Abstract: The polysulfone hollow fiber membrane of the invention has an inner dense skin layer composed of a polysulfone and a less amount of a polyvinylpyrrolidone, a content of the polyvinylpyrrolidone in the dense skin layer being higher than that in an outer surface layer. This membrane has excellent biocompatibility and antithrombogenetic ability and is, therefore, useful in body fluid treatment, such as hemodialysis, hemofiltration and hemoconcentration, without clogging with thrombi.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for controlling a combustion process, the output of an optical parametric oscillator/laser (OPOL) is directed into the combustion chambers of an internal-combustion engine to initiate combustion of an air/fuel mixture. A control unit controls the output of the OPOL to emit a wavelength of radiation within a region of absorption of the molecules of the air/fuel mixture in order to induce those molecules into a state of excitation to ignite the mixture. The exact wavelength of the OPOL is selected based on the type of fuel and the compression ratio of the engine. A cylinder-firing-control (CFC) unit is responsive to signals transmitted by the control unit to direct the output of the OPOL to selected cylinders of the engine. And a sensor is mounted on the engine for transmitting signals to the control unit indicative of the rotational position of the engine, and the control unit controls the firing of the OPOL based on these signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method photochemically converts a first hydrocarbon into at least one other hydrocarbon, such as the conversion of methane to ethane and other higher hydrocarbons. The first hydrocarbon is injected through a high-temperature nozzle into a first reaction chamber surrounded by a first array of optical parametric oscillator/lasers (OPOLs). The secondary radiation of the OPOLs is directed into the first reaction chamber and dissociates the first hydrocarbon into the at least one other hydrocarbon. For the conversion of methane to ethane, the secondary radiation of the OPOLs is preferably within the region of approximately 3.0 microns. In a recirculating stage, residual first hydrocarbon released from the first reaction chamber is circulated through a second reaction chamber surrounded by a second array of optical parametric oscillator/lasers (OPOLs) to further dissociate the residual second hydrocarbon into the at least one other hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A lytic reagent composition highly selective in its interactions with the cell membranes of white blood cells and also provides a method of using the reagent composition in a particle analyzing system to effect a significantly improved white blood cell differential determination. The lytic reagent composition is characterized by an ability to selectively shrink the white blood cells into the increasing size order of lymphocytes, basophils, monocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils, and effect a five component separation of these major subpopulations of white blood cells on the histogram of an automated blood analyzer when used in conjunction with a suitable blood diluent.

Abstract: An optical medium, which may be nonlinear, is provided with a matrix of conductors ("select lines") parallel to a face (planar surface) of the optical medium. The select lines are preferably superconductive, and are arranged in a two offset planar, preferably orthogonal sets. Adjacent pairs of select lines in both sets of select lines define discrete volumes, or "cells" within the optical medium. Light directed through the cells is refracted at angles determined by the quiescent optical properties of the optical medium, and may be "steered" to different angles by current passing through the select lines.

Abstract: A container made of a substantially dielectric material adapted to contain and preserve a perishable substance, comprising:a substantially elongated tubular portion defining an enclosure adapted to contain a perishable substance, the tubular portion being made from a flexible dielectric material, and defining an opening adapted to release said perishable substance through the opening by squeezing the tubular portion;a first magnet coupled to an interior wall of the tubular portion and extending substantially the length of the tubular position;a second magnet coupled to said interior wall of the tubular portion of a substantially opposite side of the tubular portion relative to the first magnet and facing the first magnetic defining a magnetic field between the first and second magnets; said magnetic field adapted to substantially encompass said perishable substance; anda porous material located between the first and second magnets to prevent contact between the first and second magnets.

Abstract: An optical parametric oscillator/laser system includes an optical pump source for generating pump radiation and an embedded dual optical resonator containing an optical parametric oscillator/laser crystal. The embedded dual optical resonator includes a laser resonator and an optical parametric oscillator resonator. The OPOL crystal is an optical parametric oscillator material doped with ions that exhibit lasing transitions. The pump radiation stimulates generation of laser radiation. When the laser radiation reaches the parametric threshold, optical parametric radiation is generated. In one embodiment, the laser resonator and the OPOL resonator are each defined by spaced-apart mirrors. In another embodiment, the OPOL system includes an OPOL rod having end caps at each end. Each end cap includes surfaces for internally reflecting the laser radiation and the parametric optical radiation in a closed loop path so that the OPOL rod and the end caps define an optical resonator.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion comprising a dispersoid of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer having an ethylene content of 15 to 65 mole % and a dispersion stabilizer of a saponified product of an ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer having an ionic group and having an ethylene content of 10 to 70 mole % and a saponification degree of at least 80%. According to the present invention, aqueous dispersions with high solid concentration and having excellent stability during storage or upon use. The film obtained by applying and then drying the aqueous dispersion has excellent gas barrier properties.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing pellets which comprises introducing strands between two upper and lower feed rolls using a belt conveyor slanted downwardly in the direction of travel with a press roll mounted thereon, then introducing the strands to a support having a fixed blade on the head thereof and cutting the strands with a rotary blade while spraying a liquid onto the strands from above the support, to thereby yield pellets having no obliquely cut surfaces and having a uniform cut length.

