Abstract: A writing implement of the type that incorporates a writing element which has the characteristic of deteriorating in the presence of air is disclosed. It comprises a housing and a writing element contained in the housing. A bias member for urging the writing element into a retracted position and a sealing closure member which is configured to be closed by the housing in the retracted position are provided. A stud is associated with the writing element. A mating stud is associated with the housing and adapted to frictionally engage the stud. The coefficient of friction between the stud and the mating stud is insufficient to overcome the urging of the bias member and prevent movement between the studs, whereby the writing element is driven to the retracted position.

Abstract: A semiconductor device which remains highly reliable and is easy to mount even when a bonding pad pitch is reduced. The semiconductor device is featured in that a thermally conductive support substrate in which a semiconductor chip is fixed to a recessed portion is mounted on the reverse side of an insulating tape, that is, a TAB substrate having a conductor pattern on the surface; and solder balls are placed on the front side of the insulating tape to ensure connection to the conductor pattern on the front side through holes.

Abstract: The invention provides a herbal cellulite treatment employing, in preferred embodiments, topical treatments, both method and cosmetic composition, wherein a refined lipophilic extract, and preferably also a refined aqueous extract of a Malvaceae plant, preferably whole Hibiscus Abelmoschus, are applied to the skin overlying cellulite-afflicted tissues. The treatments are intended to last at least four, and preferably eight or more weeks. Clinical tests show suprisingly superior results to those obtainable with aminophylline compositions. Inventive treatments can reduce thigh diameters and fatty layer thickness, as well as skin condition. In vitro tests show remarkable lipolytic properties, apparently attributable to .beta.-receptor stimulation, and valuable lipogenesis inhibition properties apparently attributable to .alpha..sub.2 -blocking. Preferred extracts show low toxicity.

Abstract: An orally ingestible multi-stage pill-like therapeutic formulation for treating a condition, said formulation having at least one internally acting ingredient providing a condition-related therapeutic effect, said internally acting ingredient being intended for dispersion in the gastro-intestinal area and a saliva-soluble material substantially coating said internally acting ingredient and comprising a second and locally acting agent providing a second condition-related therapeutic effect in the mouth, esophagus or bronchial tract. The active ingredients provide cooperative relief for one or more symptoms associated with the condition.

Abstract: A novel electronic information transport component can be incorporated in a wide range of electronic information products, for example magazine collections, to automate the mass distribution of updates, such as current issues, from a remote server to a wide user base having a diversity of computer stations. Advantages of economy, immediacy and ease of use are provided. Extensions of the invention permit automated electronic catalog shopping with order placement and, optionally, order confirmation. A server-based update distribution service is also provided.

Abstract: Device for testing integrated circuits by establishing a connection between the instrument and the circuit's pads, with a test card (1) that has pads or pins (4) on top of the instrument and conductively connected with a large number of contact needles (5) that can be contacted with the pads, whereby the contact needles (5) are secured in a holder (2) that is connected to the card by a fastener that allows at least part of the card (1) to move in relation to the needle holder (2), with the result that the needle holder (2) is extensively mechanically separated from the card (1).

Abstract: A ground engaging segment providing a running surface for wheels, endless tracks and the like, which is not pneumatic in nature, thereby not susceptible to puncture, and which is resiliently flexible to offer some resistance to shock. The ground engaging segment comprises a base and a number of removable, hollow, tubular ground engaging elements which extend transversely of the direction of travel of the running surface. Said ground engaging elements include an inner face for engagement to the base and an outer face for contact with the ground surface, and angular shaped side faces between the inner and outer faces allowing for resilient flexibility under normal load conditions. It is preferable that the ground engaging elements are open at their ends to allow for dissipation of heat and are arranged in circumferential rows, defining a chevron pattern, to prevent resultant side thrust imposed upon the running surface.

