Abstract: A novel method of covalently coupling polysaccharides to other biopolymers is provided, using an amino-thiol linker represented by formula (1): H2N—[(CH2)m—CHR1—CR2R3—A]q—CHR4—(CHR5)p—CHR6—S—R7 wherein A is a direct bond or a group having the formula —{Z—(CH2)m—CHR1—CHR2R3}nZ—, m is an integer form 0 to 5; n is an integer form 0 to 3; p is an integer from 0 to 2; q is the integer 0 or 1; R1 is hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl, optionally substituted by amino, hydroxyl, carboxyl, C1-C4 alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, mono- or di(C1-C4alkyl)carbamoyl or N-(&agr;-carboxyalkyl)carbamoyl, or, if m ≠0, R1 is hydroxyl, amino or peptidylamino; R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl, or together from an oxo group; R4 is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, carboxyl, C1-C4 alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoly, mono-or di(C1-C4 alkyl)carbamoyl or N-(&agr;-carboxyalkyl) carbamoyl; R5 is hydrogen, methyl, hydroxy or C1-C7 acyloxy; R6 is hydro

Abstract: Structures for securing foam panels in position with respect to each other in order to form a mold for the pouring of concrete, such as in the case of the pouring of a building foundation or building wall are disclosed. A first type of member which has pairs of facing flanges for engaging facing walls at opposite ends on the member. This first type of member comprises an upper and a lower section. The upper and the lower section are connected to each other by at least one frangible bridge, which may be broken to accommodate the need for a shorter member at the top and bottom of the mold. A corner brace, having two pairs of facing flange members located in its upper section, and two pairs of facing flange members located in its lower section, is adapted to engage the four panel corners which meet at the corner of the poured cement mold where the top of one row of panels meets the bottom of the next row of panels.

Abstract: A medical fluid applicator for dispensing a fluid onto biological tissues in tissue adhesive or sealant applications includes a dispensing pathway with an audible loudness indicator that signals the cumulative amount of fluid delivered by varying the pitch or tone of audible signals emitted at discrete volumetric increments. A suction pathway is also included for applying vacuum pressure to the applicator tip contemporaneous with the fluid application. The medical fluid applicator further includes a clearing pathway for retrogradedly withdrawing coagulated mixed fluids, such as mixed two-part tissue adhesives, from the applicator tip. A valve manifold and a shuttle valve are actuated to adjust the operation of vacuum pressure in the device between the various suctioning, clearing, and venting conduits of the device. The valve manifold is also adapted to couple a vent pathway and the suction pathway simultaneously to the vacuum conduit adapted for connection to a vacuum source.

Abstract: In order to bring a gas and a liquid into contact with one another, for example so as to exchange, remove or add components or calorific value present in the gas and/or liquid, the liquid is guided along one or more walls which are provided with small openings, and the gas is guided into the liquid, via these openings, by allowing this liquid to flow along the walls or by moving the walls along the liquid. In order to increase the contact time between gas and liquid, the gas is guided into the liquid in a direction which essentially corresponds to the direction of movement of the liquid with respect to the wall which is provided with openings. A venturi effect is generated in the region of the openings, since subatmospheric pressure is produced at the location where the openings open into the stream of liquid.

Abstract: A driving tool includes a barrel and a handle secured to one end of the barrel for rotating the barrel. The barrel includes an engaging opening formed in the other end for engaging with a tool bit and a fastener. A telescopic pipe is engaged in the bore of the barrel and has one end secured to the handle and has a magnetic member secured to the other end for allowing the magnetic member to be extended outward of the barrel to attract and to fetch the fasteners engaged in a deep hole of an object.

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 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: Crushable gel beads 10 formed of an agar complex provide novel cosmetic, pharmaceutical, etc. delivery vehicles for topical delivery of biologically or cosmetically active agents. Preferred agar beads 10 are complexes of a continuous phase of agar gel 12 in a self-supporting solid or semi-solid form with a restraining polymer 14. Entrapped in and dispersed randomly throughout each agar bead 10 is a water-soluble, preferably polar, restraining polymer 14, preferably a quaternized cationic polymer, such as polyquaternium 24 or steardimonium hydroxyethylcellulose. Various active agents 16 may be bound to restraining polymer 14, for example ascorbic acid, lactic acid or papain. Methods of manufacture are also described.

