Abstract: A safety system for early lighting of stop lights in vehicles comprises the step of measuring the negative rate of change in the fuel supply to the engine, and converting same to an electronic analog or digital value; the step of comparing the value corresponding to the negative rate of change in the fuel supply to the engine to a preassigned threshold level; and the step of lighting the stop lights if the value is larger than the threshold value.

Abstract: A novel type of formulation for the topical administration of antigens and/or vaccines to mammals via mucosal membranes comprising one or more adjuvants/vehicles selected from (a) polyoxyethylene sorbitan monoesters, (b) polyoxyethylene castor oil, (c) caprylic/capric acid glycerides and (d) gangliosides in an amount of 0.01 to 15% (v/v) calculated on the total volume of the preparation. This formulation enhances the immunological response n a mammal following mucosal administration, e.g. nasal, oral, rectal or vaginal application.

Abstract: A flexible capacitor is used in a switch circuit arrangement for activating a vehicle horn. The switch circuit arrangement includes an astable circuit having a flexible capacitor. The astable circuit generates a signal having a frequency that varies in response to force applied to the capacitor. A programmed frequency sensor activates a horn activation signal if the frequency of the signal falls below a programmed threshold.

Abstract: Device for collection of liquid samples has a pump (16) for pumping sampling liquid (24), a tube (7) for delivering the sampling liquid, sample container (23) for collection of the sampling liquid, and a transport device for moving the tube in succession from one sample container to the next sample container in at least one row of sample containers. An elastic cloth (22) is sealingly applied over the openings of the sample containers, and a slit (21), in which the tube (7) runs, is arranged in the cloth. The transport device is arranged to stop the tube when it is in a position over the sample container.

Abstract: A portable dispenser including a concentrate reservoir configured within the dispenser; a use-solution reservoir configured within the dispenser and positioned adjacent the concentrate reservoir; means connecting the concentrate reservoir and the use-solution reservoir, the connecting means providing for fluid flow between the concentrate reservoir and the use-solution reservoir; an inlet for introducing diluent into the dispenser; and means for generating a use-solution by drawing concentrate from the concentrate reservoir, whereby when a diluent is introduced into the dispenser inlet, the use-solution generating means is activated drawing concentrate from the concentrate reservoir and mixing the concentrate with the diluent to form a use-solution.

Abstract: A beverage-brewing apparatus is provided which includes an outer cup member and an inner cup member. The outer cup member includes an open top, a sidewall and a bottom. The inner cup member has a sidewall, a first seal and a basket portion, with the sidewall of the inner cup member dimensioned to fit within the sidewall of the outer cup member. The first seal is disposed along an outer surface of the inner cup member for engaging the inner sidewall of the outer cup member to form a seal while still permitting the inner cup member to move within the outer cup member. The basket portion of the inner cup member is disposed at the bottom of the inner cup member. The basket portion includes a base with at least one aperture and a first filter medium, a sidewall, and a cap member having at least one aperture and a second filter medium. The cap member is releasably connected to the sidewall of the basket portion so that brewing material can be securely retained within the basket portion between the filter medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a channel housing comprising curving channels whereby complex and varied channels can be compactly contained.Plural curving channels that must be connected to plural valves, for example, are formed by partitioning walls forming curving channels inside a pair of symmetrical housing halves, which are then bonded together to form the complex channel system.The housing halves may be joined by welding or adhesive bonding. To improve the bonding strength, a pair of opposing channel members is provided along the length of the contacting members that are welded or bonded. The cavity formed by the opposing channel members D, D is then filled with an adhesive resin M to integrate the two halves.

Abstract: The invention concerns a closing-edge-type fuse with a safety strip (1) which comprises an electric switch device and consists of a plurality of contact elements (2, 2a) which are disposed in a row in a resilient tube (3). In the rest position, under the effect of resilient prestress, the contact elements (2, 2a) abut one another at contact points provided at the end face. Under the effect of an external force when the tube (3) is deformed, the contact elements (2, 2a) are moved apart breaking the contact. A resilient contact element bed (4, 4a), which is adapted to the shape of the contact elements (2, 2a) and accommodates each of the contact elements individually, is provided in the resilient tube (3).

Abstract: A multiple pen-like cosmetics applying device comprising a central holder having a first end with a brush for applying wet or dry powder cosmetic and a second end with a lining pencil removably mounted in the second end, whereby the pencil is capable of being moved between an operative position with a marking tip of the pencil being exposed for use and an inoperative position with the tip being housed in a cavity of the holder.

Abstract: A universal docking station for coupling a portable computer to a plurality of peripheral devices via a PCMCIA interface is provided, wherein at least one of the peripheral devices is a user input device. The docking station comprises a PCMCIA interface adapted to be coupled to the portable computer, peripheral control units adapted to be coupled to the plurality of peripheral devices, and a docking station control unit coupled to the PCMCIA interface and the peripheral control units, wherein the docking station control unit selectively transfers data between the PCMCIA interface and one of the peripheral control units, and wherein the docking station control unit extends the period of time data written by the computer remains stable on the PCMCIA interface. A computer system including the universal docking station is also provided. A method for interfacing a standard peripheral device to a computer via a PCMCIA bus is also provided.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus for use in determining the location of a tip of a catheter inside biological tissue is disclosed. The apparatus includes a catheter, a detector positioned within the catheter, and a polyimide sheath containing the detector and forming a detector assembly. The sheath is comprised of a first member, a polyimide layer, and a second member having an undulating outer surface sandwiched therebetween. The detector assembly may be removed from the catheter without damage thereto once the tip of the catheter is in its desired location inside biological tissue.

