Abstract: Rapid, convenient and inexpensive methods for extracting fungicidal compounds from Inula are described, as well as methods for controlling fungal disease in crops by using these extracts. One preferred method of extraction starts with the dipping of leaves and stems of freshly cut Inula shoots for 10-15 seconds in organic solvent, at a ratio of 0.3-0.6 kg of shoots per 1 liter of solvent. A second method of extraction starts by shaking freshly cut Inula shoots in an organic solvent for 30 minutes at a ratio of 0.1-0.3 kg shoots per 1 liter of solvent. A third method is the same as the second, except that dried and ground Inula shoots are used a ratio of 0.05-0.25 kg dried shoots per 1 liter of solvent. For all three extraction methods, the solvent is evaporated and the residual paste (about 0.6-6.6% yield in the first method, 1.6-6.2% yield in the second method and 3.5-30% yield in the third method) is dissolved in acetone.

Abstract: A holder for mounting decorative lights onto a flat surface. The holder includes an elongated strip which has an L-shaped cross-sectional profile. It includes a base and an upright disposed perpendicularly with respect to each other. A plurality of individual socket holders are disposed at regular intervals along the strip base. Each socket holder includes a pair of opposed slots for retaining a portion of the cord of a decorative light string therein. The socket holders are configured such that they retain a light socket therein in an orientation generally perpendicular to the plane of the strip base. The holder is particularly suitable for mounting directly onto window glass.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to sealants for insulating glass units. More specifically, this invention is a one-component, hot applied, chemically curing sealant for edge sealing insulating glass units. The sealant contains a thermoplastic hot melt resin blended with an atmospheric curing resin. The hot melt resin functions as the meltable component during the initial application, and supplies strength immediately upon cooling. The polymer phase then begins to cure by reaction with atmospheric oxygen and/or moisture to form a cross-linked thermoset elastomer which is temperature resistant. At this point, the hot melt resin functions as an inert plasticizer within the cured polymer phase. The sealant of the present invention may additionally include plasticizers, fillers, pigments, catalysts and the like.

Abstract: A transparentized paper is prepared by coating a transparentizing medium on to a paper substrate by a screen coating process. The method may be carried out on a continuous basis, and the medium may comprise an ultra-violet curable resin. Also disclosed is a universal vellum prepared according to the method of the invention, and having a first side which has a smooth texture and may be utilized for electrostatic, pen plotter and xerographic applications, and a second side having a rougher texture which may be utilized for drafting and ink-jet printing applications.

Abstract: A multiple packaging machine for conducting simultaneous operations on two or more pouches at each of several work stations by employing a pair of clamps for holding each pouch at each station during opening by moving the clamps toward each other, during filling and during closing by moving the clamps away from each other.

Abstract: A heat shield particularly suited for automotive use is manufactured by placing a metallic foil having a plurality of depressed channels provided about its outer periphery in a compression mold. Each channel, in turn, has a through opening. Thermoset material is then placed into the mold so that, upon mold compression, the thermoset material liquefies and covers one side of the foil and also so that a portion of the material flows through the foil openings so that the channels are embedded in the material to thus mechanically lock the foil and plastic together upon curing.

Abstract: A yoke assembly for a rack and pinion steering system includes a bearing disc member having a pair of bearing surfaces for slidingly supporting and urging the rack toward the pinion. The bearing disc member is kinematically supported by an elastomeric member along an adjustment axis. The elastomeric forces are conically applied toward an apex located well within the rack and away from the bearing surfaces. This results in the bearing disc member rotating slightly in a contra-pitch direction and forming a lubrication wedge whenever the rack moves along its axis of translation. In addition, elastomeric means for compliantly biasing the bearing disc in a lateral direction orthogonal to a plane defined by the adjustment and translation axes toward a preferred central location are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of processing image information is disclosed, for detecting the movement of an object with a simplifed system structure, and high speed treatment. The method is comprised of the steps of entry of a stereoscopic image of an object, extraction of edges of the object, and dividing it into segments based on the local feature of the image. On each segment, tracing points (sampling points) are selected, the inter-frame correlation of selected points is obtained, the three-dimensional coordinates of the points are measured, and thus the position and attitude of the object are detected, wherein the inter-frame correlation is performed by evaluating the similarity between frames based on correlation between the tangential direction of tracing points and the luminance value of the surface.

Abstract: A stabilized composition comprising an organic compound labeled with a .beta.

