state of the metal complex increases, and reducing the metal of the metal nitrido complex in the presence of a hydrogen source, so as to obtain NH.sub.3. A novel metal complex is provided which is capable of cleaving small molecules which includes a metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, titanium, vanadium, niobium, tungsten, uranium and chromium. The compound may have the formula M(NR.sub.1 R.sub.2).sub.3 where M is a transition metal; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from the group consisting of tertiary alkyls, phenyls and substituted phenyls. The compound permits cleavage of nitrogen-nitrogen triple bonds.

In accordance with the present invention, there are provided non-magnetic black particles composed primarily of Fe and having a hematite structure, which shows an excellent blackness, heat resistance, and dispersibility in a vehicle, and which particles contain manganese in an amount of 5 to 40% by weight based on the weight of the non-magnetic black particles, a soluble sodium salt in an amount of not more than 500 ppm (calculated as Na), and a soluble sulfate in an amount of not more than 200 ppm (calculated as SO.sub.4), and have an average particle size of 0.1 to 10.0 .mu.m and a pH of not less than 5.

There is disclosed a method for helping to prevent miscarriages during pregnancy, comprising administering an effective amount of a fetuin polypeptide.

The procedure comprises (a) the enantioselective reduction of a pro-chiral ketone (III) by using a reducing and agent and chiral catalyst, both boron derivatives, in an anhydrous solvent or mixture of anhydrous solvents to form an enantiomer of an alcohol (II), and (b), the alkylation of (II), in phase transfer conditions, with optionally prior isolation and purification thereof, with 2-chloro-N,N-dimethylethylamine, to form an enantiomer of (I). Cyzolirtine exhibits analgesic properties.

A multi-directional input device, in which a spacer member is interposed between a moving contact plate and a cover which is an upper member, forming a clearance between the cover and the moving contact is provided. The moving contact plate is held apart from the stationary contact and accordingly the tilting switch is held OFF during normal operation. Therefore, if the operating lever is operated slightly obliquely, the moving contact plate will not come into contact with the stationary contact because of presence of the spacer member, thereby holding the tilting switch OFF.

A heat exchanger member (12) having an internal passage in which a baffle assembly (14) is received to define at least two separate flow regions within the passage. The baffle assembly (14) includes a pair of baffles (18, 26), a first (18) of which having a first peripheral portion (22) contacting the wall (16) of the heat exchanger member (12) so as to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The first baffle (18) further has a second peripheral portion (24) spaced apart from the wall (16) of the heat exchanger member (12) so as to form a peripheral gap (32) therebetween. The second (26) of the two baffles also has a peripheral portion (30) contacting the wall (12) of the heat exchanger member (12) so as to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween. A second peripheral portion (30) of the second baffle (26) contacts the second peripheral portion (24) of the first baffle (18) so that the baffles (18, 26) are joined together as an assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the peripheral gap (32) between the first and second baffles (18, 26) is vented to atmosphere through an opening (34). As a result, the flux can be introduced and removed from the heat exchanger member (12) through the opening (34) for brazing the baffles (18, 26) in place. Leakage through the opening (34) can serve to indicate failure of the baffles (18, 26) anytime after their installation.

A pet ramp assembly including a pair of elongated, molded first and second ramp components hinged together at adjoining ends by a simple pivot pin. A pair of side-locking pins serve the dual purpose of locking the folded structure together and alternatively locking the extended ramp-forming structure in its extended configuration while simultaneously providing additional structural support at the pivot point. The apparatus is made of light-weight, injection molded plastic material, and is provided with a non-slip surface on its upper side. The ground-engaging end and vehicle-engaging end are also specially configured to prevent slippage and dislodgment during use. The apparatus also includes disconnectable legs for allowing the ramp assembly to be used as a grooming table, examination table, game-cleaning table etc.

A hydraulic clearance compensation element actuated by a cam of a camshaft and adapted for use with a valve drive, includes a casing closed on one end by a bottom which bears upon one end of a gas exchange valve, a pressure piston so received in the interior of the casing that a leakage gap for hydraulic fluid is formed between an outer surface area of the pressure piston and an adjacent side wall of the casing for enabling the clearance compensating function. The pressure piston and the casing are movable relative to one another in axial direction, with a high pressure chamber being defined between the bottom and a confronting end face of the pressure piston for receiving a hydraulic fluid. In order to provide the leakage gap of optimum size over the entire temperature range adjacent structural components of the pressure piston and the casing in the area of the leakage gap are configured in accordance with the following equation: ##EQU1## wherein C is a characteristic ratio number, PA1 S is the width of the leakage gap, PA1 .epsilon.' is the quotient of the thermal expansion coefficient .epsilon..sub.D of the pressure piston to the thermal expansion coefficient .epsilon..sub.G of the casing,

Disclosed herein is an improved impact wrench structure comprising a reversible motor, a motor bracket, a hammer, driven wheel, a sealing adaptor, a transmission shaft, a clutch plate, two coil springs, and a set pin. The impact wrench according to the present invention has an improved largely simplified structure for facilitating manufacturing process and low cost, also is usable for replacing a flat tire on the way of driving by utilizing automobile power supply in stead of dragging the automobile to a repair shop for replacing the flat tire.

A sanitary storage unit for storage of one or more toothbrushes, each toothbrush having a handle end and a bristle end, the sanitary storage unit comprising an upper chamber, at least one removable reservoir supported under the upper chamber and adapted to hold a liquid, a middle divider mounted between the reservoir and the upper chamber, and a cover adapted for opening and closing the upper chamber. The middle divider has at least one hole therein adapted for insertion of a toothbrush therethrough such that the bristle end of the toothbrush rests in the reservoir and the handle end of the toothbrush extends through the hole into the upper chamber. The cover may be attached to the storage unit at a hinge about which the cover can pivot open and closed. The reservoir may be slidably removable from the storage unit on a track or on a shelf. The reservoir is preferably filled with a sanitizing liquid and may include one or more dividers that divide the reservoir into a plurality of separate compartments, or may comprise a plurality of reservoirs attached together with the fluid in each reservoir isolated from all other reservoirs. The number of reservoirs or reservoir compartments is preferably the same as the number of holes in the middle divider.

A thin electrical connector for connecting to contact pads of a smart card, includes contacts (44) and a support plate (42) that holds the contacts on a circuit board (16), where the contacts and plate are thin. Each contact has a contact blade (60) that projects at an upward incline through and above a slot (52) in the support plate, and each contact has a rear portion (61) for mounting. The rear portion includes a mount part (66) joined to the blade and a pair of retainers (80) on laterally opposite sides of the mount portion. The retainers have ears (104,118) lying out of the plane of the mount part The support plate has a downwardly-opening recess (70) for receiving the mount part, and has upwardly-opening recesses (98, 120) for receiving the ears, to thereby fix the contact to the support plate. A switching contact (44A) includes a pair of laterally-spaced blades (162) and a switching beam (156) lying between the blades but connected to them so when the blades are depressed by a card, the beam is depressed against a trace (163) on a circuit board.

This invention provides water-based photoresist developer/electronics cleaning compositions manifesting reduced equilibrium and dynamic surface tension by the incorporation as surfactant of an effective amount of certain N,N-dialkyl urea compounds of the structure where R and R' are independently C1 to C6 alkyl or cycloalkyl with the sum of the carbon atoms in both R and R' being 6 to 12.

A novel ceramic substrate useful for the preparation of superconducting films, said substrate having the formula REBa.sub.2 MO.sub.6 where RE represents rare earth metals--Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu and M represents metals Nb, Sb, Sn, Hf, Zr; and a process for the preparation of superconducting YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-.delta. thick films on new ceramic substrate.

The invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R31, R4, R5, R51 and R6 are as defined in the specification. The compounds are phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use of the compounds.

Compounds which are useful as a tachykinin antagonist are substituted alkyltetraamine derivatives which are represented by the following formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a complex compound or a solvate thereof. ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are the same or different and each is a phenyl group which may be substituted with one or more hydroxyl, lower alkoxy and/or acyloxy group(s). The compounds are useful as an anti-inflammatory agent, anti-allergic agent, analgesic, antiemetic, agent for irritable colon syndrome, agent for dermal disease, agent for vasospastic disease, agent for cerebral ischemic disease, antidepressant, antianxiety agent, agent for autoimmune disease, antispasmodic, and as a muscle relaxant, etc.

A 3-alkoxypropionic ester derivative, an olefin polymerization solid catalyst component using the same, an olefin polymerization catalyst using the same, and a process for the preparation of a polyolefin using the same. The 3-alkoxypropionic ester derivative is represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 represents a hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R.sup.3 represents a hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and R.sup.4 represents a branched hydrocarbon group having 3 or more carbon atoms.

An electrically heatable glow plug for an internal combustion engine includes a corrosion-resistant metal jacket, a compressed powder filling contained therein, and an electrically conducting coil embedded in the filling. To increase the lifetime of the heating coil, a getter material for binding the oxygen contained in the compressed powder filling is provided. The getter material can be distributed in the form of electrically nonconducting particles in the compressed powder filling. The getter material can also be applied as a coating to the coil or to the inner surface of the metal jacket.

A system and method of presenting whole and/or segmented presentation files, such as graphics, multimedia and/or video files in any combination, within a combination of table or array formats to create a complete scene from within which such presentation files may be placed, played, downloaded, streamed or viewed, including multi-layer file embedding in JAVA which produces a complete scene within which presentation files may be placed, played, streamed or viewed, in a portable virtual one-page design with viewing capability over the World Wide Web via a Web browser or other graphical user interface, over the Internet via a Web browser or other graphical user interface, or from within word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheet, database or other presentation applications.

An image forming apparatus converts image data with recording density of 600 dpi which have been created in a host computer so that recording density in a vertical scanning direction is 300 dpi and recording density in a horizontal scanning direction is 1200 dpi, and outputs the converted image data to an optical system of a printer engine synchronizing with a clock frequency which is four times a normal clock frequency so as to form an image. As a result, the recording density in the horizontal scanning direction is not converted so as to be equal to the recording density in the vertical scanning direction in a conventional way, but is converted so as to have higher resolution. Therefore, an image with more improved printing quality than a conventional one can be formed by using a laser printer which can be arranged at a comparatively low price.

An MRI system operates in a realtime mode to produce images rapidly for a physician performing a medical procedure. The location of the medical instrument used in the procedure is monitored by a locator system which produces an icon on the images to show where the instrument is positioned. Reference phantoms are used by the physician to confirm that the system is properly calibrated to accurately display the instrument location.

Disclosed is a disassemblable oven roaster. The disassemblable oven roaster comprises a geared motor having a main shaft to a free end of which a fan is mounted and a reduction shaft to a free end of which a roasting spit is connected; a motor housing for accommodating the geared motor; an intermediate supporting member detachably and horizontally coupled to the motor housing for supporting a roasting heater and the roasting spit which are disposed therein in a manner such that they are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, the intermediate supporting member having opened upper and lower ends; and upper and lower oven elements covering the opened upper and lower ends, respectively, of the intermediate supporting member, the upper and lower oven elements being configured so that they can be separated from the intermediate supporting member.

An automated sewing system and method for overedge sewing a cuff edge of a knit glove to inhibit the glove cuff edge from unraveling is disclosed. The present invention permits an oversew pattern to be sewn into the seam thereby locking the stitches. The oversew pattern length and run-off angle is maintained consistent between workpieces and is predetermined. A length of thread chain extending from the sewn cuff edge and the length of thread chain remaining on the finished glove is automatically controlled by the present invention. Additionally, the present invention permits a label to be automatically inserted at a predetermined location into the sewn seam on the glove. Moreover, the present invention permits a tensioned elastic strip to be conjointly inserted into the sewn cuff edge thereby elasticizing the cuff edge of the glove.

A hair twist as a flexible retainer for selecting a degree of tension for holding hair selecting a gentle and loose hold, or a tight hold. The hair twist comprises a composite of sheets of fabric, sponge towel, and carpet padding with a wire core all rolled into a cylinder. The cylinder is placed straight under a pony tail gathered at the back of the head, and the cylinder is twisted in place about the pony tail.

A gift wrapping storage container for storing wrapping paper and gift wrapping accessories. The gift wrapping storage container includes a container that has a front side, a back side, first and second sides extending between the front and back sides, a bottom, and an open top. The sides and bottom define an interior of the container that is adapted to vertically receive rolls of wrapping paper. A lid is hingedly coupled to the back side of the container to close the open top. Each of the sides has an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface of one of the sides has a bag hook that is removably coupled thereto and is adapted to receive a handle of a bag. A tray member for holding wrapping accessories such as scissors, bows, tape, ribbon, writing instruments is removably disposable in the interior of the container and rests on support flanges that extend from the inner surfaces of the first and second sides.

A chiropractic adjusting chair includes bracing for restraining lateral movement of the legs of a person seated thereon, for aiding in the manipulation of various areas of the spine of a patient by a chiropractor, therapist, or other health professional. The chair includes a base (which may be adjustable for height), a seat, and a pair of adjustable extensions for generally immobilizing the legs. The extensions are preferably adjustably mounted to the underside of the seat portion such that they are adjustable longitudinally and arcuately in horizontal and vertical planes. The forward or distal end of each extension is provided with a padded brace for holding the lower extremities of the patient. The extensions are then adjusted to limit the movement of the patient's lower extremities, thereby stabilizing the lower body during the spine or upper body manipulation procedure and precluding or greatly reducing rotation of the legs and pelvic areas of the patient. The braces at the distal ends of the extensions may comprise various forms, such as generally L, U, or circular configurations, as desired and depending upon the degree of leg restraint desired.

A Christmas tree light includes a socket shell having a top receiving chamber and an outward top flange, an insulative block mounted in the top receiving chamber inside the socket shell, the insulative block having two longitudinal grooves at two opposite sides, a bulb supported on the insulative block inside the top receiving chamber, the bulb having two lead-out wires separated by the insulative block, a socket cap covered on the socket shell to hold the bulb in place, the socket cap having an inward bottom flange hooked on the outward top flange of the socket shell, two terminals respectively hooked in the longitudinal grooves at the insulative block and connected to the lead-out wires of the bulb, and two conductors connected to the terminals for providing electricity to the bulb.

Connecting seat for tying bar of cargo platform of small truck, including a base seat, a connecting rod and an elongated circular bar. The base seat is mounted on the stopper board and has an insertion section on the surface. Two sides of the insertion section are respectively formed with opposite insertion sockets for different patterns of upper and lower connecting rods to insert therein. One side of the base seat is disposed with two hook sections. The upper connecting rod has a fitting section at one end for fitting with the hollow elongated circular bar. The other end is fixedly inserted into the insertion socket and locked by screws. One end of the lower connecting rod is connected with the upper connecting rod and the other end thereof is also fixedly inserted into the insertion socket and locked by screws. The connecting seat of tying bar is mounted on the stopper board of the cargo platform of a small truck. The loading cargoes are repeatedly tied by the rope or rubber belt which is repeatedly wound on the circular bars and the hook sections to more firmly locate the cargoes so as to ensure safety. The upper and lower connecting rods are independently assembled and can freely cooperate with various patterns so as to vary the pattern of the connecting seat of the tying bar.

Polycyclic phthalazines, in particular 2-substituted maduraphthalazines (10,12,15,16-tetrahydroxy-8-methoxy-11-methyl-1,9,14-trioxo-1,2,6,7,9,14-h exahydronaphthaceno-1,2-g-phthalazines), of formula I and their use against gram-positive bacterial strains, particularly against multi-resistant staphylococci (MRSA) and against glycopeptide-resistant, for example vancomycin-resistant, enterococci. The polycyclic phthalazines are thus suitable for preparing anti-bacterially effective pharmaceutical compositions. In formula I, R.sup.1 is carboxyalkyl or carboxyaryl, and R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 represent H or acyl (for example CO-alkyl or COO-alkyl), with R.sup.1 being different from optionally substituted carboxyphenyl when R.sup.3 represents C.sub.1-8 alkanoyl. The invention also relates to salts, amides and esters of compounds of formula I.

Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein the symbols have the meaning defined in the specification have retinoid-like biological activity.

The instant invention relates to intermediates of Formula II, ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are as defined in the specification, and to processes for preparing such intermediates. This invention also relates to processes for preparing compounds of Formula III, ##STR2## and enantiomers thereof, wherein R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are as defined in the specification. Compounds of Formula II and Formula III are intermediates in the preparation of a potent .beta..sub.3 adrenergic receptor agonist. The instant invention also relates to processes for preparing the .beta..sub.3 adrenergic receptor agonist using the compounds of Formula II and Formula III.

A security device for immobilizing a vehicle by securing one or more of its wheels to a fixed location. The device includes an anchorage assembly mounted on a flat horizontal surface that includes two spaced apart channels and one stopper member near to one of the channels. A central assembly with three walls, perpendicularly mounted to each other, is slidably mounted to the anchorage assembly. A holding assembly removably locks central and holding assemblies together. The central assembly has several arms that extend radially outwardly and embrace a vehicle's wheel. A reinforcing arched member connects the bent portions of the arms enhancing the structural integrity of the holding assembly.

A baking pot comprises a casing, an inner pot, an electric heating tube, a fan, a protecting disk and a web type pot body. The casing has an opening at top thereof and is installed with an upper cover. The inner pot is installed within the casing. The electric heating tube is fixed within the inner pot. The fan is installed within the inner pot; and is driven by a proper dynamic force. The protecting disk is fixed within the inner pot, and is positioned atop the electric heating tube and the fan The web type pot body installed on the protecting disk. By above structure, a baking pot is formed, which is suitable for baking potato strips, potato blocks, chicken blocks, or other freezing foods.

A two stage pressure relief valve for releasing a fluid under pressure includes a body having a bore extending from an inlet and terminating in an outlet. A first chamber which communicates with the inlet and a second chamber which communicates with the first chamber and the outlet are provided and are dimensioned such that the cross sectional area of the second chamber is greater than that of the first chamber. An operator seat is disposed within the body and an operator is moveably disposed within the bore and engages the operator seat. The operator includes a blocking surface which blocks at least a portion of the flow of fluid. When the pressure of the fluid exceeds a threshold pressure, the operator is unseated whereby fluid flows at a first flow volume such that at least a portion of the fluid impinges the blocking surface causing the blocking surface to move within the second chamber whereby fluid flows at a second flow volume. The second flow volume being greater than the first flow volume.

A retaining device for a detachable drawer track including a track having a limit block attached to one end and a limit device attached to the other end. The limit device has two blocks extending therefrom and a bumper formed between the two blocks. A rail is slidably mounted on the track by a bearing. A retaining device is attached to the rail. The retaining device includes a retaining plate attached to the rail and a pull bar connected to the retaining plate. The retaining plate is Y-shaped and has two levers projecting toward the limit device and a hole defined at the apex of the levers. Each of the levers has a recess defined to receive the corresponding one of the blocks and an activation groove defined in the bottom thereof and being parallel thereto. The activation grooves communicate with the hole, and the pull bar is slidably mounted between the retaining plate and the rail. A shank extends from the pull bar toward the retaining plate. The shank includes a free end having two bosses extending up therefrom and received in the hole of the retaining plate. The distance between the two bosses is close to the minimum distance of the two activation grooves, and the bosses move in the corresponding activation grooves.

An organic electrophotographic photoconductor diminished in an image trouble due to history of a transfer process in a reversal development system is disclosed. The above organic electrophotographic photoconductor is called a separated-function laminated type organic electrophotographic photoconductor, which has an undercoat layer and a photosensitive layer laminated in this order on a conductive substrate, the photosensitive layer comprising a charge generation layer laminated on the undercoat layer and containing an organic compound, and a charge transport layer laminated on the charge generation layer and containing an organic compound. For the charge generation layer, a titanyloxyphthalocyanine compound is used as a charge generation material. The present invention uses the titanyloxyphthalocyanine compound having a clear diffraction peak at a Bragg angle (2.theta.) of 9.6.degree..+-.0.2.degree. or 27.3.degree..+-.0.2.degree. for CuK.alpha. characteristic X-ray (wavelength 1.541 .ANG.). For the charge transport layer, a specific organic compound is used as a charge transport material.

This invention provides water-based compositions, particularly coating, ink, fountain solution, adhesive, agricultural and photoresist developing/electronics cleaning compositions, manifesting reduced equilibrium and dynamic surface tension by the incorporation of a surface tension reducing amount of certain alkylated aminoalkylpiperazine compounds of the structure ##STR1## where one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is a C5-C14 alkyl or cycloalkyl group and the other is H, or both or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are C5 to C8 alkyl groups, and n is 2 or 3.

A photographic recording material for use in redox amplification comprises a support having thereon a plurality of emulsion layers, each emulsion layer containing a color-forming coupler, and wherein the activity of the couplers is from 45 to 70% as measured by the citrazinic acid method. These materials may be developed by a redox development step which may be followed by a bleach-fix step without any intervening step. Staining is eliminated with the use of these photographic materials.

A light duty, liquid comprising: a paraffin sulfonate, an alpha olefin sulfonate, a C.sub.12 alkyl amido propyl dimethyl amine oxide, a polyalkyl glucoside, a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, and water.

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of an oxazoline compound which is easily chemically converted to a beta-amino-alpha-hydroxy acid or a gamma-amino-beta-hydroxy acid. The method comprises producing a compound of the following formula (4) using .alpha.-amino acid. The produced compound (4) is subjected to an intramolecular cyclization to produce an oxazoline compound of the following formula (3). The oxazoline compound (3) is oxidized at a vinyl group with RuCl.sub.3 or NaIO.sub.4 to produce an oxazoline compound of the following formula (1) which is easily chemically converted to a beta-amino-alpha-hydroxy acid. Alternatively, the oxazoline compound (3) may also be treated with 9-borabiclo[3.3.1]nonane such that a hydroxy group is introduced into the end of the vinyl group of the oxazoline compound(3). The introduced end hydroxy group is oxidized with RuCl.sub.3 or NaIO.sub.4 to produce an oxazoline compound of the following formula (2) which is easily chemically converted to a gamma-amino-hydroxy acid.

A method for manufacturing 3,5-difluoroaniline by fluorinating 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene and then aminating the intermediate fluorinated benzene with aqueous or anhydrous ammonia to achieve the product in yields of greater than 80%.

In a semiconductor integrated circuit device, after electric power starts being supplied thereto, when a control circuit 2 is turned on, a test signal is fed in via a clock output terminal 6. At this time, an on/off control signal is at a low level, which causes a controller 14 to feed a low-level signal through a buffer 17 to the gate terminal G of a latch circuit 15, and thus the test signal fed through a buffer 9 to the input terminal D of the latch circuit 15 is fed from the output terminal Q thereof to the controller 14. Having received the test signal, the controller 14 recognizes establishment of a test mode and turns the on/off control signal to a high level. This causes the latch circuit 15 to stop operating, and thus the controller 14 feeds a clock through an AND circuit 16 and a buffer 8 to a clock output terminal 6 for external output.

A process for producing packaged products from a film roll includes the steps of detecting whether an elongate film is defective or not, detecting whether a spool is defective or not, detecting whether an assembled cartridge is defective or not, and detecting whether a case is defective or not. Various defective products detected in these steps are removed without being fed to subsequent steps. By thus detecting various defects in the process for producing packaged products from a film roll, high-quality packaged products can efficiently be manufactured.