Abstract: An underground directional boring machine includes a frame and a drive mechanism slidably mounted on the frame. A drill string is coupled to the drive mechanism for rotation and longitudinal advancement and retraction. A drive assembly moves the drive mechanism along the frame. The drive assembly includes two hydraulic cylinders coupled to the drive mechanism and extending in opposite directions. Free ends of the hydraulic cylinders are releasably secured to the frame at any one of a plurality of positions along the length of the frame. Selective pressurization of the cylinders results in sequential movement of the drive mechanism along the frame by alternative extension and retraction of the cylinders.

Abstract: A metal-in-gap type magnetic head apparatus in which a pair of magnetic core half bodies, comprising a metallic magnetic film containing Fe as a main component on at least one magnetic core half body, are joined. In the above mentioned structure, at least a part of the surface of a supporting base of the magnetic head comprises a material having a lower standard electrode potential than the metallic magnetic film and thereby the metallic magnetic film has a high saturation flux density. Moreover, a magnetic head apparatus and magnetic recording apparatus of the present invention can have a high reliability even in the strong corrosive environment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a synergistic cleaning and disinfecting composition for use in decontaminating biofilm-coated surfaces like fresh water lines providing water supply to dental instruments, these lines being susceptible to contamination by microorganisms and being susceptible to the formation of biofilm coatings on their inner walls, the composition comprising an effective amount of a detergent, an effective amount of a denaturing agent attacking the extracellular matrix formed between microorganisms and between microorganisms and the inner walls of these water lines and an effective amount of a bactericide for destroying the microorganisms.

Abstract: A reverse flow air filter arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a filter element having first and second end caps, the second end cap having a central drainage aperture. A funnel shape on an interior surface of second end cap is used to direct moisture flow to the drainage aperture. The arrangement includes a housing in which the filter element is positioned, operatively, during use. Certain features in the housing facilitate moisture withdrawal from the filter element while also inhibiting interference with sealing between the filter element and the housing.

Abstract: A tracking error detector employing a phase difference detection method, comprising a photo detector for generating four divided signals, a first adder for adding two of the four divided signals from the photo detector, a second adder for adding the remaining two signals from the photo detector, first and second comparators for comparing output voltages from the first and second adders with a reference voltage, respectively, a first D flip-flop for providing first and second output signals synchronously with first and second output signals from the first comparator, a first OR gate for ORing the first and second output signals from the first D flip-flop, a second D flip-flop for providing first and second output signals synchronously with first and second output signals from the second comparator, a second OR gate for ORing the first and second output signals from the second D flip-flop, a third OR gate for ORing output signals from the first and second OR gates, a buffer for transferring the output signal fr

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for using a relational database management system to support on-line analytical processing (OLAP) systems. A multi-dimensional database is represented as a relational schema in the relational database. The multi-dimensional database has one or more dimensions having one or more members. Each value in the multi-dimensional database is identified by the intersection of one member from each dimension. The relational schema includes a fact table and related dimension tables. The fact table has a dimension column for all but one of the dimensions of the multi-dimensional database and a value column for each member of the remaining dimension. The fact table has at least one row that contains the values corresponding to the intersection of the members identified by the dimension columns and the members associated with the value columns. Each dimension table has a row for each member of a dimension.

Abstract: A compact zoom lens comprising a small number of lenses, providing an aperture of about F1.4 and a zoom ration of about 14, with a full angle of view at the wide angle end of 64.degree. or wider. The zoom lens of the present invention comprises, aligned respectively from the object side, a fixed first lens group, comprising a lens with a negative refracting power, a lens with a positive refracting power, and a meniscus lens with a positive refracting power; a movable second lens group to provide zooming effect, comprising a lens with a negative refracting power, a biconcave lens with a negative refracting power, and a lens with a positive refracting power, with at least one surface of these lenses aspheric; a fixed third lens group with a positive refracting power, with at least one surface of these lenses aspheric; a fourth lens group, movable for compensating the position of the focal plane, with a positive refracting power, with at least one surface of the lenses aspheric.

Abstract: A method for preparing a diarylalanine compound is provided. The method includes reacting a diarylaminopropanediol with a reducing agent to form a diarylaminopropanol compound and/or contacting a serine ester derivative with an aryl metal reagent to form diarylaminopropanediol. A diarylmethyloxazolidinone compound is also provided.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for simulating a multi-tiered environment on a single computer. An application file is generated comprising second tier instructions invoking first tier instructions and third tier instructions. The application file is provided to the second and third tier runtime engines. The second tier instructions are executed in the second tier runtime engine. The third tier instructions are executed in the third tier runtime engine. A debugger on the first tier debugs the executed instructions.