Abstract: A composite electrode for electrochemical processing having improved high temperature properties, and a process for making the electrode by combustion synthesis. A composition from which the electrode is made by combustion synthesis comprises from about 40% to about 90% by weight of a particulate or fibrous combustible mixture which, when ignited, is capable of forming an interconnected network of a ceramic or metal-ceramic composite, and from about 10% to about 60% by weight of a particulate or fibrous filler material capable of providing the electrode with improved oxidation resistance and maintenance of adequate electrical conductivity at temperatures above 1000.degree. C. The filler material is molybdenum silicide, silicon carbide, titanium carbide, boron carbide, boron nitride, zirconium boride, cerium oxide, cerium oxyfluoride, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A coil spring assembly is disclosed for use with motor vehicle suspension systems in which a portion of the wire coils of the coil spring is covered by a flexible hose or tube. Coil springs which could use such hoses include those having a tapered wire diameter wherein one end of the coil spring's wire has a smaller diameter than at other portions of its length. The flexible hose is made of a material which has sufficient resiliency to first be stretched as it is installed onto the wire of the coil spring, and then will naturally return back to near its original non-stressed diameter to tightly fit around the diameter of the wire at both ends of the hose. The resulting tight fit retains lubricant and anti-corrosive compounds inside the hose, and keeps moisture and dirt from entering the interior of the hose.

Abstract: An adherent protective coating of a refractory material is produced on the surface of carbonaceous, refractory, ceramic, metallic or other materials serving as components of electrolytic cells operating at high temperature, by applying to such surfaces a well chosen micropyretic reaction layer from a slurry, which when dried is ignited to initiate a self-sustaining micropyretic reaction, along a combustion front, to produce condensed matter forming such refractory protective adherent coating. The slurry is preferably applied in several layers, the first layer(s) to facilitate adherence and the last layer(s) to provide protection, and may contain some preformed non-reactant materials. The electrolytic cells whose components require such coatings are especially those operating at high temperature with a molten salt electrolyte, particularly those for the production of metals, aluminium being the most important.

Abstract: A thin film EL element capable of emitting light of different colors desired even at a low applied voltage owing to its high luminescent efficiency and freedom from crystal defects. The thin film EL element is of the dual dielectric structure having a transparent substrate (1), and a transparent conducting film (2), a first dielectric layer (3), a luminescent layer (4), and a second dielectric layer (5), which are formed on top of the other on the substrate, the transparent conducting film and the second dielectric layer being provided with respective electrodes (6a, 6b). It is characterized in that the luminescent layer has a superlattice structure represented by (luminscent host material)/(luminescent host material):(luminescent center impurity). The luminescent layer permits the doping of various luminscent center impurities while keeping its electrical neutrality without a need for the addition of charge compensating elements.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for practicing carbon dioxide particle blasting utilizing dense carbon dioxide pellets which have been formed by converting the solid carbon dioxide into liquid, flowing that liquid within a plurality of die openings, and transforming the liquid back into the solid phase while still within the die opening. This method includes the formation of a carbon dioxide cake within a snow barrel, urging the carbon dioxide cake against an upstream surface of a die plate having a plurality of die openings with such pressure such that the carbon dioxide becomes liquified within or adjacent the entrance of the die opening due to the pressure, responding as a super viscous liquid, and flowing within a portion of the respective die openings as a liquid. Along the length of the die openings, the liquid changes phase back to the solid state, while the die openings maintain compression (accompanying the back pressure) on the CO.sub.2 to create pellets having a high density.

Abstract: A multi-well diode is disclosed which can be used with other electronic components as an electronic neuron circuit. The multi-well diode has an S-shaped current-voltage characteristic curve at forward bias whereby it remains in a low conductance state until its threshold voltage is exceeded, then switches through an unstable region of its characteristic curve into a high conductance state. The multi-well diode remains in the high conductance state until its bias voltage and current drops below its holding condition, at which time it switches into a low conductance state. The multi-well diode can be used in a pulse-mode input circuit, thereby generating a pulse-mode output signal which can have a different amplitude and frequency than the input signal. Such pulse-mode input circuits can be either excitatory or inhibitory in operation.

Abstract: A novel tool for both removing and inserting a plumbing fixture seal structure. The tool comprises an outer housing, an inner member having a tapered end, this inner member being reciprocably disposed at least partially within outer housing, and a means for retracting the tapered end of the inner member at least partially into the outer housing. The tool may also have a means for providing fluid communication between a hole in the seal structure and the ambient.

Abstract: A plant cutting and transplanting apparatus comprises a plant cutting/transplantation room accommodating a first culture box in which multiplied plants to be cut are planted, and a second culture box in which nodular pieces made by cutting the plants are transplanted; a cutting device adapted to cut, in one lot, the plants in the first culture box to the form of nodular pieces and configured to allow the nodular pieces to rest on the edges thereof, the cutting device being arranged so as to be moved vertically and transversely above the space where the first and second culture boxes are placed; and a blade device having a blade for shaking down the nodular pieces which rest on the cutter and which have been moved to a position above the second culture box.

Abstract: Dry extract from kava-kava drug having a total content of kava lactones of at least 50% by weight and a flavokawin content of at the most 0.3% by weight. The extract is distinguished by good water solubility and high bioavailability after oral administration. To increase the kava lactone content in the extract and decrease the flavokawin content, a process is proposed in which the raw extract is brought into solution and the content of flavokawins diminished by cold precipitation or by solvent distribution, whereafter the solution is concentrated to dryness. Drugs are made using the dry extract.

