Abstract: Certain flavonoids, notably derivatives of flavone, chrysin and apigenin, together with dimers thereof such as amentoflavone, have been found to possess anxiolytic properties (i.e., anxiety reducing properties) without exhibiting a sedative effect. Novel compounds and pharmaceutical formulations are also described.

Abstract: The cutting or welding system includes a power source having, in one embodiment, a stabilization circuit for reducing arc rectification and, in another embodiment, a number of firing circuits for controlling the flow of current through a rectifier in order to more precisely provide a rectified alternating current. The power source also includes a rectifier having a number of current control devices for providing rectified current having alternating positive and negative cycles across the arc gap. Accordingly, the electrode alternates between an electrode negative state and an electrode positive state, respectively.

Abstract: An easy-opening closure is provided for hermetically sealing of an open end of a retortable container. The closure includes a metal end ring having a deformable outside peripheral area for being double seamed to the open end of the retortable container and having an inside area defining a large circular central opening to allow access therethrough to the interior of the container. An outside peripheral area of a membrane ring overlaps and is attached to the inside area of the metal end ring by a bond having predetermined shear and tensile force strengths. An inside peripheral area of the membrane ring extends inwardly into the circular central opening. A membrane patch is provided to cover the central opening and has an outer peripheral area overlapping and attached to an upper side of the membrane ring by a bond having predetermined shear and tensile force strengths.

Abstract: In an automotive window construction in which a window glass around which a molding is disposed is mounted at a window opening by means of an adhesive, a protrusion for positioning the window by locking the tip end of the molding disposed to the window glass is formed at least at a front peripheral edge of the window opening. Also, a protrusion formed at a peripheral edge of the window opening is formed at least at either of an upper peripheral edge or a lower peripheral edge of the window opening.

Abstract: A dual-band optical system 10 preferably for use in the thermal infrared waveband provides initial detection of a target in a first waveband (8-12 .mu.m) having a wide field of view and discriminated target recognition in the second waveband (3-5 .mu.m) at higher magnification and narrow field of view without any field-of-view change mechanism. The system 10 comprises a detector array 11 which is responsive in both wavebands and an optical arrangement 16 with a common objective component 15 for both wavabands. One waveband is transmitted through dichroic beamsplitters 17,18 to the array 11 whereas the other waveband is reflected by the beamsplitters 17,18 and transmitted through a field lens 28 before reaching the array 11. Both wavebands are incident upon a spectrally selective aperture stop 20 providing a large aperture for the low magnification field and a small aperture for the high magnification field.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame, user actuation components connected to the frame for being engaged and moved by a user during an exercise, and a rheological fluid brake operatively connected to the user actuation components for applying a controllable resistance to movement thereof. The rheological fluid brake includes a rheological fluid having a controllable viscosity, a housing connected to the frame and containing the rheological fluid, and a rotatable shaft extending outwardly from the housing and connected between the rheological fluid and the user actuation components. A flywheel is also preferably connected to the rotatable shaft to further smooth action of the brake. A controller, such as a microprocessor operating under stored program control, is preferably operatively connected to the rheological fluid brake for causing a predetermined field strength to be applied to the rheological fluid based upon a user-selected resistance value.

Abstract: A light weight arcuate reflector facet, for a solar concentrator comprises a thin mirrored glass sheet such as a microsheet, and a backing sheet or substrate, the glass sheet being bonded to the backing sheet, with the backing sheet providing a smooth surface to the glass sheet. A support member or support structure is attached to the backing sheet and maintains the mirrored glass sheet at a desired radius of curvature. The backing sheet is preferably a composite, and according to one embodiment of a fixed focal length light weight reflector facet, the support member is a resin-impregnated fiberglass sheet having a rib structure. In another embodiment of a variable focal length light weight reflector facet, the support member is a mechanical structure comprising a circular support structure having intersecting center support beams positioned diagonally across the circular support structure.

Abstract: A power source apparatus for supplying electrical power for an arc welder includes a frame having a base member and first and second pairs of support members each defining an inverted V-shaped configuration mounted to the opposite side edges of the base member. An inverted channel cross member extends transversely between the upper ends of the support members. The support members each define a U-shaped channel having a pair of sidewalls and a connecting wall therebetween and are oriented such that the connecting walls face away from each other. An associated assembly method includes the steps of adjoining the ends of first and second pairs of support members and connecting them with a cross member to define a frame subassembly. At least a portion of the power circuit of the arc welder power source is then mounted on the frame subassembly before it is attached to the power source frame. A busbar assembly for supporting two rows of capacitors in parallel on the frame of an arc welder is also provided.