An adjustable interconnected lockset adapted to be secured to a door which includes a mounting plate assembly having a vertically extending mounting plate having an operator bracket proximate the bottom thereof with the operator bracket having screw receiving holes. The lockset also has an exterior operator assembly including internally threaded posts, first screw holes extending through the mounting plate and screws which extend through the mounting plate and threadedly engaging with the threaded posts to clamp the door between the exterior operator assembly and the mounting plate assembly. The mounting plate has a central opening extending vertically upwardly from a location proximate the operator bracket and defining mounting plate side panels on either side thereof and the mounting plate assembly further has a dead bolt bracket which includes a central door engaging portion, a pair of opposed side portions adapted to engage the mounting plate side panels, and screw receiving holes. An exterior dead bolt assembly includes internally threaded posts and second screws extend through dead bolt bracket screw receiving holes and threadedly engage with the exterior dead bolt internally threaded posts to clamp the door between the exterior dead bolt assembly and the mounting plate assembly.

A pendulous accelerometer wherein the active reaction mass is pendulously mounted to a fixed support structure and includes sensor cover or covers in the total active reaction mass.

A pendulous accelerometer wherein the active reaction mass is pendulously mounted external to a fixed support structure and may include sensor cover or covers in the total active reaction mass.

An electric automatic pop-up toaster has a carriage and a pivotably connected manually operative arm for moving the carriage to a lowermost position for toasting in well-known manner. At the beginning of each toasting cycle, the arm is horizontal and a latching plate is magnetically held down to hold the arm and the carriage in a lowermost position. The arm presses against a wire spring to hold closed a power switch (not shown) that supplies power to heating elements of the toaster. The latching plate is (magnetically) released at the end of each toasting cycle by a timer. This allows the carriage to move upwards to pop-up toasted bread in a usual way. However should the carriage fail to move upwards when the latching plate is released, the arm is pivoted by a spring and tilted to the position shown in the Figure. The wire is therefore released and enters a slot in a bracket mounted to the carriage. The switch opens and remains open to prevent power being re-instated to the heating elements. Even if the arm is thereafter pushed down, the switch cannot be closed because no downward pressure can be applied to the spring until the carriage has moved upwards beyond an intermediate position.

A storage and carry wrap for a plurality of storage containers of relatively rigid material comprises a generally rectangularly shaped base panel having an inner face, an outer face, and opposed ends. A handle is affixed to the base panel midway between the ends. A plurality of pockets or receptacles are affixed to the base panel and are longitudinally disposed along the inner face thereof for releasably receiving the containers. The portions of the base panel on each side of the handle are foldable along spaced-apart transversely extending fold lines to each assume a generally U-shaped configuration with the receptacles being disposed in confronting relation. A cover affixed to the base panel proximal the handle includes first and second cover panel sections extending in opposite directions from the handle, and connects to the base panel portions when folded in their U-shaped configuration.

A programmed bar screen cleaner removes debris from a screen positioned in a channel to prevent the flow of the debris to a liquid treatment. A rake has tines for engaging the screen to move the debris toward and past an upper end of the screen to remove the debris from the screen. Automatic and controllable raking operations are provided to handle the situation in which there is debris jammed in the screen. The jammed debris resists the movement of the rake along the screen, which is sensed via rake motor overloaded, indicated by motor current in excess of a limit. The existence of a jammed rake causes positive release of the rake from the face of the bars, and further movement of the rake is controlled according to the nature of the problem which caused the jamming. If the rake jams during a raking stroke, the jam is sensed, and according to the nature of the problem, the rake may be positively removed from the face of the bars, and then either returned to an original position at the beginning of the stroke, or advanced in the direction of the original stroke and then returned to the face for completion of the stroke, or advanced in the direction of the original stroke, then returned to the face, and then moved toward the original position at the beginning of the stroke to remove the cause of the jamming from the face of the bars.

A bonding apparatus comprising a capillary through which a wire passes, a torch electrode that makes a substantially horizontal pivotal movement so as to be brought under the capillary, and a rotary motor that drives the torch electrode, thus allowing the torch electrode to have any desired range of movement so as to provide superior working characteristics.

A pen or the like with dual illuminating ends includes a light transmitting case, a protective seat connected to the top end of the light transmitting case, a top illuminating module mounted within the protective seat, a light transmitting moveable seat mounted at the bottom of the protective seat, a bottom illuminating module mounted within the light transmitting moveable seat, a refill mounted within the light transmitting case and urged against the moveable seat, both the structures of the top and bottom illuminating module are similar and are mounted asymmetrically. The top and bottom illuminating module includes light emitting diode, a light emitting seat, a battery, a battery seat, a metallic spring, and a metallic blocking nut to form circuit in parallel. When the refill exerts a force, a reaction causes the refill to move upward to push the moveable seat such that the blocking nut of the two illuminating modules touches the battery to form a closed circuit, which causes the two illuminating modules to glow, and the glow at the bottom end is refracted via the teeth-like or wavelike multiple bend surfaces of the inner wall of the light emitting case. The focusing light and refraction of light effect provide the entire pen to illuminate.

A tie-down device for use with trucks or the like which requires an item or items to be secured to the truck bed by means of a rope, cable, strap, etc. The device is removable and securable without the need for drilling holes and without marring or scratching finished surfaces to which it is attached. Its primary use is, but is not limited to, the downwardly-protruding interior edge of a truck bed cap. This is accomplished by a single-piece design which is cylindrical in shape with a slot that runs the length of the piece forming a hook-like configuration and creating a front and rear portion to the device. At the front portion there is a radius groove at each end of the device with eased edges. This forms a cleat-like configuration to the front portion of the device and accommodates various means of securing items to a truck bed or the like. With the front portion configured as a cleat, and the rear portion as a hook, this allows the device to not only be easily secured to the truck bed cap, but also allows the various means of fastening items to the device at any angle or direction.

A trampoline includes a trampoline frame with a leg portion and a looped frame portion mounted on the leg portion. A jumping bed includes a bed member with a dimension smaller than that of a bed mounting space confined by the looped frame portion. An elastic support unit has a plurality of folded elastic straps, each with opposite hooking ends secured to a peripheral portion of the bed member and an intermediate section confining a passage for extension of the looped frame portion therethrough, thereby suspending elastically the bed member relative to the looped frame portion. A looped protective covering has an upper covering portion with an inner peripheral section secured to an upper surface of the peripheral portion of the bed member, and an outer peripheral section that extends above the looped frame portion so as to be disposed outwardly and laterally of the looped frame portion. The protective covering further has a lower covering portion that extends from the outer peripheral section of the upper covering portion and that has an inner peripheral section extending below the looped frame portion, and a looped elastic band secured on the inner peripheral section of the lower covering portion.

There is provided pre-expanded particles of a propylene resin having a high expansion ratio and excellent molding adhesion without using a volatile blowing agent or increasing an expansion pressure. The pre-expanded particles of a propylene resin are prepared by the process comprising dispersing resin particles comprising a propylene resin composition, which contains 100 parts by weight of (A) a random copolymer of ethylene and propylene having an ethylene content of 1.5 to 4.5% by weight and 0.001 to 10 parts by weight of (B) an alkali metal salt of a copolymer of ethylene and (meth)acrylic acid, into an aqueous dispersion medium in a pressure vessel to obtain a mixture, heating the mixture to an expansion temperature higher than a softening temperature of the resin particles, introducing an inorganic gas, and releasing the mixture into a lower atmosphere than the inner pressure of the pressure vessel; said mixture is expanded after a temperature of said mixture is maintained at a temperature region of not more than the expansion temperature to at least (the expansion temperature -1.degree. C.) for at least 30 minutes.

A system and method of balancing the torque applied to a stringed instrument's neck and headstock that allows the stringed instrument's neck and headstock to deflect evenly when a tremolo device included in said stringed instrument is operated is provided. The system includes a suspension string tree, which passes over each of the instrument strings at the instrument headstock intermediate a string nut and the tuning machines. The suspension string tree includes two adjustable fasteners, which pass through the string tree at opposite ends thereof and which adjustably retain the suspension string, tree to the headstock at a desired distance and vertical angle with respect to the headstock. The method includes balancing the torque applied to a stringed instrument's neck and headstock by the instrument's strings by adjusting adjustment fasteners located at opposite ends of, and which adjustably retain, a suspension string tree that passes over all of the instrument strings to an instrument headstock. The balancing is performed by tuning the instrument to pitch and then operating the tremolo device. The tremolo device operation is followed by adjusting the adjustment fasteners inwardly and outwardly to return the two outer strings to their proper pitches.

A mirror assembly for releasable attachment to the windshield a land vehicle. The assembly includes a mount having a base plate and at least one suction cup. A telescoping arm extends from the base plate and joins a mirror thereto. The length of the arm may be set by means of a clamp which it carries. Swivel balls on the opposite ends of the arm permit the position of the mirror relative to the mount to be further adjusted.

A vest with incorporated back pack and back support including a vest portion adapted for being worn on a torso of a user. The vest portion is comprised of a front panel and a back panel each having outer edges. The outer edges are secured together leaving arm receiving openings and a head receiving opening. A backpack portion is secured to the back panel of the vest portion. A lower back support is securable to the back panel of the vest portion below the backpack portion. A pair of shoulder supports are secured interiorly of the vest portion.

A packaging machine has a roll supporting device with a support shaft rotatably supporting a film roll which extends in an axial direction, an elongated bag-forming film being wrapped around the film roll, a bag forming device which pulls out the film from the film roll and forms the film into a shape of a bag, a packaging device for filling the bag-shaped film with articles to be packaged and sealing the film to produce a package, a roll displacing mechanism for displacing the roll supporting device in the axial direction, and a roll position controller for controlling the roll displacing mechanism to adjust the position of the roll supporting device. The bag forming device includes a former for bending the film into a tubular form and a former roller for guiding the film to the former. As a former of a different size is installed, depending on the width of the film, the position of the former roller is changed by a former roller discharging mechanism which includes a first mechanism for supporting the former roller and moving it to a plurality of different positions with respect itself and a second mechanism for moving the first mechanism to a plurality of different positions in the same direction.

The apparatus and method attaches a section of unsupported interlocking zipper transversely to portion of film drawn around a fill tube of a form fill and sea machine. This includes the steps of driving and guiding said zipper horizontally around the outside of the film formed around the tube in a direction transverse to direction of movement of the film, after the formation of the fin seal. An alternative embodiment drives and guides the zipper horizontally around the inside of the film formed around the tube prior to the formation of the fin seal. A retractable ledge may be used to guide the zipper in the alternative embodiment. A slider operated zipper can also be used in this alternative.

A garlic surface membrane stripper comprises a first body, a second body, a press rod, and a press structure. The first body is installed with a plurality of membrane stripping claws therewithin. The lower ends of the membrane stripping claws are formed with respective free ends, and each of the membrane stripping claw is installed with a protrusion. The membrane stripping claws encircles around a space as a chamber. The second body is installed with an assembling hole and an inlet, and the second body is connected to an upper end of the first body. The press rod is slidably matched to an assembling hole of the second body. The press structure is installed with a plurality of press pieces, and the press structure is connected to a lower end of the press rod. By aforesaid structure, a garlic surface membrane stripper is formed.

A portable grill having telescoping legs is disclosed. The grill includes a substantially rectangular grate and two pairs of telescoping legs. Each pair of telescoping legs is pivotally attached to one end of the rectangular grate. The grill can be used to cook food over an open fire, or the grill can be used to cook with charcoal with the aid of a charcoal tray that can be hung below the rectangular grate using S-hooks. The invention also includes a carrying case for allowing the grill to be carried in a backpack without the grill soiling other items in the backpack.

A jig for fastening to a hand-held power tool such as a router, effectively converting the tool to a bench mount type tool. The jig comprises a mount plate consisting of first and second separable halves that join to clamp the tool within an opening within the plate, and a member for fastening the jig to a workbench or the like. As well, removable legs elevate the jig above a work surface. The fastening member may consist of either a tongue extending from the mount plate, or the mount plate may alternatively fasten to a separable member for clamping to a workbench or the like.

A notebook type toolbox includes a casing and a cover pivotally connected to and releasably engaged with the casing. The casing includes shaped grooves for receiving tools and a handle. A bottom of the casing includes two pivotal sections in two ends thereof, respectively. Each of two lower corner areas of the casing is cut to form a space. Each of two lateral walls of the casing includes an end face facing the space. The cover has two lateral sides with a view opening therebetween. Each lateral side has a pivotal section pivotally engaged with an associated pivotal section on the casing. The cover is pivotable to a first position for engaging with the casing in which the tools can be viewed via the view opening and a second position that supports the casing in an inclined status in which the end faces rest on an outer side of the cover.

A storage box having an upper cover, a lower cover pivotally connected with the upper cover and a resilient sealing ring securely received in an edge of the lower cover so as that when the upper cover and the lower cover are engaged with each other, a water-tight engagement is achieved. Furthermore, due to an arcuate front face formed on the upper cover, the engaging force of the upper cover to the lower cover will be enhanced due to the stress-deformation effect.

A self-supporting book having a resilient support member which is nested within the book when it is closed. Opening the book causes the support element to project outwardly from the bottom of the book, forming a base for holding the book upright, in a vertical position.

An adjustment device for an arm of a chair comprises a fixed tube member, an inner tube and an adjustment member. The fixed tube member is fixed to an upper side of the seat of the chair, and has rows of teeth on upright trenches on inner side thereof. The inner tube is movably received in the fixed tube member, and connected to the arm from an upper end. The adjustment member is fixed to an intermediate portion of the inner tube, and has cogs turnably disposed the teeth of the fixed tube member. An engaging member is movably disposed on the cogs; the engaging member is biased downwardly by a spring, and connected to a rope of a controlling member such that same can be lifted by pushing the controlling member. The engaging member has engaging teeth opposing the cogs such that the cogs are stopped from turning for fixing the adjustment member and the arm in position when the engaging member is not lifted. When the engaging member is lifted, the cogs can turn, permitting the arm to be adjusted to a desired position.

A combination bubble blower pen includes a pen body, an upper barrel connected to a top end of the pen body and holding a solution for producing bubbles, and a bubble-blowing device for insertion into the upper barrel to take the solution for blowing bubbles, the pen body having a penholder, a tapered front socket connected to the bottom end of the penholder, a writing element holder mounted in the penholder and fixedly connected to the front socket, and a writing element inserted into the writing element holder, the upper barrel having a receptacle extended from a bottom extension rod thereof and coupled to the top open head of the writing element holder, and a bellows tube connected between a bottom end of the body thereof and the top end of the penholder for enabling the upper barrel to be moved relative to the penholder to depress the top open end of the writing element holder in propelling the writing element out of the front socket for writing.

This invention incorporates a multi-ring burner assembly utilizing at least two flame rings to gently and evenly warm food and a third flame ring in conjunction with the first two flame rings for cooking food. This design has the further advantages of easy replacement of both the igniters and the gas jets from the top of the appliance without having to remove the unit from the appliance.

A silver halide light-sensitive material comprises a support, a hardening layer and a light-sensitive layer in order. The light-sensitive layer contains silver halide and a hydrophilic polymer. The hardening layer or the light-sensitive layer contains a reducing agent. The hardening layer contains a mixture of a polymer (A) and a polymer (B). The mixture contains the polymer (A) in an amount of 5 to 70 wt. % and the polymer (B) in an amount of 30 to 95 wt. %. The polymer (A) comprises repeating units of (A1) in an amount of not less than 95 mol %. The polymer (B) comprises repeating units of (B1) in an amount of 10 to 90 mol % and repeating units of (B2) in an amount of 10 to 90 mol %. ##STR1##

The present invention relates to detergent compositions comprising an enzyme that increases the water-solubility of fatty acid-containing stains/soils, especially an acid-thiolligase, a desaturase enzyme and/or a glutathione S-transferase. These detergent compositions provide cleaning performance on body soils and/or oily/greasy soils and stains.

The present invention provides an agent for inhibiting skin erythema and/or skin pigmentation, containing at least one selected from the group consisting of the carbostyril derivative and salt thereof represented by the general formula, ##STR1## (wherein R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or the like; R.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group or the like; R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are lower alkyl groups which may have hydroxyl groups as substituents or the like; the carbon--carbon bond between 3- and 4-positions in the carbostyril skeleton is a single bond or double bond).

This invention relates to novel benzopyran and other benzo-fused leukotriene B.sub.4 (LTB.sub.4) antagonists and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and to methods of using such compounds as LTB.sub.4 antagonists. The compounds and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of this invention inhibit the action of LTB.sub.4 and are therefore useful in the treatment of LTB.sub.4 induced illnesses such as inflammatory disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis and other skin disorders such as eczema, erythema, pruritus and acne, stroke and other forms of reperfusion injury, graft rejection, autoimmune diseases, asthma, and other conditions where marked neutrophil infiltration occurs.

The present invention relates to compositions comprising a compound which inhibits the actions of angiotensin-converting enzyme and a compound which inhibits the actions of matrix metalloproteinase enzymes and the use of such compositions for treating ventricular dilation, heart failure and cardiovascular fibrotic pathologies.

This is a method to furnish synthesis gas obtained from a biomass. A description of a synthesis gas production method is presented by providing a supply of biomass, air and steam to a vessel. A heat exchanger is provided for heating ambient air to provide a supply of heated air to the vessel and a dryer is provided to remove moisture from a biomass to provide a supply of substantially moisture free biomass to the vessel. Subsequently reacting with the substantially moisture free biomass in the vessel with the heated air forms incandescent carbon and a flue gas. A bed of solids for storage of thermal sensible heat from the flue gas is provided. Upon turning off the heated air, a supply of steam, created from water provided to the heated bed of solids, is employed to purge the remaining flue gas and form a blanket of steam above the incandescent carbon. When the carbon is incandescent, and the heated air is turned off, steam is added to the steam blanketed incandescent carbon to create a water gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The procedure is then repeated. The water gas is modified by reaction with steam to produce additional hydrogen to form an adjusted syngas with a mole ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide of about 2. Combustion residue from the biomass is separated from the carbon for disposition or disposal.

The present invention relates to a process for the industrial synthesis of a substituted perhydroisoindole of formula (I): ##STR1## and of pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compound of formula (I) and its addition salts have especially valuable pharmacological properties. It is a very powerful secretor of insulin, which makes it useful in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes.

A microphone capsule for an in-the-ear hearing aid is disclosed. The capsule can include a top plate having first and second spaced openings defining front and rear sound inlets, and a directional microphone cartridge enclosing a diaphragm. The diaphragm is oriented generally perpendicular to the top plate and divides the directional microphone cartridge housing into a front chamber and a rear chamber. A front sound passage communicates between the front sound inlet and the front chamber, and a rear sound passage communicates between the rear sound inlet and the rear chamber. Front and rear acoustic damping resistors are associated with the front and rear sound passages. The acoustic resistor pair provides a selected time delay, such as about 4 microseconds, between the front and rear sound passages. The use of two acoustic resistors instead of one levels the frequency response, compared to the frequency response provided by a rear acoustic damping resistor alone.

A medical patient gown formed from a single section of a soft fabric material that is suitable for patient wear in a doctor's office or hospital to cover over a patient's body and is selected to have a pleasing pattern and/or print to be aesthetically pleasing to the patient wearing the garment. The gown can be worn forward or backward, includes wide sleeves, is of a size to be wrapped around the patient's body and closed, and includes easily and conveniently releasable fasteners to secure the wrap around the patient's body that are easily opened to allow access by medical personnel performing a procedure on a section of the patient's body.

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for forming glass article from sheet glass. More specifically the apparatus comprises a mold, a plunger being cooperative alignment with the mold, wherein the mold and the plunger form a cavity exhibiting the shaped of the glass article, an outer trimmer for separating the glass article from the surrounding excess sheet glass, and an inner trimmer for forming the aperture in the glass article, and the method involves forming the aperture during the hot-forming process, therefore eliminating a post-formation step.

A fruit squeezer includes a hollow base, a container mounted on the hollow base and having a top open end, a strainer disposed in the container, a reamer disposed rotatably in the strainer, a driving unit mounted in the base and having a driving shaft projecting upwardly therefrom and connected to the reamer, and a squeezing member having a pivotal end mounted pivotally on the container so as to be movable toward and away from the top open end of the container. The squeezing member further has a pressing end opposite to the pivotal end, and a squeezing portion disposed between the pivotal end and the pressing end. The squeezing portion is movable toward the reamer when the squeezing member moves downwardly toward the top open end of the container.

A filter assembly for a blender including a hollow cylindrical filter member, a main cap member, and a plunger assembly. The main cap member encloses a top opening of the blender such that the filter member is positioned within the container of the blender and surrounds the blade member located at the base of the container. A pusher plate of the plunger assembly forces the fruit pieces toward the bland member to be processed, where the fruit juice from the fruit pieces is allowed to flow through perforations on the filter member from a pulp compartment to a juice compartment while pulps are retained within the pulp compartment and the fruit juice can be poured out from an off-centered spout of the main cap member to be consumed without pulps.

A sanitary cat litter box and method of use. The sanitary cat litter box comprises a box top sized to frictionally fit onto a box bottom, an impervious bag sized to fit into the box bottom, and at least one sieve bag nested in the impervious bag. The box has a box mouth and a box aperture. The impervious bag has an impervious bag mouth co-extensive with the box mouth and an impervious bag aperture co-extensive with the box aperture. Each sieve bag has a sieve bag mouth co-extensive with the box mouth and a sieve bag aperture co-extensive with the box aperture. Means is provided to hold the corresponding box, impervious bag, and sieve bag mouths together, and to hold the corresponding box, impervious bag, and sieve bag apertures together. In use, the sieve bag(s) and impervious bag are placed within the box bottom, and the corresponding apertures attached. Cat litter is placed in the uppermost sieve bag, the corresponding mouths are attached, and the box top is installed on the box bottom. Each day, one sieve bag containing lumped cat litter and cat waste is removed from the sanitary cat litter box, and discarded. On the last day, only the impervious bag containing the remainder of the cat litter and any accumulated cat waste is removed and discarded, and a new sieve bag/impervious bag package is installed in the box bottom.

The elapsed time Ta(i) of 30.degree. crank angle near top dead center of compression and the elapsed time Tb(i) of 30.degree. crank angle near 90.degree. after top dead center of compression are found. The difference DTa(i) of the elapsed times Ta(i) between 720.degree. crank angle for a first cylinder and a second cylinder performing combustion after the first cylinder is found. The assumed elapsed time when assuming that there is no torque fluctuation is calculated from the difference DTa(i) of the elapsed time of the first cylinder and the elapsed time of the second cylinder is calculated and the assumed elapsed time is used to calculate the amount of torque fluctuation. It is judged if the vehicle is driving over a rough road from the amplitude and cycle of fluctuation of the vehicle speed. When it is judged that the vehicle is driving over a rough road, correction of the air-fuel ratio based on the amount of torque fluctuation is prohibited.

A hair extension tool includes a pair of elongated handles pivotally secured together at upper ends thereof. The upper ends of the pair of handles have arcuate clamps disposed thereon. A pair of metal rollers are secured to outer surfaces of upper ends of the arcuate clamps of the handles. A pair of heating elements are secured on inner surfaces of the upper ends of the arcuate clamps of the handle. A pair of cutting blades are secured to and extend inwardly from curved central portions of the arcuate clamps of the handle.

A hair accessory device including a claw-type hair clip having claw elements hinged for opening and closing movements about an axis and carrying one or more elongated strip sections of artificial hair. Each of two claw elements has an upper panel portion adjacent to the hinge axis and from which extend a plurality of spaced apart tines, configured such that the tines of one claw element are received in the spaces between tines of the other element, when the clip is closed. A flexible bridging element extends from one upper panel portion to the other, close to but below the hinge axis. One or more elongated strip sections of artificial hair, having selvage margins at one end of strip section, are secured by such margins to the bottom surface of the flexible bridging element. In a preferred form, at least one of the elongated strip sections of hair is secured with its selvage margin extending at right angles to the hinge axis, with adjacent portions of its hair strands, within a space confined by said tines and panel portions, extending generally parallel to said axis and exiting from one end of the clip.

