Abstract: A switching arrangement for optical fibers is provided with a plurality of first optical fibers and a plurality of second optical fibers. A photoemitter element is arranged to communicate optically with a selectable one of the plurality of first optical fibers, and a photodetector element communicates optically with a selectable one of the plurality of second optical fibers. A communications arrangement enables optical communication between the photoemitter and photodetector elements, and respectively selected ones of the first and second optical fibers simultaneously. The communications arrangement has a displaceable portion and a stationary portion. A drive arrangement is coupled to the displaceable portion of the communications arrangement. A controller is coupled to the drive arrangement for controlling a displacement of the displaceable portion of the communications arrangement. Displacement is effected along a linear path, or in other embodiments, along a circular path.

Abstract: A gaming machine is provided with a principal variable display for displaying principal graphical information corresponding to at least one of a plurality of principal graphical elements, each such principal graphical element having a predetermined significance in a principal game of the gaming machine. A secondary display displays secondary graphical information that constitutes any combination of secondary information predictive of the results that will be obtained in the play of the principal game, a secondary game, and/or timing information. A principal controller produces first control signals that control the principal variable display to display the principal graphical information as a sequential principal progression of the principal graphical elements, and second control signals that control the secondary display to display the secondary graphical information. The secondary graphical information has a predetermined relationship to the sequential progression of the principal graphical elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the treatment of diseases by the decomposition of peroxynitrite, preferably decomposition to benign products, comprising the use of a complex which is a selected ligand structure providing a complexed metal such as Mn, Fe, Ni and V transition metals. The method of use, as well as novel pharmaceutical compositions therefor, are for the treatment of diseases advantageously affected by decomposition of peroxynitrite ed at a rate over the natural background rate of decay of peroxynitrite in humans suffering from the disease which comprises administration of an amount of a complex, in dosage unit form, which is effective for such acceleration of the decomposition of peroxynitrite .

Abstract: A therapeutic support appliance for a patient disposed in a seating orthosis is provided with a base portion with casters coupled to its underside. A plurality of stanchions extend upwardly from the base member for engaging an adjustable handle and an adjustable orthosis support member, respectively. The handle can be adjusted to a height determined in response to a physical size characteristic of an operator or a therapist, and the orthosis support can be raised, lowered, or tipped in response to a physical size characteristic of the patient, the height of a table, or the administration of physical therapy. In one embodiment the appliance is formed of a vinyl coated steel tubular elements joined to one another.

Abstract: A display for game is provided with a judgment foraging whether or not a specified game state is obtained in response to a predetermined input signal, a special pattern determination for determining a special pattern that represents the specified game state, a demonstration determination for determining a demonstration by selecting from a plurality of demonstrations that indicate display modes different from usual stop motion of the special pattern, a predictive image determination for determining a predictive image by selecting from a Plurality of predictive images representing expectation degrees for appearance of the specified game state, a display for displaying the special pattern, the demonstration and the predictive image determined by the special pattern determination, the demonstration determination and the predictive image determination, respectively; and a display controller for controlling the display to indicate the predictive image determined by the predictive image determination, then to indica

Abstract: Undergarments, such as panties and pantyhose, having a highly-ventilated crotch panel which has one or more apertures therein in order to provide adequate light and ventilation to prevent the conditions that are favorable to vaginitis or other infections. The openness of the crotch panel enhances air flow, allows for the dissipation of heat and moisture, and yet, is not so large as to cause binding, discomfort, or an uncomfortable feeling of exposure to the wearer. In some embodiments, moisture is further absorbed or dissipated around the aperture(s) by a surrounding trim, such as elasticized lace, which also provides the illusion of covering to the wearer. In other embodiments, the aperture(s) have a modesty panel which is a single layer of an open-weave knit mesh.

Abstract: An axial displacement arrangement in the form of a ball screw and nut achieves a highly compact configuration by effecting ball recirculation entirely within the ball screw shaft. The ball recirculation portion of the ball screw shaft is axially short with respect to an elongated driven nut. As the nut is rotated, illustratively by an electric motor coupled thereto, the ball screw shaft is displaced axially along an axial support member. The axial support member has radially outward extending splines, and the ball recirculation portion of the ball screw shaft has radially inward extending splines, the inward and outward splines being arranged to face one another whereby a linear ball bearing region is formed. The linear ball bearing permits the ball recirculation arrangement and its associated actuation element to be displaced axially along the support element, but is precluded from rotating.

