Abstract: An armrest (1) for providing wrist and forearm support during keyboard and mouse operations is provided. The armrest (1) is placed at the front edge of the keyboard and supports most of the forearm from the elbow to the wrist so that the operator can operate the keyboard and handle the mouse, with the forearm supported close to the keyboard. The armrest (1) includes an enlarged support area (12, 22), an elbow protrusion area (13) at the longitudinal ends of the armrest (1), and two mouse pads (2: 21, 22) on the same surface running from the center area (11, 21) to one of the longitudinal ends. The armrest is positioned so that the center area (11, 21) of the mouse pad (2) faces the space bar (4), and the enlarged support area (12, 22) faces the number keypad (5) and projects out to the right of the number keypad.

Abstract: A writing implement suitable to be used by those with handicap in their hands and/or finger(s) comprising a grip having a terminal end having a curved surface adapted to contact with the palm of a user, the grip being formed such that the grip is held with the fingers and the palm in such a way that the grip is wrapped by the hand; and a pen point extending from a front end of the grip with a given angle. The grip can optionally have one or more concave contours adapted to fit the finger(s) of the user, wherein each concave contour can fit one or more fingers.

Abstract: A writing instrument having rotatable beads of various shapes and sizes abutting one another so that the beads form logos, designs, words or messages for promotional or advertising purposes. The beads provide an ergonomically pleasing sensation to the user and further provide an element of amusement to the user.

Abstract: The brush (1) includes a core (2) formed from a metal wire bent into a U and the branches of which are twisted to trap radial bristles (3) between them, the core (2) being fixed to the end of a wand (6). The branches of the core are twisted, turning to the left, to form turns which turn in the clockwise direction about the axis (X) of the core when progressing from the wand towards the end of the brush, whereas the bristles (3) of the brush form helical layers (S) rising from left to right in the area located between the core and an observer who holds the brush substantially vertical in front of him/her with its tip pointing upwards.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapid venting of the compressed air and deballasting of a buoyant air tank in a positively buoyant riser system in the event of a premature drive off or a riser section parting is shown. The rapid venting of the compressed air ensures that the riser section cannot rapidly ascend to the surface and damage the drilling rig positioned above. In a first embodiment, the buoyancy tank or housing includes a vertical channel positioned on its exterior. A cover plate is placed over the vertical channel and sealed in place by a frangible weld. A tether line attaches to the cover plate and extends to an anchor point on the BOP stack below. In the event of a catastrophic parting of the riser, as the riser sections and attached buoyancy tank or housings begin ascending, the tether line is drawn tight. Further ascension of the buoyancy tank or housings, causes the frangible weld joints to break and peel back the cover plate, exposing the vertical channels.

Abstract: A method for applying liquid plastic polymers to soil surfaces in order to form a continuous membrane film for soil mulch. The plastic mulch is useful for enhancing crop production, disinfestation of soil by solarization and prevention of soil erosion. Additionally, the invention includes procedures for applying and spraying the liquid plastic polymers to form an effective and economic film.

Abstract: Data cartridge exchange apparatus for allowing a user to access a data cartridge contained in a data storage system comprises a cartridge engaging assembly mounted within the data storage system so that the cartridge engaging assembly moves along a displacement path. A panel located adjacent a portion of the displacement path includes a cartridge exchange aperture therein that is sized to pass the data cartridge. A door mounted to the panel is moveable between an opened position and a closed position and includes a first cartridge support surface and a second cartridge support surface. The second cartridge support surface is positioned transverse to the first cartridge support surface so that the first and second cartridge support surfaces together define an L-shaped configuration. The first cartridge support surface is positioned within the cartridge exchange aperture to support the data cartridge when the door is in the closed position.