A bottle for containing fluid, such as milky lotion, includes a top and a bottom section separated from each other by a middle partition connected to and between them. The top section is integrally formed of two spaced pipes, upper ends of which form two mouths to receive two dispensers, and lower ends of which are tightly joined with two holes on the middle partition to communicate external space with two closed chambers formed in the bottom section. Such bottle can therefore be used to contain two different types of milky lotion at the same time to effectively reduce the number of and the space occupied by bottles in, for example, a toilet room. Moreover, a dual-liquid ornament can be contained in the top section of the bottle to give the same additional value as an ornament. The bottle may have a downward protruded bottom center about which the bottle can be easily turned or swung to cause dynamic changes in the dual-liquid ornament.

A portable vehicle wheel raising ramp for providing a ramp assembly highly useful for raising a wheel of a tandem wheel vehicle. The portable vehicle wheel raising ramp includes a pair of ramp portions. Each of the ramp portions comprises a ramp member having a bottom for resting on a ground surface. The bottom defines a first plane. An inclined wall defines a plane oriented at an angle with respect to the first plane. A resting wall defines a plane oriented substantially parallel to the first plane. The ramp members are pivotally connected together. A pivot structure connects the ramp members in a manner permitting pivoting about an axis lying in the first plane. The ramp members are adapted to pivot between an operative position and a storage position. A latch structure is for holding the ramp members in the storage position. A locking structure is for locking the ramp members in the operative position. A lip is formed on each of the ramp portions for resisting rolling movement of a wheel from an upper surface of the resting wall onto an upper surface of the inclined wall.

A multiple use trailer system for hauling conventional and long loads. The front and rear end gates are closed for normal loads and open to accommodate long loads such as rebar and lengths of pipe. The rear gate has an aerodynamic air wing that holds it in the open position. A dumping mechanism has a platform which is tiltable to dump the trailer and in one embodiment is mounted on a fulcrum which both pivots and moves laterally to maintain a constant dump line.

A writing implement having an elongated body with a chamber inside; a removable end member on the body; an elongated rod-like removable inscribing member within the body; and, on the body, a door with a hinge edge movably attached to the body and an opening edge opposite the hinge edge which, when the door is opened, exposes the chamber inside the body and also exposes an outer edge on the body which, when the door is closed, this outer edge is adjacent to and aligned with the opening edge. The writing implement also has a removable (and thereby, replenishable) roll of paper housable in the chamber and rollably held there by the inscribing member such that as paper is needed, the door is opened, the paper is unrolled to a desired length, the door is closed, and the paper so removed from the chamber is torn at the opening edge. Serrations on the opening edge and the outer edge facilitate the tearing.

A photograph album page includes a rectangular backing sheet having an upper edge and a parallel lower edge and having an interior edge and a parallel exterior edge and an exterior region between the vertical centerline and the exterior edge and an interior region between the vertical centerline and the interior edge. A plurality of small holes are formed through the exterior region including a lower line between the horizontal centerline and the lower edge and an upper line between the horizontal centerline and the upper edge. An additional plurality of small holes are formed through the interior region and include an inner line of holes closely spaced from the interior edge and an outer line distantly spaced from the interior edge. A rectangular transparent large bag is formed with an exterior edge adjacent to the exterior edge of the sheet and an unsealed open edge in proximity to the vertical centerline. A rectangular transparent small bag is formed with an interior edge adjacent to the interior edge of the sheet and an unsealed open edge in proximity to the vertical centerline. A small rectangular space is formed between the open edges of the large bag and the small bag. Couplings between portions of the bags through the holes form a unitive page.

A manual air pump includes a cylinder having a first chamber and a head provided to the second end of the cylinder. The head includes an outlet passage communicated with the first chamber for supplying air to an object to be inflated. A first piston rod has a first end with a first piston slidably received in the first chamber. The first piston separates the first chamber into a first chamber section adjacent to the head and a second chamber section distal to the head. The first piston rod defines a second chamber therein. A second piston rod has a first end with a second piston slidably received in the second chamber. The second piston separates the second chamber into a third chamber section adjacent to the first piston and a fourth chamber section distal to the first piston. A handle is secured to the second end of the second piston rod to move therewith. Reciprocating movement of the handle causes high volume/low pressure inflation when the handle is engaged with the first piston rod to allow joint sliding movement of the first piston rod and the second piston rod. Reciprocating movement of the handle causes low volume/high pressure inflation when the handle is disengaged from the first piston rod and the first piston rod is retained in the second end of the first chamber.

A quick wired lamp socket assembly which employs a pivoting actuator lever to cause the engagement between an electric cord inserted therein and assembly contacts and provides strain relief to such cord. The actuator lever has a partial top member, an edge of which defines an exposed edge with two conductor recesses and a tooth thereon. The recesses receive the conductors of the cord and the tooth engages the web between the two conductors. The cord is retained against the exposed edge by the circuitous path the cord follows through the lamp socket assembly.

One embodiment of a spinal fixation system 10 including a pair of longitudinal members 11, 12 positionable adjacent the spine, means for engaging longitudinal members to the spine 13, 14, a pair of wedge members 16 each having a bearing surface 38 configured to bear on a longitudinal member 11, 12, and a connector 20 configured to span a distance between the longitudinal members 11, 12. The connector 20 includes a pair of engaging members 25, 26 each having a fixation surface 33 and a connecting surface 30, and a bridge member 21 attached to the connecting surfaces 30. The engaging members 25, 26 each define a thru-hole 35 for receiving one of the wedge members 16. The thru-holes 35 are aligned so that when one of the wedge members 16 is advanced through the thru-hole 35, the bearing surface 38 will bear on a corresponding longitudinal member 11, 12 to force the longitudinal member 11, 12 into contact with the fixation surface 33 and engage the longitudinal member 11, 12 to the connector 20.

Micro-particles of transition metals or their compounds can be generated as an integral part of a fiber by first attaching a nucleating agent to the fiber, and then adding a solution of metal ions. The ions are reduced by the nucleating agent in the fiber, and micro-particles are generated in or on the fiber. Because of the strong color signal resulting from a low concentration of metal micro-particles, the method is cost effective even when using gold or titanium ions. Various colors were generated by changing the size and spacing of the micro-particles, the metal or metal complex used, and the characteristics of the fiber. The dyed fibers displayed colors ranging from pink, red, purple, yellow, orange, peach, brown, gold, silver, grey, green, and black. These colors resisted bleaching by either chemicals or light.

In accordance with the present invention, a glass substrate of a disk for recording information, containing oxides of rare earth elements and fine particles dispersed therein, and a disk for recording information and a disk apparatus for recording information using the glass substrate of the disk are provided. The glass substrate of the disk for recording information having preferable mechanical characteristics, as well as superior chemical stability, thermal stability, flatness, and transparency is provided, and a disk for recording information and a disk apparatus for recording information using the glass substrate of the disk are provided.

Silicone rubber composition comprising an alkenyl-substituted diorganopolysiloxane, an inorganic filler, an organopolysiloxane that contains at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in each molecule, in a quantity that affords a value from 0.4 to 10 for the molar ratio of silicon-bonded hydrogen in the organopolysiloxane to alkenyl groups in the alkenyl-substituted diorganopolysiloxane, an organohydrogenpolysiloxane, in a quantity that affords a value from 0.01 to 0.5 for the molar ratio of silicon-bonded hydrogen in this component to alkenyl groups in the alkenyl-substituted diorganopolysiloxane, and a platinum catalyst. A fluororesin-covered fixing roll in which a fluororesin layer is placed over the circumference of a roll shaft with a silicone rubber layer interposed between the fluororesin layer and the roll shaft, wherein said silicone rubber composition is formed by curing the silicone rubber composition described above.

A multi-part color developing kit includes at least two parts (or solutions) of photochemical compositions that can be mixed to provide a color developing composition useful for obtaining color photographic images. A first aqueous solution is formulated with a color developing agent in free base form, an antioxidant for the color developing agent, an inorganic base, a triazinylstilbene optical brightening agent, an chemical base and a water-miscible or water-soluble hydroxy-substituted, straight-chain organic solvent. A second aqueous solution is formulated with a buffering agent, the same or different chemical base and a phosphonic acid metal ion sequestering agent. Both solutions have a pH and homogeneity to provide a clear color developing composition that is safer for use and disposal.

The present invention relates to a method for the production of saccharide preparations, i.e., syrups, by saccharifying a liquefied starch solution, which method comprises a saccharification step during which step one or more enzymatic saccharification stages takes place, and the subsequent steps of one or more high temperature membrane separation steps, and re-circulation of the saccharification enzyme, in which method the membrane separation steps are carried out as an integral part of the saccharification step. In another specific aspect, the invention provides a method of producing a saccharide preparation, which method comprises an enzymatic saccharification step, and the subsequent steps of one or more high temperature membrane separation steps and re-circulation of the saccharification enzyme.

A method and apparatus for dry etching changes at least one of the effective pumping speed of a vacuum chamber and the gas flow rate to alter the processing of an etching pattern side wall of a sample between first and second conditions. The first and second conditions include the presence or absence of a deposit film, or the presence, absence or shape of a taper angle. Various parameters for controlling the first and second conditions are contemplated.

This invention relates to a taxane derivative represented by the following formula (1): ##STR1## (wherein A represents a substituted piperazino or piperidino group, X represents an alkyl, pyridyl, thienyl, furyl, cycloalkyloxy or the like and Y represents H or trialkylsilyl) and also to a drug containing the same. This compound has high solubility in water and also has excellent antitumor activities.

The present invention relates compounds of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently represents a phenyl group optionally substituted by a variety of substituents; PA1 R.sup.3 represents a variety of substituents; PA1 R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, and R.sup.7 each independently represents hydrogen or C.sub.1-6 alkyl; PA1 A represents --O-- or --S--; PA1 B represents --O--, --S--, --NR.sup.a -- or --CHR.sup.a --; and PA1 n is zero, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; PA1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof. The compounds are of particular use in the treatment or prevention of depression, anxiety, pain, inflammation, migaine, emesis or postherpetic neuralgia.

A Mannich base intermediate for 2-[(4-heterocyclic-phenoxymethyl)-phenoxyl]-alkanoates and methods for its preparation are provided. A method for preparation of an alkyl 2-[2-(secondary amino methyl)-5-alkylphenoxy]-alkanoate comprises the steps of: reacting a mixture of m-alkyl phenol, a secondary amine, and an aldehyde, with or without a catalyst, in a first solvent at reflux temperatures to form a 2-[(secondary amino)methyl]-5-alkylphenol. That product is then reacted with an alkyl 2-haloalkanoate, and an alkali metal carbonate, with or without a second catalyst in a second solvent at reflux temperatures to form the 2-[2-(secondary amino methyl)-5-alkylphenoxy]-alkanoate. The aldehyde may be paraformaldehyde, aqueous formaldehyde, formaldehyde, or polymerized acetal derivatives thereof. The first solvent may be acetonitrile or toluene. The catalyst may be an acid catalyst or a base catalyst. In the preferred embodiment the Mannich base is a 2-[(secondary amino)-methyl]-5-alkylphenol, or a 2-[2-(secondary amino methyl)-5-alkylphenoxy]-alkanoate.

The invention provides certain novel 5-substituted pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-2,4-diones, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, a process for preparing the pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment involving their use.

Bistrifluoromethylbenzylamines are obtained in a simple manner in high purities and with good yields by catalytic hydrogenation of the corresponding bistrifluoromethylbenzonitriles if the process is carried out in the presence of Raney cobalt, at least one aliphatic ether and ammonia.

An optical scanner with adjustable resolution includes a casing, an optical path means, a driving means and a movable motor. The casing has a scanning path for the optical path means reciprocally moving therein for scanning. The driving means includes a belt-pulley means and a first friction wheel. The motor has an output shaft upon which a second friction wheel is mounted. The second friction wheel makes contact with the first friction wheel for driving the belt-pulley means to move the optical path means to perform scanning. The movable motor may change contact position between the first and second friction wheel and consequently change moving speed of the optical path means. As a result, the resolution of the scanner may be changed and adjusted.

In a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board, this printed circuit board can be manufactured by executing a simple manufacturing step within a short time period at in low cost without requiring a complex manufacturing process. A conductive material is pattern-printed on a base board and the printed conductive material is hardened to form a first conductor layer. Subsequently, an insulating material is pattern-printed on the first conductor layer, and the printed insulating material is hardened to thereby form a first insulating layer. A manufacturing step similar to the above-described step is repeatedly performed to thereby form a second conductor layer, a second insulating layer, and a third conductor layer. Furthermore, a manufacturing step similar to the above-explained step is repeatedly performed, so that a printed circuit board having a multi-conductor layer can be manufactured.

A toilet seat lowering system, for use with a toilet seat having a seat bottom and a seat rear which is mounted upon a toilet bowl, comprising a top plate and a bottom plate. The top plate and bottom plate are mounted between the toilet seat and toilet bowl near the bowl rear, wherein the top plate is pivotally connected to the seat bottom, and the bottom plate is pivotally connected to the bowl. The top plate is hingeably mounted to the bottom plate near the seat rear. Bellows, having an internal cavity, is located between the top plate and bottom plate. An intake valve and a slow release valve are in communication with the internal cavity of the bellows. When the toilet seat is manually lifted from its initial lowered position to a raised position, air is drawn into the internal cavity through the intake valve, pressurizing the internal cavity and thus maintaining the toilet seat in the raised position. After a period of time, air escapes through the slow release valve, causing the toilet seat to return to the lowered position automatically.

A control system for mobile air conditioning systems for controlling the rate at which the system compressor or clutch is cycled between operational and decreased refrigerant flow, by selectively controlling the response time of certain system control signals to flow demand changes including de-icing control, from interactions between de-icing control and flow control valves, as well as system overall control. Upon the detection of an icing condition, the response of the control system is delayed to a degree to control the rate at which the capacity of the compressor can be cycled with in design limits. The delay feature allows the differential used in differentiating between icing and non-icing conditions to be significantly reduced over that required in the prior art and thereby improving the performance of the air conditioning system. Icing conditions, or the likelihood thereof, can be determined by sensing the condition of the refrigerant flow from the evaporator. In addition, the history of compressor cycling can be stored and used to prevent excessive cycling for any reason.

A tool holder for securely holding a forming tool in its intended position on a press brake. The tool holder includes a tool holder plate having first and second receiving surfaces oriented to respectively engage first and second mounting surfaces of a press brake tool, an actuator arm movable toward and away from the tool holder plate and having a camming surface, a clamp carried by the actuator arm and being movable with respect to the actuator arm toward and away from the respective receiving surfaces of the tool holder plate, and a cam surface on the clamp oriented to be engaged by the camming surface of the actuator arm to receive force therefrom in response to engagement of the respective camming surfaces of the actuator arm and the clamp. The force thus received has substantial force vector components normal to the first and second receiving surfaces of the tool holder plate to press against these surfaces, respectively, the first and second mounting surfaces of the tool.

A fruit squeezer includes a hollow base having a peripheral side wall with opposite highest and lowest sides, a container having a first spout and turnable relative to the hollow base between a draining position in which the first spout is aligned vertically with the lowest side, and a non-draining position in which the first spout is aligned vertically with the highest side, a reamer mounted rotatably in the container, a driving unit mounted rotatably on the hollow base and having a driving shaft that projects into the container and that is connected to the reamer, and a squeezing member disposed above the reamer for moving toward the reamer.

In a composition containing a photothermal conversion material, which is suitable for use in a method of perforating a heat-sensitive stencil sheet by ejecting a photothermal conversion material contained in a liquid from a liquid-ejecting means to transfer it together with said liquid onto a heat-sensitive stencil sheet, and then exposing said heat-sensitive stencil sheet to a visible or infrared ray to allow the photothermal conversion material to emit heat so that said heat-sensitive stencil sheet is perforated specifically at portions to which said photothermal conversion material has been transferred, the perforation can be efficiently performed by use of a liquid containing a photothermal conversion material by appropriately selecting boiling point and heat of vaporization of a major component of the liquid. A composition for perforating a heat-sensitive stencil sheet containing a photothermal conversion material in a liquid, said liquid comprising a solvent having a boiling point of 50 to 250.degree. C. and a heat of vaporization of 200 cal/g or less in an amount of at least 50% by weight based on the total of said liquid. Said photothermal conversion material is preferably carbon black in an amount of 0.1 to 30% by weight of the composition.

Methods and apparatus are provided for separation of liquids of different densities in production fluid streams from underground wells. Methods and apparatus are also provided for separation of gas, oil and water in production fluids, transportation of the separated fluids to the surface, as well as reinjection of separated water from the production fluids into other formations. Other aspects include new separation arrangements which include gas or liquid driven motors, designs for multi-stage hydrocyclone separators and use of beam or rod pumps.

A storage closet and rack apparatus for holding and storing fishing accessories. The storage closet and rack apparatus includes a housing. The housing has a back wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a bottom wall, a top wall and a front side. The front side comprises a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels includes drawers, doors and a desk. The housing has a plurality of compartments therein. A portion of the compartments has fishing reel mountings therein. Each of the fishing reel mountings is coupled to a wall of the compartments. Each of the fishing reel mountings is adapted for holding a fishing reel. A pair of securing means releasably secures fishing poles to the housing. Each of the securing means is fixedly coupled to both of the first and second side walls of the housing.

A multiple wall tank for the storage of liquids is manufactured from a rigid, single wall inner tank having at least one aperture by applying an outer sheath over the inner tank, removing a portion of the tank surrounding the aperture, applying a layer of a synthetic resin material to the inner tank exterior surface surrounding the aperture, providing a spacing means to provide for substantially free passage of liquids between a substantial portion of the inner tank and the outer sheath and bonding a portion of the outer sheath to the synthetic resin layer surrounding the aperture to form a substantially liquid impervious seal around the aperture.

A partition system for the bed of a utility vehicle includes a divider frame with first and second opposing side edges and a bottom edge. At least one extendible bumper extends from the first opposing side edge of the divider frame. At least one opposing bumper extends from the second opposing side edge, and at least one storage container is mounted to the divider frame. Preferably the divider is in frictional engagement with the sides of the bed of the utility vehicle and includes a plurality of mounted storage containers. In some embodiments, the frictional engagement is achieved with spring biased bumpers, and in other embodiments handle and gear arrangements are used. The divider is removable and may be placed in a predetermined location to act as a mobile storage container. A parallel brace may be used to hold subpanels in place between the divider frame and the brace. Additionally storage containers may be mounted on the removable subpanels.

A method for manufacture an air bag cover includes providing a cover skin made of a polymeric material and weakening a seam region in the skin by selective exposure to ultraviolet light.

A folder designed as a clipboard file for non-perforated documents has one or more index sheets (14-18) retained in the back of the folder (3) by folding lines (24) which engage behind a clamp (5). Pressure is applied to a friction clamping spring (9) for moving the spring between closed and opened positions by applying pressure to a front leg (8) of the spring.

An apparatus for removing leaves and debris from a roof gutter from a ground position is disclosed. The apparatus includes an adjustable articulate head unit connected to a telescoping handle. The head unit includes a pair of gripping blades hinged together along their proximal end to pivot between an open and closed position. One of the gripping blades is rotatably connected to a flat neck by an O-shaped grommet, which allows the gripping blades to rotate between different angular positions with respect to the neck for different angles of inclination. A cord is connected to the other gripping blade and passes through the grommet and is used to manually close the gripping blades. A trigger device, which includes a finger loop is secured to the cord and can be selectively positioned along its length.

The present device is a small "U"-shaped, vinyl covered, foam filled pillow having two side mounted, hinged internal support arms which would adjust left and right with the use of a lock/unlock button. A follower arm is attached between the two support arms causing them to move left and right together, with the result that both would be positioned at the same angle when adjusted. When a patient's head is cradled in the pillow, a dentist or hygienist simply depresses the lock/unlock button, positions the head as desired, and releases the button to lock the arms in that position. Each side of the present invention has a foam head support pad that serves to secure the head and also provides comfort. An internal spring returns the support arms to the center or neutral position when the present invention is not in use. In order to allow the internal spring to return the support arms to the center or neutral position, the dentist or hygienist would depress the lock/unlock button.

An adjusting mechanism for easily and simultaneously adjusting the height and the angular orientation of an armrest is provided. The adjusting mechanism includes a supporting sleeve connected at a lower end to a chair and an outer casing connected at an upper end to an armrest and put around the supporting sleeve. A joint pipe fixed in an upper part of the supporting sleeve includes a first half having multiple rows of locating holes and a second half having multiple horizontally spaced stop grooves. A bent control arm is disposed in the outer casing with an upper end projected from the outer casing to serve as a hand control and a lower end extended into the supporting sleeve. Upward pushing the hand control brings a locating means provided at the lower end of the control arm to disengage from the locating hole and a stop arm provided opposite to the locating means to elastically press against one stop groove, allowing the outer casing to freely move upward or downward and rotate relative to the supporting sleeve and thereby achieve adjustment of the armrest associated therewith.

An electronic eye depth testing method comprises a three dimensional cubic space displayed on a display screen, wherein the cubic space has a first image of a three dimensional object and a second image of a three dimensional object randomly placed within the cubic space. The first image is located at the intersection of two perpendicular horizontal planes and a vertical plane perpendicular to said two horizontal planes and the second image is located at the intersection of two perpendicular horizontal planes and a vertical plane perpendicular to said two horizontal planes. A subject to be tested for depth perception is directed to move the images into convergence in the center of the cubic space.

A dumping apparatus for an industry standard conventional front loading refuse truck having a lifting mechanism for engaging a container and dumping its contents into the truck. The container has at least one upright side and supports for engagement by the refuse truck lifting apparatus. A rail having a first end and a second end is connected to the side of the container. An elongate sliding member is horizontally slidably connected to the rail. An elongate extension member is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the extension member is detachably interposed between the container and the sliding member at the second end of the rail. The rail is reversibly attachable to the container so that its first end can face in either direction. A first end of an elongate extension arm is rotatably connected to the sliding member. A reversable clamp assembly to grasp objects therein is connected to a second end of the extension arm which is rotatable from a first lowered position to a second raised position to enable objects grasped by the clamp assembly to be emptied into the container in either the extended sliding member position or the retracted position.

A transparent spherical toy includes upper and lower shell halves. The upper shell half has a bottom end face, a thickness reduced rim portion extending downwardly from the bottom end face, an outer recess formed outside of the inner space and extending upwardly from the bottom end face, and a male thread formed on the rim portion. The lower shell half has a top end face, an inner wall, a ring-shaped shoulder projecting into the inner space from the inner wall adjacent to the top end face so that the rim portion is seated against the shoulder, a female thread formed on the inner wall between the top end face and the shoulder and engaging the male thread, and a notch formed in the top end face above the female thread and aligned with the outer recess. The transparent spherical toy further includes a sealing ring disposed between the shoulder and the rim portion for providing sealing therebetween when the male and female threads engage each other tightly, and a dog mounted rotatably in the outer recess and extending therefrom into the notch for preventing the upper shell half from rotating relative to the lower shell half.

