Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the preparation of the pyrazine precursor of methotrexate or an N-substituted derivative thereof and/or a di(lower)alkyl ester thereof having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R and R' may each be hydrogen or a lower alkyl group, e.g., ethyl. In a preferred embodiment, the process comprises reacting in one step the compounds aminomalononitrile, .beta.-halopyzuvaldoxime and a di(lower)alkyl p-methylaminobenzoyl-L-glutamate to form the di(lower)alkyl ester of the pyrazine oxide precursor of methotrexate having the formula: ##STR2## This compound is then treated with either titanium trichloride or iodoformamidinium iodide to deoxygenate the compound. There is also disclosed a process for the preparation of a di(lower)alkyl ester of methotrexate having the formula: ##STR3## by treating the di(lower)alkyl ester of the pyrazine precursor of methotrexate with a guanidine salt of a weak organic acid, e.g., guanidine acetate.

Abstract: An ejection sequencing system used particularly in an ejection seat operation includes continuous sensing of both airspeed and altitude. The continuous airspeed sensing is accomplished by continuously measuring the airstream temperature and then determining the optimum instant for parachute deployment from the measured temperature, thus making the deployment event temperature-responsive. When the sensed airspeed is within a predetermined acceptable limits, a first signal is generated. Continuous altitude sensing is accomplished by an aneroid barometer and when the sensed altitude is within predetermined acceptable limits, a second signal is generated. When these first and second signals are transmitted to the parachute container, they initiate parachute deployment. Redundant, failsafe system operation can be provided through the use of two or more interconnected airspeed sensing devices having fixed time delays for backup.

Abstract: Buoyancy members in the form of a segment of a hollow cylinder are produced by providing a cylindrical mold having two longitudinally extending flanges spaced apart by not more than 180.degree.

Abstract: A tool for assisting in determining the locations of disc gates relative to a tailpiece in a combination lock includes a block mounted on a safe handle, a shaft extending from the block, a first pointer extending from the block along the shaft and a second pointer extending from the block perpendicular to the first pointer and across the safe door. The shaft is manually deflectable relative to the first pointer as torque is applied to the safe handle, the amount of torque being visible from the relative positions of the first pointer and an indicator plate on the shaft. Movement of the second pointer is determined by marking the safe door adjacent that pointer, which movement indicates the location of a gate relative to the tailpiece coupled to the safe handle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the rapid identification of a microorganism and an apparatus for performing the method. The process comprises inoculating a number of different .sup.14 C labeled substrates with an unknown organism, at least some of said .sup.14 C labeled substrates being capable of being metabolized to .sup.14 CO.sub.2 by certain specific microorganisms. The substrates are incubated for a time sufficient to cause metabolic breakdown of at least some of said substrates resulting in the production of .sup.14 CO.sub.2 and analysis for radioactivity in the .sup.14 CO.sub.2 which is evolved from those substrates which are metabolized is performed to determine which substrates are metabolized and which substrates are not metabolized by the unknown microorganisms.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting and/or measuring small particles suspended in a fluid medium, is provided with an improved flow cell in which the particle carrying fluid medium is fed into a flow channel through which also a particle free liquid is passed for narrowing and extending the flow of the suspension fluid within the channel which by its configuration including a section of continuously decreasing cross sectional area, allows a more precise measurement and avoids clogging of the suspension fluid inlet the diameter of which is not any longer a critical dimension.

Abstract: A tool changing device for a lathe of the type having a base structure with parallel column guides for longitudinal movement of a tool storage and changing device. The tool changer disclosed is a generally circular tool magazine, a cross slide member mounted on the longitudinal guide means of the lathe, the magazine surrounding one of the longitudinal guides. The tool changer is rotatably movable to select one of a plurality of tools circularly disposed thereon to bring the desired tool to a position adjacent the axis of rotation of a workpiece supported on the lathe. When the selected workpiece is in position, the apparatus establishes a rigid and direct connection between the selected tool holder and the lathe with the tool holder remaining on the magazine. Seals are provided to prevent turnings and other dirt from entering the tool changing mechanism.

Abstract: A coating of an exothermically reacting organic substance, which does not have any photoinitiators, applied to a substrate is cured with ultraviolet rays having, among other wavelengths, a wavelength of 197.4 nm. This is accomplished in that sufficient radiation density to initiate the exothermic reaction of the substance is produced at a sufficient distance, with respect to temperature, from a mercury-vapor tube. The mercury-vapor tube employed for producing the ultraviolet rays has a casing of quartz. Means for focussing rays into beams are associated to this tube.

Abstract: A bearing and clamping bushing is integrally formed with end rings and a central section which changes diameter when the end rings are clamped together. Annular grooves separate the central section from the end rings and form flexible bridges. Axially extending slits in the central portion permit the diameter change and provide lubrication paths.

Abstract: A fluid-tight sealing apparatus for sealing a tube to a cylindrical surface while subjected to axial, rotational and angular misalignments comprising a metallic, resilient sealing member on the tube having a ring portion with a curved surface for contacting the cylindrical surface and for forming a fluid-tight seal by means of an interference fit therebetween. The cylindrical surface can be the interior surface of a bore with the sealing member including a frustoconical portion having the ring portion at the larger end thereof and fitting into the cylindrical bore. The cylindrical surface can be the exterior surface of a conduit with the sealing member including a frustoconical portion having the ring portion at the smaller end thereof and fitting around the cylindrical conduit.