Abstract: The hydraulic lift is provided for carrying structures, such as a motorcycle, snowmobile, etc., in an elevated position behind a motor home. The lift includes a fixed framework having pivotable arms to which any of a plurality of carrying platforms may be engaged. The arms pivot from a ground engaging position to an elevated, locked in place position under action of an hydraulic activation system.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle including a collection towing vehicle having a refuse loading mechanism for loading a semi-trailer coupled to a fifth wheel, the semi-trailer having a refuse collection body for receiving refuse from the refuse loading mechanism and a hoist mechanism for tilting the refuse collection body. The refuse collection system also includes a refuse transport vehicle which includes a transport towing vehicle having a fifth wheel for receiving a semi-trailer, and a dolly which may be coupled to the semi-trailer for towing additional semi-trailers. A control assembly is coupled to the refuse collection vehicle and the transport towing vehicle including the dolly, having control couplings for interconnection of control assemblies and control umbilicals for providing control to the various devices.

Abstract: A scroll-type compressor is provided in which the same terminal box can be used irrespective of whether or not the earth is necessary.

Abstract: A scroll compressor having improved efficiencies includes a fixed plate having a spiral involute and an orbiting plate having a spiral involute wrap. The fixed and orbiting plates are positioned in a housing such that the spiral involute wraps mesh with each other to define chambers. A sealant being applied to tips and sides of said involute wraps, said sealant substantially closing any gaps between the tip of the involute wrap and the plat opposing the involute wrap. The sealant is chosen from the group consisting essentially of a grease, a dampening gel, and an epoxy. If a grease is used, then the grease is preferably a low vapor pressure grease. During assembly of the scroll compressor, the sealant is applied to tips and sides of the involute wraps. After the scroll compressor has been assembled, it is run to purge excess sealant, leaving sealant only in the gaps between the two scrolls.

Abstract: A method of making a low density part with a closed porosity surface coating is formed by applying, to a porous powder preform, a coating of powder finer than that of the preform which is sinterable to a near full density below the melting temperature of the powder; and heating the coated preform to sinter the coating to form a near full density, gas impermeable, closed porosity surface coating on the preform.

Abstract: A valve seat (2) is formed by build-up cladding by irradiating a laser beam on a copper alloy powder (4) provided in the rim of a port (3) formed in an engine cylinder head (1). The copper alloy powder (4) consists of copper (Cu), 6-9 wt % nickel (Ni), 1-5 wt % silicon (si), and 1-5 wt % of one of molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), tantalum (Ta), niobium (Nb) and vanadium (V). Due to this composition, the valve seat (2) has few microcracks and excellent abrasion resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the temperature-compensated determination of chemical parameters, comprising:

Abstract: A 96-well solid phase extraction (SPE) plate assembly comprises a common base plate having plural apertures (bores), and removable extraction cartridges (containers, tubes) extending through the bores. The plate assembly is mounted on a conventional 96-well plate vacuum manifold. The cartridges preferably snap into the base plate, but may also screw in. The apertures have annular counterapertures (counterbores) complementary to annular ridges protruding from the side walls of the cartridges. Each ridge snaps into a corresponding counteraperture. The modular design allows the end user to customize the extraction medium mix of the extraction plate assembly by inserting extraction containers having different sorbents into a common base plate. Gaskets are used to maintain a vacuum seal between the base plate and extraction cartridges, for maintaining a pressure gradient across the sorbents.

Abstract: Device and method for processing biological, biochemical or chemical samples are provided wherein a first multiwell plate is stacked atop a second multiwell plate. The first multiwell plate has x wells arranged in a regular array, each capable of receiving a separate sample. Each well of the x wells has an outlet at a lower surface of the first plate. The second multiwell plate has y wells arranged in a regular array, each well of the y wells being capable of receiving a separate sample, and wherein y>x. The outlets at the lower surface of the first multiwell plate are arrayed to register with corresponding inlets of a subset of the y wells of the second multiwell plate when the first plate is stacked atop the second plate. A mechanism for aligning the first plate to the second plate is provided, as well as transfer indicia for tracking transfer of sample from the first plate to the second plate.