Abstract: A lytic reagent composition highly selective in its interactions with the cell membranes of blood cells and also provides a method of using the reagent composition in a semi-automated or an automated system to effect a significantly improved white blood cell differential determination. The lytic reagent composition is characterized by an ability to selectively shrink the white blood cells into the increasing size order of lymphocytes, a midregion consisting mainly of monocytes, other mononuclear cells, some basophils and eosinophils, and neutrophils and can readily be optimized to effect a significantly improved three component separation on the histogram of commercially available semi-automated and automated blood analyzers when compared to the reagents conventionally employed on such instruments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for separating materials on the basis of differences in isoelectric points. In one aspect of the invention an electrochemical cell is provided which has a cell compartment having a plurality of interwaterproof compartments. Provided is a cell lid with a plurality of parallel panels which are narrower than the interwaterproof compartments. A pair of spaced electrodes are attached to the lid and insertable into the end compartments. When the lid is placed on the cell, with an appropriate amount of solution in the cell, a convection free current flow path is formed through the solution above the top edges of the compartments and along the sides of the cell between the gaps formed between the cell side walls and the edges of the narrower lid panels. A natural pH gradient is established when material containing the substance to be separated is dissolved in an appropriate solvent, thereby eliminating the need for expensive carrier ampholytes.

Abstract: A DIAL LIDAR system, and methods of operating same are disclosed. A plurality, such as six, distinct coherent beams are combined into a single transmitted beam. Atmospheric targets, such as light hydrocarbons cause a portion of the transmitted beam to be reflected as a return. In one transmitting configuration, six pulsed beams are fully time-multiplexed, and are combined through selective polarization. In another transmitting configuration, six pulsed beams are fully time-multiplexed, and are combined through selective orientation of beam paths, in connection with a rotating beam displacer. In yet another transmitting configuration, six beams are wavelength-multiplexed, and are combined through differential refraction. In one receiving configuration, time-multiplexed beams are received using a single detector. In another receiving configuration, wavelength-multiplexed beams are received using multiple detectors.

Abstract: Process for producing ethylene-vinyl ester copolymers using a polymerization solvent of a dialkyl sulfoxide (process X); process for producing ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer by liquid phase saponification using a solvent of a dialkyl sulfoxide (process Y); and process for producing shaped articles which comprises contacting the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer obtained by the process Y, or that obtained by saponifying the ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer obtained by process X, to a non-solvent for ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer.Ethylene-vinyl ester copolymers having a wide range of ethylene content and higher degree of polymerization than that with solution polymerization using methanol.The rate of saponification is higher than that with single solvent system of lower alcohol.Production cost is low, because production process of polymer is directly connected to that of shaped articles utilizing the polymer.

Abstract: A method for prospective planning and dynamic management of a flow processes comprising a plurality of interrelated and interdependant processes, resources and commodity flows using a computer system. The method includes providing a database containing information about the flow process and graphically displaying both the problem and the solution spatially and/or temporally. Indicia can be made to appear on the display to provide visual identification of symbols as well information about the solution, capacity, minimum levels, flows and variances. In addition, access to the data base can be made available either to update the display to reflect current information or to perform "what-if" scenarios. Access to the database is through objects displayed and permits a wide variety of information to be queried and displayed. The system also has the capability to communicate portions or all of the plan to other modules and to receive data from other modules.

Abstract: A multilayered container comprising an intermediate layer of a resin composition (A) which comprises 50-95% by weight of a specific EVOH, and 50-5% by weight of an inorganic filler, and inner and outer layers of a moisture resistant thermoplastic resin (B), at least the body wall part of the container comprising multiplicity of regions in which substantially 2-dimensional thin layers of the inorganic filler extend parallel with the wall surface and laminated with each other, said layer of said resin composition (A) having a specific moisture permeability.The multilayered container can readily be prepared by thermoforming from the corresponding multilayered structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a large scale method for the production of medical grade lipid-coated microbubbles, to the paramagnetic labeling of such microbubbles and to therapeutic applications for the microbubbles. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of the production of medical grade, concentrated suspensions of stable, paramagnetically derivatized or underivatized microbubbles useful for ultrasonic and magnetic resonance imaging and also relates to therapeutic interventions such as selective tumor destruction.

Abstract: The spread-spectrum signal (S1) is converted into a one-bit quantized binary signal (S2) and this signal is coupled to a plurality of parallel detection circuits (10), each of said detection circuits being adapted to detect a distinct code epoch. Each detection circuit (10) receives concurrently a shifted version of a binary reference code (CR) and produces a signal (B3) having a first binary state when the received signal corresponds to the code epoch of the detection circuit and having a second binary state should it be otherwise. The output signals (B3) are combined and/or encoded to identify the correct code epoch in order to demodulate the received signal. The invention is used in communication systems receivers.

Abstract: A video camera comprises a video camera body and a light module. Structure is provided, integral with the video camera body, for selectively positioning the light module. The light module can be removably connected to the video camera body.

Abstract: An underground double containment system consists of a concrete outer containment receptacle housing a primary fluid flow pipe which extends therethrough and is slidably supported on double I-beam structures within the concrete receptacle. The concrete receptacle can be provided with a removable cover providing access to the primary piping in modular sections defined by the boundary of the receptacle. The primary piping can expand or move along the longitudinal axis of the concrete receptacle relative to the concrete receptacle enabling thermal of the primary and containment piping outside of the receptacle, which can be formed from different materials, as the outer containment pipe can be connected to the interior of the receptacle at the juncture of the receptacle and the primary piping. A plurality of concrete receptacles can be joined at an angle of between 0.degree. and 180.degree. to provide a double containment system for nonlinear primary pipes.