Abstract: A manipulating protective glove structure for use with non-conductive, hazardous materials, or materials sensitive to contamination, in a sealed environment, e.g., glove box. The glove structure embodies components which provide monitoring and signaling to the user, of a breach, in the glove structure. The outer surface of the manipulating glove itself is made electrically conductive by conductivity treatment of by inserting the glove into a thin conductive glove member which is sized to tightly cover the outer surface of the manipulating glove. An isolated electrical wire is electrically mounted to a the conductive outer surface with prevention of ingreee of air (with possible contamination). An electrical monitoring device is electrically connected to the user's skin and to the outer conductive layer via the electrical wire.

Abstract: An (N-(pyridinylmethyl)-heterocyclic)ylideneamine compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.3, A, and B are as described below, and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs. Compounds of the formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs are useful in the treatment of addictive disorders, such as the use of tobacco or other nicotine containing products, neurological and mental disorders such as senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type, Parkinson's disease, attentional hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, obesity, Tourette's Syndrome and ulcerative colitis.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing a macrocyclic lactone compound, which comprises cultivating Actinoplanes sp. FERM BP-3832, in the presence of L-proline, L-hydroxyproline or L-nipecotic acid, and then isolating a macrocyclic lactone compound from the fermentation broth. The compounds produced by this process include a compound of formula (I). The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, which is useful as immunosuppressive, antimycotic, antitumor agent or the like.

Abstract: An electrically powered integrity checking device for detection of breaches in protective garments under conditions of a potential for exposure to any one of bodily fluids and hazardous fluid materials. The device comprises a connector for electrically connecting a person wearing a protective garment to the device and a second connector to a fluid source. The device comprises a current source, an alarm, with constant monitoring of integrity of each connection during use of the device. A breach in the protective garment allows ingress of fluid through the breach, results in a completed circuit from the current source means, between the person wearing the protective garment and the fluid source, which triggers said alarm. The connector comprises a reusable spring loaded clamping structure which maintains pressure terminal contact with the person.

Abstract: A disposable or washable one piece high chair tray cover and bib adapted to fit over a toddler's head for use as a bib and to fit onto a high chair tray table to function as a protective stray food catcher on the tray table and between the bib and the tray table. The tray cover portion of the bib is about 29" square with three overlapping sleeves to fit over and engage the side and front edges of tray tables of varying sizes. Drawstring elements are contained within the edges of the three overlapping sleeves and are laterally exposed for drawing the sleeve snugly against a table. A key or toggle element is used to maintain the snug fit. After use, the bib is removed from the child and disengaged from the edges. The drawstrings are further tightened with the key or toggle element to form, with the bib portion, a disposable garbage bag, with self closure, for direct disposal of trapped food and debris as well as any other residual foods and items which are to be disposed of.

Abstract: A method for the enhanced accuracy in dispensing from a fluid roller dispensing pump, wherein a keyed one way insertable cassette with pump compressible tubing is utilized with the fluid dispensing pump. The cassette holds and maintains a compressible plastic tube adjacent a roller pump, whereby the rollers of the pump compress the tubing to draw and accurately dispense predetermined exact amounts of liquids into vials, hypodermics and the like for accurate medical and/or laboratory use, and wherein slightly improper placement still provides dispensing but with not always detectable inaccuracies. The cassette is provided with positive proper position indicator elements to ensure both proper orientation and complete locking engagement to ensure accurate pumping and dispensing. In a preferred embodiment the pump embodies current use sensors which determine if the cassette, which causes the pump to use more current, is present. A keyed one-way cassette fitting prevents improper placement.

Abstract: A network system of programmable, identification, locating, monitoring and processing fixed position (FPN) and movable tag nodes, which provides direct inter-node communication capability without a central processor. The individual nodes include microprocessor elements, pre-programmed to recognize external environmental conditions and to logically act on the basis of recognized condition parameters, and where appropriate, to communicate with other nodes for network action. Each node comprises an IC having three independent processors which share a common memory and control circuitry but with separate sets of registers. A first processor (CPU) provides media access control and communication between the nodes and includes transceiver elements for receiving and transmitting information.

