Abstract: The present invention provides a process for polymerizing diallyldialkyl ammonium compounds to produce polymers with increased molecular weight in which the polymerization is carried out in an aqueous medium containing an inorganic salt and a water soluble free radical initiator that does not react with the inorganic salt or a counterion of the diallyldialkyl ammonium compound to form a chain transfer or chain terminating agent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effecting zoned deposition of superabsorbent particles in a fibrous web includes the use of dual dispensing nozzles for forming selected deposition patterns. Fluidized streams of the superabsorbent particles are formed, with rotary valve assemblies employed for creating pulsed flow to each of the dispensing nozzles. The length, width, and relative positioning of the deposition patterns can be selectively varied in accordance with desired performance characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a plasmid, pEAP7.DELTA.P, containing a DNA region capable of inducing extracellular secretion of a useful, physiologically active substance in transformed host and a promoter DNA region regulating expression of the first DNA region. The present invention further provides for a microorganism transformed with the plasmid and a process for the production of the substances by culturing the microorganism.

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 reloadable film canister includes a light-tight enclosure with an aperture for dispensing film therethrough. A spool of film may be loaded into the enclosure, and may be removed when the film is dispensed. In one embodiment of the invention, an encoder (field modulating) disk is included as part of the canister. In another embodiment the encoder disk is affixable to the film spool and loadable with the film spool into the canister. The spool is mountable in the enclosure for rotation therein and for dispensing, at each step of a stepper motor, a predetermined length of film corresponding to the motor's step size. The encoder disk has a plurality of uniformly-spaced, peripherally-arranged segments (elements) detectable by an external detector (sensor), the detector and the stepper motor operating under control of a microprocessor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural sheet formed with cup-shaped projections in which the sidewalls are formed by a sigmoidal line of revolution to provide for more uniform distribution of stress in the structural sheet. There is also provided a novel two-component structural panel which incorporates the advantages of such a structural element to eliminate depressions in the outer panel member which would present "read through" problems.

Abstract: A wall construction comprises a ceiling or wall structure having an exposed surface, a drywall panel having an edge near such surface, and an accessory comprising a bead for finishing the edge and a separate, removable strip for masking a portion of such surface to prevent drywall finishing material or paint from being deposited on the masked portion. The bead has a generally L-shaped profile with a surface-engaging leg secured to and engaged with a panel surface, with an edge-covering leg extended inwardly over the panel edge, and with a generally U-shaped lip joining the legs. A generally J-shaped portion of the edge-covering leg defines a channel opening toward the lip, grasping an inner portion of the strip releasably, and having an edge spaced inwardly from the lip. An outer portion of the strip extends beyond the lip and performs such masking function.

Abstract: A sealed package is provided for holding a predetermined supply of individual medication units, such as pills. The package includes a base panel defining a predetermined number of sealed compartments. The base panel includes opening means for accommodating the tearing of the base panel from an edge thereof into each compartment to release the pills. A cover panel is provided for overlying the base panel and is hinged to the base panel. A retainer means or latch is provided for releasably engaging the cover panel with the base panel. The cover panel, the base panel, or both present indicia for identifying said medication units and the and dosage therefor.

Abstract: Synthetic polypeptides whose sequences correspond substantially to amino acid residue sequences of at least portions of naturally occurring proteinoids translated from brain-specific mRNAs are disclosed as are receptors, methods and diagnostics that utilize those synthetic polypeptides. The synthetic polypeptides have molecular weights less than those of their corresponding proteinoids, and induce the production of antibodies that bind to the naturally occurring proteinoid, or a derivative thereof when bound to a carrier as a conjugate and are introduced into an animal.

Abstract: A spring clip having a pair of jaws and a spring or biasing member interconnecting the jaws for biasing the jaws to a closed position, the spring including a support ledge defining a fulcrum for rotation of the jaws between the open and closed position independently of any separate support member.

Abstract: A medical device applies localized heat to a site in a patient's body by irradiation with light and by conduction. The device includes a radiant energy transmitting conduit, typically an optic fiber, that carries radiant energy, typically high intensity light such as laser, into a body cavity, typically the uterus, from an energy source, typically a laser source, that is located exterior to the body. At the operative head of the device within the body cavity a portion of the transmitted radiant energy is absorbed and converted to heat. This heat is radiated or conducted from the device head substantially omnidirectionally in order to aid in destruction of tissue. Meanwhile, another portion of the transmitted radiant energy is emitted through an aperture in the device head as light energy suitable for more localized and intense heating and destruction of tissue or other organic matter. This light emission is preferably directionally transverse to an elongate body of the device head.