Abstract: A programmable controller is disclosed for the purpose of controlling devices such as machine tools and other machinery, and which is often mated with a host computer numerical controller. The programmable controller is configured such that certain user-designated "fast-scan" outputs can operate at much higher speeds than non-designated "normal" outputs, thereby greatly increasing the response time and efficiency of the operations that are controlled by those fast-scan outputs. The programmable controller uses a processor which scans through its user-definable program (including the value of all system inputs and outputs) before it attempts to change the value of any of its outputs. The physical input/output (I/O) interfaces are located on I/O racks, each of which also includes an intelligent bus adaptor. The intelligent bus adaptor includes its own processor which periodically communicates with the processor in the programmable controller.

Abstract: A process for producing a porous ceramic, ceramic composite or metal-ceramic composite structure by combustion synthesis wherein a foamed polymer shape is impregnated with a slurry of ceramic precursors and ignited to initiate combustion synthesis, thereby obtaining a ceramic, ceramic composite or metal-ceramic composite article having interconnected porosity. Ceramic composite filters having improved strength, toughness and thermal shock resistance are provided, with the ceramic composite being an oxide and a nonoxide.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices used for measuring tension in a moving web of material at a location adjacent to a coiling device. The invention consists of a single roller over which the web passes, the roller being supported by blocks at its end which incorporate flexure elements to provide the necessary constraints to motion of the blocks, and load cells are used to detect forces arising on the blocks. A signal of tension which is independent of wrap angle of the web around the roller is determined from a single load cell signal when the coil diameter is known, and is determined from two load cell signals when coil diameter is not known. Signals of wrap angle and coil diameter can also be obtained from the two load cell signals.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for dispensing and transporting an application media in an airstream to a remote target area surrounds primary airstream with a protective concentric sleeve of air. The assembly introduces atomized droplets of a concentrated application media radially inwardly into the airstream through the airstream's peripheral boundaries to further atomize the droplets.

Abstract: There is provided a portable and collapsible seat for infants having a relatively compact closed condition for transportation and storage, and an open condition for use. The portable seat includes a collapsible frame having a pair of oppositely disposed longitudinal side rails, each with front and rear ends, a front support attached adjacent the respective front ends of the side rails, and a rear support attached adjacent the respective rear ends thereof. The supports extend downwardly and support the side rails in a rear-to-front inclined and parallel relationship when in open condition. The side rails are foldable outwardly between closed and open conditions. The seat further includes a flexible cradle selectively attached to the frame having a contoured recess for comfortably receiving and supporting the infant in use. The cradle further includes a head roll member situated adjacent and between respective rear ends of the side rails in use, and a leg roll member situated adjacent the respective front ends.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for affixing a planter to a horizontal or vertical surface such as the top or side of a deck, balcony or porch railing, iron railing, vertical wall and the like. The planter has a bottom, a surrounding wall extending upwardly from the bottom, and an open top. The bottom is so configured as to accommodate at least one vertically oriented bolt. The at least one bolt is isolated from the interior of the planter. At least one bracket is attachable to the planter by the at least one bolt. The at least one bracket is also attachable to the railing or wall by appropriate fastening means. In a preferred embodiment the planter bottom is provided with at least one upstanding socket for the at least one bolt. The socket has a central vertical bore with an open bottom end and a closed top end. An internally threaded bushing is fixed in the socket bore to be threadedly engaged by the at least one bolt.

Abstract: A modular digit carrier for a sign system having a sign face upon which a plurality of digits can be secured. In a preferred embodiment, the digit carrier includes a rear surface and a front surface, and outwardly extending flanges for securing the digit carrier with its rear surface adjacent the sign face. The digit carrier further preferably includes a substantially frame-like body portion which defines a support channel and which provides access to an interchangeable digit supported by the carrier from the front surface of the digit carrier. The support channel slidingly supports the indicia digit and includes an open slot through which the digit can be inserted and removed in a direction which is oriented so as to allow the insertion and removal of a digit from the carrier without removing the carrier from the sign face. The digit carrier can also be configured to allow backlighting of the indicia digit supported.

Abstract: An indexing system for the rotary work changer of a machining center for supporting and interchanging work-holder pallets between the machining zone and the load/unload zone of the machining center.

Abstract: A rotary decorating machine for bottles having an alignment structure formed adjacent their bottom periphery, wherein the machine has at least one decorating station. A rotating table is provided with a plurality of independently rotatable bottle receiving cups spaced from one another adjacent the outer periphery of the table. The rotating table is driven by a first motor, and the bottle receiving cups are independently rotatable by pinion gears attached thereto for enabling planetary rotation of the bottles relative to the rotating table. A lower gear is provided with a second drive motor for rotation independent of the rotating table, and the pinion gears attached to individual bottle receiving cups are intermeshed with that gear. Rotation of the lower gear independently effects the rotation speed and direction of the bottle receiving cups independent of the planetary rotation resulting from movement of the rotating table.

Abstract: A white flowering dogwood tree showing better than usual cold and heat tolerance as well as bearing abundant multiple terminal floral bracts. This dogwood produces an unusual abundance of flowers as well as fruit, and exhibits a more pronounced broader than tall habit. There has been no appearance of anthracnose on this distinct variety of Cornus florida.