Abstract: A system for recognizing and locating in an image, printed data of a known spatial characteristic. A digital matched filter is used to identify the presence of the printed data via an auto correlation between the filter coefficients and the printed data. When an auto correlation is identified, approximate areas are selected and further processing is undertaken only within such areas.

Abstract: A novel composition and/or methods for the diagnosis of tuberculosis wherein the composition comprises a repetitive DNA segment that is specific for members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The DNA segment repeats in the chromosome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, and is conserved in all copies of the chromosomes. A method comprises using an entire repetitive DNA sequence, or any part thereof, as a hybridization probe for the direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in clinical material. In another method, a smaller portion of an entire repetitive DNA sequence is amplified using polymerase chain reaction, yielding a 123 base-pair product.

Abstract: A composition and method for removing and preventing Salmonella contamination of meat products, in particular poultry. The composition comprises an effective amount of a quaternary ammonium compound in an aqueous solution. The quaternary ammonium compound are selected from the group consisting of alkylpyridinium, tetra-alkylammonium, and alkylalicyclic ammonium salts. Preferably, the quaternary ammonium compounds are cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB). The method comprises treating meat and poultry products with an effective amount of the quaternary ammonium compound in an aqueous solution. Mutagenicity studies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for simulating and optimizing a powerhouse, designed to furnish electrical power to a process plant, incorporates a plurality of units for simulating operation of the individual components of the powerhouse, and for calculating the cost of operation of the system as a whole, including the cost of fuel for the powerhouse components and the cost of purchased power needed to satisfy the power demand of the process plant beyond the capacity of the powerhouse. An adaptive search routine varies all of the operative parameters of the powerhouse, on a random basis, and repeats the simulation, in order to identify a combination of parameters which represents a lower cost solution. The range of random variation is reduced, as lower cost solutions are not found within a given number of repetitions, in order to identify a precise convergence on the optimum solution.

Abstract: A process of making high temperature Tl-based superconductors. The process includes the steps of reacting solid Ba--Ca--Cu-oxides with Tl.sub.2 O.sub.3 vapor. The process allows high quality Tl-based superconductors to be easily fabricated.

Abstract: A high-temperature superconducting system comprising M-Tl-Ba-Cu-O wherein: M is selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, and Hf. In one embodiment, the M-Tl-Ba-Cu-O system forms a high Tc phase of approximately 90 K wherein: M is selected from the group consisting of Zr and Hf. In another embodiment, a nominal ZrTl.sub.2 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.10 sample forms a high Tc phase of above 100 K.

Abstract: An aerosol spectrometer combines the features of forced motion instruments and optical particle sizers. The motion of suspended particles in multiple force fields is used to obtain density, diameter, electrical charge, magnetic moment and other physical attributes of individual particles. Measurements are possible without the need for precision size standards. Optical scattering parameters are also extracted, namely scattering magnitude and visibility. This allows calibration of the optical sizer based on independently measured size parameters also without the need for precision standards. Since the optical counter is extremely rapid, it is possible to apply feedback control to the application of force on the particles and to the sample dispensing apparatus as well.

Abstract: A method for the reduction or elimination of microbes in liquid or food products whereby the passage of a waveform, such as a DC square-wave, of a specific amplitude, duty cycle and current through the liquid or food product for a specific time period, allows for the elimination of microbes such as Salmonella Typhimurium from a variety of substances, including water, milk and solid food products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high temperature superconductor system comprising XTlSrCaCuO wherein X is chosen from the group consisting of Cr, Mo, and W. In a preferred embodiment, the superconductor comprises CrTlSrCaCuO. Methods of making the superconductor system are also provided.

Abstract: A high temperature superconducting system has the general composition Tl-R-X-Y, wherein: R is a Group 2A element; X is a Group 1B element; and Y is a Group 6A element. Preferably, the composition has the following formula Tl-Ba-Cu-O. The high temperature superconductor of the present invention has a transition temperature of about 90 K with the probability of one phase superconducting at a temperature perhaps as high as 270 K. Processes for making the high temperature superconductor are also provided.

Abstract: A wire carrier clip installable onto a dish antenna after the antenna is up and which clip has a slotted leg which will install to the antenna by slipping between the rib and a washer on the back side rib bolt of the antenna and further including a clamping leg with which to sandwich the lead wires between the wire carrier clip and the antenna rib.

Abstract: A high temperature superconducting wire and an improved process of making the same wherein a metal wire chosen from the group consisting of: Y; Sm; Eu; Gd; Dy; Ho; Er; Tm; Yb; and Lu is oxidized and the oxidized metal wire is then coated with molten barium-copper-oxide. The process allows high-quality superconducting wire to be easily and continuously fabricated.

Abstract: A high temperature superconductor system having the nominal composition: Tl-Ba-Ce-Cu-O. The high temperature superconductor of the present invention has a transition temperature of about 90 K. Processes for making the high temperature superconductor are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified turmeric. The modified turmeric is a phosphorylated turmeric that results in a structure having greatly improved stability in the presence of light, and solubility in the presence of a solution. The invention produces a natural dye for use as a substitute for yelIow dye No. 5.

Abstract: A novel composition and/or methods for the diagnosis of tuberculosis wherein the composition comprises a repetitive DNA segment that is specific for members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The DNA segment repeats in the chromosome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, and is conserved in all copies of the chromosomes. A method comprises using an entire repetitive DNA sequence, or any part thereof, as a hybridization probe for the direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in clinical material. In another method, a smaller portion of an entire repetitive DNA sequence is amplified using polymerase chain reaction, yielding a 123 base-pair product.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for the deposition of silicon and the formation of silicon films. More specifically, the process provides an aerosol generating technique, wherein silicon powder of optimum particle size is aerosolized, charged, and then electrostatically deposited onto high melting point substrates, which may include semiconducting, insulating, and conducting materials such as silicon, sapphire, and molybdenum, respectively. The powder coated substrates are subsequently heat treated at optimum times and temperatures, resulting in the formation of polycrystalline silicon films.

Abstract: A newly discovered microorganism was isolated in a biologically pure culture and designated Clostridium ljungdahlii, having the identifying characteristics of ATCC No. 49587. Cultured in an aqueous nutrient medium under anaerobic conditions, this microorganism is capable of producing ethanol and acetate from CO and H.sub.2 O and/or CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 in synthesis gas. Under optimal growth conditions, the microorganism produces acetate in preference to ethanol. Conversely, under non-growth conditions, ethanol production is favored over acetate.

Abstract: A novel composition and/or methods for the diagnosis of tuberculosis wherein the composition comprises a repetitive DNA segment that is specific for members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The DNA segment repeats in the chromosome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, and is conserved in all copies of the chromosomes. A method comprises using an entire repetitive DNA sequence, or any part thereof, as a hybridization probe for the direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in clinical material. In another method, a smaller portion of an entire repetitive DNA sequence is amplified using polymerase chain reaction, yielding a 123 base-pair product.

Abstract: A high temperature superconductor having the formula Tl-Sr-Ca-Cu-O and a transition temperature about 70 K (with some evidence of a 100 K phase) is provided. Processes for making high temperature superconductors are also provided.

Abstract: A skin closure dressing for eyelids comprising a thin backing material, a layer of adhesive on one face of the backing material, a multi-layer pad covering a portion of the face of the backing material, at least one of the layers of the multi-layer pad being an absorbent material, and an outer layer of the multi-layer pad being a non-adhesive material. The dressing is thin and narrow enough to not cause occlusion of the eye. A pair of side tabs are provided to assist in removal of the dressing.