Abstract: A reference liquid for calibration or quality control of instruments which determine ionized calcium and pH. The reference liquid contains both a particular calcium ion activity and a pH-buffer and can therefore be used for calibration of both the calcium-sensitive electrode and the pH-electrode in the instruments. The pH-buffer is a nitrogen-containing organic sulphonic acid and the salt of this acid, the acid having a pK in the range of 6.6-7.6. The reference liquid has an ionic strength of 0.15-0.17, a buffer capacity .beta. in the range of 0.04-0.10 and is packed in glass ampoules.

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: A housing and connection device for electronic modules consisting of two parts, one of which is fixed and the other of which is movable. The movable part is detachably connected to the fixed part via a hook and pivot, and screw. The inside of the movable part contains a series of parallel grooves suitable for holding one or more electronic modules, such as printed circuit boards. The modules make electrical contact with a first motherboard at the rear of the movable part. The first motherboard in turn makes electrical contact with a second motherboard in the movable part, located above the first motherboard. The movable part also has a removable, grilled cover with a lock and it has an expansion system to accommodate additional modules.

Abstract: A forming process for producing sharp corners in sheet metal workpieces, and a press brake useful in carrying out such a process, involving a male forming die incorporating a nipple for extruding the sheet metal stock material into the adjacent region defined by the female coining die for forming a sharp corner in the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the photocleavage of nucleic acids which consists in bringing a nucleic acid into contact with a solution of a 2,7-diazapyrene derivative and in subjecting the resulting reaction mixture to irradiation with visible light.

Abstract: The characteristics of surfaces of bodies made from a basic material (22) which is mouldable at low temperatures, such as concrete or concrete-like materials are improved by applying a layer of metal (12) to one or more surface parts thereof. The metal layer may be applied by moulding the basic material, optionally with reinforcements (23) against a prefabricated metal member (12) which may be a metal layer formed on a surface (21) of a model or a mould (20) whereby a metal-coated tool for casting or shaping articles corresponding to the model or mould may be made from the basic material.The mouldable material is, in particular, a material which in its cured state comprises a coherent matrix, the matrix comprising(A) homogenously arranged solid particles of a size of from about 50 .ANG. to about 0.5 .mu.m, or a coherent structure formed from such homogenously arranged particles, and(B) densely packed solid particles having a size of the order of 0.5-100 .mu.

Abstract: A process for the production of potassium bicarbonate, involving the dry carbonation of potassium carbonate with a carbon dioxide gas stream having temperatures of up to 115.degree. C. and relative humidities of from 40% to 75%. High conversions of the potassium carbonate, carbon dioxide and water vapor reactants are achieved, with the formation of a substantially dry bicarbonate product which may be further processed without additional drying or handling expense.

Abstract: A closed circuit interactive television system (10) provides a multichannel television signal from a localized head end (12) which is used for individualized interactive selections by a plurality of users (22, 24, 26). Each user station contains a conventional televison receiver (32a, 32b, 32c) and a smart box or interface and selection device (30a, 30b, 30c). The smart box or interface and selection device (30) is disposed between the television receiver (32) and the RF distribution amplifier (36). The number of user stations (22, 24, 26) on the system (10) is virtually unlimited.

Abstract: An audio frequency based data capture tablet (26) includes a working surface (210) upon which a data collection document having marked responses is placed. A movable cursor (212, 222), which is mechanically disposed above the working surface (210), produces an audio signature indicating both its position and relative motion orthogonally. shaded bars (214, 216) along the top and sides of the tablet (26) which comprise binary encoded sections, cause a composite of audio frequencies to be produced. The intersecting members (212, 222) of the movable cursor are orthogonally disposed with the x-axis member including seven phototransistors (220) as does the y-axis member (225), with each of the phototransistors (220, 223) being uniquely associated with an audio frequency oscillator (330-342, 334-356) whose outputs are mixed and combined (400) to provide a composite audio signature; and optically alignable with the shaded bars (214, 216).

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for filtration includes an outer stationary body, an inner rotating body defining a gap with the outer body for receiving a fluid sample, the surface of one of the bodies defining the gap being a filter. The rotation of the inner body creates Taylor vortices which continuously displace occluded solute on the filter surface. The filter can be a membrane. The rotational speed and/or a driving force across the membrane may be varied to control the composition of the permeate.