Abstract: A waste gas treatment system treats waste gases of the type produced during the manufacture of semiconductor devices and therefore having different chemical characteristics. Based on the size of the particles of the waste gases, a gas separation unit discriminates waste gas that is best-suited for wet treatment from waste gas best-suited for dry treatment. A wet treatment unit is connected to one outlet of the gas separation unit, and a dry treatment unit is connected to another outlet of the gas separation unit. On the other hand, both the wet treatment unit and the dry treatment unit are connected to a water spray unit. The water spray unit treats the waste gases, which have passed through either the wet treatment unit or the dry treatment unit, so as to treat the waste gas for untreated water-soluble components.

Abstract: An after-treating apparatus of exhaust gas and a catalyst device installed therein is disclosed. The after-treating apparatus of exhaust gas primarily removes the exhaust gas in a first filtering device and a second filtering device, and secondarily purifies within the catalyst device. The first filtering device and the second filtering device are controlled by opening and closing a valve through a time control part. That is, when particulate of the exhaust gas is collected in the first filtering device, the second filtering device burns the collected particulate by means of an electric heater. Also, the catalyst device is prepared by wash-coating an active substrate on a honeycomb, the active substrate being produced by supporting platinum, nickel, and promoter on a supporter of alumina and chromic oxide.

Abstract: An exhaust gas cleaning system for diesel motors made out of two diesel exhaust catalytic converters, arranged in sequence one behind the other, in the form of honeycomb bodies with parallel flow channels, whose wall surfaces are provided with a catalytically active coating. The first upstream catalytic converter possesses a cell density of less than 40 to 80 flow channels per cross-sectional square centimeter, while the cell density of the second catalytic converter situated downstream is larger than that of the first catalytic converter. Through this arrangement, it is possible to select a high cell density that, without connection in line with the low cell density catalytic converter would very quickly lead to a clogging by diesel particles.

Abstract: A system for exhaust gas purification disposed in the exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine, includes an adsorbent comprising a monolithic carrier and an adsorbent component having a hydrocarbon adsorptivity, loaded on the carrier, and a catalyst comprising a monolithic carrier and a catalyst component loaded on the carrier, having a purifiability for the harmful substances present in the exhaust gas emitted from the engine, the catalyst being provided downstream of the adsorbent in the flow direction of the exhaust gas.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and reactor devices for controlling the oxidation of hydrocarbons to dibasic acids, in the presence of a catalyst and a monobasic acid, by removing the catalyst from the reaction mixture, outside the oxidation zone, after the oxidation has taken place at least partially. Initially, the catalyst is partially precipitated and removed by reducing the water level in the reaction mixture and/or subjecting the reaction mixture to a temperature, at which or over which catalyst precipitates. After the initial partial precipitation of the catalyst, the mother liquor remaining is subjected to a thermal treatment during which at least the major part of the monobasic acid is removed leaving behind molten dibasic acids, in which the remaining catalyst precipitates substantially in its totality, and it is removed. The precipitated catalyst in the two precipitation stages may be recycled in miscellaneous ways.

Abstract: A process is provided for the selective recovery from an impure solution of pure nickel and cobalt solutions, suitable for electrolysis of the respective metals. The impure solution may be that obtained from acid leaching of nickel/cobalt bearing laterite or oxide ore. The impure solution is contacted with a solid ion exchange resin to selectively extract nickel and cobalt, while rejecting at least one element of the group manganese, magnesium, calcium, iron(II), and chromium(III). The ion exchange resin contains bis-picolyl amine as the primary chelating group. The impure solution has sufficiently low levels of chromium(VI) and copper to allow repeated use of the ion exchange resin. The metal-bearing resin is washed and then stripped with an acid solution. This solution is then contacted with a water-immiscible organic phase for the selective extraction of cobalt, leaving nickel in the raffinate as a substantially pure nickel solution.

Abstract: A polluted fluid containing at least one pollutant is processed by passing the polluted fluid through an adsorbing layer containing a high-silica adsorbent capable of adsorbing both ozone and at least one pollutant to adsorb at least one pollutant on the adsorbent. Then, ozone is brought into contact with the adsorbing layer to oxidize and decompose the pollutant adsorbed on the adsorbent, while stopping the flow of the polluted fluid.

