Abstract: Compositions particularly suitable for use in preparation of concrete and mortar products comprising at least one cement and from about 5% to about 30% by weight of the cement of siliceous ash from crop residue, wherein the ash is from about 60% to about 95% by weight silica, at least about 90% of the silica is amorphous, at least about 75% of ash particles are in a size range of from about 4 to about 75 micrometers, and the ash particles have a mean particle diameter measured by laser-light scattering of at least 6 micrometers and a B.E.T. surface area of at least 20 m.sup.2 /g. The cement employed is a portland cement or a blended portland cement. Concrete and mortar products prepared from these compositions are characterized by exhibiting after 28 days a compressive strength of at least 2500 psi and chloride permeabilities of less than 2000 coulombs when measured in accordance with AASHTO T-277.

Abstract: An indicator used for monitoring whether or not a cooled or deep-frozen product has exceeded a preset critical temperature. The indicator includes a hollow shape which is symmetrically divided by separating walls. This structure allows the indicator fluids to be placed on a circular radius within the hollow shape. This design also exhibits a special centrifugal axis. This axis allows the fact that the products have reached the critical temperature to be disclosed in the following manner: the indicator fluids melt and move away from their resting place in the hollow shape. If the fluids are re-frozen, they can not return to their prior resting place because the fluids arrived at that original resting place due to centrifugation. Thus, departure from the fluids' centrifuged state gives notice that the products have reached their critical temperature.

Abstract: A reversible skirting assembly for attachment to a base structure. The skirting assembly has a reversible main skirting panel and a reversible flap panel. Each panel has two surfaces and the panels extend from opposite edges of an attachment strip so that the first skirting panel surface and the second flap panel surface constitute a common face, and the second skirting panel surface and the first flap panel surface constitute a common face. The attachment strip has adhering means affixed to opposite sides and the adhering means are adapted to matingly engage an adhering element affixed to the base structure.

Abstract: A system to transfer information from a video screen. A sensor embedded in a suction cup detects an increase in intensity of a synchronizing scan line and an increase in intensity of a data scan line and utilizes the time differential between the two events to determine the location of the increase in intensity of the data scan line. In an alternative embodiment, the intensity increase location may be transferred to an electronic musical instrument where it is analyzed by a microprocessor and the information is used to assign notes to the keys of a keyboard.

Abstract: Polymer materials are described, which are formed by polymerization of monomer mixtures containing at least one compound of the formula I(RH.sub.2 Si).sub.x A (I)wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, unsubstituted alkyl, substituted alkyl, unsubstituted aryl and substituted aryl; A is a polyvalent moiety; and x is 2-4. Methods for preparation of polymers derived from monomer mixtures consisting essentially of polyvalent polysilanes, as well as mixtures of polysilanes with monovalent monosilanes, are also described.

Abstract: An improved fiber optic backlighting panel provides increased background illumination relative to the amount of light transmitted therethrough, in devices such as rubber keypads, membrane switches, liquid crystal displays, rigid panels or the like. The fiber optic panel comprises a light source and a layer of optical fibers arranged adjacent each other which transmit the light beamed therein to different locations throughout the device, to provide increased and uniform intensity of light at specific locations or uniformly distributed light throughout the device. The optical fibers are selectively terminated at the different locations by forming holes through the layer of optical fibers with a laser, according to a predetermined geometric pattern of dot locations stored in a computer memory. In one specific embodiment for application in liquid crystal displays, a layer of foam is used to diffuse and scatter light to provide uniform illumination.

Abstract: Titaniferous solid containing titanium (IV) oxide, for example ilmenite, is reacted with silicon tetrafluoride gas at 800.degree. C. or more and at a pressure of at least 1 atmosphere to produce titanium tetrafluoride vapor and silica. The vapor is rapidly removed from the reaction zone, preferably by rapid cooling to solid titanium tetrafluoride, at a sufficient distance from the reaction zone so as not to quench the reaction. The titanium tetrafluoride may be hydrolysed to produce titanium dioxide and hydrogen fluoride which is combined with silica to regenerate silicon tetrafluoride. It is preferred to pretreat the titaniferous solid by grinding and then roasting at 700.degree. C. to 750.degree. C. in air. Products of the reaction may be separated and purified by condensation and resublimation.

Abstract: A digital signal transmitter which is mounted upon a rigid panel by resiliently deformable strips such as double-sided adhesive or springs. The mounting is such that a button is disposed adjacent a switch contained within the transmitter structure. The entire apparatus is then worn by a person upon a belt-like structure in such a way that upon muscular expansion by the person wearing the structure, the button closes the switch causing the transmitter to emit a radio frequency signal. The radio frequency signal may then be received by a transponder or other electronic device which amplifies and converts the signal and directs it toward a central station.

