Abstract: Method and device for pneumatic feeding of materials to be conveyed along a feeding line (10) supplied continually with conveying gas from conveying gas lines (18) discharging into the feeding line and spaced consecutively apart from each other. Each gas line (18) has at a distance from its opening (28) a short cross-sectional constriction (20), in the area of which the velocity of the conveying gas is increased to the velocity of sound and decreased again before the opening (28). A plurality of gas lines (18) are fed from a common supply line (16, 17) which runs adjacent to the feeding line (10). The gas lines (18) open into the feeding line (10) at an acute angle of approx. 35.degree. and have two sections (21, 23) detachably connected with each other by a sealing screw connection (24), an apertured diaphragm, forming the cross-sectional constriction (20), and a filter (22) being held interchangeably by the screw connection.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for operating in one or the other of two combustion modes has a frame assembly enclosing a primary and secondary combustion chamber. A baffle, separating the chambers, provides for gaseous communication therebetween. Preheated primary and secondary combustion air is directed in a controlled fashion to the front of the frame assembly across a viewing window to keep the window clear. The apparatus further has an off center damper movement system, means for defining a secondary air flow path through the primary combustion chamber, and a structure which can be changed for operation either as a wood burning or a coal burning stove.

Abstract: A heavy hydrocarbon feed stock is, after being heat-treated in a first cracking zone, is introduced into a second thermal cracking zone for obtaining a thermally cracked product and a pitch product. The second cracking zone has a plurality of cracking reactors which are connected in series, through which is successively passed the treated feed stock and to each of which is supplied a gaseous heat transfer medium to maintain the liquid phase therein at a temperature sufficient for effecting the thermal cracking and to strip the resulting distillable, cracked components from the liquid phase. The thermal cracking temperature in one reactor is so controlled as to become higher than that in its adjacent upstream-side reactor. The distillable, cracked components in respective reactors are removed overhead therefrom and separated into a heavy fraction and a light fraction, while the liquid phase in the downstream-end reactor is discharged therefrom for recovery as the pitch product.

Abstract: An implantable, microprocessor-based cardiac pacer provides physiologically adaptive pacing in four fundamental modes: ventricular-inhibited; atrial-synchronized ventricular with or without ventricular sensing; and atrial-ventricular (AV) sequential. In the AV sequential mode, the pacer automatically shifts to atrial synchronous ventricular pacing when the atrial rate exceeds the programmed minimum rate. Temporary pacing modes are available for treatment of arrhythmia and either atrial or ventricular overdrive pacing via chest wall stimulation. The pacer continuously monitors tachyarrhythmia and automatically enters and exits a special arrhythmia response mode. Eight parameters can be altered one at a time or reprogrammed to a standard set in a single programming step using pre-existing magnetic programmers. A weak battery is signified by substituting a lower frequency voltage-sensitive backup oscillator and by dropping the atrial beat in the magnet rate.

Abstract: In order to improve the guidance of the arms of an aneurysm clip having two arms crossing each other and pivotably connected and also having a guide means in the area where the two arms cross it is suggested that one arm has a recess in the area where the arms cross, said recess corresponding to the width of the other arm, and that the guide means bridges this recess and is joined to the first arm by spot-welding on either side of the recess.

Abstract: A graded index of refraction (GRIN) lens/diffraction grating combination is used to monitor the output source peak wavelength of an optical source. As the output wavelength of a source varies, different detectors are activated. The output of these detectors is used to control a thermoelectric cooler which will raise or lower the temperature of the source so as to drive the output wavelength toward the desired peak output wavelength.

Abstract: Elastomers are plasticized with a polymerizable monomer, in homogeneous admixture therewith, by adding the monomer to a latex of the elastomer, free of polymerization initiator, followed by coagulation of the monomer and polymer solids. The coagulated solids recovered from the latex may be compounded with a polymerization initiator for the monomer and a vulcanizing agent for the polymer and, optionally, an inorganic filler, and shaped into the desired product form. Polymerization of the polymer and vulcanization of the elastomeric polymer are initiated after shaping.

Abstract: The actinic radiation cured composition of this invention comprises a polyurethane acrylic copolymer containing a light scattering or fluorescing material. The polyurethane acrylic copolymer is fully cured and is flexible and elastomeric.

Abstract: A partially-hydrolyzed, solid acrylamide polymer is prepared by bringing a hydrous gel of a water-soluble acrylamide polymer into contact with an aqueous caustic alkali solution, maintaining the polymer at an elevated temperature and under highly humid conditions to hydrolyze certain amido groups of the water-soluble acrylamide polymer and then drying the thus partially-hydrolyzed acrylamide polymer. The resultant polymer contains less water-insoluble components and hardly forms precipitate even in salt water containing calcium ions. It can be suitably used for coagulation of suspension and in secondary oil recovery.

Abstract: A current measuring system includes three toroidal magnetic cores. The first core has a non-linear B-H characteristic and being adapted for operation in and between its saturation ranges of its B-H characteristic. The second and third cores are adapted for operation in their substantially non-saturating range of their B-H characteristics. The first core is coupled in a flux oscillator configuration to provide a first error signal representative of low frequency flux changes in the core. The first core and the second core each have noise cancellation windings which are shorted in a manner cancelling noise. A high frequency sensor winding on the third core provides a second error signal representative of intermediate and high frequency flux changes in that core. A feedback network combines the first and second error signals to generate a bucking current which is coupled by way of bucking windings on all three cores.

