Abstract: A novel computer-controlled video microscopy system, features a rotatable objective lens turret. The lens turret is a rotatable cylindrical drum having an open end and closed end. A plurality of light-transmitting objective lenses are evenly spaced about the side wall of the cylindrical drum. The objective lenses are each directed perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the cylindrical drum. A computer is used to select a desired objective lens and signal a motor to rotate the cylindrical drum about its axis of rotation, so as to move the selected objective lens into the path of an approaching light beam. When the light beam enters the drum through the objective lens, a prism or mirror inside the cylindrical drum bends the light beam at a right angle and directs it out of the drum through its open end. An image carried by the light beam is then focused onto the imaging plane of a video camera.

Abstract: A microscopy system, comprising a stage for supporting a sample; a means for directing a vertical beam of light through the sample; a means for observing an image carried by the beam of light; and an optical system. The optical system features: i) a plurality of light-transmitting objective lenses arranged in a linear array on a first plate, including at least a first objective lens positioned in the path of the vertical beam of light and a second objective lens not positioned in the path of the vertical beam of light; and ii) a lens system adapted to receive the vertical beam of light after it has been transmitted through the first objective lens and focus the vertical beam of light onto the imaging plane of the video camera.

Abstract: A removable tie down brace for a vehicle is disclosed. The brace consists of at least one L-shaped member that is disposed transversely across the roof or cab of the vehicle, resting on hard rubber legs or feet. Two sets of apertures extend through both of the planar surfaces described by the “L” perpendicular to one another, thus allowing the user to secure a wide variety of objects of all sizes and shapes. Various utility attachment means are provided to allow the user to position bungee cords, rope, or the like, in various ways.

Abstract: A system for aligning a mask and a product with high precision, featuring a means for supporting a product in a fixed position and a mask adjacent to the product so that the mask is movable relative to the product. The mask is surrounded by a rectangular mask frame. At least one movable first plunger presses against a first edge of the mask frame, while two movable second plungers press against a second edge of the mask frame, where the first and second edges are perpendicular. A first computer-controlled movable push plate is designed to push the mask frame against said at least one movable first plunger; pushing the mask frame in a first direction. Two second movable computer-controlled plates are designed to move the mask frame in a second direction by pushing the mask frame against the two movable second plungers.

Abstract: A method of reducing the percentage of Epstein-Barr virus genome-carrying cells which exhibit Epstein-Barr virus early antigen induction, where the Epstein-Barr virus genone-carrying cells have been cultivated in the presence of at least one tumor-promoting chemical. The method is carried out by cultivating Epstein-Barr virus genome-carrying cells in the presence of a tumor-promoting chemical; and treating the Epstein-Barr virus genome-carrying cells with betanins. The betanins are effectively reduce the incidence of Epstein-Barr virus early antigen induction in the cultivated Epstein-Barr virus genome-carrying cells.

Abstract: A visor or cap brim is disclosed that prevents the pressure of the wind from blowing the cap off of the user's head. The visor portion is a generally planar surface that is held out away from the front of the cap portion that sits on the user's head. This creates a single large passage between the visor/bill and the cap and the visor/bill is held at such an angle that it acts a “spoiler” to press the hat down more firmly on the user's head in a high wind while at the same time shading the eyes and forehead from the sun. The visor portion of the cap is removably attached to a semi-rigid headband that encircles the base of the main body of the cap. This attachment is accomplished by either a resilient clip or a mortise taper connection at the terminal ends of a pair of arms attached to the visor portion.

Abstract: A method of reducing the percentage of Epstein-Barr virus genome-carrying cells which exhibit Epstein-Barr virus early antigen induction, where the Epstein-Barr virus genome-carrying cells have been cultivated in the presence of at least one tumor-promoting or tumor-inducing chemical. The method is carried out by cultivating Epstein-Barr virus genome-carrying cells in the presence of a tumor-promoting or tumor-inducing chemical; and treating the Epstein-Barr virus genome-carrying cells with a synthetic fluorescein dye. The dyes effectively reduce the incidence of Epstein-Barr virus early antigen induction in the cultivated Epstein-Barr virus genome-carrying cells.

Abstract: A method of treating a group of mammals which have been topically exposed to a tumor promoter or a tumor initiator so as to reduce the percentage of mammals which exhibit formation of epidermal tumors. The topically exposed tissue is treated with an acetone solution containing a defined amount of a synthetic colorant. Preferably, the synthetic colorant is tartrazine or erythrosine B.

Abstract: A method of preventing inflammation of epidermal tissue resulting from exposure to a chemical by topically applying an acetone solution containing a natural colorant to the exposed tissue. The natural colorant is preferably a paprika extract containing a mixture of capsanthin, capsorubin, and their acyl esters, or an annatto seed extract containing a mixture of cis-bixin, trans-bixin, and cis-norbixin.

Abstract: A method of reducing the percentage of Epstein-Barr virus genome-carrying cells which exhibit Epstein-Barr virus early antigen induction, wherein the Epstein-Barr virus genome-carrying cells have been cultivated in the presence of a tumor-promoting chemical and/or a tumor-inducing chemical. The method is performed by: a) cultivating Epstein-Barr virus genome-carrying cells in the presence of a tumor-promoting chemical and/or a tumor-inducing chemical; and b) treating the Epstein-Barr virus genome-carrying cells with a synthetic anthraquinone colorant containing a sulfonated phenylamino group. The colorant is effective to reduce the incidence of Epstein-Barr virus early antigen induction in the cultivated Epstein-Barr virus genome-carrying cells.

