Abstract: Fluorescent dichroic fibers randomly incorporated within a media provide an improved method for authentication and counterfeiting protection. The dichroism is provided by an alignment of fluorescent molecules along the length of the fibers. The fluorescent fibers provide an authentication mechanism of varying levels of capability. The authentication signature depends on four parameters, the x,y position, the dichroism and the local environment. The availability of so many non-deterministic variables makes production of counterfeit articles (e.g., currency, credit cards, etc.

Abstract: Dual phase alloys of chromium containing 2 to 11 atomic percent tantalum with minor amounts of Mo, Cr, Ti, Y, La, Cr, Si and Ge are disclosed. These alloys contain two phases including Laves phase and Cr-rich solid solution in either eutectic structures or dispersed Laves phase particles in the Cr-rich solid solution matrix. The alloys have superior mechanical properties at high temperature and good oxidation resistance when heated to above 1000° C. in air.

Abstract: A method as well as a gambling machine for performing games and lotteries consists in that a symbol or combination of symbols is picked out by the gambling machine, a player is enabled to pick out the own symbol or combination of symbols, and then machine-picked symbol or combination of symbols is presented to the player. Wherein, a player is given an opportunity to control an impossibility to change the machine-picked symbol or combination of symbols until it is presented to the player. To realize the method the gambling machine has to contain corresponding units. The proposed invention lets player to make sure the random character of the game and absence of any garbling.

Abstract: The present invention is relative to nucleic acids containing at least one nucleic acid sequence coding for a recombinant polypeptide, which recombinant polypeptide contains at least partially the primary sequence of the invariant chain and at least one primary sequence from a specific T-cell epitope and is processed in a desired manner in antigen-presenting cells for binding the specific T-cell epitope to MHC II molecules.

Abstract: A method for creating peelable or frangible seals comprising the steps of: 1) selecting a first planar film with a polyethylene based resin disposed on its surface; 2) defining a frangible sealing zone on a surface of the first planar film; 3) heat sealing a second planar film to the frangible zone where the second planar film has a seal surface comprising a plurality of polymers; and 4) cooling the first and second planar films and frangible zone. A seal is created whereby peeling away the second planar film causes a rupture in the polymers disposed on the second planar film's surface.

Abstract: Provided is a suction retractor for use in surgical procedures. The suction retractor comprises a handle wherein the handle comprises a couple for attachment to a suction tube. A retractor plate is contiguous to the handle and a retractor blade is contiguous to the retractor plate. The retractor blade further comprises a plurality of suction ports. A continuous channel interior to the handle, retractor plate and retractor blade connects the couple to the plurality of suction ports.

Abstract: A novel Ni3Al-based alloy exhibits strengths and hardness in excess of the standard base alloy IC-221M at temperatures of up to about 1000° C. The alloy is useful in tool and die applications requiring such temperatures, and for structural elements in engineering systems exposed to such temperatures.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a homogeneous wire of inter-metallic alloy comprising the steps of providing a base-metal wire bundle comprising a metal, an alloy or a combination thereof; working the wire bundle through at least one die to obtain a desired dimension and to form a precursor wire; and, controllably heating the precursor wire such that a portion of the wire will become liquid while simultaneously maintaining its desired shape, whereby substantial homogenization of the wire occurs in the liquid state and additional homogenization occurs in the solid state resulting in a homogenous alloy product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the position sensitive detection of radioactivity in a fluid stream, particularly in the effluent fluid stream from a gas or liquid chromatographic instrument. The invention represents a significant advance in efficiency and cost reduction compared with current efforts.

Abstract: A seamless tubular composite film wherein a seamless tubular film comprising fluororesin with a film thickness of 5-20 &mgr;m stretched 2-10% in circumferential direction is fitted on the outside of a seamless tubular film comprising a thermosetting polyimide resin, or the precursor polyamic acid and heated at 200-400° C. for anchorage. In addition, in order to give thermal conductivity and antistatic properties leading to inhibition reduction of heating time and inhibition of adhesion of dirt, boron nitride and compatible thermal conductive agents may be dispersed in the polyimide resin, and carbon black and like electric conductive agent may be dispersed in fluororesin. The film is useful as toner fusing member, such as in electrophotographic copying machines and in laser printing.

Abstract: A body centered cubic and a highly oxidation and corrosive resistant Fe—Cr—Si-alloy.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for chemical sensing using cantilevers that do not use chemically deposited, chemically specific layers. This novel device utilizes the adsorption-induced variation in the surfaces states on a cantilever. The methodology involves exciting charge carriers into or out of the surface states with photons having increasing discrete levels of energy. The excitation energy is provided as discrete levels of photon energy by scanning the wavelength of an exciting source that is illuminating the cantilever surface. When the charge carriers are excited into or out of the surface states, the cantilever bending changes due to changes in surface stress. The amount of cantilever bending with respect to an identical cantilever as a function of excitation energy is used to determine the energy levels associated with adsorbates.

