Abstract: A fundus photographing device for conducting infrared fluorescence photography on a fundus of an examines's eye after intravenously injecting a fluorescent agent which emits fluorescence of an infrared region into veins is disclosed. This device includes an illumination optical system 1 for illuminating the fundus with exciting light, thereby exciting the injected fluorescent agent, the exciting light being of wavelengths in a wavelength region of not maximum absorption but maximum fluorescent intensity of the fluorescent agent.

Abstract: A walking beam compressor has a rod collar assembly attached to the top cap of the compressor cylinder with bearings which reduce side loading on the seals and bearing surfaces in the top cap. A top cap assembly supports a pair of vertically stacked seals sandwiched between three inserts. Upper and lower inserts each house a wear ring so that the respective wear rings are above and below the seals. The piston is divided into an upper section and a lower section to facilitate the mounting of a peripheral seal at the mating surfaces of these sections. The peripheral edge of each section has a recess for receiving a wear ring. A structure is provided to facilitate separating the upper and lower sections during disassembly.

Abstract: A walking beam compressor has a rod collar assembly attached to the top cap of the compressor cylinder with bearings which reduce side loading on the seals and bearing surfaces in the top cap. A top cap assembly supports a pair of vertically stacked seals sandwiched between three inserts. Upper and lower inserts each house a wear ring so that the respective wear rings are above and below the seals. The piston is divided into an upper section and a lower section to facilitate the mounting of a peripheral seal at the mating surfaces of these sections. The peripheral edge of each section has a recess for receiving a wear ring. A structure is provided to facilitate separating the upper and lower sections during disassembly.

Abstract: Oil separation from discharge gas of a screw compressor is performed with a demister provided in a discharge chamber. For solving unevenness in the speed distribution of the gas in the chamber, at least one auxiliary demister for oil separation is disposed at a local position immediately behind or near the downstream side of an outlet of a discharge passage in a discharge casing so as to be perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas at the outlet. In addition, at least one obstacle plate is disposed on the downstream side of the auxiliary demister.

Abstract: A lead-free solder composition having superior mechanical strength is produced by adding a rare earth element to a Sn-Ag alloy or a Sn-Ag-Bi-Cu alloy.

Abstract: A collector and method for collecting samples of liquid from at least one source of liquid for automated analysis of the samples. The collector has at least one receptacle for receiving liquid from the source of liquid and holding a quantity of the liquid for obtaining a sample. Each receptacle has an inlet for delivery of liquid from the respective source of liquid and an open top sized to admit the sample collection device into the receptacle. The collector also has a spillway in fluid communication with the open top of the receptacle for receiving excess liquid spilling over the open top of the receptacle. The collector is constructed so that liquid continuously flows through the collector. A drain of the collector receives liquid from the spillway for draining the liquid from the collector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline zeolite SSZ-47 prepared using a bicyclo ammonium cation templating agent.

Abstract: A method of inducing differentiation of less differentiated passaged cells by contacting or co-cultivating the cells with initially passaged (P0), more differentiated cells of the same cell type. The method produces differentiated cell aggregates, such as pancreatic islet cell aggregates, which are useful for transplantation.

Abstract: Soil amendment compositions and methods for using the same are provided. The subject compositions are aqueous compositions consisting essentially of a carbon-skeleton energy component, a predisposing agent and a vitamin-cofactor component. The subject compositions find use in a variety of soil amendment applications, including: the control of soil born pests and pathogens; the improvement in soil fertility and/or characteristics, e.g. mineral release, water filtration; the neutralization and/or degradation of toxins, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting Hypericum perforatum (St.-Johns-wort) by fractioning water-alcohol, alcohol, or acetone extracts of the plant with esters of water-immiscible C1-C5 alcohols. The extracts have high activity and are stable over time. The invention also relates to formulations containing the extract.