Abstract: A computerized control and display system for a stereo microscope is disclosed. The objective lens is selected for a minimum and maximum magnification range and then two sets of movable lenses within the stereo module are positioned through computer control to achieve a precisely desired magnification. In the preferred embodiment, a lookup table is used to smoothly select the proper position of the two movable lenses in relationship to one another as the magnification is either increased or decreased. A stereoscopic image is transmitted by cameras to a computer screen with the use of a wireless eyewear/shutter system cycling at 120 cycles per second for viewing.

Abstract: A float inlet, comprising an upper anti-vortex plate; a lower scour guard plate; and at least one float connected to the upper plate, where the float supports the upper plate in a body of water so that the upper plate is parallel to the surface of the body of water. The upper and lower plates are separated by a fixed distance, so as to allow water to flow between the upper and lower plates. A tube passes through a hole in the upper plate. The tube has a first open end above the upper plate which is adapted to connect to a suction hose and a second open end positioned between the upper and lower plates. A strainer covers the second open end of the tube. When the inlet is positioned in a body of water, the float supports the upper plate so that the strainer is positioned just below the surface of the water. The suction tube may then be used to draw water from the body of water. The upper anti-vortex plate prevents formation of a vortex on the surface of the water while suction is applied.

Abstract: A method of reducing the incidence of pulmonary tumor formation in animals exposed to a tumor-promoting chemical or a tumor initiating by providing a group of animals which have been exposed to a tumor-promoting chemical or a tumor-initiating chemical with drinking water containing betanins. Preferably, the betanins are obtained from a beetroot extract.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting Epstein-Barr virus early antigen induction in Epstein-Barr virus genome-carrying cells which have been cultivated in vitro in a medium containing at least one chemical selected from the group consisting of tumor-inducing chemicals and tumor promoting chemicals by adding an effective amount of a synthetic colorant to the medium, wherein the synthetic colorant is an aromatic azo dye.

Abstract: A method of winding yarn into hanks, comprising the steps of loading a beam having a sheet of parallel ends of yarn wound thereon onto a rotatable beam stand; unwinding the sheet from the beam and passing the sheet through a nip between two reciprocating rolls; separating the parallel ends of yarn in the sheet from each other; and guiding each of the separated ends of yarn to a rotatable reel. The ends of yarn are then wound onto the rotatable reel by rotating the beam to release the sheet wound thereon; rotating the interacting rolls to draw the sheet through the nip; and rotating the reel to wind each separated end of yarn onto the reel. The rotational velocity of the beam and of the reciprocating rolls are controlled so as to keep the tension on the sheet of yarns below a defined value. By controlling tension, one reduces the likelihood of thread breakage and causes the yarns to be wound onto the reels in the form of loose hanks.

Abstract: A retractable syringe needle, including a needle assembly featuring a needle-holding mechanism containing a hub and a means for securing a syringe barrel to the hub, a hypodermic needle extending through the hub; and a pin connected with said hub. The needle assembly is positioned inside a tubular container which has a tubular wall with a first longitudinal slot therein. The container has a first end adapted to receive a syringe barrel, and a second open end adapted to receive a syringe needle. The needle assembly is slidably mounted in the container so that the first longitudinal slot slidably engages the pin. The needle assembly may be moved from a first position where the needle is within the container to a second position where the needle is exposed by sliding the pin toward the second open end of the container and causing the needle to pass through the second open end.

Abstract: A track (2) for storing divider bars (24) used on a checkout counter (12) having a conveyor (14). The track (2) can be fitted over or replace a previously-installed track (10), and can store display/divider bars of much greater width than those presently in use. The wider surfaces of the new track also provide areas on which advertising can be displayed. The new tracks can be secured in place temporarily for ease of replacement by tracks displaying or holding updated advertising information.

Abstract: A method of reducing the incidence of splenomegalia induced by ultra violet radiation in mammals by exposing a group of test mammals to intense ultraviolet radiation, where the exposure is repeated at regular intervals over a test period such that the cumulative radiation exposure per mammal is sufficient to cause an increase in an average spleen size in a group of unprotected mammals; and administering drinking water containing a defined concentration of betanins to the group of test mammals during the test period, said defined concentration being sufficient to prevent such an increase in average spleen size.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus suitable for use in small boats having enclosed cabins, comprising an insulated compartment; a cooling coil having an inner surface and an outer surface; a small pump for causing a liquid cooling fluid to travel along a defined flow path leading from the insulated compartment, across the inner surface of the cooling coil, and back to the insulated compartment; and a means for causing air to flow across the outer surface of the cooling coil in heat exchange relationship with the cooling fluid. The cooling fluid is cooled by contact with a slowly melting frozen material stored inside the insulated compartment. No on-board vapor compression refrigeration cycle like those used in conventional marine air conditioning systems is used for either chilling the cooling fluid or refreezing the frozen material after it melts. This leads to a significant decrease in power requirements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the effect of betanins on tumor formation in epidermal tissue in mammals which have been exposed to a substance which initiates or promotes tumor formation by sequentially exposing a first group of mammals to a topically applied chemical substance selected from the group consisting of tumor promoters and tumor initiators; providing the first group of mammals with drinking water containing betanins, said betanin having been extracted from beetroot; measuring a percentage of mammals in the first group which exhibit epidermal tumors; and comparing the percentage of mammals in the first group which exhibit epidermal tumors to a percentage of mammals in a second group which exhibit epidermal tumors, said mammals in the second group having been (a) exposed to a chemical substance selected from the group consisting of tumor promoters and tumor initiators and (b) providing with drinking water containing no betanins.