Abstract: A visual display system, such as a flight simulation system, includes a number of display screens and a number of associated video projectors which project predetermined video images on the display screens in response to control signals provided by an operator. In one embodiment, the display screens are circumscribed by an imaginary sphere having a predetermined radius and centered about the design eye of the visual display system. The design eye is generally positioned in a predetermined fixed relation to the operator such that the distortion of the displayed video image is reduced. In another embodiment, the video projectors are mounted in a linear side-by-side relationship on a rear side of the display screens, thereby reducing the overall size of the visual display system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game and training device which can be played in a game-like setting to develop skills such as ball handling, passing, and shooting. A primary goal forms a target opening in a generally vertical plane through which a ball may be kicked by the player. In addition, a plurality of intermediate goals are arranged on the playing field in spaced relation to one another. Each intermediate goal defines a respective target opening through which the ball is to be passed as the player advances the ball to the primary goal. Each intermediate goal comprises a pair of base members positioned on laterally spaced apart relation to one another and a hoop member supported by the pair of base members.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch is provided with an extended water-injection nozzle assembly characterized by the ability to produce a bevel cut or weld, and a cut or weld within a concavity on the top surface of a workpiece. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle base, a swirl ring and an outer shell press-fit together to center and maintain the concentricity of the water-injection bore of the outer shell relative to the gas-constricting bore of the nozzle base. A radially exterior, frusto conical surface of the nozzle base and a radially interior, frusto conical surface of the outer shell define a fluid passageway therebetween for communicating a vortical flow of cooling fluid from an external source to the water-injection bore of the outer shell. Preferably, the vortical flow of cooling fluid further constricts the plasma arc extending outwardly from the electrode and along the longitudinal discharge axis defined by the plasma arc torch in the direction of the workpiece.

Abstract: A plastics material bottle is collapsible by applying axial compression, the bottle comprising a cylindrical body having a polygonal cross-section, e.g. a section that is substantially square or rectangular with rounded corners (18), the body being formed with transverse fluting grooves (14) which include fold starters (16) situated in the immediate vicinity of the above-mentioned rounded corners (18). The invention is particularly applicable to bottles for containing beverages such as mineral water, for example.

Abstract: A portable holder for safely supporting a plurality of sharp dental instruments, and which comprises a body member which includes a base plate having a plurality of openings therein for supportingly receiving the instruments. A pressure plate is slideably mounted to the body member immediately below the base plate, and the pressure plate includes a plurality of openings which are aligned with the openings of the base plate and are adapted to receive the shanks of the instruments which are supported in the openings of the base plate. The pressure plate is mounted for slidable movement between a loading position wherein the openings of the base plate and the pressure plate are aligned, and an instrument retaining position wherein the openings are offset so that the instruments are engaged and lock in the openings.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of a target measurand, such as water or specified chemicals which are carried in an aqueous solution, and which includes a fibre-optic probe assembly which incorporates an optical fibre, a thin film of a water swellable hydrogel, and a rigid containment structure. The hydrogel is in contact with the optical fibre such that a volumetric change in the hydrogel causes a microbend of the optical fiber. The microbend is detected by a sensor assembly which is coupled to the probe assembly.

Abstract: A pressure controlled check valve that includes a valve casing having a first opening and a second opening, a poppet valve operationally disposed in the second opening of the valve casing for opening when the pressure in the valve casing is greater than or equal to the pressure on the other side of the poppet valve, and an aneroid valve actuator located within valve casing for opening the poppet valve for reverse flow when the pressure within the valve casing is less than a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A combination printed sheet and stamps that may be a direct mailer or a book of stamps comprising a sheet of imprintable material of substantially uniform thickness and including a first or stamp portion and a second self-mailer or stamp book cover portion, an adhesive coating on one side of the sheet and printed indicia on the other side thereof. The second portion of the sheet is foldable along a medial fold line to position the two segments thereof into superposed relation and the adhesive coating is activatable to secure the segments together to provide the thickness and stiffness necessary for the second portion to serve as a self-mailer or as a stamp book cover.