Abstract: A method and rotary blancher for processing food product using a heat transfer medium and directed flows of a fluid that can comprise a liquid, a gas, a vapor or a combination thereof. The directed flows can be discharged from orifices or banks of orifices that are distributed around the food products in the blancher. The flows are discharged at a high flow rate, a high pressure, or a combination of both. Where a liquid is discharged, it preferably is discharged at a flow rate of at least 20 gpm and at least 30 psi. Where a gas is discharged, it is discharged at a flow rate of at least 60 CFM at a pressure of at least 2 psi or at a flow rate of at least 10 CFM at a pressure of at least 80 psi. If desired, discharged fluid can be recirculated to save energy. To help increase agitation and help break up clumps of food products in the blancher, direct-contact mechanical agitation devices, such as baffles, can be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a tridimensional pasta product by preparing a mixture of cereal flour or semolina and water; kneading the mixture to obtain a dough; injecting the dough into a mold having a tri-dimensional shape under conditions such that the dough undergoes substantially no expansion in the mold during injection; and removing the dough from the mold to provide an injection molded pasta product having the tri-dimensional shape. These molded tridimensional pasta products possess organoleptic properties which are superior to those of traditional pasta products.

Abstract: An electrostatic actuator comprising opposing electrode members displaced relatively by an electrostatic force is provided with improved durability so that electrostatic attraction between opposing members does not drop and the opposing electrode members do not stick together. Hydrophobic films of hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) are formed on a surface of segment electrode and a bottom surface of a diaphragm (common electrode) of an eletrostatic actuator wherein the diaphragm forms a wall of an ink chamber in an ink jet head. HMDS molecules are smaller than PFDA molecules, and a uniform, variation-free hydrophobic film can therefore be formed even when the gap between opposing electrodes is narrow. Durability and film stability of a HMDS hydrophobic film are also high. An electrostatic actuator with high durability and operating stability can thus be achieved.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for processing a monolayer film and transferring the monolayer film to a substrate are provided.

Abstract: The preparation of a laminated polycarbonate ophthalmic lens with wafers coated with radiation curable coatings is described. The coated wafers are laminated using UV/visible adhesive to produce a finished lens within normal tolerance for such a lens. The wafer also comprises a peelable coating at the interface of laminating surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for making mirrors having enhanced reflective layer resistance to corrosion. The reflective layer of the mirror, typically silver, is contacted, preferably simultaneously, with a first solution containing a specific cation and a second solution containing a specific anion, or alkaline material which forms hydroxyl ions, the specific cation and specific anion or hydroxyl ion reacting to form a water insoluble precipitate on the silver surface. The mirror may then be painted to provide additional corrosion resistance to the mirror. The method eliminates the need for a copper layer on the silver surface and the method may be incorporated into existing mirror production lines as a replacement for the copper layering step. Also provided are an apparatus for making the mirrors and the mirrors made using the method and apparatus of the invention. A preferred cation containing solution contains tin (e.g., SnCl2) and a preferred anion containing solution contains hydroxyl ions (e.g., NaOH).

Abstract: For forming a preform of composite material, such as aluminum-based composite material (MMC) by using friction during the forming thereof, ceramic reinforcement, such as Al2O3 and binder are prepared, and the prepared reinforcement and the silanor group binder are put into a die for press forming. During the forming, polycondensation occurs due to frictional heat generated between the fibrous or grain-like particles of the reinforcement and the silanor group binder to harden it, thereby obtaining a preform in which the particles of the reinforcement are fixedly connected to one another.

Abstract: A collector and method for collecting samples of liquid from at least one source of liquid for automated analysis of the samples. The collector has at least one receptacle for receiving liquid from the source of liquid and holding a quantity of the liquid for obtaining a sample. Each receptacle has an inlet for delivery of liquid from the respective source of liquid and an open top sized to admit the sample collection device into the receptacle. The collector also has a spillway in fluid communication with the open top of the receptacle for receiving excess liquid spilling over the open top of the receptacle. The collector is constructed so that liquid continuously flows through the collector. A drain of the collector receives liquid from the spillway for draining the liquid from the collector.

Abstract: This invention relates an optoelectronic material comprising a uniform medium with a controllable electric characteristic; and semiconductor ultrafine particles dispersed in the medium and having a mean particle size of 100 nm or less, and an application device using the same.

Abstract: Method for forming quantum dots using agglomeration of a conductive layer and a semiconductor device resulting therefrom are disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a first insulating layer on a substrate, forming a conductive layer on the first insulating layer, forming a second insulating layer on the conductive layer, and annealing the conductive layer between the first, and second insulating layers to agglomerate the conductive layer.

Abstract: In the metal iron golf club head (1), the rigidity of the medium sensitivity region (5) which is a region on the heel side and excluding the vicinity of the face center (3) is made lower than the rigidity of the low sensitivity region (4) so as to approximate the natural frequency of the metal iron golf club head to the natural frequency of the ball as well as to ensure the strength in the face portion (2).

