Abstract: An amusement device, such as a sling-shot machine, for successively propelling and retarding a rider to cause the rider to undergo a vertically oscillatory motion. The amusement device comprises cables (31, 32) one end of each of which is connected to a carrier (19) for supporting one or more riders. A releasable anchoring means is provided for releasably anchoring the carrier (19) at a launch site (17). An elastic structure (71) has opposed ends between which the elastic structure can undergo extension and contraction. One end of the elastic structure (71) is connected to a first support means (57). Each cable (31, 32) passes around a support tower (11) and has a section thereof winding back and forth between first and second guide means (83, 85). The first guide means (83) is connected to the other end of the elastic structure (71) and the second guide means (85) is connected to a second support means (47).

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure device (1) having a cylindrical high-pressure vessel (3) and prestressing means in order to exert an axial pressure on the vessel. The vessel (3) can have been formed from a number of layers of composite material, such as glass, carbon or aramide fibers which are oriented in the peripheral direction and are embedded in a matrix of epoxy resin or polyurethane. By applying the axial prestress to the pressure vessel (3), the tangential stress is distributed more uniformly over the wall thickness of the high-pressure vessel (3), the stress decreasing at the inside of the wall and increasing at the outside thereof. As a result, the innermost fibers of a high-pressure vessel (3) made of composite material are subjected to appreciably less stress, which has a beneficial effect on the life of the high-pressure vessel (3), and all fibers of the wall are utilized effectively.

Abstract: The subject invention lies in the field of vaccines. Specifically new compounds that can be used as adjuvants are provided. Recombinant LPS having a reduced number of secondary acyl chains per molecule of LPS vis a vis the corresponding non modified LPS molecule, said secondary acyl chains being bound to primary acyl chains, said primary acyl chains being bound to the glucosamine of said recombinant LPS molecule, said recombinant LPS being homogenous in acylation pattern is an example of such a compound. Also recombinant LPS having a phosphate group attached to the glucosamine at the non reducing end of the LPS molecule and a phosphate group attached to the glucosamine at the reducing end of the molecule per recombinant LPS molecule provides a further example.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for pulsated charging of batteries that comprises: an alternating current source that has a predetermined inductance; a pair of bridge branches each comprising a parallel arrangement of a capacitor and a semiconductor switch element being preferably a diode or a thyristor, and the branches are connected to respective ones of the terminals of the source in such a way that the semiconductor elements in both branches are connected with similar electrodes to the associated one of the terminals; and a rectifier with alternative current terminals connected to the free ends of the bridge branches and with direct current terminals connected to the battery to be charged.

Abstract: A coupling sleeve (4) for connecting to at least one pipe section (2,3) fitted in an insertion end (29) thereof comprises an inner bush (5) made of thermoplastic material and an outer bush (6), in which inner bush resistance wires are accommodated, which resistance wires (7) can be connected to an electric power source for melting the surfaces of the coupling sleeve which face each other and those of each pipe section, in order to create a welded joint, which inner bush and outer bush in axial section have parts (8,9) which mesh with each other, in order to transmit axial and/or tangential forces. The inner bush has at least one part with a flank which faces the insertion end and which in an axial plane is determined by a tangent forming an angle of less then 45° with the axis of the inner bush.

Abstract: A filling device for connecting a dispensing instrument having multiple fluid reservoirs to multiple containers is disclosed. More particularly, the present invention discloses a connecting device capable of coupling the individual reservoirs of a dispensing instrument to multiple fluid containers. The apparatus includes a body, a collar extending from the body, a plurality of tubes in fluid communication with a plurality of inlet ports formed in the body, and a hood adapted to simultaneously receive a plurality of containers therein. The containers are positioned within the hood to allow the plurality of tubes to simultaneously and separately draw fluid from the fluid containers and transferring the material into the individual reservoirs of the dispensing instrument.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a web of material wrapped around a hollow core, comprising a base having a support member and an arm. The support member is inserted into the hollow core and rotatably seated on the base in such a manner as to freely allow rotational movement.

Abstract: A compound which is an antagonist of platelet activating factor (PAF-antagonist) or a structurally related compound thereof not having PAF-antagonistic activity can be used for decreasing the plasma level of lipoprotein(a) and/or increasing the plasma level of high-density lipoprotein. The compound may be an azepine derivative, especially a benzo- or thienotriazolo-diazepine derivative, a diphenyl-tetrahydrofuran or diphenyldioxolane derivative or a tetrahydrofuran phospholipid analogue.

