Abstract: In an optical fiber cable, for effectively suppressing undesired radiant noise propagating in a reinforcing wire or generated from the reinforcing wire without providing an electromagnetic shielding member apart from the optical fiber cable, a buffer layer and an outer jacket of an LAP sheath covering the reinforcing wire being a tension member forming the optical fiber cable are constituted by composite magnetic bodies, respectively, composed of soft magnetic powder and organic binding agents. It is preferable that the soft magnetic powder is powder being essentially flat.

Abstract: A bar code symbol reading system for reading bar code symbols disposed on rotating containers, such as cans and bottles, which have various capacities and arbitrary surfaces upon which the bar code symbols are printed. The system includes a laser scanning engine which produces a three-dimensional laser scanning pattern having unique geometrical characteristics over a predefined scanning region, within which each container is rotated. Owing to its unique geometry, the laser scanning pattern facilitates reading of bar code symbols printed on arbitrary container surfaces while rotated within the predefined scanning region. As a result of the present invention, a single bar code symbol reading system can be used to read bar code symbols that are printed on the arbitrary surfaces of cans and bottles.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of bitumen from bitumen froth generated from tar sands is presented. In this process bitumen froth, extracted from tar sands using a water process not requiring the use of caustic soda, is treated in a counter-current decantation circuit with a paraffinic solvent to remove precipitated asphaltenes, water, and solids from the bitumen froth. The instant invention produces a dilute bitumen product having final water and solids content of about 0.01 to about 1.00% by weight rendering the dilute bitumen product amenable to direct hydrocracking. This process provides an alternative route to the conventional process utilizing centrifuges to separate bitumen from precipitated asphaltenes, water, and solids thereby avoiding the high capital and operating costs associated with the conventional bitumen froth treatment by centrifugation.

Abstract: A three-dimensional porous mesh structure is prepared from a two-dimensional sheet form having a unique arrangement of main and secondary troughs on a first surface, and openings extending therethrough. The arrangement of troughs and openings creates an elaborate matrix of pores when the two-dimensional sheet is formed into the three-dimensional porous mesh structure which emulates osteon-evacuated bone.

Abstract: An inflatable wrap for promoting venous or arterial blood flow enhancement in the human hand. The wrap comprises an inflatable bag fastened to a backing material. The bag is shaped to fit against the palm of the hand and portions of the back of the hand. The backing material comprises a base portion substantially corresponding to the palm of the hand and two or more interengageable lobes that may be fastened together across the back of the hand to retain the inflatable bag securely against the hand such that upon inflation of the bag a pumping pressure is applied positively to the hand to promote the venous or arterial flow enhancement.

Abstract: Described are in vivo methods for testing the activity of vitamin D.sub.3 (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3) and analogs thereof in human skin and for testing the effect of a test compound on said activity. Also described are methods for enhancing the in vivo activity of vitamin D.sub.3 and analogs thereof by coadministering vitamin D.sub.3 or an analog thereof with an RXR ligand, a 24-hydroxylase inhibitor, or a mixture thereof. Preferred RXR ligand materials are retinoids, such as 9-cis retinoic acid, and precursors thereof, such as all trans retinoic acid. Preferred 24-hydroxylase inhibitors are imidazoles, especially those inhibiting cytochrome-P450 oxidative enzymes, such as ketoconazole. Also included is a method for determining whether a candidate compound inhibits 24-hydroxylase activity or induction thereof.

Abstract: Described are in vivo methods for testing the activity of vitamin D.sub.3 (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3) and analogs thereof in human skin and for testing the effect of a test compound on said activity. Also described are methods for enhancing the in vivo activity of vitamin D.sub.3 and analogs thereof by coadministering vitamin D.sub.3 or an analog thereof with an RXR ligand, a 24-hydroxylase inhibitor, or a mixture thereof. Preferred RXR ligand materials are retinoids, such as 9-cis retinoic acid, and precursors thereof, such as all trans retinoic acid. Preferred 24-hydroxylase inhibitors are imidazoles, especially those inhibiting cytochrome-P450 oxidative enzymes, such as ketoconazole. Also included is a method for determining whether a candidate compound inhibits 24-hydroxylase activity or induction thereof.

Abstract: An infrared thermometer is disclosed comprising a first housing member having an interior chamber, and housing a sensor mounted within the chamber for sensing temperature change and generating an indicative electrical signal, means for directing infrared radiation from the object to be measured to the sensor, a shutter assembly for controlling the passing of infrared radiation to the sensor, an ambient temperature sensor for sensing ambient temperature within the interior chamber and generating an electrical signal indicative thereof, an electrical circuit for processing the electrical signals to calculate the temperature of the object to be measured, and an indicator for indicating the calculated temperature. A second hollow housing member operatively connected to the first housing member by a hinge.

Abstract: A protective device for use with a lamp holder for a high-voltage dual-pin lamp, such as a halogen lamp, includes a wall that surrounds the lower portion of an installed bi-pin lamp so as to prevent contact of the installer's fingers with the high-voltage pins. The protective device may also include a transverse rib that prevents the insertion of a low-voltage bi-pin lamp into a high-voltage lamp holder.

Abstract: A data processing system manages transaction related information generated on a network of interconnected public access computers, including monitoring purchases and providing referral fee accounting based thereon. The integrated software package establishes a platform for Merchants and Site Owners for managing the negotiation of promotional and commercial contracts, the implementation of resulting promotional and commercial efforts, and final accounting in accordance with pre-established criteria. The system thus enables network users to take advantage of a retail sales channel on public or private electronic networks.

