Abstract: A method of creating a unique deacetylated, depolymerized chitosan which may be employed to provide a time release chitosan-drug complex. The chitosan is deacetylated at least 60 percent and preferably at least 70 percent. It is preferred to employ a chitosan having a molecular weight of about 3.5 kDa to 250 kDa and preferably about 3.5 kDa to 75 kDa. The complex may be employed in various delivery systems including tablets, films, matrix supported drug delivery units or as coatings or films on implants. A method of making a drug delivering implant includes providing an implant, creating a complex of a depolymerized chitosan and a drug and establishing a layer of a chitosan drug complex on at least a portion of said implant. The chitosan-drug complex is preferably created through ionic bonding and may be a coating or a film self-adhered to a portion of an exterior surface of the implant. It is also preferred to deacetylate the chitosan prior to depolymerization.

Abstract: A method of microwave assisted chemical reaction includes providing a microwavable reaction vessel which contains at least one material in a sample. The sample is heated by microwave energy to elevate the temperature of the reagent and at least partially volatilize the sample to establish a gas phase within the vessel followed by positive cooling of the gas phase to reduce the temperature and responsively reduce the pressure of the gas phase without effecting substantial cooling of the liquid phase. The method may involve employing cooling exteriorly of and adjacent to the gas phase containing portion of the vessel or cooling by means of a coolant flowing within coils disposed in the interior of the vessel or both. The process is preferably a continuous process. The apparatus may be a vessel transparent to microwave energy for receiving the sample. The vessel has space overlying the liquid phase containing portion for a gas phase.

Abstract: A panel unit for use in a window, a partition, a free standing frame, or in a wall, and having a plurality of vertically stacked, elongated transparent elements arranged in a frame, whereby natural light or artificial light on one side of the panel reflects onto the environment on the one side of the panel unit. The reflected light is transmitted through each transparent element and is refracted and dispersed to create a block of color when viewed on the other side of the panel, which results in a color pattern when viewed on the other side of the panel unit. The transparent elements may be made of lead crystal glass or optical glass, and may be triangularly shaped to produce a maximum light dispersion zone or trapezoidally shaped to produce a minimum light dispersion zone. To resist or reduce glare, a shutter apparatus may be mounted adjacent to the panel unit on the side of the panel unit where the direct sunlight exists, or filters or tinted glass may be used.

Abstract: A method of forming and using a metal I-beam includes hot rolling an elongated metal workpiece to establish a web and a pair of flanges on the edges thereof. The web is formed with elongated reinforcement of solid cross-section having a generally straight longitudinal axis oriented generally parallel to the flanges. The hot rolled I-beam is cooled without forming substantial waves in the web and the I-beam is subsequently secured in a building construction or other structural product. The method involves the longitudinally oriented reinforcing means which preferably are one or more elongated laterally projecting ribs having such mass that the average temperature of the web prior to cooling will be sufficiently close to the average temperature of the flanges prior to cooling that the formation of waves within the web during cooling will be resisted. The reinforcement if preferably coextensive with the I-beam. The web is preferably substantially continuous.

