Abstract: A carrier bead is disclosed having a core and at least an outer coating of polytetrafluoroethylene or fluorinated ethylene propylene. Use of these fluoropolymers as carrier coatings results in extremely long carrier life and overcomes problems that have heretofore plagued the commercialization of a magnetic brush development system for a plain paper electrostatic copying apparatus.

Abstract: A time division digital switching network comprises first multiplexing means in which first-order digital data channels transmitting words which have a format selected amongst two formats and a first rate selected amongst a plurality of rates different from, but multiple of, one another undergo a first multiplexing converting them into a second-order digital data channel having a second predetermined rate. Each given second-order channel may comprise either a plurality of first order channels of one and the same rate or a combination of first-order channels having different rates. Thereafter there are provided second multiplexing means in which the second-order digital channels undergo a second multiplexing converting them into a third-order digital data channel having a third predetermined rate.

Abstract: Telephone set arrangement designed to be used as a computer terminal. It has a first call generator transmitting call pulse trains and a second call generator transmitting call multifrequency signals. During the call, the two kinds of call signals are transmitted simultaneously. After completion of the call, the supply current is reversed as usual. The current reversal is detected and the pulse train generator is then blocked. Any transmission of signals after completion of the call is then made only in the form of multifrequency signals.

Abstract: In the field of digital data multiplexing systems, the master rates assigned to the different channels are defined by the national Telecommunications Authorities. It may and actually does happen that the master rates differ in different countries. A direct bit per bit multiplexing system from a first low master rate to a second high master rate is proposed which allows demultiplexing the high-rate digital signal into intermediate-rate signals. The number of the synchro and stuffing bits in the high-rate signal and intermediate-rate signals being known, only the low-rate signals are stuffed in dependence upon the difference between their own timing and the local timing at the multiplexing station.

Abstract: A time division digital switching network comprises first multiplexing means in which first-order digital data channels transmitting words consisting of a given number of bits and having first rates which are different from, but multiple of, one another undergo a first multiplexing converting them into a second-order digital data channel having a second predetermined rate. Each given second-order channel comprises a combination of first-order channels having different rates r.sub.1. In each combination, there are x.sub.i words at the rate x.sub.i and the quantity .SIGMA.r.sub.i x.sub.i defines a multiframe. Thereafter there are provided second multiplexing means in which the second-order digital channels undergo a second multiplexing converting them into a third-order digital data channel having a third predetermined rate.

Abstract: A wide relative frequency band and reduced size-to-wavelength ratio antenna comprising essentially a first part in the form of a conductor ring and a second part in the form of a skirt respectively connected to the central and outer conductors of a coaxial feeder. The first part has a conductive path in the form of a circumference and one of its diameters; the central conductor of the feeder is connected to the mid-point of the said diameter. The second part is in the form of a skirt and has a conductive path formed by a circular ring connected to one of the ends of each one of a plurality of conducting strands having the form of broken lines inscribed in isosceles trapezoid forming an assembly defining the faces of a frusto-pyramid, while an annular and conical end member is connected to the feeder outer conductor and is in contact with the other ends of the strands.

Abstract: A time division digital transmission system in which data are transmitted in the form of pulses grouped in multiplex words in time slots forming a recurrent frame. The invention relates more particularly to facilities in transmission line station for sampling from or introducing into the frame data words occupying certain time intervals in the frame. Each station comprises at least a multiplexer, a demultiplexer and a reception time base for restoring from the incoming frames and their framing words the time intervals and addresses of the said incoming frames, so that the component channels can be multiplexed and demultiplexed. Each station further comprises a local time base capable of producing local frames having framing words and the rhythm of which is controlled by the incoming signals, but which is able to oscillate freely in the absence of such signals.

Abstract: A panel bed fitted for puffback cleaning is arranged so that gas entry faces of the granular material in the panel bed can be wetted by a liquid. Efficiency of treatment of a gas for removal of particulate matter by filtration is improved, especially for fine particulate matter at low loading in the gas, and advantageously with use of relatively coarse granular filtration medium. The liquid may be vaporized by the gas, leaving solid dissolved or suspended in the liquid to accrete upon the granular material of the bed. The panel bed is useful for removing sulfur dioxide from combustion products by absorption by a liquid absorbent, such as a suspension of slaked lime particles in water.

Abstract: Processor for use between an earpiece of a keyboard telephone set serving to interrogate a computer by means of multi-frequency code interrogation signals and to receive from said computer digital serial answer words beginning with a start signal and frequency modulating an answer carrier, and a television set for displaying alpha-numeric characters corresponding to these digital answer words. The conventional telephone sets include means for inhibiting the answer signals from being applied to the earpiece when a key of the keyboard is depressed. Also when a key of the telephone set is depressed on overvoltage is produced across the earpiece terminals which would give rise to false start signals if no precaution was taken.

Abstract: A novel articulating apparatus, a novel bite registration guide, and a new procedure for diagnosis and study are used for the mounting preparation and arrangement of my stereodont Orthodontic Study Model of U.S. Pat. No. 3,787,979, granted on Jan. 29, 1973. In the form of my guide and my new articulator and my Orthodontic Study Model, there is reproduced very accurately the orthodontic parameters of the patient's dentition. The Orthodontist with this new articulator, bite registration guide, and my study model has a new and powerful tool which he can utilize in diagnosis and in treatment planning to shorten the treatment time and have better control of the desired tooth measurements.

