Abstract: In this invention a novel antigen and a novel antibody-antigen complex are provided for screening patients suspected of having celiac disease. The antigen is prepared by starting with human placenta tissue which is perfused with a hepes and collagenase buffer to obtain a single cell suspension. This suspension is enriched to obtain an enriched protein portion and then separated out to obtain an embryonic celiac antigen (ECA). This ECA is used with serum from patients to effect binding of ECA with IgA in the serum while applying a human IgA antibody to the serum. The results are then read on a spectrophotometer to confirm or negate the presence of celiac disease.

Abstract: A weather resistant sound attenuating communications headset of modular construction includes two ear cup modules, a microphone boom module, a head band module, a headband cable module, and a termination cable module. The modular construction allows easy replacement of modules as well as selected components of the modules under field conditions without the need for tools. Replaceable water resistant thin film membranes are employed to provide weather protection as well as hygienic protection for the microphone, speaker and amplification electronics. The thin film membranes which cover areas which come into intimate contact with the wearer are easily replaceable under field conditions. Thus a headset that is shared by more than one user can be hygienically cleansed by simple replacement of the microphone and ear cup membranes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a variety flavoring system for pet food products comprising a multiplicity of individually packaged flavor additives, of different flavors, each suitable for convenient topical application to a base pet food product. The system provides the user with a choice of flavors to serve to a pet at an individual feeding and a convenient means to vary the flavor diet of the pet. Each individually packaged flavor additive comprises a mixture in powdered form, of maltodextrin, tricalcium phosphate, and an oleoresin flavorant. For the convenience of the user, each flavor may be separately packaged in a disposable shaker. Alternatively, the flavor additives may be dissolved, dispersed or composed within a liquid medium and provided in a suitable container for spraying onto the surface of the pet food.

Abstract: Apparatus for displaying images on doors especially sectional overhead garage doors comprises a lattice of interconnected horizontal and vertical members removably attached to each horizontal door panel. The horizontal members are looped around the top and bottom of the panel and detachably joined at the back of the panel to form a complete loop. The horizontal members are held by removable attachment to the vertical members on the outer side of the panel using split pin connectors as a means of attachment. The pin connectors may also be used as an attachment point for lighting displays.

Abstract: A purge chamber for providing a controlled atmosphere for the treatment of materials comprises a housing within which materials to be treated may be passed through and subjected to a cross-flow of purging gas entering and exiting through a multiplicity of inlets and outlets positioned along the length of the housing. Exiting gas may be recycled and re-entered in combination with fresh gas. In practice, materials to be treated may be conveyed through the chamber while the atmosphere surrounding the materials is continuously exchanged. Flapper doors, spanning the width of the chamber, are positioned along the path of travel of the materials being treated to direct the cross-flow of purging gas and prevent the entry of unwanted gases.

Abstract: A pottery article decorated with a selected rock, such as a lava rock, is prepared by shaping a pottery article, such as a vase, from pottery clay, then partially drying the vase and forming a hole in the side of the vase, large enough to force the rock into so that it will be held in place by the surrounding pottery clay. The edges of the hole are cut to a sharp angle. A multiplicity of smaller holes are formed in the pottery clay in the region around the rock to inhibit the cracking of the pottery from cracking due to shrinkage during subsequent drying and firing. The pottery is then dried at room temperatures for about two weeks. Optionally, the holes may be filled with a moist clay/glaze mixture and dried again. The article is then fired at a cone 08 for about twelve hours and cooled, then glazed by dipping in a glaze bath and firing again at a cone 05 for about six hours.

Abstract: A soft cover adapter for customizing and/or simplifying the use of a computer keyboard comprises an easily attachable soft cover made of cloth, vinyl, leather, or the like, configured in size and shape to cover a computer keyboard. The cover may be attached to the keyboard by means of elastic banding. A multiplicity of plastic discs are removably attached (for example, by hook and loop attachments) to the inside surface of the cover. Each of the plastic discs is removably positioned above a pre-selected group of keys on the computer keyboard. On the outer surface of the cover, an icon, such as a photo, drawing, letter, word, or other symbol is positioned above each disc so that when the icon is depressed, it will, in turn, depress the corresponding plastic disc, which, in turn, will depress one or more of the pre-selected group of keys beneath it.

Abstract: An apparatus for the correction of alterations of the arch of the foot comprises a source of electric current with multiple step waveforms of variable duration and amplitude pulses, said source is connected to electrodes to be placed on the body of the patient to be treated, Detectors of the resistance existing at the ends of said electrodes during the use of the apparatus measuring means and transducers of the data supplied by the detectors and means for processing the resistance parameters obtained produce self-regulation of the generated waveforms. The electrodes are placed on different points of the patient's leg and foot according to the existing alteration. The apparatus allows a method based on electrostimulations with stepped pulse wave forms for treating and healing non-malforming alterations of the foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extrusion die for the manufacture of monolithic adsorption tubes having a solid body portion with a multiplicity of tunnels for the passage of gas. The die comprises a multiplicity of rods positioned within an outer cylindrical housing and oriented parallel thereto. The rods are supported near the entrance end of the housing, by at least two sets of ribs, each set of ribs arranged in a geometric pattern and oriented perpendicular to the cylindrical housing. The rods provide the form for tunnels in the extruded monolithic adsorption tube.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated disc brake piston installation tool is disclosed for use in installing a piston into the piston bore of a disc brake caliper housing. The tool comprises a first piston engaging plate and a second plate positionable against the inside surface of an outer shoe bracket of the caliper housing. A cylinder extends from the second plate. A piston shaft is centrally attached to the first plate and extends perpendicularly therefrom, passing slidably through an opening in the second plate into the cylinder. In response to pneumatic pressure, the piston shaft is pushed outwardly against the piston to force the piston back into the piston bore of the caliper housing.