Abstract: A process for preparing and purifying cyclic peptides having disulfide moieties in a two step processing operation including reverse phase chromatography which simplifies synthesis and reduces production costs, yet produces high, quality yield. The improved process is particularly useful for the preparation of vasopressin and oxytocin and their respective derivatives and analogs.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of this invention, in a mechanism for attaching a rotating plate in a helmet, a positioning member which is of substantially tubular shape and relatively slidable along a guide groove provided in the rotating plate such as a shield plate and shaped into a nearly circular arc has an easily bendable portion provided between a first cut and a second cut which are formed in substantially opposed relation to each other at the upper end and the lower end of the positioning member, respectively. In accordance with another aspect of this invention, in a mechanism for attaching a rotating plate in a helmet, the three engaged openings provided in the guide groove so as to keep in the fully closed condition, in the fully opened condition, and in the defrosted condition, respectively, can relatively hold the positioning member to almost remain its original form, and the arcuated groove disposed in the guide groove can relatively hold the positioning member so as to deform it elastically.

Abstract: In a magnetizable flat damping component with an acoustic wave damping or suppressing layer (5) with an adhesive layer (2) bonded thereto for securing the damping component to other objects (6) and with magnetizable particles (3) in the damping component the magnetizable particles are integrated into the adhesive layer (2) using binding agents (4).

Abstract: A metacarpal-phalangeal and/or interphalangeal (1) prosthesis, particularly for joints in the hand or foot, comprising a pair of pins (2, 3) which can be implanted in bone adjacent to a joint to be restored and connected by a flexible joint (4) encapsulated in a protective enclosure formed from the same biocompatible material as the pins. The biocompatible material may be a mixture of plastic resins having high compatibility. The enclosure comprises a pair of half shells (5, 6)integral with the corresponding pins which extend axially on opposite side of a longitudinal plane of symmetry (S) which perpendicularly intersects the axis of rotation (a) of the joint. In a first embodiment, axis (a) is defined by a cylindrical pin (13) inserted in the axial cavity in the half shells and free to rotate with respect to at least one axis with limited flexibility in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (a).

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of high purity desmopressin produced in single batches of substantial size and a method of treating nocturia, incontinence and enuresis with the high purity desmopressin produced therefrom.

Abstract: A compact system for producing high contrast and high resolution images of a topographical surface associated with an object. The system utilizes a novel holographic optical element to produce images of topographical surfaces differentiating between ridges and valleys, and providing image details of artifacts. The system of the present invention can be realized in the form of a hand-held instrument for use in in vivo imaging of fingerprint, skin tissue and the like.

Abstract: A portable automatic code symbol reading system having a laser scanning engine mounted upon the hand of its operator to provide hands-free automatic laser scanning capabilities. The automatic code symbol reading system includes a battery power supply aboard its hand-mounted housing, and a power-conserving control subsystem for conserving the consumption of electrical power during automatic portable laser scanning operations. The control subsystem of the present invention has a plurality of control centers which control the operation of the system components in accordance with preselected system control operations. Each of the control centers is responsive to control activation signals generated by certain of the system components upon the occurrence of predefined conditions. Certain of the control centers are capable of overriding other control centers to provide diverse control capabilities.

Abstract: A novel data processing system manages and implements a new form of security designated the "Proxy Asset". Proxy Assets provide sophisticated risk management capabilities without the complexities associated with other types of risk management investment vehicles. The Proxy Asset is made possible by the enhanced processing capabilities of the Proxy Asset data processor which creates, tracks, manages, and governs asset accounts for participating investors.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: ##STR1## in which one of X and Y represents hydrogen and the other represents Z, where Z is a group ##STR2## in which Q represents a 3-membered divalent residue completing a 5-membered aromatic ring and comprises zero, one or two nitrogen atoms, Q being optionally C-substituted by a group R.sub.1 selected from halogen, CN, OR.sub.2, SR.sub.2, N(R.sub.2).sub.2, NHCOR.sub.2, NHCOOCH.sub.3, NHCOOC.sub.2 H.sub.5, NHOR.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHNH.sub.2, NO.sub.2, COR.sub.2, COR.sub.3, C.sub.2-4 alkenyl, C.sub.2-4 alkynyl, cyclopropyl or C.sub.1-2 alkyl optionally substituted with OR.sub.2, N(R.sub.2).sub.2, SR.sub.2, CO.sub.2 R.sub.2, CON(R.sub.2).sub.2 or one, two or three halogen atoms, in which each R.sub.2 is independently hydrogen or C.sub.1-2 alkyl and R.sub.3 is OR.sub.2, NH.sub.2 or NHR.sub.2 ; r represents an integer of 2 or 3, s represents an integer of 1 or 2 and t represents 0 or 1; R.sub.a and R.sub.

Abstract: A fully automatic bar code symbol reading system is provided having at least one portable bar code symbol reading device and an associated base unit positioned within the data transmission range of the bar code reader range without a physical wiring connection between the bar code reader and the base unit. After each successful reading of a bar code symbol, the bar code reading device automatically produces symbol character data representative of the bar code symbol, synthesizes a group of data packets each containing the symbol character data, and then transmits the synthesized group of data packets to the base unit. Upon the successful receipt of one of the transmitted data packets and the recovery of symbol character data therefrom, the base unit generates an acoustic acknowledgement signal that is perceptible to the user of the bar code symbol reading device and indicates that the transmitted symbol character data has been successfully received.