Abstract: An electrode assembly for the electrowinning of copper includes an electrode in the form of a plate. An edge strip is mounted on one edge of the electrode and serves to mask the edge from an electrolyte in which the assembly is immersed. A gap exists between the edge strip and the electrode on either side of the electrode. A sealing strip is located in each gap, and the sealing strips are discrete from the electrode and the edge strip. The sealing strips are resilient and can be stretched to remove the sealing strips from the gaps so that the sealing strips can be replaced.

Abstract: An autonomous dispatch system links positioning-system units mounted on mining and haulage equipment to a computerized mine development plan for ascertaining the origin of mined material and directing its disposition according to a predetermined downstream-processing plan. A destination signal is automatically communicated to the haulage vehicle, which is then autonomously guided to the correct destination and tracked until the load is released after arrival. If the haulage vehicle is manually operated, the destination signal and the vehicle's progress toward it are preferably also displayed on a monitor for the operator's information and use. The system may further include hardware for blocking the release of a load from the haulage vehicle until and unless the vehicle has reached the prescribed destination.

Abstract: A metallic (or semiconductor) layer is used with a prism to provide a surface plasmon wave under total reflection conditions of an incident light of predetermined wavelength outside the visible spectrum. The metal layer is selected with a refractive index as small as possible and an extinction coefficient as large as possible within the wavelength of interest and is covered with a solid dielectric layer characterized by predetermined optical parameters. This layer plays the role of a light waveguide that generates waveguide modes coupled to surface plasmons, resulting in a new set of resonances excited by both p- and s-polarized excitation light and characterized by much narrower spectra than produced by conventional SPR. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the dielectric layer is designed to serve both as a waveguide and as an electrode for monitoring simultaneously electrical characteristics and optical parameters of thin films and interfaces.

Abstract: A composition designed to produce cementitious interior finishes for swimming pools, spas and fountains includes one or more aggregates, and cement for binding the aggregates. The composition further includes silica fume and a set retarder and may also include a dispersing agent as well as an inhibitor for alkali-silica reactivity.

Abstract: A structural member consists of agglomerated wood chips, polyethylene/polypropylene material, and a fire retardant. The polyethylene/polypropylene material acts as a binder for the wood chips. The structural member is produced by combining wood chips, polyethylene/polypropylene chips and a fire retardant in a mixer; mixing to produce a substantially uniform aggregate; heating to a temperature below the melting point of the polyethylene/polypropylene material; and pressing the hot mixture in a press to form a structural member of predetermined shape.

Abstract: An outer layer of mesh material is used to loosely cover the exterior of a horse blanket such as to provide a protective buffer against damage caused by impact and abrasion experienced during use. The mesh material is preferably connected to the blanket through releasable fasteners only along its edges, thereby leaving it relatively free to slide over the blanket's outer sheet in case of entanglements. The mesh is selected of sufficient density to essentially prevent contact of the blanket's surface with abutting objects, but also with mesh openings sufficiently large to prevent a reduction of the blanket's aeration and to minimize the impact of additional weight. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, an all-purpose blanket includes multiple layers suitable for all weather conditions. The inner layer of the blanket consists of a soft permeable material to provide breathability and comfort.

Abstract: A perfusion catheter is used to avoid ischemia in case of failure of a conventional balloon angioplasty procedure on a stenotic blood vessel and a resulting partial or complete occlusion of the vessel. The balloon catheter is first removed from the vessel while the guide wire and the guide catheter are left in place. The perfusion catheter is immediately inserted into the guide catheter and run past the stenosis using the guide wire already in place. Blood is drawn from a side port in the sheath introduced at the point of entry into the vascular system of the patient under normal arterial pressure or after passing through an exterior pump for pressurization and re-injection in the perfusion catheter. Thus, blood flow to the part of the vessel past the occlusion can be reestablished within minutes of angioplasty failure and the patient can be stabilized in preparation for heart surgery.

Abstract: A nonconductive insert is provided to fill the void resulting from the removal of mother-plate corners wrapped within the abutting ends of side and bottom edge strips. The insert includes at least one anchor, adapted to frictionally engage the end of a strip mounted along the edge of the mother plate. The insert and its anchors are designed to completely fill the void left by the missing mother-plate corner, thereby preventing penetration of electrolyte and accumulation of deposits. According to other embodiments of the invention, the insert may be incorporated into the edge-strip end as an integral component of the strip.