Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: A thermally reflective membrane apparatus comprises a housing structure, and a thermally reflective membrane contained within the housing structure. The thermally reflective membrane comprises a semipermeable structure, and a porous, thermally reflective structure physically contacting the semipermeable structure. The porous, thermally reflective structure comprises discrete thermally reflective particles, and a binder material coupling the discrete thermally reflective particles to one another and the semipermeable structure. A fluid treatment system and method of treating a fluid are also described.

Abstract: Methods of producing cesium-131. The method comprises dissolving at least one non-irradiated barium source in water or a nitric acid solution to produce a barium target solution. The barium target solution is irradiated with neutron radiation to produce cesium-131, which is removed from the barium target solution. The cesium-131 is complexed with a calixarene compound to separate the cesium-131 from the barium target solution. A liquid:liquid extraction device or extraction column is used to separate the cesium-131 from the barium target solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of biocatalytically producing compounds that are commercially valuable but are detrimental to the host cells' development. The transgenic plants produced in accordance with the present invention comprise a novel controlled expression system comprising a promoter (2), a blocking sequence (a), and a structural gene (6), wherein the blocking sequence (a) is flanked by a pair of directly repeated site-specific recombination sequences (4). The blocking sequence (a) prevents expression of the structural gene (6) until removal of the blocking sequence (a) by site-specific recombinase activity encoded by a site-specific recombinase gene (12).

Abstract: Methods of producing cesium-131. The method comprises dissolving at least one non-irradiated barium source in water or a nitric acid solution to produce a barium target solution. The barium target solution is irradiated with neutron radiation to produce cesium-131, which is removed from the barium target solution. The cesium-131 is complexed with a calixarene compound to separate the cesium-131 from the barium target solution. A liquid:liquid extraction device or extraction column is used to separate the cesium-131 from the barium target solution.

Abstract: This device is a raft which when attached to a standard bicycle may be steered and propelled through water by riding the bicycle in the usual fashion. The raft consists of two sections that can be folded for easy storage and transportability. These two sections unfold and are plugged together to form the raft. The bicycle is attached to the raft by adjustable tie-down straps. The drive mechanism incorporates both forward and reverse drive operated by a remote hand lever. Propulsion is accomplished by a friction wheel engaging the rear wheel of the bicycle with power transmission and translation through a gear assembly to the drive shaft and propeller. The front steering unit and rear drive unit are designed to swivel up out of the way if hit by an underwater obstacle.

Abstract: A fastening device is provided for securing of liners to the interior of pickup truck cargo beds. The fastening devices include a base plate which overlies the outer surface of a bed liner and a locking tongue projecting laterally from a bottom of the plate to extend through an aperture in the liner sidewall and to mechanically couple with a flange of the cargo bed sidewall to effect clamping of the liner to the flange. The locking tongue is formed with a peripheral edge surface that includes a locking surface angularly disposed with respect to the base plate forming in cooperation therewith for receiving edge portions of the liner and flange in clamped relationship, a camming surface that rides against an edge of the aperture in the liner during insertion to facilitate assembly and a locking surface that automatically engages the liner to maintain the fastening device in locking engagement.

Abstract: A metal cap or closure having a smooth, rounded edge. The smooth, rounded edge is formed by contacting the rough edge of the cap or closure with a plurality of moving metal spheres. The apparatus for forming the smooth, rounded edge includes a plate in which the spheres are rotatably mounted and a holder for holding the closure over the spheres so that the edge of the closure contacts the rotating spheres.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing acoustical pressure in a tubing is disclosed comprising a first molded plastic member having a first support with an orifice extending therethrough and having a first side forming a substantially saucer shaped member. A plurality of first walls are molded into the first member to extend from the first support radially spaced about the orifice and interposed between the orifice and the first side. A second molded plastic member, which is smaller than the first member, includes a second support and a second side. A plurality of second walls extend from the second support radially spaced and interposed between the center of the second support and the second side. A tubing having acoustical pressure is receivable in the orifice of the first member. The first and second members are mounted to one another forming a labyrinth passage between the orifice and the first and second sides of the first and second members.

Abstract: A sewage treatment tank formed in upper and lower halves which engage each other along a parting line. The tank has an aeration chamber and an outlet chamber which are fluidly connected together at the bottom portion of the tank through an opening and also at the top portion of the tank at the fluid level by means of a surface skimmer. A tube settler is positioned in the outlet chamber and comprises a plurality of spaced and generally parallel plates each of which includes a plurality of spaced and generally parallel deflector members the surfaces of which are arranged at an acute angle to upward fluid flow in the outlet chamber. Holding members secure the plates in fixed position and have end portions held between the upper and lower halves of the tank at the parting line.

Abstract: An upflow filter adapted to be used with a home sewage treatment plant which includes a container which has a wall extending thereacross to divide the container into first and second filtering chambers. First and second gratings are located in the first and second chambers respectively and serve to divide each filtering chamber into top and bottom portions and each grating has filtering media covering the same. The container has an inlet and an outlet with the outlet located at a lower level from the inlet. First liquid conduit means are connected to the wall and provides for fluid communication from the inlet to the bottom portion of each of the first and second filtering chambers. Second liquid conduit means are connected to the wall and provides for fluid communication from the top portion of each of the first and second filtering chambers to the outlet.

Abstract: An upflow filter adapted to be used with a home sewage treatment plant which includes a container which has a wall extending thereacross to divide the container into first and second filtering chambers. First and second gratings are located in the first and second chambers respectively and serve to divide each filtering chamber into top and bottom portions and each grating has filtering media covering the same. The container has an inlet and an outlet with the outlet located at a lower level from the inlet. .[.First liquid conduit means are connected to the wall and provides for fluid communication from the inlet to the bottom portions of each of the first and second filtering chambers. Second liquid.]. .Iadd.A vertical opening is cast into the dividing wall and has lateral exit portions that communicate with the bottom portions of the first and second filtering chambers. The liquid inlet communicates with this vertical opening. Liquid .Iaddend.