Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling slag in a tilting furnace are provided. The apparatus comprises a trough having a lateral opening, a discharge outlet, and a passage for defining a non-linear flow path between the lateral opening and the discharge outlet. The method comprises the steps of tilting the furnace to discharge molten metal and slag into the trough, directing the flow of the molten metal through the flow path in the trough, damming and retaining the slag in the trough while permitting the molten metal to flow out of the trough, and discharging the retained slag through the lateral opening in the trough.

Abstract: A protective bandage for covering a wound or other sensitive body area. A fluid-filled bubble means is positioned centrally of the bandage and is adapted to overlie the sensitive body area to protect it against impacts, to reduce the pain of impacts, and to promote healing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a lifting device particularly suited for lifting plastic drums or barrels while maintaining the same vertically upright and transporting the same to another location. The lifting device is unique in that it employs a locking bar which is capable of locking the device in both the open position preparatory for securing the barrel, and the grasping/lifting position. It maintains either of these locked positions regardless of whether an upward force is exerted upon the pair of pivotal tongs. Unlike other pivoted lifting devices or tongs, the present invention uses a minimal amount of friction force to lift a barrel, such that the fragile resilient sides of a plastic barrel are not damaged.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing an alarm threshold for each member of a plurality of detectors or sensors includes storing a value returned from each detector indicative of a clear air condition. A second value returned from each detector indicative of a test condition is stored. The stored values are combined with a common detector characteristic value to produce a unique alarm theshold for each detector. The determined alarm thresholds can be stored for subsequent use. Subsequently, a value returned from a detector indicating a current ambient condition can be compared to that detector's previously determined alarm threshold. If the currently returned value from the detector exceeds the predetermined alarm threshold, an alarm condition can be indicated.

Abstract: An absorbent mixture, as made from fibers formed into a fibrous web and a polymerizable, cross-linkable material, in a liquid carrier. The material, when polymerized and cross-linked, results in a superabsorbent polymer. The material, in the liquid carrier, is dispersed within the fibrous web, as dispersed inclusions, and is polymerized and cross-linked in situ, within the fibrous web, so as to form a composite web comprising the fibrous web and the superabsorbent polymer, as dispersed particles, at least some of which are bound to fibers from the fibrous web. The composite web is ground, so as to cause some of the superabsorbent polymers to become particulate while fragments of the superabsorbent polymer remain bound to fibers from the fibrous web. Before the composite web is ground, it may be provided with a fibrous layer or fibrous layers in intimate contact therewith, and also compressed.

Abstract: A closure is provided for use in a squeeze-type container that defines a discharge opening communicating with the container interior in which the fluid product is contained. The closure includes a body for being mounted to the container over the container opening. An insert member is mounted in the body. In one embodiment, the insert member defines a dispensing orifice through which the container contents can be dispensed, and the closure body defines a vent aperture adjacent the insert member for cooperating with the insert member to define a vent passage between the container opening and the ambient atmosphere. A resilient sealing lip is defined by the insert member for sealingly engaging the interior surface of the closure body around the vent aperture in a closed position.

Abstract: A diversity receiving apparatus includes first and second antennas and circuitry for selecting one antenna or the other. Control circuitry analyzes signal strength received from the selected antenna and determines when the antennas should be switched. The antennas are switched when the received signal strength falls below a running average thereof; the received signal strength falls below a threshold value; or a predetermined time has elapsed since the antennas have been switched. The antennas are switched when the received signal strength falls below a running average thereof; the received signal strength falls below a threshold value; or a predetermined time has elapsed since the antennas have been switched.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure includes a plastic closure cap having a top wall portion, and a depending cylindrical skirt portion, and an annular pilfer band depending from the skirt portion. The pilfer band includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible tabs, and an annular interference bead, with the arrangement configured to provide two modes of tamper-indicating interaction with an associated container. In order to facilitate high-speed application of the closure to a container, each of the flexible tabs includes a relatively thick central portion, operative during the second mode of tamper-indication, and an adjacent base portion of relatively reduced thickness for enhanced flexibility.

