Abstract: An articulating mower deck system. The system is adapted to disable power to a blade associated with the wing deck section before the wing deck section begins to lift—from an operating position toward a folded position—yet does not interfere with blade operation when the wing deck section floats relative to a center deck section during normal operation of the deck. Articulating decks of modular construction are also provided, allowing assembly of multiple deck widths with a minimum of modular deck sections.

Abstract: An articulating mower deck system. The system is adapted to disable power to a blade associated with the wing deck section before the wing deck section begins to lift—from an operating position toward a folded position—yet does not interfere with blade operation when the wing deck section floats relative to a center deck section during normal operation of the deck. Articulating decks of modular construction are also provided, allowing assembly of multiple deck widths with a minimum of modular deck sections.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical formulation that is effective in adversely affecting the viability of microorganisms or in inhibiting their growth and that provides better safety and/or comfort to the users comprises a polysaccharide, a source of hydrogen peroxide, and an anti-oxidant. The formulation can further comprise a chelating agent and/or an ophthalmically active agent for treating or controlling a disease or disorder of the eye. The formulation may be used to treat, clean, disinfect, store, wet, or rewet contact lenses.

Abstract: A wiper blade made of a compound having a methyl vinyl silicone polymer, a filler, and a friction-reducing additive is provided. The friction-reducing additive is present in an amount from between about 5 and 42 weight percent. The average particle size of the friction-reducing additive is preferably less than about 25 microns, thereby permitting extrusion of the compound into the shape of a wiper blade. Polytetrafluoroethylene is preferred as a friction-reducing additive, but other substances, such as boron nitride or graphite could be used.

Abstract: A squeegee blade made of a compound having a methyl vinyl silicone polymer, a filler, and a friction-reducing additive is provided. The friction-reducing additive is present in an amount from between about 5 and 42 weight percent. The average particle size of the friction-reducing additive is preferably less than about 25 microns, thereby permitting extrusion of the compound into the shape of a squeegee blade. Polytetrafluoroethylene is preferred as a friction-reducing additive, but other substances, such as boron nitride or graphite could be used.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical formulation that is effective in adversely affecting the viability of microorganisms or in inhibiting their growth and that provides better safety and/or comfort to the users comprises a polysaccharide, a source of hydrogen peroxide, and an anti-oxidant. The formulation can further comprise a chelating agent and/or an ophthalmically active agent for treating or controlling a disease or disorder of the eye. The formulation may be used to treat, clean, disinfect, store, wet, or rewet contact lenses.

Abstract: A mower has a rotary cutting deck with a discharge opening covered by a discharge chute. A pivotal gate is placed beneath the discharge chute to pivot relative to the discharge opening between a closed position in which the gate blocks the discharge opening and an open position in which the gate opens the discharge opening, thereby providing discharge and non-discharge modes of operation respectively. A pivotal foot pedal can be depressed by the operator against the force of a biasing spring to move the gate between the closed and open positions thereof. When the gate reaches its open position corresponding to a fully depressed foot pedal, an over center linkage has reached an over center orientation in which the force of the spring now serves to lock the pivotal gate in the open position thereof. Another over center linkage also locks the pivotal gate in the closed position thereof when the foot pedal is in a non-depressed starting position.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical formulation that is effective in adversely affecting the viability of microorganisms or in inhibiting their growth and that provides better safety and/or comfort to the users comprises at least a polyanionic material and at least a source of hydrogen peroxide. The formulation can comprise an ophthalmically active agent for treating or controlling a disease or disorder of the eye.

Abstract: A mower has a rotary cutting deck with a discharge opening covered by a discharge chute. A pivotal gate is placed beneath the discharge chute to pivot relative to the discharge opening between a closed position in which the gate blocks the discharge opening and an open position in which the gate opens the discharge opening, thereby providing discharge and non-discharge modes of operation respectively. A pivotal foot pedal can be depressed by the operator against the force of a biasing spring to move the gate between the closed and open positions thereof. When the gate reaches its open position corresponding to a fully depressed foot pedal, an over center linkage has reached an over center orientation in which the force of the spring now serves to lock the pivotal gate in the open position thereof. Another over center linkage also locks the pivotal gate in the closed position thereof when the foot pedal is in a non-depressed starting position.

Abstract: A wiper blade made of a compound having a methyl vinyl silicone polymer, a filler, and a friction-reducing additive is provided. The friction-reducing additive is present in an amount from between about 5 and 42 weight percent. The average particle size of the friction-reducing additive is preferably less than about 25 microns, thereby permitting extrusion of the compound into the shape of a wiper blade. Polytetrafluoroethylene is preferred as a friction-reducing additive, but other substances, such as boron nitride or graphite could be used.

