Abstract: A kit and a method for detecting the presence of an antibody inhibiting HIV (the AIDS virus) reverse transcriptase. The amount of antibody inhibiting HIV reverse transcriptase present in the body fluids of a patient known to be immunopositive for HIV gives the clinician a means to form a prognosis for each individual case.

Abstract: A nonionic contrast enhancing agent for magnetic resonance. In a preferred embodiment a chelating agent, for example, EDTA or DTPA, binds a metal, preferrably Gd, having at least one unpaired electron. Any carboxoyl groups not involved in chelation are bound to a reduced lower carbohydrate having between 3 and 5 carbon atoms. Such compositions are useful for enhancing the contrast of Magnetic Resonance images.

Abstract: A keyboard system for an electronic musical instrument of the keyboard type, such as a synthesizer, electronic piano, organ or controller keyboard. The keyboard includes an electromechanical key actuation and sensing element that in combination with electronic processing allows the performer to adjust both tactile and tone control parameters associated with keyboard touch response. The tactile response can be tuned over a broad range and is capable of simulating a light organ touch, heavier "piano key feel" or stiff percussive action. Since any of these features can be selected and adjusted while the performer is playing the keyboard, the keyboard system also has a desirable "real time" capability that does not interfere with musical performance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of electro-dewatering sewage sludge and other high water sludges. The sludge is passed through a conveyor means that is electrically charged. The anode has metal bristles or wires that protrude into the sludge mass. Water that migrates to the cathode is removed by conventional means. The dried sludge, which is attached to the bristles, is removed by vacuum means. About 30 percent of the sludge mass can be dewatered per pass.

Abstract: A hand-held cleaning implement. An ergonomically shaped, hand-held body allows attachment of a brush and sponge. The body is provided with a first and a second digitally operated valve button that allows water, provided by an external source, to flow through the brush or the sponge, at the user's option.

Abstract: A multiple service fitting for enabling through-floor passage of a plurality of different types of conductors, from a multi-cell underfloor raceway source thereof to an in-floor or above-floor outlet therefor.A mechanism operable from the accessible end of such fitting enables secure engagement thereof with the top walls of the multi-cell underfloor raceway without moving the fitting body portion, to compensate for floor slab deflection.A grommet and conduit extending tube, seated in and projecting from the opening in the top wall of the underfloor raceway cell, isolate and protect conductors passing therethrough.

Abstract: A saccharide matrix containing chelating agents. In a preferred embodiment the chelating agents, for example, EDTA or DTPA, bind metals having at least one unpaired electron. Such compositions are useful for enhancing the contrast of Magnetic Resonance images.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a vibration or shock-activated valve. A valve mounted for rotation in a gas line or the like is connected to an elongate handle by a valve stem. The valve is spring activated to rotate from an open to a closed position. The elongate handle engages and is restrained by a ball detent. The ball detent is normally urged into engagement with the elongate handle by a conical end of a pendulum member. When vibration or shock moves the pendulum, the ball detent releases the elongate handle permitting the spring loaded valve to rotate from the open to the closed position. A handle stop at 90.degree. stops the valve in the closed position.

Abstract: A method for producing, in a functionally agonadal human female body, an environment suitable for the implantation, nutrition, and development of an embryo, comprising the placement of at least one carrier containing at least one releasable steroid hormone into the vagina of the human female.

Abstract: A device for enabling substantially-anatomic reduction of a posteriorly uable pelvic disruption, as of a fracture or dislocation of the posterior pelvis. The device is adapted to enable secure fixation thereof to the posterior pelvic disruption. It is further adapted to enable fine adjustment of the alignment and fit of the disrupted surfaces, operable from a position externally of the patient's body, and to retain the united positions of the disrupted surfaces, for substantially-anatomically reducing the posteriorly unstable pelvic disruption. The device includes a plurality of tapper threaded pins, each adapted to be tapped into the outer cortices of the posterior pelvic bone at a location proximate the site of the posterior pelvic disruption. The device further includes a frame, adapted to enable the tapper threaded pins to be connected thereto for interconnection thereof, and mechanisms adapted to enable externally operable fine adjustment of the frame in a plurality of planes.

