Abstract: A process for producing oxymethylene copolymers and terpolymers is disclosed which involves the non-linear addition of gaseous formaldehyde to a cyclic ether having at least two adjacent carbon atoms (1) and, in the case of a terpolymer, to a mixture of at least one (1) and one monoethylenically unsaturated aliphatic diol formal having at least four carbon atoms in its main chain (2), or to a mixture of (1) with a (2), in the presence of a polymerization initiator at a rate controlled so as to conform to a rate determined by kinetic equations that describe the rate of decomposition of trioxane to formaldehyde during conventional copolymerization of trioxane with a cyclic ether. The process and kinetic equations of the invention are applicable to batch reactions, single stream continuous reactions and dual stream continuous reactions.

Abstract: A prosthesis for replacing parts of arteries and other blood vessels preferably has an inner tube suitable for use as a vascular graft in combination with external longitudinal ribs and a surrounding wrap which provides radial and longitudinal strength and resistance to kinking. The ribs separate the wrap from the inner tube, providing spaces between the wrap and tube to allow the tube to expand and contact, thus promoting isocompliance of the prosthesis with natural blood vessels.

Abstract: A closure dispensing device or valve and method which may be applied to a liquid container. The preferred closure device includes a channel body with an extending channel portion. The channel portion has an internal channel with an exit port. The exit port may include a circular seat into which an O-ring may be placed. A spring seal mechanism is placed in tension over the channel portion, the spring seal mechanism having a flat surface for engaging and sealing against the O-ring. To actuate the dispenser, the user moves the leg of the pivoted "U" spring away from the O-ring and allows liquid to pass therebetween. When the user releases the leg, the spring tension provided by the pivoted "U" spring restores the seal between the flat surface of the leg and the O-ring.

Abstract: A method for silicon reduction with Dimercatosuccinic Acid (DMSA) is described. DMSA is administered to reduce levels of silicon in blood and tissue thereby reducing blood pressure, improving kidney function, preventing or retarding the progression of chronic renal failure, treating the accumulation of silicon in advanced kidney disease, and/or preventing the onset or improving the current status of dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: An improved stuffing box can effect an auxilliary static seal with a moveable shaft to allow replacement of packing elements. The stuffing box includes a sealing ring concentrically disposed around the shaft and means for mounting the sealing ring radially spaced apart from the shaft to permit lubricating fluid to flow between the sealing ring and the shaft during movement of the shaft. The stuffing box also includes a seal container axially moveable along the shaft for pressing the sealing ring radially against the shaft to form the static seal.

Abstract: An intake manifold for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine contains a first distribution cavity and a plurality of passages for delivering a relatively lean air-fuel mixture to the main combustion chambers of the engine. This first cavity is fed from a carburetor through a main primary opening and a main secondary opening. The manifold also has a second distribution cavity and passages for delivering a relatively rich air-fuel mixture to auxiliary combustion chambers of the engine. This second cavity is fed from another carburetor through an auxiliary opening. A water jacket employs hot water from the engine cooling system to heat both of the distribution cavities, but the construction is such as to avoid heating lean air-fuel mixture introduced into the manifold through the main secondary opening. The water jacket lies below the distribution cavities.

Abstract: Ignition timing control apparatus for an internal combustion spark ignition engine employs a vacuum actuator having a movable element positioned between first and second vacuum chambers and arranged to advance or retard the spark timing. A single three-way control valve, electrically operated, serves to connect one of the vacuum chambers to engine intake vacuum pressure and to vent the other vacuum chamber to atmosphere, depending on speed of the vehicle driven by the engine. A temperature responsive valve cuts off engine intake vacuum pressure to the three-way control valve when the ambient temperature drops below a predetermined level.

Abstract: Horizontal rolls define troughs between them for reception and support of whole citrus fruit, each roll including a plurality of thin metal rings mounted in axially spaced relationship, each ring having a continuous series of pointed teeth on its periphery, and each ring being inclined to its rotary axis whereby rotary movement of the rings causes wobble movement of the disk peripheries so that penetration of the teeth is substantially uniform over the entire outer surface of each fruit. The rolls are turned in the same direction, each successive roll in a series turning at a slower speed. Washers are positioned between each pair of toothed rings and are free to move radially to prevent buildup of seeds, buttons, pieces of peel or other foreign matter on the toothed rings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular membrane apparatus, which may be made as a disposable unit, and the method of operation of that apparatus to achieve a transfer or exchange function. More specifically, the present invention may be used to oxygenate blood, purify water, as a dialysis medium, and for other purposes. The apparatus comprises a series of tubular membranes which are deformed at spaced intervals along their lengths to induce turbulent flow and secondary flow patterns which displace the stationary boundary layer which would otherwise exist adjacent to the inner surface of the tubular membrane such that the resistance to diffusion or exchange is substantially reduced. Pulsatile flow of the fluid within the tubular membrane and/or the fluid surrounding the tubular membrane may be employed to enhance the effectiveness of the unit. In a preferred embodiment, a liquid is flowed through the tubular membranes and a gaseous medium is caused to flow around the outer surface of the tubular membrane.

