Abstract: A body support member fabricated of an open-cell polyurethane foam sheet, such sheet having a plurality of chevron-shaped ridges projecting from one flat surface of the sheet and extending between opposite side edges of the sheet. Each chevron-shaped ridge has a single bend therein along its length dimension, such bend occurring at the approximate mid-point of such length dimension. The ridges alternate with similarly shaped valleys so that substantially one entire surface of the sheet is made up of such alternating ridges and valleys. The preferred ridges are of a hyperbolic geometry in cross section. The height of each ridge above the surface of the sheet, and the spacing between adjacent ridges preferably are selected to provide the desired support of the body member above the surface.

Abstract: A thermal treatment process employs an indirectly fired rotary kiln in which matrix material contaminated with organic substances such as dioxins, PCBs, PAHs, fuel oils, and the like is heated as the material is advanced through the kiln to cause components of the organics to be released as vapor. Purge gas of low oxygen content is conducted through the kiln at a relatively low velocity of from about 0.5 ft./sec. to about 10 ft./sec. to gently sweep the vaporized components of the organic substances from the kiln and to minimize the entrainment of solid particulates, and to produce an off gas mixture including the vaporized components. The off gas is conditioned after removal from the kiln to render it acceptable for discharge to the atmosphere. The oxygen concentration in the kiln is maintained at a sufficiently low level to substantially prevent combustion of the vaporized organic components in the kiln.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for in vitro mutagenesis of a target DNA sequence which generates mutants containing a single randomly-located region in the target sequence with random substitution mutations. The method includes the production of a supply of a template for the target sequence and random primers having differing 3'--OH termini. At least two nucleotides are added randomly to the primers to produce modified random primers, some of which contain at least one mismatch with respect to the template. The modified random primers are employed with the supply of the sequence to polymerize from the 3'--OH terminus of the modified random primer along the template to biologically fix mutations resulting from mismatched bases and produce molecules having a double-stranded region containing a mutant strand. The molecules are transferred into the host organisms to cause at least some of the mutant strands to be replicated in the host organism to produce mutant DNA sequences.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the quality of a pulp which has been subjected to a chlorine-based bleaching agent, by subjecting the chlorinated pulp to ozonation prior to an extraction stage in the bleaching sequence. The improved pulp of the present invention includes reduction of total organically bound chlorine residues in the wood pulp and adsorbed organic halides (AOX) in the effluent, and has good brightness and viscosity. The advantages of the present invention may be accomplished by means of a bleaching sequence that employs as few as four stages, namely DZED with attendant relatively lower capital investment than heretofore possible.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of an adhesive with an improved high temperature shear strength is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of blending a styrene homopolymer with a tackifier resin to form a resin blend and combining the resin blend with an elastomer. An adhesive with improved high temperature shear strength is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for the on-line measurement of fiber orientation in a translucent sheet. To measure the fiber orientation, coherent light is directed onto one surface of the sheet in a pattern of sufficient intensity to produce a second pattern on the other surface of the sheet. The shape of the second pattern is determined, at least in part, by the orientation of the fibers in the sheet. A sensing apparatus including a video camera and frame grabber, views the second pattern and produces a freeze frame image signal. Even though the second pattern may be moving, the sensing apparatus freezes this motion and produces the freeze frame image signal to represent a stationary image of the second pattern. The freeze frame image signal is analyzed to determine the shape of the second pattern and from this shape the orientation of the fibers in the sheet is determined. Also disclosed is an apparatus for using the method and an improved system for making paper using the method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for cross-stream samnpling of bulk material from a conveyor belt. The apparatus includes a sampler movable across the conveyor belt for segregating a cross-stream increment of bulk material from the belt and ejecting the sample into a collection chute positioned adjacent the belt. The sampler has a trapezoidal cross-section so that the surface area which is projects upstream of the bulk material flow is relatively small in comparison to its sample-accepting capacity. The system also includes a surge dam positioned upstream of the sampler for limiting buildup of bulk material against the upstream side of the sampler. Upon completion of an increment-collecting cycle, the sampler is parked in a position relative to the opening of the collection chute so that ingress of bulk material into the chute opening from the belt is restricted by the sampler.

Abstract: A forced-air furnace for burning gas or fuel oil or waste oil utilizes relatively few components and effectively heats air for space-heating purposes. The furnace includes a substantially enclosed, elongated housing having an air intake and an air discharge vent and a hollow elongated heat exchanger/combustion chamber which is supported within so as to extend axially along the housing. The furnace also includes a fuel burner assembly supported at the discharge end of the housing for directing a flame and attending combustion products directly into the heat exchanger so that the inner surface thereof absorbs heat generated thereby and so that no part of the flame impinges upon the heat exchanger. Heat transfer from the combustion products to the heat exchanger is enhanced by a pair of removable platen-like baffles mounted within the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An interactive image projection apparatus for the projection of computer generated images on a projection surface in cooperation with a light source and projection optics for projecting a beam of light from the light source onto the projection surface. The apparatus includes a substantially transparent image display device disposed in the beam of light and including means for receiving image-defining signals from a computer and producing an image based on the image-defining signals that is projected onto the projection surface in the beam of light. A touch screen, at least a portion of which is substantially transparent, is disposed in the beam of light between the image display device and the projection surface and includes means for generating a signal when touched for use as input information at the computer. Preferably, the touch screen is supported directly over the image display device.

