Abstract: The invention provides a process and anal seal for sealing the anus of the carcass (10) of a slaughtered animal. The anal seal includes a plug (15) for insertion through the anus so that tissues (11) contract behind the plug, a clamp (20) movable towards the plug to clamp the tissues behind, and retaining means (40) to hold the clamp in its clamping position. The plug (15) is conical and has a back end (17) so that the clamp which is in the shape of a clamping disc (22) clamps against periphery (18) of the back end of the plug. The clamp (15) can slide on a stem (32) extending from the back end of the plug. The retaining means (40) can comprise biasing means (48) or a latch (41) to hold the clamp in its clamping position. An applicator tool (60) can mount the anal seal during insertion of the plug into the rectum and move the clamp from a retracted position to its operative clamping position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing satellite proximity operations such as inspection, recovery and life extension of a target satellite through operation of a “Satellite Inspection Recovery and Extension” (“SIRE”) spacecraft which can be operated in the following modes (teleoperated, automatic, and autonomous). The SIRE concept further consists of those methods and techniques used to perform certain (on-orbit) operations including, but not limited to, the inspection, servicing, recovery, and lifetime extension of satellites, spacecraft, space systems, space platforms, and other vehicles and objects in space, collectively defined as “target satellites”. The three basic types of SIRE proximity missions are defined as “Lifetime Extension”, “Recovery”, and “Utility”. A remote cockpit system is provided to permit human control of the SIRE spacecraft during proximity operations.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. The keyboard includes a light channeling membrane and key members constructed at least partially of translucent material so that light produced from a light source is channeled upwardly to the upper surfaces of the key members. The light source may include LED or LCD systems in adjoining relationship to the light channeling membrane. However, in a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane.

Abstract: An improved cut plant watering device is provided which is particularly adapted for watering Christmas trees and potted plants. The plant watering device includes a reservoir and nozzle. The nozzle includes first and second conduits for releasing water stored within the reservoir to a plant basin. In addition, the nozzle includes a wedge region having an arcuate edge configured to engage the stock of a plant, such as the truck of a tree.

Abstract: Liquid vitamin C concentrate compositions comprise a mineral ascorbate and a pharmacologically acceptable liquid organic polyol solvent for the mineral ascorbate, the concentrate having a pH between about 5 and 7. The concentrate may also contain an aldonic compound and/or a pharmacologically acceptable zinc compound. The concentrate compositions are prepared by heating the solvent to 50-90° C. and mixing the ascorbate and/or aldonic compound and/or zinc compound into the heated solvent, preferably in the absence of oxygen. These concentrate compositions are also characterized as a composition which comprises the reaction product of a mineral ascorbate and a pharmacologically acceptable liquid organic polyol solvent and, optionally an aldonic compound and/or a soluble non-toxic zinc compound, which reaction product includes 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone and/or 3-hydroxy kojic acid.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing 2-amino-5-dimethlyaminophenyl thiosulfonic acid comprises the step of oxidizing N,N′-dimethyl-&rgr;-phenylene-diamine in the presence of a source of thiosulfate ions, while maintaining the temperature of the reaction mixture not higher than about 10° C. This compound is useful as an intermediate in the synthesis of toluidine blue O. A process for manufacturing toluidine blue O with improved yield, includes the step of preparing the intermediate 2-amino-5-diethylaminopropyl thiosulfonic acid according to the above described procedure.

Abstract: A cancellation circuit is provided for canceling undesirable intermodulation (IM) products in electrical circuitry. The IM cancellation circuit includes a stepping spectrum analyzer which recognizes and measures the frequencies and amplitudes of different signal components of an RF signal across a desired frequency band. This information is forwarded to a processor which contains look-up tables or the like which provides information relating to the frequencies and/or amplitudes of signal components which are intended to reside in the RF signal. By comparison of the look-up tables to the frequencies and amplitudes measured and recognized by the sweeping spectrum analyzer, the processor of the cancellation circuit is able to determine whether the signal components in the RF signal are intended “information” carrying signals or unintended IM products.

Abstract: In a fugitive color fire retardant composition, the colorant initially colors the composition to a hue which contrasts with the hue of ground vegetation. A non-fugitive component is included in the colorant, in an amount sufficient to provide improved aerial visibility when the composition is first aerially applied to the vegetation. However, the amount of non-fugitive pigment is less than an amount which would prevent the composition from fading after application to an acceptable neutral hue.

Abstract: The proportioning valve apparatus includes a cylindrical valve body having a first inlet for receipt of a first fluid, a second inlet for receipt of a second fluid, a mixing chamber and an outlet for releasing a mixture of the two respective inputs. A rotary barrier element is positioned adjacent to the first and second inlets and operates to selectively impede the flow of fluids through first and second inlets and into the valve chamber. Rotation of the rotary valve barrier in a first direction is operative to close the first inlet while simultaneously opening the second inlet. The present invention further includes a closed loop control system utilizing measurement of the density of the output mixture to control the activation of the proportioning valve.

Abstract: A cellular communications system is provided having both surface and satellite nodes which are fully integrated for providing service over large areas. Two-way adaptive power control and signal quality monitoring and power control responsive thereto are provided for controlling the power output levels of transmitters to the minimum necessary for satisfactory communications. Each transmission includes a code representative of the transmitter output power level. Receivers compare this code to the received signal strength and adjust their associated transmitter power output level accordingly. Bit error rate and SNR are monitored by receivers to develop a measure of signal quality. A signal quality code is transmitted to remote units and transmission output power level is adjusted in response. Timing signals are provided by one or more nodes to obtain user position information.

Abstract: N-demethylated and N,N-demethylated derivatives of toluidine blue O and compositions which include these derivatives and the conformational isomers of toluidine blue O. Improved methods for the detection of dysplastic oral tissue using such compositions.Processes for synthesis of toluidine blue O products, in which a complexing agent is introduced prior to the last stage of oxidation of a three-step synthesis from N,N-dimethyl-.rho.-phenylenediamine.An HPLC method for characterizing toluidine blue O products in which the mobile phase is an aqueous solution of an organic acid.