Abstract: A control apparatus for an automatic transmission of a vehicle having a forward friction element for engaging or disengaging a turbine shaft with the automatic transmission in a forward running direction and a lock-up clutch for directly transmitting a rotation of an engine to the turbine shaft, comprises an abrupt deceleration control means for disengaging the forward engagement element and the lock-up clutch when an abrupt deceleration of the vehicle is detected, and a restoring means for canceling the abrupt deceleration control means and for restoring the forward friction element to an engagement state when an accelerator pedal is depressed for acceleration.

Abstract: A method of combating phytopathogenic diseases on crop plants which comprises applying to the crop plants or the locus thereof being infested with said phytopathogenic disease an effective amount of a combination of

Abstract: A method of treating, preventing or inhibiting a disorder selected from the group consisting of cardiovascular or heart related diseases such as stroke, hypertension, tachycardia, and congestive heart failure, osteoporosis, premature birth, psychosocial dwarfism, stress-induced fever, ulcer, diarrhea, post-operative ileus, and colonic hypersensitivity associated with psychopathological disturbance and stress, comprising administering to a mammal, including a human, in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the formula 1

Abstract: Use in medicaments for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of compounds of formula 1

Abstract: The present invention relates to lithographic printing ink systems containing improved binder resins. In particular, the invention relates to the use of hydrocarbon/acrylic hybrid resin binder compositions in lithographic printing ink formulations.

Abstract: Fluoroelastomers containing copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride, perfluoro(alkyl vinyl) ether, 2-hydropentafluoropropene, and, optionally, tetrafluoroethylene, and having an iodine atom present at some polymer chain ends, exhibit excellent low temperature properties and processability when dual cured with both polyhydroxy compounds and organic peroxides.

Abstract: A family of compounds capable of inhibiting the activity of prenyl transferases.

Abstract: This invention involves compounds having the following structure: 1

Abstract: A process for determining respiratory phases of the sleep of a user (3), comprising measuring at least two physical variables of which at least a first physical variable is representative of the nasal flow of the user (3) and of which at least a second physical variable is representative of the user's buccal flow. The process furthermore comprises processing and converting each physical variable with a view to establishing its degree of membership in at least one state of a fuzzy variable, and applying pre-established rules between at least one state of a first fuzzy variable and a state of a second fuzzy variable so as to evaluate the degree of membership in a respiratory phase state of the sleep of the user (3) according to fuzzy logic.

Abstract: A container closure system for delivering a fluid. The system includes a stopper constructed to seal fluidly a container. A closure member is mounted on an upper surface of the stopper. The closure member includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface. The closure member further includes an outer wall and an inner wall extending from the upper surface of the base with the inner wall spaced from the outer wall. The base defines therethrough a needle access port between the inner and outer walls. The inner wall defines a chamber therein. The base further defines therethrough an aperture adjacent the chamber defined by the inner wall. A piercing member is movably disposed within the chamber defined by the inner wall. The piercing member has a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being positioned proximally to the stopper. A piercing tip is mounted on the first end portion and is constructed to pierce the stopper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing polyps by which an elongated tubular member generally positionable within the working channel of an endoscopic device. The tubular member carries a selectively extendable severing device and capturing device at its distal end. Control apparatus at the proximal end of the tubular member enables a physician to extend and retract the severing and capturing devices. The physician retracts the capturing device to grasp the portion of the polyp to be severed and retracts the severing device to sever the polyp. The capturing device retains the severed portion of the polyp for removal with the tubular member. In one embodiment the capturing device includes an injection needle.

Abstract: A lead locking device has a lead engaging member with a mandrel extending along a lumen and attached to the distal end of the lead engaging member such that it extends beyond the proximal end of the lead engaging member. The lead locking device also has a loop handle attached to the proximal end of the mandrel. The lead engaging member has a first configuration which is narrower than a second configuration and is sufficiently long to extend along substantially the entire length of a lead to be removed from a patient's body. Methods of removing a lead from a patient's body include attaching a lead locking device along substantially the entire length of the lead and applying traction to the proximal end of the lead locking device.

Abstract: A balloon catheter with a balloon having first and second tapered sections adjacent the distal and proximal ends of the working length of the balloon, respectively, and third and fourth tapered sections adjacent the first and second tapered section, respectively. The first and second tapered sections taper at a first angle to a smaller outer diameter than the inflated outer diameter of the working length inflated within a deployment range of the balloon, and the third and fourth tapered sections taper at a second angle larger than the first angle. The balloon has expandable retention sections proximal and the distal to the working length of the balloon for inhibiting migration of a stent mounted on the balloon.

