Abstract: N-(Acyl)glutamic acid derivatives in which the acyl group is substituted with 4-hydroxypyrrolo[2,3-d]-pyrimidin-3-yl group are antineoplastic agents. A typical embodiment is N-[4-(2-{4-hydroxy-6-aminopyrrolo-[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3-yl}ethyl)benzoyl]-L-g lutamic acid.

Abstract: The halide content of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons such as PCBs can be reduced by treatment with a reagent comprising (i) at least one complex of a transition metal of group 4 or 5 with a multidentate or unidentate organic or inorganic ligand and (ii) a reducing agent. The reaction is conducted in the presence of an aliphatic or aromatic amine, optionally in the presence of an inert organic solvent.

Abstract: Dibenzo[b,d]pyrans are prepared by heating a dihydroxybenzoic acid derivative in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst and an inert non-polar solvent in which the dihydroxybenzoic acid is soluble but in which the Lewis acid catalyst is insoluble or very slightly soluble. A typical embodiment involves the preparation of intermediates useful in the synthesis of dronabinol and related dibenzo[b,d]pyrans.

Abstract: A cranial electrotherapy stimulation ("CES") device which generates periodic electrical signals is connected between the forehead and wrist area of a human being in order to affect electrical activity in the brain and thereby decrease the individual's craving for controlled substances such as alcohol and drugs and reduce anxiety, insomnia and depression. A portable, cranial electrical stimulator is preferably mounted adjacent the arm area or worn about the waist of a patient. A first electrode is attached to the forehead of the patient, preferably above the bridge of the nose between the eyes, and a second electrode is attached to the wrist area of one am, preferably at the radial artery. Periodic electrical pulses having a waveform with a current amplitude in the range of 0.1 to 60 mA, a voltage of approximately 40-60 volts, a frequency of approximately 0.1 to 400 Hz, and a pulse width approximately 0.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ladder which automatically returns to an original position after impact with grade or objects. Preferably the ladder is attached to a land conveyance. A spring assembly connects the ladder to a land conveyance to provide movement in a forward, rearward or lateral direction from the original position of the ladder.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a recessed smoke detector within a surface so that when installed, the smoke detector is substantially completely hidden from view and flush with said surface. Two mounting plates are attached to opposite sides of a housing. A pair of mounting clips attached to a cover are insertable, respectively, into slots in each of the mounting plates. The smoke detector is attached to the cover. The cover has the appearance of a loudspeaker-like grille or other similar device so that smoke can enter through apertures to reach the smoke detector. The cover after mounting is substantially flush with a surface, such as a ceiling. With the smoke detector substantially completely recessed within a surface and the cover connected to the housing, the smoke detector is substantially completely concealed, and protected from vandals and tamperers. The apparatus is easily installed, which is an important advantage with the increased need for smoke detector installation.

Abstract: The strength and integrity of hydrophilic polyurethane resins prepared by reacting a diol component, an organic chain extender and an organic diisocyanate are improved by critical selection of the diol component, the amount of water in the reaction mixture and the mole ratios of the reactants. The diol component is at least one of (1) a long chain poly(oxyethylene) glycol of molecular weight above 2500 and (2) a medium chain poly(oxyethylene) glycol or polyester glycol of 250-2500 molecular weight. The chain extender is a difunctional compound having a molecular weight of less than 250. The amount of water in the reaction mixture is 0.5 to 2.5 weight % and the urea content of the resins is from about 13.6 to 33.7 weight %.

Abstract: A watering apparatus for supplying water from an outside system to an animal confined in a cage maintains an isolation barrier and has an outlet through which animal bedding and excess water escapes when the animal stuffs bedding in the area surrounding the water supply. The cage is defined by an interior and an exterior surface, a top, a bottom, two opposing ends each having a top and a bottom portion, and two opposing sides. The apparatus includes a internal cup that passes through an aperture located in one of the two opposing ends. A slot in the internal cup allows the animal to access the outside source of water. The apparatus also includes a flexible disk with a cutaway portion and a slit to receive the outside watering system. The cutaway portion of the disk, in combination with the shape of the cup, forms an outlet on the exterior of the cage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a golf ball storage and dispensing apparatus including a horizontally movable arm member. A housing covers the arm member in a retracted position and stores the golf balls above the arm member. A guide wire supports a golf ball during movement of the arm member from the housing towards the tee. When the arm member is in a fully extended position, the arm member moves over the guide wire for releasing the ball onto the tee.

