Abstract: A storage unit includes a housing with a storage chamber, a carrier disposed inside the chamber for supporting a plurality of specimens in a predetermined array, and an access port on the housing for enabling access to the chamber for insertion and retrieval of specimens from the carrier. The access port includes an opening in the housing and a plug member removably located in the opening. The carrier is provided with a seat for receiving the plug member during an access operation, so that the plug member is located in the chamber during the access operation. A drive is operatively connected to the carrier for moving the carrier in the chamber to juxtapose different specimens to the access port. An insertion and removal mechanism is coupled to the housing for alternately inserting and removing specimens from the chamber via the access port during the access operation.

Abstract: Photographic film including a flexible substrate sheet divided on one side into a multiplicity of different picture areas provided with respective layers of photosensitive chemical material having a plurality of different photosensitivities. Thus, each sheet or strip of film is essentially multiple ASA film. Such a film strip is provided with detectible code on a substrate sheet for encoding the photosensitivities of the different picture areas in a readable format. A camera utilizing the film is provided with a magnetic reader for determining film speeds or photosensitivities of the different picture areas on the film. A film transport mechanism is controlled by a microprocessor to move an unexposed picture area of an appropriate ASA to an exposure zone of the camera, either in response to a manually selected ASA or an automatic determination of optimal film speed in accordance with lighting conditions as detected by a light sensor, subject distance, etc.

Abstract: A process for producing an omega-functionalized aliphatic carboxylic acid starting from cyclohexanone and omega-functionalized .alpha.-olefins or acrylic esters. The process comprises an addition step, an oxidation step, an isomerization step, and one or more hydrogenation steps. The process allows to use raw materials that are available at low cost and to achieve high selectivity and high yield with industrially simple steps. The process includes the production of new intermediate products, including 2-oxepanone-7-substituted products.

Abstract: A fastening device particularly usable for sports shoes, such as roller skates or ice skates or ski boots, includes a base (5) which is associated with a first flap (2) of the shoe and from which there protrude two shoulders (6a, 6b) for the pivoting of a lever arm between which a support for a pawl (14) for selective engagement with a toothed tab (4) is pivoted. The support has at least one lateral protrusion (22) which interacts with a hole (25) formed on shoulder (6a) of the base; this allows to achieve easy snap-closing and snap-opening of the lever arm.

Abstract: A synchronous reciprocating electric machine includes a first magnet system having first and second opposing surfaces forming between them a gap, and a second magnet system mounted within the gap so as to be displaceable relative to the first magnet system along a line of travel through the gap. The the first magnet system is configured for generating a magnetic field, referred to as the "gap field", directed across the gap primarily perpendicular to the first surface. The second magnet system includes two magnetic elements configured to generate equal but opposite magnetic fields primarily perpendicular to the first surface. These magnetic elements are spaced from each other along the line of travel by a distance b, where b>0. One of magnet systems produces a non-alternating magnetic field and the other is a coil assembly for producing an operating magnetic field.

Abstract: A noninvasive medical treatment system includes a support for supporting a patient in a predetermined position and a frequency generator for generating essentially monochromatic electromagnetic energy of a frequency selected from a plurality of different treatment frequencies predetermined to selectively destroy organic molecules of respective types specific to a plurality of different kinds of human tissue. A selector is operatively connected to the frequency generator for selecting the one frequency from among the different treatment frequencies produceable by the frequency generator. The system further comprises radiation transmission and guidance components disposed between the frequency generator and the support for directing the energy from the frequency generator to predetermined target tissues internal to the patient supported on the support and for concentrating the energy on the target tissues.

Abstract: A pair of multifocal contact lenses for a patient comprises a first corneal contact lens having a concave posterior surface and a convex anterior surface. The anterior surface is formed with a power curve having exactly two vision correction zones, namely, a circular distance vision correction zone and an annular intermediate vision correction zone contiguous with the distance vision correction zone. The intermediate vision correction zone of the first lens is concentric or coaxial with the distance vision correction zone. A second corneal contact lens of the pair also has a concave posterior surface and a convex anterior surface. The anterior surface of the second lens is formed with a power curve having exactly two vision correction zones: a circular near vision correction zone and an annular intermediate vision correction zone contiguous with the near vision correction zone. The intermediate vision correction zone of the second lens is concentric or coaxial with the near vision correction zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars by covering the scar with a gas-or gel-filled cushion made of smooth or textured silicone sheeting. It relates particularly to a cushion in the form of a hollow bag filled with completely dry air, inert gel or an inert gas. The invention also relates to a silicone sheeting cushion enclosing silicone beads, polymeric pieces or bodies made of polyfluoroethylene sheeting or a related polymer which produces a negative static charge or, preferably, a silicone sponge or hydrophobic gel, most preferably silicone gel.

Abstract: A wireless receiving subsystem operatively connectable to a broadcast receiver unit having a frequency tuner has an antenna with a feed point, an amplifier located essentially at the feed point, and a transmission line extending from the feed point of the antenna and the amplifier to a signal input of the broadcast receiver unit. The transmission line having a pair of conductors, for example, coaxial conductors. A manually operated switch is disposed in the transmission line for applying a DC voltage across the conductors, while a relay switch is operatively connected to the transmission line for changing a connection state of the amplifier to the transmission line in response to the voltage.