Abstract: Improved polymer barrier for protective garments for personal protection against hazardous chemicals (e.g. epoxy products, organic solvents and pesticides) and a rational method of selecting polymer membranes with optimal permeation resistance against hazardous chemicals. As an excellent barrier against epoxy products and solvents a protective garment contains a membrane of a vinyl alcoholethylene copolymer. Said copolymer was selected by the invented optimization method (the three dimensional solubility parameter concept).

Abstract: A coordination compound useful as a hydrogenation catalyst, having the formula: ##STR1## wherein Ph is phenyl; R is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; and X is chloro, bromo or iodo. This compound is particularly useful as a homogeneous hydrogenation catalyst in the production of alpha-6-deoxytetracyclines, particularly the antibiotic doxycycline. The desired alpha-6-deoxy product is produced in high yields and stereospecificities, the process requiring the use of minimal quantities of rhodium metal in the hydrogenation catalyst per mole of the 6-methylenetetracycline hydrogenated.

Abstract: A portable gun disassembly and cleaning kit that can be used in the field is disclosed. The implements in the kit can be used to disassemble and clean essentially any type or size of gun (e.g., pistols, rifles, shotguns). The carrying case is flexible, foldable, water-resistant, and oil-resistant, and has spaces for securely holding all of the implements. A strap is pulled tight to secure the implements in their respective spaces inside the case.

Abstract: A composition for promoting dewatering of granulated slag which comprises the combination of an anionic polyether sulfate surfactant with a cationic nitrogen-containing surfactant and optionally a defoaming agent, and a process for promoting dewatering of granulated slag using such composition, which are useful for preparing granulated slag having a moisture content of 4% or less as a material for cement.

Abstract: Peptide-containing compounds such as enzymes, antibodies and antigens are immobilized on metal hydroxy gels formed by hydrolysis of metal alkoxides in an aqueous solvent while evaporating off the solvent. Preferably, hydrogen fluoride is present in the solvent during hydrolysis to provide a fluoride-substituted metal hydroxy gel. Water containing lower alcohol is a preferred solvent. The gel is treated with a coupling agent and a peptide-containing compound is chemically bonded to the gel.

Abstract: Solutions of urea peroxide in glycerine suitable for use as ear wax removal aid formulations, which solutions have been stabilized by the addition of succinic anhydride thereto.

Abstract: Muramyl peptide derivatives having the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sub.3 is a long chain acyloxyacyl group, R.sub.1 is hydrogen or hydroxy mercapto, acyloxy or acylthio group, R.sub.2 is hydrogen or alkyl group and R.sub.4 is acyl, which are useful as immunomodulators.

Abstract: The invention discloses a building element and system useful in the construction of silos and other compartmentalized structures; the system comprising a first upright elongated plate 1 having a flange 3 along each of two longitudinal edges at approximately 45 degrees from the plate, the included angle between the flanges being approximately ninety degrees; wall panels 4 having a flange adjacent each of two opposing parallel edges adapted to be sandwiched between one flange of a first upstanding elongated plate and an opposing flat surface on a second upright elongated plate; two or more upstanding plates serving to define a column support.

Abstract: A stable, palatable and safe hydrogen peroxode-releasing toothpaste or gel dentrifrice comprising sodium bicarbonate and sodium percarbonate in a polyethylene glycol base. Thickening agents, surfactants, flavoring agents, sweeteners, fluoridating agents, and other conventional adjuvants may also be included in the dentifrice formulation.

Abstract: A token collecting safe (10) is described, which includes a parallelepipedal box that is provided with a fixed cover (15), including an upper cavity of semicircular shape (16) with handle (17), a rectangular opening with a recess (18) usually closed by means of sealing wax or a transparent sight-hole (20), an upper opening or device for token input (22) for token access to an upper token collecting trough (23) and a second token input device (24) for token access to a lateral token collecting trough (25). The token collecting troughs (23, 25) are built from a plastic material and are provided with slots (28, 31) in their respective free ends to ensure the irreversible fall of the telephone tokens into the safe.