Abstract: An efficient protocol for the synthesis of taxol, taxol analogs and their intermediates is described. The process includes the attachment of the taxol A-ring side chain to baccatin III and for the synthesis of taxol and taxol analogs with variable A-ring side chain structures. A rapid and highly efficient esterification of O-protected isoserine and 3-phenylisoserine acids having N-benzyoloxycarbonyl groups to the C-13 hydroxyl of 7-O-protected baccatin III is followed by a deprotection-acylation sequence to make taxol, celphalomanninne and various analogs, including photoaffinity labeling candidates.

Abstract: A carton is disclosed adapted to package a plurality of items for shipment, especially laptop computers and accessories. The carton includes a sidewall, end closures formed by plurality of flaps, and a shelf assembly forming compartments in the carton. The shelf assembly includes a shelf panel, support pieces secured to the sidewall, and a spacer panel. A lip piece hinged to the spacer panel engages the sidewall to permit selective positioning of the spacer panel in different closed positions to accommodate differently sized contents.

Abstract: A method of maximizing system operating pressure capability of a selected flange joint in a fluid carrying pipeline system comprises minimizing bold load operating conditions and bolt load pre-load conditions at the selected flange joint by interposing a self-energizing seal assembly having negligible "m" and "y" values in surrounding relation to the joint's axial bore. The load producing moment resulting from connection of the flanges with the bolts is minimized by interposing a gasket element having a gasket thickness less than the seal thickness of the self-energizing seal assembly. The gasket element is interposed in a surrounding relation to the seal assembly at an outer radial location proximate to the outer flange surface margin.

Abstract: A bi-directional impact tool includes a hollow tube member and a shaft slidably received by the hollow tube member in a telescopic relationship. The hollow tube member extends along a longitudinal axis and has a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end. The shaft extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis and has a working end disposed exteriorly of the hollow tube member for engaging the workpiece and a striking end disposed opposite the working end and interiorly of the hollow tube member. Moving the hollow tube member in a first direction so that the first end collides with the striking end while the working end is engaged with the workpiece imparts a first impact force to the workpiece in the first direction. Moving the hollow tube member in a second direction opposite the first direction so that the second end collides with the striking end while the working end is engaged with the workpiece imparts a second impact force to the workpiece in the second direction.

Abstract: A canopy structure, kit and method permits a user to custom configure a canopy shelter is almost unlimited curvilinear shapes. To accomplish this, a flexible sheet that is elastic in at least one, but preferably two dimensions may be secured over an area to be sheltered. Anchors connect the sheet either directly to the surface, such as the ground, or to an object, such as a tree or building, secured to the surface. A support pole is interposed between the surface and the sheet; and this support pole is sufficiently long to deform the sheet in the direction(s) of elasticity and thus exert a compression force on the pole. A plurality of support poles of varying lengths may be formed from identical pole sections, and base plates and dome elements may be used on the poles. The anchors are formed to engage the edge margin of the sheet at random locations, and these anchors, or alternative clasps, may engage the central portion of the sheet so that even greater design flexibility is possible.

Abstract: A method of acylating 10-deacetylbaccatin III at the C-10 position over the C-7 hydroxy position thereof to produce baccatin IIII is accomplished first by dissolving 10-deacetylbaccatin III in an acceptable ether solvent therefor, such as tetrahydrofuran. A lithium salt, preferably lithium chloride, is added. A trialkylamine base or pyridine is next added, followed by the addition of an acylating agent, such as acetyl chloride. The resulting solution may be quenched, for example with ammonium chloride, to eliminate excess of the acylating agent. The result is baccatin III in solution. This solution may then be diluted with ethyl acetate to form an organic phase and an aqueous phase, with the organic phase being washed and thereafter reduced. Recrystallization and column chromatography may be employed to purify the baccatin III.

Abstract: A transducer device includes a pair of transducers in the form of a speaker element and a microphone element mounted in a common housing that may be positioned and retained in the external auditory canal of the human ear thereby allowing the user to interface with communications apparatus. The housing is structured to acoustically isolate the microphone and the speaker sufficiently to avoid feedback, i.e., audio coupling. In one embodiment, this isolation is accomplished by a layer of acoustical damping material interposed between the two transducers. In another embodiment, isolation is accomplished by using a separate guide structure for each transducer. In a third embodiment, isolation is accomplished by a ported metallic plate interposed between the two transducers.

Abstract: A pallet separator sheet is disclosure for placement between tiers of palletized cargo. The sheet inhibits movement of the cargo of a upper tier. The sheet protects the cargo of a lower tier and has a surface which grips the cargo of the lower tier. The separator sheet can include a first upper sheet of a stiff yet pliable first material having protrusions extending upwardly. A second lower sheet, preferable having cavities, is joined to a lower surface of the upper sheet so that the sheets are congruent. The second lower sheet having a greater coefficient of friction than the upper sheet. Separator sheet is generally rectangular and can have a lip extending at an angle to the main body of the separator sheet.

Abstract: An extension coupling releasably interconnects a trailer to a tow hitch on a tractor vehicle. The coupling includes a mount that is secured to the trailer. An elongated arm has a proximal end portion secured to the mount. A connector pin is disposed on a distal end portion of the arm in order to mate with the tow hitch, A retainer assembly is secured to the arm and engages the tow hitch when the trailer is interconnected to the tractor vehicle so as to resist rotation of the arm relative to the tow hitch. The mount includes a flat base plate and a pair of upwardly projecting side plates disposed on the base plate. This mount then engages the hitch connecting station on the trailer. The invention includes a trailer provided with the coupling where the trailer has a housing, a wheel set and the hitch connecting station.