Abstract: A down-hole pneumatic rotary-percussion hammer drilling apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a drill string for progressively extending into a hole in the earth; an elongated housing connected to the drill string; an impact drill bit, rotationally coupled to the housing, having an engaging surface, an earth impacting surface, a channel, and a plurality of conduits extending from about an exit of the channel to an exit portion of the conduits; a piston within the housing for engaging the engaging surface; and a working fluid handler for energizing the piston with a working fluid. The impact drill bit is rotatable about a longitudinal axis, with the channel and the conduits providing a path of flow of the working fluid from the piston to the exit portions of the conduits. The exit portions are displaced from the longitudinal axis and extend generally downwardly and outwardly. The working fluid emerges from the exit portions and effects rotation of the impact drill bit about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A controller for a nonblocking broadcast switching network comprising an input stage, an output stage, and a middle stage. The input stage has N.sub.1 or n.sub.1 r.sub.1 input ports and r.sub.1 switches, where n.sub.1 .gtoreq.2 and r.sub.1 .gtoreq.1 and are integers. The network also includes an output stage. The output stage has N.sub.2 or n.sub.2 r.sub.2 output ports and r.sub.2 switches, where n.sub.2 .gtoreq.2 and r.sub.1 .gtoreq.1 and are integers. There is also a middle stage. The middle stage has m switches, where ##EQU1## The m switches are in communication with the r.sub.1 switches and r.sub.2 switches. The middle stage of m switches has L inputs, where L.gtoreq.r.sub.1 and is an integer, and J outputs, where J.gtoreq.r.sub.2 and is an integer, corresponding to the n.sub.1 input ports and n.sub.2 output ports, x or fewer of the m switches, where 1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of forming a ceiling. The method comprises the steps of setting a tool for a desired length of crimp of a tee or main by adjusting a plate in a slot of the tool. Next there is the step of cutting the tee or main to a desired length. Then there is the step of inserting an end of tee or main into a slot in the tool to a desired length. Next there is the step of crimping tee or main about 90.degree. with the tool without removing any length from the tee or main. Then there is the step of removing the tool from the tee or main. The present invention also pertains to a tool to crimp a tee or main. The tool comprises a housing having an end, with a first slot disposed in the end. Additionally, the tool comprises a plate disposed in the first slot of the housing. The plate is adjustable in regard to position in the first slot so the tee or main can be inserted into the first slot a desired distance defined by where the plate is disposed in the first slot.

Abstract: Fine particle coal is beneficiated in specially designed dense medium cyclones to improve particle acceleration and enhance separation efficiency. Raw coal feed is first sized to remove fine coal particles. The coarse fraction is then separated into clean coal, middlings, and refuse. Middlings are comminuted for beneficiation with the fine fraction. The fine fraction is deslimed in a countercurrent cyclone circuit and then separated as multiple fractions of different size specifications in dense medium cyclones. The dense medium contains ultra-fine magnetite particles of a narrow size distribution which aid separation and improves magnetite recovery. Magnetite is recovered from each separated fraction independently, with non-magnetic effluent water from one fraction diluting feed to a smaller-size fraction, and improving both overall coal and magnetite recovery.

Abstract: A method of repairing a defective portion of a tube which is one of a plurality of generally parallel elongated tubes includes severing an axial portion of the tube which contains a defective portion, bending the free end portions of the tube disposed adjacent to where the axial portion which was severed, and securing an insert tube to the free end portions of the tube disposed adjacent to where the removed axial portion was located to thereby establish a passage for free flow of fluid within the repaired tube. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the free end portions will be bent in substantially the same direction about 20 to 60 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube when the tube being repaired is part of a water wall of a fossil fuel fired boiler and the repair is effected from the cold side thereof.

Abstract: A support device for supporting and/or immobilizing the articulated or non-articulated areas of an anatomy. The support device comprises a flexible member having connecting ends, intermediate portions, a central portion, a pad member containing a viscous substance in the central portion, and a permanently deformable sheet. The deformable sheet is deformed in situ and is insertable into the central portion adjacent to the pad member and outwardly thereof so that the pad member is positioned toward the anatomy and conforms to the shape of the deformable sheet and provides comfort to the user. Slots are provided in the flexible member for receiving the deformable sheet and for optionally receiving a chin support which in conjunction with an occipital support which is supported by the deformable sheet enables the support device to be used as a cervical brace. The deformable sheet may be a one-piece member or it may be several interconnected curved members, and it may be a simple curve or a compound curve.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for enhancing memory in a patient comprising administering a compound of formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a lower alkyl group; m is an integer between about 0 and 4; and n is an integer between about 5 and 14. The methods generally comprise administering an effective amount of the compound. The invention also discloses the enhancement of memory by the use of non-steroidal sulfatase inhibitors of the above formula in conjunction with the naturally occurring neurosteroids dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and/or pregnenolone sulfate (PS). The patients benefitting from the methods of the present invention will generally have an illness that causes memory loss, or will be individuals who otherwise want to improve memory.

