Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for reminding a user of certain desired activity and for enforcing the performance of such activity. A clock generates clock pulses and a mechanism, such as a magnetic switch and magnet, is provided for detecting the performance of the desired activity and generating a detection signal when such activity is performed. A logic array is responsive to the clock pulses and the detection signal for selectively generating an electric alarm signal. In one form, the logic array is operable in response to the clock pulses to distinguish between at least two distinct time periods defined as an active time period and a dormant time period, and during the active time period, the logic array is operable to generate an electric alarm signal for a selected period of time in response to the absence of the detection signal. In the dormant period, the logic array will not generate the electric alarm signal regardless of the presence or absence of the detection signal.

Abstract: The specification discloses an apparatus and method for processing an image as part of a fast Fourier transform (FFT) operation. An image processor includes a first and second memory, each for storing the data representing an image as an array of numbers in a format having rows and columns of data positions. A controller is provided for scrolling the data in each row of the second memory with respect to the first memory by at least one data position and for outputting the data of both memories to a data processor. The data processor combines every other group of at least one number of each row of the scrolled data with a corresponding every other group of at least one number of each row of the data from the first memory and passes to its output the data from the first memory for the remaining data positions, whereby a new array of data is produced that is useful as part of a fast Fourier transform operation.

Abstract: A method for preserving blood platelets by freezing the platelets in contact with a cryoprotectant solution containing a sufficient quantity of prostacyclin for the substantially complete inhibition of platelet function and having a pH which promotes the preservation of the platelets.

Abstract: A stainless steel rotor for aviation applications has a preferred Rockwell Hardness of about 30 to about 35 to provide a suitable braking action. The adverse effects of galling are minimized through the provision of depressions on the braking surfaces of the rotor. Metal that is deformed on the braking surfaces or is separated therefrom as a result of frictional contact between the braking surfaces and the brake pads is moved into the depressions under the influence of the pads to keep the surfaces substantially free of deformations and accumulations of loose metal due to galling.

Abstract: The specification discloses a mail delivery signaling flag for use on a rural mailbox including an elongate indicator arm. The indicator arm has a weighted end and a flagged end and is rotatably mounted to the side of the mailbox. A trigger means holds the indicator arm in a generally horizontal position until the mailbox door is opened, at which time the indicator arm assumes a generally vertical position with the flagged end raised to indicate that a mail carrier has opened the box.

Abstract: A method of imaging the heart to provide a distinct image using positron emission tomography comprises administering copper-64 citrate and a compatible carrier.

Abstract: In making paper from an aqueous paper making stock, a binder comprising colloidal silicic acid and guar gum is added to the stock for improving the paper or the retention of the stock components so that the pollution problems and the amount of valuable substances in the white water are reduced. The guar gum is amphoteric or preferably cationic and may form part of the binder complex in a mixture with cationic starch. The weight ratio of guar gum to SiO.sub.2 or of guar gum plus cationic starch to SiO.sub.2 is between 0.1:1 and 25:1.

Abstract: A distress sign which is adapted for placement on the upper edge of a vertically movable window of a vehicle. The sign includes a pair of elongate, substantially rigid display panels each having upper and lower marginal edges and end edges. The panels are connected together along their upper marginal edges by a substantially rigid spine panel. A hook entends downwardly from one end of the spine panel and is spaced from the end edges of the panels to provide a slot in which the upper edge of the window is received, and is configured to engage the adjacent end edges of the panels against the surface of the window when the upper edge of the window is received in the slot.

Abstract: A concrete tile is disclosed having a preformed substrate member backing comprising a substantially rigid, polymeric material. The lower surface of the substrate member defines the shape of the lower surface of the tile. A concrete layer is disposed on and secured to the upper surface of the substrate member and defines the shape of the upper surface of the tile. In manufacturing the tile, a plurality of through openings in the substrate member are filled with the concrete when the concrete is applied to the substrate member. The concrete is cured on the substrate member and the hardened concrete in the openings of the substrate member forms studs securing the substrate member and concrete layer together. The use of a polymeric substrate member backing provides a tile which uses less concrete and is therefore substantially lighter in weight than other tiles of corresponding strength. The method of manufacturing the tiles utilizes the substrate member as a support for the concrete applied to its upper surface.

