Abstract: A novel method of preparing a spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.4 intercalation compound with low lattice distortion and a highly ordered and homogeneous structure for 4 V secondary lithium and lithium ion cells is provided. The method of preparing the spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.4 intercalation compound comprises mixing at least one manganese compound with at least one lithium compound and firing the mixture at three different temperature ranges with corresponding gas flow rates to form the spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.4 intercalation compounds. The spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.4 intercalation compounds have a mean X value of between about 0.01 and 0.05 and a full width at half maximum of the x-ray diffraction peaks at a diffraction angle 2.theta. of planes (400) and (440) using CuK.alpha..sub.1 rays of between about 0.10.degree. and 0.15.degree.. The spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing foamable compositions includes a first module comprising a first housing, a fluid flow fitting in the first housing, a shutoff valve in the first housing and in fluid communication with the fluid flow fitting. The dispenser further includes a second module comprising: a second housing, a valving chamber in the second housing for receiving fluid from the shutoff valve and the fluid flow fitting; and an attachment for securing the first and second modules to one another with the valving chamber in fluid communication with the shutoff valve and the fluid flow fitting so that foam precursors can travel from the foam fittings to the valving chamber, and be dispensed from the chamber to form foam.

Abstract: A buoyant transducer assembly which may be attached to a fishing pole for providing signals indicative of objects, such as fish, within the water. The buoyant transducer assembly includes a sonar transducer supported by a float. The float has a central hub defining a downward opened recess for receiving the transducer and diametrically opposing buoyant cells for supporting the float upon the water. The float is positioned upon the water such that a predetermined portion of the float which has a surface area significantly larger than the surface area of the transducer contacts the water, thereby stabilizing the transducer and maintaining the transducer in a predetermined position relative to the body of water.

Abstract: A system for deploying life rafts from ships, wherein the life rafts are of the inflatable type and where there are stocking-like bodies for transfer of personnel from the ship to at least one of the life rafts. The life rafts are arranged in groups which are loosely connected with a common bottom frame, and where each group includes a reception raft and several evacuation rafts detachably connected with the reception raft. The bottom frame is suspended from at least one winch wire arranged from a support frame which can be moved from a parked position inside the ship's side to an operative position outside the ship's side. When the support frame is in an operative position, the bottom frame can be lowered into the water by means of the winch. The winch wires pass through sliding guides in the bottom of the reception raft and sliding guides in a known per se rescue stocking which is stretched between the support frame and the reception raft.

Abstract: A waterproof coupling between at least one tube and at least one endpiece by means of a molded portion secured to the tube and providing means that provide sealing between the tube and the endpieces, wherein said portion which is made of a material of the elastomer type or of a material having analogous properties, and that has been vulcanized or cross-linked after molding, is also secured, after vulcanization or cross-linking, to a ring or sleeve by means of which the tube is suitable for being assembled to the endpiece.

Abstract: A sonic control device that reduces the effects of shock waves generated by an aircraft traveling at supersonic speeds. The control device includes a control surface located at or near the nose section of the aircraft. The position of the control surface can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. When in a deflected position, the control surface increases the air pressure at the nose section. The increase in air pressure at the nose section decreases both the pressure amplitude and the slope of the overall shock wave as the wave travels toward the ground. Additionally, the deflection of the control surface may induce a downward directed pressure increase which creates less of a drag penalty than a truly blunt nose. When shock control is not desired, the control surface is moved back to the retracted position to reduce the drag on the plane. The moving control device allows a supersonic aircraft to efficiently travel above both land and water.

Abstract: A position sensor is structurally integrated within a wide-gap magnetic actuator. Being an integral structure, the sensor provides voltages representative of a relative shift in position of the actuator's armature and pole piece from the neutral or base position and represents the actual position between pole piece and armature. Suitably the position sensor includes a photosensitive surface in the shape of a circular disk that is attached to the actuator's paddle and a narrow beam light source which is attached to the actuator's pole piece and oriented to produce a small spot of light on the photosensitive surface.