Abstract: A computerized slide encoder for use with microscope analysis and pathological studies. The slide encoder is attached to the movable microscope stage, whereby x-y direction plane movement and location, is correlated to examination of an identified slide, with information marking and location being directly correspondingly written, at pre-defined times, on computer storage media, during the examination. Subsequent use of the computer-stored information, coupled with the slide encoder, in a slide re-examination, permits independent retrieval of such information and location on the slide. The computer storage media includes digitized vocal transcription of history of the slide made during the original examination. An embodiment of the slide encoder includes a computer mouse pen affixed to the stage of the microscope and a rolling surface, for the mouse pen, being affixed to the movable slide holder.

Abstract: A microscope slide and read-write system whereby the slide has a pathology specimen thereon and machine readable high density recording media in the form of a magnetic strip, optical reading strip or the like. The read-write system accommodates initial writing of slide and patient identification information on the recording media. The read-write system further embodies elements for operative connection to a microscope system whereby a computer generated representation of the screening history of pathology specimen is recorded and maintained during pathology analysis of the slide showing the mode and parameters of the analysis as well as position related events of interest. The computer generated screening representation is written to the recording media by the read-write system, for constant proximate availability with the slide.

Abstract: A canine lavatory of modular construction for effective toilet training and continued use. A suitable site is selected and the dog is trained to relieve itself at-the site (typical training for a dog) and the lavatory enclosure is gradually built therearound after the dog has become enured to use the particular site. The lavatory comprises an enclosure with an open, readily accessible entrance having a flushing activating member for automatic activation by the entrance of the dog within the enclosure. The lavatory further comprises flushing and gravity dependent drainage systems. The flushing mechanism is adapted to be activated to fill to level and then to automatically trip flush. The filling and flush trip are adjustably timed according to dog habit and need. With the timed fill and self flush, the water fill system is completely purged of above-ground residual water to prevent freezing in an outdoor facility.

Abstract: Gelatin, having high Bloom or gel strength in excess of 300, is extracted from fish, with high yield, by pre-treating collagen rich fish skins with a limewater (Ca(OH).sub.2) solution suspension with a concentration of between 19 gm of Ca(OH).sub.2 /liter of water/kg of tilapia fish skin to 100 gm Ca(OH).sub.2 /liter of water/kg of fish skin for a period of time between ten to sixty days and optimally between two to four weeks. For fish with higher percentage of fat content, a minimum concentration is at least 50 gm of Ca(OH).sub.2 /liter of water/kg of fish skin to avoid putrefaction. For fish with easily extractable gelatin, such as Nile perch, soaking time is from 3 to 10 days with a concentration of Ca(OH).sub.2 /liter of water of about 15 gm. At concentrations above 100 gm of Ca(OH).sub.2 /liter of water/kg of fish skin and/or treatment time periods in excess of four weeks, Bloom strength dramatically decreases.

Abstract: A one piece elastic binder element comprised of either one or two rubber bands. The present invention further comprises a novel method for producing rubber bands having enhanced archival binding properties, with a longitudinal grain which closes on stretching, whereby it is not susceptible to drying and embrittled breakage, and the rubber bands so produced. The elastic binder element comprises two bands or portions of a single band, being held together with two metal clamping members deployed such that the one or two bands are configured in dual, spaced, cruciformic or cross-like configurations (i.e., each configuration having a central point, defined by each of the metal clamping members, from which four arms, comprised of segments of the elastic band or bands, extend, at approximate 90.degree. intervals--full lateral and longitudinal extension). The cruciformic configurations are suitable for respective deployment on the front and rear of a file, to engage all four sides of the file, in the binding thereof.

Abstract: An intra-oral sensor for computer aided oral examination by means of low dosage x-rays in place of film and developer. The intra-oral sensor is exceedingly thin for proper mouth placement and in situ maneuvering, with an active area substantially equivalent to corresponding dental film sizes and a thickness of no more than about 3 mm. In addition, the sensor contains limited electronics and no optical elements, and is resistant to moisture and heat and is readily autoclaved. The sensor, consists of a thin, large area semiconductor image array such as a modified charge coupled device (CCD) or photodiode array, coated with a thin, epitaxial growth of a material such as thallium doped cesium iodide CsI(Tl). The coated sensor is bonded to and supported on a passivated ceramic chip, and has an integrated signal amplifier, with the entire assembly being coated with a protective inert plastic layer, e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene, which is pervious to x-ray radiation.

