Abstract: An apparatus for determining smoothness of a surface is disclosed. The apparatus has a distance wheel for determining distance travelled along the surface and two laterally spaced inclination sensors which produce signals indicative of inclination of the apparatus at locations along the surface over which the apparatus travels.

Abstract: A transmission device for a bicycle is provided including a first transmission for obtaining a forward driving force. The first transmission drives a first free wheel in conformity with movement of a first drive unit when a crank shaft is forwardly rotated. A second transmission obtains a forward driving force by converting a direction of the rotating force produced in a rotational direction of a second drive unit. The rotational direction is supplied to a second free wheel under a reverse rotation of the crank shaft. A forward driving force is obtained regardless of the rotational direction of the crank shaft, thereby improving an exercise effect.

Abstract: 5-Substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines are prepared from a nucleophile of the formula R.sup.2 -C(.dbd.NH)NH.sub.2 and a 2-amino-5-substituted-furan carrying a cyano or carboxy group in the 4-position. A typical example is the preparation of ethyl 4-(2-(2,4-diaminopyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)ethyl}benzoate, an intermediate for the preparation of the known N-[4-{2-(2,4-diaminopyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)ethyl}benzoyl]-L-glutamic acid, by allowing guanidine and ethyl 4-[2-(2-amino-3-cyanofur-4-yl)ethyl]benzoate to react under mild conditions.

Abstract: A golf putter with an adjustable head having screw-threaded projections to which weighted metal disks or washers may be added or subtracted to change the center of gravity of the head and thus, the energy and the angular direction through which the ball travels when impacted by the player. An additional feature comprises provisions for changing the angle of attachment of the shaft to the head.

Abstract: The preparation of new 3,11-cyclotaxanes having the general formula 1. Cyclotaxane 1a (1, R'.dbd.R".dbd.H) may be isolated from plants of the genus Taxus. New cyclotaxanes 1 have antiblastic activity.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus useful for palletizing elongated articles including bundles of stacked sheets or signatures. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a frame and a slide system mounted to the frame. The slide system comprises a slide conveyor and a slide support connected to the slide conveyor. There is at least one, and preferably at least two, clamp assemblies connected to the slide support. Each clamp assembly comprises a pair of opposing clamping surfaces with at least one of the clamping surfaces on a clamp, and preferably each clamping surface on an opposing clamp.

Abstract: 3-Ethynylpyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines are chemical intermediates for antineoplastic N-(acyl)glutamic acid derivatives. A typical embodiment is 3-ethynyl-4-hydroxy-6-pivaloylaminopyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine.

Abstract: A bowstring trigger includes a safety lock to prevent premature release of the arrow. Initially, the trigger is cocked by pushing the arrow onto the bowstring thereby causing a bowstring gripper lever to engage the bowstring. In this state, a safety lock lever under the influence of a bias spring moves into the normal path of the trigger lever thereby preventing it from releasing the release lever. A safety release guide string symmetrically attached to opposite sides of the bow handle is connected to the safety release lever and causes it to move out of engagement with the trigger lever when the bowstring is fully withdrawn. With the safety off, the archer can release the bowstring by pushing on the trigger lever with his or her thumb thereby causing the gripper release lever to disengage the bowstring gripper. The bowstring gripper moves forward under the influence of the bowstring and simultaneously releases the arrow in the direction of the target.