Abstract: A method for the quantitative determination of renin activity in blood utilizing the measurement of Angiotensin I by treating the blood with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and the plasma with phenylmethyl sulfonylfluoride (PMSF) at a preferred pH to ascertain the full range of concentration where PMSF is effective for accurate and quick determination.Also, a method for the quantitative determination of renin activity in blood utilizing the measurement of Angiotensin I by incubating the samples after antibody addition at room temperature (23.degree. to 30.degree. C) for 1 to 2 hours and separating the free from the antibody bound species with polyethylene glycol after having treated the blood with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and the plasma with phenylmethyl sulfonylfluoride (PMSF) at a preferred pH.

Abstract: There is provided an improved panel bed of granular material useful for chemically or physically treating a gas and a granular material in a countercurrent contact. The contacting equipment is unusually compact and affords an unusually low pressure drop in the gas. Free surfaces of the granular material for entry of gas are supported cooperatively by "louvers" each having a gently curved upper surface, the outer edge of which supports the outer edge of a given free surface. The gently curved upper surface of the louver inclines from its outer edge first downward and toward the granular material bed and then upward toward an inner edge relatively deep within the granular material bed. The inner edge of a supporting surface is either above the inner edge of the superjacent free surface of granular material or, if below, a line drawn through these edges is inclined at an angle of less than about 45.degree. to the horizontal.

Abstract: A shelf storage system comprises a plurality of shelves on which are supported a plurality of mobile storage and transport units. Each unit comprises a first part consisting of a four sided frame in which rollers are housed with their axes of rotation above the frame and a second part which is adapted for carrying the goods to be stored and is detachably supported on the first part. The second part may be any one of a large variety of forms chosen in dependence upon the goods which are to be stored therein.

Abstract: Methods are provided for countercurrent heat exchange between gas and a solid granular material arranged in an improved panel bed. The methods afford outstandingly low pressure drop in the gas, and especially short residence times of gas in the panel bed during its heating or cooling. The methods are useful at extreme temperatures, such as temperatures beyond 2000.degree.F. They are useful for heating air for process use against products of combustion of a fuel; for heating air for combustion of low-grade fuels and wastes of low heating value against their products of combustion; for heating a feed gas to a process against a gaseous or vapor effluent therefrom; and for removing particulate matter from the gas being heated or cooled, as, for instance, when the gas is an effluent from a fluidized bed of particulate solids.

Abstract: Active filter cells comprising dipoles formed by means of capacitors and resistors having a pair of input terminals and a pair of output terminals, with, in each pair, a grounded first terminal and a non-grounded second terminal. They comprise two elementary networks each of which including: an operational amplifier having first and second inputs, the first of which is connected to a reference potential, and an output; a first dipole connected between said second input terminal of the cell and said second input of said amplifier; a second dipole connected between said second input and said output of said amplifier; and a third dipole connecting said output of said amplifier to said second output terminal of the cell. At least one of said networks contains a fourth dipole connected by one of its terminals to said second input of one of said amplifiers and by its other terminal to said second output terminal of the cell.

Abstract: An installation for loading a road vehicle, such as a lorry or a truck with goods stacked on loading units or pallets for delivery at a warehouse exit down an inclined rail track comprising a loading platform on a ramp at the end of a track arranged to receive loading units on more than one track and a conveying means to convey clusters of the loading units into the road vehicle.

Abstract: A self cleaning rotary lawn mower blade and deck assembly in which the lawn mower blade is provided with metal pins symmetrically mounted on opposite sides of the opening for the center shaft, the tops of the pins being spaced from the deck by a critical distance of one-fourth of an inch + or - 1/32 of an inch and being spaced from each other on from 2 to 4 inch centers, so that a 5 inch blade need only have four pins total, half on one side and half on the other side. The mounting of the pin is such that the pin shank whips through an angle of about 30.degree., e.g., about 15.degree. each side of the normal vertical position and this whipping action which takes place during rotation of the blade removes debris, clippings, and the like which tend to adhere to the underside of the deck.

Abstract: Fluorescent material for the optical frequency conversion of near infrared radiation from 0.85 to 1.06 .mu.m into visible radiation. The constituents of the material are (i) vitrifying fluorides of lead, beryllium and magnesium, (ii) devitrifying and activating fluoride of ytterbium and (iii) doping fluoride of erbium for a green and red response and doping fluoride of thulium for a blue response. The content of ytterbium fluoride controls the form of the material, either glassy ceramic or polycristalline. Proper preparation conditions allow to prepare either a glass material or a ceramic material.

Abstract: A panel bed fitted for puffback cleaning is provided with an arrangement for supplying a precoat surface layer deposit of a fine catalytic particulate medium, significantly finer in size than the granular material charged to the panel bed, at each gas entry surface of the panel. The modified panel bed is advantageous for converting sulfur dioxide and oxygen present in combustion products of a fuel containing sulfur to sulfur trioxide, which may then advantageously be absorbed by limestone particles charged to the panel bed. Particles at least partially converted to calcium sulfate would be removed from the panel bed periodically by puffback for their disposal. Sulfur dioxide may also be converted to elemental sulfur by catalytic reactions and adsorbed on activated carbon in the panel bed.

Abstract: Granulated coals or cokes derived from coal, in sizes up to about 3/4 inch and containing ash matter with an initial deformation temperature above about 2,300.degree.F, are fed to a slow fluidized bed comprising relatively large particles of coke intermingled with roughly spherical ash agglomerates, maintained at about 2,050.degree.F to 2,650.degree.F, and supplied with a gasification medium, for example, steam mixed with oxygen or air. A fast fluidized bed of coke fines is superposed above the slow bed and is contiguous therewith. Gasification products are discharged together with relatively fine particles of coke, which are collected and returned to the fast bed. Ash agglomerates are withdrawn from the bottom of the slow bed via a standpipe leading to a mechanical grate. An oxidizing medium is introduced below the grate to consume coke particles that accompany the ash agglomerates entering the standpipe.