Abstract: A hand grip assembly for a wheelbarrow handle shaft includes a handle having an elongate grip configured to be gripped by a hand along its length and along a grip axis. The handle is pivotally mounted on the handle shaft of the wheelbarrow for movement about a pivot axis which is oriented generally parallel to the support surface underlying the wheelbarrow and which is disposed closely adjacent to and generally perpendicular to the grip axis, approximately midway along the length of the grip.

Abstract: A burn sheet comprising a plurality of layers laminated one to another and including a liquid-permeable top layer, a liquid-absorbent layer and a strength-imparting scrim layer. The scrim layer comprises an open pattern of crossing multifilamentary yarns bonded on one another at their crossings. The scrim is flattened prior to its incorporation into the burn sheet laminate so that cut ends of the scrim yarn monofilaments yield to the touch and the sheet is rendered conformable, and telegraphing of the scrim to the surface of the sheet is minimized. The sheet is suitable for use as a transfer sheet as well as for a burn sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for measuring spatial dimensions of an object. The object is positioned between a radiation source and a radiation sensitive surface, such as between an X-ray unit and an X-ray film. The distance between the object and the X-ray unit is small relative to the distance between the object and the film. An the image of the object is produced on the film when radiation is emitted from the X-ray unit, and by virtue of the spacing of the object between the source and the film, the object is magnified, but is severely blurred. The image is then digitized and restored using two-dimensional deconvolution techniques to remove the blur, resulting in an enlarged, clear image. Edge-detection algorithms are then used to enable measurement of the spatial dimension. This permits accurate measurement of small internal dimensions of the object such as voids or cracks in bonded or welded components.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for processing a sheet material, for e.g. a photosensitive sheet material, with a flowable process substance. The flowable process substance is distributed via a pliable web which has defined on one of its surfaces a plurality of protrusions which define interconnected fluid reservoirs and distribution channels, and which are in surface-to-surface contact with the sheet material over a substantial portion its surface area while the sheet material is transported relative to such web.

Abstract: The invention is a rigid frame weightlifting exercise device that is worn by the user during weight training. The device accepts and securely holds standardized weights to the upper body of the wearer. The device is attached to the body by three straps, two about the shoulders and one about the waist, in the same manner as a mountaineer's backpack. The device also includes a stand to ease donning and removal of the backpack.

Abstract: A panel for use as a substrate for a torch-down modified bitumen roof membrane is disclosed. The panel comprises a board of combustible material with a pre-applied noncombustible facer sheet. The facer sheet protects the board from burning during installation of the membrane. In a preferred embodiment, the boards comprise cellulosic fibers and the facer sheet comprises a fabric of bituminous coated glass fibers. The panels are provided with a facer sheet overhang along two adjacent edges for overlapping the facer sheets of abutting panels. The panels are disclosed having an asphalt coating on the top of the board and with a rubber-asphalt emulsion adhesive adhering the facer sheets to the board. Also disclosed is a roofing construction and a method of applying the roofing construction incorporating the substrate panels.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generating assembly for replacement of a heat exchanger mounted in a fuel-burning heater having electricity-consuming components includes a thermoelectric generator for supplying the electrical power requirements of the heater components and an adaptor portion for mounting the thermoelectric generator within the heater. The assembly possesses a size and shape which approximates that of the heat exchanger to be replaced and can be mounted within the heater in a manner like that in which the heat exchanger is mounted within the heater prior to removal. The method includes the steps involved in replacing the heat exchanger with the thermoelectric generating assembly.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis in humans by topical application of an effective, lesion reducing amount of ketoconazole to affected areas.

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 and reconstituting the platelets for infusion.

Abstract: The specification discloses an apparatus and method for separating liquid droplets carried in a gas wherein the gas is conducted at a subsonic velocity below about Mach 0.7 through a conduit, the walls of which define successive, generally oppositely directed arcuate bends to cause transverse movement of the droplets toward and into contact with the walls by centrifugal force and in a manner which avoids conditions giving rise to flow separation and any attendant turbulence and pressure drop. The walls include a porous medium covering at least a portion of the surface thereof and through which liquid directed against the wall is withdrawn from the conduit. According to one aspect of the invention, a porous medium is provided on the stator blades of a turbine power generator to enable removal of accumulated liquid thereon and thereby reduce rotor blade erosion and power losses associated with dribble from the stator blades onto the rotor blades.