Abstract: A method for generating a screened reproduction of a multiple tone image comprises the steps of frequency modulation or stochastic screening the multiple image to obtain screened data representing tones of the multiple tone image in terms of halftone dots; reproducing the halftone dots on an imaging element by means of a scanwise exposure, wherein the size or composition of the halftone dot is modulated, by varying the number of microdots (or rels) composing a halftone dot.

Abstract: In one embodiment described in the specification, a surgically implantable reciprocating pump employs a check valve as the piston, which is driven by a permanent magnet linear electric motor to assist either side of the natural heart. The pump is implanted in the aorta or pulmonary artery using vascular attachment cuffs such as flexible cuffs for suturing at each end with the pump output directly in line with the artery. The pump is powered by surgically implanted rechargeable batteries. In another embodiment, pairs of pumps are provided to replace or assist the natural heart or to provide temporary blood flow throughout the body, for example, during operations to correct problems with the natural heart.

Abstract: An apparatus for the wet processing of photographic sheet material comprises at least one treatment vessel (12, 12', 12") having upper and lower openings (17, 18), one of the openings constituting a sheet material inlet and the other of the openings constituting a sheet material outlet, the inlet and outlet defining there-between a substantially vertical sheet material path (20) through the vessel. The vessel comprises a pair of rotatable rollers (28, 30) biased towards each other to define a nip (36) there-between through which the sheet material path extends. The apparatus is characterised in that the end faces of one roller lie in substantially the same plane as the end faces of the other roller and each roller is in sealing contact with a stationary sealing means (38) having a continuous contact line (52) which extends along the length of each roller (28, 30) and over the end faces of each roller, at least on the fluid side of said nip (36).

Abstract: Method of adjusting the pressure of the tires on a vehicle equipped with a entralized inflating installation which successively connects up each tire to the compressed-air source via a line, a rotary seal and a differential-type isolating valve, then closes the compressed-air inlet after a very short time, and repeats these operations iteratively. According to the invention, a value of the set pressure corresponds to a value of the duration of the very short time.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a dye-donor element for use according to dye diffusion thermal transfer printing comprising on one side of a support a heat-resistant layer and on a side of the support opposite thereto a donor layer comprising a dye, a binder and a surfactant, said surfactant being a copolymer corresponding to the general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each independently represent an alkyl groupR.sup.4 represents an aralkyl groupm and n represent the molar fractions of the respective units in the copolymer and have a value of 0.01 to 0.99 with the provision that the sum of m and n equals 1.

Abstract: Scanning apparatus with a scanning and erasing station for scanning and erasing a cassette of the type used in photo-stimulable luminiscence ("PSL") radiography, which apparatus has a cassette receiving station comprising a roll-down shutter (15) for supporting thereon a vertical stack (35) of cassettes to be scanned, lateral grippers (42, 43) for supporting the bottom cassette (33) of said stack at opposite lateral sides thereby to hold said bottom cassette while a bottom supporting roller shutter (15) is temporarily removed, and vertical transfer support cams (51, 52) for taking over the support of the bottom cassette from the lateral grippers, and for first lowering said cassette over a distance equal to the height of the cassette so that the next cassette can be gripped and held by the lateral grippers, and for then further lowering said bottom cassette on the scanning carriage (31) of said scanning station.

Abstract: In an improved postage scale system, programs and data are used to run the system to provide shipping options and information on shipping costs associated therewith. The system is capable of interfacing and communicating with other devices such as a printer, a remote computer, an optical scanner, an integrated circuit (IC) card, etc. For example, the system can be updated by downloading new data and application code from IC cards to the system.

Abstract: In the electric motor/generator arrangement described in the specification, a hollow cylindrical generator rotor is mounted on an input shaft connected to an internal combustion engine and a hollow cylindrical electric motor rotor is connected to an output shaft. Both rotors have circumferential rings of permanent magnets of alternately opposite polarity, and the rings are disposed in axially-spaced relation. A stator has at least one switchable short-circuit winding arranged so as to be displaceable by a displacement device over a wide range adjacent to the permanent magnets of the rotors. Magnetic field sensors disposed between the permanent magnets in each ring detect the polarity of adjacent permanent magnets in the other ring, and the short-circuit winding is closed or opened as a function of the sensor signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the condition of a test subject based on color uses a color measuring instrument to detect change in a color factor indicative of a condition such as a disease, spoilage, ageing, etc. A medical condition such as hyperbilirubinemia that affects skin color can be detected. One measures color factors such as Hunter b and L in the subjects' skin color. For predetermined ranges of one color factor, in particular L, changes in the other color factor, e.g. Hunter b, above predetermined levels are indicative of the medical condition. In many cases, a single measurement of the color factors can be utilized as a warning of the likelihood of the medical or contaminated condition, if the ordinary range of the color factor is known for healthy individuals with skin coloration like that of the test subject.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing semiconductor devices in which a multi-series lead frame that is constructed so as to assemble semiconductor elements in a state that these elements are arrayed in a plurality of series along the longer sides of the lead frame, is set in a mold, and molding resin is injected into cavities of the mold, to thereby form packages for packing the semiconductor elements in a sealing manner. In the method, a resin tablet is positioned so that resin paths are extended at substantially equal lengths to the cavities on the lead frame set in the mold, and the molding resin is injected into the cavities disposed around the resin tablet by pressing the resin tablet with a plunger.