A hypodermic needle capping device (10) that attaches to a hypodermic syringe (100). The device (10) consists of two separate elements: the first consists of a collar (12) having integrally attached a snap-lock structure (24) that includes a locking barb (40) and slide member retaining structure (42). The second consists of a slide member (54) which includes a barb receiving and locking slot (58) and a needle point barrier (76). The collar (12) is frictionally inserted over the upper edge (108) of the syringe (100). The slide member (54) is slidably attached to the slide member retaining structure (42) and is designed to be placed in two positions. When the syringe (100) is to be used, the slide member (54) is positioned along the side of the syringe (100). After the syringe has been used, but prior to being discarded, the slide member (54) is single-handedly slid upward until the locking barb (40) is inserted into the slot (58) at which time the slide member (54) is positioned with the syringe needle (104) point adjacent the needle point barrier (76).

A method for laundering non-structured garments which are unsuitable for water washing and which are to be cleaned without wrinkling, shrinkage or color damage.

The combination of a chromium ion and a carboxylic acid ion selected from the group consisting of a formate ion, a malate ion, and a fumarate ion is an effective feed supplement for ruminant animals and improves their weight gain, feed efficiency, body composition, and milk production.

A composition for cleaning petroleum contaminated surfaces includes 5 to 60 percent by weight of a dioctyl sulfosuccinate salt, 20 to 50 percent by weight of a carrier composition and 10 to 75 percent by weight of a diluent. The preferred carrier composition is a mixture of polyethylene glycol and glycerol. The preferred diluent is water. The preferred concentration of sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate is about 7% by weight. The preferred dioctyl sulfosuccinate salt is sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate. A method of cleaning petroleum contaminated surfaces is also provided. The steps include providing a solution containing dioctyl sulfosuccinate salt, a carrier composition, and a diluent as described above and treating the petroleum contaminated surface with the solution in a manner and for a time sufficient to decontaminate the surface. The preferred method of treatment comprises contacting the solution with the petroleum contaminated surface for a time sufficient to create an emulsion and then removing the emulsion. The composition can be used to clean tissue.

An improvement is described in a cleaning compositions which are especially effective in disinfecting the surface being cleaned and in the removal of oily and greasy soil without leaving streaks which contains a mixture of at least one nonionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant and an amine oxide surfactant, and water.

Vasopeptidaes inhibitors, especially omapatrilat, are useful in treating and/or relieving the symptoms of angina pectoris. The vasopeptidase inhibitor may be used in combination with other pharmaceutically active agents.

Vinyl halide resin compositions containing a metal compound stabilizer and coated acid absorber particles, where the coating consists of a tin-based coating or a complex calcium/zinc/strontium phosphate-based coating, are used to confer heat stability to such compositions. Use of the costabilizers of this invention results in economic advantages and material cost savings.

A method for altering the ratio of isotopes of the metal of a metal alkyl, in that an amount of depleted or enriched metal alkyl in preferably liquid form is contacted with an amount of the metal of the metal alkyl or an alloy of that metal and is held in contact for some time. Preferably, particulate metal or alloy is used, and the metal alkyl and the metal or the alloy are contacted and held in contact at a temperature above room temperature. The metal alkyl and/or the metal or alloy can be moved while being held in contact. The method is applicable in particular to diethylzinc and zinc.

An improved structure of tact switch comprises a seat body, a first elastic element, a press set, and a closure body. After assembling and jointing the first elastic element and the press set in the seat body, the assembly procedure is to couple the closure body onto the seat body. When the press set is pressed down by an external force, it will in turn press the first elastic element downwards to make connection between a first conductive electrode and a pair of second conductive electrodes.

A control panel assembly of a microwave oven which is easy to use, including: a front panel section having first and second cooking mode single-functional buttons comprised of a plurality of single-functional buttons for first and second cooking modes of the microwave oven, and a slot formed on the middle portion of the front panel section between the first and second cooking mode single-functional buttons; a movable switch disposed on the front panel section which is moved laterally along the slot of the front panel section; and a mode shifting switch for shifting cooking modes to the first and second cooking modes by the movement of the movable switch, wherein the first and second cooking modes are automatically selected by the movement of the movable switch, and the cooking mode single-functional button of the selected mode is exposed outward for pressing by a user. Accordingly, by simply moving the movable switch in a lateral direction, the cooking modes of the microwave oven are automatically selected. Also, the cooking mode single-functional button of the selected cooking mode is exposed, while the single-functional buttons of the unselected cooking mode are blocked by the movable switch. Accordingly, since there is a reduced number of exposed functional buttons, the appearance of the microwave oven is simple and clean. Further, by using the single-functional button for frequently cooked foods, the use of the control panel assembly becomes much easier.

Apparatus and methods for executing business transactions and transferring subscribed for and periodically updated information across networks by means of encapsulated, self contained visual link objects that include a displayable image representing the contents of the visual link object, a dataset forming the contents of the object, and additional information wherein the contents of a visual link object are determined by the nature of an intended transaction or the nature of the information to be distributed. Also described are apparatus and methods for creating and distributing graphical user interfaces for application programs, for customization of applications programs, and methods for multi-level encapsulation of visual link objects to protect the contents thereof from unauthorized access, together with alternate implementations of visual link objects.

Trichromatic light exposed through a liquid crystal panel upon which liquid crystal shutter elements are two-dimensionally arranged is exposed so as to form an image in the same position on a photosensitive recording medium by moving the photosensitive recording medium opposite the array of liquid crystal shutter elements. For example, the liquid crystal panel is provided with red liquid crystal shutter element rows, green liquid crystal shutter element rows, and blue liquid crystal shutter element rows, each arrayed with m liquid crystal shutter elements in a direction perpendicular to a direction of conveyance of the photosensitive recording medium, these element rows being arranged repetitively in an appropriate order at constant pitch such that (n+2) rows are arranged in the direction of conveyance of the photosensitive recording medium. Exposure through the liquid crystal shutter elements is activated every time the photosensitive recording medium is conveyed by the same distance as the constant pitch.

A reflective type liquid crystal display of this invention comprises a reflector member having corrugated surface stored therein; an overcoat layer formed on the corrugated surface of the reflector member for making the corrugated surface flat; and a color filter layer formed on the overcoat layer, and wherein a thickness of the overcoat layer is more than twice of a depth of the concave part in the corrugated surface of the reflector member.

A flue heater is detachably secured to the flue of a chimney. The flue heater uses an electrical power source to create heat and direct the heated air into the lower portion of a flue. The device can be attached to the flue before igniting a fire and removed immediately prior to lighting a fire. The device can be used with any pre-existing chimney without the need for any large expense in retrofitting a permanent flue heater.

A camera is provided with a photographing device for setting various photographing conditions which determine a state of a subject image to be obtained as a picture, the photography device including an exposure device having a Plurality of selectively settable exposure modes for automatically setting at least one exposure value based on brightness of a subject, a mode selector for selecting one of the plurality of exposure modes, a calculation unit for calculating an amount indicative of the state of the subject image in accordance with the photographing conditions set by the photography device, an estimation unit for estimating visual effects which the subject image provides based on the calculated state amount, and a display device for displaying the visual effect corresponding to the exposure mode selected by the mode selection means in accordance with the estimated visual effects. Accordingly, an operator of the camera is allowed to conceive before an exposing operation what the final picture will look like in accordance with the photographing conditions set in a variety of exposure modes.

A blower nozzle (30) and a vacuum nozzle (40) extending in parallel with each other are connected to a main body (10) housing therein a fan (19) and a motor (20). The main body (10) is provided with a dust bag (50). In a vacuum mode, air is directly sucked from the vacuum nozzle and is introduced into the dust bag by the rotation of the fan. In a blower mode, the air similarly sucked from the vacuum nozzle is directed toward the blower nozzle.

The present invention discloses a generic method for producing void and gas occlusion free materials, as well as apparatuses for batch and continuous production of same. This generic method can be utilized in the production of a wide variety of polymeric compounds and composites and specifically encompasses the two ends of the polymeric composite spectrum, that is, polymer concretes on the one hand, and fiber-reinforced polymer composites on the other. The composite materials of the present invention are characterized by visual count as being void and gas occlusion free to the level of 1 micron at 1250.times. magnification. Concomitantly, the invention produces useful polymer concrete materials which exhibit substantially improved integrity for easy machining at high speeds, and high dielectric and mechanical strength, as compared with composite materials produced by conventional methods. Thus, one particularly well-suited application for the materials of the present invention is the class of high voltage electrical insulating materials and insulators where the presence of voids, or gas occlusion flaws, may have deleterious effects, leading to their early failure.

A depth control device (1) for a subsmersible body comprises a depth monitor (5) and depth controller (6). A variable volume buoyant body operates under the control of the depth controller and comprises three chambers, the first (10) containing air and the second and third chambers (7, 8) containing hydraulic fluid. The second and third chambers (7, 8) communicate reversibly with one another by means of a tube (13) and bypass valve (12) in a pump (3), so that a piston (9) at the entrance to the first chamber (10) is displaced in response to movement of fluid between the second and third chambers. Thus, the volume of the buoyant body is varied and hence the buoyancy of the subsmersible body which it controls. To keep the submersible body at a particular depth, a depth trigger value is set in the depth controller (6), so that a reversible change in the volume of the buoyant body is initiated in response to a change in depth sensed by the depth monitor (5) by pumping fluid between the two chambers (7, 8). The depth monitor is generally a pressure sensor and the pump is typically a swash plate pump.

At least part of the length of a teat cup for milking the teat of an animal is flexible or deformable or both. The teat cup is mounted on a robot arm in a fully automated milking system so as to be releasably retained on the robot arm in a fixed, predetermined orientation relative thereto. A compression spring coated with vulcanized rubber is retained in the cover or jacket of the teat cup. A cord connected to the upper part of the teat cup is pulled to bend the teat cup by at least about 90.degree. relative to the vertical so that undesired material is less likely to enter the opening at the top of the teat cup and the teat cup is more compact and shorter between milkings. The cord used to bend the teat cup also function to retain the teat cup firmly on the robot arm in its fixed orientation relative thereto when the teat cup is not connected or being connected to a teat. When the cord is released the spring in the teat cup's jacket causes the teat cup to assume its operable upright disposition. The spring also facilitates the pulsation function of the teat cup and reduces the wear to which the pulsation liner is otherwise subjected.

A compound archery bow has a top cam which is larger than a bottom cam so that the nock point travel between an at-rest position and a fully-drawn position follows substantially a straight line. The nock point on the bowstring positions an arrow substantially perpendicular to the bowstring in the at-rest position. Since the nock point follows a straight line collinear with the arrow center line and perpendicular to the bowstring in the at-rest position, the arrow is released without nonlinear torque or movement of the nock end as it is pushed forward by the bowstring.

An electromagnetic proportional valve with an outlet chamber that communicates via a fixed valve with a first valve chamber and via a movable valve with a second valve chamber. A valve seat of the fixed valve is embodied on the valve body and the valve seat of the movable valve is embodied on the valve member of the fixed valve. A movable sealing element seals off the two valve chambers from one another. The sealing element, for the sake of achieving the least possible hysteresis, is embodied as a metal bellows that extends through the first valve chamber and on each end is fixed in sealed fashion, on the valve member of the fixed valve and on the valve body.

A machine trims the ends of decorative molding to match the contour of the face of the molding. The machine comprises a frame that supports a die. The die has an opening therethrough with a die profile that is reversely arranged in comparison with the molding face contour. A punch with a profile that is identical to the molding face contour is reciprocated into and out of engagement with the die. In a first position, the punch is out of engagement with the die such that the end of a piece of molding can be placed between the punch and the die. The punch is actuated to reciprocate into engagement with the die and shear the molding. The punch has a three-dimensional cutting edge with a point between the punch ends. The point contacts the molding first. From the point, the punch cutting edge shears the molding progressively across the molding toward the punch ends.

A lid for a drinking cup having a bottom and a sidewall extending generally upwardly from the bottom, the sidewall including an upper edge and an inner surface, the lid comprising a base, a rim which depends from the periphery of the base and which includes a constriction for removably connecting the base to the cup over the upper edge, a mouthpiece which extends generally upwardly from the base and which has a longitudinal hole formed therethrough, an elongated stem which depends generally downwardly from the base generally opposite the mouthpiece, the stem comprising two longitudinal side surfaces which are adapted to conform to the inner surface and a longitudinal channel formed between the side surfaces, wherein the channel communicates with the hole in the mouthpiece and, when the lid is secured to the cup, the side surfaces engage the inner surface to form a fluid passageway through which fluid in the cup may be extracted.

The present invention is related to a side-sloping steering device for a skateboard primarily comprising a front supporting bar and a height-adjustable handle in cooperation with an adjusting knob being inserted into the top of the front supporting bar. The front supporting bar is attached to a main frame, and the main frame and a locating member are pivoted together. Thereafter, when the front supporting bar is turned by the handle to the right and the left direction, the main frame being made in a sloping state. Then, a coupled lever of a wheel-connecting member is moved by a frame-shaped piece pivoted at bottom end of the main frame, wherein the upper end of the wheel-connecting member and the locating member are hinged together while the lower end thereof is provided with one wheel so that, when the coupled lever is turned and moved, the wheel-connecting member will also be turned so that the expected goal of turning the wheels can be reached.

A vehicle occupant safety apparatus (10) includes a seat (11) for a vehicle occupant. The seat (11) has a forward position in the vehicle and a rearward position in the vehicle. A support (20) for the seat (11) enables the seat to move on the support from the forward position to the rearward position in the vehicle. A break-away seat latch (41) maintains the seat (11) in the forward position. An actuator (45), when actuated, breaks the latch (41) and moves the seat (11) from the forward position to the rearward position.

A vehicle cargo tie-down apparatus includes a grommet rotatably retaining a pin having an attached tie-down ring. The grommet has a generally tubular body with the pin positioned in a central aperture. Typically, the grommet body is positioned in a larger diameter first aperture in a trim piece and has a pair of resilient legs extending through a smaller diameter second aperture in a supporting wall covered by the trim piece. The pin is rotatably retained in the central aperture by a radially extending flange at one end and a locking flange at an opposite end and the legs prevent removal of the grommet from the supporting wall.

An insulation displacement contact (IDC) strain relief cap is employed to interconnect a wire with an electrical contact. The electrical contact has a bifurcated end to engage and retain a wire and may be engaged with the strain relief cap. The cap contains notches, some of which fit on retaining cams that are attached to the electrical contact while others serve as wire exit holes. The cap fastens onto the clip once the retaining cams engage the notches and once the wire is aligned with the appropriate exit hole.

A toroidal continuously variable transmission (11) having power rollers (18A-18D) held between input discs (19, 20) and output discs (21, 22) and transmitting power and a torque converter (12) having a lock up clutch (12D) connected to the continuously variable transmission (11) are provided. The line pressure of a working fluid supplied from a pump (1) is adjusted by a pressure regulator valve (2), and the adjusted line pressure is introduced to a lock up control valve (5) for controlling a fluid pressure to be supplied to the lock up clutch (12D) of the torque converter (12) through a pressure passage (31). Further, an oil cooler (32) is interposed in a downstream portion of the lock up control valve (5). The lubricating circuit of the continuously variable transmission is separated into a first lubricating circuit 33 for lubricating a bearing member of the power rollers (18A-18D) and a second lubricating circuit (35) for lubricating a rolling surface between the input and output discs (19-22) and the power rollers (18A-18D). The first lubricating circuit (33) is connected to a downstream portion of the cooler (32) and the second lubricating circuit (35) is connected to an upstream portion of the lock up control valve (5).

A self-aligning reinforced plunger rod and a non-elastomeric plastic plunger insert assembly for use with an elastomeric plunger in a cartridge or syringe barrel, the plunger rod having a first, second, third and fourth sides, a distal end with an end disc, a proximal end with a thumb rest, and a plunger rod tip integral with the end disc and having a neck portion and a ball portion for engagement with a cavity in the non-elastomeric plastic plunger insert. Connecting the end disc and thumb rest there are: four longitudinal radially extending rectangular vanes spaced about 90.degree. from each other; on the first side of the plunger rod a first pair of longitudinal radially extending reinforcing vanes, and a second pair of longitudinal radially extending reinforcing vanes; on the third side opposite to the first side of the plunger rod, a first pair of longitudinal radially extending reinforcing vanes, and a second pair of longitudinal radially extending reinforcing vanes; each of the first pair and each of the second pair of longitudinal radially extending reinforcing vanes on the first side of the plunger rod and each of the first pair and each of the second pair of the longitudinal radially extending reinforcing vanes on the third side of the plunger rod forms an obtuse triangle with one of the longitudinal radially extending reinforcing vanes; on the second side of the plunger rod, a first pair of longitudinal radially extending reinforcing vanes forms a two-dimensional hourglass-shaped surface, and on the fourth side of the plunger rod, a second pair of longitudinal radially extending reinforcing vanes forms a two-dimensional hourglass-shaped surface. The non-elastomeric plastic plunger insert contains a cavity defined by its inside surface to receive the plunger rod tip. The combination directs the force exerted on the plunger rod in an axial direction.

Relatively cool chemical vapor deposition precursor particles are desorbed from a target by increasing the temperature of a selected target area at a heating rate of at least about 10.sup.6 K/sec such that heat energy causes the desorption of at least one CVD precursor particle intact from the target, such that intermediate bonds between the precursor particles and adjacent particles are heated at a higher rate than the precursor's internal bonds, or such that a substantial portion of heat energy is not transferred to the internal modes of the CVD precursor particle.

Liquid oils with a SAFA-content of less than 5 wt % can be obtained by conversion of a fatty compound (A), preferably having a SAFA-level of more then 5 wt %, with a reactant (B), capable of forming different reaction products of the non-triglyceride type (C.sub.1, C.sub.2 etc.) having a different melting point and/or different solubility in compound (A); the SAFA-level of the end product can be controlled by separating the precipitate of the higher melting more saturated reaction-products (C.sub.1, C.sub.2 etc.) from the rest of the reaction mixture.

The invention provides novel methods for modulating apoptosis in eukaryotic cells using peptides and proteins derived from p33.sup.ING1 or oligonucleotides derived from the ING1 gene. The invention also provides method of determining the apoptotic characteristic of a eukaryotic cell.

Disclosed is an efficient and economical method for the preparation of N-glycolyl neuraminic acid in a high purity from an inexpensive abundant source material. The method comprises dispersing body tissues of an echinodermatous marine animal Cucumaria echinata in an aqueous medium, preferably, using a dry powder of the tissues prepared in advance, in which the tissues are proteolytically decomposed to isolate N-glycolyl neuraminic acid in the form of an aqueous solution containing polypeptides as a by-product, followed by separation of N-glycolyl neuraminic acid from the aqueous solution by removing the polypeptides and purification of the compound in a process utilizing an ion-exchange treatments.

A method for forming an alignment mark includes defining a circuit pattern area and an alignment mark area on a semiconductor substrate, forming a first pattern in the alignment mark area, forming a second pattern of a first material on the first pattern, forming a layer of a second material different from the first on the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate, and polishing the layer of the second material and the second layer such that the second pattern and the layer of second material are polished at different speed, until a step difference appears between the second pattern and the layer.

2-Fluorofucosyl-N-aroylglucosamine derivatives which are obtained by substitution of a hydroxyl group at the 3- or 4-position of N-aroylglucosamine with 2-fluorofucose, their intermediates and preparation methods thereof. The 2-fluorofucosyl-N-aroylglucosamine derivatives which are useful medicinal components for the treatment, improvement and prevention of inflammation and diseases accompanying inflammation, their intermediates and preparation methods thereof can be provided.

A compound comprising a non-steroidal antiinflammatory agent to which is directly or indirectly linked an NO group, a compound comprising an enolic anilide non-steroidal antiinflammatory agent to which is directly or indirectly linked an NO.sub.2 group, a pharmaceutical composition including the compounds and methods of treatment of pain and/or inflammation using the compounds and compositions are disclosed. Also disclosed is a composition comprising a non-steroidal antiinflammatory agent and a compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide.

The present invention provides ras farnesyl transferase inhibiting compounds of Formula I ##STR1## The present invention also provides a method of treating cancer and treating or preventing restenosis or atherosclerosis. Also provided by the present invention is a pharmaceutically acceptable composition containing a compound of Formula I.

Tosylproline analogs of formula I, methods of making them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods for their use. The compounds are thymidylate synthase inhibitors; and are useful as anti-tumor agents and as anti-parasitics, anti-bacterials, anti-fungals, and anti-virals.

A stringed musical instrument including a bowl portion having an open upper end and a closed lower end. The bowl portion has a pair of diametrically opposed openings therein downwardly of the open upper end. The open upper end has a cover secured thereto. An elongated rod extends through the pair of diametrically opposed openings of the bowl portion. The elongated rod has opposed ends disposed outwardly with respect to the bowl portion. A first opposed end is disposed in proximity to the bowl portion. A second opposed end is disposed remotely with respect to the bowl portion. A bridge is secured to the cover of the bowl portion. A length of steel wire is provided having a first end secured to the first opposed end of the elongated rod. The length of wire has a second end extending over the bridge for coupling with respect to the second opposed end of the elongated rod.

A rotary electrical switch for an automobile vehicle anti-theft device of the type comprising a rotor mounted free to rotate about a stator to supply electrical power to a starter, by at least one electrical strip contact, wherein the rotor comprises a surface acting as a cam to clean the electrical contact that cooperates with a portion facing the intermediate segment of a contact strip to elastically deform the contact strip globally in its median axial plane, causing relative displacement of the free lower end of the mobile segment with respect to the contact portion of the fixed contact element with which it is in contact, when the rotor closes or opens the electrical contact.

The present invention is a device for switching and monitoring batteries for powering a battery-operated device that includes an n-to-1 multiplexer; batteries; a sensor array; a controller; a receiver; a transmitter; and diodes for selectively connecting power for the multiplexer, the sensor array, the controller, the receiver, and the transmitter.

A light pipe is configured to pass light from a selected light source, such as the green, amber or red light on a traffic signal light to the left, right or rear of the traffic signal light to provide a visual indication of the selected traffic signal light from a remote location where the traffic signal light is not directly visible to the police officer monitoring compliance with traffic laws. The light pipe is secured to the traffic signal light housing by any conventional method, and does not interfere with the normal operation of the traffic signal light.

A reflection mode, ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulating system, includes a light reflecting type spatial light modulator. The spatial light modulator has a light reflecting surface cooperating with a layer of ferroelectric liquid crystal light modulating medium switchable between first and second states so as to act on light in different first and second ways, respectively. A switching arrangement switches the liquid crystal light modulating medium between the first and second states and an illumination arrangement produces a source of light. An optics arrangement is optically coupled the spatial light modulator and the illumination arrangement such that light is directed from the source of light into the spatial light modulator for reflection back out of the modulator and such that reflected light is directed from the spatial light modulator into a predetermined viewing area. The optics arrangement includes a passive quarter wave plate positioned in the optical path between the light source and the spatial light modulator and in the optical path between the spatial light modulator and the viewing area. A compensator cell is also positioned in the optical path between the light source and the spatial light modulator and in the optical path between the spatial light modulator and the viewing area. The compensator cell has a layer of ferroelectric liquid crystal light modulating medium switchable between a primary and a secondary state so as to act on light in different primary and secondary ways, respectively.

As the pre-charge potential for write global data buses (12, 13), a potential lower than the power supply voltage (Vii) for peripheral circuit by the threshold voltage (Vth) of a transistor is used. This suppresses disturbance in the potential of a pair of bit lines (18, 19) due to pre-charge operation. It suffices if the write global data buses are pre-charged to the potential lower than the power supply voltage (Vii) for peripheral circuit by the threshold voltage (Vth). This can reduce current consumption accordingly. By generating the pre-charge potential without using the power supply voltage (Viic) for core, adverse effects on sense operation can be avoided.

