Abstract: Stable analogs of cyclic peptides containing disulfide linkages are disclosed. The disulfide linkage is modified by one of four methods: (a) sulfide contraction, (b) isosteric substitution, (c) thioketal expansion, or (d) alkylation expansion. In sulfide contraction the disulfide bond (—S—S—) is replaced with a monosulfide bond (—S—) in which a bifunctional effector molecule, such as a ligand or chemotoxic agent, is bound to the new peptide linkage. In isosteric substitution, one sulfur atom is replaced with a carbon atom and at least one of the carbon atoms at the modified site is a bifunctional effector molecule. In thioketal expansion, an alkylidene unit (—CR1C2—) is inserted between the two sulfur atoms. In alkylation expansion, an alkyl moiety of from C2 to C3, is inserted between the two sulfur atoms.

Abstract: In some prior art Blowout Preventer (BOP) operating systems, high velocity fluid flows and low differential pressures induced vibration in the system. This vibration may result in collapse and failure of hydraulic hoses in the system. A quick dump valve has been added at or near the open port on the BOP assembly to reduce vibration and other problems. The dump valve has a vent position and an open position. Several alternative embodiments add a ball check valve assembly to the shuttle in the quick dump valve.

Abstract: A furnace diagnostic system includes sensors that monitor various functions of the furnace. Data generated by such sensors may be stored for subsequent transfer or may be transferred in real time via an infra red link to a remote handheld device with which an analysis thereof is performed. The handheld device additionally allows the technician to control various furnace functions to facilitate the generation of relevant real time data. In order to further enhance the system's diagnostics capabilities, the communication may be established with a centralized computing facility which includes a data base containing data relating to an entire population of similar furnaces.

Abstract: A relief valve with two outlet ports increases the flow capacity of the valve when open. In an alternative embodiment, a relief valve with two outlet ports also has at least two springs stacked vertically. Alternative seal assemblies can be used with the aforementioned dual outlet port valves.

Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus is described. The dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of slats, each having one or more holders for holding and dispensing articles. Each slat has a cavity and an open end. Further, each holder includes an aperture through which a pin may extend into and retract from the cavity to assist in dispensing articles held therein. Each open end may include a curved surface to assist in inhibiting the articles from being dispensed prematurely. Further, each slat may include a tongue on one side and a groove on another side. The tongues of each slat fit within the grooves of adjacent slats, allowing them to ride in close conformity to each other and allowing for relatively unencumbered movement between the slats.

Abstract: An automated cleaning system for an endless belt conveyor. The cleaning system having a central control which controls pump supplying hot water, soap and a sanitizer to a plurality of controllable spray valves for plural spray bars.

Abstract: A suspension rack for merchandising a plurality of product containers in parallel rows adaptable for mounting to a support structure including a plurality of tracks each having opposed front and rear end portions for supporting therein in single file a plurality of product containers, each track including a pair of elongated wire elements spaced apart to receive therebetween the upper portion of suitably sized product containers such that at least a portion of the upper portion of each product container engages at least a portion of the pair of wire elements forming each track whereby the product containers are suspended by their upper portions for movement relative to the wire elements, and a mounting structure associated with the rear portion of the suspension rack, the mounting structure including at least a pair of hook members for attaching to the support structure in a cantilever fashion.

Abstract: A product merchandising display unit having selectable product capacity including a receptacle having an internal cavity adapted for receiving and holding a quantity of product, and a product support floor member positionable at any one of at least two different elevated locations within the internal cavity for varying the product holding capacity thereof. A plurality of shoulder portions are located at each of the at least two different elevated locations within the internal cavity, the shoulder portions located at each spaced location being engageable with at least some of the peripheral edge portions associated with the floor member when the floor member is oriented in one of at least two different orientations. The display unit also includes a lid member having spaced pairs of retaining projections associated therewith for displaying advertising indicia therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting poultry carcasses as they are continuously conveyed by a shackle conveyor having a plurality of shackles. The inventive apparatus comprises a gap provided between two rails. The rails are positioned such that the exterior of the carcass adjacent the spine will contact and slide along the back rail while the front rail will pivot the front half of the carcass backward with respect to the back half, thereby placing the skin connecting the two halves in a peeling position with respect to the front half. The apparatus further comprises a blade positioned for cutting a segment of skin while the carcass is in this stretched position such that at least most of the segment of skin remains attached to the back half.