Abstract: Disclosed are a timing device for controlling machine tools, handling equipment or other servomechanical elements and a method of manufacture. The timing device comprises a timing control element having a light sensitive layer including thereon a plurality of transparent windows and opaque windows arranged in a selected pattern, a reflective means disposed behind the light sensitive layer, and a carrier material disposed behind the reflective means. A transmitter emits light toward the timing control element. The device further comprise means for operating the timing control element to controllably select one of the transparent and opaque windows to be in the path of the emitted light. The emitted light propagates through one of the transparent windows, and is reflected by the reflective means only when the selected window is transparent. A receiver, disposed adjacent to the transmitter, generates an electrical signal in response to the reflected light.

Abstract: A zero inrush visual or visual/audible alarm circuit which includes a transistor switch and resistor combination connected in series with a storage capacitor provides inrush resistance for a period following initial power-on. The transistor switch may be controlled by a microcontroller or a simple timer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Y-shuttle stent delivery system to be used in the placement of one or more stents in a bifurcating vessel. In particular, the stent delivery system of the invention comprises a tubular stent delivery catheter (or "shuttle") having a Y-shaped bifurcated expandable deployment segment which may be inserted into both branches of a bifurcating vessel. One or more stents may be mounted, in a contracted conformation, on the deployment segment, and may be deployed in both branches of the vessel simultaneously by expanding the deployment segment by an ancillary means, such as one or more balloon catheters, positioned within the shuttle.

Abstract: The 3'-end of BC200 RNA, commencing at nucleotide 159 has the sequence: ##STR1## Oligonucleotide probes in accordance with the invention are complementary to at least a portion of this sequence such that they bind specifically and selectively to human BC200 RNA. The probes are useful for screening human breast tissue for the presence of adenocarcinoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a programmable control module that may be connected to existing instrumentation in order to automate manual operations and/or perform new sequences of functions. As one specific example, the present invention provides for a programmable control module that may be connected to a commercial cell washing machine, and which directs the automatic performance of steps required to enzymatically deantigenize erythrocytes. There are a number of advantages associated with the present invention. Valuable non-automated or semi-automated instruments may be rendered programmable by an add-on control module, thereby increasing the reproduciblity of function while reducing manpower requirements and avoiding the consequences of human error. Furthermore, the control module may be additionally connected to auxiliary devices which improve the function of the host instrument, including, for example, pumps, valves, or sensors (including safety monitoring devices).

Abstract: Gene Therapy vectors, which are especially useful for cystic fibrosis, and methods for using the vectors are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the production of paper by forming and dewatering a suspension of cellulose containing fibers and optional fillers and cationic starch on a wire or fabric, characterized in that the forming and dewatering takes place in the presence of an alkali metal silicate and a phenolic resin added at the same point into the suspension, and polyethylene oxide added at a subsequent point into the suspension. The amount of alkali metal silicate is 0.1 kg per ton to 50 kg/ton based on silica content per ton of dry fibers. The amount of phenolic resin is 0.01 kg/ton to 5 kg/ton based on weight of resin in the as-supplied material per ton of dry fibers. The amount of polyethylene oxide is 0.01 to 2.0 kg/ton based on weight of polyethylene oxide per ton of dry fibers.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an encapsulated electronic part having a resin body and an inwardly tapered projecting holding member removably attached to the resin body which may be made of the same resin and formed at the same time as the resin body, The encapsulated electronic part may be conveyed to a test device or to a circuit board and mounted thereon by gripping the holding member with a holding device. The holding member may have a shape conforming to the shape of the holding device and may be separated from the resin body by moving the holding device while holding the resin body stationary.