Abstract: A method and a device for operating and focusing a tomographic x-ray unit using an electron beam and embodying at least one electron gun (1), an anode (2) at which the gun is aimed as well as the x-ray detectors (5) needed to produce a tomographic photograph. In order to construct a device with a sufficiently short exposure time and capable of taking tomographic photographs of fast-moving objects, it is particularly characteristic of this invention that an electron beam (8) emitted by an electron gun (1) is roughly deflected at a hole (4) in the focusing plane (3) which, by means of focusing field lines, draws the electrons into the hole, focuses and accelerates the electron beam which strikes the surface of the anode (2), generating an x-ray source, and that the focusing hole (4) is moved in regard to the anode (2) to generate a series of x-ray sources needed to produce a "layerwise" tomographic photograph of the object under examination.

Abstract: A device for mixing and spraying a mixture composed of at least two components, such as liquids, and of a propellant, comprising two containers disposed within each other for receiving the components to be mixed and the propellant, and comprising a dispensing valve mounted on the outer container and including a movably mounted dispensing tube. The dispensing valve is adapted to act on a closure member of the inner container in such a way that the inner container may be broken open by normal actuation of the dispensing valve or the dispensing tube thereof. In order to achieve and maintain a defined fluid communication between the interior of the inner container and the interior of the outer container, the closure member of the inner container preferably includes a sealing cap adapted to be pushed or urged into the container opening by the dispensing tube of the dispensing valve.

Abstract: An improved process for sintering extruded powder shapes comprising drying or calcining an extruded shape in a microwave furnace and rapid sintering the shape in a plasma fired furnace. Alternatively, calcining or drying may take place within a furnace heated by the plasma furnace's exhaust. The process of the invention is especially useful for silicon carbide extruded materials and for tubular shapes. This process significantly reduces sintering times and costs. Use of the process yields a high strength sintered product.

Abstract: In the print band timing system described herein, the bipolar pulse generated in a sensor by the passage of a print band timing mark is applied to a discriminating circuit which compares the pulse signal with a voltage level substantially equal to the nominal d.c. level of the sensor signal. Hystereis is provided in one direction only so that the nominal zero crossing is precisely determined in a time position relationship.

Abstract: A lock-up clutch controller for the fluid coupling of an automotive automatic transmission, capable of making a lock-up clutch provided in the fluid coupling for directly coupling the input shaft and the output shaft of the fluid coupling engage or disengage smoothly responsive to an electric duty signal applied to a lock-up operation control solenoid valve. The lock-up clutch controller includes, as essential components, a lock-up clutch relay valve (a spool valve), a lock-up clutch control valve (a spool valve) and the lock-up operation control solenoid valve which operates in accordance with an electrical duty ratio signal to control the lock-up relay valve and the lock-up operation control valve so that the working fluid is supplied to the fluid coupling or the fluid coupling is drained appropriately for the smooth engagement and disengagement of the lock-up clutch.

Abstract: A control system for a four-wheel drive transmission comprising a primary transmission and a transfer unit capable of establishing a high-speed four-wheel drive mode, a low-speed four-wheel drive mode and a two-wheel drive mode by the agency of friction coupling devices which are controlled selectively for engagement and disengagement by the corresponding hydraulic servomechanisms.

Abstract: A hand device is provided with two individual pairs of surfaces, each of which includes a guide surface and a dressing surface of a tool. In that arrangement the second guide surface is wider by a multiple than the first guide surface and the second dressing surface. As the width of the first dressing surface is preferably variable, a surface strip portion out of which a contact member can preferably be displaced extends at a uniform distance relative to the first guide surface, so that the overall width approximately corresponds to that of the second guide surface.The holder is of L-shaped cross-section and the tool which is provided with cutting edges on both sides projects beyond the second limb portion of the holder and forms both dressing surfaces. The tool is fixed by a clamping effect which is provided exclusively centrally, so that it can flex in its lengthwise direction on both sides.

Abstract: The magnetic chuck disclosed herein is of the permanent magnet type in which both a top plate and a shiftable pack comprise alternating major pole pieces and magnets, the pack being shiftable so that its magnets either aid or oppose the magnets in the top plate, thereby to change between holding and release states. Improved holding for thin workpieces is obtained by providing a central region in the top plate in which the major pole pieces are thinner than the magnets and in which a plurality of floating minor pole pieces are positioned in the gaps between the major poles. While less flux is available through the thinner major pole pieces, the floating pole pieces provide an increased number of transitions for flux between top plate and workpiece so the total holding force for thin workpieces is improved.

Abstract: A fail-safe laser apparatus includes a laser beam radiation source for emitting a laser beam along an optical axis, a main shutter for intercepting or attenuating the laser beam incident thereon in its closed position, and a safety shutter for completely intercepting the laser beam incident thereon in its closed position. The main shutter is moved to its open position in coagulating the diseased part. A first sensor produces a first signal indicative of the intensity of the laser beam emitted along the optical axis between the radiation source and the main shutter. A second sensor produces a second signal indicative of the intensity of the laser beam emitted along the optical axis between the main shutter and the safety shutter. A detection circuit is responsive to the first and second signals for actuating a safety shutter control means to move the safety shutter to its open position in accordance with the first and second signals.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of carbonaceous pitch, including heat-treating an aromatic heavy oil in a first thermal cracking zone for obtaining a first cracked product, and introducing the first cracked product into a second thermal cracking zone where it is thermally cracked by direct contact with a gaseous heat transfer medium to form distillable cracked components and a mesophase-containing pitch. The liquid phase in the second thermal cracking zone, including the mesophase-containing pitch, is discharged therefrom and separated into a mesophase-rich pitch and a matrix pitch having a low concentration of mesophase. The mesophase-rich pitch is recovered while at least a portion of the matrix pitch is recycled to the second thermal cracking zone.