Abstract: Iron or steel products are produced from oxide ores in a unique process which utilizes air and regular coal as its primary energy source and wherein the ore is melted in a carbon dioxide zone for separation and absorption of the iron oxides into a slag which is transferred to a carbon-monoxide generating zone. In the latter zone the iron oxides are reduced to form the iron or steel product. Carbon monoxide containing flue gas from the latter zone is burned with air and utilized as a heat source in the carbon dioxide zone. Slag from the various unit processes is collected and used to preheat process air by either continuous operation or in a semi-continuous regeneration process. In both modes of slag preheating, flue gas is utilized to maintain the temperature of the slag bath and high temperature air preheating prior to the slag bath.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plug or closure for sealing the electrical terminal block of a cardiac pacing device from contact with body fluids while allowing access to the terminal block when the closure is in place. The closure is made of an elastomeric material and includes an upper surface containing a first concave region and a lower surface including a second concave region. The concave surfaces are connected by a self-sealing transverse slit to insure a tight seal when the plug is seated under compression within the pacing device and also to permit access to a set screw contained in the electrical terminal block when the plug is in place. Such access permits adjustment of the set screw or electrical testing while the plug is seated.

Abstract: A miniature cryogenic cooling system having low microphonics and thermophonics. The apparatus includes a cold finger incorporating primary and secondary working volumes and their associated regenerative beds. Both volumes are adapted to effect cooling. A displacer reciprocates within the cold finger under the influence of push-pull pressure waves from a dual compressor assembly. The cold finger includes an arrangement for providing pneumatic cushioning of the reciprocating displacer to control displacer slamming.

Abstract: An in vivo electrochemical monitoring device is formed by a catheter-like member which terminates in a closed end having a wall with a fixed opening to admit fluid to be tested, such as blood in an artery. An electrochemical sensor, such as an ISFET device for monitoring the concentration of a particular ion in blood, is mounted inside the tube at a fixed location below the opening preferably a larger sensing chamber. an infusion channel in the tube is arranged to flood the sensor with a fluid of known chemical properties so that the sensor output can be calibrated. Under pressure the calibration fluid expels the test fluid out of the tube or chamber via the fixed opening. A method of constructing a suitable chamber on an ISFET wafer is also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel anti-static and/or anti-reflective optical elements are produced by coating at least one surface of an organic polymeric plastic substrate with a protective organo-silica coating composition and then subjecting the coated plastic substrate to a glow discharge treatment.

Abstract: A three dimensional graphics tablet for determining the three dimensional coordinates of points on an object placed on a supporting plane. The apparatus includes an articulated arm having at least two link elements connecting a contacting tip element to the support for rotational movement about a plurality of mutually angulated axes. By means of the arm articulation, the contacting tip element can be moved to arbitrary locations within a defined volume. Potentiometers are provided for measuring each of the angles of rotation about the mutually angulated axes. These potentiometers generate signals which collectively determine the coordinates of the location of the tip element. Embodiments are disclosed having three and four degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A heavy hydrocarbon feed stock is, after being heat-treated in a first cracking zone, introduced into a second thermal cracking zone for obtaining a thermally cracked product and a pitch product. The second cracking zone has a plurality of cracking reactors which are connected in series, through which is successively passed the treated feed stock and to each of which is supplied a gaseous heat transfer medium to maintain the liquid phase therein at a temperature sufficient for effecting the thermal cracking and to strip the resulting distillable, cracked components from the liquid phase. The thermal cracking temperature in one reactor is so controlled as to become higher than that in its adjacent upstream-side reactor. The distillable, cracked components in respective reactors are removed overhead therefrom and separated into a heavy fraction and a light fraction, while the liquid phase in the downstream-end reactor is discharged therefrom for recovery as the pitch product.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of controlling the level of a self-levelling device comprising a table to be controlled in level, an air spring supporting the table, a sensor for contactless detection of an amount of displacement of the table from a reference position, an inlet valve for supplying air under pressure to the air spring through an inlet port therein, and an outlet valve for discharging air from the air spring through an outlet port therein. An interval of time for actuating the inlet valve and/or the outlet valve to return the table to the reference position is computed from the amount by which the table is displaced. The inlet and/or outlet valve is then actuated for the calculated interval of time to adjust the table level through the air spring.

Abstract: Novel erythromycin A derivatives of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or methyl, and the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof are disclosed. They exhibit excellent antibacterial activity against erythromycin resistant bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria and Mycoplasma species.

Abstract: A mechanical system for feeding cut sheet paper to a printer from one of several cassettes. A mechanical selector is mounted in each cassette so that it can drive a paper feed roll mounted in that cassette. The cassettes include insert guides which allow each cassette to be replaceably mounted in at least one side rail secured on the printer. The side rail has guides that receive and automatically locate each cassette on the printer with a simple "drop in" engagement. The side rail supports a gear train or an equivalent power transmission arrangement that has a common drive and extends to all of the cassettes. A power input gear of each selector engages an associated gear of the gear train. The selectors each include a combination mechanism that allows the selector to transmit power only after the drive shaft has supplied a programmed pattern of rotations and counter-rotations to the selectors.