Abstract: A method of automatically archiving image information utilizing available xt information is provided. The method includes automatic extraction of textual information from a text frame and converting this information into a text file. This text file is used to construct a text header which is then stored in conjunction with the images to which it relates. Images are stored on a page-by-page basis and the text header is used as a directory address for retrieving the information as well as serving as a message embedded in the image page. A second header may also be created in accordance with another aspect of the invention to identify each image page.

Abstract: A method of chemically modifying the poly (methyl methacrylate) (hereinafter "PMMA") clad surface of an optical fiber to introduce amino groups. N-butyl lithium in a suitable organic solvent with ethylene diamine is applied to the clad surface of the optical fiber in a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere, such as nitrogen, at approximately 10.degree. C. to 40.degree. C. for about one to two hours. A pH-sensitive dye with isothiocyanate functionality can be bounded to the modified clad surface resulting in a pH sensor based on fiber optics.

Abstract: A cap for substantially gas-tight sealing engagement with a container wall having an opening therein circumscribed by a sealing surface has an end wall and a depending skirt with a portion for securing the cap to the container wall. The cap is preferably composed of about 94.5 to 99.89 weight percent low density polyethylene and may have a polybutylene copolymer present in an amount of about 0.01 to 5.0 weight percent. A mold release agent may be employed. A tab for manual engagement to rotate the cap between a container wall sealing surface engaging position and a storage position may be provided. The cap has a vent region provided by a weakened zone that is preferably located on or near the tab. The cap is adapted once in gas-tight sealing engagement with the sealing surface of the container wall to vent automatically in the weakened zone upon predetermined internal container pressure being attained and to subsequently reseal automatically. A container in combination with such a cap is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mold element comprised of metallic pellets and a bonding agent to bond together the metallic pellets. The metallic pellets can be a mixture of ferrous shot and ferrous grit and the bonding agent can be a solvent or a resin. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated resistance welding of materials is provided. The material may be thermoplastic material. The material has a layer of a second material adjacent thereto. The second material is a dissimilar material which may be applied as a film or a coating on the first material, or the second material may be a separate layer placed adjacent the first material. A heating element is placed in the interface between overlapping portions of the two pieces of material to be welded together. The layers are directly adjacent to the heating element. The layers can be consolidated onto the heating element if desired. The heating element can be composed of carbon fibers in a polymer matrix. The heating element is supplied with current to generate resistive heating. The heating causes melting of the layers adjacent to and contacting the material. Pressure is applied to the area being welded to fuse the materials together.

Abstract: An arrangement in a press feed line for picking up and conveying metal blanks at generally the same rate of speed they exit speed from the press, and automatically stacking them on a stacker. The stacker car has a rotatable base supporting a pallet, which in turn supports the stacked blanks, and is designed for side-shifting and raising and lowering of the base, in the stacking station, thereby allowing the desired positioning of the stacked blanks on the pallet and the pallet on the base. Automated adjustable devices which conform to the configuration of the blank neatly stack the blanks and variations to the arrangement allow more than one blank to be removed from different sources in the press, thereby permitting more than one stack to be made simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell or holder or reflector for NIRS samples, such as capsules, tablets, or liquids. The cell comprises a main body with a top surface defining a recess. The recess is generally axially symmetrical and diverges generally upwardly from the bottom to the top of the recess. A central 90.degree. conical projection is located at the bottom of the recess and forms an annular groove with the sidewall of the recess. The sidewall of the recess has an annular notch for receiving and supporting a support window. This sidewall of the recess is parabolically shaped from the bottom to the top of the recess. The support window has intersecting grooves in its top surface over which the sample rests, or in which the sample is supported.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing an adhesively bonded ceramic orthodontic bracket from a tooth to which it is secured includes a body portion which has a handle and a head portion. Bracket engaging jaws are disposed within the head portion. The jaws may be opened and closed to engage and disengage the bracket. A laser generator creates a laser beam which passes through a guide tube and through a discharge end of the guide tube which is positioned in spaced relationship with respect to the bracket. An associated method is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling, heating, wiping, or drying a strip such as a metal strip has either a first cooling unit employed alone or first and second cooling units disposed in relative spaced relationship with a path therebetween for movement of the strip. Each air handling unit has a hollow body portion and a plurality of elongated projecting gas discharge nozzles. The first and second air handling units respectively discharge gas on the surfaces of opposite sides of the strip and also serve to define a spent gas exhaust region. The system may also be employed to resist undesired strip instability. An associated method is provided.

