Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of forming a ceiling. The method comprises the steps of setting a tool for a desired length of crimp of a tee or main by adjusting a plate in a slot of the tool, Next there is the step of cutting the tee or main to a desired length. Then there is the step of inserting an end of tee or main into a slot in the tool to a desired length. Next there is the step of crimping tee or main about 90.degree. with the tool without removing any length from the tee or main. Then there is the step of removing the tool from the tee or main. The present invention also pertains to a tool to crimp a tee or main. The tool comprises a housing having an end, with a first slot disposed in the end. Additionally, the tool comprises a plate disposed in the first slot of the housing. The plate is adjustable in regard to position in the first slot so the tee or main can be inserted into the first slot a desired distance defined by where the plate is disposed in the first slot.

Abstract: A method of automatically testing the sensitivity of a paraffinophilic microorganism to different antimicrobial agents and concentrations thereof includes a plurality of receptacles each containing an amount of liquid medium, an antimicrobial agent to be tested and the microorganism to be tested. A paraffin containing slide is placed in each receptacle after which incubation is effected. A light scatter sensor is employed to automatically and sequentially monitor the extent of microorganism growth on the slides and the growth on each slide is employed to determine which antimicrobial agent and which concentration is effective to resist growth of the paraffinophilic microorganism. The slides are moved sequentially in operative relationship with the light scatter sensor while resisting rotational movement of the slides. Positive and negative control slides are preferably employed as is a computer in receiving and processing the results of the slide testing. Related apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A torsional rheometer apparatus for determining rheological properties of a specimen is provided. A stationary plate and a rotatable plate are in generally coaxial position and structured to receive a specimen therebetween. In one embodiment, at least one of the plates and preferably both have roughened specimen engaging surfaces to serve to reduce undesired slippage between the plate and the specimen. A motor is provided to rotate the rotatable plate and a transducer for monitoring forces applied to the stationary plate and generating output signals to a computer which determines the desired rheological properties are provided. In one embodiment, the roughened surfaces consist of projections extending toward the specimen. Where granular material is being evaluated, it is preferred that the roughness of the plate is generally equal to the average size of the granular material being processed. In another embodiment, an air-solid mixture is processed and the roughened portions are pore openings in the plates.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying treatment gas, such as for cooling, heating, wiping or drying is provided by a gas handling unit which has a body portion for receipt and discharge of the gas and a plurality of elongated nozzles which may be (a) rigid nozzles, or (b) flexible nozzles which assume a substantially rigid projecting position when gas is flowing through the nozzle and a collapsed retracted or partially collapsed position when gas is not flowing. The unit may discharge gas in more than one direction. Certain preferred arrangements of nozzles are provided. The nozzles preferably have an inlet portion which is of greater cross-sectional area than the outlet portion and may have an inlet portion which is generally cylindrical cooperating with a generally conical outer discharge portion. In a preferred embodiment, the gas treatment apparatus may be employed in cooling metal coils. An associated method is provided.

Abstract: A torsional rheometer apparatus for determining rheological properties of a specimen is provided. A stationary plate and a rotatable plate are in generally coaxial position and structured to receive a specimen therebetween. In one embodiment, at least one of the plates and preferably both have roughened specimen engaging surfaces to serve to reduce undesired slippage between the plate and the specimen. A motor is provided to rotate the rotatable plate and a transducer for monitoring forces applied to the stationary plate and generating output signals to a computer which determines the desired rheological properties are provided. In one embodiment, the roughened surfaces consist of projections extending toward the specimen. Where granular material is being evaluated, it is preferred that the roughness of the plate is generally equal to the average size of the granular material being processed. In another embodiment, an air-solid mixture is processed and the roughened portions are pore openings in the plates.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting non-round annular containers includes elongated capacitive sensors, cooperating oscillators, which convert the sensor signal to a voltage corresponding thereto, and an electronic processor which receives the voltage and determines thickness. A displaceable electromechanical member is operatively associated with the sensor and emits an electrical signal corresponding to the degree of displacement of the sensor by a container being inspected. The electronic processor corrects the thickness determination by an adjustment of container diameter at the specific location where thickness is being monitored in order to compensate for container diameter variations due to the non-round characteristic of the container. In a preferred embodiment, linkage members secured to the rear of the sensor at a plurality of locations cooperate with a single displaceable element which converts the mechanical displacement of the sensor into a corresponding electrical signal.

Abstract: A mailbox assembly and associated methods are disclosed whereby a mailbox housing and a mailbox door are assembled as a unit and the remaining auxiliary components, such as the flag bracket, the latch members, the latch clips, and a push-pin for securing a flag in the flag bracket and to the mailbox housing are unitarily molded and integrally formed on a runner member for ease in manufacturing, and in packaging with the flag and the assembled housing and door unit. The runner member may also have integrally formed and unitarily molded pins located at strategic locations for wedging a flag therebetween to resist damage such as scratching and/or bending, to the flag during shipping and handling of the mailbox assembly. The several auxiliary components with the runner member may be manufactured of a plastic material through an injection molding process. Methods for assembling the mailbox with the auxiliary components and for packaging the mailbox assembly with the flag are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of synthesizing a Group III-V compound semi-conducting film from a Group III metal alkyl and Group V hydride wherein the method comprises providing a vacuum chamber in which the synthesis takes place, adsorbing at least one monolayer of said Group III metal alkyl on an inert surface, backfilling the chamber with a Group V hydride, adsorbing the Group V hydride on the inert surface, providing atomic hydrogen atoms from electron-induced dissociation of Group V hydride adsorbed on the surface, inducing an electron-induced depletion of carbon at a rate which is dependent on the pressure of the Groups V hydride, retaining substantially all Group III metal on the surface and providing a thermally stable Group III-V compound semi-conducting film on the inert SiO.sub.2 surface. Methods for synthesizing a multilayer Group III-V semi-conducting film and specifically a GaN film are also disclosed, along with the apparatus for the synthesis of Group III-V compound semi-conducting films.