Abstract: A continuous process of producing carbonaceous pitch, including heat-treating an aromatic heavy oil for obtaining a first cracked product, and thermally cracking the first product in a cracking zone by direct contact with a gaseous heat transfer medium to obtain distillable cracked components and a mesophase-containing pitch. A first portion of the liquid phase in the cracking zone, including the mesophase-containing pitch, is separated into a mesophase-rich pitch and a matrix pitch having a low concentration of mesophase. The mesophase-rich pitch is recovered while at least a portion of the matrix pitch is recycled to the cracking zone. The distillable cracked components are withdrawn from the cracking zone and separated into light, middle and heavy fractions. At least a portion of the heavy fraction is heat treated and is recycled to the cracking zone.

Abstract: Method for the reactive dehydration of manganese dioxide. Dehydration is achieved by contact with a fluid desiccant (dehydrating agent) which reacts with water bound to manganese dioxide. Preferably, a gaseous product or a low boiling point liquid which easily produces vapors is formed. The manganese dioxide is then removed from the fluid desiccant and any adhering dessicant fluid and volatile reaction products are removed from the manganese dioxide under vacuum. Especially preferred for use as the dehydrating agent is thionyl chloride. The present invention is particularly suitable for dehydrating manganese dioxide to be used as electrodes in lithium batteries.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a topical treatment for herpes simplex comprising a solution of 0.15.0.3% zinc sulfate in camphor water. Optionally, an anti-infective agent, such as benzalkonium chloride, may be added to the solution.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism including a fluid coupling device having input and output elements, and a centrifugal type lock-up clutch for releasably engaging the input and output elements, characterized in that the lock-up clutch comprises: a cylindrical inner surface formed on the input element; a drive plate provided with friction elements displaceable in a radially outward direction for engagement with the cylindrical inner surface, and cam weights for urging the friction elements in a radially outward direction; a driven plate coupled with the output element; a damper of a resilient material provided between the drive and driven plates; and a cam surface for urging the cam weights in a radially outward direction according to the degree of relative displacement between the drive and driven plates.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for treating obstructive prostatism in which a urethral catheter having a remotely fixed annular balloon is inserted into the urethra and urged therethrough until it is adjacent to the prostate gland. The annular balloon is inflated until the prostate has been forced back from around the urethra. A distally fixed Foley-type balloon may additionally be used to position the annular balloon with respect to the prostate. In the preferred embodiment, the distance between the bladder neck and the bottom of the prostate gland is first determined in order that the attending physician may use an annular balloon of the appropriate length, so as to optimize the effectiveness of the treatment. In order to measure this distance, a calibrated catheter is inserted through the urethra up into the bladder and then anchored at one end to the bladder neck by means of a balloon located at the distal end.

Abstract: Method of producing silicon carbide and of automatically separating a high grade fraction thereof using magnetic separation techniques. In the method of the invention, a silicon source, a carbon source and a ferromagnetic element source are admixed and the admixture is heated from the center outward to form a cylinder containing silicon carbide with a center to exterior temperature gradient. The ferromagnetic element migrates from the hotter center to the cooler exterior portions of the cylinder. The cylinder is cooled and crushed. The lower grade silicon carbide particles are then separated from the high grade silicon carbide crystals using magnetic separation means.

Abstract: A magnetic detector for detecting a change of state in a pipeline, primarily a passage of a marking pig, is disclosed. The actuator has a detector housing and an actuator housing. A piston extends from the detector housing into the pipeline, and is moveable by passage of a pig. A primary permanent magnet coupled to the piston moves in response to the passage of a pig. The actuator housing is adjacent the detector housing and a secondary hammer magnet is located in the actuator housing adjacent the location of the primary magnet in the detector housing. As the primary magnet moves in response to the passage of a pig, the magnetic field produced by the primary magnet moves, interacting with the hammer magnet, which also moves. As the hammer magnet moves, its supporting linkage enters a field generated by a third booster magnet. The booster magnet attracts the hammer magnet and associated linkage toward it. A hammer is connected to the hammer magnet support linkage.

Abstract: A centrifugal type friction clutch, comprising: a first rotary coupling member provided with a plural number of friction element support means on the outer peripheral portions thereof; a second rotary coupling member having a cylindrical inner peripheral surface disposed coaxially with the outer periphery of the first rotary coupling member and provided with a frictional engaging surface thereon; and friction coupling elements respectively supported by the friction element support means and displaceable radially outward according to the rotational speed of the first rotary coupling member for engagement with the frictional engaging surface of the second rotary coupling member; each one of the friction coupling elements comprising an arcuate friction shoe with a frictional engaging surface on the outer periphery thereof, a resilient retractor means located between the friction shoe and friction element support means, and a cam means pivotally supported on the first rotary coupling member for pressing the frict

Abstract: An optical sensing system that detects the angular orientation of weft threads in a moving web of a textile has a sensor array that receives light transmitted through the web from a light source. The sensor array is preferably a single monolithic chip that includes a radial pattern of photosensitive areas that each generate an electrical signal proportional to the total intensity of the light incident on the area. The areas are elongated and narrow so the moving shadow of a weft thread passing over the area will modulate the output signal. The modulation is strongest when the thread is generally aligned with the area. Electronic circuitry generates a DC signal associated with each area that is proportional both of the magnitude and frequency of the modulation of the signal. The circuitry also compares these signals, selects the largest one, and generates an analog output voltage characteristic of the area associated with the largest signal.