Abstract: A mixed crystal of the general compositionNa.sub.1+ax Zr.sub.2+22/3x-ax Si.sub.x P.sub.3-x O.sub.12-2/3xwith 0.8.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.9 and 1.8.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.2.3, has a particularly favorable Na-ion conductivity, particularly when a=0.88 and x=2.2. This makes its use desirable as the solid electrolyte in Na/S cells. The high density of the single phase monoclinic crystallized material, which reaches almost 3.10 g/cm.sup.3, is the result of high temperature sintering, carried out in pure oxygen.

Abstract: A support apparatus for a portable weight such as man carried camera comprising at least a pair of rotatably interconnected arms, one end of which is rotatably and pivotably supported by a support vest worn by an operator and the other end of which is arranged and configured to support weight such as a camera and a spring means provided on each arm to compensate for the weight applied to the end of each arm. In operation, the weight mounted on the support apparatus is spacially decoupled from the operator and the position of the weight is not affected by motion of the operator.

Abstract: An improved wetted salt system to extend the melting range of highway salt includes a control system having a manual, external timer that can be easily field adjusted by non-skilled personnel to vary the quantity of calcium chloride delivered through the spray nozzles during each application cycle. The system incorporates a liquid storage tank and a hydraulic unit capable of delivering liquid calcium chloride from the tank through a wetting arm to spray nozzles for direct application upon a salt load. The control system, including the manual timer, controls a hydraulic unit to pivotally function the wetting arm upon each application cycle and to adjustably time spray intervals for precise rate of application control.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for the study of the behaviour or detection of cells, organites or cellular fractions, possibly present in a medium.It comprises providing said medium with the essential nutrients to promote the activity of the said cells, organites or cellular fractions, if any, as well as with an "electron transporter" such as lipoic acid which is liable of forming a redox system and of intervening in one of the metabolic routes involved by the above said activity, particularly growth of cells.The method of the invention then further comprises measuring and detecting a possible modification of the relative proportions of the oxidized and reduced form of the "electron transporter". The time required for such modification to possibly take place, as well as other parameters of the reaction can then be correlated to the presence in the medium concerned of a cellular activity or analogous.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for nickel (II) hydroxide suitable as active positive electrode material in alkaline electrochemical cells transforms solid Ni(NO.sub.3).sub.2 directly into Ni(OH).sub.2 using sodium hydroxide and with the least possible homogeneous solute phase of Ni.sup.2+ ions. Ni(NO.sub.3).sub.2 is deposited on the lower end of a diagonally upward moving conveyor belt, to which concentrated NaOH is supplied from the opposite direction. The depressions in the conveyor belt, which prevent downward sliding of the reaction product, discharge at the upper end Ni(OH).sub.2, together with easily separable NaNO.sub.3. At the lower end, the used NaOH is discharged. It can be reconcentrated, after separation of entrained NaNO.sub.3, in a vacuum evaporator and reused. The intermediate products of the process are basic nickel nitrates, for example of the composition Ni(NO.sub.3).sub.2 .times.Ni(OH).sub.2 .times.6H.sub.2 O.

Abstract: A mandrel for forming a bell shape and an annular groove in the bell in one end of a plastic pipe which comprises a shaped profile and a plurality of identically formed segments which are movable relative to the profile. The segments are radially urged in identical radial paths from an initial position which is inwardly of the bell shaped profile to an expanded position wherein the segments cooperate and interact to form an expanded ring of diameter greater than the pipe bell, thereby to impress a circular groove therein. An actuating shaft rotatively reciprocates a pair of actuating plates to radially reciprocate the plurality of segments simultaneously between their initial positions and expanded positions. The segments each include link pairs in pivoted engagement with the actuating plates and keys which respectively ride within guide slots to radially guide the segments between their initial positions and expanded positions upon rotative reciprocation of the actuating plates.

Abstract: A rechargeable galvanic element with constant-volume positive manganese dioxide electrode. In a rechargeable galvanic element having an alkaline electrolyte and a positive manganese dioxide electrode the volumetric change of the electrode body caused by phase transformation, which entails undesired contact losses, is largely prevented by exertion of a steady pressure upon the electrode surfaces. For a concentric electrode arrangement, this can be done with particular effectiveness. For example, the pre-pressed MnO.sub.2 electrode can be forced into a rigid cylindrical metal cage, while the annular slot enclosed by the housing cup, lid and bottom insulation is occupied by the zinc electrode. In other cases, continuous take-off contact is preferable, using pressure springs or tensioned metal mesh which extend over the flat electrodes.

Abstract: A separator for electrochemical high temperature cells having solid positive and negative electrodes and a molten liquid electrolyte formed through a poured accumulation of ceramic particles in which the electrolyte is mainly fixated. The porosity of the accumulation is especially high when there is added to the voids in the accumulation of particles also their own intrinsic porosity, to the degree that this consists of open pores. By using ion conducting particles, the ion penetration can be further enhanced.