Abstract: A low noise miniature potentiometer utilizes thick film deposits of resistive material which extend adjacent to deposits of conductive material. The conductive region is sliced into a plurality of spaced-apart conductive elements. Electrical paths through resistive elements can be lengthen by laser trimming of the resistive material thereby providing for very precise incremental resistances between pairs of spaced apart conductive elements. If desired, an increased range of resistivity can be achieved by utilizing a second deposited thick film region extending along the conductive region and in contact therewith. Laser trimming can be used to increase conductive path lengths in the second resistive element thereby providing a broader range of resistance values.

Abstract: A high efficiency optical mixer includes a source of focused radiant energy. The focused radiant energy is concentrated by a parabolic concentrator onto an exit port. A diffuse reflector, which can be planar or arcuate, is maintained in contact with the output port thereby minimizing optical losses and diffusely reflecting light from the concentrator. The reflected light can be transmitted, by fiber optics, to an optical system. A method is providing for concentrating focused radiant energy onto a selected area and diffusely reflecting same from that area.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for directing laser radiation to a body cavity site. A hollow, elongate, optical fiber is advanced, usually in a containing device, to the vicinity of the site and coupled to a laser source with a distal end region of the fiber extending along a longitudinal axis. The fiber terminates in an energy delivery surface for emitting laser radiation transmitted by the fiber. The radiation is intercepted at a location axially aligned with the energy delivery surface and is reflected in a beam radiating substantially transversely of, and substantially circumferentially around, the axis. A reflector member or block is provided for reflecting the radiation and is mounted in an open end of the catheter at a selected axial position along the axis. A fluid, such as a flushing fluid, can be directed between the end of the fiber, against the reflector member, and to the body site.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure for a container comprises a plastic closure cap having a circular top wall portion, and a depending annular skirt portion. The closure further includes an annular pilfer band depending from the skirt portion which is at least partially detachably connected thereto by a frangible connection. The pilfer band includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible projections, and a plurality of respectively associated interference beads. By this arrangement, the pilfer band is configured for two modes of interfering engagement with an annular locking ring of an associated container for at least partially separating the pilfer band from the closure skirt for tamper-indication.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for simulating stair climbing, stair hopping and downhill skiing is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base with a vertical support extending upwardly therefrom and a handrail supported by the vertical support. Two foot pedals are pivotally connected to the vertical support. Each foot pedal has a roller chain connected at one end to the foot pedal. A spring is connected between the other end of each roller chain and the foot pedal at a position spaced from the point of connection of the roller chain. The two roller chains are looped over drive chain sprockets which are rotatably mounted by clutch bearings on a shaft in spaced apart relation. The drive shaft extends through and is rigidly secured to a friction drum. A chord is looped around the drum between a spring bias and a length adjustable rod thereby forming a variable resistance mechanism. Depressing the foot pedals results in the clutch bearings engaging the shaft thereby rotating the friction drum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling slag in a tilting furnace. The apparatus is mounted on a trough extending from the furnace tap hole and has a reservoir for receiving the flow from the trough. The reservoir has a slag opening and a bottom opening. A passage extends from the bottom opening along a weir which terminates at an elevation above the bottom opening but below the slag opening. The molten metal flows over the weir and out of the device, and the slag is retained in the reservoir and is discharged from the reservoir through the slag opening.

Abstract: A multi-layered corrosion-resistant label comprising a printed layer of a first corrosion-sensitive material, a transparent second layer of a second material different from the printed layer covering the front surface of the printed layer, and being of a shape similar to that of the first layer in plan view and of a second size greater than the first size, a third layer of a material different from the printed layer covering the back surface of the printed layer and being of a shape similar to that of the first shape and of a size greater than the first size, with the second and third layers enveloping the printed layer and providing a protective border surrounding the printed layer so that the peripheral edge of the printed layer is spaced inwardly from the peripheral edges of the second and third layers.

Abstract: A unitary article is provided in a form which can be reconfigured as a two-piece dispensing closure. According to the method, the unitary article is molded with frangible webs connecting a ring to a body so that the ring is axially offset from, but concentric with, the cylindrical wall of the body. Subsequently, the frangible webs are broken, and the ring is moved axially to a location concentric with the body cylindrical wall to form the assembled closure. In the assembled closure the body has a closed end and an open end suitable for mounting on a container. The cylindrical wall of the body defines a discharge passage for communicating with the container for dispensing the contents thereof. The ring defines a dispensing orifice and accommodates rotation between a dispensing position in which the passage and orifice are at least partially aligned and a closed position in which the passage is occluded by the ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure cap (5) having a dispensing opening (6) for containers with flexible walls, which can be pressed together by hand for the dispensing of spray product which is in connection with the dispensing opening (6) by means of a dip tube (7). Upstream of the dispensing opening (6) is an outlet valve (8), which is open when there is positive pressure in the container, whereas an air-admitting opening (9) is assigned an air-admitting valve (10), which is open when there is negative pressure in the container. By virtue of the outlet valve (8) upstream of the dispensing opening (6), the readmission of air to the container and consequently the risk of sucking in through the dispensing opening (6) substances contaminating the container content is prevented.