Abstract: A gas stream containing at least one fluorine compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of carbon and fluorine, compounds of carbon, hydrogen and fluorine, compounds of sulfur and fluorine, compounds of nitrogen and fluorine and compounds of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and fluorine is contacted with a catalyst comprising at least one of alumina, titania, zirconia and silica, preferably a catalyst comprising alumina and at least one of nickel oxide, zinc oxide and titania in the presence of steam, thereby hydrolyzing the fluorine compound at a relatively low temperature, e.g. 200°-800° C., to convert the fluorine of the fluorine compound to hydrogen fluoride.

Abstract: A process for producing high-purity hydrotalcites by reacting alcohols or alcohol mixtures with at least one or more divalent metal(s) and at least one or more trivalent metal(s) and hydrolysing the resultant alcoholate mixture with water. The corresponding metal oxides can be produced by calcination.

Abstract: Single-wall carbon nanotubes are produced from carbon vapor in the presence of nickel-cobalt catalyst vapor, and the carbon vapor and the nickel-cobalt catalyst vapor are constantly generated from a carbon pellet and a nickel-cobalt pellet under radiation of YAG laser beams so that the single-wall carbon nanotubes are constant in diameter.

Abstract: The present process proceeds from an aqueous reaction solution containing a chlorite and a halogen-free oxidizing agent which is present in an excess of up to double the required stoichiometric amount. The pH of the reaction solution is set at between 5.5 and 9.5, preferably between 6 and 9, and the reaction solution is reacted at ambient temperature until almost all the chlorite has been converted into chlorine dioxide. In this way a chlorine dioxide-containing solution is obtained which is free not only from residual chlorite but also from chlorate and other undesirable by-products and can be used directly as such in water treatment. Preferably an aqueous chlorite solution with a pH or more than 9.5 and an aqueous solution of the oxidizing agent are mixed with one another in order to produce the reaction solution, the pH of the aqueous mixture being adjusted by means of a proton donor present in the oxidizing agent solution.

Abstract: Microporous and mesoporous metal silicates are prepared by the hydrothermal reaction of a silicon and metal source in the presence of a template. The choice of raw materials influences the purity and hence the catalytic activity of the products. A pyrogenic mixed oxide is used as the silicon and metal source. Prepared products have the composition (SiO2)1−x(AmOn)x, where A is Ti, Al, B, V or Zr and x is 0.005 to 0.1. Shaped objects of the microporous and mesoporous metal silicates are obtained directly by using a shaped object of the pyrogenic mixed oxide. The products obtained are used as oxidation catalysts.

Abstract: One can impart outstanding resistance against collapse under pressure to gas-filled microvesicle used as contrast agents in ultrasonic echography by using as fillers gases whose solubility in water, expressed in liter of gas by liter of water under standard conditions, divided by the square root of the molecular weight does not exceed 0.003.

Abstract: A naproxen once-a-day matrix tablet is described which is based on a compressed mixture of a controlled release component of said tablet that contains:

Abstract: This invention relates to novel sunscreen compositions containing inorganic sunscreen agents, anionic emulsifiers and an oil component which permit the use of high amounts of inorganic sunscreen agents in the compositions without having extreme whitening effects and achieving high sun protection factors.

Abstract: A hair removal composition includes bees wax, rosin and an inhibiting salt for inhibiting the irritating agents present primarily as impurities in bees wax and rosin. The composition is heated, applied to the skin and allowed to solidify, embedding hair follicles therein. After solidification, the composition is peeled off the skin with little discomfort and no substantial irritation.

Abstract: The use of recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) virions for delivery of DNA molecules to muscle cells and tissue is disclosed. The invention allows for the direct, in vivo injection of recombinant AAV virions into muscle tissue, e.g., by intramuscular injection, as well as for the in vitro transduction of muscle cells which can subsequently be introduced into a subject for treatment. The invention provides for sustained, high-level expression of the delivered gene and for in vivo secretion of the therapeutic protein from transduced muscle cells such that systemic delivery is achieved.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a novel method of correction of behavioral and/or psychological deficits made possible by the intracerebral transplantation of pluripotent neuroepithelial cells. Cells, cell lines, pharmaceutical preparations, medicaments, methods for the production and maintenance of the cell lines for use in the method of the invention are encompassed by the invention.

