Abstract: A photoconductor for use in electrophotographic reproduction devices is disclosed. This photoconductor exhibits dramatically reduced end seal and paper area wear, as well as reduced positive electrical fatigue. The photoconductor of the present invention includes a low surface energy polyolefin wax, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, in relatively large particulate form having a mean particle diameter of from about 6 to about 12.mu., homogeneously dispersed in its charge transport layer.

Abstract: A mechanical seal combination includes a double mechanical seal and a barrier fluid pump system. A barrier fluid circulating pump 10 is coupled to rotatable shaft 3 so as to derive its motive power from the rotatable shaft. When the rotatable shaft is not running, a by-pass arrangement causes barrier fluids to flow between the barrier fluid header tank 7 and the seal 3, avoiding pump 10, and allowing a thermosyphon effect to be created.

Abstract: A gear change for an automobile vehicle comprising a box, a main train, an input shaft of which is connected to the engine and a primary shaft of which can be connected angularly to the input shaft by a plurality of pairs of gears, and an auxiliary epicyclic gear train comprising, in turn, a sun gear angularly coupled to the primary shaft, a train carrier angularly rigid with an output shaft of the gear change and comprising a plurality of planet gears engaging with the sun gear, and an outer crown having inner teeth engaging with the planet gears, which crown can be displaced along the longitudinal axis between a first operating position in which it is coupled to the box by the engagement of a first and a second toothed wheel and a second operating position in which it is coupled to the train carrier by the engagement of a third and a fourth toothed wheel; the sun gear, the planet gears and the inner teeth of the crown comprising respective helical teeth and the first, second, third and fourth toothed wheels

Abstract: A fully adjustable cervical collar can be adjusted not only in overall length but also in height. The height of the collar is adjusted by releasably compressing the core material of the collar.

Abstract: The invention provides analogs of PYY. The invention also provides compositions and methods useful for controlling biological activities such as cell proliferation, nutrient transport, lipolysis, and intestinal water and electrolyte secretion.

Abstract: An entrained particle flow turning device capable of turning entrained particle fluid flow about an abrupt turn without significant particle size and mass degradation provides significant improvement as part of a complete particle blast system. The turning base allows for preservation of independent particle mass during fluid transportation through a delivery hose ending with passage into a blast nozzle through an abrupt angular change in particle direction. The turning base allows access and confined areas for preferred ergonomic characteristics.

Abstract: A 6-high cold rolling mill. The mill is of the type having free floating, side-supported upper and lower work rolls, chock mounted upper and lower intermediate rolls and upper and lower back up rolls. Vertically acting hydraulic cylinders are provided for intermediate roll balancing, bending, counterbalancing and vertically shifting the upper and lower intermediate rolls toward and away from each other. Horizontal cylinders provide axial shifting of the intermediate rolls and two cylinder actuated supports are provided to lift the upper work roll. All of these cylinders are mounted on the mill housing and no hydraulic disconnection and reconnection is required for replacement of the intermediate rolls and/or the work rolls. Each intermediate roll assembly supports between its chocks a pair of side support assemblies for the work rolls.

Abstract: A gear change for an automobile vehicle comprising an outer box, an input shaft and a driven shaft coaxial with one another, and at least one countershaft that can be angularly coupled with the input shaft and with the driven shaft by means of a plurality of pairs of gears in order to define a plurality of transmission ratios between the input shaft and the driven shaft; the input shaft and the driven shaft are borne via bearings by respective walls of the box in the vicinity of respective first end portions opposite one another and comprise respective second portions mounted one inside the other and mutually supporting one another via a pair of axially spaced bearings.

Abstract: A microporous, cross-linked, reversibly responsive gel obtainable from a polymeric precursor is disclosed. The microporous gels exhibit a volume change response on the order of seconds, many times faster than nonporous volume change gels of similar dimension. A method of making a microporous, fast response and reversibly responsive gel having a defined pore size and defined strut thickness is also disclosed. The method comprises preparing a polymer solution having a certain initial concentration of polymer precursor, initiating phase separation of the polymer to produce a phase separated state; cross-linking the polymer in its phase separated state or cross-linking the polymer prior in its phase separated state, or both prior to and during its phase separated state, for a certain cross-linking reaction time; and allowing gelation to be completed. Particular uses of the fast response gels are also described. In one embodiment, a method for purifying and concentrating a solute from a solution is described.

Abstract: A machine for cutting flat bodies, wherein a fixed first table supports flat bodies to be cut into strips; a straight cutting line, located between an input station and an output station, being travelled by a rotary tool for cutting the flat bodies in a given cutting pattern; and a movable second table being connectable to the first table by connecting means, so as to be rotatable selectively about at least one vertical axis, and so as to slide parallel to the cutting line.