Abstract: Sheet materials are superplastically formed and optionally diffusion bonded into structures, by directly electrically resistance heating the sheets and forming them with a controlled gas-mass flow while the dies in which they are formed may remain relatively cool. The dies include electrodes and thermocouples placed therein, and gas interface ports that connect to the sheets to be formed to allow rapid formation of structures. Some of the gas interface ports may become sealably attached to the part during the formation process so that the structures may be removed from the dies hot, thus allowing a high die throughput.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for removing retained mucus secretions from the lungs of a human subject. The method includes (1) generating an aerosol suspension of respirable solid, dry particulate amiloride, and (2) delivering by inhalation the aerosol suspension to the respiratory system of the subject. The solid particulate amiloride is comprised of particles of about 1 to 5 microns and is free of liquid amiloride particles. The aerosol suspension of respirable solid particulate amiloride is administered in an amount sufficient to achieve concentrations of amiloride on the airway surfaces of from about 10.sup.-7 to 10.sup.-3 Moles/liter. As a result of the treatment, the secretions are hydrated and more easily transported from the lung via mucociliary action. Methods are also disclosed for the treatment of cystic fibrosis in humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates mainly to a wrapping method and to apparatus for implementing the method. The invention provides a method of wrapping a palletized load, the method comprising a step of depositing one or more plastic films around the palletized load, thereby covering the palletized load and closing the inlets to the pallet, the method including a step that consists in disengaging permanent passages in the film where it obstructs the inlets of the pallet for passing the forks of handling equipment. The present invention is particularly applicable to wrapping palletized loads. A main application of the present invention lies in wrapping loads that are palletized on standard pallets.

Abstract: A novel method of preparing a spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.4+Y intercalation compound with low lattice distortion and a highly ordered and homogeneous structure for 4 V secondary lithium and lithium ion cells is provided. The method of preparing the spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.4+Y intercalation compound comprises providing a spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.4 intercalation compound having a lithium to manganese mole ratio of between about 1.02:2 and 1.1:2 and firing the spinel at different temperature ranges with corresponding gas flow rates to form the spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.4+Y intercalation compounds. The spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.4+Y intercalation compounds have a mean X value of between about 0.01 and 0.05, a mean Y value of between about -0.02 and 0.04 and a full width at half maximum of the x-ray diffraction peaks at a diffraction angle 2.theta. of planes (400) and (440) using CuK.alpha..sub.1 rays of between about 0.08.degree. and 0.13.degree.. The spinel Li.sub.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming multiple-sheet, folded printed products utilizing two processing drums adjacently arranged. The drums are each rotated about a horizontal axis by a drive mechanism. Each processing drum comprises radial compartments for receiving the printed products to be trimmed. Arranged on each end side of the first processing drum are two stationary cutting elements, one of which is in the operative position. The cutting element interacts with cutting elements which are fastened on the end side of the compartments on the compartment walls. In the first processing drum, the printed products are trimmed on their side borders running at right angles to the folding edge. Arranged on the circumferential edge of the second processing drum are stationary cutting elements with a cutting element in an operative position to interact with cutting elements which are assigned to the individual compartments and are arranged circumferentially in the compartments.

Abstract: A resilient and flexible base for a two-piece traffic channelizer is provided that does not require external ballasting to stabilize the channelizer against wind forces and vacuum forces created by passing vehicles and minor impacts from a vehicle. The base is formed of a hardenable liquid resin such that the base is resilient and flexible after curing and has a specific gravity greater than about 1.25. The base further includes at least one flexible footpad for generating a restoring moment when the channelizer is subjected to a tipping force, such as a minor impact. The composition of the liquid resin includes at least one off-grade polyvinylchloride (PVC) resin, a plasticizer and a specific gravity increasing agent. A method is also provided for forming the base by slush molding at least a portion of the hardenable liquid resin adjacent the interior surface of a molding cavity. The base formed by the disclosed method is also self-lubricating and resistant to chemical degradation and extreme temperatures.

Abstract: A surface inspection system and methods of inspecting a surface of a workpiece are provided for detecting particles, defects, or other surface characteristics in or on a surface of the workpiece. The surface inspection system preferably has a transporter arranged for transporting a workpiece along a material path and a rotator associated with the transporter and arranged for rotating a workpiece during translational travel along the material path. A scanner is positioned and arranged for scanning a surface of a workpiece during rotational and translational travel along the material path. The scanner preferably includes a light source arranged to generate a light beam therefrom and a deflector positioned to receive the light beam and arranged for deflecting the light beam along a predetermined scan path across a surface of the workpiece as the workpiece rotationally and translationally travels along the material path.

Abstract: A process for preparing thioxanthone and derivatives thereof is disclosed. In the process, an aromatic compound, such as cumene, is reacted with thiosalicylic acid (TSA) or dithiosalicylic acid (DTSA) in the presence of sulfuric acid. The reaction mixture, which includes thioxanthone or a derivative thereof, is thereafter distilled under reduced pressure to recover the thioxanthone compound.

Abstract: A flexible decorative sheet material for use in surfacing automobile body panels and the like is disclosed. The sheet material is characterized by having the appearance of a base coat/clear coat paint finish. The material comprises a substantially transparent outer layer, and a pigmented coating on the undersurface of the outer layer which is visible therethrough. The pigmented coating preferably has reflective flakes uniformly distributed therein to impart to the sheet material the appearance of a base coat/clear coat paint finish. Also disclosed are shaped articles which have such sheet materials adhered to one side thereof, and a method for making such sheet materials.