Abstract: A dispenser which fits between the box of a dump truck and its partially open tailgate includes a semicylindrical trough having an axially elongated slot in the bottom, an arcuate relatively narrow cover adjacent to and outside of the trough, end plates on the trough, end hangers supporting the cover and pivotally mounted on axles in the end plates, and a handle on one of the end hangers to rotate the cover to open and close the slot. A notched detent bar on an end plate holds the handle in selected positions. Clamps hold the structure to the tailgate and latch bars cooperate with latch hooks on the truck to hold the dispenser in place. A cage hooks on the tailgate to support an operator. Interior hook eyes are provided to lift the dispenser into attachment position on the truck.

Abstract: A tube is supported in a base member mountable at the entrance to a parking space. A pin passes through upstanding walls on the base member and through axially elongated holes in the tube, permitting pivotal and limited axial movement of the tube. A locking rod within the tube is rotatably mounted on the pin and carries a coil spring urging the tube away from the base member. The post is locked in its vertical, obstructing position by pressing the tube downwardly into a socket in the base member and a spring-urged latch then locks the tube to the rod. The latch can be released by a key-operated lock, permitting the coil spring to axially move the tube out of the socket so that the tube can be pivoted to a horizontal, non-obstructing position. Ground-contacting bumpers and a top closure are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for helically winding a strip of sheet metal into a large diameter pipe and connecting the edges of the strip by preforming and rabbeting. The edge bending for the rabbet is done in a preforming station and a rabbeting station in which the bends are sequentially and increasingly formed with multiple units at each station. Adjacent units are hinged and devices for adjusting the angular relationship between adjacent units are provided, including spacers and adjustable threaded devices. Gears permit driving multiple units at various adjustment angles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating hydrogen sulphide from clarified green liquor, including precarbonating green liquor with a carbon dioxide rich gas, adding alkali bicarbonate to the precarbonated green liquor and stripping hydrogen sulphide therefrom forming simultaneously alkali carbonate, and preparing the alkali bicarbonate used in the process from the alkali carbonate formed. The process of the invention is carried out by performing the hydrogen sulphide stripping without crystallizing the alkali carbonate formed, preparing the alkali bicarbonate partly from alkali carbonate-alkali sulphide solution obtained in the precarbonation step and partly from the non-crystallized alkali carbonate solution, feeding at least a portion of the alkali carbonate -- alkali sulphide solution through the carbonation step, and passing the carbon dioxide rich gas first through the carbonation step and thereafter through the precarbonation step.

Abstract: A process for photochemically treating hydrocarbons and halogenated or partially oxidized hydrocarbons in a gaseous or vaporous mixture, by exposing the mixture to ultraviolet light, preferably of relatively short wavelength in the presence of oxygen or its allotropes, in order to oxidize the hydrocarbons to very simple compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved kneeling apparatus for cement masons which allows substantially unencumbered movement across large expanses of unset cement surfaces while simultaneously providing ample support to eliminate marring and pocking of finished surfaces. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced-apart platforms, each containing peripherally disposed upstanding side walls and an extending handle. Each platform surface is adapted to interchangeably accept the knees or the feet of the user. A mason, while working wet unfinished cement, can shift and otherwise distribute his weight such that one or the other of the surfaces can be lifted and moved by means of the handle, without upsetting or divoting the unset surface.

Abstract: A collar for axially clamping tools, spacers and the like on a shaft having a smooth portion and a threaded end portion includes an internally threaded attachment ring to fit on the threaded end of the shaft, an adjustment ring adjacent the members to be clamped and tightening screws threaded through the attachment ring and abutting the adjustment ring to axially urge the latter against the clamped members. The attachment and adjustment rings are interconnected by annular flexible connecting portions and an intermediate ring through which the screws freely pass. A second embodiment includes a second intermediate ring and additional connecting portion. A third embodiment includes an outer ring and clamping screws to urge the outer and attachment rings together to improve the grip of the collar on the threaded end of the shaft.

Abstract: A container ship is provided with an upper structure extending aft of the stern and a cargo deck substantially at the waterline. An internal support framework of longitudinal, transverse and upright structural members, interconnected with each other, provides strength and rigidity to the ship. Vertical structural members cooperate with the support framework to define a plurality of cargo compartments. The upper structure serves as a crane support structure and is integral with the hull and extends longitudinally over the cargo compartments and aft of the stern. Travelling bridge cranes are movable along longitudinal rails forming a part of the crane support structure to enable containers to be moved into, out of and between the cargo compartments.

Abstract: A coupling for smooth pipe includes a housing, a sleeve nut threaded onto the housing, a gasket inside the housing and a thrust and locking ring structure within and between the housing and sleeve nut. The housing has a tapered inner surface to compress the gasket. When the nut is threaded onto the housing, the ring structure is axially moved by a shoulder on the nut to compress the gasket. The nut then radially deforms tongues on the locking ring structure to grip the pipe.

Abstract: A lathe bed includes a steel reinforced concrete body with a torsionally flexible frame and means for rigidly connecting the ends of the frame to the body. The frame includes track members for a tool carrier. In one embodiment, the frame is made of two elongated box-like side members and two transverse column guide members, the side members being fixedly attached as by screws to the concrete body and the column guide members being fixedly attached to the side members. In another embodiment, one side member is used and the two column members extend between the side member and a wall portion of the body at the other end. The body is shaped to permit clearance for turnings removed from a workpiece and for a multiple tool magazine. The headstock, feed drive, longitudinal slides and tailstock are mounted on the frame. The body contributes rigidity to the otherwise torsionally flexible frame to produce a rigid and sturdy unitary lathe bed.