Abstract: An improved needle (1) to attach a filter bag (2) containing a product for infusion to a pick-up tag (3) using a thread (4) knotted at least at one of its end sections (5; 6) comprises two eyes (7, 8) located at different distances from the point (9) of the needle (1). The first eye (7) is designed to hook the thread (4), stretched and retained at the end sections (5, 6) and to make a loop (10) in the thread when the needle (1) is pulled in the direction of its axis (1a). The second eye (8), on the other hand, is located closer to the point (9) and is oriented at right angles to the first eye (7) so that it can be surrounded by the loop (10) and can guide an end section (5; 6) of the thread (4) across the loop (10) to make a knot. The needle (1) also comprises two lengthways grooves (11) that connect the first eye (7) to the second eye (8) and that are especially shaped to accommodate the loop (10) and to keep it in position while the knot is being formed.

Abstract: A fusion splicer for which maintenance can be performed efficiently is provided. A fusion splicer 1 for splicing optical fibers comprises a CCD camera 14 for capturing an image of a fusion splicing process of the optical fibers, a main memory 21 for storing image data obtained by the CCD camera 14, and a communication controller 3 adapted to make the image data transmittable and effect communication with a service station.

Abstract: Exercise machine (10) wherein a frame (20) is provided with at least one upr-ght (21) substantially vertical and prismatically shaped; the upright (21) presenting at least one elongated body (26) able to serve as a guide to a pack (P) of flat bodies (31) able to be actuated longitudinally for the execution of training exercises; the upright (21) being externally delimited by a longitudinal shell (22) shaped prismatically and laterally facing the flat bodies (31); at least one plate (14) engaging the upright (21) in sliding fashion to isolate the flat bodies (31) from the outside in co-operation with the shell (22); coupling organs being provided inside the shell (22) to connect said upright and the elongated body (26) rigidly to each other according to a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for rapid, continuous flow histological processing of tissues is disclosed. The steps of fixation, dehydration, clearing and impregnation are performed in less than one hour; this allows a pathologist to evaluate samples shortly after receipt, perhaps while the patient is still in the operating room. Rapid and continuous processing is accomplished by decreasing the thickness of tissue sections, use of non-aqueous solutions composed of admixtures of solutions, solution exchange at elevated temperature and with agitation, and impregnation under vacuum pressure. The patient in surgery is thus provided with point-of-care surgical pathology.

Abstract: A nucleic acid primer is bound to a soluble carrier macromolecule, a multitude of primer molecules thus being carried by each carrier macromolecule, and hybridisation of the primer to a template followed by extension of the primer to replicate the template in complementary form is carried out as part of a PCR procedure or other amplification, or to form an extended primer of greater hybridization affinity. A second primer used in the amplification may also be bound to a carrier macromolecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exterior vehicle mirror assembly. The mirror comprises a housing with an electrically powered adjusting mechanism mounted therein, and a support structure to be fixed to the vehicle exterior. The housing is pivotally mounted to the support structure and both the housing and support structure provide structure cooperating to define an indexing pivot assembly. The support structure has a wire receiving passage formed therein and the housing has a wire passage access opening. The access opening provides access to the passage to facilitate passing electroconductive wire though the passage so as to allow the adjusting mechanism to be connected to an electric power source and a control signal source within the vehicle. A lighting assembly is constructed and arranged to be mounted to the support structure so as to close the wire access opening after an installer has passed the wiring through the wire receiving passage.

Abstract: An illumination system for endoscopes has a light guide bundle constructed and arranged to illuminate an object to be observed. The light guide bundle is extended in an axial direction of the endoscope and branched into a plurality of branch portions in a frame which is adapted to be disposed inside of the endoscope. Each of the branch portions have a crescent-shaped cross-section at a mid-portion along the axial direction of the endoscope and each of the branch portions have at least one bent portion in which a protective glass plate is disposed on each exit surface of the branch portions. An endoscope system includes the above illumination system.

Abstract: A process for inducing a transcriptionally active chromosome (i.e., a “lampbrush” chromosome) from condensed chromatin or nucleus is disclosed. The condensed chromosome is contacted with the contents of a germinal vesicle. Preferably, the nuclear envelope is disrupted or removed. Moreover, a heterologous system of chromosome and germinal vesicle derived from organisms of different species is preferred because it permits analysis of organisms that do not have lampbrush chromosomes or cannot be manipulated by other techniques. Such lampbrush chromosomes can be attached to a substrate, and then analyzed by a variety of molecular and cytological techniques such as, for example, antibody detection of chromosomal protein, autoradiography, electron and light microscopy, histochemistry, image analysis, immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization of nucleic acids, morphology, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an end module assembly for installation on a motor vehicle and a method for assembling the same. The assembly comprises an exterior fascia configured to comprise a portion of a vehicle body when the assembly is installed on the vehicle. An external visible component is configured to be positioned in a predetermined orientation with respect to the fascia with surfaces thereof facing exteriorly of the fascia. The external component is positioned relative to the fascia such that the position controlling portion guides the external component into the predetermined orientation and supports the component thereat, thereby allowing the assembly to be installed on the vehicle without requiring reorientation of the component. The present invention also relates to a loading fixture for installing a front end module assembly onto a motor vehicle.

