Abstract: A pivotal and extendable bathing door unit is disclosed wherein a first panel is pivotally connected to a supporting wall, and a second panel is extendably connected to the first panel, so that the door can operate to enclose without an overhead track. There are roller brackets with tandem rollers connected to the first panel for riding in tracks in the second panel. The brackets afford ease of adjustment of the rollers and the tandem rollers afford a stable sliding and extension of the second panel. A minimum number of parts are required in a pivotal and extendable bathing door unit.

Abstract: A novel category of microorganisms has been identified from its ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence. That sequence, P36, is characteristic of this category of microorganisms, here termed metathermophiles. Methods for isolating samples of metathermophiles using the rDNA sequence are described.

Abstract: A computer voice operated dictations system having a text editing mode provided for editing dictated text. The text editing mode navigates a user through the dictated text by highlighting a correction window comprised of a plurality of words comprising a portion of the text. The correction window is comprised of "m" words and the value of m is preferably determined, based upon the voice recognition capabilities of a particular voice recognition engine associated with the dictation system. The greater the ability of the speech recognition engine to recognize and distinguish spoken words, the larger the value of m. A correction vocabulary is defined which consists of the plurality of words which are contained within the correction window and a plurality of correction commands. The voice recognition computer dictation system is configured for processing a spoken utterance which corresponds to an error word contained within the plurality of words highlighted in the correction window is processed.

Abstract: The adhB gene encoding Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus 39E secondary-alcohol dehydrogenase (2.degree. Adh) was cloned, sequenced, and expressed in Escherichia coli. The 1056 bp gene encodes a homotetrameric recombinant enzyme consisting of 37.7 kDa subunits. The purified recombinant enzyme is optimally active above 90.degree. C. with a half-life of approximately 1.7 h at 90.degree. C. An NADP(H)-dependent enzyme, the recombinant 2.degree. Adh has 1400-fold greater catalytic efficiency in propan-2-ol versus ethanol oxidation. The enzyme was inactivated by chemical modification using dithionitrobenzoate (DTNB) and diethylpyrocarbonate, indicating that Cys and His residues are involved in catalysis. Zinc was the only metal enhancing 2.degree. Adh reactivation after DTNB modification, implicating the involvement of a strongly bound zinc in catalysis. Arrhenius plots for the oxidation of propan-2-ol by the native and recombinant 2.degree. Adhs were linear from 25.degree. C. to 90.degree. C.

Abstract: An electronic music instrument system, comprising: an electronic music instrument, having selectable groups of reproducible sounds and individually selectable reproducible sounds; a signal generator for energizing an audio amplifier responsive to different digital audio sources, including the groups of sounds and the individual sounds a graphical user interface for displaying at least one control graphic representing controllable parameters of the audio signals generated by the generator; and, a controller responsive to operation of the control graphic for adjusting the controllable parameters of the generator and for selectively coupling different ones of the sources to the generator. The graphical user interface can comprise: a video display; and, a touch-responsive overlay. The controllable parameters can include multiple instrument sound selection and sound layer assignment, controlled responsive to operation of the at least one control graphic.

Abstract: A method for making a composite structure, comprising the steps of: arranging a fabric layer in a configuration constrained against outward movement and defining a cavity between opposing surfaces of the fabric layer; dispensing a predetermined amount of a self-expanding, self-curable, uncured structural foam into the cavity, the foam expanding and curing in the cavity at a molding pressure determined by the predetermined amount of the foam and thereby attaching itself to the fabric layer to form the composite structure, the molding pressure causing the expanding foam to substantially fill only interstices of an inner portion of the fabric layer, without substantially penetrating an outer portion of the fabric layer; and, freeing the cured composite structure from the constraint of the arranging step, the outer portion of the fabric layer of the composite structure being thereafter substantially completely saturable with a curable material for lamination to another structure in a subsequent processing step.

Abstract: A relay is described to facilitate communication through the telephone system between deaf people and hearing people. To overcome the speed limitations inherent in typing, the call assistant at the relay does not type most words but, instead, re-voices the words spoken by the hearing person into a computer operating a voice recognition software package trained to the voice of that call assistant. The conversation-type flow of communications achieved by this type of relay enables the design of a new class of interpreters for the deaf.

Abstract: An integrated safety control system comprises a controller unit, driver unit, first transmitter/receiver unit, and a second transmitter/receiver unit. The controller unit outputs control signals respectively based on input signals received thereto to control the entire system. The driver unit drives the entire system in accordance in accordance with the control signals from the controller unit. The first transmitter/receiver unit is equipped in the driver unit and is serving to receive the control signals from the controller unit and to transmit data from the driver unit to the controller unit. The second transmitter/receiver is equipped in the controller unit and is serving to transmit the controls signals from the controller unit to the driver unit and to receive data transmitted from the driver unit.