Abstract: A recombination system for catalytic oxidation of hydrogen in storage battery gases includes a gas supply duct which makes it possible for the combustible gas flowing through it to aspirate from the ambient the necessary combustion air, following the principle of a Bunsen burner, and to entrain it to the recombination catalyst. In case of over-supply of gas, an acid separator positioned in the gas supply pipe counteracts the gas aspiration by means of its flow impedance and thereby makes the recombination system safe from overload. It can also be connected following a conventional recombiner, thereby increasing its effectiveness, by receiving the excess hydrogen from same and reacting it with the aid of the air aspiration.

Abstract: Improved resistive electrical components are disclosed comprising an insulating or insulated substrate, a resistive foil bonded to the substrate having photoetched therein a pair of terminal pads for making electrical connections to the component and a system of resistive paths interconnecting the terminal pads, said system including an unadjustable section or sections and a plurality of adjustable sections, each having an adjustment tab associated therewith, said tab being removable to modify said section resistance and thereby altering the total resistance presented by the component between its terminal pads, the configurations of the sections differing from each other in a modified geometric progression so that the total resistance of said component is altered by a differing amount depending on which of the sections is modified by removal of its associated adjustment tab, whereby the total resistance of the component may be systematically varied in a sequence of successive steps to achieve a desired ultima

Abstract: Negative sintered foil electrodes for gas-tight Ni/Cd storage batteries can be provided with a specific discharge reserve by subjecting them to a partial chemical reduction before they are installed. This is performed upon the moving, impregnated sinter tape by immersing it in or spraying it with a strongly reducing agent dissolved in water or any other solvent, preferably alkali boranate. In a subsequent drying step, the Cd so formed is permanently fixed and protected through intentional surface oxidation.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a liquid or light fluid paste cosmetic preparation to the eyes or face is disclosed. The apparatus includes a handle connected to a wand which has an applicator affixed to it at its free end. The wand, when in use, is angularly positioned whereby the center line of the applicator is angularly oriented with respect to the center line of the handle. In some embodiments of the invention, the angle may be varied by a flexible joint or pivot.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a set of vectors (or of DNA fragments to be inserted in a vector) which distinguish from one another in that, taking into account one vector in which the number of pairs of bases between the reading initiation point of the vector and a point corresponding to the first pair of bases of a recognition site corresponding to a predetermined restriction enzyme, the two other vectors comprise between the corresponding points additional groups of pairs of bases comprising respectively two pairs of bases on the one hand and either one or four pairs of bases on the other hand, plus possibly whole numbers of triplets. On inserting a determined DNA fragment of which the expression is sought in bacteria in the three vectors, the reading of said DNA fragment will occur in phase as concerns one of the so modified vectors after transfection of bacteria therewith.

Abstract: Water soluble agents effective as immunological adjuvants for stimulating in the host the immune response to various antigens, comprising an acyl-muramic acid group, wherein acyl means acetyl or glycolyl, and a short peptide chain linked to said acyl-muramic acid group, the first and second amino acids of said peptide chain being preferentially alanine and glutamic acid respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for transporting, orienting and printing indicia upon materials which have dissimilar ends, like capsules, in a predetermined orientation and position. The apparatus includes three rotatable drums in tangential arrangement. The first two drums each include a plurality of peripherally spaced pockets sized and shaped to receive and carry individual capsules. Means are provided for each drum to orient certain preselected capsules from a radial to a longitudinal position with a selected end trailing. The so-oriented capsules are then delivered to the third drum for further processing, like printing, such as spin-printing. Means are provided to receive the longitudinally oriented capsules from the second drum in a longitudinal orientation, and to rotate the capsules from the longitudinal to a transverse orientation, whereupon selected indicia may be applied to the capsules.

Abstract: An attachment arrangement which includes a retaining bracket having clamping means and a bearing surface. The bracket has a cross-section which conforms to the outer shape of a bar to be attached to the flange of another beam. The bracket extends at one of its extremities into a bearing area which cooperates with the flanged beam.

Abstract: A bracket for interconnecting modular units of an endless table construction which includes a cooperating pair of brackets which are joined together below a transverse, structural channel in a manner to secure adjacent ends of table tops which are supported above the channel. Each brace forming the composite bracket includes an opening to receive therein a table top fastener in a removable manner. Each brace additionally is provided with a threaded opening within which a channel contacting stabilizer is adjustably positioned to provide a sturdy table top hold-down construction. The table top is drilled to provide openings aligned over the bracket openings to receive the table top fasteners therethrough. Preferably, the table top openings are countersunk at both ends to allow either table top surface to be positioned upwardly.

Abstract: The automatic safety gangplank includes a plurality of cooperating ladder sections which are extendable from a fully telescoped or retracted position to an elongated position for extension from a dock to the deck of a ship. The end of the base ladder section is connected to a rotatable turntable and is equipped with a pair of lift cylinders. The turntable and the lift cylinders are connected to respectively rotate and elevate the base segment at all times, when the other gangplank ladder sections are either in their extended or retracted positions. A gangway extends from the end of the outermost ladder section in angular relationship and is positioned upon the deck of the ship.