Power wastefully consumed in a prior art mobile station in a reception level measurement process and burst transmission is reduced by the invention, by determining the current location of a mobile station by measuring a reception level with respect to an accommodating cell, and suspending a reception level measurement with respect to adjacent cells and burst transmission of a result of measurement when the mobile station is near the center of the accommodating cell.

A knotless adjustable wrap, which may be worn about the neck or head in a wide variety of styles, in which a continuous loop is formed from a blank of material. A first and a second collar are each slidably attached to the continuous loop in a spaced, cooperating relationship with each other and with the continuous loop. The first collar defines a first V portion disposed on one side of the continuous loop and the second collar defines a second V portion disposed on the opposite side of the continuous loop through which the continuous loop passes. The collars and V portions cooperate with each other and with the continuous loop when the first collar and the second collar independently move with respect to each other about the continuous loop for adjustably changing the size of the knotless adjustable wrap.

Fluid decoration structure including a collar, a partitioning board, a base seat, a soft transparent film-like enclosing body, a fluid and multiple decorative articles. The fluid, decorative articles and partitioning board are enclosed in the enclosing body. The partitioning board is formed with at least one through hole. The collar is downward fitted from upper side of the enclosing body to the partitioning board. The collar is formed with an annular neck section for pressing the partitioning board in a receiving/locating space defined between the collar and the base seat. Also, an open end of the enclosing body is fixedly clamped in the receiving/locating space. The bound section of the open end of the enclosing body hidden between the partitioning board and the base seat. The base seat and the collar are tightly connected with each other so that no sealing track is revealed outside. The transparent enclosing body form a soft body on the base seat to naturally present the decorative articles enclosed therein. In addition, along with the flowing and variation of the fluid contained in the enclosing body, a special visual effect is achieved. Moreover, the enclosing body is made of soft material so that a user can indirectly touch the decorative articles enclosed therein to enhance the entertaining effect.

A process for producing packaged products from a film roll includes the steps of detecting whether an elongate film is defective or not, detecting whether a spool is defective or not, detecting whether an assembled cartridge is defective or not, and detecting whether a case is defective or not. Various defective products detected in these steps are removed without being fed to subsequent steps. By thus detecting various defects in the process for producing packaged products from a film roll, high-quality packaged products can efficiently be manufactured.

Provided is a Danforth type anchor by which anchor effect is obtained rapidly and reliably, and can be lifted up certainly. The anchor comprises a base unit; a pair of flat plate flukes projecting horizontally outward from the base unit; a shank joined at its base end portion to the base unit; and an orientation control rod provided in the base unit, the base unit including (A) flat plate-like support base plates each of which is formed of (i) a front portion extending at right angle to the reference plane in which the flukes extend and having upper and lower edges inclined outward toward the rear end thereof, and (ii) a rear end portion formed integrally with the front portion and having upper and lower edges inclined outward; and (B) a pair of secondary guide plates fixed to the inclined upper and lower edges of the rear end portions of the support base plates, the secondary guide plates having at their respective rear end sections bent rear end portions being bent to incline inward.

A comfort pillow is attachable to one leg of a person in order to keep the person's knees separated while resting or sleeping. The comfort pillow includes upper and lower pads which are located adjacent to the user's thigh and calf, respectively. A middle section made of batting material is located adjacent to the user's knee. A pair of straps fasten the comfort pillow to the leg of the user. The batting material of the middle section allows the comfort pillow to bend and follow the natural movements of the user's knee. The comfort pillow allows the user's spine to remain straight during rest or sleep, particularly for persons lying on their side, and the straps retain the comfort pillow between the user's knees throughout the sleeping period.

A valve guard for a water faucet with a manually operated control valve. The guard has two substantially identical sections that when joined together in a closed position form a generally spherical surface with a lower cut off opening portion. A spring hinge joins the sections together at facing side edges to normally maintain the sections together in a closed position. A child has insufficient hand strength to pry the two joined sections apart while an adult may easy separate them. The guard is placed over the valve to be controlled with the opened lower portion first. Due to the exposed spherical shape of the closed guard enclosure and the flat bottom opening edge, the guard is difficult for small hands to grasp and when touched may freely rotate about the enclosed valve. The guard is sized relative to the valve structure to be protected. Thus, it may be fitted over the hot water control valve of a two control valve faucet or over the one control valve of a single control valve lever. The lifting of the in place closed guard valve structure can be prevented by selecting a lower opening size that is smaller than the lateral size of the enclosed covered valve.

A router guide is disclosed which is used to cut grooves of varying widths with a router bit of fixed size. The router guide comprises a base plate, having a guide edge, a depression, and a first hole; and a rotating plate, set into the depression in the base plate, that rotates along a central axis of the first hole, having a second hole located substantially over the first hole, but having a center offset by a distance, wherein the first hole is always larger than the second hole.

A barrel of thermoplastic material has a peripherally extending carrier and transportation ring in the region of its upper end portion and at least one plughole connection in the edge region of the latter. The bung hole connection is disposed within a housing which is let into the upper end portion. The housing is open at its side towards the edge of the barrel while at its other side it has a boundary end wall, from each of the two ends of which a respective wall extends towards the edge of the barrel, the walls laterally defining the housing. The walls defining the housing are delimited at the top side by a transition from the respective wall into the upper end portion of the barrel and at the lower end by a transition from the respective wall into the bottom of the housing. The spacing between the upper transitions of the two ends of the housing is greater than the spacing between the two lower transitions and the upper transitions diverge towards the edge of the barrel. The transitions between the side walls and the upper end portion of the barrel body on the one hand and the transitions between the side walls and the bottom of the housing on the other hand do not extend parallel. The transitions between the side walls and the upper end portion include an angle which is at least 120.degree..

A track cover system for use with a vehicle having a track includes first and second cover elements adapted to be attached to the vehicle such that the cover elements are disposed on opposite sides of the track. Furthermore, the cover elements are engageable with each other. The track cover system also includes a slider that is slidably engageable with the cover elements for engaging the cover elements together to thereby cover at least a portion of the track. The track cover system of the invention therefore inhibits dust, dirt, moisture and/or other debris from collecting in the track.

An adjustment device for a chair back comprises a fixed member, a frame member, an engaging member and a controlling member. The fixed member is fixed to a bottom of the seat, and has a toothed portion projecting out from the seat. The frame member is fixed to the chair back. The frame member is pivoted to the fixed member, and has a cog rotatably disposed on said toothed portion. A spring is connected to both the fixed member and the frame member to bias the frame member and the chair back toward the seat. The engaging member is movably disposed on the cog. A steel rope is connected to the controlling member and the engaging member such that the engaging member can separate from the cog for permitting the frame member to be pivoted on the fixed member, and let the chair back to be adjusted when the controlling member is moved.

A sponge mop includes a handle having an assembly frame connected to a lower end thereof and a cleaning tank is connected to the assembly frame. The assembly frame has two separated parts and each part having a roller connected thereto so that a sponge is connected between the two rollers. A lever member is pivotally connected to the handle and two siderails are connected between the sponge and the lever member. A valve is connected between the cleaning tank and the sponge so that when operating the valve to an open position, the detergent in the tank flows to the sponge.

Disclosed herein are spinning tops having an improved pull-string attachment system. The pull-string has a toothed catch at one end that engages with a cylindrical hub of the top. The hub is at the center of a deep radial groove transverse to the top's axis of rotation in which the pull-string is wound. When the top is thrown and the pull-string is pulled, the catch smoothly disengages so that the pull-string releases cleanly from the top. Replaceable tips are also provided.

A method and apparatus for defining the location of a medical instrument relative to features of a medical workspace including a patient's body region are described. Pairs of two-dimensional images are obtained, preferably by means of two video cameras making images of the workspace along different sightlines which intersect. A fiducial structure is positioned in the workspace for defining a three dimensional coordinate framework, and a calibration image pair is made. The calibration image pair comprises two 2D projections from different locations of the fiducial structure. After the calibration image pair is made, the fiducial structure is removed. A standard projection algorithm is used to reconstruct the 3D framework of the fiducial structure from the calibration image pair. Appropriate image pairs can then be used to locate and track any other feature such as a medical instrument, in the workspace, so long as the cameras remain fixed in their positions relative to the workspace. The computations are desirably performed with a computer workstation including computer graphics capability, image processing capability, and providing a real-time display of the workspace as imaged by the video cameras. Also, the 3D framework of the workspace can be aligned with the 3D framework of any selected volume scan, such as MRI, CT, or PET, so that the instrument can be localized and guided to a chosen feature. No guidance arc or other apparatus need be affixed to the patient to accomplish the tracking and guiding operations.

An alloplastic device and process for replacement of a damaged or diseased spinal vertebral column disk. The replacement disk is hollow room temperature vulcanizable (RTV) silicone shaped to mimic the natural disk being replaced. The shape can be derived from a mold of the natural disk or an MRI scan. The replacement disk may be trabeculated (honeycombed) and may be filled with a lubricating fluid including triglyceride oil, preferably soybean oil. The replacement disk is formed by allowing RTV silicone injected into a mold to vulcanize at room temperatures until a wall of sufficient thickness is formed. The unvulcanized silicone is expressed to form the hollow interior. The replacement disk is formed with a nipple having an interior concavity. The nipple is cut from the body of the replacement disk leaving an opening into the hollow interior. The nipple is inverted and sealed into the opening so that the nipple extends from the surface of the replacement disk into the interior where it contacts the opposite wall of the disk. The inverted nipple thus provides a central support for the disk and a valve structure to inject the lubricating fluid into the hollow interior. The concavity of the inverted nipple is filled with RTV silicone which then vulcanizes and seals the opening. The hollow disk lubricates itself since the lubricating fluid percolates slowly through the silicone wall. Other uses include replacement for a worn out or injured miniscus, and other orthopedic applications including carpal tunnel damage or injuries.

An improved shaft suitable for use in the treatment of molten aluminum including pumping or fluxing employing an impeller, comprised of a shaft material comprised of a carbon or graphite surface treated to provide a reacted surface and a refractory layer provided to cover the reacted surface of the shaft. The refractory layer is resistant to attack by the molten metal. The refractory layer and the carbon or graphite material have a coefficient of thermal expansion less than 5.times.10.sup.-6 in/in/.degree. F., the refractory layer has a ratio of coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of 5:1 to 1:5.

The present invention provides an inexpensive, open cell, mechanically robust and graphitizable foam preform. The graphitizable foam is produced via a modified standard flower foam formulation. The invention provides a modified formula for such flower foams wherein a mesophase material is incorporated along with a corresponding reduction in the resole component. The mesophase material replaces 30-70% by weight (a target of 50% by weight) of the resole component of the formulation. The formulation is heated to effect foaming of the mixture, and then carbonized to produce an open cell, graphitizable foam preform.

In a battery in which a metallic battery case for accommodating electricity-generating elements also serves as an electrode, a visible-light or near-infrared-light curing resin is used for providing a coating to insulate an end face and a peripheral edge portion of an opening portion of the battery case or a gap between a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The visible-light or near-infrared-light curing resin excels in a depth-curing characteristic as compared with a conventional ultraviolet curing resin, and cures well even up to a portion such as an insulating seal of a battery where a light-receiving port is light and the light is difficult to reach. Hence, the visible-light or near-infrared-light curing resin is prevented from becoming peeled off and provides a reliable insulting characteristic.

Known cyclic depsipeptides which are PF 1022F substance and PF 1022H substance, as well as a novel cyclic depsipeptide, PF 1022G substance, are now prepared simultaneously by cultivating a fungal strain capable of producing PF 1022F substance, PF 1022G substance and PF 1022H substance represented by the known PF 1022 strain (deposited under FERM BP-2671) which is a kind of fungus belonging to asporous imperfect fungi (the order Agonomycetales) and is presumable to belong to the genus Xylaria or the genus Rosellinia in the family Xylariaceae. The PF 1022G substance has the formula: ##STR1##

Samples of commercial cellulose having high crystallinity (>80%) and a degree of polymerization of approximately 1500 were pretreated enzymatically under various conditions with commercial endoglucanases, before the chemical conversion to substituted cellulose derivatives was carried out. The enzymatically pretreated cellulose samples exhibited a significantly higher substitution, up to 222% higher, in comparison with control samples which had been treated with buffer without enzyme. The increase in substitution during the chemical reaction could be observed in the presence of various amounts of alkali, but fell as the amounts of alkali decreased. At the same degree of substitution of the cellulose derivative, the use of cellulose pretreated with endoglucanase significantly reduced the amount of alkali required by 60%, as compared with the use of cellulose pretreated only with buffer. Furthermore, by reducing the amount of water used in the reaction mixture in the chemical reaction, it was possible further to increase the substitution of enzymatically pretreated cellulose.

A process for producing L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) from 2-keto-L-gulonic acid or D-erythorbic acid from 2-keto-D-gluconic acid by contacting 2-keto-L-gulonic acid or 2-keto-D-gluconic acid, respectively, in solution with a lactonase, particularly one belonging to the enzyme class EC 3.1.1.x, according to the classification of Enzyme Nomenclature. The solvent for this reaction can be water, an aqueous alcohol, a non-alcoholic organic solvent or a mixture of an aqueous alcohol and a non-alcoholic organic solvent. The contacting is generally performed in a temperature range of 0.degree. C. to 120.degree. C. and a pH range of 1.5 to 12. In each case the starting material can be in the form of the free acid, the sodium salt, or the calcium salt. The so-produced vitamin C has very well known uses, and the alternatively produced D-erythorbic acid is useful as an antioxidant for food additives.

The invention relates to biphenylamides having general formula (I), and their salts, in which R.sup.1 is H or F; R.sup.2 is H, halogen, alkyl, halogen methyl, alkoxy, alkylthio; R.sup.3 is CH.sub.3, CHF.sub.2, CF.sub.3. The invention also relates to agents containing biphenylamnides, the production of biphenylamides and their use in combating parasitic fungus. ##STR1##

Blends of polyketone polymers with polyolefin polymers are described which are compatibilized by a reactive blend of a polyamide polymer and a maleated polyolefin polymer. The compatibilization is attained without chemical linkage between the compatibilizer and the polyketone polymer. Such compatibilized blends offer good mechanical properties and the ability to melt bond to both neat polyketone polymers and neat polyolefin polymers.

A water-scavenging solvent, such a polyphosphoric acid, can be used for the synthesis of cyclopentyl 2-thienyl ketone by the direct acylation of cyclopentanecarboxylic acid without first reacting the cyclopentanecarboxylic acid with thionylchloride to form the acid chloride, while achieving new and unexpected yields. A tiletamine-free base can be made from the cyclopentyl 2-thienyl ketone with a halide in the presence of a solvent for the cyclopentyl 2-thienyl ketone to form a halogenated cyclopentane 2-thienyl ketone, aminating the halogenated cyclopentane 2-thienyl ketone by reaction with an amine, and subjecting the reaction product to thermal rearrangement, in a suitable solvent, and at a sufficient temperature to form tiletamine free base. Each step for the formation of tiletamine free base can be accomplished using the same solvent, e.g., dichlorobenzene so that intermediates need not be isolated between reactions.

Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 3-methyltetrahydrofuran (3-MeTHF) from 3-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran (3-HOMeTHF) by a plurality of process steps comprising (1) esterifying 3-HOMeTHF to produce a carboxylate ester of 3-HOMeTHF, (2) pyrrolyzing the carboxylate ester to produce 3-methylenetetrahydrofuran (3-methyleneTHF), and (3) hydrogenating the 3-methyleneTHF to produce 3-MeTHF. The 3-MeTHF produced in accordance with the present invention is useful as an industrial solvent and as a monomer in the manufacture of polymers such as elastomers.

Process for the preparation of octa-2,7-dienyl-1-amine by telomerization of butadiene with ammonia in a two-phase system in the presence of hydrophilic palladium complexes, characterized in that octa-2,7-dienyl-1-amine and octa-1,7-dienyl-3-amine are isolated separately from one another from the reaction mixture present after telomerization, and the octa-1,7-dienyl-3-amine isolated in this way is subjected to an isomerization reaction to form octa-2,7-dienyl-1-amine, and also novel triphenylphosphine mono- and dimethoxytri(sodium sulphonates) and the use of triphenylphosphine trimethoxytri(sodium sulphonates), triphenylphosphine trimethyltri(sodium sulphonates) and triphenylphosphine trifluorodi- and tri(sodium sulphonates) as ligands for the preparation of palladium complexes.

An improved method and system for generating quadrature phase shift keying signals for use in data transmission is provided. A pair of oscillators are slaved to the transmit frequency and produce two quadrature signal components with the same frequency but 90 degrees out of phase. The two signal components are carried to separate bi-phase switches by mirrored waveguides. Each bi-phase switch has a reflective waveguide coupler which directs the received signal into a waveguide terminated by a hard short and has a controllable shorting plane spaced approximately one-quarter wavelength from the termination point. The shorting planes are controlled by the output data signals and each introduces a 180 degree phase shift in the respective signal component when activated. The reflective couplers direct the selectively phase shifted signal components to an in-phase combiner, where they are combined to produce the quadrature phase shift keyed output signal.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved negative temperature coefficient thermistor capable of increasing an adhesion strength between a negative temperature coefficient thermistor element consisting of LaCoO.sub.3 rare earth transition element oxide on one hand and electrodes on the other, thereby improving a reliability of the thermistor product. The negative temperature coefficient thermistor of the present invention is obtained by forming electrodes on the surface of a negative temperature coefficient thermistor element consisting of LaCoO.sub.3 rear earth transition element oxide. Such electrodes are formed by adding one or more kinds of oxide powders of Ni, Cr, Mn and Fe in a metal powder, with the content of the oxide powders in the metal powder being 1.0 wt % or less (however, not including 0 wt %).

An air bearing slider used with a thin film magnetic head is formed with a corner recess and a taper at the leading edge. The taper is disposed between the corner recess and one side of the slider. A central polygon-shaped recess is bounded by pads which are joined by a connecting section. In an alternative embodiment, a recess at the leading edge separates the taper into sections. In another embodiment, a second corner recess is provided at the leading edge and the taper is disposed between the first and second corner recesses. The shaped recesses and tapers improve the flying characteristics of the slider and enhance air bearing stiffness. A single etch process is used to form the recesses and side reliefs of the slider.

A method of manufacturing an information carrier which cures an adhesive by means of UV radiation in an inert-gas atmosphere. The adhesive is interposed as an adhesive layer between two superposed layers of a disc-shaped information carrier. The device includes a UV source, a supplier for an inert gas, and a holder for holding the information carrier in a centered position with respect to a centering axis. The inert-gas supplier has discharge openings for inert gas, situated in a circular zone around the centering axis, at a distance from the centering axis which substantially corresponds to the radius of the peripheral edge of the information carrier, so as to cause inert gas to flow past the peripheral edge during curing, as a result of which locally present oxygen which would interfere with curing is expelled.

The present invention is for a bearing arrangement by a device for transmission of power where linear motion is transmitted into rotating motion or the like. The bearing means at the cam disc machine according to the invention is so made that the rotating cam disc is enclosed by a stationary housing whereby bearing between the stationary and rotating parts is arranged only on one side of the cylinder bore and in connection to the outgoing shaft.

An improved reciprocating internal combustion engine has a plurality of engine pistons, which are fabricated from carbon--carbon composite materials, in operative association with an engine cylinder block, or an engine cylinder tube, or an engine cylinder jug, all of which are also fabricated from carbon--carbon composite materials.

A continuous flow fuel system includes an oxygen sensor for analyzing the exhaust gases of an engine. The output from the oxygen sensor, representing the oxygen content in the exhaust gases, is transmitted to an electronic control module, which in turn controls the output of a fuel pump. The output of the fuel pump provides fuel to maintain a desired fuel/air ratio. The desired fuel/air ratio may be selected by a user of the engine or it may be predetermined and factory-set.

The valve operating device comprises in a housing a valve operating member, which is movable in a compartment in the housing and at its underside has a generally cone-shaped recess, and an operating rod, which is in engagement with the recess with one end and with the other end is in contact with a valve actuating pin of a vehicle air valve, on which the device is mounted. It has a locking sleeve axially movable in the housing and being arranged coaxially with the operating rod and has an internal thread for attachment to the air valve and with an abutment for engagement with a pivotable locking pin of a lock in the housing.

A headrail for a venetian type blind has reversible modular controls that can be easily switched from the right side of the blind to the left side of the blind or vice versa by the installer. The headrail has an elongated body having a base, a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first and second sidewalls are spaced apart, generally parallel and attached to the base. Each sidewall has a slot sized to receive a plug or a fitting through which the lift cords and tilt cords or hook for a tilt wand pass. The slots are opposite one another and of a same size. One changes the controls from one end of the headrail to the opposite end of the headrail by moving the lift cords and tilt cord or hook from one slot to the other slot.

A suit hanger includes a central casing in which an air freshener is housed and two arms attached to opposite sides of the central casing. The central casing defines at least one air inlet opening for drawing air into the air freshener to generate cleaned air. Each arm defines at least one air outlet opening in communication with the air freshener for driving the cleaned air into clothes hung by the suit hanger thereby deodorizing the clothes. A hook is removably attached to the central casing for hanging the suit hanger on a cross bar. The arms are movable with respect to the central casing between a filly expanded position and a collapsed position and at least a partially expanded position therebetween for hanging clothes of different sizes. The arms may also be inserted into shoes for supplying the cleaned into and thus deodorizing the shoes. The suit hanger may also serve as a stand-alone air freshener by removing clothes or shoes from the arms whereby the cleaned air is allowed to be supplied into the environments.

The valve includes a closure disc (34) sealable at its rim to a valve seat (18) so that in this position the seat (18) and rim define between them an annular space (54) which is connected to a port (60) by passages (54, 56, 58) extending through a mating face (e.g. carbon fibre gasket (22)) of the valve seat (18). As shown the space (54) is a recess in the disc rim defined between fibre seal rings (46, 48) but other arrangements are disclosed in which the seal rings and/or recess may be accommodated in the valve seat. The port (60) may be used for leakage detection, pressure monitoring of bleeding or fluid injection.

A pickup truck bed topper that is collapsible into a stored position to allow items to be transported on an open topped pickup truck bed and extended to form an enclosure to keep items being transported away from the wind and the other elements.

There is provided an optical lens for correcting color vision for always and adequately correcting and normalizing anomalous color vision. Wavelength where a spectral sensitivity curve of anomalous color among the three primary colors of a person having anomalous color vision marks its maximum value is corrected so as to enlarge the difference from wavelength where a spectral sensitivity curve of color adjoining thereto marks its maximum valueby setting the transmittance around the wavelength where the spectral sensitivity curve of the color adjoining to the spectral sensitivity curve of the anomalous color marks its maximum value below 50% and by setting the transmittance around the wavelength where the spectral sensitivity curve of the anomalous color marks its maximum value as high as possible.

A wheelchair anchor for use in a vehicle is movable between a retracted position in which it takes up a relatively small amount of floor space within the vehicle and an extended position in which it provides a plurality of anchor points to which one or more wheelchairs may be secured. An elongated track plate is secured to the floor of the vehicle so that it extends transversely to the direction of vehicle motion, and a beam assembly made up of three beams telescopingly engaged with one another is slidable along the track plate between a retracted position adjacent a first end of the track plate and an extended position wherein the beam is slid toward the opposite, second and the track plate. The distal end of the beam assembly is securable to the track plate adjacent the midportion of the track to maintain the beam assembly in the retracted position adjacent the first end of the track, and is alternatively securable to the track adjacent the second end to maintain the beam assembly in the extended position. Mounting brackets are disposed on the different segments of the beam assembly so that when the beams are in the extended position the brackets are spaced from one another to allow wheelchair restraint straps to be connected to the brackets.

