Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting the wall thickness of non-round containers includes capacitive sensors which cooperate with oscillator means to provide voltage signals corresponding to container wall thickness to electronic processors which convert the voltage signals to corresponding thickness values and compare them with the desired thickness values. The apparatus subjects the containers to translational movement through the inspection zone while resisting rotational movement. The sensors have at least one sensor element having capacitive sensor portions that are not in the same plane as other capacitive sensor elements or a single sensor element having portions in more than one plane. The sensor elements may be individual sensor elements which are each adapted to inspect different portions of a container or may, in another embodiment, be a single sensor element. The sensors are adapted to be movably mounted so as to maintain efficient contact with non-round containers during inspection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a tamper evident informational article such as a temporary vehicle registration which may be made of paper or paperboard. The informational article has a zone for inserting information and a pattern within said zone which will resist effective counterfeiting. A transparent tape which preferably has a silicone resin coating which contains a wax is adhesively secured over information contained within the zone. In other embodiments, an alteration resistant article contains variable data and includes an outer film having an upper surface and a lower surface with an adhesive secured to the lower surface. A hologram for receiving at least a portion of the variable data on the upper surface is secured to the outer film lower surface and, in one embodiment, the hologram has portions which have release properties and portions which have greater adhesive bonding properties than the release containing portions.

Abstract: A method of creating a unique deacetylated, depolymerized chitosan which may be employed to provide a time release chitosan-drug complex. The chitosan is deacetylated at least 60 percent and preferably at least 70 percent. It is preferred to employ a chitosan having a molecular weight of about 3.5 kDa to 250 kDa and preferably about 3.5 kDa to 75 kDa. The complex may be employed in various delivery systems including tablets, films, matrix supported drug delivery units or as coatings or films on implants. A method of making a drug delivering implant includes providing an implant, creating a complex of a depolymerized chitosan and a drug and establishing a layer of a chitosan drug complex on at least a portion of said implant. The chitosan-drug complex is preferably created through ionic bonding and may be a coating or a film self-adhered to a portion of an exterior surface of the implant. It is also preferred to deacetylate the chitosan prior to depolymerization.

Abstract: Novel sensor devices composed of a crystalline colloidal array (CCA) polymerized in a hydrogel are disclosed. The hydrogels are characterized as being capable of shrinking and swelling in response to specific stimuli applied thereto. As the hydrogels shrink or swell, the lattice structure of the CCA embedded therein changes, thereby changing the wavelength of light diffracted by the CCA. Thus by monitoring the change in diffracted wavelength, the concentration of a stimulus is determined. The gels can be modified to sense numerous different stimuli. The sensor devices are specific in that they are modified to react with only one species or family of species. These sensors have various applications in areas including, for example, environmental and chemical systems, chemomechanical systems, sensor devices and medical diagnostic tools. Various methods for making and using these devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computerized data processing system includes an external data interface for communicating with nonuser outside sources of investment data and processing such data and delivering such data to a server which processes and stores such investment data in a central databank. Users may access the data stored in the central database which is supported by the server through an external user interface. The receiving, processing, creating and disseminating of data is a shared responsibility which is divided between the external user interface and the server. Multiple users may access the server simultaneously. The preferred embodiments employ a relational database, dynamically linked libraries, and multiple compliance capabilities. The system is particularly suited for use with mutual fund portfolio management and transactional information.

Abstract: A method of making anisotropic carbon foam material includes de-ashing and hydrogenating bituminous coal, separating asphaltenes from oils contained in the coke precursor, coking the material to create a carbon foam. In one embodiment of the invention, the carbon foam is subsequently graphitized. The pores within the foam material are preferably generally of equal size. The pore size and carbon foam material density may be controlled by (a) altering the percentage volatiles contained within the asphaltenes to be coked, (b) mixing the asphaltenes with different coking precursors which are isotropic in nature, or (c) modifying the pressure under which coking is effected. In another embodiment of the invention, solvent separation is employed on raw bituminous coal and an isotropic carbon foam is provided. A related carbon foam product is disclosed. The carbon foam materials of the present invention are characterized by having high compressive strength as compared with prior known carbon foam materials.