Abstract: A display device for presenting a virtual image of a product. The device supports an object whose virtual image is to be presented at a point on one side of the device, and an optical system having a transparent member mounted in the manner of a conventional store window. The optical system projects an image of the object in virtual space towards an observer on the opposite side of said device. The device is also equipped with a means for directing an odor towards the image. The odor is scented according to the image being produced. The device is positioned adjacent to a place frequented by potential consumers of the product, such as a street in a shopping area of a town or mall.

Abstract: A training shoe is disclosed. The shoe, preferably a soft shoe such as a slipper is designed to emit audio and/or physical stimuli which assists the user in learning dance or other steps. The shoe comprises electromechanical members which are responsive to electrical output signals to control movement to guide a user to perform the appropriate dance steps. In preferred embodiments, the shoe also comprises a loudspeaker through which music is played. In alternate embodiments, the electromechanical members are responsive to audio stimuli such as the music from the loudspeaker on the shoe or from other musical sources.

Abstract: A gutter enhancing device having a flexible member for being applied to and covering the exterior configuration of an existing gutter trough. The device also has a flexible screen portion for covering the top portion or opening of the gutter trough.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low-cost, programmable electronically actuated, continuous use traffic sign including a pixellated display matrix, the display matrix being electronically actuatable to display a desired traffic information image display suitable for roadside and other vehicular use where it may be clearly viewed by direct sunlight during the day and by illumination at night. A preferred display is electrostatically actuated for low power requirements and comprises pixels which have spiral rollout shutters. The display can be remotely programmed and controlled, via a modem, and may be solar or battery powered, powered by a local power network or from a combination of the foregoing. Low-cost film technology manufacturing methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an underwater apparatus, system and method for inspecting and determining the condition of a submerged structure. More particularly the present invention utilizes acoustical devices for the positioning of an inspection vehicle, with respect to the structure to be inspected.

Abstract: A device for interlocking form panels. It contemplates an elongated member having first and second sections that are substantially planar and have first and second ends and first and second sides. First and second flange members are attached to the ends and diverge from the elongated member. These flange members are also substantially planar, parallel to each other and protrude perpendicularly out of the plane of the elongated member an equal distance from the first and second sides of the elongated member. A first pair of guide rib members is attached to the elongated member at a point near the first end of the elongated member, is in a parallel planar relationship with the first diverging flange member, and protrudes perpendicularly from the first side of the elongated member. This first pair of guide rib members is attached at a point from the first diverging flange member so as to define a distance that is substantially equal to the thickness of a form panel.

Abstract: A periodontal surgical instrument is disclosed which includes a handle with two ends. One end comprises a shank with a first cutting head preferably comprising a thin, flexible, angled blade for insertion to separate the gingival attachment and enter the P.D.L. space. The angulation and length are preferably suited to circumscribe the entire circumference of the root structure, all the way to the root apices. The other end comprises a spatula-shaped blade. The blade creates enough space for the introduction of extraction instruments in a controlled manner, and at locations dictated by the surgeon. A method of use is also described for this periodontal surgical instrument for procedures where extraction is desired.

Abstract: An illumination device for attachment to an optical imaging apparatus, such as a microscope, that provides bright, even illumination throughout the part under observation. The illuminating device has a diffuse light source, an optical element to receive part of the light from the light source and reflecting part toward the object under observation, and reflecting elements to collect and redirect stray light rays toward said object. The reflecting elements can be angled parallel to the beamsplitter and transverse with the part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crystallization apparatus and to a method for crystallizing a liquid from a solution, a mixture of liquids or a suspension. The apparatus comprises a growth zone in a vertically positioned tank, which growth zone is positioned below a nucleation zone. Via a delivery line the seed crystals are fed from the nucleation zone to the bottom end of the growth zone. In the growth zone the ice slurry slowly moves in a vertical direction at such a low velocity that heavier particles are able to precipitate and to be discharged at the bottom end. Preferentially, the nucleation zone comprises a vacuum apparatus for effecting a reduction in pressure in the nucleation zone to between 10−4 and 7·10−3 bar. Using the apparatus according to the present invention it is possible for waste water and effluent to be concentrated in a simple manner, clogging of, for example, filters owing to the settling of solid particles being prevented.

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: A coating masking system comprising a member having face and reverse sides is disclosed. This member is magnetically adhered to a hinge over which a coating is not to be applied.