Abstract: A system and method for detecting nozzle and electrode wear of plasma arc torches in which the average change in the stand-off between the electrode or the nozzle assembly of the plasma arc torch and a workpiece is monitored, and corrective measures are taken once the average change in the stand-off of the electrode and nozzle assembly exceeds a predetermined value. The corrective measures may include changing the arc voltage of the plasma arc torch, modifying the speed at which the plasma arc torch travels, modifying the average current of the power supply of the plasma arc torch, or the flow rate of the plasma supply gases or cut water of the plasma arc torch. The number of corrections is monitored so that after a predetermined number of such corrections, the system and method notifies an operator or the plasma arc torch itself that the electrode or surrounding nozzle requires replacement.

Abstract: In a new receiver design, the specific transmitter unit is unchanged from a prior patent application but may also be substantially as described in the prior art. The transmitter is initially activated by the input of the pseudo-random generator code. This code may be any alpha-numeric series, but must be identical to that input to the receiver. When the code is input through the keypad, the transmitter uses internal algorithms to generate a unique shift-register feedback combination. This creates a pseudo-random (PN) code which repeats after a programmable number of bits, depending upon desired maximal signal correlation time. That is the longer the code the longer the correlation time. This PN code sequence is clocked at the desired clock (CHIP) rate inside the transmitter unit. The PN code sequence which is thus generated is then added in phase to the data which is a substantially lower rate than the CHIP rate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for removing sodium chloride and potassium salts, which are impurities concentrated and accumulated in pulp digesting chemicals, from ash collected from a soda recovery boiler. This process comprises the steps of (a) mixing ash collected from the combustion exhaust gas of the soda recovery boiler with water to form a slurry, adjusting the pH of the slurry to 10 or less by the addition of sulfuric acid, adjusting the temperature of the slurry to 20.degree. C. or above, and holding the slurry at that temperature for a sufficient time to cause sodium chloride and potassium salts present in the collected ash to be dissolved in the water; (b) cooling the slurry to a temperature below 20.degree. C. by the addition of ice and/or water so as to precipitate solid matter therefrom; and (c) separating the slurry into solid and liquid components and recovering the solid component while discharging the liquid component out of the system.

Abstract: The larger of the two flanges in a grommet contains a tip portion that extends back toward the other tapered flange and overlies the circumferential slot between the two flanges to define a grommet having application to panels of a variety of thicknesses. The tip portion elastically bends, upon installing the grommet in a panel, responsive to force exerted by a side wall of the panel. It exerts an elastic reaction force pressing on a side of the panel. Concurrently it pulls the other tapered flange into contact with the opposed surface of the panel through elastic force exerted through the grommets midsection. This seals the flanges against the panel's sides, notwithstanding a circumferential slot width greater than the panel's thickness and notwithstanding a panel mounting hole having a greater diameter than the bottom surface of that slot. A fire resistant layer is integrally formed or applied in that outer surface of the grommet containing the larger flange.

Abstract: The invention relates to a memory card and its method of manufacture. The memory card has a flexible composite substrate formed from a top film, a base film, and an adhesive layer deposited between and bonding together the base film and the top film. Preferably, the thickness of such composite substrate is between 8 and 12 mils. A layer of metal is adhered to the exposed surface of the top film. A circuit layer is provided to form at least one site on the memory card which is readable by an external reading device. A protective layer is provided to overlie and protect the circuit layer of the memory card.

Abstract: The present invention relates mainly to interconnection apparatus in particular for hydraulic and pneumatic purposes, for interconnecting the various members of a motor vehicle internal combustion engine. A rigid cradle of the invention includes means for fixing to the engine unit and means for fixing to elongate interconnection bodies, in particular rigid tubular ducts, hoses, electric cables, optical fibers, and/or bundles of cables. The present invention is mainly applicable to the automotive industry.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring modules (3) that make up propellant charges from a storage magazine to a loading system (5) for loading the modules into the chamber of a large-caliber gun barrel, in particular a barrel mounted in a turret or in an armored casemate, said apparatus being characterized in that it includes: first means (6) for receiving n modules (3) taken from a magazine; second means (7) for transferring each of the n modules (3) to a conveyor (8) of a loading system (5); and control apparatus (9) for controlling the second means (7) so as to select transferal of a determined number of modules (3) to the conveyor (8) as a function of the quantity of modules (3) making up the desired propellant charge for firing a projectile.