Abstract: There is provided a synovial cell growth inhibitor, or a pharmaceutical composition for treatment of chronic rheumatoid arthritis based on the synovial cell growth inhibitor.

Abstract: A microcrystalline cellulose-based excipient having improved compressibility, whether utilized in direct compression, dry granulation or wet granulation formulations, is disclosed. The excipient is an agglomerate of microcrystalline cellulose particles and from about 0.1% to about 20% silicon dioxide particles, by weight of the microcrystalline cellulose, wherein the microcrystalline cellulose and silicon dioxide are in intimate association with each other. The silicon dioxide utilized in the novel excipient has a particle size from about 1 nanometer to about 100 microns. Most preferably, the silicon dioxide is a grade of colloidal silicon dioxide.

Abstract: A composition for the maintenance of youthful, glowing, radiant, and hydrated skin, including a sufficient amounts of acids of hydroxacid, to facilitate exfoliation of skin in a novel moist manner, without substantial irritation, as well as the prevention, treatment and management of skin conditions, such as acne, wrinkled, irregularly pigmented, photoaged, and thickened layers of the epidermis, and the like, which has as major constituents, safflower oil, flaxseed oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, organic beeswax, stearic acid, cetearyl alcohol, a skin exfoliating agent, cocoa butter, vitamin A, tocopheral linoleate, borax, oil of lavender, and tincture of benzoin as an antimicrobial agent to inhibit or reduce microorganisms on the skin.

Abstract: A composition for the maintenance of smooth, radiant, hydrated skin, including sufficient amounts of acids of hydroxyacid, to facilitate exfoliation of skin in a novel manner, without substantial irritation, as well as the prevention, treatment and management of skin conditions, such as acne, wrinkled, irregularly pigmented, photoaged, and thickened layers of the epidermis, and the like, which has as its constituents, safflower oil, flaxseed oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, organic beeswax, stearic acid, cetearyl alcohol, cocoa butter, vitamin A and tocopheral linoleate, borax, oil of lavender, and tincture of benzoin as an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A creamy composition in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion comprising an oily phase dispersed in an aqueous phase, characterized in that it contains at least one anionic emulsifier which is liquid at room temperature, and at least 5% by weight of one or more waxes relative to the total weight of the composition, and in that the oily phase is in the form of a soft paste at room temperature. The anionic emulsifier is preferably a surfactant containing a phosphate group, such as octyldecyl phosphate.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical lozenge for the modified release of active compounds in the gastrointestinal tract is described, with active-compound-containing particles which have a first coating controlling the release and a further, outer coating with saliva-resistant properties. The first coating, which controls the release of active compound, can have release-delaying or enteric properties.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are collagen films which rapidly dissolve at 35° C. Also disclosed are methods for the preparation of the collagen films and their use as a vehicle for delivering a dose of therapeutic compound to a specific tissue site.

Abstract: The briquet forming apparatus of the present invention is basically comprised of a pair of opposed and generally cylindrical forming roll assemblies that each have their co-operating exterior surfaces configured in a novel manner. In a preferred embodiment of the invention each forming roll assembly has multiple, axially spaced-apart, annularly continuous grooves, each groove having a generally semi-circular groove cross-section, and also multiple, axially spaced-apart, annularly continues grooves, each groove having a generally semi-circular groove cross-section, and also multiple, axially spaced-apart annular rows of forming teeth, each forming tooth being the cusp of intersecting arcuate surfaces which are essentially concave and semi-circular in directions along the forming roll circumference and essentially convex and semicircular in directions along the forming roll longitudinal axis, that are alternated with the annular grooves throughout the axial extent of each roll assembly.