Abstract: A method of selecting an intraocular lens material for reducing the risk of posterior capsule opacification is disclosed. The method comprises determining the tack of the material.

Abstract: A web of continuous filaments which are made of at least one semi-crystalline polymeric component covalently bonded as a linear block copolymer with or blended with one or more semi-crystalline or amorphous polymeric components. The filaments are intermingled together to form a porous web of filaments, the filaments having multiple contact points with each other within the web. The filaments are bonded at the contact points without requisite for added adhesive binders, adjuncts or post extrusion melt processing. The web may be bioresorbable. The web may also be provided in forms with relatively high cohesive shear strength. The polymeric components of the filaments exist, at least temporarily, in a homogenous substantially phase miscible uncrystallized state.

Abstract: An automatic centrifugal machine comprises a handling apparatus for shifting a test specimen from a predetermined position, a rotor equipped with a bucket accommodating the test specimen, a drive motor for rotating the rotor, a chamber surrounding the rotor, and a refrigerator for cooling the chamber, and the automatic centrifugal machine has a height equal to or less than 1,450 mm. A conveyor line, conveying the test specimen, has a height in a range from 750 mm to 850 mm. The handling apparatus of the test specimen is formed by a link arm mechanism including first and second sliders, first and second arms, and a manipulator hand.

Abstract: A system for marking elongated wire and for cutting the wire and stripping insulation therefrom comprising first structure operable to mark the wire; second structure operable to cut the marked wire and to strip insulation from the wire; the wire extending between and movable between the first and second structures, the first and second structure comprising separate stand-alone devices; and control structure, including external computer means, operatively connected with the first and second structures for controlling operation of the first and second structures in time sequence relation to wire movement therebetween, and/or to control wire marking, wire cutting, and insulation stripping length.

Abstract: A trip unit is provided with non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or Flash memory, for storing the firmware, including initializing parameters, boot code, and operational parameters. This configuration enables one to change the trip unit's firmware after it is manufactured. The present invention provides thus increased functionality to trip units by enabling upgrades and servicing of the trip unit by downloading replacement firmware to it. This would include remotely downloading firmware when the electronic trip unit is connected to a host controller, such as a multi-purpose computer either directly, over the telephone lines, LAN or any other suitable connection such as the Internet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for generating responses to queries to a document retrieval system. The system responds to a specific request for information by locating and ranking portions of text that may contain the information sought. It locates small relevant passages of text (called “hit passages”) and ranks them according to an estimate of the degree to which they correspond to the information sought. The system minimizes the number of these hit passages that need to be examined before an information seeker has either found the desired information or can safely conclude that the information sought is not in the collection of texts.

Abstract: An interprocessor communication device, in which a plurality of processors are interconnected to processor buses for an address signal, a data signal, and a control signal, receiving/outputting handshake signals for transmitting/receiving a message to/from an adjacent processor. A plurality of memory blocks are connected to memory buses for an address signal, a data signal, and a control signal and stores/outputs data upon input of an address signal and a control signal. A rotation bus interface module, connected between the processor buses and the memory buses, switches the memory buses connected to the processor buses in response to handshake signals received from two adjacent processors to allow the processors exclusively to access the memory blocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gateway system which relays a request from a user for a service provided by another system and to a recording medium therefor. An object of the present invention is to provide a desired information service with a single user ID and password entered on the side of each user by transmitting a request from each user received by a gateway to another desired information provider server or gateway with the user ID and password being converted and by returning a response to the request to the user through a reverse conversion process when the response is received.

Abstract: A method for protecting digital images distributed over a network, including the steps of receiving a request from a client computer running a network browser, for an original layout page containing references to digital images therein, parsing the original layout page for the references to digital images, generating a modified layout page from the original layout page by replacing at least one of the references to digital images in the original layout page with references to substitute data, and sending the modified layout page to the client computer. A system is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A printing apparatus capable of preventing degradation of printer performance etc. caused by print jobs which are secured by a job security function and which are forgotten to output and accumulated in a storage device. The printing apparatus allows to cancel or output the accumulated print jobs when a prescribed password different from passwords for the job security function is entered via an operation unit thereof or from an external device connected thereto.