Abstract: Apparatus and an associated method are provided for nondestructively inspecting a coated article which may be a coated drug unit to determine the extent of coating on the exterior thereof. A probe may be received within a housing wherein the article is coated and transported as in a fluidized bed. A probe which has a recess for receiving coated article and a communicating fiberoptic receiving passageway. The recess receives a single coated article or plurality of coated articles on which light, which is preferably near-infrared light, is caused to impinge by a first group of fiberoptic fibers with the reflected light being delivered from the coated article to a spectrometer which analyzes the coating information. A microprocessor may be employed to control the inspection process, as well as the coating system. The probe may be rotatably mounted within the housing to facilitate removal of the coated article after inspection under the influence of gravity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inputting financial data, modifying, formatting and adding to pre-existing data on the basis of such input and, if desired, engaging in further processing of the data and accessing the data through a computer interface which may be directly accessed by unskilled and semi-skilled personnel. Such personnel may introduce a wide range of parameters for purposes of selecting specific desired data. The system is particularly advantageous in respect of maintaining records of investment transactions and providing ready access to the same. In the preferred approach, for selected categories of information, the user may elect one of three options as to each screen field to obtain rapid, customized information delivery. Also, the system preferably employs parallel processing and database performing tuning techniques. Hierarchical processing is employed in certain embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: Methods for making a nonlinear optical device and related devices are dissed. The method includes creating an ordered dispersion of charged particles in a surrounding medium. The charged particles and the surrounding medium are chosen such that they initially have identical refractive indices. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, cadmium sulfide inclusions are added to at least one of (a) the particles or (b) the medium. The cadmium sulfide inclusions have a highly nonlinear refractive index. The inclusions are optically nonlinear and upon high intensity radiation the refractive index of the particles change. This change in the refractive index occurs on the order of nanoseconds. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a nonfluorescent dye is incorporated into at least one of (a) the particles or (b) the medium. The dye is photoabsorptive. Upon being impinged with high intensity radiation, the dye absorbs photons and heats the surrounding particles.

Abstract: A universal joint comprising a first joint member having a rotational axis and a body connected to the first joint member for pivotal movement relative thereto about a pivot axis intersecting and perpendicular to the rotational axis. The body comprises two trunnions extending along a trunnion axis perpendicular to the pivot axis of the body and respective rollers are carried by the trunnions for rotation about the trunnion axis. The universal joint also comprises a second joint member having a rotational axis and affording two tracks extending lengthwise of the second joint member and diametrically opposed to one another about the rotational axis of the second joint member with the rollers being received in the tracks for torque transmission between the joint members by way of the body and rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting non-round annular containers includes elongated capacitive sensors, cooperating oscillators, which convert the sensor signal to a voltage corresponding thereto, and an electronic processor which receives the voltage and determines thickness. A displaceable electromechanical member is operatively associated with the sensor and emits an electrical signal corresponding to the degree of displacement of the sensor by a container being inspected. The electronic processor corrects the thickness determination by an adjustment of container diameter at the specific location where thickness is being monitored in order to compensate for container diameter variations due to the non-round characteristic of the container. In a preferred embodiment, linkage members secured to the rear of the sensor at a plurality of locations cooperate with a single displaceable element which converts the mechanical displacement of the sensor into a corresponding electrical signal.

Abstract: A portable, adjustable device which provides support, tactile feedback, and mechanical advantage to individuals with weakness, tremors, or poor motor control during the activity of self-feeding. The device consists of a base for attaching the device to various sized tables, a support slide holder and a support slide. During typical operation, once adjustments have been made and tightened down, the user places his or her arm in the bottom portion of the support slide and with support of the support slide, slides the arm toward the mouth until it rests in the top portion of the support slide wherein the user is able to consume a bite of food. The base of the device clamps to various size tables. The support slide is connected to the base through a support slide holder which allows vertical and horizontal adjustment of the support slide. The support slide itself is arced in the horizontal and vertical planes in a fashion that approximates the arc of the arm during non-supported self-feeding.

Abstract: Low toxicity shot or pellets for shotgun cartridges or the like comprises finely divided metallic particles, preferably a mixture of finely divided molybdenum and tungsten particles in a polymer matrix. The resulting pellets have a high density and are much less prone to damage the barrels of guns from which they are fired than prior suggested alternatives to lead shot. If desired, friction between the pellets and gun barrels may be further reduced by incorporating a lubricant, such as molybdenum sulphide or graphite in the polymer matrix.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a tamper evident informational article such as a temporary vehicle registration which may be made of paper or paperboard. The informational article has a zone for inserting information and a pattern within said zone which will resist effective counterfeiting. A transparent tape which preferably has a silicone resin coating which contains a wax is adhesively secured over information contained within the zone.