Abstract: A system and method for the decontamination of contaminated ground is described. Contaminated soil gas containing the contaminant is removed from the contaminated ground. Contaminants are separated from the contaminated gas and treated to lessen an environmental hazard of the contaminant. Contaminants are preferably treated by non-thermal oxidation. Residual soil gas, including any oxygen, unoxidized contaminants, and oxidation products (water vapor and carbon dioxide) are returned to the ground, where unoxidized contaminants are subject to oxidation by soil microorganisms. The returned residual soil gas is recirculated through the decontamination system.

Abstract: A force sensor and related method for determining force components. The force sensor includes a deformable medium having a contact surface against which a force can be applied, a signal generator for generating signals that travel through the deformable medium to the contact surface, a signal receptor for receiving the signal reflected from the contact surface, a generation controller, a reception controller, and a force determination apparatus. The signal generator has one or more signal generation regions for generating the signals. The generation controller selects and activates the signal generation regions. The signal receptor has one or more signal reception regions for receiving signals and for generating detections signals in response thereto. The reception controller selects signal reception regions and detects the detection signals.

Abstract: Alkylcarbamoylborane cyclic dimers are synthesized through reactions of alkylcarbamoylborane adducts of amines. The inventive dimers have utility as reactants in the direct synthesis of alkylcarbamoylborane adducts of primary and secondary amines. Alkylcarbamoylborane adducts of primary and secondary amines and certain of the inventive dimers have biological activity as anti-tumor, hypocholesteremic, and anti-inflammatory agents. The cyclic dimers of this invention have the formula [BHRC(O)NHR'].sub.2, examples of which include:[BH.sub.2 C(O)NHC.sub.2 H.sub.5 ].sub.2[BH.sub.2 C(O)NHCH.sub.3 ].sub.2[BH.sub.2 C(O)NHCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3 ].sub.2[BH.sub.2 C(O)NHCH.sub.2 CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 ].sub.2.[BH.sub.2 C(O)NHC(CH.sub.3 ].sub.2.[BH(CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3)C(O)NHCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3 ].sub.2.

Abstract: This invention is a dynamic multivane electron arc beam collimator having collimation vanes, means for controlling the vanes, and local controllers at the collimation site which dynamically define an electron aperture which defines the electron field of an electron beam emitted by a linear accelerator during electron arc therapy. The collimator can be attached to or detached from the head of a linear accelerator. The collimator provides for improvement in electron arc therapy dose uniformity.

Abstract: Invention patent for "Safety Lock" comprised by a mechanism (1) having a case composed of two parallel plates (2) interconnected by spacers (3), internally provided with an operating drive (4) for a latch bolt (5) and for a latch (6), this latter being also operable by means of a handle or alike, which passes through a corresponding opening (7), and, further, having a barrel block (8) incorporated in said mechanism (1) in transversal direction and being provided with a longitudinal hole or passage (9) which receives a puzzle barrel comprised by one or more rows of spring pin assemblies positioned radially with respect to two barrels (10) inserted in said passage (9), each of which has a cam configurating, eccentric and internal pin (11) which cooperates with the operating drive (4), said book (8) being retained within said mechanism by a drawer-like arrangement.

Abstract: A reading method for reading text whereby the reader listens to a cyclic stereophonic sound pattern while reading text. The cyclic stereophonic sound pattern paces the reader's eye movement over the text. A decrease in the pitch of the stereophonic sound pattern reduces reader stress due to learning to read more quickly. The invention also includes reading improvement apparatus used in the practice of this method.

Abstract: Certain organobromines are added to blends of polyphenylene ether and alkenyl aromatic polymer to reduce mold cool time of the composition. These organobromines also reduce residual blowing agent in the composition after expansion and especially following molding of the composition.

