Abstract: The present invention relates to a type of polymer comprising repeating units of formula ##STR1## and in particular to a poly-.beta.-hydroxybutyrate polyester type polymer. The present invention also relates to a microbiological process for the production of the above type of polymer, to a methylotrophic microorganism (bacterium) for use in such a process, and to means for controlling such bioprocesses.

Abstract: An interlocking block for use in the construction of a mortarless retaining wall wherein a plurality of interlocking blocks are stacked in a number of successive offset courses of blocks, a block in an upper row being in overlapping relation with respect to the joint between blocks in an immediately underlying row. The interlocking block comprises an interlocking member and a block body having top and bottom support surfaces and rear, front and side surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the decontamination of soil and the like and, in particular, soils which are contaminated with metal as a result of the activities of human beings. The invention provides a physical and a chemical means for treating soil aggregate so as to obtain a product aggregate having a relatively low metal content. The physical means is characterized by the classification of a soil aggregate into portions of differing size and metal content. The chemical means is characterized by contacting a soil aggregate with an aqueous lixiviant comprising an organic acid component to lift metal from the aggregate. The physical and chemical means may be used in a combined process for decontaminating soil aggregate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing method for enhancing the digitised optical image section of a (e.g. substantially transparent biological) specimen and in a particular aspect the boundary outline of a specimen in such an image section thereof. In accordance with the invention a Nomarski image section is smoothed and a gradient of image pixel intensity determined for each pixel thereof. Thereafter each pixel of the smoothed Nomarski image which has an intensity gradient within a reference range is set to zero intensity so as to provide a processed image section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assemblies and devices for the brewing of a beverage (e.g. coffee); the invention may, for example, be used in coin operated vending machines and the like. The invention in particular provides a brew chamber assembly for an apparatus for preparing a beverage from an aqueous medium and a particulate beverage material, the apparatus operating with a brewing cycle including the air agitation of a mixture of the aqueous medium and the particulate beverage material in a brew chamber.

Abstract: The present invention, relates to a shaft or handle wherein the palm or upper side of the shaft has corner edges whose radius of curvature, at least in the grip area(s), is greater than the radius of curvature in the corresponding finger area(s); a hockey stick provided with such a handle may provide a sense of a better or more comfortable feel on the gripped portion of the handle and/or a sense of a more comfortable and precise control of a blade which may be fixed to the end of such a handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a type of polymer comprising repeating units of formula ##STR1## and in particular to a poly-.beta.-hydroxybutyrate polyester type polymer. The present invention also relates to a microbiological process for the production of the above type of polymer, to a methylotrophic microorganism (bacterium) for use in such a process, and to means for controlling such bioprocesses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block interlock offsetting key for use in the construction of a mortarless retaining wall wherein a plurality of blocks are stacked in offset rows or courses, the blocks of the wall being provided with top and bottom grooves. The block interlock offsetting key is able to interlockingly engage the bottom groove of a block and the top groove of an underlying block so as to offset the blocks a predetermined distance with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a basket assembly for an apparatus for cooking and dispensing hot food products. The assembly may be incorporated into a vending machine to prepare fast food products such as (fried) fish, french fried potatoes, potato chips, chicken fingers, pasta, etc. The assembly includes carrousel container means and cover means for covering the carrousel container means. The carrousel container means is provided with integral receptacle members for receiving (measured portions of a) food product; the carrousel container means can rotate with respect to the cover means in merry-go-round fashion about a vertical axis. The food product is held by the receptacle members and is progressively cooked in a hot liquid such as water or oil. Once food product is cooked, the assembly is raised and food product is discharged from a receptacle member through the upper opening of the receptacle member.

Abstract: An oral composition comprising in combination acetaminophen, dimenhydrinate and one or more antacid ingredients has been shown to be effective in the treatment of acute migraine attacks.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling and analyzing the fluid in an electrical system such as a transformer, a circuit breaker, a reactance or another electrical apparatus using a dielectric fluid as an insulating substance is disclosed. The apparatus includes a device for attaching the apparatus to the electrical system. That device includes at the same time an inlet portion and an outlet portion; a conduit through which the fluid can flow through the apparatus connecting the inlet portion in series to the outlet portion; a pump which can draw the fluid into the apparatus, through the apparatus and expel the fluid back into the electrical system; and a device for attaching a detector for breakdown products, moisture and other parameters indicative of any failure condition in the electrical apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for optically scanning a bar code particularly a bar code provided on a generally transparent or translucent media through which light can be projected. In particular, the invention is directed to a system for optically scanning a bar code provided on the edge of picture film, preferably motion picture film. The system includes a light source on one side of the generally transparent media and an arrangement for moving the media past the light source such that the bar code interrupts the light and produces a modulated light signal according to the characteristics of the bar code on the opposite side of the media. An optically sensing arrangement is provided on the opposite side of the media for sensing the modulated light signal and includes at least two sensors spaced in the direction of movement of the generally transparent media. With this arrangement, the signal output of the sensors are shifted in time according to the spacing between the sensors.

Abstract: An ice skate blade assembly which has a blade holder to which an ice skate runner is removeably secured; the runner may be preshaped and may be disposable. The runner is formed as a thin replaceable flexible strip arranged to be secured to the holder. Attachment elements are provided in the front and the rear of the holder to hold the strip in place and to create tension along the (entire) length thereof. The rear attachment element is adapted so that a hook pivotally engages a hook attachment element so as to hold the runner in place, tension being applied by a nut engaging a threaded portion of the hook attachment element.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a propulsion apparatus for imparting thrust to a person. The propulsion apparatus is configured so as to be disposed or mounted on the user such that the thrust is transmitted to the rear of the user's pelvic area. The propulsion apparatus may, for example, include a motor which is connected to a propeller for providing forward thrust. The propulsion, apparatus may, in particular, be used in association with skis for travelling over a snow covered surface; however, it may be used in association with other similar or analogous devices for travel over the same or other surfaces.