A tool to remove an insulation displacement contact (IDC) strain relief cap that interconnects a wire with an electrical contact. The electrical contact has a bifurcated end to engage and retain a wire and is engageable with the strain relief cap to secure The wire. Means in the form of tabs are provided on the electrical contact to releaseably retain the electrical contact and the strain relief cap together with the wire whereby the electrical contact, wire, and strain relief cap may be moved as a single unit. The tool has tangs to engage the tabs and move them out of engagement with the relief cap while gripping the relief cap for removal from the electrical contact.

An outboard-mounted, light-weight, self-contained, safe-operating internal combustion engine-driven generator system for use with boats for providing electrical power to on-board equipment (e.g., appliances and accessories such as air conditioners, cooking ranges, etc.) independent of water vessel motion or propulsion devices.

A solder mask having a clover-leaf shaped opening around a PTH for enhanced performance. The solder mask resides on a surface of a printed circuit board comprising lands and PTH's. The opening around the PTH is configured to maintain a minimum channel width between the PTH and an adjacent land while maximizing the opening around the PTH, thereby decreasing the likelihood that the solder mask material will be inadvertently drawn into the PTH.

Substituted 3-phenylisoxazolines I, and their salts and enol ethers, are described as herbicides ##STR1## where X.dbd.--O--, --S--, --N(R.sup.9)--; PA1 R.sup.1 .dbd.CN, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -haloalkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -haloalkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkylsulfonyl; PA1 R.sup.2 .dbd.H or unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl)carbonyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkylsulfonyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkenyl, (C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkenyl)carbonyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkynyl, (C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkynyl)carbonyl; PA1 R.sup.3 .dbd.H, halogen; PA1 R.sup.4 .dbd.CN, halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 -haloalkyl; PA1 R.sup.5 .dbd.H, CN, halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 -haloalkyl; PA1 R.sup.6 .dbd.H, CN, halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 -haloalkyl or unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkoxy; PA1 R.sup.7 .dbd.CN, halogen; PA1 R.sup.8 in position .alpha., R.sup.7 in this case being in position .beta., or in position .beta., R.sup.7 in this case being in position .alpha., is PA2 1) H, OH, SH, CN, NO.sub.2, halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -haloalkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -haloalkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -haloalkylthio, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkylthio-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl)carbonyl, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl)iminooxycarbonyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkoxy-C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkoxyamino-C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkoxy-C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkylamino-C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, PA2 2) unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkylthio, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 -cycloalkoxy, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 -cycloalkylthio, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkenyloxy, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkenylthio, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkynyloxy, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkynylthio, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl)carbonyloxy, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl)carbonylthio, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkoxy)carboxyloxy, (C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkenyl)carbonyloxy, (C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkenyl)carbonylthio, (C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkynyl)carbonyloxy, (C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkynyl)carbonylthio, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkylsulfonyloxy or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkylsulfonyl, PA2 3) 29 further radicals; PA1 R.sup.9 .dbd.H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 -alkenyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 -alkynyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkoxy-C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkoxy)carbonyl-C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, (C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 -alkenyloxy)carbonyl-C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or phenyl-C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl.

A light duty, liquid comprising: a paraffin sulfonate, an alpha olefin sulfonate, a C.sub.12 alkyl amido propyl dimethyl amine oxide, a polyalkyl glucoside, a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, and water.

An improvement is described in all purpose liquid cleaning composition and microemulsion composition which are especially effective in the removal of oily and greasy soil and contains an anionic detergent, an ethoxylated/propoxylated nonionic surfactant, a short chain amphiphile and olefin/maleic acid copolymer, a hydrocarbon ingredient, and water and optionally, an ethoxylated nonionic surfactant.

A treatment and composition for neuropathic pain by administering an effective amount of agmatine.

This invention encompasses a novel process for synthesizing the compound represented by formula I: ##STR1## These compounds are useful as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

A warning device is intended to alert a motorcyclist to retract the auxiliary leg support of the motorcycle before operating the motorcycle. The warning device comprises a detection control unit fastened with the body frame of the motorcycle, a detection element fastened with the wheel of the motorcycle, and a trigger switch fastened with the auxiliary leg support of the motorcycle. In the event that the auxiliary leg support is not retracted, and that the wheel of the motorcycle is in motion at the same time, the signals are transmitted by the detection element and the trigger switch to the detection control unit, thereby causing the detection control unit to trigger the horn of the bicycle to blare.

An apparatus for converting a direct current into an alternating current comprises a direct-current converter having an input and an output, which direct-current converter is continuously controllable, a capacitor, and a control unit for controlling the direct-current converter. The apparatus furthermore comprises a second direct-current converter having an input and an output, wherein the input of the second direct-current converter is connected in parallel to the input of the first direct-current converter and the outputs of the first and the second direct-current converter are connected in series. An unfolding bridge is connected to the series-connected outputs of the direct-current converters, whilst the capacitor is connected to the output of the second direct-current converter. Furthermore, a first switching element is provided for interrupting the series connection and a second switching element is provided for connecting the unfolding bridge to the output of the first direct-current converter in the interrupted state of the series connection. The control unit controls at least the first switching element in dependence on the voltage V.sub.c across the capacitor and the voltage V.sub.abs across the unfolding bridge, in such a manner that the first switching element is opened when V.sub.abs Status Category:
Patent Expired Due to NonPayment of Maintenance Fees Under 37 CFR 1.362

A method for providing a decorative cover for a floral grouping wherein the decorative cover is provided with a design indicia bearing portion which extends above the remainder of the decorative cover and thereby enhances the visual aesthetic effect of the decorative cover. The decorative cover is formed from a sheet of material having a design indicia and an opening extending therethrough wherein the opening is offset from a central portion of the sheet of material in a direction generally away from the indicia bearing portion of the sheet of material. A lower portion of a stem end of a floral grouping is inserted through the opening in the sheet of material and the sheet of material is wrapped about the floral grouping to provide a decorative cover having a design indicia bearing portion which extends above the remainder of the decorative cover and thereby enhances the visual aesthetic effect of the decorative cover.

A tire air valve (core) mounting and dismounting tool 20 includes a tool head portion 21, a shank portion 22 and a grip portion 23. The tool head portion 21 has a slot 32 for seizing and holding a valve core head portion 16, an axial bore 33 for accepting a valve core shaft portion 14 and its enlarged end 14a. The tool head portion 21 also has annular groove 34 formed along a cylindrical peripheral surface thereof. Balls 36 are retained in second bores 35 which are open to the annular groove 34 and also communicate with the axial bore 33 through openings 37 of a reduced diameter to allow the balls 36 to partially protrude into the axial bore 33. A coil spring 38 is anchored and fastened in the annular groove 34 to act to normally bias the ball 36 radially inwards and leave the balls 36 protruding into the axial bore 33. When the balls 36 are hit and pushed down by the valve core shaft's enlarged end 14a, the elasticity of the coil spring 38 allows the balls 36 to move radially outwards, permitting the valve core shaft end 14a to move deeper beyond the balls 36 and then permitting the balls 36 to restore their biased state, thereby holding the valve core shaft end 14a against moving back. Thus, the valve core is caught by the tool.

Apparatus for creating wooden shavings for stock bedding from logs which includes a frame supporting a carriage bed and rotary carriage ring. Arcuately spaced rotary cutter means are provided on the carriage bed, and are positioned to contact logs supported on the carriage ring. The carriage ring consists of an annular carriage support ring which supports arcuately spaced log-receiving boxes, so that upon rotation of the annular carriage support ring, logs positioned within the log-receiving boxes are exposed to the cutting action of the rotary cutter means.

A fabric pinning system that includes a rectangular fabric foundation member with two attached pin members and a pin end receiving tube structure. The pin end receiving tube structure includes two inwardly curled side edges. Each inwardly curled side edge forms a pin receiving area sized such that said curled side edge resiliently grips an end of a pin member inserted into an open tube structure end in connection with said pin receiving area.

A snow making tower which includes an elongated tower conduit combination having an elongated air conduit extending within an elongated first water conduit. Air and first water discharge nozzles are respectively provided adjacent the upper end of these conduits for producing a plume of atomized water for external interacting air and water discharged under pressure from these air and first water discharge nozzles to produce snow in subfreezing ambient conditions. Multiple second water discharge nozzles are also provided adjacent the upper end of the tower and positioned for directing at least a portion of their water spray discharge for ultimate interaction with the plume. The air and first water discharge nozzles are detachably mounted in respective nozzle housings at the top of the tower structure. These nozzle housings are independently connected to the tower structure at its upper end with respective air and water metal connecting tubes. The air and first water discharge nozzles are incorporated into a single nozzle head with a central water discharge orifice and two air discharge orifices positioned on opposite sides of the water discharge orifice.

A screw device for imposing spreading forces on opposing surfaces, having a pin adjustable length and employing a rod member having a groove in the end for engaging the pin.

The apparatus for providing access steps to a vehicle and a method of installing same on a heavy or medium duty truck. In its most basic form, the apparatus is comprised of an access step and two step brackets. The brackets are installed to outer surfaces of the tank straps which hold a fuel tank to a frame rail of the vehicle. The access step and step brackets have tabs and flaps or slots which can be combined to attach the access step to the step brackets with a reduced number of fasteners.

The present invention relates to a connector device for joining two pieces of sheet metal. The present invention also provides a method of assembly utilizing said connector device. The connection comprises a catch within a tab extending from a wall of the container that locks into a receiving opening on a top wall or floor panel.

A partition for a computer monitor including a support panel releasably attached by hook and loop fasteners to the monitor casing sidewalls, and a privacy panel that is slidable movable between a retracted position and an extended position forward of the monitor screen. The positioning of the monitor on the desk and direction of human traffic determines whether the partition is needed on the right side, the left side, or both.

A compact article for oral care comprises a housing and a tooth brush section. The housing has a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, a front end, a rear end, and a cavity communicating with the first, second and third openings. The first opening is formed through the front end and a conventional tooth paste tube having a neck is inserted through the third opening into the cavity. The tooth paste tube can be squeezed through the second opening to allow a desired amount of the tooth paste to flow out of the neck. The tooth brush section has a base, a first extension, a second extension, a connecting rod and a brush. The first extension is protruded in a decremental step from the base to a forward direction, and the second extension is protruded in a decremental step from the base to a rearward direction opposed to the first extension.

A learning block chair with a number of removable and rearrangeable blocks is disclosed. The learning block chair includes a seat frame with a top surface and an array of block-receiving apertures therein. A back frame has a front surface with an array of block-receiving apertures therein. The back frame is connected to the seat frame with the top surface of the seat frame being positioned at least 90.degree. relative to the front surface of the back frame. Legs are disposed below the seat frame to support the seat frame. A number of blocks removably reside in the block-receiving apertures in both the seat frame and the back frame. The blocks each have instructional indicia thereon. The blocks are removable and rearrangeable in the block-receiving apertures to create user-defined patterns and arrangements of the blocks.

In a device and method for processing slaughtered poultry, the following steps are carried out: drawing the viscera package out of the carcass of the poultry; separating the viscera package from the carcass; conveying the viscera package in a viscera package conveyor member; conveying the carcass in a carcass conveyor member; and inspecting the viscera package and the carcass. The viscera package conveyor member and the carcass conveyor member are coupled together at least during the inspection. The viscera package conveyor member and the carcass conveyor member may form part of one combined conveyor member. Prior to the inspection, at least the intestines, and in particular the intestines and the gall bladder, are removed from the viscera package.

A folding collapsible exercising apparatus includes a front base frame having a first U-shaped support and a second U-shaped support, a rear base frame slidably inserted into one end of the front base frame and locked at the desired length by a lock pin, a footboard unit pivoted to lugs at the rear base frame by locked at the desired angle by a lock pin, a seat pivoted to the second U-shaped support and locked in position by a lock pin, a supporting bar pivoted to the second U-shaped support and locked in position by a lock pin, a back support pivoted to the first U-shaped support, two elastic members bilaterally coupled between the supporting bar and the back support, a back mattress pivoted to the back support and locked in position by a lock pin, a headrest slidably coupled to the back mattress and locked in position by a lock pin, and two elastic pull cord members bilaterally coupled to the front base frame for pulling with the hands.

Reactive gas is released through a crystal source material or melt to react with impurities and carry the impurities away as gaseous products or as precipitates or in light or heavy form. The gaseous products are removed by vacuum and the heavy products fall to the bottom of the melt. Light products rise to the top of the melt. After purifying, dopants are added to the melt. The melt moves away from the heater and the crystal is formed. Subsequent heating zones re-melt and refine the crystal, and a dopant is added in a final heating zone. The crystal is divided, and divided portions of the crystal are re-heated for heat treating and annealing.

A propolis extract having a reduced peculiar odor is prepared by deceasing the amount of odorizing ingredients. This propolis extract can be used to prepare biologically active compositions.

Non-directional and diffuse reflecting photometric properties may be imbued to a metal sheet stock, particularly aluminum alloy sheet stock, by directly creating a textured surface on one or more surfaces of the sheet stock through mechanical texturing with at least one textured work roll in a cold roll reducing mill. A textured metal sheet surface thus produced is characterized by having over its entire surface randomly formed imbricated depressions transversely arranged, such that each depression has a substantially transverse width dimension relative to a longitudinal axis of the sheet and a longitudinal dimension greater than its width. The depressions formed are substantially equiaxial. Surface properties of both the textured work roll and the textured metal sheet may be controlled. The metal sheet stock are subjected to finishing steps such as chemical brightening and anodizing, or organic coating to provide lighting sheets with high total reflectance.

Cis- and trans-pyrrolopiperidines are advantageously separated into their optical isomers when monoacylating by enzymatic process a mixture containing (R,R)- and (S,S)-pyrrolopiperidine or (S,R)- and (R,S)-pyrrolopiperidine, thereby obtaining a mixture (I) containing (R,R)- and (S,S)-6-acyl-pyrrolopiperidine or (S,R)- and (R,S)-6-acyl-pyrrolopiperidine. Said mixture (I) is then again acylated by enzymatic process, thereby obtaining a mixture (II) containing (S,S)-1,6-diacyl- and (R,R)-6-acyl-pyrrolipiperidine or (S,R)-1,6-diacyl- and (R,S)-6-acyl-pyrrolopiperidine; the enzyme and optionally the solvent and the excess acylating agent are separated from the mixture (II), and the rest is treated with aqueous acid, and the (S,S)-1,6-diacyl-pyrrolopiperidine or the (S,R)-1,6-diacyl-pyrrolopiperidine is separated by extraction and the extraction residue is alkalinized, and the (R,R)-6-acyl-pyrrolopiperidine or the (R,S)-6-acyl-pyrrolopiperidine is separated by extraction. From these acylated isomer-free derivatives, the free base can optionally be prepared according to the usual methods for separating acylated groups.

A fine wire is fabricated by supplying metal atoms to one row or a plurality of rows formed by extraction of terminated atoms or molecules to the surface of substance made non-conductive by terminating all dangling bonds on the surface thereof with atoms or molecules. The conductivity of the fine wire can be attained by supplying metal atoms larger in number to that required for just terminating dangling bonds formed by extraction of terminated atoms or molecules.

Novel catalysts are provided for the polymerization of olefins such as ethylene. These catalysts comprise a novel amorphous aluminophosphate comprising, on a microlevel, sheets of aluminophosphate as well as spheres of aluminophosphate plus a chromium compound. These new catalysts are surprisingly active; result in more co-monomer incorporation than prior art catalysts and reduce the amount of low molecular weight material in the product.

Iodopropargylamine compound of the general formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 combine with each other to form a tetramethylene group or a pentamethylene group, R.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and X and Y each independently represent a cyano group, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 7 carbon atoms, an alkylcarbonyl group having 2 to 7 carbon atoms, an alkylsulfonyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a phenylcarbonyl group or a phenylsulfonyl group, provided that the phenyl group of a phenylcarbonyl group or a phenylsulfonyl group may be optionally substituted by halogen atoms, alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, nitro groups or trifluoromethyl groups. The compound are useful as the active ingredient for industrial antibacterial and antifungal agents, algicides, and agents for preventing adhesion of organisms.

Process for the preparation of heterocycles by reacting 2-substituted acetals of malondialdehyde with a reactant selected from hydroxylamines and their salts, hydrazines and their salts, formamid, amidines and their salts, guanidines and their salts, aminoguanidines and their salts, nitroguanidine and their salts, O-alkyl-isoureas and their salts, O-cycloalkyl-isoureas and their salts, O-aralkyl-isoureas and their salts, O-aryl-isoureas and their salts, S-alkyl-isothioureas, S-cycloalkyl-isothioureas, S-aralkyl-isothioureas, S-arylisothioureas, S-alkyl-isothiouronium salts, S-cycloalkyl-isothiouronium salts, S-aralkyl-isothiouronium salts, S-aryl-isothiuronium salts, thiourea and urea.

This invention relates to a process for preparing perylene pigment compositions by reaction of PA0 (a) a perylene tetracarboxylic compound; PA0 (b) about 0.01 to about 20% by weight, relative to the perylene tetracarboxylic compound, of a non-pigmentary cyclic anhydride or imide of formula (I) ##STR1## wherein W is O or NR.sup.1 (where R.sup.1 is hydrogen, a metal, or optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, or aryl), R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are various combinations of substituents and/or fused-on rings, and the dotted line is an optional double bond representing R.sup.2 --C.dbd.C--R.sup.3 ; PA0 (c) ammonia or a primary alkyl, aralkyl, or aryl amine; optionally in the presence of PA0 (d) a solvent and/or PA0 (e) one or more dispersants.

A process for producing 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-one is provided by reacting a sulfonyl cyanide represented by the general formula R--SO.sub.2 CN (in which R represents an alkyl group or a phenyl group which may have a substituent), in the presence of water and in a hydrocarbon solvent at a pH of 4 to 7 inclusive. 2-Azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-one can be produced in a high yield and a high purity in one step process, with a reduced amount of solvent used, safely and with good productivity. A method of crystallizing 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-one is also provided, which includes dissolving 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-one into an organic solvent mainly including at least one of diisopropyl ether and methyl tertiary butyl ether, cooling the solution to deposit crystals of 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-one. Finely divided particulate crystals of 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-one excellent in fluidity and handleability can be obtained with a simple procedure and in a high recovery rate.

Process for the preparation of octa-2,7-dienyl-1-amine by telomerization of butadiene with ammonia in a two-phase system in the presence of hydrophilic palladium complexes, characterized in that octa-2,7-dienyl-1-amine and octa-1,7-dienyl-3-amine are isolated separately from one another from the reaction mixture present after telomerization, and the octa-1,7-dienyl-3-amine isolated in this way is subjected to an isomerization reaction to form octa-2,7-dienyl-1-amine, and also novel triphenylphosphine mono- and dimethoxytri(sodium sulphonates) and the use of triphenylphosphine trimethoxytri(sodium sulphonates), triphenylphosphine trimethyltri(sodium sulphonates) and triphenylphosphine trifluorodi- and tri(sodium sulphonates) as ligands for the preparation of palladium complexes.

A two-step process for producing a difunctional organic compound is provided which comprises: PA1 a) reacting a cycloalkanone with a 2-substituted-1-alkene in the presence of an enamine catalyst to produce the corresponding substituted cycloalkanone intermediate and, PA1 b) subjecting the intermediate reaction product to ultraviolet radiation in the presence of a solvent to form the difunctional organic compound of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R4 is derived from the solvent and is hydroxyl, --NH.sub.2 or OR.sup.5, and PA1 wherein R, R1, R2, R4, R.sup.5, and x are as defined in the specification.

A novel norbornene carboxylate compound and a method of producing the same are provided. The norbornene carboxylate compound is 8-alkyl-8-tricyclodecanyl 5-norbornene-2-carboxylate represented by formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R is methyl or ethyl.

A linear compressor is provided which may be employed in refrigerators or air conditioners. The linear compressor includes a compressor mechanism disposed within a hermetic casing. The compressor mechanism includes a linear motor which makes a piston reciprocate within a cylinder and a piston oscillation controller. The piston oscillation controller controls oscillations of the piston so as to bring an actual top dead center position of the piston into agreement with a reference top dead center position and alters the reference top dead center position based on a given parameter such as an ambient temperature or a required thermal load of, for example, a refrigerator. An improved structure of the linear motor is also provided.

A system and method for comprehensive analysis of a multi-cell battery, such as of the nickel-cadmium type, on an individual cell level basis and overall battery basis. For an unsealed battery, which affords access to the individual battery cells, (FIG. 2) tests are carried out to determine the presence of any shorted or reversed cells, and these can be repaired or replaced ((6)-(11)). The individual cells are then tested for sufficient electrolyte on the basis of comparing the cell internal resistance to a maximum internal resistance for the cell and electrolyte added as needed ((12)-(15)). A sealed battery, to which there is no access to the individual cells, is first tested for shorted or reversed cells on a battery level basis ((16)-(19)). A sealed battery that passes this test ((20)-(22)) and an unsealed battery whose individual cells have been found to be satisfactory in its prior tests are subjected to further testing on a battery level basis for: (a) overall internal resistance to determine if it exceeds a given maximum value internal resistance, this indicating that the battery is defective (23); and (b) actual capacity as compared to its rated capacity ((24)-(30)). A battery whose actual capacity is greater than its rated capacity is tested for a memory effect and the memory effect problem is corrected if found to be present ((31)-(36)).

A safety device for an electric cooking appliance, the appliance having a case forming a housing provided to receive a removable bowl and a unit for heating the bowl. The safety device is composed of an element for sensing the presence of the bowl in the housing, the element being mounted to be movable against a restoring member between a first position which the element assumes when the bowl is present in the housing, and a second position which the element assumes when the bowl is not present in the housing or is not correctly positioned in the housing, the second position corresponding to a position to which the element is urged by the restoring member. The sensing element includes a detection zone which cooperates with the bowl and an actuation zone which cooperates with a switch arranged to close a circuit for supplying current to the unit for heating the bowl when the sensing element occupies the first position and to disconnect the circuit from the unit for heating the bowl when the sensing element occupies the second position and the sensing element includes a deformable part which is capable of being deformed when a bowl that is correctly positioned in the housing attains an abnormally high temperature to cause the sensing element to assume, under the urging of the restoring member, the second position in which the switch disconnects the circuit from the unit for heating the bowl.

Portable steps for small pets that includes one or more step assemblies adapted to stack one on another to a desired height.

This system uses the fuel tank not only to store fuel, but as a generator to create a raw overly rich air/fuel mixture through the use of a bubble pan in the bottom of the fuel tank. This raw air/fuel mixture is then measured by sensors linked to a computer and additional air or fuel may be added by computer demand. Thus the computer can completely regulate the air/fuel mixture at all times in an ever changing way to meet climatic, engine, and load conditions. This total control of the air/fuel mixture in flexible and ever changing way should result in optimum combustion, a clean burn, extreme economy, and maximum engine power. This then is a system of computer controlled mixture.

The archery bow shot cover device may be attached to various types of bows and is used to produce a natural sound for covering up the noise emanating from the bow when an arrow is released from the bow. The archery bow shot cover device includes a housing which is attached to the bow. The housing contains a pull string which is attached to the string of the bow, a retracting system for retracting the pull string back into the housing when an arrow is shot from the bow, and a sound mechanism for producing a natural sound when the pull string is retracted back into the housing.