Abstract: An inventory monitoring system which is operative at a point of storage automatically to sense the presence and number of materials or product items stored in a storage volume generating a logical inventory map of the storage volume so that time-related mappings can be compared to detect item receipts and withdrawals. Preferred embodiments employ a novel electronic shelf unit equipped with a sensing grid or array of sensors that detect items supported on the shelf optically, or by pressure transducers or the like. Inventory information can be collected from multiple shelves and relayed to remote vendors or local computer systems for billing and reordering using infrared transceivers for communication between the shelves. A novel shelf supervisory unit has a modem to communicate remotely via the phone lines and an onboard processor to manage communications. The system has particular application to consignment marketing of surgical and medical supplies in medical suites.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stable and environmentally compatible explosion-safe electrolyte for use in a galvanic cell. The electrolyte comprises salts of the composition ABL.sub.2, wherein A is lithium or a quarternary ammonium ion, B is boron, and L is a bidentate ligand which is bound to the central boron atom by two oxygen atoms. Described are the production and the electrochemical properties of several compositions.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation protection evaluator for determining the effectiveness and protection rating of sunscreen. The apparatus contains a fiber optic probe for delivering Ultraviolet radiation directly to skin. The probe receives reflected and diffused ultraviolet radiation from the skin and transmits the same to a monochromator which performs a spectral analysis and evaluation on the reflected radiation. This information is transmitted to a computer having software for evaluating the readings. The readings are taken first on untreated skin then again on skin treated with a sunscreen. The software, via variables inputted to the computer, computes the ratio of the sunscreen data obtained from both the treated and untreated skin along with the product of the spectrum of the light and radiation source and the action spectrum of UV induced erythema and qualitively characterizes the sunscreen in relation to natural skin protection.

Abstract: An electrostatically actuated color video display is disclosed which can be illuminated by backlighting transmitted through the display and by reflected ambient light to have good visibility in both bright daylight and in subdued or dim light. To display full-color dynamically changing images from an electronic video signal the functions of creating the image and of generating color light rays for use in the image are separated. A preferred embodiment employs a pixellated color screen having rectangular cells of alternate red, green, blue and a somewhat opaque white color and a shuttering mask comprising an array of selectively actuatable light-modulating capacitors with black movable electrodes that when retracted are in registration with and present an open light path to individual color screen cells and when extended present a continuous black screen appearance.

Abstract: Server fault tolerance on local area computer networks is provided by novel workstation implemented software which detects failure of a primary file server and reroutes data storage activity routed via the primary file server, to be routed via an invention-provided secondary file server. Shared file management of multiple file servers or intelligent hosts supporting a single or common high availability data storage system, for example a RAID drive, enables server or host fault tolerance to be provided for such a single highly, reliable data-storage system. Cross-mirroring in such a multi-host, high availability data storage system, along with secondary write suppression, enables server fault tolerance to be provided without significant redundant hardware costs and without a single point of failure in the data storage access paths.

Abstract: A time-delayed message indicator system typically displays a printed message pattern on a contrasting viewing surface at a predetermined time after activation. One preferred indicator system employs a migrating message pattern and has a laminar, multilayer construction. The message is printed on a source layer using a migratable ink. An opaque layer overlies the source layer and a release layer protects the migratable message from contact with the opaque layer until the system is activated by removal of the release layer initiating migration of the message ink through the opaque layer. Arrival of the message agent at the viewing surface initiates development of a visible message pattern. To enhance the development process the invention includes a message development trigger, for example, a heating system. The heating system can consist of exothermic chemical reactants that are mixed to react and produce heat, for example by oxidizing iron filings or activated carbon.

Abstract: An infusing unit is employed in a bubble-forming apparatus which includes a venturi-tube type inlet pipe unit, a discharge pipe unit, and a branch pipe. The infusing unit includes an infusing casing with a large-diameter upper section within which a main pipe section of the inlet pipe unit is press-fitted so as to establish a fluid-tight seal therebetween, and a small-diameter lower section located coaxially within the discharge pipe unit. A truncated conical lower end portion of the inlet pipe unit is located within the large-diameter upper section of the infusing casing and ranges from 1.0 mm to 1.7 mm in inner diameter. The infusing casing further has an integral tubular section which extends radially and outwardly from the lower section of the infusing casing and which is press-fitted into the branch pipe. The integral tubular section ranges from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm in inner diameter.

