Abstract: A video communication trading system network includes a plurality of subscriber keystations (410,412) at least one of which employs a conversation analyzing keystation terminal controller (400,400a) for parsing a trading conversation between designated keystations (98a,602) for automatically providing trading conversation context sensitive trading data messages, such as trading conversation textual message prompts based on real time trading conversation analysis. The trading system network includes a message switching interface (300) for routing trading conversational messages throughout the network. The context sensitive prompt messages are analysis driven to provide prompt messages based on the analyzed dialogue as the conversation progresses. These prompts can be manually overridden by the user. The system also provides for dynamic creation of a ticket (416,404), which is also displayed, as the conversation progresses based on the real time analysis of the conversation.

Abstract: A linear displacement interferometer system employs glass wedge prisms (71, 73, 75, 76) diposed about the interferometer axis of symmetry to refract the beams (51A, 55A) produced by the interferometer onto a single area (72, 86) approximately the size of the interferometer beam. If only one spot is produced on each of the stage and reference mirrors (72, 86), then any ambiguity concerning the beams (51B, 55B) is eliminated. In the preferred system, the stage (72) and standard (86) mirrors are located where the refracted beam crosses an interferometer axis of symmetry (80).

Abstract: An oral composition which is adapted to be dispersed in an aqueous carrier substantially immediately prior to administration comprises a multiplicity of particles comprising an active substance, the particles being combined with one or more gelling or swelling agents capable of forming a viscous medium around the particles in an aqueous carrier as well as being provided with a masking surface layer when dispersed in the aqueous carrier. This serves to mask uneven surfaces on the particles and prevent them from adhering to oral mucosa when the composition is ingested and thus makes it easier to administer large dosages of an active substance. The masking surface layer is preferably provided by an increased viscosity of the viscous medium in the immediate vicinity of the particles relative to the viscosity of the surrounding aqueous carrier. A ready-to-use composition is prepared by mixing the composition with an aqueous carrier substantially immediately prior to administration of the composition.

Abstract: Novel protein partial degradation products obtainable from grain proteins such as wheat protein, maize protein, soya bean protein, etc., by specific degradation treatments, which are useful as a quality-improving agent for various food stuffs, a surface active agent, a dispersing agent for particles, etc.

Abstract: A high accuracy linear displacement interferometer capable of measuring changes in displacement of two plane mirror surfaces (60, 61) comprises a source (10) of an input beam (12) with two linear orthogonally polarized components which may or may not be of the same optical frequency, a birefringent optical element (40) and a quarter-wave phase retardation plate (42) for converting the input beam (12) into two separated, parallel, oppositely handed circularly polarized beams (16, 17); a first plane mirror (60) comprising one of the two (60, 61) plane mirror surfaces; a second plane mirror (61) nominally parallel to and rigidly connected to the first plane mirror (60) surface comprising the other of the two plane mirror surfaces; the birefringent optical element (40), the quarter-wave phase retardation plate (42), a right angle prism (48) with reflective, orthogonal faces, and a pair of retroreflectors (44, 45) causing each of the separated, parallel, oppositely handed circularly polarized output beams (32, 33)

Abstract: A technique utilizing conventional photolithography to manufacture GaAs MESFET devices having sub-micrometric gate and variable length recessed channel. The structure of these devices consists of two photopolymeric layers separated by a metal interface. The upper, stencil layer sets the aperture of the submicrometric gate. The lower planarizing layer defines the recessed channel, through the metal interface, which acts as a template. The length of such channel may be varied through suitable choice of exposure time of the planarizing photopolymer. By adopting such multilayer structures it is possible to obtain gate lengths of .about.b .mu.m and recessed channel lengths form 0.8 to 3 .mu.m, with a process yield typically better than 90%, simultaneously. Furthermore, by using a thicker planarizing layer in this structure it is possible to obtain a relatively thick metal deposit (typically about 0.8 .mu.m), such as a Ti/Pt/Au overlayer over ohmic contacts and gate pads.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulating and structural masonry block comprising a sealed envelope of parallelepipic shape in which layers of light, dry aggregate are superposed, separated by a geotextile band placed in accordion like layers. Within the envelope is drawn a pressure lower than ambient pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a characteristic which is a function of the concentration of one or more chemical species in a sample fluid, examples being the concentration of sodium ion or potassium ion in blood, makes use of a discardable or disposable measuring device comprising one or more sensors, an example of a relevant type of sensor being a potentiometric electrode, one or more conditioning (e.g. calibration) fluid chambers and, optionally, a sample fluid chamber, the sensor(s) being movable relative to the chamber(s), or vice versa, so as permit conditioning of the sensor(s) in a conditioning fluid chamber and exposure of a sensing surface part of the sensor(s) to a sample fluid.