Abstract: A computer communication system including a comunication medium, a plurality of nodes coupled to the communication medium, and a transfer format selection means for selecting a format for the transfer of data between nodes. The system includes at least one default node and at least two supplemented nodes. Each node has a set of data transfer formats. A default format is included in the format set of each node. Each supplemented node has at least one supplemental format. Transfer format selection means in the form of circuitry and software provides for the selection of a data transfer format which is included in the source node format set and the destination node format set and is compatible with the communication medium. The source node includes a cache of node format sets. The source node searches for the destination node format set in the source node cache and selects a format which is common to the format sets of the source node and destination node.

Abstract: A coupon organizer for organizing and holding coupons for shopping items. The coupon organizer has a plurality of coupon holding pockets and a plurality of aisle cards. An aisle card is used to record shopping items. The coupon holding pockets are used to hold coupons for the shopping items recorded on the aisle cards. The coupon organizer can also include a store map and a shopping list.

Abstract: Certain organobromines are added to blends of polyphenylene ether and alkenyl aromatic polymer to reduce mold cool time of the composition. These organobromines also reduce residual blowing agent in the composition after expansion and especially following molding of the composition.

Abstract: A multiple bit handtool having a first elongated barrel and a second elongated barrel rotatably attached to the first barrel. Bit-holding means on the ends of the barrels accept and hold bits. The second barrel may be rotated to a position perpendicular to the first barrel to provide greater torque.

Abstract: An animal shower having a plurality of U-shaped conduits which define an open area to be occupied by an animal. The U-shaped conduits receive water from a water source and are perforated to direct water onto the animal. Water can be supplied to the U-shaped conduits through a base conduit.

Abstract: A reading method for reading text whereby the reader listens to a cyclic stereophonic sound pattern while reading the text. The cyclic stereophonic sound pattern paces the reader's eye movement over the text. The invention also includes reading improvement apparatus used in the practice of this method.

Abstract: A ventricular access device and method. In accordance with the method a grommet is introduced into a ventricle and the grommet conduit is caused to penetrate the ventricle's myocardium in an inside to outside manner. The portion of the grommet conduit external to the ventricle is connected to a primary external conduit. The inventive device is a grommet in the form of a conduit and an extension (e.g. flange) extending outwardly from the conduit. The grommet conduit provides an outlet for the egress of blood from the ventricle. The extension provides contact against the inner wall of the ventricle to hold the grommet in place notwithstanding the outward flow of blood from the ventricle.

Abstract: A composition comprising Leptandra Culver's root, chick-peas and grape seeds. The composition can be enhanced with honey, cinnamon and/or oil. The composition is useful for the relief and treatment of hemorrhoids and hemorrhoidal symptoms. The composition can also be used as an herbal food supplement for dietary and nutritional purposes.

Abstract: A tandem-reel realignment winch system having two rotatable reels and a line wound around each of the reels. The line is wound in a first direction around the first reel and in a reverse direction around the second reel to compensate for the deviation in line alignment caused by the first reel. The winch system is adapted to raise and lower objects such as keels, anchors, bouys, mast riggings and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for detecting and quantifying force-torque components applied to a loadable means. The apparatus includes a plurality of signal-transmission means, a plurality of signal-reflection means, a plurality of signal-detection means and a deformable means which is deformable in response to the application of force-torque components to the loadable means. Application of a force-torque component to the loadable means results in the alteration of the distance traveled by a signal from signal-transmission means to signal detection means. The apparatus further includes a means for utilizing the detected signals to determine force-torque components.

Abstract: This invention is a sports shoe protector having a sole and a means for securing the sole to a sports shoe having spikes. The sole includes at least one U-shaped shoulder extending from a peripheral portion of the base of the sole to provide peripheral support to the shoe and to provide an open area for receiving shoe spikes. An inner support extending from the base and positioned within the mouth of the U-shaped shoulder can be used to provide additional support and to form, in combination with the U-shaped shoulder, an open channel area for receiving shoe spikes.

Abstract: A dry and free-flowing composition containing salt, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 monohydric and/or polyhydric alcohol, diatomaceous earth (or suitable substitute) and sodium metasilicate characterized by a particle size smaller than about 80 mesh. The composition is useful for facilitating the melting and removal of snow and ice.