Abstract: A brake control apparatus for a vehicle employs a pressure-amplifying device which reduces a quantity of brake fluid generating a first brake-fluid pressure in a first conduit connected to a master cylinder, and increases second brake-fluid pressure in a second conduit, applied to a wheel cylinder simultaneously with the reduction in brake-fluid quantity in the first conduit. As a result, increase in the first brake-fluid pressure is suppressed even when a driver depress a brake pedal and load to generate the first brake-fluid pressure is alleviated. Additionally, the pressure-amplifying device applies the increased second brake-fluid pressure to the wheel cylinder. Therefore, it is possible to ensure sufficient braking force.

Abstract: A flexural exercise device includes two oppositely-extending arm structures connected to one another by a resilient element, preferably in the form of a coil spring, disposed therebetween to which the inner ends of the arm structures are attached. The middle resilient member is covered by a padded neck roll. Each arm structure preferably comprises a tubular element extending away from the central resilient member and having an initial straight portion and a laterally bent handle portion at the end of the straight portion. The laterally bent handle portion provides a hand-gripping structure, and the transversely bent portions of each of the arm structures are bent so that the hand-gripping portions thereof are directed in directions generally toward one another so that a free end of each hand-gripping portion is disposed inwardly of an outermost extremity of the respective arm structure. The arm structures are preferably bent, steel tube construction and are preferably covered with a foam padding layer.

Abstract: Assay method for the detection of nucleic acid sequences in homogeneous solution. The method comprises the use of fluorescence polarisation to detect hybridisation of a fluorescent nucleic acid probe or to detect fluorescent primer extension products. Assay kits for use in the above methods.

Abstract: A medical syringe comprises a cylindrical barrel 1 having therein a plunger 4 which can be axially driven by a plunger rod 3. The plunger rod 3 passes through an aperture in the centre of a finger grip 2 having two finger grip projections 2b at opposite sides thereof. A data carrier means in the form of an electrically or magnetically operable device 2c is mounted near the end of one of the two finger grip projections 2b, with preferably a device 2c mounted near the end of each finger grip projection 2b. The device 2c carries data relating to the medicament contained or to be contained within the syringe, and can be read by a suitably adapted syringe pump when the syringe is mounted thereon to be driven by the syringe pump.

Abstract: A method for dividing a pattern according to the present invention is used in a charged particle beam projecting apparatus, in which: a plurality of block patterns into which a projected pattern to be projected on a substrate is divided are respectively formed in a plurality of regions of a mask; the plurality of regions of the mask are successively irradiated with a charged particle beam so that the block patterns are successively projected on the substrate; and as a result the projected pattern is formed on the substrate. The method includes a step of dividing the projected pattern into the block patterns by parting lines which are plotted in accordance with profiles of pattern elements that constitute the projected pattern when the block patterns are determined.

Abstract: A novel brain-specific adapter molecule, its gene, an antibody to it, and a method of utilizing the antibody are provided. This invention screened a normalized cDNA library using mRNA derived from the human cerebrum, isolated a gene encoding a novel factor, FC99 protein, involved in the signaling pathways in neurons of the brain, and clarified its base sequence as well as a protein encoded by the gene. The invention also isolated from a rat brain-derived cDNA library a gene encoding rat FC99 protein, and clarified its base sequence as well as a protein encoded by the gene. The invention further produced an antibody to the protein, and measured tyrosine kinase activity in a cell by use of the antibody.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing fluid onto a hydrometallurgy leach field consists of individual modules having structure for operatively coupling the modules to one another to form the apparatus. Each module, which alone can form a fluid distribution apparatus, includes a frame and an elongated reel assembly on which a plurality of individual distributors, such as perforated hoses, are carried at axially spaced positions along the elongated reel assembly. A fluid supply conduit carries fluid from a fixed fluid supply line through the elongate reel assembly to each of the hoses carried on the elongated reel assembly and to an adjacent module. The frame is supported at its ends by frame translating mechanisms, preferably endless track crawler units, which serve to selectively move the apparatus forward and rearward. Adjacent modules are coupled at respective ends thereof to a common frame translating mechanism, thus coupling the adjacent modules to one another.

Abstract: A spin-on filter unit for filtering liquids which may be readily disassembled and which utilizes a perforated center tube support disposed within a housing canister having both an open end and a closed end, a mounting head assembly which includes a bayonet connector mechanism adapted for releasable engagement with the open end of the housing canister, and a spring mechanism mechanism which acts upon the center support tube to urge the mounting head assembly bayonet connection mechanism into releasable engagement with the open end of the housing canister after rotation of the mounting head assembly about its center axis relative to the housing canister.

Abstract: A homogeneous method for detecting amplified RNA or DNA target sequences utilizes signal-labelled DNA or RNA probes which show detectably increased fluorescence polarization when hybridized to target sequences. A convenient one-step analytical procedure requiring no nucleic acid extraction or signal separation step is thereby provided.

Abstract: A resin part such as an instrument panel, a console box or door trim has a substrate body made of hard resin and a skin mounted on a surface of the substrate. To produce the resin part, a preformed elastic sheet is set within a mold cavity. Then, a molten resin is injected into the cavity through gates. The molten resin is first injected into the cavity through gates that are opposed to the skin and after the passage of a predetermined time, the resin is injected through gates that are not opposed to the skin, thereby forming a substrate that has the skin thermally fused to a surface thereof.