Abstract: A process for reducing the amount of residual carbonate on alkali metal bicarbonates which comprises:(a) feeding a dry bicarbonate into a reaction zone,(b) admixing the bicarbonate with carbon dioxide gas saturated with water vapor at a temperature T.sub.1,(c) controlling the temperature T.sub.1 so that it exceeds temperature T.sub.2 of the carbon dioxide gas exiting the reaction zone by just enough to condense a controlled amount of water vapor sufficient to accomplish the reaction,(d) and reacting the bicarbonate, carbon dioxide, and condensed water vapor, for a sufficient time to produce dry cured bicarbonate product with less carbonate content.

Abstract: Blasting media for removing coatings from sensitive metal and composite surfaces, and a process useful therewith, wherein the blasting media comprise mixtures of water-soluble crystalline sodium sulfate particles having average particle sizes of from 100 to 250 microns, in admixture with flow/anticaking agents.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed which utilize implanted glucose sensitive living cells to monitor blood glucose levels. The implanted cells produce a detectable electrical or optical signal in response to changes in glucose concentration in surrounding tissue. The signal is then detected and interpreted to give a reading indicative of blood glucose levels. Capsules containing glucose sensitive cells and electrodes for detecting electrical activity are also disclosed. Methods of monitoring blood glucose are also described utilizing the systems and capsules disclosed.

Abstract: A rapid and sensitive assay method for the detection of IgM antibody or the simultaneous detection of IgG and IgM antibody to retroviruses, including HIV-1 and HIV-2, and diagnostic test kits for carrying out the method is provided. According to the method of the invention, results are obtainable within 70 minutes.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent assay for the determination of density or activity of viable cells which comprises incubating viable cells in the presence of a quinone whose reduced form redcues dissolved oxygen resulting in formation of hydrogen peroxide, reacting the hydrogen peroxide with a chemiluminescence reagent in the presence of a fluorescent substance to cause fluorescence and determining density or activity of the cells on the basis of the intensity of fluorescence.

Abstract: A method for the quantitative determination of antigen (or antibody) which comprises adding a sample containing an antigen (or antibody) to a dispersion of an insoluble carrier of fine particle size with an antibody (or antigen) fixed thereto to effect an antigen-antibody reaction, measuring absorbance of the reaction mixture, A.lambda..sub.1 and A.lambda..sub.2, at two different wavelengths, .lambda..sub.1 and .lambda..sub.2, and calculating the concentration of said antigen (or antibody) in the sample from the absorbance ratio A.lambda..sub.1 /A.lambda..sub.2. This method is suitable for the measurment of the amount of an antigen or antibody in samples taken from living bodies using a simple procedure which has high sensitivity.

Abstract: A sterile lipid emulsion composition made from fish oil enriched egg phosphatides; a natural oil, an osmotic agent such as glycerin and purified water, optionally adjusted to a pH of between 8.5 and 10.5 with sodium hydroxide. This composition can be administered parenterally to a host mammal.

Abstract: A device for applying a powdery material, suitably make-up, comprising a casing (4) containing a powdery material reservoir (6) mounted displaceably with respect to the casing (4) and dismountably integral with an intermediate part (22) which is integral with an obturation element (16) forming valve (18). The obturation element (16) comprises a stem (17) of a length sufficient to have its free end (17a) accessible from outside the device when the reservoir (6) is dismounted. An easy-to-clean refillable device is thus provided, which facilitates changing the shade of the powder applied during use.

Abstract: Conventional industrial pressure blasting apparatus is modified to allow a controlled pressure on the blast pot that is greater than the pressure on the line where less aggressive abrasive media and air are mixed for conveying the mixture to the nozzle and then to the workpiece. A media control device, with a fixed but readily variable area, is placed between the blast pot and the media/air mixing line to meter the media flow and maintain a positive pressure differential between the blast pot and the line. Adjusting the pressure differential allows control of the weight ratio of the media-to-air flow to between about 0.05 to 0.25.

Abstract: Conventional industrial pressure blasting apparatus is modified to allow a controlled pressure on the blast pot that is greater than the pressure on the line where the media and air are mixed for conveying the mixture to the nozzle and then to the workpiece. A media control device, with a fixed but readily variable area, is placed between the blast pot and the media/air mixing line to meter the media flow and maintain the pressure differential between the blast pot and the line. This allows control of the media flow when low flow rates, below about 10 pounds per minute, are required.