Abstract: Compositions for controlling damage to cementitious materials as a result of alkali-silica reactions (ASR) are provided. The compositions include a lithium containing material and a surface active agent. The compositions are capable of effectively delivering lithium into a cementitious material after the composition is applied to a surface thereof. Processes for treating cementitious materials using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A structural member for reinforcement of asphalt and concrete roadways and other products, and which comprises a gridwork of warp strands and weft strands which are disposed at right angles to each other and so as to define an open structure. In one embodiment, the gridwork is impregnated with a thermosettable B-stage resin so as to interlock the strands at their crossover points and maintain the gridwork in a semi-flexible state, and after being applied to the product to be reinforced, the resin is heated to convert the same into a fully cured composite to thereby rigidize the gridwork and reinforce the product. In cases where the product to be reinforced is heated, such as asphalt paving, the heat of the product provides the heat necessary to fully cure the resin in situ. In another embodiment, the resin is fully cured to rigidize the gridwork prior to its being applied to the structure to be reinforced. A method of producing the resin impregnated gridwork is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process is described in which PCR-based cDNA libraries with anchored ends are made, a PCR-based cDNA subtracted (PCSUB) library is produced therefrom, and the ends of a cDNA clone are isolated, via PCR, from an anchored-ends library.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for spirally winding a tube of enhanced spiral seam uniformity that is simple and reliable. The spirally wound tube is formed using a spiral pitch control surface that engages with an exterior or interior cylindrical surface of a spirally wound tube and constrains movement of the tube to a predetermined spiral rotation as it is formed on a cylindrical stationary mandrel. Preferably, the pitch control surface comprises a tube engaging surface positioned along at least one spirally aligned portion of the exterior portion of the tube forming mandrel.

Abstract: Substituted bis-2-aminopyridines of formula (1), wherein Q, R1,R2,R3,R4 are as defined in the specification. A method for preparing said compounds and the use thereof as a drug and in particular as active drugs for controlling parasiticc infections within red blood cells, e.g. malaria or babesiasis.

Abstract: A device for use in promoting wound healing is made of a substrate formed of a biologically acceptable material and has there on means capable of orienting cell growth so as to allow guided tissue repair. The means for orienting cell growth may include grooves embossed or stamped on a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for the extraction and purification of a plasmid DNA which comprises (1) collecting a culture medium containing a transformant into a first cartridge for the extraction and purification of the DNA, (2) subjecting said transformant to bacteriolysis and RNA degradation conditions, (3) recovering an extract containing solubilized DNA from said first cartridge, (4) transferring said recovered extract to a second cartridge for the extraction and purification of the DNA, and (5) absorbing, washing and eluting purified plasmid DNA from said second cartridge; and a device for the extraction and purification of a DNA which comprises a first cartridge for the extraction and purification of the DNA having at least a trap filter and a membrane filter, and a second cartridge for the extraction and purification of the DNA having at least a glass fiber filter, a glass powder layer and a membrane filter.

Abstract: A method for removing heavy metals and halogenated hydrocarbons from contaminated groundwaters is provided. The method provides utilizing a treatment solution comprising a soluble source of organic carbon, ferrous iron, and sulfate. Additionally, the treatment solution may comprise sulfate reducing bacteria as well as nutrients for bacterial metabolism. The treatment is designed to stimulate the growth of naturally occurring sulfate reducing bacteria such that the metals are coprecipitated in iron sulfide and the hydrocarbons are reduced to innocuous byproducts.

Abstract: Molded articles having contoured, decorative outer surfaces are disclosed. The articles comprise a molded polymer substrate and a decorative surfacing film adhered to one side of the substrate. The decorative surfacing film comprises a substantially molecularly unoriented cast polymer film formed from a weatherable polymer. The articles are particularly suited for use as automobile body panels and the like. Also disclosed is a method for making such articles, and a method for making sets of such articles for assembly into automobile bodies and the like.

Abstract: Ultra-oriented, crystalline synthetic filaments with high tenacity are produced by extrusion of a fiber-forming synthetic polymer melt into a liquid isothermal bath maintained at a temperature of at least 30.degree. C. above the glass transition temperature of the polymer, withdrawing the filaments from the bath and then winding up the filaments. Polymer filaments so produced are characterized in that the ratio of the crystalline orientation factor (f.sub.c) to the amorphous orientation factor (f.sub.a) is 1.2 or less, and are further characterized in that the percent crystallinity is less than 40. The filaments also have a fine crystal size. The crystal size is less than 40 .ANG. in the 100 and 105 planes and less than 30 .ANG. in the 010 plane.