Abstract: A mechanism for limiting extension and retraction of the pool cover is provided to prevent overtravel thereof and damage to the cover driving motor.

Abstract: A device for extending and retracting a pool cover, for covering and uncovering a pool.A mechanism for coupling and uncoupling cover driving and driven sections includes a floppy clutch mechanism including a floppy clutch arm, pivotally mounted and operable so as to rotate, pivot, and drop into and out of engagement responsive to rotational and gravitational forces, so as to provide positive coupling and uncoupling for cover operation.The cover driving section includes a cable reel which includes a pair of adjacent sections, to each of which one end of a cable is connected, with the opposite end of such cable connected to the cover leading edge, for enabling efficient extension of the pool cover.A pair of tracks are mounted directly in the sides of the pool, through which tracks the sides of the pool cover extend, and a pair of sliders are directly connected and secured to the cover leading edge, to provide support and guidance for the cover during extension and retraction thereof.

Abstract: A device is provided for enabling inertial land navigation of a vehicle, for measuring and updating vehicle heading by North-seeking and navigating. A single dual-axis gyroscope is sequenced through North-seeking, parameter calibration, and navigating by a high resolution flip table rotated by a stepper motor, without a gimballed support therefor. Inclinometers aid the gyroscope in North-seeking and parameter calibration without accelerometers therefor.

Abstract: A compound is bound to a membrane which is reactive to a component in a fluid sample which is being tested. Under the membrane a porous support is added. The fluid sample suspected of containing a specific component is drawn over the membrane and into the porous support by a piston and cylinder arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus for enables electronic computerized counting of votes cast by voters in an election. The apparatus is adapted to enable electronic computerized recording, counting, and storing of votes cast by voters on ballot cards at precinct polling places remote from a central district office without exposing the ballot card to any person other than the voter. It is further adapted to enable electronic computerized programming and testing of the election at large, control of the introduction of the election into individual precinct formats, and reading, aggregating, and tallying of the stored precinct counts for delivering the results of the election. The apparatus includes a plurality of electronic computerized precinct workstations, each adapted to read, count, and store the votes cast at a precinct polling place, powered by a self-contained battery.

Abstract: A fitting is provided for enabling a plurality of high and low voltage conductors to be activated thereby at a selected in-floor location therefor. A substantially flush top portion of the in-floor fitting enables efficient access to receptacles pre-wired for enabling connection of high voltage conductors thereto, and prevents tripping thereon. Fire retarding elements mounted in the fitting retard and prevent transmission of excess heat and flame through the fitting and through the floor opening in which the fitting is adapted to be mounted. Movable side plates in the substantially flush top portion of the fitting are automatically biased together so as to cover the top high voltage conductor outlet portion of the fitting when not in use, and are adapted to be readily separated such that openings therein are aligned with openings in the top outlets enabling connection of high voltage conductors thereto.

Abstract: A lockable security picture frame, for enabling secure mounting of a picture depicting a therapeutic subject therein, adapted to enable such picture to be slipped thereinto and locked therein, so as to prevent removal thereof. The device includes a frame including a plurality of sides joined together, with a picture-receiving slot formed in one side of the frame through which the picture may be slipped into the frame. It further includes a lock, adapted to be mounted in the frame at a location in or contiguous with the picture-receiving slot, which includes a portion thereof which extends into such slot so as to block removal of the picture.

Abstract: A dispenser for pasty compositions, especially facing material in dental technology and the like, formed as a circular box (10) being closed by a cover (30) and having a bottom (17) and a wall (16). In the peripheral area of the box cavity there is arranged a packing member (11), closing an opening (32) formed in the cover (30) when the cover (30) is in closing position. The cover (30), being guided in an endless groove (36), can be turned on the box (10). Such a dispenser can be opened and closed with one hand while the other hand handles an instrument.