Abstract: An air bag system comprises an air bag having an opening through which gas is supplied. The air bag is folded in a predetermined polygonal shape and is then contained in a pad. An expansion restraining member is provided in the air bag system. The expansion restraining member temporarily holds a peripheral portion of the folded air bag so as to suppress rapid expansion thereof when the air bag is developed. Because the expansion of the peripheral portion is delayed by the expansion restraining member, it is possible to prevent the air bag from developing in the straight thin form toward a passenger. That is, the air bag can be developed in a round shape from its center portion when the gas is supplied into the air bag.

Abstract: A display control apparatus of this invention includes a touch panel for inputting a predetermined input, a liquid crystal monitor for displaying and switching a plurality of operation screen to display a desired operation screen in accordance with the predetermined input inputted by the touch panel, and a control unit for, when the operation screen to be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor in accordance with the predetermined input inputted by the touch panel corresponds to a password input screen for receiving input of a password, controlling the field angle of the liquid crystal monitor to a predetermined field angle.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a piston-cylinder arrangement (10,11) in a derrick (1) placed on a drill floor (2), which hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement (10,11) is adapted to raise and lower a yoke (8) which travels on guide rails (7) in the derrick (1) itself, where the cylinder (20) is firmly held by a mounting apparatus (31) in relation to the drill floor (2). For the changing of gaskets (27) on the piston (21) and the cylinder (20), the cylinder is arranged so as to be lowerable in relation to the mounting thereof. The mounting apparatus (31) is designed to be releasable and comprises a flange (32) permanently mounted on the cylinder (20), a fixing device (37) in fixed position in relation to drill floor (2), a dividable locking ring (34), and a locking device (32) and the fixing device (37) and being firmly held in engagement with the aid of the locking device (38). A method of changing gaskets on a piston and cylinder is also described.

Abstract: A method for applying a stainless steel weld overlay on a substrate, e.g., a carbon steel or low alloy steel, uses an arc welding process. The process includes welding a stainless steel weld overlay onto the substrate using a shielding gas mixture including greater than 2% nitrogen by volume with balance being an inert gas or a mixture of inert gases. The nitrogen is of a sufficient concentration so as to eliminate solidification cracking in the weld overlay. In addition, the nitrogen may help to eliminate a mismatch in me coefficient of thermal expansion between the weld overlay and the substrate. Furthermore, if the weld overlay comprises only a single layer, the nitrogen concentration in the shielding gas mixture may be less than 2%.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously inspecting the frontsides and backsides of semiconductor wafers for defects is disclosed. The system rotates the semiconductor wafer while the frontside and backside surfaces are generally simultaneously optically scanned for defects. Rotation is induced by providing contact between the beveled edges of the semiconductor wafer and roller bearings rotationally driven by a motor. The wafer is supported in a tilted or semi-upright orientation such that support is provided by gravity. This tilted supporting orientation permits both the frontside and the backside of the wafer to be viewed simultaneously by a frontside inspection device and a backside inspection device.

Abstract: A stator of a vehicle AC generator includes a stator core having a plurality of slots and a plurality of phase-windings formed of a plurality of conductor members inserted in said plurality of slots. The stator winding has first and second coil-end groups formed of portions of the conductor members respectively extending from the slots to opposite ends of the stator core. Each of the phase-windings has a lead-end which partially covered with an insulation member and extends along the first coil-end group to be connected to one another. The insulation member is bonded to the first coil-end group.

Abstract: In this process for working up RESH or shredder light fractions, the RESH or shredder light fractions are charged into a fluidized bed gasifier. Hot wind or combustion offgases having a temperature above 450° C. are blown into the fluidized bed through nozzles while forming a counterflow grinding space. CaCO3 is introduced into the fluidized bed and calcined in the grinding space to effect disintegration.

Abstract: An EL element and a laser luminescent element are capable of emitting ultraviolet rays with high wavelength purity. The ultraviolet electroluminescent element includes a thin film made from one of a polymer and an oligomer in which the elements, selected from Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb, and directly bonded. The elements selected may be the same as or different from each other. The film is disposed between two electrodes. At least one of the electrodes is transparent. The laser luminescent element includes a thin film made from one of a polymer and an oligomer in which the elements selected from Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb, are directly bonded, and is disposed between two electrodes. The elements may be the same as or different from each other.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided including a main frame structure, a track assembly mounted to the main frame structure and having a single, endless ground-engaging track extending in a longitudinal direction. A pair of steerable ground-engaging wheels flank the track, constructed and arranged to exert a ground bearing pressure sufficient to change a direction of travel of the track in response to turning of the wheels to steer the vehicle. Steering structure is operatively associated with the wheels to turn the wheels. Power drive structure is mounted with respect to the main frame structure and is constructed and arranged to drive the wheels and the track simultaneously so as to move the vehicle along the ground. The wheels are constructed and arranged to be moved with respect to the main frame structure so as to change a position thereof with respect to the main frame structure, thereby permitting driving, steering and ground pressure of the vehicle to be adjusted in accordance with ground conditions.