Abstract: A swaging tool for swaging a fitting to a tube includes a tubular housing having a first jaw unit on a first end portion of the housing and a closed cylinder at a second end portion of the housing. The closed cylinder has a port for receiving pressurized fluid. A ram is movable in opposite axial directions in the closed cylinder of the housing. A piston having a second jaw unit is located in a middle portion of the housing in engagement with the ram. A stabilizing pin is slideably received through the piston and into the ram. Bearings are located on an end of the stabilizing pin and on the ram to react the moments generated during swaging directly into the housing.

Abstract: An actuator receives an input torque command and rotates an aeronautical surface within a prescribed range of motion. An output shaft is rigidly secured to the aeronautical surface, such that axial rotation of the output shaft results in displacement of the aeronautical surface. A drive motor controls rotation of the output shaft by applying a motive force thereto. A drive circuit controls the drive motor, to thereby control axial rotation of the output shaft, in response to keep input torque command. A torque sensor is operatively coupled to the drive shaft. The torque sensor measures output shaft rotational torque and provides an electronic representation of the output shaft rotational torque to the drive circuit. The drive circuit receives the electronic representation as a torque command feedback signal, and derives a torque error command as the difference between the input torque command and the output shaft rotational torque.

Abstract: A masa handling apparatus for the continuous processing of masa type dough in conjunction with commonly available feed processing equipment, such as a masa extruder, an oven, or cooling apparatus. The masa handling apparatus includes a masa separator having a pair of opposed, endless belt conveyors having facing surfaces spaced apart to receive a generally continuous masa steam output from a nozzle on the masa extruder. When the masa stream moves between the conveyors, it is gripped by their facing surfaces and moved away from the nozzle at a faster speed, causing the masa to be separated into individual pieces, or logs. The masa handling apparatus can also include at least two masa hoppers fed by at least two endless belt conveyors arranged in upstream and downstream positions relative to each other. The masa is transported along the conveyors and is automatically diverted into one masa hopper by a diverter gate.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a class of pyridine compounds which are modulators of acetylcholine receptors. The compounds of the invention displace acetylcholine receptor ligands from their binding sites.

Abstract: A transport system for moving along a track on a support surface. The system includes a body, a guide system and a powered self-steering caster assembly. The guide system cooperates with the track to apply lateral forces to the body to guide it along a predetermined path when a propulsive force is applied to the body. The powered self-steering caster assembly has a pivot joint and a wheel driven by a motor. The wheel has a center of rotation and is rotatably mounted to engage the support surface and roll in a forward direction. The pivot joint is mounted to the body to allow the wheel to pivot about a predetermined axis intersecting the support surface forward of the engagement between the wheel and the support surface. The wheel drives the body and pivots in response to frictional side slip forces between the wheel and the support surface without restraint from a steering linkage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a family of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors comprised of neuronal agonist and non-agonist binding subunits, and DNA sequences encoding such subunits. These novel neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits include the agonist binding subunits alpha2, alpha3, alpha4, and alpha5, plus non-agonist binding subunits beta2, beta3 and beta4. Representative cDNA clones that contain the DNA sequences of the invention have been deposited with the American Type Culture Collection for patent purposes.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a class of pyridine compounds which are modulators of acetylcholine receptors. The compounds of the invention displace acetylcholine receptor ligands from their binding sites.