A protective arm and hand covering for a healthcare patient in a healthcare with healthcare workers which includes warning notices on the external surface thereof to notify a healthcare worker that no healthcare activities are to be conducted with respect to one specific hand and arm of the patient because this patient has a propensity for lymphedema. The hand and arm covering is adapted to completely cover the upper and lower arm area on both sides of the elbow as well as the entire wrist, hand and finger area of the user. The device can include a plurality of markings or indicia on the external surface thereof warning healthcare workers that various activities such as blood pressure, venipuncture and intravenous are not to be performed with respect to that specific arm. Other warning graphic representations can be included in order to notify a healthcare worker that blood pressure or intravenous lines or blood should not be drawn from that particular arm even in those situations where the patient is asleep and is unable to notify the healthcare worker that all these activities are to be performed with respect to the patient's other arm.

In a fluid pressure control device such as a solenoid-controlled valve having an operating piece for manual operation which is a selector-type operating piece, a cover for preventing misoperation is attached to the selector-type operating piece. Consequently, a cover 6 for preventing misoperation comprised of a base part 10 having an attaching part 14 to be fixed to the casing and a lid part 11 which is integrally connected with the base part 10 via a bending part 12 which can be bent and stretched is attached to a selector-type operating piece 5 having a handle 5a for manual operation at the top. By bending the bending part 12, the lid part 11 can be closed between a closed position covering the handle 5a and opened an open position to release the handle 5a.

An improved ball valve mechanism requiring no handle for the direction and intermixing of two or more liquids. Control of liquid volume, admixing and directional output is accomplished by manipulating the spout itself which acts both as the liquid outlet and the controller. A swivel spray aerator fixture can be used to redirect the flow to any location in the sink. The configuration of the ball valve mechanism is hollow and has a hollow stem through which the admixed liquid is directed into the spout. Pins are provided in the ball valve body which engage slots in the ball valve mechanism enabling more precise control over rotation of the ball valve mechanism.

An apparatus for severing a weft thread which is to be inserted into a shed comprises a clamping device with a stationary clamping part and a settable clamping part in order to hold back the weft thread and a severing device in order to sever the weft thread after release by the clamping device. The severing of different yarn types is ensured by means of a problem-free clamping of the weft thread in the thread clamp.

A heat exchanger comprises a plurality of flat tubes for heat exchange between a first fluid flowing inside the tubes and a second fluid flowing outside the tubes. A pair of hollow headers is connected to the ends of the flat tubes. An inlet and outlet are provided in the headers for introducing the first fluid into the flat tubes and discharging it therefrom. Each header is composed of at least two parallel tubes with substantially circular cross-section, two adjacent tubes having integrated wall portions, thereby providing a substantially flat header.

A helical wedge tie, anywhere from 2 1/2 inches to 4 inches in length, (which is approximately the width of a standard brick), can be utilized to wedgingly engage the mortar in a wall after a helical main tie has been passed all the way through the mortar and secured in the concrete. The wedge tie may have the same helical pitch as that of the main tie, or it may be a pitch somewhat tighter or shorter to not only fill the space between the host tie and the mortar, but wedgingly engage the same. The auxiliary wedge pin may be pointed at both ends, pointed at one end, or even blunt at both ends. Successful fixes have been made where one end is sheared, and has a relatively chisel-like end. The method of the invention is directed to the reinforcing of a tie in a wall reinforcing environment, where the outer portion of the tie passes through a softer material, and a subsequent reinforcement of the tie portion in the soft material becomes desirable.

A collpasible platic container having a rectangular base panel, two short side panels and two long side panels respectively disposed at the four sides of the base panel, hinge strips respectively formed between the base panel and the side panels, the long side panels each having a coupling tongue coupled to a respective coupling groove at one short side panel, and a plurality of studs respectively fastened to respectively plug holes on a respective hinged coupling flange at the second short side panel.

A reusable contents expeller for collapsible tube which prevents contents from reverting back into the collapsible tube and that can easily be removed and installed on another tube without the need to firstly insert it through the base of the collapsible tube. The expeller is comprised of an oblong element with two extremities, which is comprised of a place where it is thin at its thickness and across its breadth so that it is flexibly pliable to allow the oblong element to fold upon itself to the point where the two extremities join, thus forming two pressure plates. The pressure plates are further held and secured together by the use of a hinged flap contiguous and part of one of the pressure plates. The flap acts like a hook to secure both pressure plates tightly together. Once closed about a collapsible tube, the contents expeller for collapsible tube expels the contents when it is slid across the length of the tube.

The nailing tool has a hollow main body including a valve slidable therein. The main body includes a compressed air reservoir, the compressed air keeping the valve closed in a resting position. An anvil is provided at the upper end of the tool, with an empty annular chamber at atmospheric pressure being located under the anvil and over a ring integrally attached to the valve. Thus, if a hammer blow is dealt on the anvil, the latter loosely slides inside the main body, without reaching the ring, with the valve remaining closed and no fastener being expelled from the tool. Upon a trigger being activated on the tool handle, compressed air fills the annular chamber between the anvil and the ring. In this condition, upon a hammer blow being dealt on the anvil, the impact of the blow is transmitted by the compressed air to the underlying ring, consequently opening the valve. The opened valve allows compressed air to flow into an underlying piston drive chamber, where a piston is driven by the sudden compressed air inflow to drive a fastener out of the tool. Air exhaust channels allow the piston and the valve to return in their initial resting positions after a nail has been expelled from the tool.

A paper cup with a sipping straw integrally formed thereon is disclosed. The paper cup with a sipping straw integrally formed thereon is manufactured either by attaching a separate paper member (11), or by forming an expanded portion (21). The sipping straw (17) or (27) is provided with a slot (16) or (26), and folding lines. An upper portion (37) of the sipping straw is folded down to be attached onto a side of the paper cup during a non-use, and is straightened up during a use. Further, wrinkles are formed on the upper portion of the sipping straw, so that the sipping straw can be properly bent during a use for the sake of convenience.

The present invention is related to an auxiliary steering device for a skateboard comprising a front supporting bar, a front wheel assembly, a main shaft, a deck and two rear wheels, wherein the steering device is characterized by the main shaft having two extension bars at the end thereof, each the extension bars having a soft packing ring and a bearing; thereafter, a rear wheel being respectively pivoted on each the extension bars and wherein, when the user controls the direction by means of a handle of the front supporting bar and exerts pressure upon one side of the deck, the two extension bars of the main shaft will squeeze the soft packing ring to be in a side-sloping shape, and this will cause a loading difference between two rear wheels; accordingly, an auxiliary steering function is created and the radius of gyration of the skateboard can be reduced.

A method for playing a Poker-type game is set forth which includes the player making a wager. A 7-card hand is dealt to each player and to the dealer, from which each assembles a 2-card low hand, a two card middle hand and a 3-card high hand. The dealers' and players' hands are compared, based upon Poker rankings. For the player to win, at least two of his hands must have a higher rank than the corresponding dealer's hands. Tie rankings are resolved in favor of the dealer. All other outcomes are losses or ties. The player is paid on their wager for winning hands.

An electrical contactor assembly (10) has a conductive body (11) with an external thread (12). An electrical contact (14) is electrically coupled via a conductive spring (25) to body (11). A housing (16) is attached to body (11) and has an opening (27) to allow protrusion of an elongate cylindrical conductor (24) of electrical contact (14) having a contact surface (15). An abutment (26) of elongate cylindrical conductor (24) abuts housing (16) for captive location therein and to retain electrical contact (14) in a bore (31) in body (11) against the biasing influence of spring (25). External thread (12) is self-tapping and can be self-drilling.

A helical turbine assembly capable of providing high speed unidirectional rotation under a multidirectional ultra low-head fluid flow is disclosed. The assembly comprises an array of helical turbine units or modules arranged, vertically or horizontally, to harness, for example, water or wind power. Each turbine unit or module comprises a plurality of helical blades having an airfoil profile. The modules for wind power may be mounted to rotatable shafts supported by lightweight structures anchored by guy wires to the ground. The helical turbine can also provide ship propulsion by utilizing the power of ocean waves. In a further embodiment, a cylindrical distributor is provided in the helical turbine to channel the fluid flow to the blades of the turbine, thereby increasing efficiency and power output. The helical turbine with distributor may be used to lift or lower a body either being submerged into a fast stream or dragged in the fluid. The turbine may also include two or more rings of helical blades to increase torque and power output.

An improved putter in which the frontal surface of the club head is curved both horizontally and vertically, with the frontal surface being defined by a portion of a sphere centered behind the club head and below a bottom face of the club head. The horizontal curvature of the frontal surface compensates for horizontal inclination of the club head with respect to the intended line of travel of the golf ball, and the vertical curvature of the frontal surface provides a consistent degree of loft despite variations in vertical inclination of the club head.

Disclosed is a safety catheter that automatically sheaths the needle upon withdrawal of the needle from a patient. The catheter can include a plunger for drawing a vacuum to draw blood or alternatively may delete the plunger and use nearly identical components with the addition of a blocking plug. The catheter also includes a cap/re-cap device that provides additional sheathing of the needle during assembly, shipping, and use of the needle. It also includes raised indicia that serves as a trademark as well as a friction gripping surface. The catheter includes improved catheter hub mounting structure as well as strengthened ribbed areas for grasping during use of the catheter.

A method of dry-cleaning garments which comprises treating the garments with a mixture of propylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether or propylene glycol n-butyl ether and water.

A method for analyzing samples includes the steps of introducing samples labeled with fluorophores into a first end of each of a plurality of electrophoresis lanes including a separation medium, a second end of each of the electrophoresis lanes being disposed in an optical cell filled with a buffer solution, applying an electric field to the electrophoresis lanes to separate the samples labeled with the fluorophores and cause the separated samples labeled with the fluorophores to migrate through the electrophoresis lanes into the buffer solution in the optical cell, exciting, with light from a light source, the fluorophores labeling the separated samples in the buffer solution in the optical cell to emit fluorescence in the buffer solution in the optical cell, and detecting, with a photodetector, the fluorescence emitted by the fluorophores labeling the separated samples in the buffer solution in the optical cell. The light source is selected from the group consisting of a He--Ne laser which emits light having a wavelength of 594 nm, a He--Ne laser which emits light having a wavelength of 632.8 nm, a YAG laser which emits light having a wavelength of 532 nm, and a semiconductor laser which emits light having a wavelength of 670 nm.

The invention concerns monomers with dilactonic cycle and the corresponding polymers, their preparation, and materials containing these polymers. The monomers are of formula (IIIa) ##STR1## in which R is the residue of an acid derived from an ose such as glyconic, gylcuronic or glycaric acid and X represents in particular a methylene or ethylene group optionally substituted by at least an alkyl, allyl, aryl or aralkyl. The corresponding polymers are in the form of degradable non-toxic products and are used for example for packaging (films) or in medicine (implants).

An electrophotographic toner showing good cleanability and is suitable for use in developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an amorphous-silicon photosensitive member is provided. The toner includes toner particles each comprising a binder resin and a colorant, and inorganic fine powder A. The inorganic fine powder A contains 88.0-97.0 wt. % of a rare earth compound comprising a rare earth oxide. The rare earth compound contains 40.0-65.0 wt. % of Ce (calculated as CeO.sub.2), 25.0-45.0 wt. % of La (calculated as La.sub.2 O.sub.3), 1.0-10.0 wt. % of Nd (calculated as Nd.sub.2 O.sub.3) and 1.0-10.0 wt. % of Pr (calculated as Pr.sub.6 O.sub.11). The rare earth compound contains further a fluorinated rare earth compound in such an amount as to provide the inorganic fine powder A with a fluorine content of 2.0-11.0 wt. %.

4-Benzoylpyrazoles of the formula I ##STR1## useful for controlling harmful plants, are disclosed.

The invention relates to a process for the production of epothilones and intermediate products within the process. Epothilones A and B are natural substances, which can be produced by microorganisms, and the taxols have similar properties and are thus of particular interest in pharmaceutical chemistry.

The present invention relates to a method for preparing alkylene carbonate by reacting alkylene oxide with carbon dioxide in the presence of a catalyst system comprising: PA1 a) at least one selected from the group consisting of PbY.sub.2, InY.sub.3 and their mixture, wherein Y is Cl, Br or I; and PA1 b) at least one alkali metal halide selected from the group consisting of MCl, MBr and MI, wherein M is alkali metal.

An improved heater assembly for use with a chafing dish having water and food pans with complemental peripheral flanges is disclosed. The assembly includes a corner piece sized to be interposed between such flanges to maintain at least portions of such flanges in spaced relationship when the chafing dish is in use. The assembly also includes an immersible heater element sub-assembly including an upstanding arm connected to and depending from the corner piece. The sub-assembly including an encased electrical resistance heater loop having end portions connected to the arm with the arm and loop being sized to position the loop near a bottom of such water pan and immersed in water when such chafing dish is in use. Side and end arms are connected to the corner piece and adapted to be positioned respectively between side and end portions of such peripheral flanges. The spacer arms are each of thickness from a thick portion near the corner portion to a thinner remote end portion.

A frequency sensing control device controls current flow through an electrical load and includes a current control circuit to be connected to the electrical load, a logic signal generator having an input port and an output port connected to a control input of the current control circuit, an oscillator connected to the logic signal generator, and a sensing unit connected to the oscillator for sensing human presence. The current control circuit is operable in a normal mode, where the control input receives a first logic signal generated by the logic signal generator when the input port receives a high-frequency signal so as to enable the current control circuit to maintain an initial current flow through the electrical load, and a dimming mode, where the control input receives a second logic signal generated by the logic signal generator when the input port receives a low-frequency signal so as to enable the current control circuit to vary the current flow through the electrical load. The oscillator is operable so as to provide the high-frequency signal to the input port. The sensing unit generates the low-frequency signal, inhibits the oscillator from providing the high-frequency signal to the input port, and provides the low-frequency signal to the input port via the oscillator.

A switching power supply circuit arranged such that stability of each output voltage is enhanced and the device is kept from being large-sized. Secondary winding N2 of transformer T1 is grounded at one end through diode D1: the other end of the secondary winding N2 is connected to first output terminal 2; and tap CT thereof is coupled to second output terminal 3 through diode D2; and capacitors C2 and C3 are connected between the first output terminal 2 and ground and between the second output terminal and ground respectively. In addition to being arranged as above, the present switching power supply circuit is further arranged such that first output voltage V.sub.01L is obtained from feedback voltage generated at the whole of the secondary winding N2, while second output voltage V.sub.02H is obtained from combination of induced voltage generated at winding section n21 defined through division by the tap CT of the secondary winding N2 and the first output voltage V.sub.01L.

An SRAM is provided in which adjacent contact holes cannot be connected and which can be miniaturized. An SRAM memory cell includes a gate electrode formed on a silicon substrate, and an interlayer insulation film covering the gate electrode. The interlayer insulation film has a contact hole which reaches an active region and a contact hole which reaches the gate electrode. The contact holes are positioned almost in a lattice manner.

A recording/reproducing apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a plurality of recording and/or reproducing units for performing at least one of recording an information signal and reproducing an information signal; a medium transfer unit for transferring an information medium and loading it selectively into the recording and/or reproducing unit; a selection unit for selecting the recording and/or reproducing unit to be loaded with the information medium by the medium transfer unit. The selection unit selects the recording and/or reproducing units with the currently shortest usage history from the plurality of recording and/or reproducing units. With this configuration, the usage frequency of the recording and/or reproducing units used for recording or reproducing can be equalized.

During execution of a code sequence, a profile is generated containing addresses of the data cache misses experienced during the execution. The profile is associated with the code sequence such that, during a future execution of the code sequence, the profile is available. Prefetching may be performed, based on the profile. Since the profile records a sequence of miss addresses, an arbitrarily complex miss pattern can be prefetched. In one embodiment, multiple profiles may be associated with a code sequence having multiple entry points (e.g. multiple instructions at which execution may begin within the code sequence). When the code sequence is executed, the profile associated with the entry point of the current execution may be selected. Additionally, a new profile may be generated. If the entry point of the current execution is not associated with a profile, the new profile is saved. If the entry point of the current execution is associated with a profile, the new profile is saved if the current profile is found to be ineffective.

A foot actuated toilet seat lift comprises a lifting mechanism, a pedal assembly and mechanism for transmitting the force provided by toilet users' foot from the pedal assembly to the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism has a base adapted to be mounted on a toilet, a base cover resting on top of the base, a carriage mounted on one end of the base, a guiding roller rotatably mounted on the head of the carriage, a semicircle bar attached to one side of the carriage, a leaf spring mounted on one end of the base under the carriage, a pin roller movably resting on the leaf spring, a lifting arm rotatably resting in the carriage under the guiding roller, and a contact roller rotatably attached to the straight end of the lifting arm. The pedal assembly has a foot-receiving pad and a base, a number of links pivotally attached at the underside of the foot-receiving pad at one end, and movably mounted on the pedal base at another end, a number of rollers rotatably attached to the links, a mechanism for locking and releasing the pedal, and a bellows bonded on the underside of the foot-receiving pad at one end and on the pedal base at another end.

A bedding or seating product comprising a centrally located spring core, edge support means located around the perimeter of the spring core, filling material located above and below the spring core and an upholstered covering. The edge support may be either a string of springs, a pair of spiral edge supports or plastic edge reinforcements. The edge support means extends above and below the upper and lower surfaces of the spring core thus creating a higher peripheral edge than the central portion of the spring core. Layers of filling material are inserted over the central portion of the spring core in order to create a uniform upper and lower surface.

A golf cart fan with multiple positions for providing a cooling fan for occupants of a golf cart that may be pivoted about two axes for enhanced positionability of the fan. The golf cart passenger cooling system for use with a suitable golf cart generally having a dash portion, an upper edge portion, and a forward opening. The cooling system generally includes a fan assembly including a perimeter frame for defining a perimeter about an interior of the fan assembly. The perimeter frame has substantially planar front and rear openings. The cooling system also includes a fan support assembly mounted on the fan assembly. The fan support assembly is adapted for mounting to the golf cart for supporting the fan assembly on the golf cart. The fan support assembly provides pivoting adjustment of the orientation of the fan assembly about at least two axes with respect to the golf cart. The fan support assembly is adapted to permit pivoting of the fan assembly about a horizontally-oriented axis and about a vertically-oriented axis to allow swing movement of the fan assembly between a first position and a second position. The first position maximizes air flow through the forward opening. The second position minimizes obstruction of vision through the forward opening of the golf cart.

A flat bed knitting apparatus and method of knitting are provided in which needles movably carried in opposing needle beds are selected and actuated for movement between various positions required for stitch formation independently of any other needles while completing the formation of a stitch on each selected needle prior to the actuation of the next needle in sequence and while varying the length of needle movement to its stitch forming position as required for uniform stitches throughout the fabric and in which a covered spandex yarn is fed to the needles while varying the tension thereof for uniform stitch formation. The needle selection and actuation further includes tapering the knit fabric by transferring stitches from selected needles in one needle bed onto adjacent needles in the other needle bed so that the knit fabric formed is a tapered, tubular knit product.

A cooking appliance has a cooking space for receiving a product to be cooked. The cooking space communicates with a cooling-air feeding device and with a sensor module which is provided for sensing a infrared radiation of a surface area under measurement located in the cooking space. The sensor module is disposed at least partially in an air stream provided by the cooling-air feeding device. Impairment of the measuring quality by the air stream is prevented by an extraction device that is provided for extracting air from the cooking space. The extraction device and the feeding device define an imaginary straight line joining a mouth opening of the cooling-air feeding device on the cooking space side and a mouth opening of the extraction device on the cooking space side being at a distance from the surface area under measurement.

A fuel injection timing of a fuel injector (22) of a direct injection diesel engine is retarded to compression top dead center or even later. All of the required fuel injection amount is injected by the fuel injector (22) in an ignition delay period. The oxygen concentration in the combustion chamber (14) is decreased by exhaust gas recirculation. A swirl is set up in the combustion chamber (14) by a variable swirl generator (31). The compression ratio of the engine is preferably set to 15 or less, the vertical gas velocity in the combustion chamber is reduced by adopting a shallow piston cavity, and the cylinder internal maximum pressure is suppressed to 12 MPa or less.

A water circulated grill with spaced apart food supporting tubes and with a water catching system including spaced apart collection troughs to receive condensed water dropping from the sides of the water cooled supporting tubes and heat supply source positioned beneath the collection troughs to supply heat upwardly between the water collection troughs to cook food placed on the food supporting tubes and to heat the collection troughs and vaporize water collected therein.

A controllable valve assembly (18) applicable in Magnetorheological (MR) fluid devices (20), such as MR mounts and MR dampers. The valve assembly (18) includes a valve body (32) having a magnetic circuit (40) contained therein which carries magnetic flux .phi., a controllable passageway (42) within the magnetic circuit (40), a MR (magnetically controlled) fluid (44) including soft-magnetic particles in a liquid carrier contained in the controllable passageway (42), a magnetic flux generator, such as a wound wire coil (46), generating magnetic flux .phi. which is directed through the MR fluid (44) in the controllable passageway (42) thereby generating "rheology" changes causing restriction in flow of MR fluid (44) therethrough. In one aspect, a one-way check valve (34) is operative with a passive passageway (36) which is arranged in parallel relationship to the controllable passageway (42) provides "asymmetric" damping across the controllable valve (18) creating higher pressure differentials in a first direction and a lower in a second direction without "rapidly switching" the current to the coil (46). In another aspect, "asymmetric" damping is provided by a "changeable gap" formed by a moveable wall portion of the controllable passageway (42). In a third aspect, a first controllable passageway provides controllable flow in a first direction and a second controllable passageway provides controllable flow in a second direction, thereby provide "asymmetry." In a fourth aspect, "asymmetry" is provides by a "variable magnetic short" which changes magnetic circuit reluctance dependent on flow direction.

A method and apparatus are provided for recovering a product from a filing line being used to fill containers with the product. The filling line comprises at least a filler, a pump, a check valve, compressed air/gas, a water source, and a holding tank containing the product, all interconnected by a product line. In the method, the filling line is rinsed, and the rinse water is then evacuated from the filling line using compressed air/gas. Next, using a pump, the product is transferred from the holding tank through the filler line to the filler, and then into containers. The transfer continues until the pump is no longer primed with the product. The remaining product is then pushed with the compressed air/gas through the filler line into the filler and then into containers, thereby recovering substantially all the product remaining in the filler line. The product recovery method minimizes the amount of waste product that must be discarded from a bottling line.

A fire suppression method and apparatus has a sprinkler head support bracket which is installable immediately above a ceiling tile. The support bracket is configured with a plurality of openings such that multiple locations for the sprinkler head may be used and the exact "center of tile" installation of the sprinkler head can be accomplished with a wide variety of suspended ceiling assemblies and sprinkler heads. The support bracket rests on grid support members and arches over the ceiling tile. Hold down clips are provided to maintain the bracket in position relative to the grid support members. A pipe clamp is provided which is insertable within the bracket to retain a drop nipple within it. The drop nipple is adjustable relative to the horizontal to move it upwardly or downwardly relative to the ceiling tile. In this fashion, the vertical location of the sprinkler head can be adjusted depending upon the elevation of the ceiling tiles used and the style of sprinkler head used. The drop nipple is attached to a flexible armover connector which allows for an almost infinite number of locations that can be used to connect the drop nipple to the supply line of the fire suppression system.

A cultivator component clamping assembly for attaching a component to an implement crossbar having a plurality of faces includes a pair of generally C-shaped members each having a throat opposing a first face of the implement bar. Each C-shaped member also include a first leg and a second leg attached to and extending from the throat for placement about the implement crossbar. A retaining member is attached near the distal ends of the first and second legs and opposite a second face of the implement crossbar. The clamping assembly also includes a wedge inserted between the inclined face of the retaining member and a second face of the of the implement crossbar. A first keeper member attached between the first legs and a second keeper member attached between the second legs. The retaining member is held between the first keeper member and the second keeper member and the wedge is inserted between the inclined face of the retaining member and a face of the implement crossbar opposing the inclined face of the retaining member.