Abstract: Process for the production of gamma- or delta-lactones according to the general formula: ##STR1## in which R is a saturated, mono-, di- or triunsaturated linear alkyl chain comprising from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and in which R.sub.1 is alkylene comprising 2 or 3 carbon atoms, entailing the operation which consists in culturing, in a substrate comprising a hydroxide or hydroperoxide of linoleic acid or of linolenic acid, of their esters or of their glycerides, or of an oleic acid derivative obtained by the photooxygenation of oleic acid or autoxidation of fats which contain it, a microorganism capable of performing beta-oxidations of said substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel derivatives of 1-diphenylmethyl piperazinyl, characterized in that they correspond to the general formula I, and their therapeutically acceptable salts, ##STR1## in which: R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, equal or different, represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen, a lower alkyl radical, a hydroxy radical, an alkoxy radical, an alkyl carboxylate radical, an aryl or substituted aryl radical,n may have the values 2 to 4,X, Y, Z and W, equal or different, represent a nitrogen atom or a carbon atom linked to a hydrogen atom, a halogen or to another alkyl, aryl, carboxyalkyl, carbonyl, hydroxyl, sulfonyl and alkylsulfonyl radical.The present invention also relates to the process of preparing these compounds and their use for the manufacture of medicaments intended for prophylaxis and for the treatment of various allergic disorders caused by histamine.

Abstract: A security cover assembly for an instrument panel. The cover assembly is hinged to a console and consists of upper and lower hinged portions that can be folded and moved to a stored position where it will not obstruct the operators vision. When closed the cover is locked in position and designed so that it can not be readily pried open. When opened, the cover is secured to the back of the console and is retained against vibration.

Abstract: An immune response-enhancing guanosine analog derivative having a structure that conforms to the formula ##STR1## wherein Z is oxygen (O) or sulfur (S); X is oxygen (O), sulfur (S) selenium (Se) or cyanimino (NCN); and R.sub.1 is an aldoglycoside is disclosed. Also disclosed are a composition containing the guanosine analog derivative as active ingredient and a method of using the composition for immunostimulation.

Abstract: A transverse fan assembly including a plurality of elongated fan blades arranged in a cylindrical array and a plurality of axially spaced and generally aligned discs of substantially uniform diameter. Each disc defines equidistantly spaced slots concentric with and inwardly of the disc periphery for allowing the blades to loosely pass therethrough. Each blade is individually attached to a disc by a blade retainer which, in response to an individual twisting action upon the blade, releasably and individually attaches the blade to the disc under a substantially constant and independent force in a manner allowing for removal or replacement of the blade without affecting other blades in the fan assembly.

Abstract: A multi-panel modular shutter assembly comprised of a plurality of center panels disposed side-by-side between a pair of side rails which include retaining means engagable with the adjacent sides of a center panel for retaining said center panel in place and including a plurality of top and bottom rails for framing said center panels engagable with said side rails and an elongate stabilizing strip disposed between adjacent center panels and end rails for retaining said center panels in place and providing a stable shutter assembly.

Abstract: A surgical device and cooperating cartridge for applying surgical clips during endoscopic surgery. The surgical device incluces a jaw assembly, a barrel assembly, and a handle assembly. The jaw assembly has movable jaw members, each including a substantially transverse grooved portion and at least one angular side shield extending inwardly from an upper and a lower portion of the jaw member. The jaw members are oriented at an angle of approximately 22.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel portion. The distal surface of each jaw member is oriented at an angle that extends distally and outwardly. The jaw members are insertable into a unique cooperating cartridge that retains the surgical clip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the derivatives of general formula I ##STR1## in which: n can have the values 1 to 6, andR represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 lower alkyl radical, a nitro radical, a hydroxyl radical, an oxo radical, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 lower alkoxy radical, a cyano radical, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 lower alkyl carboxylate radical, an aryl or substituted aryl radical, or an amino or substituted amino radical of formula ##STR2## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, which may be identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical, an aryl radical, an alkylcarboxy radical, an arylcarboxy radical, an alkylsulphonyl radical or an arylsulphonyl radical, the alkyl fragments of these radicals containing from 1 to 4 carbon atomsfor the manufacture of medicinal products intended for the treatment of disorders associated with the withdrawal syndrome induced by the discontinuation of benzodiazepines such as diazepam, cocaine, alcohol and/or nicotine.

Abstract: The present invention provides L-isomeric nine-carbon sugars having a formed stereogenic center of R configuration, as well as methods of synthesizing the same.

Abstract: An autoclavable instrument for use in discovering and recording information during a dental examination includes a handpiece with a dental probe at one end and a pen at the other. The pen may be reversed or otherwise sealed to withstand autoclaving.