Abstract: A needle (22) adapted to advance and retract in z directions is accommodated in an ionization chamber (15), whereas an electrolytic solution (L) containing a sample is supplied into the ionization chamber (15) through a supply tube (18). The supply tube (18) is bored with a hole (20) communicating with the inside of the ionization chamber (15). While a predetermined voltage is applied between the supply tube (18) and the needle (22), the tip of the needle (22) is caused to come close to but not in contact with the electrolytic solution in the hole (20), so as to form a locally raised portion (Taylor cone) in the liquid surface of the electrolytic solution, thereby attaching a droplet containing ions in the electrolytic solution to the tip of the needle (22). After the needle (22) is moved to a predetermined position, N.sub.2 gas is jetted against the tip portion of the needle (22), thereby emitting the droplet containing ions attached to the tip of the needle (22) into the ionization chamber (15).

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame, a seat for a user, and a feet engageable moving mechanism carried by the frame and including a pair of feet engaging members. The feet engaging members present different foot receiving surfaces to be engaged by the feet of a user for providing different leg movements depending on the position of the user and the user's legs. First foot receiving surfaces support a user in a standing position and move the user's feet in a generally elliptical path of motion simulating a natural foot striding. Second foot receiving surfaces are spaced further away from the seat than the first foot receiving surfaces and have vertical components enabling a seated user to extend his legs forwardly and exert, with the bottom of his feet, forces having substantial horizontal components to the feet engaging members to drive the feet engageable moving mechanism against its internal resistance.

Abstract: A scanning-slit exposure device is provided with a radiation source (1) emitting radiation pulses through an exit window (2). An imaging system (3) images the exit window onto a surface (4) to be exposed by the radiation. The surface is scanned relative to the exit window image in a scan direction. To avoid the banding-type non-uniformities in the exposure, the device comprises a scattering element (12) which scattering element causes a blur of the exit window image only in the scan direction. The scattering element is arranged in the entrance pupil of the imaging system (3).

Abstract: A support carrying a homocyclic or heterocyclic ring containing a first and second carbon atom wherein: (i) the first carbon atom is substituted by a nucleophilic group or a group convertible to a nucleophilic group on treatment with base; (ii) the second carbon atom is substituted by a hydroxy group, a hydroxy group protected by an acid labile protecting group, or a phosphate group substituted by an oligonucleotide; and (iii) the first and second carbon atoms are directly connected by a covalent bond; which is suitable for use in oligonucleotide synthesis. Methods for its preparation and use, and novel compounds for attachment to the support are described.

Abstract: A thermoelectric water chiller system for cooling fluids, and including a cold sink which defines quiescent areas where convection currents are minimized to facilitate ice formation around the cold sink is provided. The cold sink cooperates with water held in a sealed tank. A cover member which covers the cold sink can be employed which would cooperate with the tank to form a fluid-tight seal therewith. Components needing periodic cleaning are preferably removable from the system, but the tank could be permanently installed. A fan-cooled thermoelectric module assembly is used to form the ice block adjacent the bottom of the tank which chills the water. A variable-speed fan and current to the thermoelectric module are controlled by a control circuit with inputs from various temperature sensors positioned on and within various portions of the chiller system, including sensors to monitor ambient air temperature about the chiller system.

Abstract: An article including a panel-like structure constructed to be mounted in an automobile vehicle to form a part of the interior thereof, and a process for making the same. According to this process, an outer layer defining at least a portion of the exposed exterior surface of the structure is prepared by applying a water-dispersed thermoplastic polyurethane composition and a heat-activated reactive crosslinking monomer onto a mold surface and thereafter drying the composition. Next, a rapidly reacting composition is sprayed onto an inner surface of the outer layer while the outer layer is retained on the mold surface to form a polyurethane elastomer inner layer that is interfacially chemical bonded to the outer layer. The inner layer with the outer layer interfacially chemically bonded thereto is then united with the rigid substrate so that the rigid substrate serves to reinforce the outer layer.

Abstract: A method of increasing the adhesion of a rubber (as hereinbefore defined) or rubber-based material which includes treating at least part of the surface of the rubber or rubber-based material with a halogenating agent simultaneously with a static and/or high freguency alternating physical field.

Abstract: A hand lever device is disclosed which allows movable members such as a main lever to be retained appropriately in case members even in a time when a case is dismounted or separated from a handle. In the hand lever device, the case has a ternary structure composed of one side case member (21), an intermediate case member (22) and the other side case member (23). The case (20) is dismounted from the handle (7) by detaching the other case member (23) from the one side case member (21) and the intermediate case member (22). The main lever (30) for drawing a cable (17) connected to a driven member (CV) is retained between the one side case member (21) and the intermediate case member (22) even in a time when said case (20) is dismounted or separated from the handle (7).

Abstract: Provided are isoelectric point(pI) markers for isoelectric focusing with fluorescence detection. The markers are fluorescence-labeled oligopeptides which comprise a fluorescence dye bonded chemically to the amino group of N-terminal amino acid of oligopeptide. The marker shows its unique and narrow pI band(peak) in electrophoresis or isoelectric focusing. The markers can be designed to have appropriate pI value, and cover wide range of pI (3<pI<11). Further, the markers have good storage stability. The markers can be preferably applied to the capillary isoelectric focusing with fluorescence detection due to their sharp and narrow band with strong emitted fluorescence.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of a metal from an organic complex thereof, said method comprising treating the complex with a weakly acid aqueous solution of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride having a chloride content of at least 4 molar whereby said complex is decomposed and metal ions are transferred to the aqueous solution.