Abstract: A dental instrument includes an elongate handle having a structural axis, a drill bit mounted to the handle at a distal end thereof for rotation about a rotation axis different from and substantially parallel to the structural axis, and a drive operatively connected to the drill bit and disposed at least partially in the handle for rotating the drill bit about the rotation axis. The drill bit is part of a bit assembly detachably secured to the handle at the distal end thereof. Where the handle includes a nozzle at the distal end, the bit assembly including means for redirecting liquid from the nozzle approximately to a free end of the drill bit. This redirection component may include a deflector surface or, alternatively, a channel or passageway for repressurizing liquid from the nozzle. In the latter case, another nozzle is provided at the downstream end of the channel or passageway. In addition, it is contemplated that the bit assembly includes a mechanical power linkage releasably connected to the drive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-service gasoline pump system with game functions in which a plurality of gasoline dispensers or pumps are respectively provided with a game device, and the game devices are connected in parallel to each other and to a controller. While a dispenses gasoline, the game device performs a game automatically whenever a predetermined certain amount of gasoline or charge is reached, or manually whenever the user pushes a button for starting games, so as to offer premiums to the user according to game points. The game results are displayed under the control of the controller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to preparations of birdseed treated with capsaicin or capsaicin derivatives or analogues thereof in an amount sufficient to be unpalatable to animals having capsaicin sensitive receptors, and more specifically to mammals such as rodents. These "hot" compounds, extracts or whole plant material containing these compounds may be coated on, impregnated in or combined (e.g., mixed) with birdseed to repel troublesome mammals which recognize these compounds as "hot". These "hot" compounds, in contrast, will not repel birds because birds do not recognize these compounds as "hot" since they do not have capsaicin sensitive receptors. The invention is further directed to a method of selectively repelling animals having capsaicin sensitive receptors, which comprises feeding the treated birdseed of the invention to birds, in an amount effective for repelling animals having capsaicin sensitive receptors, thereby discouraging said animals from eating the treated birdseed.

Abstract: A camera device having photosensitive film, a frame connected to the film for holding the film fixed in a first plane, and a plurality of lenses of several predetermined focusing powers mounted to the frame and disposed in a second plane spaced from and parallel to the plane of the film. A shutter assembly is mounted to the frame for enabling light transmission selectively through the lenses and onto the film. The shutter assembly is actuated by shutter activation componentry mounted to the frame and operatively connected to the shutter assembly. A Fresnel lens and a Fresnel reflector are mounted to the frame and disposed on opposite sides of a light source for providing artificial illumination for the camera. Each lens is assocaited with a respective viewfinder and a respective camera exposure indicator. The camera a designed for storage and transport in a wallet or billfold.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating water to produce potable water includes a filter connected to an inlet of a heating unit in turn connected at an outlet to an input of a container with cooling components for separating out heavy water. The heavy water separator is coupled at an outlet to a tank having cooling and heating components and an ultraviolet radiation source for irradiating the water sample from the heavy water separator with ultraviolet radiation during a freezing and subsequent warming of the water sample. A storage vessel and a silver ionizer are disposed on a downstream side of the ultraviolet treatment tank. Various operations, including timing and water transfer, heating cooling and irradiating, are controlled by a programmed computer. Temperature sensors are disposed in the heating unit, the heavy water separator and the irradiation tank for monitoring temperatures of the water in the heating unit, the container and/or the tank.

Abstract: A process for producing coumarin and substituted coumarins starting from substituted hexahydrocoumarins or from substituted dihydrocoumarins. The process includes dehydrogenation in the presence of catalysts based on metals of Group VIII of the periodic table of the elements and in the presence of at least one easily reducible organic compound. The invention allows to achieve exceptionally high yields that do not require the recycling of the hexahydrocoumarin or of the dihydrocoumarin that are present at the end of the reaction, and also allows to achieve high selectivity and easy purification.

Abstract: An apparatus including a drawing element, a plurality of test tubes with airtight pierceable caps and a sucking system, suitably connected through ducts which are at least partially embodied in a disposable linking element, so that while preprogrammed volumes of air are orderly sucked out of said test tubes, programmed quantities of sample are collected into each of them. Some different construction patterns at different technological levels and an embodiment of said apparatus are outlined. A method for using it is described.

Abstract: A medical system incorporates a perforated flexible web conformable to a patient, at least one electroacoustic transducer attached to the web, an a-c current source being operatively connected to the transducer for energizing the transducer with an electrical signal of a pre-established ultrasonic frequency to produce a first pressure wave. At least one acoustoelectric transducer is attached to the web, while an analyzing component is operatively connected to the acoustoelectric transducer for determining three-dimensional shapes of internal organs of the patient by analyzing signals generated by the acoustoelectric transducer in response to second pressure waves produced at internal organs of the patient in response to the first pressure wave. An image of internal organic structures derived through the ultrasonic signal analysis is displayed on a video monitor for enabling direct observation of invasive diagnostic and therapeutic operations.

Abstract: A process for producing an omega-functionalized aliphatic carboxylic acid starting from cyclohexanone and omega-functionalized .alpha.-olefins. The process comprises an addition step, an oxidation step, an isomerization step, one or more hydrogenation steps and hydrolysis. The process allows to use raw materials that are available at low cost and to achieve high selectivity and high yield with industrially simple steps. The process includes the production of new intermediate products.