Abstract: A method to remove stubborn stains that includes application of an ammonium salt in combination with a peroxide. In the preferred embodiment, the stain removing solution contains ammonium bicarbonate and peroxide. A major advantage of the method is that the solution is strong enough to remove coffee and tea stains yet sufficiently mild that it does not damage the carpet or pose a significant health hazard to the person treating the stain.

Abstract: A method to impart permanent stain resistance to polyamides, including nylon fiber and fibrous articles such as carpet and carpet tile, that includes treating the fiber with an isocyanate under moderate conditions that do not damage other materials that the fiber is attached to. Nylon carpet and carpet tile treated according to this method are highly suited for commercial use because they retain their stain resistance after repeated washings.

Abstract: A method for controlling and modifying biopolymer synthesis by manipulition of the genetics and enzymology of synthesis of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polyesters at the molecular level in procaryotic and eukaryotic cells, especially plants. Examples demonstrate the isolation, characterization, and expression of the genes involved in the production of PHB and PHA polymers. Genes encoding the enzymes in the PHB and PHA synthetic pathway (beta-ketothiolase, acetoacetyl-CoA reductase and PHB polymerase or PHA polymerase) from Zoogloea ramigera strain I-16-M, Alcaligenes eutrophus, Nocardia salmonicolur, and Psuedomonas olevarans were identified or isolated and expressed in a non-PHB producing organism, E. coli. Specific modifications to the polymers include variation in the chain length of the polymers and incorporation of different monomers into the polymers to produce co-polymers with different physical properties.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating electromagnetic environments to be encountered by a moving object such as a missile are disclosed. The systems include compact ranges in "hardware in the loop" ("HIL") simulations as projection systems to provide cost- and space-efficient apparatus and processes for testing the performance of missiles and other objects. The systems disclosed may include mobile or stationary compact ranges and may use lenses or reflectors in connection with an array of one or more feed horns to convert spherical or "near field" wavefronts to plane waves within designated "quiet zones." If mobile ranges are employed, such ranges may be mounted on the flight tables used for repositioning the missile seekers during the simulations. Also disclosed are apparatus and processes for varying the amplitude and phase characteristics of the energy provided to an array of two or more feed horns in order to vary the apparent angle of received electromagnetic energy at electronic speeds.

Abstract: An asymmetric process for the preparation of enantiomerically pure .beta.-L-(-)-1,3-oxathiolane-nucleosides that includes the initial preparation of the key chiral intermediates (2R,5R) and (2R,5S)-5-(O-protected)-2-(protected-oxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolane from 1,6-thioanhydro-L-gulose. The 2R,5(R,S)-5-(O-protected)-2-(protected-oxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolane is condensed with a desired heterocyclic base, typically a purine or pyrimidine base, to provide the product nucleoside. The synthesis can be used to prepare the pharmaceutically important compound, .beta.-L-(-)-1-[(2.beta.,4.beta.)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-(1,3-thioxolane)]cyt osine (.beta.-L-(-)BCH-189).

Abstract: A serial data interface communicates data between a control processor (1) and one or more slave processors (2) via a serial bus (3). Typically the control processor (1) may be formed in a hand held or lap top computer and the slave processor (2) in a peripheral device for the computer. The control processor (1) transmits a clock signal over a clock line in the serial bus (3) to the slave processor (2). At the same time, control or data frames are transmitted from the control processor (1) the slave processor (2) or data frames are transmitted from the slave processor (3) to the control processor (1). Each data frame has a control portion which identifies the frame as a control frame or as a data frame, and following the control portion a plurality of data bits bounded by idle bits. Both the slave processor (2) and the control processor (1) free the data line for a change in the direction of data transmission during each idle bit.

Abstract: Borer-resistant waterfront retaining bulkheads. Such bulkheads feature a wall of sheeting placed seaward of the piles, rather than landward, as in conventional structures. Alternatively, the bulkheads may employ no piles but rather be supported by anchors. These structures improve water current flow over the bulkheads and thus help eliminate marine borers which typically attack the sheeting. A number of upper and lower wales hold the sheeting in place with respect to piles with no appreciable loss in overall strength or durability of the structure. The sheeting may be formed in two or more layers of boards, some of which may be tongue-and-grooved and/or shiplapped. Outer layers of boards in the sheeting, which bear heavier exposure to wind, water and waves, may be formed of sapwood or other materials for maximum strength and durability at minimum expense. Some or all of the wales may be formed of laminated sapwood to lend additional strength and durability.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a cutaneous, ocular, or mucosal pathological condition which is associated with immune response in a human or other mammal, that includes topical application of an effective amount of spiperone or a spiperone derivative or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, in a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier for topical application.

Abstract: A method for controlling and modifying biopolymer synthesis by manipulation of the genetics and enzymology of synthesis of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polyesters at the molecular level in procaryotic and eukaryotic cells, especially plants. Examples demonstrate the isolation, characterization, and expression of the genes involved in the production of PHB and PHA polymers. Genes encoding the enzymes in the PHB and PHA synthetic pathway (beta-ketothiolase, acetoacetyl-CoA reductase and PHB polymerase or PHA polymerase) from Zoogloea ramigera strain I-16-M, Alcaligenes eutrophus, Nocardia salmonicolur, and Psuedomonas olevarans were identified or isolated and expressed in a non-PHB producing organism, E. coli. Specific modifications to the polymers include variation in the chain length of the polymers and incorporation of different monomers into the polymers to produce co-polymers with different physical properties.