An attachment for use on the upper end of standard sized extension ladders. The attachment includes an angularly adjustable tray for supporting tools and other equipment when the ladder is positioned against a wall of a building. The tray is secured to a pair of box-shaped structures which are telescopically positioned over the upper rail ends of the ladder. Cushioning devices are provided on the front end of the tray for engagement with the wall of the building.

A clothes hanger device is disclosed for hanging clothes from a support rail. The device includes a hook having a base, the hook removably cooperating with the support rail for supporting the device from the support rail. A frame is suspended from the base of the hook, the frame having a first and a second end. The first end of the frame defines a first hole and the second end of the frame defines a second hole. The arrangement is such that the base of the hook rotatably extends through the frame between the ends thereof A first arm has a first and a second extremity, the first arm slidingly extending through the first and second holes. The second extremity defines a stop for limiting travel of the first arm relative to the frame. A biasing device is anchored to the first arm for biasing the first arm through the first and second holes. A second arm has a first and a second side, the second arm slidingly extending through third and fourth holes defined by the frame. The first side defines a further stop for limiting travel of the second arm relative to the frame. A further biasing device is anchored to the second arm for biasing the second arm through the third and fourth holes so that the arms are biased relative to the frame. The arrangement is such that the first extremity of the first arm and the second side of the second arm engage the clothes for hanging the clothes relative to the support rail.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a balanced high volume, low pressure paint spray gun. The spray gun is provided with a spray gun body connectable to a paint source and an air source. The spray gun is provided with a head insert engaged with the spray gun body. The head insert has a paint atomization chamber formed therein, a paint passage formed therethrough extending into the paint atomization chamber for receiving paint from the paint source, an atomization air passage and a shaping air passage for receiving air flow from the air source therethrough, and a balancing air passage formed therein extending into the paint atomization chamber. The spray gun further has a shaping air chamber defined by the spray gun body. The shaping air chamber is disposed in fluid communication with the air source for receiving air flow therein, disposed in fluid communication with the shaping air passage for shaping spray patterns of atomized paint, and disposed in fluid communication with the balancing air passage. The paint atomization chamber defines a paint atomization zone, a paint spray pattern shaping zone, and an air pressure zone. The paint atomization zone is in fluid communication with the paint passage and the atomization air passage for discharging atomized paint therefrom. The paint spray pattern shaping zone is in fluid communication with the shaping air passage for shaping spray patterns of atomized paint. The air pressure zone is in fluid communication with the balancing air passage for regulating air pressure between the paint atomization chamber and the shaping air chamber.

A yarn winding machine for winding a continuously advancing yarn into packages, the yarn being guided in a yarn traversing mechanism which includes a traversing unit and a grooved roll downstream thereof in the direction of the advance of the yarn. To transfer the yarn from a full package mounted on one winding spindle to an empty tube mounted on another winding spindle, the spindle mounting the full yarn package is moved to a doffing position and the spindle mounting the empty winding tube is moved to the winding position. The machine is provided with a yarn deflection device, which comprises a guide plate extending parallel to the circumference of the grooved roll, and a yarn guide adapted for movement in a direction parallel to the winding spindles. By rotating the guide plate, the yarn can be removed from the traversing mechanism without significantly changing its looping, and the yarn guide is then adapted to engage the advancing yarn and move the yarn into engagement with a yarn catching slot on the empty winding tube.

An anchor for a seat belt for a seat for a mobile vehicle such as medium or heavy-duty truck, the vehicle with the seat belt anchor installed, and the process of back fitting an existing vehicle with a seat with a seat belt. The seat belt anchor may be installed in a vehicle cab either during manufacture of the vehicle or in the after market. The anchor provides the surface area required for providing the strength required by Federal Law and fits around existing components of the cab. The anchor has at minimum three sides to roughly form a `U` shape to fit around a vertical gusset and mounting surfaces or flaps or engagement to the cab structure. The critical geometry is that the anchor will fit around a vertical gusset or cab support. In the primary embodiment, the anchor has 5 sides. The three center sides generally form a `U` shape when viewed at a downward angle from the rear of the cab. The `U` will fit around a rectangular cross-sectioned vertical gusset or cab support. The anchor may be installed in conjunction with the installation of a seat into the cab of a truck following completion of the cab structure. The back floors of truck cabs generally have a horizontal sill. The sill contains a hollowed out region. The anchor is installed to the cab by drilling an access hole and mounting bolt holes through the top surface of the cab sill. Then two tapping plates are pushed into the sill hollow region through the access hole. Each tapping plate is held against the upper inner surface of the sill. The anchor bracket is then bolted to the sill and hence the cab and the tapping plates with mounting bolts through the mounting bolt holes that engage to the tapping plates.

A snow removal system that has a primary cutter assembly and a series of specialized attachments. The cutter assembly is formed from a length of aluminum bent to form a single horizontal cutting bar with two vertical cutting wings. The cutter bar has a tailpiece formed from a length of stiff but flexible plastic attached to the back edge. An elevated center bar serves as the thrust point and fixture for several of the attachments. The attachments to the cutter assembly include: a toggling plate; extensions to the vertical side bars that can be forward, vertical or trailing; a starting aid and depth setter; an edge limiting aid; a broom, set to the proper angle for a given application; an extension to the plastic tailpiece; and a bottom protector plate. Thrust or pull for the cutter assembly is achieved by the use of several special push-pull tubes. A simple elastic cord is used to secure the plastic tailpiece to the cutter assembly for storage.

Apparatus is provided to assist a person in rising from a seat to a standing position that uses muscles other than leg muscles to accomplish that purpose. The device is portable and may serve as a walking stick or cane in addition to its rising assisting function. The device has a long lever or element with a broad flat enlargement at one end to fit under the buttocks. At the other end is an upright member to be grasped and pushed fore and aft in a rocking motion. On a forceful forward motion, as the free end of the lever is depressed, the bottom of the lever is forced against the upper forward edge of the seat, acting as a fulcrum to force the buttocks upward at the second end of the lever. The torso and arm muscles are thus helping the leg muscles in elevating the person to a standing position.

A locking device for preventing an end plug on an equipment from being connected to a source of current or preventing equipment theft. The device is a small, rigid plastic body that includes a receptacle to plug in either a three-pronged or two pronged plug, and includes internal means to engage and secure the plug prongs by using a floating pin that engages a hole in the prong tips. The device is locked by passing a cable, shaft or a padlock shackle through a passage in it, and may be secured by locking the cable, shaft or padlock shackle to a post. A multiple number of devices may be secured using one cable.

A method of forming a plurality of easy to open handle bags is provided. The method includes providing a flattened tube of thermoplastic material oriented in a generally longitudinal direction. The flattened tube has a first longitudinal side edge, a second longitudinal side edge, and a transverse heat seal. The tube has first, second, and third sections. The second section is disposed between the first and third sections. The first section is joined to the second section along a generally longitudinal first fold line. The second section is joined to the third section along a generally longitudinal second fold line. A generally rectangular hole is cut through the second section. The generally rectangular hole has a top edge and a bottom edge. The generally rectangular hole is contained transversely between the first and second fold lines. The tube is then Z-folded such that the second section is folded over the third section along the second fold line and the first section is folded over the folded second and third sections along the first fold line. As a result, the first, second, and third sections overlap one another. A line of weakness is formed adjacent the heat seal. The overlapped first, second, and third sections are cut along a first cut line that intersects the line of weakness, extends therefrom past the bottom edge of the generally rectangular hole, and intersects the first fold line. The overlapped first, second, and third sections are also cut along a second cut line that intersects the line of weakness, extends therefrom past the bottom edge of the generally rectangular hole, and intersects the second fold line.

The object is to provide a powdered metal injection compacting composition adapted to give compacts free from deformation, cracking or blistering without being compromised in compactability or debinder characteristic and without the aid of a special jig. This composition comprises a metal powder and an organic binder comprising (A) a crystalline resin having a melting point of not less than 150.degree. C., (B) an organic compound the weight loss on heating of which begins at a temperature below 150.degree. C. and (C) a composite acrylic resin, the composite acrylic resin mentioned above being a resin obtainable by dispersing a solution comprising the following components (C1).about.(C3) in an aqueous medium containing a dispersant and carrying out a suspension polymerization reaction: PA1 (C1) an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or an ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, PA1 (C2) a (meth)acrylic ester monomer or a mixture of a (meth)acrylic ester monomer and a styrenic monomer, and PA1 (C3) a polymerization initiator.

A method of bioconversion of organic industrial or agricultural cellulose containing wastes into proteinaceous product. The method comprises comminution of the wastes with moistening and addition of a starting culture inducing their biological degradation and conversion into simple carbohydrates. The carbohydrates are fermented into digestible products. The starting culture comprises cleaving enzymes produced by edible microorganisms such as fungus and bacteria selected from the group consisting of Ilumicola grisea, Trichoderma harzanum, Ruminococcus albus.

There is disclosed a method for forming a color-image, which method comprises 1 containing, in a light-sensitive material, a dye-forming coupler, and a compound or its precursor, that is oxidized by a silver halide, to form an oxidation product thereof, that is coupled with the coupler, to form a dye having an absorption in a visible wavelength region; 2 having a given coating silver amount; and 3 applying a peroxide-containing solution onto the light-sensitive material, by a coating method by droplet-spraying. The method can achieve both "a lowered amount of a waste solution" and "reduction in a change of the processing."

Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of Smad7. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding Smad7. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of Smad7 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of Smad7 are provided.

Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma are provided.

The present invention provides a wafer treating solution in which at least one of C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 ph(SO.sub.3 M)Oph(SO.sub.3 M) wherein ph is a phenylene group, n is 5 to 20, and M is a hydrogen or salt; C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 phO(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O)mSO.sub.3 M wherein ph is a phenylene group, n is 5 to 20, m is 0 to 20, and M is a hydrogen or salt; and C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 O(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O)mSO.sub.3 M wherein n is 5 to 20, m is 0 to 20, and M is a hydrogen or salt, is dissolved in 0.1 to 1000 ppm into a 20 to 60 wt % of hydrogen fluoride (HF), and the remainder is water (100 wt % in total), and a method for preparing a low concentration of wafer treating solution by adding water, H.sub.2 O.sub.2, HNO.sub.3, CH.sub.3 COOH, NH.sub.4 F or the like, into the above solution. The present invention also provides a wafer treating solution in which at least one of surfactants represented by C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 ph(SO.sub.3 M)Oph(SO.sub.3 M) wherein ph is a phenylene group, n is 5 to 20, and M is a hydrogen or salt; C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 phO(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O)mSO.sub.3 M wherein ph is a phenylene group, n is 5 to 20, m is 0 to 20, and M is a hydrogen or salt; and C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 O(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O)mSO.sub.3 M wherein n is 5 to 20, m is 0 to 20, and M is a hydrogen or salt, is dissolved in 0.01 to 1000 ppm in at least one of HF, H.sub.2 O.sub.2, HNO.sub.3, CH.sub.3 COOH, NH.sub.4 F, HCl, H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 and an ammonium hydroxide represented by a formula: EQU [(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)(R.sub.3)(R.sub.4)N].sup.+ OH.sup.- wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms which may have a hydroxyl group as a substitutent, and the remainder is water (100 wt % in total).

A 6-phenoxy picolinic acid alkylidene hydrazide derivative, a process for producing the derivative and a herbicide containing the derivative as an effective ingredient. Such a compound is a novel compound and is useful as an effective ingredient of herbicides.

Compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are useful as histamine H.sub.3 receptor ligands. R.sup.1 is an optional substituent such as C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl. The moiety (1) replaces any available hydrogen atom on a carbon or nitrogen atom in the ring which includes X. R.sup.2 is C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 hydrocarbylene (in which one or more hydrogen atoms may be replaced by halogen atoms, and up to 2 carbon atoms may be replaced by oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atoms); R.sup.3 replaces any available hydrogen atom on a carbon or nitrogen atom in the ring which includes X, and is hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.15 hydrocarbyl (in which one or more hydrogen atoms may be replaced by halogen atoms, and up to 3 carbon atoms may be replaced by oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atoms); the (or each) R.sup.4 group is independently selected from H, non-aromatic C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 hydrocarbyl, and aryl (C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl); X is --SO-- or --SO.sub.2 --; Y and Z are each hydrogen, or together represent .dbd.O or --N--R.sup.5, wherein R.sup.5 is H, non-aromatic C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 hydrocarbyl, or aryl (C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl), or one of Y and Z is non-aromatic C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 hydrocarbyl, or aryl (C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl) and the other is H; a is from 0 to 2; and n is 1 or 2.

This invention is directed to novel indole and benzothiazole compounds which are selective for cloned human alpha 2 receptors. This invention is also related to uses of these compounds for any indication where use of an alpha 2 agonist may be appropriate. Specifically, this includes use as analgesic, sedative and anaesthetic agents. In addition, this invention includes using such compounds for lowering intraocular pressure, presbyopia, treating migraine, hypertension, alcohol withdrawal, drug addiction, rheumatoid arthritis, ischemic pain, spasticity, diarrhea, nasal decongestion, urinary incontinence as well as for use as cognition enhancers and ocular vasoconstriction agents. The invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the above-defined compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The invention relates to an agent for preventing and treating ulcerous colitis and/or Crohn's disease, comprising conagenin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient. According to the present invention, there is provided an agent for preventing and treating ulcerous colitis and/or Crohn's disease, which has high therapeutic effect and safety.

A polymer blend foam having smooth skin and/or an open-cell content of at least 20 volume percent, a crosslinked gel content of no greater than 10 percent, a minimum cross-sectional area of at least 1000 mm.sup.2, and a density of no greater than 250 kg/m.sup.3. The blend includes (A) a substantially random interpolymer having polymerized therein (1) a vinyl or vinylidene aromatic monomer and/or a sterically hindered aliphatic or cycloaliphatic vinyl or vinylidene monomer, and (2) one or more of ethylene and a C.sub.3-20 aliphatic .alpha.-olefin; and (B) an olefin polymer based on one or more of ethylene, C.sub.3-20 aliphatic .alpha.-olefins, and C.sub.3-20 aliphatic .alpha.-olefins containing polar groups. The olefin polymer (B) lacks any of the vinyl or vinylidene aromatic monomers found in (A).

Novel isoxazolidinedione derivatives of the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R is an optionally substituted aromatic hydrocarbon, an optionally substituted alicyclic hydrocarbon, an optionally substituted heterocyclic group, an optionally substituted condensed heterocyclic group or a group of the formula ##STR2## R.sub.4 is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl or a hydroxy; R.sub.5 is a lower alkyl optionally substituted by hydroxy; and P and Q are each a hydrogen atom or P and Q together form a bond, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Said novel isoxazolidinedione derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof have superior hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic actions and are useful for the treatment of diabetes and the complications thereof, as well as therapeutic agents for related diseases such as hyperlipidemia.

The present invention relates to a method for preparing alkylene carbonate by reacting alkylene oxide with carbon dioxide in the presence of a catalyst comprising: PA0 a) at least one alkali metal halide selected from the group consisting of MCl, MBr and MI, whrerin M is alkali metal; and PA0 b) at least one manganese halide selected from the group consisting of MnCl.sub.2, MnBr.sub.2 and MnI.sub.2.

Epoxidation procedure for olefinic compounds with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of solvents, preferably C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alcohols, using silica supported titanium catalysts, prepared by the impregnation of the silica with solutions of titanium alkoxydes and/or titanocenes in oxygenated organic solvents.

A method for the concentration and separation of a sterol-containing plant mixture employing a single, rotary, thin film horizontal evaporator for saponification of the mixture in a reaction zone, evaporation of volatile by-products, and discharge of a soap product and free sterol mixture in an evaporation zone for subsequent separation, purification, and recovery of free sterols and a soap product.

The present invention provides crosslinking, conjugating and reducing agents which are functional with at least one phosphorothioate monoester group (--SPO.sub.3.sup.--2). Crosslinking and conjugation methods as well as solid phase reagents and conjugates which are useful in immunoassays are also provided. Crosslinking and conjugating agents of the invention generally comprise a compound corresponding to the formula (I), shown below, wherein n at least 1 and Q is a straight or branched monomer, polymer or oligomer having an average molecular weight between about 200 and about 1,000,000. Additionally, when n is 1, Q comprises at least 1 additional reactive functionality. EQU Q--(S--PO.sub.3.sup.-2).sub.n (I) The reducing agents that are provided conform to a compound of the formula (Y), shown below, wherein (A) and (Z) can be independently selected from C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl and CONH(CH.sub.2).sub.p wherein p is an integer between 1 and 5. ##STR1##

Process for the preparation of octa-2,7-dienyl-1-amine by telomerization of butadiene with ammonia in a two-phase system in the presence of hydrophilic palladium complexes, characterized in that octa-2,7-dienyl-1-amine and octa-1,7-dienyl-3-amine are isolated separately from one another from the reaction mixture present after telomerization, and the octa-1,7-dienyl-3-amine isolated in this way is subjected to an isomerization reaction to form octa-2,7-dienyl-1-amine, and also novel triphenylphosphine mono- and dimethoxytri(sodium sulphonates) and the use of triphenylphosphine trimethoxytri(sodium sulphonates), triphenylphosphine trimethyltri(sodium sulphonates) and triphenylphosphine trifluorodi- and tri(sodium sulphonates) as ligands for the preparation of palladium complexes.

An apparatus and method for determining the temperature of a semiconductor wafer in a thermal processing chamber in the presence of a radiation absorbing gas, such as a vapor, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a temperature sensing device which senses the amount of electromagnetic radiation being emitted by a wafer being heated and a gas sensing device which senses the amount of a gas present within the chamber. The system further includes a controller which is placed in communication with the temperature sensing device and the gas sensing device. The controller is configured to determine a correction factor based upon the amount of gas contained within the chamber. The correction factor in combination with information received from the temperature sensing device are then used to determine the temperature of the wafer.

The semiconductor device possesses a structure in which on one surface of a wiring substrate a semiconductor element is mounted with a face down and is electrically connected through bumps made of such as solder or the like. In a gap portion between the wiring substrate and the semiconductor element, a resin encapsulation layer (underfill) of epoxy resin or the like is filled to form, thereby alleviating stress due to difference of thermal expansion coefficients of the wiring substrate and the semiconductor element, and mechanically protecting connection portion. An average gap H between the semiconductor element and the wiring substrate, with an average pitch of bumps P and deviation of the gap D, satisfies the equation EQU P/4-D/2.ltoreq.H.ltoreq.P/4+D/2. The semiconductor device is high in reliability of bonded portions and enables to finish filling procedure of resin material for forming underfill in a short time.

A power device including a magneto and a rectification circuit for rectifying an output of the magneto is provided which is capable of adjusting an output of the magneto without any specific control circuit. A field adjusting excitation coil is arranged on a side of a stator of the magneto so as to generate a field adjusting magnetic flux when it is excited, resulting in a magnet field of the magneto being varied by means of the magnetic flux. The field adjusting excitation coil is connected to an intermediate portion of a current flow circuit for a load current, to thereby be excited by the load current, so that a magnet field of a rotor of the magneto is varied depending on the load current, leading to adjustment of an output of the magneto.

An apparatus for testing an integrated circuit in an oven during burn-in. A burn-in board in the oven is electrically connected to a plurality of integrated circuit ("IC") components. A driver/interface board outside the oven is electrically connected to the burn-in board through a plurality of contacts and sends and receives a plurality of signals between the IC components and a test controller. A switch module on the burn-in board comprises a plurality of high-temperature switches for transferring signals between the plurality of IC components and the driver/interface board during burn-in. A plurality of signals entering the switch module from the driver/interface board does not exceed in number the plurality of contacts, and is fewer in number than a plurality of signals exiting the switch module to the plurality of IC components.

A two-focal-point pickup device capable of suppressing the generation of glitch or bump in reproduced signal. The optical pickup device irradiates a light beam emitted from a light source onto an optical recording medium to form a light spot on a track of a recording surface of the optical recording medium to read the optical recording medium while controlling the position of the light spot relative to the track of the recording surface. The optical pickup device includes a converging lens section coaxially disposed in an optical axis of the light beam to converge the light beam onto the recording surface; and a hologram lens section coaxially disposed in the optical axis of the light beam to diffract the light beam. The hologram lens section has a diffraction grating pattern being formed in such a manner that a first-order diffraction light of the light beam caused by the hologram lens section and converged on the recording surface has a first numerical aperture existing in a direction intersecting the track extending direction and a second numerical aperture existing in the track extending direction. The first numerical aperture is less than the second numerical aperture. The hologram lens section has a diffraction grating pattern which is a double side cut circular diffraction grating pattern formed by eliminating two symmetrical portions with the optical axis from a circular diffraction grating pattern. The hologram lens section has a diffraction grating pattern which is a double side cut circular diffraction grating pattern formed by eliminating two symmetrical portions with the optical axis from a circular diffraction grating pattern.

Each sub-word line drive circuit SWD in a sub-word line drive section SWLB receives a signal carried by a main word line MWL0, a sub-word line non-selection signal XWD, and a sub-word line drive signal WD to drive a sub-word line SW. The sub-word line non-selection signal XWD is generated by an inverter XWDG in an intersection region SDR based on the sub-word line drive signal WD received by the inverter. The active level of the sub-word line drive signal WD is an internal boosted potential VPP which is higher than the external supply potential VDD. By using as the inactive level of the sub-word line non-selection signal XWD an internal lowered potential VINT which is lower than the external supply potential VDD, power consumption of an internal boosted potential generation circuit is reduced.

A faucet fitting system having interchangeable components useable in both single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. The component system is designed to allow the same putty plate with breast plate, waterway spout, aerator and mounting nuts to be used with the various escutcheons, metering valves and waterways associated with the single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. Specially constructed water valves, putty plates and escutcheon constructions useable in conjunction with the system are also disclosed.

An infant positioning device that is an elongated sleeve filled with polymeric pellets to a predetermined fill density to enable the device to be adaptable to conform to the contour of an infant to aid holding the infant in a optimum position for the wellbeing of the infant. The sleeve is preferably of a polyester material and the pellets are preferably small pellets composed of a high density polyethylene material. By controlling the fill density of the pellets, the device can be sufficiently pliable so as to be wrapped about the infant for positioning the infant and yet exhibit the stability and weight to hold the infant in the desired position. Due to the selection of the materials used for the sleeve and the pellets, the overall positioning device is washable without disassembly.

A brick with, preferably, two or three cylindrical passageways running from top to bottom, a cylindrical passageway running from one end to the opposite end, two linear grooves at one end and two linear projections at the other end which are of identical shape, and annular projections centered around the bores at top and annular grooves centered around the bores at the other side which are of identical shape. These passageways intersect, the linear grooves are slightly larger than the linear projections, and the annular grooves are slightly larger than the annular projections. The linear projections and grooves are spaced apart from the end-to-end cylindrical passageway, run from top to bottom and are preferably designed with a break for ease of assembly. When a group of bricks of are assembled into a wall, they will interlock in two different planes and will include interconnecting passageways in two planes. The bricks of this invention can be reinforced with rods or posts or filled with concrete or both. The passageways in the brick of this invention can additionally or alternatively be used for installation of plumbing or electrical supply lines and the like. As an added feature of this invention is that bricks of this invention can be assembled at other than right angles at the corners.