Abstract: This invention relates to adhesives which are particularly useful in bonding polymeric materials used in the encapsulation and termination of insulated electrical conductors. The adhesive comprises a polar copolymer of an .alpha.-olefin, said copolymer preferably having an acid number in the range of from 4 to 40 and containing pendant ester, amide, ketonic, anhydride or carboxylic acid groups and an inorganic silicon-containing compound which has been chemically treated with an organosilicon compound.

Abstract: A three-valve prechamber internal combustion engine is provided with a conduit through which atmospheric air may be drawn into the intake passage leading to the prechamber. A solenoid valve in the conduit is opened during deceleration of the engine to lean-out any over-rich mixture and to remove any fuel droplets clinging to the walls of the auxiliary intake passage, thus preventing the temporary formation of an over-rich mixture which is not ignited by the spark plug. Such an over-rich mixture when exhausted into the exhaust passage contacts the hot portions thereof to be explosively ignited to produce the undesirable afterburning phenomenon.

Abstract: Serum protein comprising specific binding proteins such as antibodies, B.sub.12 intrinsic factor, thyroxin binding globulin and the like may be copolymerized with globulin constituents of serum by the action of ethylchloroformate to form readily packed insoluble precipitates which, following purification as by washing, are eminently suited for employment as competitive binding protein absorbents in radioassay procedures.

Abstract: A combination sealing, venting, mounting and filter element is positioned between a replaceable inverted water bottle and a water reservoir from which the water is dispensed. The element is snugly fitted within the mouth portion of the reservoir or olla of plastic material into which a dispensng valve is threaded. The element includes a venting channel in communication with a filter housing which is releasably secured to such element adjacent to an upwardly extending flange portion, the flanged portion being apertured for venting and also shaped to provide a sealing portion engaging the bottle. Also the element has a downwardly extending portion near its periphery for engagement of a flat surface of a housing for the reservoir.

Abstract: Novel substituted 1,2,3-triazole nucleosides such as 4-R'-2-.beta.-D-ribofuranosyl-1,2,3-triazole wherein R' is a nitro, carboxylic acid ester, cyano, carboxamide or thiocarboxamide group are prepared by a procedure entailing fusion of an appropriately substituted 1,2,3-triazole with a tetra-0-acyl blocked ribofuranose. The resulting compounds exhibit significant antimicrobial activity in in vitro testing or are useful in preparing compounds which exhibit such activity.

Abstract: A lint disposal apparatus wherein lint or other combustible particulate matter entrained in a column of air moving in a duct is held by opposing forces contiguous to the radially outer surface of a rotating screen against which a flame is directed to cause the particulate matter to be ignited as it passes through the flame.

Abstract: An adjustable sun shield adapted to be extended from an automobile sun visor to shield a passenger's eyes from the rays of the sun. The screen is comprised of a tinted translucent sheet which has a reinforcing rib extending along the upper edge thereof and a pair of supporting arms which are pivotally secured to the reinforcing rib and adapted to secure the sun screen to the sun visor.

Abstract: A fusible insert having protuberances on at least one surface is disposed between a heat recoverable sleeve and the substrate over which the sleeve is recovered. The protuberances provide for mechanical engagement between the liner and the sleeve or substrate. When the protuberance has substantially the same melting temperature as the liner and the sleeve has been recovered but insufficient heat added to make the insert flowable, the protuberances form detectable bumps on the outer surface of the sleeve indicating that more heat should be added to render the insert flowable.

Abstract: Melt-stable aromatic polyketones useful in, eg, electrical insulation and comprised of, eg, the recurring unit ##SPC1##Wherein m, n and x are 0 or 1 (n being 0 when x is 1) are prepared by HF/BF.sub.3 -catalyzed polymerization at 0.degree.C of appropriately chosen nucleophilic and electrophilic coreactants, preferably terephthaloyl chloride and 1,4 -diphenoxybenzene (m=1, x and n=0).

Abstract: A device for carrying shuffleboard pucks and similar disc-shaped objects comprising a fixed strip member and a laterally movable strip member held in a common plane by a supporting frame to define a support surface. A plurality of lugs are disposed on both strip members to retain shuffleboard pucks on the aforesaid surface of the carrying device in a planar configuration upon the laterally movable strip member being drawn toward and held in close proximity to the fixed strip member.

Abstract: A procedure for accomplishing the conditioning and placement of a plurality of wires for the simultaneous termination of the wires of a multi-pin connector. Terminal sleeves are employed to both position and lock the several wires to the multi-pin connector. The sleeves are held fixed relative to one another in an identification block and wires are threaded therethrough. When positioned, the wires are held by a wire clamp cooperating with the identification block. Simultaneous cutting and stripping of the wires may then be performed in preparation for termination with a multi-pin connector. Once prepared, the wires are positioned adjacent a row of pins on the multi-pin connector and the identification block with the sleeves enclosed is forced toward the prepared ends of the wires and onto the connector pins.