Abstract: A machine tool, in particular a long-bed machine tool, comprises a column (11) that can be displaced in at least a first axis (13), and at least one spindle (15) clamped rotatably at support points (22, 23) in the region of its two outer ends (20, 21). The spindle (15, 16) extends parallel to the first axis (13) and is joined to the column (11) in such a way that when the spindle (15) rotates, the column (11) is displaced in the first axis (13). A damping apparatus (28) acting on the spindle (15) between the support points (22, 23), which damps any vibrations of the spindle, is provided on the machine tool. The damping mechanism (28) is displaceable along the first axis (13) at least to some extent independently from the column (11).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a ride vehicle for use in an amusement attraction. The ride vehicle mounts a passenger supporting structure upon a motion base, so that the passenger supporting structure may be articulated about one or more axes as the vehicle moves. Thus, this "simulator ride" carries passengers through three-dimensional scenery and articulates the passenger supporting structure in synchronism with motions of the ride vehicle, the motions of moving show sets, which are external to the vehicle, sound, projection and other effects. The ride vehicle is programmably-controlled by a redundant, two computer control system aboard each vehicle, which controls motions of the ride vehicle in synchronism with actions of the motion base and other special effects in accordance with a selected one of a plurality of ride programs.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in shipboard apparatus for heat-treating pieces of wood or wood products, such as logs, lumber wood chips or wood strands with steam or hot water to kill any plant pests present in the wood or wood products. The pieces are loaded into a hold of a ship. The ship is equipped with a heater or boiler for producing steam or hot water, and piping and associated equipment such as nozzles for introducing the steam or hot water into the hold. In some embodiments, the ship is also equipped with piping for recycling the spent steam or water back to the heater or boiler for producing the steam or hot water. As the steam or hot water is introduced into the hold, the wood pieces are contacted with the steam or hot water to raise the temperature of the pieces to a sufficient level for a sufficient period of time to kill any plant pests that might be present.

Abstract: Disclosed is an analysis of domains of receptors of the steroid/thyroid hormone superfamily, and particularly of the glucocorticoid receptor, to identify requirements for the trans-acting transcriptional repression activities of the receptors. Based on the analysis, certain novel receptor analogs are provided, as are various novel DNAs, expression vectors, cells and transgenic animals as well as novel methods of using trans-acting transcription-repressing analogs of the receptors in various applications. These applications include gene therapy, screening of cells in culture or transgenic animals for compositions effective to treat various diseases due to inability to properly respond to hormones of the steroid or thyroid hormone group, and screening of cells in culture for ligands that are capable, upon binding to one of the receptors, to activate its trans-acting transcription activating and trans-acting transcription-repressing activities.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods to render cells non-adhesive and/or non-immunogenic with respect to macromolecules typically encountered in culture media or in physiological media. The invention method comprises contacting cells with an effective amount of a composition comprising a polycationic species having water-soluble polymer chains grafted thereon.

Abstract: The invention provides a reduced recoil bucking bar and corresponding methods for forming joints with rivets. The bucking bar includes a housing and a driven member movable with respect to the housing. The worker using the bar holds it with the driven member pressed against one end of the rivet. When blows are delivered from the hammer through the rivet to the bar, an appropriate reaction force is generated automatically by mechanisms within the bar. These mechanisms include at least a first pressure chamber and an exhaust port for releasing pressure from the pressure chamber to the atmosphere. By controlling the flow of air through the pressure chamber, the mechanisms within the bucking bar control the forces acting on the driven member during the recoil and rebound motions. Preferred control mechanisms include a second pressure chamber and a movable shuttle. The shuttle is initially biased in a preferred direction by a biasing element in the form of a coil spring.

Abstract: A multi-function container includes a housing, a closure and an exterior light source. The container has a first interior portion adapted to hold small items. The closure is used to cover the first interior portion of the housing and to contain the small items in the first interior portion of the housing. The housing also has a second separate interior portion adapted to hold a battery. The light source is operatively coupled to the second interior portion to receive power from the battery, upon the battery being held within the second interior portion. Thus, the multi-function container may serve as a container and/or a flashlight. The multi-function container may also include a key ring which is coupled to an exterior surface of the closure, and may also include a clock coupled to the side of the housing.

Abstract: A container for food includes a paper-based substrate, and at least one grease and moisture resistant coating applied in liquid form to the paper-based substrate. The liquid coating is preferably formed from an aqueous-based dispersion of acrylic-based material. The liquid coating remains resistant to grease and moisture issuing from food at temperatures in the range of about -20.degree. F. to 425.degree. F.

Abstract: Novel members of the steroid/thyroid superfamily of receptors are described. DNA sequences encoding same, expression vectors containing such DNA and host cells transformed with such expression vectors are also disclosed, as are methods for the expression of the novel receptors of the invention, and various uses thereof.

Abstract: DNA encoding a human retinoic acid receptor alpha protein is disclosed. The sequence of the receptor is encoded by the cDNA insert of plasmid phRAR1, which has been deposited with ATCC. Methods employing chimeric receptors derived from the retinoic acid receptor are illustrated which demonstrate that the ligand for the new receptor is the retinoid, retinoic acid.