Abstract: A computer assisted method for conducting library research from a first location which is remote from the printed work storage location includes identifying at the first location a book to be viewed and delivering the request through computers and telecommunications apparatus to the book storage location followed by delivering the book to a book viewing station and remotely reviewing digital images of at least portions of the book created by a digital imaging system. The computer is programmed to permit a user at the first location to adjust the digital imaging system at the second location and to identify pages of the book to be viewed. Robots may be employed to deliver the book to the book viewing station from the book storage area and to return the book from the book viewing station to the book storage area. Hard copies of the digital image of one or more pages of the book may be made at the first location.

Abstract: A method of microwave assisted chemical reaction includes providing a microwavable reaction vessel which contains at least one material in a sample. The sample is heated by microwave energy to elevate the temperature of the reagent and at least partially volatilize the sample to establish a gas phase within the vessel followed by positive cooling of the gas phase to reduce the temperature and responsively reduce the pressure of the gas phase without effecting substantial cooling of the liquid phase. The method may involve employing cooling exteriorly of and adjacent to the gas phase containing portion of the vessel or cooling by means of a coolant flowing within coils disposed in the interior of the vessel or both. The process is preferably a continuous process. The apparatus may be a vessel transparent to microwave energy for receiving the sample. The vessel has space overlying the liquid phase containing portion for a gas phase.

Abstract: Strip guiding apparatus includes a roll rotatable about its longitudinal axis over which strip will travel while under tension. Sensing apparatus determines the lateral position of the strip with respect to the desired position and emits signals to control apparatus which will effect responsive rotation of support apparatus in order to effect rotation of the roll about a second axis which is spaced from and oriented generally perpendicular to the roll longitudinal axis responsive to lateral movement of the strip in relation to the desired position. Drive apparatus effects rotation of the support apparatus responsive to receipt of signals from the control apparatus in order to move the strip toward the desired position. Apparatus is also provided for measuring strip tension and emitting signals to tension controlling apparatus to adjust tension where it is not within a desired range.

Abstract: The portable and modular cardiopulmonary bypass apparatus has met the above mentioned needs. The apparatus consists of (i) a first cannula assembly means for withdrawing blood from a patient, (ii) a pump means connected to the first cannula assembly means for receiving the withdrawn blood and for moving the blood through the apparatus, and (iii) a first tubing means connected to the pump means to transport the patient's blood away from the pump means. The apparatus further comprises (iv) oxygenator means for receiving blood from the first tubing means and for oxygenating the blood and (v) second cannula assembly means connected to the oxygenator means for returning the oxygenated blood to the patient. The apparatus is portable so that it can be used by medical personnel anywhere. In addition, the apparatus is adapted to include one or more modules for conditioning the blood, such as modules that include a heat exchanger, blood purifier, plasma and blood cell apheresis device and others.

Abstract: Sulfatase inhibitor compounds having the formula: ##STR1## wherein X, Y, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are as defined in the specification. The compounds are useful in the treatment of estrogen dependent illnesses. Methods for synthesizing these compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention discloses compounds, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, useful in therapeutically and/or prophylactically treating patients with an illness. Such illnesses include cancer, and secondary infections caused by Pneumocystis carinii and Toxoplasmosis gondii in immunocompromised patients. The compounds themselves, methods of making these compounds, and methods of using these compounds are all disclosed.

Abstract: An oarlock for a rowing shell has an elongated housing with a screw member secured therewithin for rotational movement, but not axial movement therewithin. At least one guide member is secured within an elongated slot member and is threadedly secured to the screw member, such that rotation of the screw will cause responsive movement of the guide member or members within the slot or slots. By rotatably securing the oarlock either below a sole guide member or between the guide members around the exterior of the housing, rotation of the screw will effect translational movement of the oarlock pin to facilitate desired adjustment thereof. A manually rotatable adjustment element permits rotation of the screw while the rowing shell is in the water to thereby permit adjustment to the rowing conditions, such as the weight and size of the rower and water conditions. A rigging has struts securing the rigger to the rowing shell and the oarlock rotatably secured to the oarlock pin of the present invention.