Abstract: A process in which spent catalyst from chlorofluorocarbon production is treated to detoxify the catalyst for safe disposal or reprocessing. The spent catalyst includes antimony and arsenic halides, halogenated organic liquids, and has an upper liquid portion and a lower sludge or semisolid portion. The processing of both the liquid and sludge portions includes hydrolyzing the catalyst in an aqueous solution of ferric chloride resulting in formation of a ferric ion/fluoride ion complex in addition to insoluble compounds, and neutralizing the reaction mass following hydrolysis with an aqueous suspension of calcium hydroxide. The volatile organics are stripped from the neutralized reaction mass and collected for reuse or disposal. The reaction mass is dried to yield the insoluble compounds in a solid form for subsequent reprocessing or disposal.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for distributing a colloid-free, aqueous solution containing a peroxygen compound in a particulate matter containing clay without causing the clay to swell. It has been found that hydrogen peroxide alone causes swelling of clays. It is well-known that monovalent ions cause clays to disperse and swell. It is unexpected to find that perborate and persulfate anions do not cause clays to swell, even in the presence of sodium ions. The process is useful for enhancing the biodegradation of contaminants in clayey soils or for winning mineral values from clayey ore deposits.

Abstract: The specification discloses a steak-cooking spike apparatus (10) for being inserted into an edge (36) of a steak (34). The spike apparatus (10) includes a heat-absorbing rod (12) for being positioned adjacent to the steak (34) immediately above the adjacent to a grill (48) to absorb heat from the grill (48). A plurality of heat-conducting spikes (26) extend from the midsection of the rod (12) in a direction perpendicular to the width of the rod (12). The spikes (26) are positioned in a row along the midsection of the rod (12) and are oriented in a parallel, co-planar relationship for being inserted into the edge of the steak (34) for transmitting heat to the center interior thereof.

Abstract: A system including a method and apparatus for treating waste containing organic contaminants which includes a direct fired, countercurrent, rotary kiln providing a soaking zone having an oxidizing atmosphere through which the materials being treated are passed after the unwanted organics are removed, and a secondary combustion chamber for oxidizing gases containing vaporized or pyrolyzed organics in which the organics are burned and are subjected to high temperatures for a holding time sufficient to effect destruction of the organic contaminants. The system includes means to minimize off-gas so as to make possible a reduction in size of the equipment employed.

Abstract: The specification discloses a boundary detector for locating the boundary between two substances having different thermal absorption characteristics. In one embodiment, the detector monitors the level of a coolant in a vessel in which case the upper surface of the coolant constitutes the detected boundary. An elongate sensor is constructed of a plurality of segments of different material connected end-to-end to form a series of thermocouple junctions. This sensor is disposed across the boundary in the two substances, and a segmented heater cable is used to heat selected ones of the thermocouple junctions. The sensor and the heater cable are electrically insulated by thermally conductive material that will transfer heat to the substances in which the sensor is disposed, and because of this heat transfer, the temperatures of the heated junctions are, in part, dependent upon the substance in which it is located. By monitoring the voltage potential across the sensor, the boundary may be detected and located.

Abstract: An apparatus for pumping fluid includes a pump block having a wall surface defining an elongate passageway. Annular elements are movable in the passageway and include deformable peripheral skirts on their rearward ends dimensioned to sealingly engage the wall surface of the passageway to isolate fluid sections between successive elements. The passageway includes portions of changing cross-sectional area and ports provide fluid flow communication with the portions of changing cross-sectional area. The peripheral skirts of the elements are configured to undergo deformation, rather than direct compression, when moving through the portions of changing cross-sectional area to effect pumping action through the ports. The manner in which the skirts of the elements deform minimizes friction when the elements move through the portions of changing cross-sectional area. Another embodiment is shown which employs nondeformable annular elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating moving superposed fabric layers includes structure defining upper and lower spaced-apart, opposed surfaces between which the superposed fabric layers are conveyed. Provision is made for directing jets of gaseous fluid along the surfaces generally in the direction of movement of the superposed fabric layers. Portions of the surfaces diverge away from the layers and from the direction in which the jets are moving, and are located downstream of the locations from which the jets issue. As a result, a vacuum is created between the superposed fabric layers and the upper and lower surfaces adjacent the diverging portions thereof causing the layers to separate. Because of their direction, the jets also impart a forward force on the separated fabric layers generally in the direction of movement of the fabric preventing the fabric from flapping, curling or bunching up between the plates during separation.