Abstract: An exhaust-through-the-hub system described herein includes an apparatus for discharge of exhaust gases from a marine outboard motor to the outer perimeter of an attached pump jet. Exhaust gas is ducted downwardly through the central body of the motor and rearwardly into a plenum cavity positioned in the pump jet. At least one hollow stator vane receives the exhaust gas and discharges the exhaust gas through the stator housing at a substantial depth below the water line, thereby resulting in a quieter running engine. The exhaust-through-the-hub system provides forward thrust when the motor is in forward gear and reverse thrust when the motor is in reverse gear.

Abstract: A trocar houses a pneumo-needle, the cutting tip of which emerges eccentrically or concentrically from the tip of the trocar. An obturator, in turn, is housed within said pneumo-needle and is controlled at the distal end of the pneumo-needle by a spring release button. A cannula and reducer housing surround the trocar and are selectively attachable to a needle retainer which controls the penetration of the obturator, pneumo-needle, trocar and cannula into the abdominal cavity. A latch mounted on the rear of the needle retainer permits the pneumo-needle to selectively slide with respect to the needle retainer. Graduations on the needle permit the surgeon to set the depth of penetration of the pneumo-needle. The latch controls the depth of penetration of the pneumo-needle beyond the front face of the needle retainer. The pneumo-needle, in turn, acts as a pilot and controls the depth of penetration of the trocar and cannula.

Abstract: L-Alanyl-L-proline is stereoselectively prepared catalytically hydrogenating an N-(2-iminopropionyl)-L-proline in the presence of a metal hydrogenolysis catalyst and at a pH of less than about 4. Also disclosed are improved processes for production of pyruvylproline in which L-proline and a 2,2-disubstituted propionyl halide are allowed to react at a pH of at least 9 to produce an L-proline intermediate which is hydrolyzed at a pH range of from about 6.5 to about 8.5 to yield N-pyruvyl-L-proline.

Abstract: A trocar houses a pneumo-needle, the cutting tip of which emerges eccentrically from the tip of said trocar. An obturator, in turn, is housed within said pneumo-needle and is controlled at the distal end of the pneumo-needle by a spring release button. A latch attached to the trocar permits the pneumo-needle to selectively slide with respect to the trocar to gauge and set the depth of penetration of the pneumo-needle. A cannula and reducer surround the trocar and are attached to a stabilizer housing which permits the cannula to selectively slide with respect to the stabilizer to gauge and set depth of cannula penetration. One or more duckbill seals located within the cannula housing prevent leakage of insufflation gases into the interior of the reducer housing. A stabilizer lock attached to a stabilizer housing connected to the cannula and reducer prevents the apparatus from being prematurely withdrawn from a puncture wound.

Abstract: The present invention includes an umbrella which converts to at least two separate canopy configurations. The umbrella has a closed position, from which it can be opened and latched into at least one middle position. Such a middle position can be used as a car window shade to shade the car from sun entering the front windshield. Alternatively, the middle position can be a partially opened position latched in place for use as an umbrella in restricted places such as a seat in an open air stadium.

Abstract: An animal cage rack includes a forced air system for removing air from the periphery of the animal cages. The rack includes "U" shape guides for positioning and aligning each cage with respect to a positive ventilating probe and an automatic watering device. Each cage includes a top bonnet section, a bottom section which supports the bonnet around the periphery thereof, a flat rim wire bar lid, and a filter in the bonnet. An L-shaped spacer separates the bonnet from the bottom section so that air exhaust ports in the Unshaped guide can remove exhausted air from the periphery of the cage. Positive air supplied by an air inlet manifold is introduced through an aperture in the bonnet and the L-shaped bracket, to the top of each cage. A downwardly facing port in the air tube forces air toward the bottom of the cage which after it circulates is removed through the periphery by the exhaust ports in the Unshaped cage guides.

Abstract: Amines in which the amino group is on a secondary carbon atom which is chirally substituted can be enantiomerically enriched by the action of an omega-amino acid transaminase which has the property of preferentially converting one of the two chiral forms to a ketone. The process also can be used to stereoselectively synthesize one chiral form from ketones substantially to the exclusion of the other.

Abstract: The monamine oxidase inhibitor drug L-deprenyl (phenylisopropyl methyl propynyl amine) is safely and conveniently used for the treatment of mental depression in a formulation applied to the skin of the patient. In this way the danger of side reaction due to the consumption of foods containing tyramine (the cheese effect) is minimized. Unlike other monamine oxidase drugs, such as Parnate, L-deprenyl does not cause skin irritation when used in this way.