Abstract: A wiper blade made of a compound having a methyl vinyl silicone polymer, a filler, and a friction-reducing additive is provided. The friction-reducing additive is present in an amount from between about 5 and 42 weight percent, preferably 11 percent. The average particle size of the friction-reducing additive is preferably less than about 25 microns, thereby permitting extrusion of the compound into the shape of a wiper blade. Polytetrafluoroethylene is preferred as a friction-reducing additive, but other substances, such as boron nitride or graphite could be used.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch is provided having a tubular member defining a bore extending axially between opposing ends, and nozzle engaged with one end. A movable member carries an electrode, moves axially along the bore, and is biased toward the one end axially outward of the bore. A piston member engaged with the movable member is configured to selectively move the electrode between a torch inoperable and a torch operable position within the bore. A fluid flow inlet is configured to channel a fluid flow into the bore. A sealing member operably engaged with the movable member is configured to allow the fluid flow to act upon the piston member to move the electrode to the torch operable position when the nozzle is operably engaged with the one end of the tubular member, and to prevent the fluid flow from such when the nozzle is not so operably engaged.

Abstract: A wiper blade made of a compound having a methyl vinyl silicone polymer, a filler, and a friction-reducing additive is provided. The friction-reducing additive is present in an amount from between about 5–42 weight percent, preferably 11 percent. The average particle size of the friction-reducing additive is preferably less than 6 microns, thereby permitting extrusion of the compound into the shape of a wiper blade. Polytetrafluoroethylene is preferred as a friction-reducing additive, but other substances, such as boron nitride or graphite could be used.

Abstract: A wiper blade made of a compound having a methyl vinyl silicone polymer, a filler, and a friction-reducing additive is provided. The friction-reducing additive is present in an amount from between about 5-42 weight percent, preferably 11 percent. The average particle size of the friction-reducing additive is preferably less than 6 microns, thereby permitting extrusion of the compound into the shape of a wiper blade. Polytetrafluoroethylene is preferred as a friction-reducing additive, but other substances, such as boron nitride or graphite could be used.

Abstract: A skin biopsy system covers all aspects of the biopsy procedure from initial incision to final closure. The system includes a flexible closure consisting of 4 elongated rigid members interconnected by flexible hinges. The opening within the closure is initially diamond-shaped, approximating an ellipse, which is then deformed or pinched to a narrow linear opening when the wound is closed. Included with the system is a knife which interacts with the closure to yield a guided incision of constant depth. The path of the knife is guided by interference between the blade and the inside faces of the closure while the depth is limited by interference of the handle proximal the blade and the top faces of the closure.

Abstract: A compound of the general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R is alkyl from about 4 to about 22 carbon atoms, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently of one another are alkyl from about 1 to about 22 carbon atoms, X is either sulphur or oxygen, Y is -C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O- or -C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O- or a mixture of -C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O and -C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O-, m is a number from about 1 to about 20, n is a number from about 1 to about 6, p is a number from 2 to 4, q is a number from 0 to about 2 and r is a number from 0 to about 2, with q+r+p being the integer 4. This invention is also directed to the method for treating fibers by applying this compound.

Abstract: A compound of the general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R is alkyl from about 4 to about 22 carbon atoms, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently of one another are alkyl from about 1 to about 22 carbon atoms, X is either sulphur or oxygen, Y is --C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O-- or --C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O-- or a mixture of --C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O and --C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O--, m is a number from about 1 to about 20, n is a number from about 1 to about 6, p is a number from 2 to 4, q is a number from 0 to about 2 and r is a number from 0 to about 2, with q+r+p being the integer 4. This invention is also directed m the method for treating fibers by applying this compound.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for treating fibers by applying thereto a compound having the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is an alkyl group from 1 to 23 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is an alkyl group from 1 to 23 carbon atoms, n is a number from 3 to 15, m is a number from 1 to 6, Y is --O-- or --S--, and X is --C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O-- or --C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O--, or a mixture of --C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O-- and --C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O--.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for treating fibers by applying thereto a compound having the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is alkyl from 1 to 23 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is alkyl from 1 to 23 carbon atoms, n is a number from 3 to 15, and X is --C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O-- or --C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O--, or a mixture of --C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O-- and --C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O--.

Abstract: A pulley construction, drive system utilizing the pulley construction and method of making the pulley construction are provided, the pulley construction being utilized with an endless drive belt and comprising a body member having a peripheral groove therein for receiving part of the belt therein and having a securing unit, and a hub member having a securing unit secured to the securing unit of the body member so as to hold the members in aligned assembled relation to rotate in unison, the hub member having structure for being interconnected to a shaft so that the pulley construction and the shaft will be adapted to rotate in unison, the securing units are so constructed and arranged that the securing unit of one of the members has a part thereof that is adapted to break away from the one member under a certain normal driving force of the belt when the shaft is prevented from rotating so as to permit relative rotational movement between the members while the securing units maintain the thus relatively rotatab