Abstract: A package configuration for the protection/packaging/encapsulation of optical fiber couplers is described. The packaging strategy exploits symmetry in geometrical design while using material with similar thermal expansion properties to minimize thermoelastic stresses in the final assembled parts. When glass fibers are fused together or spliced in a planar waveguides, a complementary, symmetrically shaped glass piece linked to the coupler device by a chemically-tethered and crosslinked polymeric matrix, provides a stress-free as-assembled package that further maintains minimal thermoelastic stresses during temperature cycling. The packaged assembly is thus exceptionally rugged, experiencing little loss and fluctuation of coupling characteristics in installation and use.

Abstract: A fully-adjustable coping assembly capable of conforming to a wide variety of parapets, walls, and other structures is disclosed. Embodiments of the assembly comprise two toothed, interconnected elements which not only telescope as necessary but, when connected, form an internal gutter as well. The elements may be made of PVC or other non-metal if desired to facilitate on-site cutting and fitting. Complementary cover and splice plates also are disclosed for coupling discrete sections of the coping assembly. The cover and splice plates themselves can be interconnected to seal the entire assembly and provide another internal gutter for redirecting fluid away from the protected surface.

Abstract: Branched polyanhydrides that have superior properties for use in the controlled delivery of substances, prepared by the polymerization of a dicarboxylic acid monomer and a branching agent. The branching agent is a polycarboxylic acid monomer such as 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid ("BTC"), or an oligomerized fatty acid trimer. Alternatively, the branching agent is a polycarboxylic acid polymer such as poly(acrylic acid) ("PAA"). These branched polymers have significantly higher molecular weights and lower specific viscosity than linear polymers prepared under similar conditions. A major advantage of branched polyanhydrides is that the degradation and release kinetics can be substantially altered without significantly changing the physical properties of the polymer relative to the corresponding linear polymer. By manipulating both the diacid and the branching agent, a wide variety of biodegradable controlled delivery devices for diverse applications can be prepared.

Abstract: An essentially frictionless, reliable pressure indicator capable of withstanding high pressures is disclosed. The invention includes dual opposed springs, a pair of magnetic elements, and a resilient diaphragm abutting one of the magnetic elements. Use of the resilient diaphragm permits precise control of the amount of travel necessary for the magnetic attractive forces to counteract the mechanical spring forces, increasing the accuracy of the overall device. The present structure, with its resilient diaphragm and an associated dampening aperture, is also designed to withstand transient pressures of as much as 2500 psi or more.

Abstract: The present invention are novel compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is OH, NH.sub.2, OW, or H; X is H, F, Cl, Br, I, OH, OW, NO.sub.2 or NH.sub.2 ; Y is H, F, Cl, I, or Br; W is C(O)Z or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 alkyl group; Z is an aliphatic or aromatic group of from C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 ; X and Y can both vary within the molecule; and if R is H, at least one of X or Y is not H. In a preferred embodiment, R is OH or NH.sub.2. The most preferred compound is (4-hydroxy-3-N-phenylacetylamino-2,6-piperidinedione), in which R is OH, X is H and Y is H. These compounds have cytostatic activity and insert stereochemically into DNA.

Abstract: A method for the adjustment of pH in textile processing solutions that includes the use of urea sulfate or other strong acid in the presence of a weak base.

Abstract: Structures for items such as promotional materials, game pieces, lottery tickets, security documents and other articles, which feature one or more thermal reactive layers that are activated by heat from a hidden image formed of infrared sensitive, heat generating material such as carbon black preprinted under the thermal reactive layers during manufacture. The thermal reactive layers permit transmission of radiant energy such as infrared to the heat generating, hidden layers. The heated image conducts heat to the thermal reactive layers which employ a coloring agent and a developer which, when exposed to the heat, react or act in concert in order to form a corresponding image on the face of the item.

Abstract: A portable vacuum and air filtration unit, comprising: a plurality of separately transportable modules and a means for locking the modules together during use, an air inlet located in one of the modules, a debris screen and a means for receiving debris stopped by the screen located in one of the modules, an electrostatic filter located in one of the modules of some embodiments of the invention, a bag filter assembly located in one of the modules, a HEPA filter assembly located in one of the modules, and a means for drawing a substantial volume of air through the inlet, screen, electrostatic filter, bag filter assembly and HEPA filter assembly.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a receptor protein present on the surface of natural killer cells (NK cells) and non-specific cytotoxic cells (NCC) which is involved in non-specific lysis of target cells bearing an antigen recognized by the receptor protein and monoclonal antibodies which bind to the receptor which are useful in their identification and purification, and methods for altering NK cell-mediated lysis of target cells.The monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) of the present invention were prepared by cell fusions between spleen cells from mice immunized with either non-specific cytotoxic cells (NCC) from catfish (anti-receptor antibodies) and myeloma cells.The NK cell receptor was purified from solubilized flow cytometry purified non-specific cytotoxic (NCC) using antigen-antibody complexing techniques, either immune precipitation or affinity chromatography on Affigel-10.TM. with Con A Sepharose purified mAbs.

Abstract: The present invention invention is a method for controlling biopolymer synthesis by determining the genetics and enzymology of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) biosynthesis at the molecular level. The purified enzymes and genes provide the means for developing new PHB-like biopolymers having polyester backbones. Specific aims are to 1) control the chain length of the polymers produced in fermentation processes through genetic manipulation, 2) incorporate different monomers into the polymers to produce copolymers with different physical properties, and 3) examine the physical/ rheological properties of these new biopolymers in order to develop further design criteria at the molecular level.