Abstract: An absorbent, microporous foam comprising a crosslinked polymer having interconnected fluid cells distributed throughout its mass, wherein the fluid cells have a diameter of between about 0.1 and about 100 .mu.m, and wherein the foam can rapidly absorb at least about twice its dry weight in fluid, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for producing such microporous, absorbent foams. In this method: (a) a crosslinkable polymer and a first solvent are mixed to form a stable solution which can be induced to phase separate; (b) the stable solution is induced to phase separate into a polymer concentrated phase and a polymer dilute phase; (c) the polymer is induced to crosslink in the polymer concentrated phase for a predetermined period of time thereby forming a microporous material; and (d) the microporous material is dried to produce the absorbent foam.

Abstract: A feeder for transporting particles, such as carbon dioxide pellets, includes a container for receiving particles and a suction nozzle having an inlet end disposed adjacent a discharge area of the container. The nozzle is configured generally as a pipe having a circular cross-sectional area. The nozzle is reciprocally carried by the feeder so that the inlet end may be moved into and away from the particles to prevent the particles from clogging. The container bottom is generally shaped as a chute to direct/move the particles toward the discharge area. A vibrator may be used to assist in the movement of the particles. The nozzle may be reciprocated manually or automatically. Alternatively, the nozzle may be stationary and a mechanical assist included to move the particles toward the discharge area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid, shelf stable ready to use baker's wash for coating bakery products such as rolls, breads and pie crusts. The wash can be applied either before or after baking to provide a shine to the bakery product. The composition is packaged in an anaerobic environment, such as an aerosol spray. The product provides a convenient way of dispensing the product in use, while maintaining the antimicrobial stability of the product over its useful life. This result is achieved using a preservative composition which contains a mixture of methylparaben and propylparaben, wherein the ratio by weight of the materials is at least about 1.25:1. The composition comprises at least one non-egg white protein, such as a caseinate, at least one anti-precipitive agent, at least one viscosity control stabilizer, the preservative composition described above, and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a class of 1,4-dihydrodioxin masked quinone compounds which are useful as DNA or RNA cleaving reagents. These compounds may additionally include moieties which target the compounds to specific base sequences on the DNA or RNA molecule to permit site-specific cleavage. The process for using these compounds in a UV or short wavelength visible light-activated reaction for cleaving DNA, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A phakic intraocular lens (IOL) for the correction of visual disorders such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. The lens is made from a biocompatible, elastomeric material such as silicone. The lens further includes one or more annular surfaces that protrude from the anterior surface of the lens or surrounds the lens such that when placed in the eye, it makes contact with the iris. As the iris dilates and constricts, the contact with the iris places a centering force on the implanted lens. The lens is not in contact with the natural lens of the eye and floats in the posterior chamber without insult or abrasion to surrounding tissue.

Abstract: The technique for electronically resetting a magnetically sealed solenoid to an unattracted, unactuated position is described for use with solenoids which have either a residual magnetic or a permanent magnet holding force necessary to retain the armature of the solenoid in its actuated position until such time as the armature is either physically displaced by a mechanical force or an electronic signal is applied to the solenoid. This displacement creates a reverse polarity magnetic field, effectively overcoming the magnetic field acting to hold the armature in its actuated position, permitting a small mechanical force to reset the armature. In order to prevent a lock or similar device from being conditioned for opening and possibly left in that condition for a significant period of time while unattended, jeopardizing the security of the container and its contents, the actuation of the armature in the reset or release phase may occur a relatively short time following its actuation.

Abstract: A process for the fractionation of fenugreek seeds (Trigonelle foenum-graecum) and extraction of the various fractions thereof. The process has a high yield rate, and provides a number of high-quality fractions of the fenugreek seed including a soluble dietary fiber fraction, de-flavored fenugreek seed, high-protein fenugreek meal, and dioscin and other saponins, along with the fenugreek oleoresins which have conventional commercial use.

Abstract: An improved method for producing low-cost carbon--carbon composites based on impregnating carbon fiber mat preforms with liquid dispersions or suspensions of fine carbon particles and subsequent mechanical consolidation is disclosed. A highly porous preform of carbon fibers is impregnated by a liquid suspension of colloidal graphite and dried in air at low temperatures. Multiple impregnation and drying densification cycles provide a soft, flexible carbon--carbon composite. Subsequent mechanical consolidation methods, such as pressing or rolling, combined with rigidization by resin or pitch impregnation and carbonization, render a thin carbon--carbon composite of high bulk density. Prior to rigidization, the composite may be sewn with carbon yarns for property enhancement.

Abstract: A drive assembly for axially adjusting at least one roll of the upper and lower pairs of first intermediate rolls of a cluster mill of the 20-high (1-2-3-4) type. The drive comprises a first horizontally oriented rack connected to one of the first intermediate rolls by a link and universal joint assembly. As least one idler gear, with its axis horizontally oriented, is meshed with the first rack. A second rack horizontally oriented is affixed to the piston of a horizontally oriented hydraulic cylinder. The second rack and the hydraulic cylinder are in parallel spaced relationship to the first rack. The second rack is meshed with the at least one idler gear so that axial movement of the piston and second rack in the hydraulic cylinder will result in axial movement of the first rack via the at least one idler gear to axially shift the at least one roll.