Abstract: A continuous flow system is disclosed in which successive liquid segments are established containing different related components of a fluid package, such as an analysis mixture, separated by at least one immiscible segment, passed along a first section of a conduit, combined in a second section of the conduit and mixed while passing along a third section of the conduit, so as to provide a completely mixed segment. This system permits the delayed on-line mixing of different components of an analysis mixture, such as samples with reagents or diluents, as well as mixing and interaction of such components in a single conduit.

Abstract: A floating pool assembly including a sheet member having top and bottom extremities and first and second ends, the first and second ends being connected together to define an endless wall with an open top and open bottom. The sheet member is flexible for folding and unfolding. The assembly further includes a floatation pocket extending along the top extremity between the ends of the sheet member, a weight pocket extending along the bottom extremity between the ends of the sheet member, and a fluid pocket extending between the ends of the sheet member below the floatation pocket. The fluid pocket has closed ends and spaced openings therealong and an inlet which communicates with the fluid pocket for supplying fluid to the fluid pocket for flow out of the openings. When the assembly is disposed within a pool and the supplied fluid is hot water coming from the pool water heating system, the assembly provides an isolated heated area within the pool.

Abstract: New and improved, liquid level adjusting and filtering device is provided, and is operable upon insertion into a container to automatically adjust the level of a liquid as contained in the container to a predetermined, precisely repeatable location, and to filter the thusly level-adjusted liquid. The device is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with test tube-like devices, in the nature of those marketed under the Trademark "Vacutainer" by the Becton-Dickinson Company of East Rutherford, NJ, containing whole blood samples which have been separated as by centrifugation into respective blood cell, buffy and blood serum layers; and is operable in that context to present blood serum samples to automated sample analysis systems at the same predetermined and precisely repeatable location relative to the aspirating probe means of such systems.

Abstract: An electrical interface arrangement enables a complex circuit board to be connected to an electrical test equipment to verify the correct operation of the circuit board or to identify malfunctions. The interface arrangement makes electrical contact with predetermined points of the circuit board and connects these points to predetermined terminals of the test equipment. Each electrical interface arrangement is likely to be unique to a particular type of circuit board, and it has proved very difficult and time consuming to reliably interconnect the contacts of the electrical interface arrangement--typically 200 to 300 interconnecting leads are required.

Abstract: An electrical interface arrangement enables a circuit board to be connected to test equipment for the purpose of verifying its correct operation or enabling malfunctions to be identified. The interface arrangement carries a two dimensional array of electrical contacts which, in operation, are brought into touching contact with predetermined locations of the circuit board. It is necessary to hold the circuit board firmly in contact with the array of contacts in exactly the correct alignment. The invention provides a common housing which serves to locate the circuit board in alignment with the two dimensional array of contacts and either the circuit board can be secured to the housing by means of a suction effect generated by a suction chamber located within the housing, or alternatively the circuit board can be secured by means of an externally located pressure plate.

Abstract: The integral reagent dispenser disclosed comprises a reagent dispenser component provided with a reagent dispenser well having an opening adapted to present a liquid reagent for withdrawal therethrough and means to position a lens of liquid immiscible with said reagent between the reagent and the opening of said well. For example, the dispenser can have suitable dimensions and an inner surface which combine with the wetting characteristics of the reagent to form a concave reagent meniscus suitable to reliably position a lens of immiscible liquid thereon. The lens so formed is centrally located by the concave shape of the meniscus. Preferably, the reagent dispenser further includes an integrally associated source of reagent.

Abstract: New and improved apparatus and method for thorough, non-invasive mixing of a flowing fluid stream, either continuous or segmented, are provided and, as disclosed, are embodied in a mixing conduit which comprises a plurality of interconnected bends, which may be in the form of arcuate coils or sections, successive arcuate sections being operable to establish secondary flow patterns in differing orientations within the flowing fluid stream, or individual segments thereof. Such arcuate sections may be disposed in a same plane, if formed in serpentine fashion, or in non-parallel, preferably orthogonal planes, if formed in a tortuous fashion. Also, the arcuate sections, or a series thereof may be formed in stacked fashion and located in essentially parallel planes.

Abstract: An electrical probe apparatus for facilitating the testing of printed circuit boards is constructed in a gas tight manner. This allows the printed circuit board to be held by suction without losing vacuum pressure through the probe. A silicon rubber sleeve serves as the vacuum seal, and its resilience urges the probe into firm contact with the circuit under test.