Abstract: A riding sulky attachment for use with a conventional self-propelled vehicle, the vehicle including a body with front and rear wheels, a self-propelling drive mechanism and a steering assembly including a pair of operating handles extending upwardly and rearwardly from the vehicle body. The riding sulky attachment includes an elongate frame constructed of a first member, a second elevated and parallel extending member and a third angularly disposed and interconnecting member. A forward end of the elongate frame is releasably secured to a rear of the vehicle in a pivotal manner about a first horizontal axis. A carriage assembly supporting a single wheel extends downwardly from a rear end of the elongate frame and is rotatably secured to the elongate frame about a second vertical axis. An elongate cantilever member is secured to an intermediate location along the elongate frame and extends upwardly and in angular fashion relative to the elongate frame.

Abstract: A combination portable fan and spray misting device for creating a cooling atomized mist spray. The fan includes an elongated body portion and a fan blade head portion which is attached in an upwardly and angled fashion relative to the body portion and which further includes a rotatable fan blade unit. The spray misting device furter includes a body containing a volume of a liquid and a spray applicator secured atop said body and capable of issuing an atomized fluid mist spray of the liquid in a direction from the rear of and both above and through the rotating fan blade unit to further cool, atomize and distribute the spray in a desired application.

Abstract: An interlocking and insulated form pattern assembly for creating a wall construction for receiving a poured concrete. A plurality of form structures each are constructed in a substantially rectangular fashion with a height, length and width and include pluralities of arcuately shaped inner walls which define both vertically and longitudinally extending concrete filling passageways. The forms are interlockingly arranged according to a desired stacking arrangement so that the vertically and longitudinally filling passageways extending continuously throughout the erected wall structure. Moisture drainage channels likewise extend in interconnected fashion both horizontally and vertically within the form structures and are arranged in alignment with identical channels in succeeding form structures to provide internal drainage capabilities to the form assembly.

Abstract: Rapid, convenient and inexpensive methods for preparing fungicidal suspensions from Inula are described. Methods for controlling fungal disease in crops by using these suspensions are also given.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus 10 for use in deploying slickline, wireline and the like. The apparatus 10 is truck mounted and comprises a slickline unit 12 mounted via a swivel on a truck bed 14, and a support arm 16 pivotally mounted on the unit. The arm 16 may be lifted from a horizontal transport position (FIG. 1) to a raised position (FIG. 2) by hydraulic rams, and is telescopic and may be extended to almost three times its retracted, transport length. In its extended configuration the arm 16 may support a pressure lubricator 18 and top and bottom pulleys 20, 22 from a support cable 17 which extends along the arm from a pulley 19 mounted on the lower end of the arm.

Abstract: Both a method and apparatus are disclosed for forming a bend in an elongated member, such as a tube, at a predetermined target angle. The elongated member is first bent to an angle equal to the target angle plus a predetermined increment. The elongated member is then returned to the target angle and a value representative of the force necessary to maintain the elongated member at the target angle is inputted into a central processor. This inputted value is then compared with a threshold value and, in the event that the inputted value exceeds the threshold value, the predetermined increment is incremented and the above steps are repeated until the inputted value is less than the threshold value. An apparatus for performing the method of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A guide panel for use with wall mounted electrical outlets of the type used to receive two connector plugs and having a cover plate of a type to form two apertures for receiving the plug receiving portion of the electric outlet or a single aperture for receiving the double plug receiving portion of a electrical outlet. The guide panel can be used to cover the electric outlet alone or the electrical outlet and its associated cover plate. The guide panel is provided with guide surfaces associated with each of the plug receiving portions of the electric outlet to form funnel like guide surfaces for guiding the prongs of an electrical connector into alignment with the electrical outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing two or more materials which are difficult to mix. The dispersion apparatus has a cylindrical housing which is divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber by a separator. The materials to be mixed are forced under pressure into the lower chamber which is divided into pressure zones by kinetic baffles. A turbine blade imparts energy to the liquids which are kept from swirling by the kinetic baffles. The high pressure of the materials introduced into the chamber forces the materials through an opening between the baffle and shaft turning the blade into the upper chamber. In the upper chamber a second blade imparts centrifugal force to the materials to force them outward. The materials are sheared as they move through the apparatus and then are delivered to an outlet.

Abstract: Mesoporous desigels are fabricated as nitrides, carbides, borides, and silicides of metals, particularly transition metals, and most particularly early transition metals. The desigels are prepared by forming a gel of a metallic compound, and removing solvent from the gel. In some instances, the thus produced desigel may be further reacted to change its composition, while preserving its mesoporous structure. The materials are particularly suited as electrodes for capacitors, including ultracapacitors, and for batteries.

Abstract: Catalyst for controlling emissions of the present invention is comprised of at least one kind of transition metal atoms and at least one of Al or Si, wherein said transition metal atoms form a part of the surface of the catalyst for purifying exhaust gas. Accordingly, the catalyst for purifying exhaust gas has both high performance for purifying NO.sub.x and high heat resistance, because monoatomic active metal disperses in the catalyst structure, active metal is taken firmly in the structure, and said transition metal forms a part of the surface of the surface.