Abstract: A portable early warning device for use in detection of breaches in protective garments such as gloves, during surgical procedures and the like. The device embodies a central process and source unit containing sensing wave generator, indicators, driving circuitry, digital analyzing and monitoring circuitry and a power source. The central process and source unit is separately directly connected to the object, e.g. skin of the patient, and to the device carrier, e.g. skin of the surgeon, via standard wires and EKG type terminal connectors. A conductive breach of protective garments such as surgical gloves with in vivo patient fluids, such as blood (of a possibly hazardous nature), completes a circuit and triggers a warning (either visible, audible, or mechanical) of the breach.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of asthma, particularly corticosteroid dependent asthma with "steroid sparing" effect, but without serious toxicities prevalent with common "steroid sparing" treatments and medications, comprising the oral administration, in efficacious doses, of sulfasalazine (SSZ) (5-([p-(2-pyridylsulfamoyl) phenyl]azo) salicylic acid) ##STR1## compounds having either the: ##STR2## moiety, or the: ##STR3## moiety. The SSZ and related compounds can be used as an adjuvant for corticosteroid treatments, which permits drastic reduction of the dosage levels of the corticosteroids with concomitant reduction of steroid side effects.

Abstract: A compact medical waste disposal device, operable without water or other processing, disposal or disinfecting fluid or solution, for pulverizing Sharps into medically acceptably safe small particles, and directing the particles into a disposable container. The disposal device comprises a waste receiving and pulverizing chamber containing a pulverizing disc blade, with the disc blade being operable only when the pulverizing chamber is sealed. The pulverizing disc grinds the medical waste against the inner surface of a closely adjacent liner of the pulverizing chamber. Relatively heavy elements, rotatably swing on the upper surface of the pulverizing disc to direct medical waste materials and fragments, towards the pulverizing interface between disc and liner.

Abstract: The top of a metal beverage container, opened with a non-removable fulcrum-type lift tab, is modified, by the inclusion of a shallow channel, in order to facilitate initial lifting of the tab. The channel is positioned directly adjacent the pushing end of the tab and configured such that operative lifting of the tab causes the pushing end of the tab to fit within the channel and into pushing engagement with the container top at the base of the channel. The channel is configured into mirrored conformity with the pushing end of the tab, with the depth of the channel conforming to the shape of the pushing end of the tab to maintain full pushing engagement. The initial engagement of the lift tab with the channel results in a delay in container top opening and substantially less lifting pressure being needed to elevate the tab end for a finger to be more easily inserted for completion of the opening of the container.

Abstract: A suture or fixation wire having a relatively high degree of elasticity is utilized in suturing or fixation procedures in soft tissue or bone, with improvements in corrosion and breakage resistance and with reduction of tissue trauma. The wire is comprised of a medical grade low carbon content stainless steel, formed under low vacuum conditions in a substantially oxygen free environment and subsequently cold drawn into the wire configuration. The forming process provides the requisite flexibility and enhanced corrosion and breakage resistance without detrimentally affecting holding power. Alternatively, a cobalt-chromium or titanium wire is annealed or otherwise treated such as by modification of the chemical composition to reduce tensile strength by at least 10% for enhanced flexibility. The cobalt-chromium or titanium wire, though not as flexible as the low vacuum formed stainless steel, is preferably used in applications wherein a metal prosthesis has been implanted in the body.

Abstract: Internal intercell and terminal cell electrical connector elements in an electrochemical battery are protected from corrosion and build-up of high internal resistance by coating the electrical connector elements with a layer of a protective preferably non-conductive viscous material such as silicone, prior to pressure contacting or welding of the electrical connector elements. The silicone is removed only at the point of contact between the connector elements while retaining a surrounding protective barrier against the corrosive effects of the cell components and particularly corrosive fluid organic electrolyte materials in high energy density cells.

Abstract: Drinking access to the contents of a beverage container, having a non-removable opening lift tab, is enhanced by the formation of an air access opening in the container adjacent the beverage access opening. The beverage container top has a first scored section which is opened by the lift tab for access to the contained beverage. The beverage container top further includes a second scored section diametrically opposed to the first scored section which is opened by the same lift tab. The lift tab is swiveled and used to open the second scored section to provide the requisite air access opening, if drinking directly from the container is desired. The lift tab can be rotated to the side of the openings, if desired, to eliminate impedance of direct drinking from the container.