Abstract: A data security device which includes storage means for storing a master cipher key, cryptographic apparatus for performing cryptographic operations and control means for controlling the writing of a master cipher key into the storage means, controlling the transfer of the master cipher key to the cryptographic apparatus and controlling the cryptographic apparatus to perform cryptographic operations. When a new master cipher key is written into the storage means, the old master cipher key is automatically overwritten with an arbitrary value, after which the new master key may be written into the storage means. The cryptographic apparatus of the data security device includes storage means, a cipher key register and cipher means for performing a cipher function on data stored in the cryptographic apparatus storage means under control of a working cipher key stored in the cipher key register with the resulting ciphered data being stored in the cryptographic apparatus storage means.

Abstract: A crimping device is disclosed having a plurality of dies driven by a camming action toward a central axis so that an article between the dies can be crimped. A hydraulic actuator is provided for causing the camming action for moving the dies. An adjusting member forming a stop is provided for defining an end-of-stroke position of the hydraulic actuator for adjustment of the radial spacing between the dies.

Abstract: Mercury flow from a reservoir of mercury to a mercury drop capillary extending vertically downward from the reservoir is governed by selective engagement of a sealing surface immersed in the mercury reservoir with a valve seat also immersed in the mercury reservoir to allow for controlled formation of mercury drops at the lower end of the capillary which drops, after formation, are held non-growing or static. The capillary is removable from the housing and when so removed the sealing surface engages the housing of the reservoir to prevent loss of mercury from the reservoir.

Abstract: 6-Oxo-2-piperidinecarboxylic acid has been resolved via direct crystallization of pure S-6-oxo-2-piperidinecarboxylic acid dehydroabietylammonium salt from a solvent system consisting of dimethylformamide, cyclohexane and acetone. The S-enantiomer is a required component for making certain tripeptides related to thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) which are central nervous system stimulants.

Abstract: A file security system for data files associated with a host data processing system. The host system includes a data security device which contains a secure host master key and is capable of performing a variety of cryptographic operations. At initialization time, the host system generates a series of file keys for the associated storage media and protects them by enciphering the file keys under a variant of the host master key. When a data file is to be created, a random number is generated and defined as an operational key enciphered under the file key of a designated storage media. The host data security device, using the enciphered file key of the designated storage media, transforms the enciphered operational key under control of the host master key into a form which permits the operational key to be used for enciphering host data.

Abstract: A communication security system for data transmissions between remote terminals and a host system. The remote terminals and the host system include data security devices capable of performing a variety of cryptographic operations. At initialization time, a host master key is written into the host data security device and the host system generates a series of terminal master keys for the remote terminals. Protection is provided for the terminal master keys by enciphering them under a variant of the host master key. The terminal master keys are then written into the data security devices of the respective remote terminals to permit cryptographic operations to be performed. When a communication session is to be established between a designated remote terminal and the host system, a random number is generated and defined as an operational key enciphered under the host master key which permits the operational key to be used at the host system for enciphering or deciphering data operations.

Abstract: A curable powder resin composition comprising an aminoplast and a polyester or polyacrylic resin. The aminoplast is a condensate of a methylolurea or methylolaminotriazine with an aliphatic alcohol and a reactive compound containing at least one reactive group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl and amide.

Abstract: A process for preparing a free-flowing curable powder resin composition with a sintering temperature above 40.degree. C., comprising the steps of condensing a methylolurea or methylolaminotriazine with an aliphatic alcohol and a reactive compound containing hydroxyl or amide groups; blending the condensate with a polyester or polyacrylate; and grinding the blend to a powder of average particle size in the range of 20 to 150 microns.

Abstract: An effluent delivery tube directs effluent from below mercury drops formed by a mercury drop electrode in a vertically upward direction coaxial to the vertical axis of the mercury drop to provide turbulent free flow of effluent about the drops. A method of analyzing an effluent stream by directing an effluent from below a drop formed by a mercury drop electrode in a vertically upward direction coaxial to the vertical axis of the mercury drop to provide turbulent free flow of effluent about the mercury drop.

Abstract: A process for preparing a free-flowing curable powder resin composition with a sintering temperature above 40.degree. C., comprising the steps of condensing a methylolurea or methylolaminotriazine with an aliphatic alcohol and a reactive compound containing hydroxyl or amide groups; blending the condensate with a polyester or polyacrylate; and grinding the blend to a powder of average particle size in the range of 20 to 150 microns.

Abstract: A curable powder resin composition comprising an aminoplast and a polyester or polyacrylic resin. The aminoplast is a condensate of a methylolurea of methylolaminotriazine with an aliphatic alcohol and a reactive compound containing at least one reactive group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl and amide.