Abstract: A multi-vehicle transport system for the transportation of bulk material such as trash and the like is disclosed. The multi-vehicle transport system includes a primary load vehicle operable to go to remote areas and discharge the contents of a standard bin into a hopper, and a secondary load vehicle operable using a hydraulically actuated fork lift system to lift and discharge the contents of the hopper from the primary load vehicle into the secondary load vehicle. A method of multi-vehicle transport of bulk materials is also described.

Abstract: A stand-alone electric lamp which includes a base and a general area light source affixed to opposite ends of a stem to provide general area lighting. Disposed on the stem intermediate the base and the general area light source are a plurality of light sources for providing task lighting directable to specific areas. Each of the general area and task lights are individually controllable. Each of the task lights is adjustable universally to enable directing the light therefrom to the desired area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods for measuring the haze of a thin film, such as a transparent conductive film, deposited on a substrate by either the reflectance of light by the external surface or the scattering of light by the internal grain surfaces of the thin film. More particularly, the haze measuring system is operated fully under computer control. The control program guides an operator through a calibration procedure, then calculates the haze of a thin film by comparing the reflectance minima at a wavelength of 500 nm or the ratio of the reflectance amplitude at 500 nm to 800 nm to calibration standards.

Abstract: Diamond-containing ceramic composites useful as substrates and the like in the electronics industry as well as for abrasive and cutting applications and methods of making same are disclosed. More specifically, the sol-gel process is used to fabricate the composites by combining water, an organometallic precursor compound, alcohol or similar solvent between the water and the precursor compound, a catalyst, diamond powder and a thickening agent to form a moldable, wet, porous gel which can be dried at a temperature below the boiling point of any of the gel liquids to form a stabilized porous composite. The stabilized porous composite can be densified, by heat, in an essentially oxygen-free atmosphere to form a diamond-containing ceramic composite having low porosity.

Abstract: A color synthesizing scanning electron microscope having a scanning primary beam of electrons directed toward a specimen, is configured to produce color images of high information content. The microscope comprises at least two wide energy bandwidth secondary electron detectors, arranged around the specimen at predetermined variable angles, for receiving electron emission from the specimen subsequent to incidence of the scanning primary electron beam. The wide energy bandwidth secondary detectors detect electrons with trajectory or positional differences and convert the positional differences to signals for synthesizing color. The signals from the wide energy bandwidth secondary electron detectors are combined to generate signals representative of different colors. Additional signals representing a difference between any two input signals from the wide energy bandwidth secondary detectors can also be generated.

Abstract: Contraceptive devices which are effective for extended periods of time are described, in the form of means for releasing an effective amount of a gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone composition and means for releasing an effective amount of an estrogenic hormone over a first period of time, and means for releasing an effective amount of a progestogen for a second period of time, the second period of time being substantially shorter than and running simultaneously with a portion of the first period of time. The gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone composition is selected from gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone, gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone analogues, gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone agonists, gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone antagonists and mixtures thereof. Contraceptive methods employing the devices are also described.

Abstract: A single probe with thermal diffusion flow monitor (hereinafter known as "SPTDFM") that has improved reliability, smaller overall size, simpler method of sensor positioning, better compatibility and capability to monitor blood flow, pressure and other critical physiological parameters is provided. The SPTDFM is formed by the combination of a thermal diffusion flow monitor, a pressure monitor, a multiple parameter monitor and a support structure.

Abstract: A stepper motor in a magnetic tape cartridge head positioning system applies vernier control to achieve a final target after a preliminary target has been achieved by stepping. The vernier control is provided by a closed loop servo system in which current is applied to stator coils selected so that the target is at a torque maximum rather than at a torque null. Current proportional to a servo error signal is applied to selected stator coils so that the torque is sufficiently linearly related to position to permit classical linear servo analysis for the design of a stable, non-oscillating system. An example of stator coil selection for advancing and retarding a permanent magnet stepper motor operated in eight half steps is provided below in Table 1.

Abstract: A wave spring having uniformly positioned surface projections and predetermined consistent spring tension deflection is disclosed. The wave spring includes; a spring ring having projections in the ring's radial wall at predetermined positions within the wall thereby producing a wave spring having specific predetermined spring tension deflecting in response to specific loads. Deflection capability is maintained due to the position and heights of the projections. A wave spring which can be utilized in bayonet or non-bayonet style electrical connectors to provide a specified and predetermined spring tension deflection is also disclosed. A method of fabrication for a wave spring having uniformly positioned surface projections and predetermined consistent spring tension deflection is also described.

Abstract: A metal diaphragm valve comprises a valve cage, a metallic valve seat integral with the valve cage, a metal diaphragm having a peripheral edge portion supported in a .[.liquid-tight.]. .Iadd.fluid-tight .Iaddend.manner by the valve cage and a central portion facing the valve to touch and leave the seat, a drive member for opening and closing the metal diaphragm, and a diaphragm pressing member interposed between the drive member and the metal diaphragm and adapted to press the diaphragm against the valve seat at a uniform sealing pressure.