Abstract: An automatic drain system for removal of condensate from compressed air systems comprises a reservoir having an inlet for entry of condensate and outlet for the periodic discharge of accumulated condensate. The discharge, through a ball valve in the outlet, is controlled by a float structure responsive to the level of accumulated liquid condensate in the reservoir. An air discharge tube is provided for the exiting of air when the float (and liquid level) is at the highest position. The air discharge tube is in fluid communication with an air cylinder outside of the reservoir. The air cylinder is coupled to the ball valve to open the valve and allow liquid condensate to exit in response to air pressure transmitted from the air discharge tube. As the liquid exits the liquid level and float are lowered. When float is at its lower position, the float structure closes across the air discharge tube and the cycle repeats.

Abstract: Oil is separated from an aqueous mixture by first feeding the oil-water mixture into a separation tank and allowing the mixture to separate by gravity so that the oil rises to the surface, forming a layer above the aqueous phase; then removing the layer of oil from the surface. The lower aqueous phase, typically containing residual oil in emulsified form, is removed through an outlet near the bottom of the tank and transferred to a second tank, forming a pool therein. The water is removed from the second tank by the action of an air-operated pump through a float-controlled ball valve to an external filter for removal of residual oil.

Abstract: A rotary tube furnace suitable for operation in controlled atmospheres at temperatures in the range of 1500.degree. to 2800.degree. comprises a generally horizontal rotatable graphite tube slidably supported on water-cooled split ring graphite bearings. The graphite tube is rotated by means of a stainless steel drive plate and is contained within a flexible atmospheric sealing assembly and enclosure for the containment of a selected atmosphere around and within the tube and allows for the co-current or counter-current flow of gas during operation. Radiation baffles in the interior of the graphite tube inhibit radiant heat loss at the ends of the tube. The graphite tube may be constructed in two or more sections having threaded ends for ease of installation as well as removal or replacement for maintenance purposes. A heating section of the tube is heated by a plurality of graphite electrical heating elements contained within an insulated heating chamber.

Abstract: A kiln, useful for sintering basemetal capacitors comprises an inner zone having vertically oriented gas dispersion conduits for the inlet and radial dispersion of gas and vertically oriented electrical heating elements. Each gas dispersion conduit comprises a porous or perforated inner tube for a porous or perforated outer tube concentrically positioned around the inner tube. The annular space between is filled with a porous refractory medium, such as a bulk ceramic fiber. The temperature of the inner zone is controlled by the electrical heating elements. The gas is evenly heated as it passes radially from the inner tube through the porous refractory medium and then through the outer tube. Surrounding the inner zone is a multiplicity of stacks of substantially horizontally-oriented trays on which the material or articles to be sintered or otherwise treated are placed. The circle of stacks of trays is surrounded by an outer heating zone comprising an outer ring of electrical heating elements.

Abstract: A rotary calciner for the treatment such as thermal treatment of particulate solids equipped with riffle flights, each in the form of an inverted V shape. The flights are arranged in at least two rows on the inner circumferential wall of the calciner, the rows being staggered so that the apex of each riffle flight is directly beneath the space between two riffle flights in the row above. The riffle flights provide continuous mixing and improve gas-solid contact curing rotation.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying the authenticity and ownership of an autograph comprises:providing a consumer-owned article; andhaving the article autographed with the consumer and a representative of an authentication company as witnesses;issuing a voucher bearing details of the autographing and signatures and identification of the witnesses and an identifying code number;affixing the same identifying code number to the article;providing a certificate of authenticity bearing a distinct code number that is different from the code number of the article and the voucher, and containing a description of the article, details of the signing and witnessing of the autographing, and identification of the owner of the article; andproviding a database containing details of the signing and witnessing of the autographing, a record of the code numbers on the article and the certificate; and identification of the owner of the article.The method also provides a record of subsequent transfers of ownership of the article.

Abstract: A direct heat rotary calciner and method for providing improved thermal treatment of particulate material comprises a rotary tube having a plurality of screened apertures along the length thereof. Material to be treated is passed through the rotating tube and contacted during passage with a cross-flow of heated gases entering and leaving through the screened apertures. At least a portion of the internal wall of the tube may be provided with spiral flights to aid in the conveyance of the particulate material through the rotating tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying/calcining comprises a horizontally extending rotatable drum and a center tube, concentrically positioned within the rotatable drum to provide an annular combustion chamber between the outer wall of the center tube and the inner wall of the rotatable drum. One or more gas jet burners are positioned to inject gas fuel and combustion air into the annular combustion chamber in a tangential direction to create a vortex flow of combustion gases through the annular combustion chamber. The flue gas is discharged through the center tube. In operation, a material to be dried and/or calcined is applied to the external wall of the rotatable drum as it rotates toward a scraper or doctor blade where the dried or calcined product is removed by scraping.