Abstract: A process for the preparation of nanoparticles for the encapsulation of active constituents, the nanocapsules prepared being dispersible in aqueous phase in colloidal form, non-toxic, biocompatible, stable in colloidal suspension and economical. In the process, two non-oily solvents as used, together with a third, oily solvent.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a table for placing a workpiece thereon and includes a fixing device for fixing the workpiece in position relative to the table. The fixing device may be operable in a first mode for fixing and releasing the workpiece relative to the table and in a second mode for shifting the workpiece relative to the table.

Abstract: A paper holding portion is provided in a printer body for holding paper, a print head is provided in the printer body adjacent a paper cutter, and a platen roller is rotatably mounted on the printer body and contacted with the print head. A pressure roller is rotatably mounted on a cover so as to be pressed against the platen roller when the cover is closed.

Abstract: A fuel injection port 21 formed in a seat 20 is opened and closed by a movable valve 14 supported by a flat spring 16. The movable valve 14 is biased by an elastic force of a coil spring 26 in a direction that closes the fuel injection port 21. When electric power is supplied to a solenoid coil 4, the movable valve 14 is moved to a direction that opens the fuel injection port 21 as a result of an electromagnetic attraction force between a magnetic circuit M for generating an electromagnetic attraction force and the movable valve 14. Air gaps G0, G1 and G2 are formed within the fuel injection port and permeance ratios between the air gaps may be set to optimal valves.

Abstract: A sign board for displaying an image so that the image can be viewed from various viewing angles without appearing distorted is disclosed. The sign board includes a first layer of material having light transmitting portions and light blocking portions arranged over a second layer of material bearing multiple distorted copies of the image. The copies are distorted by being compressed near their edges. The first layer is arranged over the second layer so that the image is visible to a viewer through the light transmitting portions substantially idependently of the angle at which the sign board is viewed.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel fluorescent conjugates of nucleosides or nucleotides which can be used especially for detecting, locating and/or isolating nucleic acids or molecules of biological or clinical interest which have a nucleoside structure or are capable of interacting with nucleic acids. The invention further relates to the polynucleotides comprising at least one fluorescent conjugate of a nucleotide.

Abstract: A method for identifying an unknown gas using a diffusion limited sensor providing an electrical signal output when exposed to the gas. According to the method, a sensor is disposed in a chamber of fixed volume and having a gas input and gas output through which the gas flows, and the chamber is connected to a source of a known test gas of known concentration and known diffusion coefficient Dk. The input to the chamber is opened, causing the sensor to be exposed to the known test gas until a steady state electrical signal output from the sensor is obtained. The time Tk necessary for the sensor to attain a predetermined percentage of the steady state output is determined. The chamber is then connected to a source of unknown gas, and the input is opened, and time Tu necessary for the sensor to attain the predetermined percentage of a steady state output for the unknown gas is determined.

Abstract: Powder product for the protection of molds for centrifugal casting of cast iron tubes, and a method for its production. The powder contains a mixture of a silicon-based inoculating agent and a mineral powder, the silicon-based inoculating product comprising waste masses from synthesis of alkyl- or aryl- halosilanes, from which tin and optionally copper has been removed. The mineral powder may contain at least one material selected from the group consisting of carbon and a fluoride.

Abstract: An impeller 16 has a plurality of blade grooves 16a formed along a perimeter thereof. A pump casing 17 has an inlet port 22, a discharge port 24, a first circumferential groove 20 contiguous with the inlet port 22, a second circumferential groove contiguous with the discharge port 24 and a partition 25 between a groove inlet portion 23 and the discharge port 24. An opening end face of the discharge port 24 on the side of the pump casing 17 that faces the impeller has a tapered portion 24a and a damping portion 24b. The tapered portion 24a has an opening width W that gradually decreases along the direction of rotation of the impeller 16. The damping portion 24b has an opening width that is substantially constant along the direction of rotation of the impeller. In one embodiment, a corner portion, which is defined by wall surfaces 24c, 24d defining the tapered portion 24a and the damping portion 24b of the discharge port 24, respectively, and a lower surface 9a of the pump casing 17, is chamfered.

