Abstract: The present invention is disclosed comprising a light source, photo detector and a lens system as its main parts. The effect of light intensity on changing current through the photo detector due to the linear or angular displacement of the detector with respect to the light source is the focusing point of this idea. The basic unit of this invention consists of a light source and a detector aiming at each other with a set of lens in between and all are pre-assembled on a film of polymer. The assembly then can be glued on the surface of any test specimen to measure any possible strain. As an alternative, two heads of fiber optic cables can be preassembled on the mounting polymer pointing toward each other. In this method, optical fibers are used to carry the light and the light source and detectors can be isolated from any ambient electro magnetic noise and away from the testing equipment. Lenses are utilized to either converge or to columnate the light rays.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) useful in the serological detection and identification of rice blast were produced by hybridoma cells formed from fusions of myeloma cells with splenocytes from BALB/c mice immunized with an extract of a liquid culture fluid of an isolate of Pyricularia grisea race IB-49. These MAbs reacted similarly with the antigens in various serological techniques used, and did not cross react with any unrelated fungal isolates representing 11 genera, but reacted positively with all 20 races or isolates of P. grisea. The MAbs could detect homologous antigen at about 60 ng fungal protein/ml and a 5-fold dilution of the extracts of infected rice tissue by ELISA. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, hybridoma lines secreting antibodies positive for the immunogen and negative for healthy rice tissue were selected from three independent fusions of NS-1 myeloma cells with splenocytes from mice immunized with crushed conidial suspensions of P. grisea race IB-49.

Abstract: An improved electroplating bath, complexing agent, product and method for producing nickel-rich nickel-iron alloys, such as Permalloy, having about 22% iron and 78% nickel. The improved electroplating bath contains a small amount of an organic amine complexing agent such as ethylenediamine or diethylenetriamine which increases the nickel/iron mass ratio of the deposit, causes nickel to be deposited in favor of iron, reduces the sensitivity of the deposit composition to the iron content of the bath and the applied current density. Further, the pH of the bath is adjusted to about 5.0 to stabilize the complexes and tartaric acid is added to complex ferric ion and thus prevent its precipitation. The organic amine complexing agents useful in accordance with the present invention are agents which complex with nickel and include ethylenediamine and diethylenetriamine each having at least two amine groups with each of the amine groups separated by two carbons.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and method for substantially reducing or eliminating total suspended solids (TSS), biological organic discharge or biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and fats, oils and greases (FOG) contaminants. The system includes at least one mixing chamber for mixing wastewater with at least one dewatering agent or chemical and air to form an aerated mixture and at least one tank having a plurality of compartments for facilitating flotation, settling and removal of contaminants from the aerated mixture as it flows through the tank. Preferably, the system includes first and second mixing chambers and first and second tanks arranged in series with each of the tanks including drag lines for removing floating and settled contaminants.

Abstract: A fluid jet ejector and ejection method wherein a plurality of high velocity jet streams of a primary fluid are discharged through a vacuum chamber into a convergent-divergent diffuser or nozzle to draw a secondary fluid into the chamber in such manner that the secondary fluid is entrained within flow spaces formed between the jet streams and is carried from the chamber through the diffuser means by the jet streams. A modular fluid jet ejector composed of multiple parts which may be economically manufactured and assembled, and a fluid jet ejector assembly consisting of multiple stacked fluid jet ejectors which may be coupled in parallel to provide a high jet pumping rate.

Abstract: A process for dewaxing including the steps of mixing a waxy feedstock near its pour point with an ambient or below ambient temperature solvent essentially free of a selected cosolvent, to form a solvent/feedstock mixture, essentially free of a selected cosolvent, and subsequently adding the cosolvent to the solvent/feedstock mixture to cause instantaneous precipitation of wax on addition of cosolvent with the amount of wax precipitation being controlled by the quantity and temperature of cosolvent added. The cosolvent is essentially completely miscible with the solvent, but immiscible with the oil and wax. For example, alcohols (methanol, ethanol, propanol), ketones (ketene, acetone), amines, etc. The process of the present invention provides the advantages of lower solvent ratios (higher solvent recovery), higher filtration temperatures, "environmentally compatible" solvents, rapid filtration rates, and debottlenecking of existing dewaxing plants.