Abstract: A deployable telescopic seating structure employs a backstop arrangement to prevent users and operators from coming into contact with structures that may cause injury, such as interengaging metal elements that limit the extent of deployment. The backstop portions are arranged in the aisle region of the telescopic seating structure and have an overall height that is responsive to the height of one seating level above another, or in another embodiment, to the difference between such height an an intermediate step. The backstop arrangement has an engagement portion with a flange element that extends transversely therefrom and which engages with a top surface of the seating level. Preferably, the engagement portion forms a forwardmost edge termination. A fastening portion is arranged intermediate of the engagement portion and the riser portion of the backstop member.

Abstract: An arrangement for detecting an electromagnetic energy such as ambient light is provided with a photodetector having an input for receiving electromagnetic energy, and an output for producing an electrical characteristic responsive to the electromagnetic energy. A hollow conduit having a first end is arranged to receive a portion of the ambient electromagnetic energy, and a second end thereof is arranged in the vicinity of the photodector input. Thus, a portion of the received potion of the ambient electromagnetic energy impinges upon the photodetector input. The first end of the hollow conduit is terminated at a predetermined angle with respect to an axis of the first end, and a diffuser is optionally disposed in the vicinity of the first end of the hollow conduit.

Abstract: A flexible lighting system and method of making same. The flexible lighting system includes a flexible translucent rod and an attachment flange. Preferably, the outer casing and the attachment flange are integrally formed to facilitate installation. The flexible translucent rod includes an outer casing and a lighting core. The lighting core is disposed within an axial aperture defined by the outer casing and contains a series of lighting elements. In the preferred embodiment, a texture, such as axial grooves, is applied to a surface of the flexible translucent rod. This texture is applied to the outer surface of the lighting core or the inner surface of the outer casing to diffuse the light emitted by the discrete lighting elements, thereby providing an appearance similar to a solid bar of light. A mounting arrangement is provided for engaging the flexible translucent rod, or a coupler portion thereof, and is arranged to facilitate coupling of the flexible lighting system to a mounting surface.

Abstract: A drive coupling arrangement for transmitting torque from a drive arrangement to a gear assembly under test is provided with a first coupler portion attached to the gear assembly under test. The coupler has a polygonal cross-sectional configuration and has a plurality of substantially planar surfaces that extend parallel to the predetermined length of axis, in the form of an assembly nut of the gear assembly under test at a rotatory terminal thereof. A second coupler portion is coupled to the drive arrangement and has an internal cross-sectional configuration that accommodates the polygonal cross-sectional configuration of the first coupler portion. The second coupler portion has a plurality of engagement portions that communicate exclusively with a predetermined number of the substantially planar surfaces of the first coupler portion, and is axially translatable along the first coupler portion for a portion of its length of axis.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for signal analysis enable “pass/fail” determinations to be made with respect to noisiness of a mechanical or electrical system under test, particularly the presence of bumps and nicks in gear train systems under test. In a process aspect, for a gear system, a torque input is applied. A first signal responsive to the torque applied to the gear system under test is produced, which is converted to digital data responsive to a first correlation between the first signal and time. Peaks in the digital data are measured to determine whether they exceed a predetermined threshold magnitude. The peaks that exceed the predetermined threshold magnitude are subjected to harmonic analysis, the results being compared to gear tooth harmonics to determine whether the peaks constitute an anomaly. Such an anomaly is a bump or a nick on a tooth of the gear system under test.