Abstract: A method of improving strength in aluminum alloys. The method involves solution heat treating an aluminum alloy product, quenching the alloy product, warm working the alloy product without a pre-aging step, and aging the alloy product at 250.degree.-400.degree. F. (121.degree.-204.degree. C.). The method may be used on forgings, to impart T8-type hardness to alloys that previously could only obtain such hardness levels in non-forging applications, such as by using stretch/cold working techniques.

Abstract: A hazardous waste material container storage building comprising a plurality of modules, each module having a floor for supporting containers of hazardous waste materials and tubes underlying the floor. In one embodiment, a first and second module are provided. A mechanical joining mechanism extends through the first module tube and the second module tube for securing the first module to the second module. The first and second modules are joined to create a single, unitary hazardous waste material storage building. A related method is also provided. Another embodiment of a hazardous waste material container storage building comprises a plurality of modules, each having a securing member disposed on the roof of each module. Two modules are joined by connecting a fastener to the securing members of each respective module. A related method is also provided. The first and second embodiment may be used in the same installation.

Abstract: A closure assembly which is adapted to be used with structural members has a pair of guides and a closure member which is in mechanical interengagement with the guides so as to permit relative sliding movement in opening and closing the closure. The closure member has a pair of tracking members disposed on opposite edges which may take the form of tape members. These tracking means are retained within the guides. The guides may have secured thereto shoes which are engaged within guide channels secured to frame members so that relative lateral movement between the guides and frames is permitted. A biasing assembly which enhances lateral tension on the closure member may be employed.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for obtaining the corneal topography of an object using computer analyzed rasterstereographic images. The object may be nontransparent and diffusing, or it may be transparent and nondiffusing, such as a cornea. Rasterstereographic images of a cornea are produced by staining the cornea with a fluorescein solution which projects a light and dark line pattern onto the cornea through a grid. When obtaining the topography of a cornea, several different filters are used for producing and obtaining a grid image. An image processor uses unique software to store and analyze data extracted from the grid pattern. A video camera, an illuminator, the filters, and the grid may be mounted on a microscope. One embodiment uses a grid with vertical lines. Another embodiment uses a grid having intersecting horizontal and vertical lines for exhibiting surface details in a two-dimensional x-y plane.

Abstract: A method of making a rechargeable modified manganese dioxide material for use as battery electrode is disclosed. The method includes mixing manganese dioxide with an aqueous solution of a water soluble salt component selected from the group consisting of bismuth nitrate, lead acetate, lead nitrate, copper sulfate, copper nitrate, copper chloride and mixtures thereof. An alkaline hydroxide solution is then added to establish precipitation of resultant product. The resultant product is washed, filtered and dried to obtain the modified manganese dioxide material. The material is combined with a suitable conducting reinforcement component and a binder to form a high density, low resistivity electrode material.

Abstract: A method of speciating and identifying MAI in a specimen comprises placing a paraffin coated slide in a receptacle containing a sterile aqueous solution inoculated with the specimen, analyzing the slide after exposure to the specimen to determine the presence or absence of atypical Mycobacteria, and after the analysis step, if atypical Mycobacteria are determined to be present, performing at least one speciation assay to ascertain if the atypical Mycobacteria are MAI. A related apparatus is also disclosed for speciating and identifying MAI in a specimen comprising a paraffin-wax coated slide, a tube having a sterile aqueous solution contained therein, the tube adapted to hold the slide, and at least one speciation assay means for performing an assay to determine the presence or absence of MAI in the specimen after the specimen is introduced into the tube holding the solution and the slide.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient for having influenza includes introducing intranasally into said patient a prophylactically or therapeutically effective dosage of an attenuated reassortant live influenza virus as an antiviral agent and effecting by said introduction immediate interference with the growth of said influenza virus.

Abstract: A method of resisting neurological damage caused by overstimulation of the NMDA receptor of nerve cells by glutamate includes exposing the NMDA receptors to an oxidizing agent to thereby diminish overall activity of the receptors following activation by glutamate. The oxidizing agent preferably is a material selected from the group consisting of pyrroloquinoline quinone and topa hydantoin.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring properties of certain substances such as analytes are provided. The device includes a probe housing having an optical fiber associated therewith. The housing is capped on one end by a porous membrane which is permeable to the analyte being studied. The housing also includes a reflective surface member disposed between the end of the optical fiber and the membrane, thereby defining a chamber. The reflective surface member does not allow light to be transmitted into or out of the chamber. However, a dye-labeled analog-analyte can permeate the reflective surface member and thereby allow a measurement to be taken which is related to the concentration of the analyte being studied. An embodiment for use in vivo is provided. A related method is also provided.