Abstract: Tri-aza macrocycles of formula (I), wherein m and n, which may be the same or different, is each zero or an integer 1, 2, or 3; p is zero or an integer 1 or 2; q is zero or an integer from 1 to 6 inclusive; R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3, which may be the same or different, is each a hydrogen atom or an alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, --CO.sub.2 H, ---SO.sub.3 H, PO.sub.3 H.sub.2 or aryl group; L is a covalent bond or linker group; Z is a hydrogen atom or a reactive functional group, with the proviso that when L is a covalent bond Z is a reactive functional group; and metal complexes and/or salts thereof are described together with processes for their preparation and compositions containing them. The compounds are useful for imaging and in the treatment of abnormal cell disorders, such as in the treatment of tumours, and are particularly suitable for coupling to other molecules such as proteins for use in diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: A coupler for a refrigeration system easily snaps and locks in position over a service port and securely seals the coupler with respect thereto. A tubular outer body includes a first set of cavities which captures a first set of rotatable spherical balls A tubular inner body is located within the outer body and includes a second set of cavities for capturing second set of rotatable, spherical balls. The inner body includes a recess therein for selectively receiving the first set of balls from said outer body. The inner surface of the inner body defines an interior which includes a spring-loaded plunger. When the coupler is placed over a service port, the barrel of the service port enters the interior of the inner body and the plunger means contacts a spring-loaded ball valve causing it to open. At the same time, the first set of balls drops into a recess in the service port and the inner body moves forward with the service port against the biasing of an inner body spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for interrupting a stream of signatures. The apparatus comprises successive conveyor belts in series which can be controlled to advance the belt supporting surfaces at relatively different speeds. At least one conveyor belt has a supporting surface capable of varying in length.

Abstract: A method of treating macular degeneration is disclosed which comprises administering to a patient suffering from the disease a therapeutically effective amount of L-deprenyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof for a period of time sufficient to ameliorate the disease.

Abstract: Hydrophobic contaminants are removed from a particulate matter by contacting the particulate matter with a solid organic phase. The hydrophobic contaminants have greater affinity for the solid organic phase than for the particulate matter and repartition to the solid organic phase. The solid organic phase is then separated from the particulate matter. A typical embodiment utilizes polystyrene particles to remove polychlorinated biphenyls from soil.

Abstract: Topical application of a lower alkyl nicotinate to the locus of a conglobate or cystic acne papule can effect rapid improvement in the lesion and often reduce the pain associated with such lesions. Typical embodiments include topical formulations of methyl nicotinate in a cream base.

Abstract: A highway sign includes a reflective back surface and a biased lenticular lens front surface for reflecting light back in the direction of the original light source. The reflective back surface preferably comprises a plurality of corner cubic reflectors arranged in a regular matrix. The biased lenticular lens front surface comprises arcuate surfaces, or flat surfaces having arcuate indentations, separated by relatively flat surfaces which are substantially perpendicular to the plane of the reflective surface and which form a saw-toothed pattern when seen in profile. Printing can be applied to the lens surface to form traffic control messages or indicia. The biased lenticular front surface diffuses the oncoming light, thus providing a uniform reflective surface. The reflective surface and biased lenticular lens system can be formed from a single integrated sheet of polycarbonate plastic or similar material.

Abstract: An ice cream holder for collecting liquid from ice cream as it melts includes a peripheral ring with a plurality of apertures and a drinking slot. The holder includes a receptacle having an interior wall, an exterior wall, and a closed bottom portion. A top portion for receiving the ice cream includes a peripheral ring attached to the receptacle having a plurality of apertures through which the melted ice cream passes, and a drinking slot through which the liquid may be withdrawn and consumed. Ice cream is supported in the receptacle on an internal disk having a centrally located aperture through which the melted cream may pass. The internal disk is of such a configuration that a scoop of ice cream may be placed therein, or an ice cream cone may be inserted. Initially, ice cream is placed in the receptacle. As the cream melts, the liquid flows through the apertures in the peripheral ring and drips to the bottom of the receptacle.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus particularly useful for exercising and toning the lower body which apparatus comprises an A-frame assembly defined by a pair of side members converging to an apex, the side members defining a pair of inclined planar surfaces. A foot rest is movably mounted on each inclined planar surface and means is provided to maintain each foot rest in reciprocal relationship to the other as they move along their respective inclined surface in response to the shift in weight of the person using the apparatus, as well as means to vary the resistance to movement of the footrests along said surfaces.