Abstract: Container handling apparatus includes container speed adjusting apparatus which cooperates with drive apparatus to sequentially deliver a plurality of containers into contact with the container speed adjusting apparatus. The container speed adjusting apparatus has one or more resiliently compressible components which facilitate alteration of the translational speed of the container, as well as alteration of the rotation thereof. Among the preferred approaches to providing such resiliently compressible components are to have endless belts supported and driven by primary pulleys with secondary resiliently compressible pulleys in engagement with the belt and disposed between the primary pulleys. The endless belts may be provided with specifically configurated resiliently deformable portions, such as weakened portions in the belt, openings in the belt, or radially outwardly projecting elements.

Abstract: This invention discloses compounds useful as steroid inhibitors. The compounds comprise the formula (5) ##STR1## 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.6 -alkyl); and (b) the ring system ABCD is a steroid nucleus selected from the group consisting of estrone, dehydroepiandrosterone, estradiol, estradiolester, pregnenolone, substituted estrones, substituted dehydroepiandrosterone, substituted estradiols, substituted estradiolesters and substituted pregnenolone. Preferably the steroid nucleus is selected from the group consisting of estrone, dehydropeiandrosterone and pregnenolone. The invention also discloses methods of treating a patient therapeutically and prophylactically for estrogen dependent diseases with the compounds of this invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the sensitivity of MAI to different antimicrobial agents and dosages thereof is provided. The apparatus comprises a plurality of test tubes adapted to contain an amount of an antimicrobial agent to be tested and MAI complex organisms to be assayed and a separate paraffin coated slide adapted for placement in each of the test tubes. The growth of the MAI complex organisms on the slide can be used to determine the concentration of the antimicrobial agent necessary to resist MAI complex organism growth on the slide. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The hazardous or toxic waste material storage apparatus includes a flexible inner container for receiving the hazardous waste material or toxic waste material with the inner container having at least one zone of expansion which is substantially more expandable than other portions of the inner container. The inner container which holds the hazardous or toxic waste material is sealed and disposed within an outer container which is preferably composed of a flexible material. The zones of expansion may preferably be provided in the inner container by a plurality of vertically extending pleats or horizontally extending pleats, or both. The inner container preferably occupies less than the full volume of the outer container so as to permit relative movement therebetween. A sealing disc may function as a closure for the outer container and may be mechanically engaged with portions of the outer container to retain the same in position.

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: A live insect feeder for use with a tank, such as an aquarium or a terrarium containing a live fish or animal that feeds on the live insects, includes a container having an opening through which an adult flightless insect can pass, and a tacky substance encircling the opening on the outside of the container. A medium for feeding the insects is contained within the container. When fertile eggs of the flightless insect are introduced into the container, the larvae that hatch from the eggs feed upon the food medium until they reach the adult stage. They either remain within the container, breeding a new generation of insects, or pass through the opening. When the container is positioned with the opening over the tank, the flightless insects passing through the opening either fall off or jump off into the tank thereby becoming food for the fish or animal living within the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting non-round annular containers includes elongated capacitive sensors, cooperating oscillators, which convert the sensor signal to a voltage corresponding thereto, and an electronic processor which receives the voltage and determines thickness. A displaceable electromechanical member is operatively associated with the sensor and emits an electrical signal corresponding to the degree of displacement of the sensor by a container being inspected. The electronic processor corrects the thickness determination by an adjustment of container diameter at the specific location where thickness is being monitored in order to compensate for container diameter variations due to the non-round characteristic of the container. In a preferred embodiment, linkage members secured to the rear of the sensor at a plurality of locations cooperate with a single displaceable element which converts the mechanical displacement of the sensor into a corresponding electrical signal.

Abstract: A toy vehicle system has a vehicle provided with a resiliently biased driven wheel. The wheel is driven by a motor and interposed gears for rotating said driven wheel. The driven wheel is in contact with a lateral side of the track. The motor and driven wheel are mounted on a panel which is positioned for relative movement within a slot in the vehicle pedestal. Track engaging elements, which may preferably be spools, have a pair of rotatable elements in engagement with each side of the track. A pair of resiliently biased electrical pickups is disposed in contacting relationship with the electrically energized track rails. One or more lights may be provided on the vehicle. The vehicle is preferably disposed within a closed hollow enclosure.

Abstract: The invention discloses generic compound (2) and its analog (6) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and methods of using these compounds for therapeutically and prophylactically treating a patient for an illness consisting of the group of Pneumocystis carinii and Toxoplasmosis gondii ##STR1## In compound (2), X and Y may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of OH and NH.sub.2 ; Z is one of either nitrogen or carbon and Q is one of either nitrogen or carbon, but when Z equals nitrogen, Q does not equal nitrogen, and when Q equals nitrogen, Z does not equal nitrogen; A is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, carbon and sulfur and B equals carbon when A is selected from the group consisting of sulfur, carbon and nitrogen, B equals nitrogen when A equals carbon and B equals sulfur when A equals carbon; .sub.3 is one of either hydrogen or methyl except where Z is nitrogen wherein R.sub.3 is zero; R.sub.