Abstract: Electrostatic chucks and methods of forming the chucks are disclosed. The chucks include ceramic materials directly bonded with a layer of active braze alloy. The active alloy operates as both a conductive layer of the electrostatic chuck and a mechanism for bonding the dielectric layer to the base of the chuck. Electrical feedthroughs to the electrode may also be formed using the active alloy.

Abstract: Method and device for preserving the meat of a slaughtered bird or a part thereof, in which the bird or the part thereof is firstly cooled in a short time until the core temperature of the meat is lower than the temperature at which heat-shortening occurs at the prevailing acidity; and next the bird or the part thereof is cooled further, in the course of which the core temperature of the heat remains higher than the temperature at which cold-shortening occurs at the prevailing acidity. During the cooling steps the surface is cooled to such a temperature that the germ counts or decay-causing and pathogenic micro-organisms remain below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A modular filtration system for cleaning HVAC ductwork includes first and second modular assemblies containing a plurality of filters. The modules can be easily transported into a site and connected to one another and to the ductwork. The system includes a plurality of wheels and external assembly protruding from the housing to assist in wheeling the housing up and down stairs.

Abstract: An underreamer which may be mounted on a core drill to allow single phase underreaming or creation of a bore hole of larger diameter beneath a pilot hole. A plurality of levers are powered by a plurality of corresponding jacks which are adapted to exert pressure on the levers in order to cause them to extend beyond the periphery of the expander body. Each lever contains at least one roller-cutter rotatably mounted to the lever so that when the levers are forced outward, the roller-cutters crush rock beyond the periphery of the expander body and thus underream the bore hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intelligent lamp or an intelligent contact terminal for a lamp, which can be used in a lighting system comprising a plurality of individually controlled lamps linked in a common power-supply circuit and an operation control device for transmitting a desired operation control signal to electronic control elements, associated with the lamp or the contact terminal and reacting or failing to react selectively to various control signals. Together with the lamp or its contact terminal, said electronic control elements provide a single replaceable component which, on the basis of a message included in the operation control signal, identifies itself to serve as an appropriate lamp. In addition, the electronic control elements monitor the condition of itself and that of the lamp and, if necessary, produce a fault indication.

Abstract: Foot retainer (11) has a pair of flexible PVC straps (14) and (15) joined at their upper ends to form headpiece (19). Batten (21) is connected to headpiece (19) and base (26). Headpiece (19) rotates between a prone position and an upstanding position. The retention assembly is biased to its upstanding position by an elasticized tensioner (22). The base (26) is bonded to the back face of a velcro-like surface for attachment to a surfboard. In an upstanding attitude batten (21) is inclined upwardly at an acute angle to base (26) to form a jaw into which straps (14) and (15) can move under the sideways action of a rider's foot. This action against straps (14) and (15) causes headpiece (19) to pivot and move downward to partially envelop the upper area of the foot which is thus retained by the assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for side pumping lasers are disclosed. By pre-collimating radiation emitted by laser diode arrays, the present invention provides transverse mode matching to achieve fundamental, or TEM.sub.00, mode operation in the corresponding (nominally vertical) axis. Optics associated with the resonant cavity additionally redirect energy longitudinally through the gain media, enhancing fundamental mode operation in the (nominally horizontal) other axis as well. With dual forty-watt linear arrays of laser diodes and four longitudinal passes, TEM.sub.00 mode outputs exceeding fifteen watts have been achieved.

Abstract: A reclinable motorcycle backrest having a sun-shielding saddle cover mounted on a motorcycle cargo rack, includes a support bracket, a backrest assembly, and a pivotal rod tying the other two pieces together. Stored in the backrest assembly is a roll of sun-proof shielding cloth functioning as a motorcycle saddle cover sheet which is extractable from a retraction compartment by cranking a crank bar alongside the assembly. The backrest may be erected in an up-right position when used in carrying passengers or may be reclined forward with its cover sheet extended out to cover the saddle so that the saddle stays cool even when in strong sun.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for cleaning HVAC ductwork, including the steps of transporting first and second modular filter assemblies to a site, connecting them in sealed fluid communication with one another and to the ductwork, drawing fluid through the filtration system from the HVAC ductwork, exhausting filtered fluid from the filtration system and tilting the housing so that any stairs present at the site bear against a bearing surface of an external conveyance assembly as the modules are transported up and down stairs.

Abstract: A biocidal protective coating for heat exchanger coils formed by applying a polymeric composition containing an organic water resistant polymer that has associated with it an effective amount of a biocidal compound to inhibit corrosion, fouling, and biocidal buildup on the coils.

Abstract: A compound, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective mount to treat HBV or EBV of a compound, of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of 5-methyluracil, adenine and cytosine, and R' is hydrogen, acyl, or alkyl or a monophosphate, diphosphate or triphosphate ester, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner that includes a stationary blade that acts also as a bearing in a suction pipe connected with a fan in the axial line of rotation shaft of the fan. A transmission shaft supported by the bearing extends from the fan rotation shaft of the fan and through the bearing. A rotary blade is mounted at the end of the transmission shaft that extends through the bearing and cooperates with the stationary blade to chop the sucked material finely.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming devices including dead-ends and insulator ties from flat and other strips of material, as well as the devices themselves, are disclosed. Components of these devices may be formed continuously from a single strip, avoiding the need to weld or clamp the components together. Forming the devices in this manner reduces the possibility of stresses or non-uniformities forming when the components are joined and permits continuous automatic or semiautomatic manufacture to occur.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of hydroxyethylene dipeptide isosteres from .alpha.-N,N-di(protected)-amino(alkyl or substituted alkyl)methyl ketones that can be efficiently carried out on an industrial scale. The process proceeds with excellent diastereoselectivity and chemical efficiency, and can be used to prepare a wide variety of hydroxyethylene dipeptide isosteres for a variety of uses, including as HIV-1 protease inhibitors and renin inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening element with a torque-limiting function, comprising on the one hand a fastening member (2, 2') with working threads (4), that is to say threads which are active for the fastening function of the element, and on the other hand a gripping member (3, 3') which is arranged so as to be capable of being turned with the aid of a spanner, wrench, screwdriver or other tool for attaching the fastening element (1, 1') and connected or connectable to the fastening member (2, 2') via a torque-transmitting threaded connection (5, 6/17, 18) with sufficient strength in order to be capable of transmitting to the fastening member torque of the size for which the fastening element is intended, and in which the gripping member is arranged to be unscrewed and turned relative to the fastening member, on attachment of the fastening element, only when the torque exceeds a given predetermined torque.