Abstract: A multiple purpose fastening device, system and method is provided which utilizes one or more fastening elements having an elongate flexible member with respective releasably interengaging, interlocking, or compressively joining, coupling or adhering opposing surfaces covering the entire length thereof with the exception of an end tab, gripping surface or end loop at at least one end thereof. The fastening apparatus of the present invention is not limited to a particular size or dimension. A method of fastening, joining, bundling, and/or the like one or more objects together employs one or more of the fastening devices of the present invention wrapped around one or more objects in a common direction to overlap or superimpose upon itself with the opposing releasable coupling surfaces joined over a portion of each flexible member. The end loops provide an anchoring point for attachment of additional devices, accessories, clips, and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting waste gases from industrial processes such as oil refining, carbon black, coke, ammonia, and methanol production, into useful products. The method includes introducing the waste gases into a bioreactor where they are fermented to various organic acids or alcohols by anaerobic bacteria within the bioreactor. These valuable end products are then recovered, separated and purified. In an exemplary recovery process, the bioreactor raffinate is passed through an extraction chamber into which one or more non-inhibitory solvents are simultaneously introduced to extract the product. Then, the product is separated from the solvent by distillation. Gas conversion rates can be maximized by use of centrifuges, hollow fiber membranes, or other means of ultrafiltration to return entrained anaerobic bacteria from the bioreactor raffinate to the bioreactor itself, thus insuring the highest possible cell concentration.

Abstract: A dryer vent box and method is provided which addresses the problems inherent in conventional dryer vent assemblies. The dryer vent box includes upper and lower mating substantially rectangular housings which are dimensioned to be received within the confines of a conventional 2.times.4 studded wall. Each of the upper and lower rectangular housings have a protruding cylindrical flange with an opening into the housing to provide for the intake and exhaust of dryer exhaust gasses. The upper housing section includes at least one tab extending from one of the sides thereof to provide for the attachment of the upper housing to the wall. The lower housing includes cutoff markings or indicators which provide for the correct placement of the cylindrical flange of the upper housing relative to the dryer outlet. Thus, the dryer vent box of the present invention provides an aesthetically pleasing, effective, efficient and improved dryer venting assembly.

Abstract: A cordless, electric or pneumatic drill device which enables user to saw in a reciprocating action. A compact metal enclosure having steel helical and worm gears together with eccentric peg to drive arm to blade, the rotation of the drill enters the tool by the removable hexagonal shaft which can be inserted into the tool at three (3) different angles depending on the task. The worm gear meshes with a helical gear having an eccentric peg that is inside an elongated slot of the blade drive armature. As the worm gear rotates its speed is exchanged for torque in the helical gear the rotation of the helical gear is converted to a linear reciprocating motion which drives the blade.

Abstract: An air blower including a flow-thru motor and fan unit encapsulated in resilient foam rubber layer within a substantially cylindrical plastic casing is provided which operates very quietly, delivers a sufficient quantity of warm pressurized air and filters the air which flows therethrough. The air blower is eloquently simple in design and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. The air blower incorporates a number of safety features including an outlet structure which prevents the introduction of water into the interior of the blower and a ground fault circuit interrupter. The air which flows through the blower is channeled through the motor to cool the motor and at the same time heat the air flowing through the blower. The resilient foam encapsulation separates the noise and vibration of the motor and fan unit from the casing. The casing includes a plurality of radial air inlets in its base and an air outlet in the side of the casing adjacent its upper end.

Abstract: Peanut allergen Ara h II was identified using the sera of patients who had atopic dermatitis and a positive food challenge to peanut. The Ara h II allergen, having a molecular weight of 17 kD and a pI of 5.2, was isolated by anion exchange chromatography. Ara h II may be used to detect and quantify peanut allergens in foodstuffs.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and method for substantially reducing or eliminating total suspended solids (TSS), biological organic discharge or biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and fats, oils and greases (FOG) contaminants. The system includes at least one mixing chamber for mixing wastewater with at least one dewatering agent or chemical and air to form an aerated mixture and at least one tank having a plurality of compartments for facilitating flotation, settling and removal of contaminants from the aerated mixture as it flows through the tank. Preferably, the system includes first and second mixing chambers and first and second tanks arranged in series with each of the tanks including drag lines for removing floating and settled contaminants.

Abstract: A three-dimensional life-size game animal-simulating archery target including a foam body shaped in the form of a game animal, such as a deer, elk, moose, bear, wild boar, etc., and having a target insert receiving recess located in a primary aiming point of the target. A removable target insert adapted for use with broad head arrows, field point arrows, or both, is releasably secured in the recess in the foam body, and a removable body cover placed over the insert and recess to provide a uniform visual appearance to the exterior of the game animal. A three-dimensional game animal archery target system includes a foam body shaped in the form of a game animal together with at least two removable target inserts, one being adapted for use with broad head arrows and the other being adapted for use with target point or field point arrows. Such a system provides the user with the ability to utilize the same target for archery target practice and hunting preparation with both field point and broad head arrows.