Abstract: Spectrofluorometer employing a pair of linear variable spectral filters to produce a three dimensional data output is disclosed. A collimated white light source is used that first passes through a first linear variable spectral filter, then through a sample where fluorescence occurs, then the resultant light passes through a second linear variable spectral light filter that is oriented at ninety degrees from the first filter. The light is then detected by a CCD sensor for conversion into data. This arrangement provides a very simple, rugged and compact instrument that can be used almost anywhere, such as at the scene of a contamination accident.

Abstract: An automatic signature verification system is set forth that utilizes a main routine for comparing signatures using forensic hand writing methodology. A secondary program is used to modify the algorithms used by the main program for making adjustments thereto based on either additional data consisting of a plurality of genuine or authenticated signatures or changes in a persons signature due to aging or some other physical change resulting in a change in signature features. Over seventy thousand signatures can be verified in one hour using a single personal computer. In addition, authentic signature data having a resolution as low as 80 dpi can be used.

Abstract: An optical imaging apparatus comprising a linear array-based camera, using a positional encoding technique highly insensitive to transient and steady state mechanical tolerances in the mechanical scanning system, with the capacity to capture a three dimensional image of a part with enough precision to allow accurate measurements of the part's features to be made.

Abstract: An adhesive preventing system containing a flexible tape member that may be in the form of either a sticker or an elongated tape is disclosed. This flexible tape member has an upper and a lower side and has two patterns printed on the upper side of the flexible tape member, one of which is printed with a material that is capable of bleeding through the flexible tape member and being dispersed into the underlying materials. A pattern which does not absorb the bleed-through material is printed on the underside of the flexible tape member. The underside of the flexible tape member also has disposed on it a frangible layer of material that does not adhere to the pattern printed on the underside of the flexible tape member. An adhesive layer is disposed over the frangible layer.

Abstract: A transmission for changing rotary motion into angularly reciprocating motion and adapted to be mounted on the output end of a dental power unit of the type having a rotary drive output and used to drive a dental tool. The transmission is comprised of a support member, a driving resinous member supported by the support member for rotary motion, and a driven resinous member supported by the support member for reciprocating angular movement by the support member. The transmission subassembly is formed by the driving resinous member, driven resinous member and support member and adapted to be mounted on the output end of the dental power unit with a rotary drive output mechanically coupled to the driving resinous member. A driving cam surface is disposed on a portion of the driving resinous member. A driven cam surface is disposed on a portion of the driven resinous member.

Abstract: Multifocal lens provided with a reading part disposed near the bottom part and another lens, such as a distance lens, near the top part. According to the invention, the outer limit of the reading part lies on or within the (outer) radius RV of the remaining part of the lens. This means that no thickening is needed for the reading part, and a particularly gradual transition between reading and distance part can be provided.

Abstract: A kit and associated method in which symptoms of nicotine withdrawal syndrome are relieved as well as addressing the associated weight gain issues and craving for sweets by combining nicotine replacement therapy with complementary dosages of xylitol.

Abstract: Method for encapsulating a chip (10) on a carrier (12) whereby the chip (10) is positioned on the carrier (12), a dam (16a, 16b) is formed on the carrier (12) around the chip (10), encapsulating material (18) is poured into the space within the dam (16a, 16b), and the obtained encapsulated structure is cured. In a first separate step on the carrier only the dam (16a, 16b) is formed from a thermohardening material at a relatively high temperature and is cured at least partly and in a succeeding second step the space within the dam is filled with the same thermohardening material at a relatively low temperature.

Abstract: A promotional gaming device for determining whether a player has matched a predetermined winning sequence of characters or symbols. The gaming device is comprised of a substrate having at least one row of location designating symbols and at least one column of location designating symbols disposed in relation to each other so that a position may be designated by a combination of at least one of the symbols from the row and at least one of the symbols from the column. Groups of sequence representing elements are disposed on the substrate which represent elements having a corresponding position designated by the positional combination of at least one of the symbols from the row and at least one of the symbols from the column.

Abstract: A device for safely storing or displaying a firearm that alerts its owner if the device or firearm are disturbed by unauthorized individuals and also provides its owner with quick access to the firearm when necessary. The device comprises a covered support member with a recessed volume generally configured to fit at least a portion of a firearm, actuators that activate an alarm if the device is uncovered or the firearm is removed without authorization, and a concealed de-activator.

Abstract: In order to protect a paper-thin valuable document or identification document on which an identification mark has been placed, for example by means of a printing technique or by a laser technique, in such a way that counterfeiting is extremely difficult, at least part of said identification mark is repeated at another point by changing the thickness of the document locally. At least part of the identification mark is thus clearly liked to the paper substrate.

Abstract: A UV-Imager system includes a camera. The camera includes a first UV coated mirror and a quartz UV transmittive camera lens. The UV-Imager system also includes a second UV coated mirror coupled to the camera, and an intensifier coupled to the second UV coated mirror.