Abstract: A combination of amino acids (carnitine, glutamine, isoleucine, leucine and valine) provide diet supplements which employ branched amino acids (BAA) to promote muscle adaptation to strenuous exercise. The diet supplements provide the BAA substrate which is utilized at the expense of muscle mass as well as liver protein, stimulate muscle and liver protein synthesis, contribute amino groups for the synthesis of alanine and glutamine, encourage metabolism of pyruvate to alanine, rather than to lactate, and encourage proton efflux from muscle (via glutamine).

Abstract: An endless chain-belt assembly for engagement around a pulley or tooth sprocket includes an intermediate portion comprising a plurality of center links for engaging the sprocket, the links being connected by transfer of pins. An edge portion defining the opposed edges of the chain-belt assembly as a plurality of edge links defining a surface for engagement with surfaces of the pulley. Structures provided for removably attaching the edge links to the intermediate portion. A tensioning assembly for maintaining tension on the chain-belt assembly includes a first and second tensioning pulley, roller or sprocket for pivotal movement in the plane of rotation of the belt and bias and biasing structure for normally biasing the first idler pulley and the second idler pulley in engagement with the belt.

Abstract: A telephone maintenance termination unit utilizes a low voltage, bidirectional trigger switch. The trigger switch provides low voltage, low current triggering in conjunction with a high holding current requirement. The trigger switch may comprise either two silicon controlled rectifiers connected in inverse parallel relationship with their gates connected, a bidirectional diffused PNPN semiconductor device, or an NPN semiconductor device, any one of which is used to trigger a power control TRIAC. In another embodiment, the switching device may be a two-terminal, unitary semiconductor device incorporating the functions of both the TRIAC and the bidirectional trigger switch.

Abstract: A distributed switching system (20) is provided for implementation in an integrated circuit utilizing a switching bus (30) in which bus lines (30a-30n) are time division multiplexed serial data streams consisting of time slots used for both transmit and receive directions. The distributed switching system (20) includes a bus line selector (31) to select one of the plurality of bus lines (30a-30n) to perform space switching functions. A slot counter (32) is provided for selecting one of a plurality of time slots on the plurality of bus lines (30a-30n) to perform a time switching function. Interface shift registers (33, 35) are interconnected for transmitting to and receiving data from the switching bus (30). Interconnected to the bus registers (33, 35) is a line interface register (34) for transmitting to and receiving data from a digital instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for drying hanger mounted clothes, comprising a hanger rod mounted above a drip pan element, where said rod and drip pan assembly may be slidably removed from a drying cabinet so that wet clothing articles may be easily mounted on the hanger rod. In another aspect, the present invention relates to an improved clothing hanger having at least one clothing clip adapted so as to retain an article of clothing to prohibit said article from being removed from said hanger during operations, where said clothing clip may be attached to said hanger by an extension wire. In another aspect, an automatic control is provided so that the drying cycle may be preselected so as to achieve the most efficient drying of the clothing articles.

Abstract: In an oil or gas well, a cement retainer setting tool for setting and pumping cement therethrough includes an inner piston defining a bore and an activation sleeve carried on the piston and defining an annular space between the piston and sleeve. A sleeve ring is formed inwardly from the activation sleeve and is positioned within the annular space beween the piston and the sleeve. Ports are provided to the piston above the sleeve ring for communicating a retainer setting pressure to the sleeve ring to move the sleeve downwardly relative to the piston upon application of such pressure. A plug means for plugging the lower end of the piston is provided therein. The plug means is disengagable upon application of a predetermined pressure greater than the retainer setting pressure. A second port structure is provided for connecting the lower end of the piston to a cement retainer, or other tool.

Abstract: A rotatable reciprocating collar is provided for series connection into a borehole casing string. The collar includes a cylindrical barrel connected to one segment of the casing and a cylindrical mandrel telescopically positioned within the barrel and connected to the other segment of the casing. The mandrel has a plurality of splines projecting radially outward and the barrel has a corresponding plurality of splines projecting radially inward from its inner surface. The splines of the mandrel engage the splines of the barrel when the mandrel is telescopically extended so that the entire casing string can be rotated as a unit. After the lower segment of the casing string is fixed in place by a lower stage cementing operation, the upper segment of the casing string can be reciprocated toward the lower segment to telescopically retract the mandrel into the barrel.

Abstract: A cooling system for dispensing beverages is provided having a tubular tub open at the top and bottom and adapted to receive a cold plate. The cold plate has cooling coils cast within it and is easily disassembled from the tub. The tub has a ledge near the bottom. The ledge features a groove for holding a gasket, and a channel for receiving threaded lugs. The cooling plate has bolt holes which correspond to the lugs. Bolts are inserted through the cooling plate and into the lugs. Tightening the bolts creates a watertight seal between the plate and the tub. The present cooling system is thus readily disassembled for ease of repair.

Abstract: A subpurlin (10) is provided for a building assembly having a plurality of overhead structural members (50), an insulating layer (62) and a plurality of overlapping roof panels (56). The subpurlins (10) support and space the roof panels (56) without compressing the insulating layer (62). Connector assemblies (30) secure the subpurlins (10) on the structural members (50) while permitting differential thermal movements between the roof panels (56) and the structural members (50). The connector assemblies (30) have ferrules (32) which slidingly engage slots (16) in the subpurlins (10). Washers (34) are fastened to the structural members (50) through the ferrules (32) during subpurlin (10) installation.