Abstract: A wrench of the ratchet type which can rotatably advance a first workpiece about a second workpiece in a ratchet condition by angularly moving a handle thereof or in a condition disengaged from the ratchet condition by rotating an end portion of a drive shaft extending from the handle. Additionally, the present invention includes a socket ejection mechanism which is operative with the drive shaft.

Abstract: A pole support is adapted for use in a mast assembly of a sail craft to selectively adjust tension of a sail. The mast assembly comprises an elongated and rigid tubular member having a central longitudinal axis and a surrounding sidewall defining an interior therefor. The tubular member has a base portion adapted to engage a mast foot and an upper portion sized to slidably engage a mast pole. A selectively actual drive mechanism includes a lift structure which is operative to support the mast pole and upon actuation of the drive mechanism to adjustably vary the effective length of the mast assembly by moving the mast pole further from and closer to the base portion, thereby to respectively increase and decrease tension of the sail when the tack is secured to the mast foot. The lift structure may also include a collar slidably disposed thereon, which collar has a neck to provide a first protective spacer between the mast pole and the tubular member.

Abstract: A method of teaching an individual to operate a bicycle is provided whereby the bicycle is place in the upright position on a support surface and its seat is adjusted to a height thereabove so that the individual can sit upright on the seat with both soles of his/her feet contacting the support surface and with the individual's hands placed on the bicycle steering mechanism to define a starting position. The individual is allowed to tilt the bicycle between left and right sides of the upright position and to manipulate the steering mechanism in the direction of these tilts, preferably for a selected period of time in a range of 30 to 60 seconds. Thereafter, the individual is repositioned on the bicycle in a ready position wherein the individual is situated upright on the seat with the individual's feet placed on the foot supports and the individual's hands placed on the steering mechanism.

Abstract: A collection device is useful to scoop and bag refuse, such as pet excrement, from a surface. The device includes a handle that supports a working head that has an intake portion, a discharge portion and a guide portion therebetween. The working head has bag holders to secure a bag, such as a plastic grocery bag, with a mouth engaging the discharge portion so that refuse may be introduced into the intake at an upstream end and dumped into the bag at the downstream end. The intake portion has forwardly extending tines. The bag holder is shown as radial posts and/or a ring clamp. The handle may be either a short hand grip or preferably an elongate rod that permits use of the collection device while the user is standing. The working head is preferably cylindrical, but it may be flattened if desired.

Abstract: A glide head assembly is adapted for use with a test system to detect a presence of asperities on a moving surface and includes an elongated flexure having a first end portion attached to a mounting structure and an opposite second end portion positioned in proximity to the moving surface when in operation. A slider is disposed on the second end portion and has a first surface facing the moving surface when in operation, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a sidewall extending therebetween. A piezoelectric transducer is attached to the sidewall and projects outwardly therefrom to terminate in a free distal end. The piezoelectric transducer is adapted to vibrate when contacted by an asperity, thereby to produce an electronic signal at a selected signal frequency, and is preferably formed to include a pair of spaced apart legs.

Abstract: A material separator separates non-magnetic particulate material into components having differing electrical conductivities and comprises a support frame, a drum rotatably journaled with respect to the support frame, a magnetic assembly in the drum interior and a drive system. The drum's sidewall is cylindrically shaped and the magnetic assembly incudes longitudinally extending magnetic arrays, each angularly spaced from one another and rotatably journaled on a respective array axis that is radially spaced from the drum axis. The magnetic arrays include opposite magnetic poles located along a rotational surface such that when they rotate, an oscillating magnetic field is induced through the drum's sidewall. The drive system rotates the magnetic arrays and the drum so that particulate material placed on an outer surface of the drum sidewall is subjected to the oscillating magnetic field whereby components having different electrical conductivities are discharged with differing discharge trajectories.

Abstract: The present invention broadly concerns the treatment of symptoms arising from outbreaks of herpes simplex viral infection. More particularly the invention is directed to the field of homeopathic medicine and the development of compositions and treatments for symptoms of the herpes simplex viral infections according to homeopathic medicine.

Abstract: A hand-held tool is used to cut soft materials, such as pumpkins, for example in the carving of decorative designs. The tool has an elongated handle that has a forward cavity. A stiff blade extends forwardly of the handle in a longitudinal direction and has a shank portion in the cavity to reduce the danger of fatigue breakage.

Abstract: An optical guide dispenses laser light that is incident outside a selected region during laser eye surgery. The guide is formed as a body with a passageway of selected geometrical cross-section that defines a mininmum optical opening. The body has a material which circumferentially surrounds the passageway that is effective to dispense laser light incident thereto such that the energy thereof is dissipated to a level that will not affect eye tissue. A handle may optionally be provided to facilitate manipulation of the body. The passageway is preferably frustoconical. An optical system incorporates the optical guide and includes a mount that is to be placed in contact with the eye. The optical guide is secured to the mount, such as by cooperative rails and protrusions. A method is described to perform laser eye surgery using such optical guide and directing laser light along an optical path parallel to the central axis of the passageway.

Abstract: A protective device for use with a container inhibits ingress of unwanted materials into the container's handhold opening while permitting insertion of a hand for grasping the handhold opening. The protective device comprises a mounting panel sized greater than the handhold opening and having a portal formed therein. A first adhesive material is located on a first side surface of the mounting panel and secures the mounting panel in a secured state to a wall in the interior of the container with the portal positioned over the handhold opening. A deadening material is disposed on a selected area of the first adhesive material to inhibit the adherence of the mounting panel to a portion of the wall which confronts the deadening material, and an exclusion panel has a surrounding outer peripheral margin portion and is sized and configured to have a panel size greater than the size and configuration of the handhold opening. A container having such a protective device is also provided.