Abstract: A zero back-pressure conveyor system of the type having a continuous transport element for urging articles along a predetermined conveyor path employs a frame that supports the continuous transport element and is formed of first and second side on opposite sides of the continuous transport element. Articles being transported along the conveyor system are supported on wear strips that are fashioned as segments along the conveyor path and are each individually actuatable between distal and proximal positions with respect to the continuous transport element. Preferably, the wear strips are actuated in pairs by operation of an articulated mechanism that precludes tilting of the articles during coupling and decoupling with respect to the continuous transport element. The articulated motion is achieved by operation of a support bar coupled to the associated wear strip, the support bar having at least one pair of pivotally coupled coupling arms.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a symbol display arrangement that displays a variation action of a variable plurality of symbols that are necessary for playing a game. A predictive display arrangement performs a predictive display that informs the player of the likelihood of the appearance of a specific symbol display state when the variation action is stopped. A determination whether or not the symbol variation action is to be stopped with the appearance thereon of the specific symbol display state is made by a controller that also determines which predictive display mode from among a plurality of predetermined predictive display modes is to be displayed. In one embodiment, the controller controls the predictive display arrangement so that the probability of the appearance of a specific symbol display state is changeable in conjunction with the change in the game with the passage of time.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a symbol display arrangement that displays a variation action of a variable plurality of symbols that are necessary for playing a game. A predictive display arrangement performs a predictive display that informs the player of the likelihood of the appearance of a specific symbol display state when the variation action is stopped. A determination whether or not the symbol variation action is to be stopped with the appearance thereon of the specific symbol display state is made by a controller that also determines which predictive display mode from among a plurality of predetermined predictive display modes is to be displayed. In one embodiment, the controller controls the predictive display arrangement so that the probability of the appearance of a specific symbol display state is changeable in conjunction with the change in the game with the passage of time.

Abstract: A machining tool and method of making same includes a blank that is formed to a shank and which is provided with machining faces. The machining faces are configured to expose material of a PCD or PCBN element that is formed in a recess in the blank and fused to the blank using material from the transition group of elements, such as cobalt. The recess has a configuration that is defined by side walls, a base wall, and end walls, so as to define a mold in which the PCD or PCBN material is formed into an element that becomes fused with the blank. Such fusing is achieved by leaching of the cobalt into the PCD or PCBN element during the application of heat. Thus, no additional fabrication process is required for joining the PCBN or PCD material to the blank.

Abstract: A method of controlling Take-all disease of plants by applying, preferably to the seed prior to planting, a fungicide of the formula ##STR1## wherein Z.sub.1 and Z.sub.2 are C or N and are part of an aromatic ring selected from benzene, pyridine, thiophene, furan, pyrrole, pyrazole, thiazole, and isothiazole;A is selected from --C(X)-amine, --C(O)--SR.sub.3, --NH--C(X)R.sub.4, and --C(.dbd.NR.sub.3)--XR.sub.7 ;B is --W.sub.m --Q(R.sub.2).sub.3 or selected from o-tolyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, and 9-phenanthryl, each optionally substituted with halogen or R.sub.4 ;Q is C, Si, Ge, or Sn;W is --C(R.sub.3).sub.p H.sub.(2-p) --; or when Q is C, W is selected from --C(R.sub.3).sub.p H.sub.(2-p) --, --N(R.sub.3).sub.m H.sub.(1-m) --, --S(O).sub.p --, and --O--;X is O or S;n is 0, 1, 2, or 3;m is 0 or 1;p is 0, 1, or 2;each R is independently selected from functional groups disclosed the specification.

Abstract: A heat and shelf-stable oil-in-water emulsion useful as a tissue or cell-selective delivery vehicle. Radioactive or stable, synthetic or semi-synthetic polyhalogenated triglycerides, such as 2-oleoylglycerol-1,3-bis[7-(3-amino-2,4,6-triiodophenyl)heptanoate] or 2-oleoylglycerol-1,3-bis[.omega.-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl)hepatanoate] or phenyl acetate, can be incorporated into the lipophilic core of a lipoprotein-like emulsion particle. The lipophilic core is surrounded by a phospholipid membrane comprising cholesterol and apolipoproteins. For hepatocyte-selective delivery, the emulsion is chylomicron remnant-like by being in a size range of 50 to 200 nm as measured by number weighting analysis with a narrow size distribution (<2% greater than 300 nm) and having a composition simulating naturally-occurring chylomicron remnants. Use of cholesterol in the emulsion formula facilitates association of apolipoproteins, especially Apo E which are recognized by liver cells and necessary for binding and uptake.

Abstract: A multi-functional barbecue grill arrangement which includes a charcoal support rack that enables the grilling arrangement to be used for searing, as well as a conventional barbecue cooking. A barrel-type grilling chamber is supported by a sturdy, A-shaped support frame. A layer of insulating, heat-resistant material, such as cement, lines the lowermost portion of the interior surface of the grilling chamber. Charcoal can be placed on the cement lining and/or on a charcoal support rack disposed above the cement lining, but below one or more food grills. The charcoal support rack, which has a length less than the food grill(s), is translatable on rails to enable the user to position ignited charcoal in close proximity to food on the grilling surface so that the food is seared from the rapid and intense application of heat.