Abstract: A system and method for verification of acoustic horn performance is disclosed. This system and method includes a pressure detecting mechanism that converts at least one vibratory sound energy pulse, which is followed by at least one vacuum pulse or at least one negative pressure pulse, into a signal that is proportional to a level of sound energy, and the pressure detecting mechanism is operable to be connected to an acoustic horn. There is a measurement device that measures a value that correlates to the signal that is proportional to a level of sound energy and is electrically connected to the pressure detecting mechanism.

Abstract: An item handling system that sorts and packs items in a storage or shipping receptacle. The system is specifically designed to handle items such as sub-primal cuts of beef or pork or items of like size and weight. The system is adapted to sort items based on product type or based on system capacity. The packing mechanism is adapted to properly orient the item prior to placing the item in the storage or shipping receptacle. The system is specifically adapted to handle cardboard shipping boxes.

Abstract: A coated laryngoscope blade is provided wherein the coating is permanently affixed to a blade body and provides a resilient cushion to reduce the possibility of damage to a patient's teeth and/or soft tissue in the mouth and throat area. The coating may be applied by a method not requiring an expensive mold or tooling and is adapted for application to any size or shape of currently existing laryngoscope blade without the necessity of making tooling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for communicating between a first communication node and a second communication node in an area having a plurality of communication nodes is disclosed which comprises generating a propagation model of signals from selected communication nodes in the area. The communication nodes may be fixed or mobile. The propagation model is based on an environmental map that includes the topography of the terrain and structures in the area. The propagation model is generated at selected intervals to provide updated information for predicting the quality of communication at a location at a future time.

Abstract: A device for preventing the inadvertent rotation of a temperature selection dial associated with the temperature controller of a water heater. The device includes a spring-loaded prong that extends across the face of a rotatable dial so as to prevent rotation of thereof. The force required to pry the prong off of the dial is selected to be greater than what a small child is typically capable of exerting.

Abstract: A calibration system for use on a work machine wherein electro hydraulic controls are utilized to control the operation of a particular work element, the present calibration system being operable in both a semi-automatic mode and an automatic mode. In the semi-automatic mode, operator interaction is required and the calibration process is preferably initialized and controlled via a service tool which is in communication with a work machine controller. A command signal having a command signal value indicative of a command state of the component being calibrated is generated by a command signal generator, and a detector in communication with the component receives the component signal and detects when the component has reached the command state, and generates a detector signal having a value representing a calibration factor to be used in correlating the component signal value with the actual state of the component.

Abstract: A product merchandising unit for holding and displaying multiple and different types of products, the unit including a cooler assembly for holding and displaying chilled products and at least one display rack for holding and displaying periodicals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling voltage applied to an electrostatic precipitator is disclosed. This apparatus includes a pulsating, direct current, voltage mechanism that is operable to receive power from a single phase, alternating current voltage source, and a spiral wound filter capacitor, wherein the pulsating, direct current, voltage mechanism is electrically connected in parallel to the spiral wound filter capacitor and the spiral wound filter capacitor is electrically connected in parallel to the electrostatic precipitator. Optionally, a resistor is present to lower the transient voltage rating of the spiral wound filter capacitor. A switching mechanism may be utilized to apply differing amounts of capacitance and inductance in order to apply a range of voltage waveforms to the electrostatic precipitator to potentially maximize particulate collection efficiency for the electrostatic precipitator.