Abstract: Elastomer compositions suitable for use in foaming operations and elastomeric cellular products and processes of forming such products. The elastomer compositions comprise a mixture of two thermoplastic rubber compounds, at least one of which has a vinyl aromatic component and a higher aromaticity than the other rubber compound. The compositions also contains a nucleating agent which functions when gas is entrained in the molten elastomer formulation to enhance the neutrophilic structure of the elastomer. An unstable resin is also present in the elastomer compositions. This resin is oxidized or thermally decomposed as the foamed product is cured to produce a relatively nontactified skin. Cellular elastomeric products may be formed by incorporating an inert gas into the molten elastomer compositions by the use of gas infusing equipment or by the decomposition of blowing agents. The blowing agents may be supplied to the molten elastomer composition entrained within a plasticizing oil.

Abstract: A staple remover (10) is provided having first and second arms (12, 14). Each of the arms (12, 14) include parallel sidewalls (16, 18, 22, 24) interconnected by a web (20, 26). Structure (28, 30) is provided for connecting the arms (12, 14) such that the sidewalls (16, 18) are slidable within the sidewalls (22, 24). Structure (50) is disposed between the sidewalls (16, 18) of the first arm (12) for engaging a staple between the engaging structure (50) and the web (26) of the second arm (14).

Abstract: A microwave ferrite circulator has a conductive junction with three equal angular conductors connected to serve as ports of the circulator. Ferrite plates are positioned on opposite sides of the conductive junction. Magnetic members form a magnetic coupling path between a permanent magnet and the ferrite plates. A bimetal strip is positioned in the magnetic coupling path between the magnet and the ferrite plates for altering the coupling as a function of temperature to thereby compensate for changes in tuning due to changes in temperatures of the circulator.

Abstract: A portable system (10) for abrading the floor of a bathtub (26) to render it slip resistant. The system contains a portable power unit (12) containing an air compressor providing compressed air to abrading unit (14) via compressed air hose (20) and provides a source of electrical power to an abrading unit (14) via a power cable (18). The abrading unit (14) is adapted to direct a high velocity stream of abrasive particles against the floor of a bathtub through perforations in a particle impervious template (24). The unit (14) which is adapted to travel in the forward direction (indicated by the arrow), has a carriage movable in a direction lateral to the direction of forward travel. An abrading head (38) is supported by and reciprocally movable with a carriage to apply the particle stream in a direction lateral to the direction of forward travel and normal to the bathtub surface.

Abstract: A door holding mechanism (10) is provided for holding a door (14) in an open position adjacent a wall (12). The door holding mechanism (10) includes a cylindrical housing (18). A magnetic coil (30) is mounted within the cylindrical housing (18). Structure (40, 50, 60, 64) is provided for pivotally mounting the cylindrical housing (18) to the wall (12). A door plate (68) is mounted on the door (14) which is magnetically attracted to the cylindrical housing (18) to hold the door (14) in an open position.

Abstract: This invention provides an automatic irrigation and evacuation device for use in laparoscopic procedures and surgery. The device comprises a means for directing a flow of liquid and, alternatively, applying a vacuum, through a single line. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the device provides two different positive controls for alternatively directing a flow of sterile irrigating solution and applying a vacuum through a single line passed through a laparoscope housing into a patient. The two different controls prevent confusion by the operator of the device, increasing the safety of the patient during medical procedures. The invention also optionally includes an external "T" valve attachable to the exterior of the valve body of the present invention to provide convenient connections for a source of carbon dioxide to the laparoscope, surgical laser or both simultaneously.

Abstract: An improved differential pressure transducer is provided having static overpressure protection means. The overpressure protection means includes spring-loaded element being shiftable in response to an overpressure condition.

Abstract: A rapid response patrol and antiterrorist vehicle (10) is disclosed which incorporates a weapon such as a machine gun (16) which can be extended through a roof opening of the vehicle (10) to control terrorist activity. However, when the weapon is in the storage position, the vehicle (10) has a totally conventional appearance.When the gun is to be used, the roof hatch (15) is retracted by a hydraulic motor (150) and is retracted into a space between a conventional appearing roof section (128) and an inner armored roof section (126). The weapon can then be raised on a pivotal weapon frame (18) which is activated by a rotary hydraulic motor (29). The pivotal weapon frame (18) can be securely fastened to a stationary support frame (22) within the vehicle by activating a locking pin (122). The control system prevents the pivotal weapon frame (18) from pivoting from its storage position to the firing position before the roof hatch (15) is fully retracted.

Abstract: A furnace heat exchanger and support plate assembly are joined together by a cooperating oval rim defining an opening in the heat exchanger and an opening formed by a mating flange on a partition plate and extending perpendicular to the plane of the plate. The flange on the partition plate is inserted in the opening in the heat exchanger unit and expanded radially outward with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the openings by a multiple jaw expander mechanism which is inserted through the opening in the plate into the interior of the heat exchanger. A second expander apparatus is inserted in the opening after withdrawal of the first expander to engage and expand portions of the flanges which were not fully displaced by the first expander. The expander mechanisms include radially and axially movable jaws comprising plural oval shaped jaw segments which are engaged by an axially movable mandrel.