Abstract: A device for distributing a deodorising, fragrancing insecticidal or the like product is arranged to be activated by opening and closing a room door. In one embodiment, the device comprises a spring plastics bracket 10 clipped to the bottom of a door and carrying spring clips 16 supporting for rotation a hollow plastics roller 20 containing a solid deodorant, fragrancing compound or insecticide, and having apertures in its wall to allow vaporised deodorant or the like to escape. The dispersal of the deodorant, fragrance or the like is promoted every time the door is opened and closed and so the rate of use of the deodorant, fragrancer or insecticide is appropriately related to room use.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compounds, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, having the following formula (5): ##STR1## wherein X and Y are the same or different and are either OH or NH.sub.2 ; wherein A is either nitrogen, CH or sulfur, and B equals CH when A is sulfur, CH or nitrogen, or B equals nitrogen when A equals CH, or B equals sulfur when A equals CH; wherein R.sub.3 is hydrogen; wherein R.sub.4 is either hydrogen or a lower alkyl group, and is zero when A is sulfur; wherein R.sub.1 is either hydrogen, a nitroso group, a formyl group, or a lower alkyl group, and is zero when B is sulfur; and wherein R.sub.2 is a lower alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, diaryl, triaryl, alkylaryl, alkyldiaryl, or alkyltriaryl group, or an alicyclic hydrocarbon group. Substituents on the R.sub.2 groups can include a lower alkyl group, an alkoxy, a substituted alkoxyaryloxy group and a halogen.

Abstract: This invention discloses compounds useful as steroid sulfatase inhibitors. The compounds comprise the formula (1) ##STR1## wherein (a) R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a lower alkyl group, an alkoxy group, halogen, NH.sub.2, NO.sub.2, C.tbd.N and N.dbd.C.dbd.S; and (b) the ring system ABCD is a steroid nucleus selected from the group consisting of estrone, dehydroepiandrosterone, estradiols, estradiolesters, pregnenolone, substituted estrones, substituted dehydroepiandrosterones, substituted estradiols, substituted estradiolesters and substituted pregnenolone. The compounds also comprise the formula (5) ##STR2## wherein (a) R.sub.1 is hydrogen and R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of SO.sub.2 CF.sub.3, SO.sub.2 NH.sub.2, SO.sub.2 (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl), COCF.sub.3, CONH.sub.2, CO(C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and associated methods for testing containers to determine if the containers have the desired fill point volume. In a preferred embodiment, the test container will be provided with fluid to the desired fill line and the volume of air in the container will be measured preferably by a differential pressure sensor in conjunction with a microprocessor with the corresponding volume of air in a reference container. The system provides suitable apparatus and an associated method for the supply of a fluid, which may be water, to the fill line in the container and the use of the distance between the fill line and container base or the distance between the fill line and the container mouth, or the percentage headspace in ascertaining the desired volume.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting containers has a support arm for supporting and transporting the containers. The support arm has a pair of movable arms defining a gap and having a recess for engaging the exterior of the finish or neck of the containers. A light source directs lights onto the movable arms and a detector receives light passing through the gap between the movable arms. The detector emits a responsive electrical signal to a processor which determines whether the container has a bulge and whether it is a reject. The movable arms are so structured and positioned as to enlarge the gap when a bulge is present on the exterior of the finish or neck of the container. One or more support arms are preferably disposed within a container forming machine which forms blow molded resinous plastic containers. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method for the fluorination of a diamond surfaces comprises condensing a layer of perfluorinated alkyl iodides consisting of C.sub.n F.sub.2n+1 I (where n is a positive integer from 1 to 13) on the diamond surface, producing perfluorinated alkyl free radicals by photodecomposing C--I bonds of said perfluorinated alkyl iodides on the diamond surface, reacting the diamond surface with photochemically produced perfluorinated alkyl radicals thereby anchoring photochemically induced photofragments of the perfluorinated alkyl iodides to the diamond surface forming a perfluorinated alkyl layer, and decomposing the perfluorinated alkyl layer on the diamond surface to cause the fluorination of the diamond surface by atomic F. The method achieves greater than one fluorine atom per surface carbon atom chemisorbed on the diamond using C.sub.4 F.sub.9 I. A fluorinated diamond made by the above method is also disclosed wherein a fluorinating perfluoroalkyl iodide, C.sub.n F.sub.