Abstract: An external device for the drainage of biological fluid, particularly cephalorrhachidian fluid, utilizes a catheter (1, 2), one end of which is disposed in the area to be drained and the other end of which is connected to a drainage bag (3). This device includes a pressure measuring device (4) for measuring the pressure in the area to be drained and external flow control valve (5) on the catheter. An electronically controlled power supply (10) is provided for actuating the valve when the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A crucible holder made of a carbon material for use in crystal pulling operations and in the shape of a hollow receptacle. The holder includes at least two distinct and complementary parts that can be brought together by junction surfaces. When the parts are assembled to form the crucible holder, specific portions of the junction surfaces overlap to form at least one overlap area. The crucible holder can limit chemical reactions between the crucible and the holder and prolong the lives of both.

Abstract: The invention consists of several improvements introduced into the construction of mechanical draft excluders for the lower edge of doorjambs, characterized in that the body of the draft excluder is built in three sections aligned horizontally, with the two end sections each connected to a side of the doorjamb and the third laid out in a sliding fashion between the two to cover the separation that might exist between the two fixed end sections by adapting to the width of the door.

Abstract: A method for fractionated distribution of a blood sample, includes the steps of: a) drawing up a blood sample into a needle; b) distributing via the needle an aliquot corresponding to a specific fraction of the blood sample drawn up, into a flow of a reagent, to thereby produce a mixture of the aliquot and of the reagent; c) collecting the mixture in a mixing and/or measuring receptacle; and d) repeating steps b) and c) at least once to distribute a further aliquot corresponding to a further specific fraction of the blood sample, into a further flow of reagent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for facilitating the removal of formwork for the end joint of a diaphragm wall panel, said formwork comprising a soleplate having two side edges. The device comprising: two substantially rectangular plates of substantially the same dimensions; spacer means secured to first longitudinal edges of each of said plates to hold them substantially parallel to each other at a spacing h; filler means for filling the volume defined by said plates, the spacer means, and a plane orthogonal to said plates located at a distance d from the second longitudinal edges of the plates; and temporary fixing means for fixing said plates to said soleplate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genes which code for glycosyl hydrolases having an HCA score with the iota-carrageenase of Alteromonas fortis which is greater than or equal to 65% over the domain extending between amino acids 164 and 311 of the protein sequence SEQ ID No. 2 of said iota-carrageenase, and to genes which code for glycosyl hydrolases having an HCA score with the kappa-carrageenase of Alteromonas carrageenovora which is greater than or equal to 75% over the domain extending between amino acids 117 and 262 of the protein sequence SEQ ID No. 6 of said kappa-carrageenase.

Abstract: Device for establishing a gastight and fluidtight connection in a horizontal level between two or more containers (100, 200) of the iso-container type. The device includes a substantially band shaped, elastic sealing member (300) which surrounds an opening (20) between the containers to be connected and which is arranged on a supporting surface (105). A pressure exerting member (130) is provided to hold the sealing member (300) tightly against the supporting surface (105) with tightening members (400) to force the sealing member (300) against the supporting surface (105). The sealing member (300) in mounted position is arranged with a generally rectangular cross section and is placed against a supporting surface (105) on the respective containers, generally extending in the main level of the respective containers. The pressure exerting member constitutes at least four generally band shaped members (130) arranged at the respective flat supporting surfaces (105) of a container (100).

Abstract: An inert vessel for treating an oxidizable liquid metal includes a vessel body and a lid mounted thereon with bearing surfaces at a junction therebetween, the body and lid each including a metal wall having an inner face coated with a refractory lining. The vessel further includes movable auxiliary equipment passing through the lid, and optionally the body, with the vessel body including inlet and outlet means for the liquid metal and external atmosphere. An inflatable seal is disposed between the lid and the vessel body housed in a peripheral receptacle, the peripheral receptacle including at least one wall which is an extension of the lid, and at least one other wall which is an extension of the vessel body, the seal when inflated directly contacting the wall which is the extension of the lid and the wall which is the extension of the vessel body, and being directly adjacent the vessel body adjacent the junction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for decomposing articles, especially contaminated articles, by means of a decomposition device. To make it possible to the use an easily manipulated decomposition device while avoiding bulky devices, and at the same time to enable in-situ decomposition, in the tightest possible space, in a way that suits packing needs, it is proposed that the decomposition device execute an oscillating motion such that as a function of the progress and/or duration of the decomposition of the article, a varying resultant of the direction of decomposition force introduced by the decomposition device is established.