Abstract: An inflatable cushioning system with separate inflatable cushioning chambers a common tool guideway and a common air inlet. The inflatable cushioning chambers each have an inflation port. The common air inlet is in fluid communication with each of the inflatable cushioning chambers. During inflation, pressurized air is inserted into the common air inlet. The pressurized air then enters the individual cushioning chambers through the inflation ports. The inflatable cushioning system is inflated using a multi-purpose inflation tool having a body with a main portion and a second portion, the second portion being connected to the main portion and both portions having hollow interiors. The second portion of the tool having a connecting means for connecting the tool to an external pressurized air source. The tool also having a blade connected to said main portion for cutting the tool guideway as the tool is advanced through the tool guideway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multicylinder internal combustion engine with two inlet valves and two outlet valves (12, 11), the outlet valves (11) being located on one side of an internal combustion engine and the inlet valves (12) being located on the other side. The outlet valves (11) and the inlet valves (12) are actuated by a camshaft via inlet rocker arms (4) and outlet rocker arms (5). In order to reduce the size of the cylinder heads (1) and the rocker housing (2), the inlet rocker arm (4) and the outlet rocker arm (5) are forked. Each forked rocker arm (4,5) actuates two similar valves (12,11) per cylinder (13). The axes (4a, 5a) of the inlet rocker arms (4) or outlet rocker arms (5) are staggered in relation to each other or preferably overlap.

Abstract: A fuel treatment apparatus comprising a fuel heater assembly having: a body with a fuel inlet, fuel outlet and a fuel passageway in communication with the fuel inlet and fuel outlet; and a coolant inlet, coolant outlet and a coolant passageway in communication with the coolant inlet and coolant outlet. Coolant enters the coolant inlet; travels through the coolant passageway; and exits the coolant outlet. The coolant is used to heat the fuel. The fuel enters the fuel inlet; travels through the fuel passageway; and exits the fuel outlet. The fuel treatment apparatus also includes a demoisturizing assembly and a fuel filter assembly.

Abstract: Transmission lines have variable characteristic impedance and length which may also be integrated with modulators and switches. The external electrical voltage controls the number of loads connected to the transmission line as well as connecting required loads to the transmission line and to modulate the value of a load connected to the transmission line. The transmission line includes several twin-conductor transmission lines where one conductor (2) is a main conductor. The other conductors (11), including those with different lengths, are either connected to conductive parts (1) or spaced by a gap from the conductive parts (1). The transmission lines form an ohmic contact with a semiconductor layer (4) having an electronic or hole-type conductivity with a pre-formed non-rectifying contact. The conductive parts (1) may be formed at the beginning or at the end of the transmission line or, alternatively, at the beginning and at the end of the transmission line.

Abstract: The invention is a high efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter apparatus and system, and method for assaying particulates. The HEPA filter provides for capture of 99.99% or greater of particulates from a gas stream, with collection of particulates on the surface of the filter media. The invention provides a filter system that can be cleaned and regenerated in situ.

Abstract: An apparatus for detachable connection of a ceiling fan motor housing to a ceiling mounting assembly. The ceiling fan downrod provides a standardized elongated tube that is connectable to a multitude of ceiling fan housings and assemblies, and provides a universal ground wire connection through a plurality of holes for electrical grounding of the apparatus. The downrod is an elongated tube with a hollow center, having a plurality of pairs of holes near each end of the downrod. Each open end of the downrod has a plurality of threads on the exterior surface of each end, the threads providing one connecting method to attach one end of the downrod to a ceiling mounting assembly, and the second end of the downrod to a motor housing of the ceiling fan. The downrod provides numerous options for connecting the downrod to ceiling fan assemblies, and provides versatility for attachment of electrical ground wires through the plurality of holes in the downrod.

Abstract: A pulse radar system includes a frequency-agile magnetron comprising an input for giving a feeding voltage of a magnetron tuner. A modulator connected to said magnetron forms pulses of a feeding voltage for the magnetron. A low power signal source also connected to said magnetron generates microwave frequency signals which are given to the magnetron in pauses between pulses. These signals have the frequencies differing from the frequencies of the signals generated by the magnetron and fixed during each period of magnetron pulse repetition. This radar system also includes a signal converter receiving the low power signals reflected by the magnetron. These signals are converted into the signals connected in time to the moments, when the frequencies of the low power source and the frequencies of the magnetron oscillating system coincide with each other. Further, said signals are used for triggering the modulator connected to said converter.