Abstract: Root nodule bacterial strains are designed specifically to aid in the growth of soybeans. A high copy number plasmid is described to make trifolitoxin, an antibiotic. The plasmid is preferably hosted in a Sinorhizobium species which is capable of nodulating roots of soybean plants. The phenotype of trifolitoxin production confers a competitive advantage on the inoculant strains by inhibiting competitive strains. To facilitate soybean growth a separate hydrogen uptake capability is also included in the inoculant, either in the same Sinorhizobium strain or in a companion trifolitoxin-resistant strain of root nodule bacteria introduced in the same inoculant.

Abstract: A coupling link (100) to be interconnected between a hoisting device and a shortenable hoisting chain (54,55,56) is provided. The coupling link is elongated and comprises a connecting portion (110) in the form of a loop for connection to the hoisting device and an anchoring portion (150) for anchoring of an end link (51) of the hoisting chain. A selected link, namely a support link (55), of the hoisting chain is inserted in a support slot (132) between two support shanks (131a, 131b) of the coupling link, and a hoisting chain link adjoining the support link, namely an engagement link (54), will make contact, at an end portion thereof, with corresponding seating surfaces (133a, 133b). The loop portion (110) defines a free internal space (111), which is dimensioned to enable pulling through the hoisting chain (50) for adjustment of its effective length and which directly adjoins the support slot (132).

Abstract: A corona treatment apparatus has a rotating roller electrode and a stationary electrode assembly for treating material passing over the roller electrode. The stationary electrode assembly includes an electrode support that extends along the roller electrode and is spaced therefrom. A one-piece dielectric element is positioned between the electrode support and the roller electrode with the material to be treated passing therebetween. A plurality of conductive electrode elements are separately movable into a first position in contact with the one-piece dielectric element to produce a corona that treats material passing over the roller electrode. A separate over-the-center spring mechanism is provided to hold each conductive electrode element in the first, treatment position, or in a second, withdrawn position in which no corona is produced.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with rotating feeder, having an animal activated feedwheel for spreading feed within a trough. A first stopper is connectable to, and extendable from, the feedwheel. The first stopper defines an orbit path when the feedwheel is rotated. A second stopper is connectable to and extendable from a stationary portion of the feeder and into the orbit path. When the first stopper engages the second stopper, the stoppers cooperate to limit rotation of the feedwheel to a single direction about the aperture axis.

Abstract: A snow plow blade includes a forward extending gate to catch snow rolling off the snow plow blade such as may form a snow ridge blocking drives, crosswalks and fire hydrants. The gate follows a trajectory forward from the curb edge of the plow blade to prevent catching the extension gate with the curb regardless of angulation of the plow blade or the degree of extension. The extension gate extension mechanism may be completely attached to the rear surface of the plow blade to operate independently of angulation of the plow blade.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a housing which contains a motor that drives a spindle. A tool bit is attached to the motor by a holder that includes a body with a first end portion connected to the spindle, a central portion with a cavity therein, and a second end portion having an aperture through which a shaft of the tool bit passes into the cavity. A pair of lock pawls are pivotally mounted in the cavity with each one having a first tab that enters a slot in the shaft when the lock pawls are in a first position to hold the tool bit in the instrument. The first tabs retract from the slot when the lock pawls are in a second position for changing the tool bit. The lock pawls have second tabs that engage a restrainer only in the second position to prevent the body from rotating. A ring extends around the body and pivots the lock pawls between the first and second positions when the ring moved longitudinally along the body.

Abstract: A force is produced within an object by two intersecting ultrasonic beams. The frequency of this force is equal to the beat frequency of the two intersecting beams when their frequencies are made different, or the force may vary as a function of a baseband audio signal f(t) that is used to modulate one of the two beams. The sonic waves produced at the intersection of the two beams can be used to detect the presence of objects or to image objects based on their mechanical properties, or to regenerate desired audio signals at the intersection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a Bifidobacterium strain isolate. It can be used as an additive to infant food and beverage products, as well as to provide a healthful bacteria to human adults and non-human mammals. The bacterium acts as a probiotic. For example, the bacterium assists newborns in producing protective acetic acid and lactic acid, as well as antimicrobials and vitamins. The bacterium can also be used to reseed bacteria levels caused by diarrhea, chemotherapy, advancing age, antibiotics, or other causes.