Abstract: A food preparation system is disclosed comprising a food products container, a pump, and an extrusion horn that allows food products to be shaped to a uniform cross-section and deposited onto a moving surface for further processing. The pump provides a regulated, continuous flow of food products to the extrusion horn and may be a centrifugal pump with sine-wave shaped impellers. The extrusion horn has an opening which is preferably oblong-shaped, with an average width much greater than its average height. The food products are pumped through enclosed conduits, continuously extruded through the extrusion horn with a uniform thickness and width, and then directly deposited onto the moving surface for further processing, such as heating, freezing, breading, or the like.

Abstract: A pipe molding die of the present invention is capable of rectifying a flow of a molten resin by a resin reservoir and uniformizing the flow of the resin extruded from the die in whichever position in a peripheral direction on a flow path within the die. Consequently, ununiformity in wall thickness of the resin pipe to be molded can be eliminated. The pipe molding die comprises a throttle part as one of components thereof, which includes a core, a shell part fitted to the core and a resin reservoir as a portion of a flow path which is formed between the core and the shell part. A molten resin as a pipe raw material flows through the flow path. The resin reservoir is provided in at least one of the core and the shell part, and takes a ring-like shape circumscribing a central axis of the pipe molding die with the central axis centered. The resin reservoir assumes a recessed shape in cross-section.

Abstract: Proces for the preparation of malted cereals, wherein the steeping step includes one or more wetting stages at a temperature and 30° C. preferably between 10 and 20° C., until the material has a moisture content between 20 and 60% by weight, preferably between 38 and 47%, wherein aftr a germination period between 2 and 7 days, preferably between 3 to 6 days at a temperature between 10 and 30° C., preferably between 14 and 18° C., the steeped and germinated cereals are preferably kilned by increasing the temperature to values between 40 and 150° C. until the material has a moisture content between 2 and 15% by weight, and wherein one or more microbial cultures selected from the group consisting of one or more bacteria and/or one of more activated spores are added in one or more times during the process.

Abstract: A microwavable food packaging system includes a tray formed from a base and a sidewall extending from the base which sidewall terminates in a free edge. The base and sidewall define an interior cavity. The free edge defines a tray opening. The base has a raised button extending into the cavity. A sleeve surrounds the tray. The sleeve includes a front panel having a display surface and is disposed adjacent to the tray opening and a rear panel disposed adjacent to the base. The sleeve adjacent to the base extends outwardly to form a leg upon which the sleeve and tray can be upstandingly placed. The tray is adapted to receive food pouches within the cavity. The raised button stabilizes the center of gravity of the food packaging system when the food packaging system is placed in an upstanding position on the leg. Advantageously, at least one food pouch disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A decorative food formed of a plurality of kinds of fluid food materials and manufactured by using a mold is provided. The decorative food has an outside shape thereof conforming to an interior surface of the mold inclusive of an opening of said mold. The decorative food has a colored pattern divided into multiple divisions extending up to a central portion of the decorative food, in a direction to extrude the food materials into the mold, the colored pattern being formed such that the multiple divisions are arranged with substantially the same ratio at any of a cross sectional area intersecting the direction to extrude the food materials, and wherein the decorative food contains therein a foodstuff. Also disclosed are an apparatus and method for manufacturing the decorative food.

Abstract: A method of treating beverage which comprises contacting the beverage with polyvinyl polypyrrolidone and subsequently centrifuging the beverage to remove the polyvinyl polypyrrolidone.

Abstract: A composition for gelatin replacement is disclosed. The composition comprises wheat fiber gel and starch. The wheat fiber gel may be Vitacel™ and the starch is a modified starch, preferably modified waxy maize starch or modified tapioca starch. The composition is used for gelatin replacement in dairy products, fermented milk products, fat spreads and margarine.

Abstract: A method is used to form an intermetal dielectric layer. According to the invention, an unbiased-unclamped fluorinated silicate glass layer used as a protection layer is formed by high density plasma chemical vapor deposition on a biased-clamped fluorinated silicate glass layer formed by high density plasma chemical vapor deposition to prevent the biased-clamped fluorinated silicate glass layer from being exposed in a planarization process.