Abstract: A cosmetic skin-renewal stimulating composition suitable for daily use by consumers and providing anti-aging benefits with control of delayed irritation. The invention adds small quantities of a naturally occurring small-molecule, biologically active, aliphatic aminodiol lipid, for example sphingosine, to cosmetics incorporating a skin-renewal stimulating acid, for example lactic, hydroxybenzoic or retinoic acid, to provide control of deferred hyperproliferative allergenicity induced by the skin-renewal stimulating acid. Comparative data show a beneficial control of long-term irritation induced by several weeks of daily use of a variety of skin-renewal stimulating acids. The novel activity is displayed by sphingosine alone among several classes of biologically active skin lipids, in a selective and surprising manner. The results suggest applicability of the invention to wider classes of cell-proliferation agents for the control of deferred hyperproliferative allergenicity.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an improved forensic light source comprising a source of light and support structure for supporting the source of light is provided. A light guide having first and second ends is coupled to the source of light at the first end to receive light from the source of light and transmit the light to the second end. The light guide is mounted on the support structure. A filter support member supports a plurality of filters. A movable light directing assembly is mounted on the second end of the light guide for movably supporting the filter support member for movement to a plurality of positions. Each of the positions corresponds to the coupling of a selected one of the filters to the second end, whereby the light is filtered by the selected filter. A heat sink may be coupled to the first end of the light guide.

Abstract: The invention provides DNA sequences which code for polypeptides which are characteristic for the virulence of the pathogenic bacterium Streptococcus suis and parts thereof, and polypeptides and antibodies derived therefrom. The sequences code for a polypeptide of 90,000-120,000 daltons or a polypeptide of higher molecular weight containing such a polypeptide, and for a polypeptide of 135,000-136,000 daltons (muramidase released protein), or parts thereof. The sequences themselves, and also the polypeptides and antibodies derived therefrom, are used for diagnosis of and protection against infection by S. suis in mammals, including man.

Abstract: This invention provides a pressurizable zero-headspace extractor vessel useful in preparing mixtures of solid- and liquid-phase material for constituent analysis, for example for preparing environmental samples for analysis of toxic contaminants. The inventive extractor vessel has a sample chamber pressurizable either by gas or mechanical means. The sample chamber is constructed with a removable liner of polytetrafluorethylene to be resistant to both organic an metallic contaminants and has a more robust pressure-resistant support housing, in which the liner is a snug fit, formed of a structural material such as high-density polyethylene. The invention also provides a rotary agitation apparatus for rotating such extractors or bottles end-over-end, in which apparatus the bottles are mounted in a manner which automatically centers them on the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A speaker telephone for use with a two wire telephone system and incorporating an audio input circuit for receiving an audio signal to be transmitted over a conventional two-wire telephone system is disclosed. A transmitted signal processing circuit for receiving the audio signal and altering the audio characteristics provides the altered audio signal at the output of the signal processing circuit to the input of the two wire telephone system. A first line hybrid echo canceler is coupled to receive the output of the transmitted signal processing circuit and produce a plurality of first echo outputs in response to the transmitted signal processing circuit output and has a first error signal input. A first difference circuit has an input of first polarity and is coupled to the output of the input coupling circuit, and inputs of opposite polarity coupled to the echo outputs of the first line hybrid echo canceler.

Abstract: A compact spectrum analyzer module suitable as a subsystem in optoelectronic instrumentation is disclosed which analyzer module employs two mirror surfaces to provide a folded optical path to and from a stock concave focusing diffraction grating. The module has mutually perpendicular input and output optical paths whereby input and output slits, or apertures, can be positioned on adjacent, mutually perpendicular faces of a box-like rectangular housing providing more convenience in the location of external system components such as light samplers and detector arrays, in many situations. Mirror orientation is effective to turn the output optical path through ninety degrees from the input path and to generate from polychromatic light a focused output spectrum in a plane parallel with the input path. Both the input path and the focused output spectrum lie, in preferred embodiments, in planes, not necessarily coincident, that are perpendicular to the optical axis of the grating.