Abstract: A modified pertussis toxin suitable as a pertussis vaccine having an essentially unmodified B-oligomer and a catalytic subunit which is inactivated by treatment with polyphosphate compounds, sulfhydryl reductants and mild detergents followed by modification of the activated --SH groups to inhibit ADP-ribosylating activity.

Abstract: Higher order cuprate complexes are prepared by means of a transmetalation from a corresponding zirconate intermediate. This process is particularly valuable with respect to the preparation of vinylic side chains such as are present in prostaglandins, as it is possible in accordance with the present invention to proceed directly from the acetylenic precursors via the reactive cuprates to the desired final products in a one-pot operation without isolation of intermediates and in high yields. Sequential additions to zirconium intermediates of components which together comprise the cuprate involved in transmetalation with the zirconium intermediate are disclosed as alternative procedures.

Abstract: A hose (1) and hollow member (2) arrangement in which the hose is fittable at its end over the hollow member. The hose (1) has an inner wall and an annular recess (3) in this wall for receiving an annular projection (10) of the hollow member, and beyond this recess (3) in the direction away from the end of the hose a lip seal (4) extending circumferentially all around the inner wall of the hose. The lip seal (4) extends away from the inner wall obliquely in the direction away from the end of the hose (1) and is disposed for engaging the end face of the hollow member (2) with a gap (9) left between opposing faces of the inner wall of the hose (1) and the lip seal (4). When assembled, a fastener (12) secured around the end portion of the hose (1) holds the hose fast against the hollow member (2).

Abstract: The gripping characteristics of the contact surface of a handle, grip or glove are improved by applying an extremely soft, elastomeric coating having a hardness of 20 to 40 Shore A, a tensile strength of 700 to 1700 psi, an elongation of 400 to 1400 percent and a tear resistance of 100 to 400 PLI, such as an oil-modified, styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene block copolymers. The oil-modified, styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene block copolymer is dissolved by high temperature, high shear mixing in an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, such as ethyl benzene, in the range of 10% to 45% solids. The coating solution can also contain a pigment. The thus formed coating solution is then applied to the contact surface and dried, so as to form the polymer coating.

Abstract: A spring-oriented rotary shear key is used in a mold for forming a container with a latch opening, from a sheet of deformable material. The mold has upper and lower mold portions with die surfaces disposed facing each other and configured to press the sheet of deformable material inserted therebetween into a container. Upper and lower keys, each having a shear surface, are mounted in the upper and lower mold portions, respectively, such that the shear surfaces face each other in substantially parallel alignment to form an opening in the container as the mold portions travel towards each other. The lower key is mounted such that its shear surface rotates along an axis normal to a path of travel of the mold portions.

Abstract: An apparatus having a high center of gravity incorporating an energy absorbing device is disclosed. The energy absorbing device includes a rapidly extending shock absorbing device to absorb and thereby dampen the forward motion of an apparatus having a high center of gravity such as a vending machine subjected to a tipping force in the lateral direction. A method of fabrication for example a vending machine having an energy absorbing device is also described. In the vending machine example, the energy absorbing device prevents an individual from using a rocking motion to develop sufficient angular momentum enabling the individual to tip the vending machine into a forward position.

Abstract: There is disclosed an oven comprising at least one halogen lamp (4a) provided with a far infrared coating and at least one halogen lamp (4b) without a far infrared coating, both halogen lamps (4a, 4b) being disposed in a grill chamber having on the front a door which can be opened and closed.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, easy to use, portable grill that is fuel-efficient, eliminates flaming totally and retains the natural flavor of food being grilled is provided. The portable grill is formed by the combination of a food supporting grid placed inside a grease collection pan that receives heat from a flame to one side of the pan and a cover extending past the end of the pan, to reflect the heat evenly into the pan. The portable grill can easily be adapted to accept skewers for applications such as in cooking shish kebabs.

Abstract: A piston-connecting rod assembly for a crank shaft creates periods of transition, such as dwell, in engines or compressors. The piston, which reciprocates in compression and power strokes, is connected to the connecting rod by upper and lower piston pins. The connecting rod has (a) a lower end portion for connecting the connecting rod to the crank shaft, (b) a central portion having a central portion opening for receiving the lower piston pin, and (c) an upper end portion having an upper end portion opening for receiving the upper piston pin.

Abstract: A control valve including a second stage spool for controlling flow of fluid from a source thereof to a load. The valve includes one additional pressure slot and one additional return slot on each side thereof and separated by a land on the spool from the usual pressure and return slots respectively. Each of the spool lands separating the pressure and return slots defines and opening therethrough to interconnect the slots so that upon movement of the spool to connect the source to the load, a greater flow of fluid is provided and would be possible with the same size spool without the additional pressure and return slots.

Abstract: A disposable cut-off wheel for mounting on a rotatable threaded spindle which may be used with a power tool. The cut-off wheel includes a central aperture which contains a threaded nut having a flange at one end non-removably secured thereto without the aid of adhesives in such a manner that the cut-off wheel is placed in compression when it is operably secured upon the spindle under operational loads. The nut is secured to the cut-off wheel by upsetting one end of the nut causing it to protrude outwardly over the rear surface of the cut-off wheel or into engagement with the aperture. A generally inverted cup shaped supporting flange is carried by the spindle for engaging the outer surface of the cut-off wheel during operation of the cut-off wheel. A plastic washer like insert member is received within and carried by the supporting flange and provides a bearing between the lip of the supporting flange and the cut-off wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging device and method for developing, duplicating and printing graphic media. The imaging device of the present invention is utilized in devices such as copiers, printers, game cards and the like, and comprises a substrate bearing an infrared image producing layer, a thermal image forming layer and a light source. A brief but intense flash of visible light from the light source causes latent heat properties of the infrared layer to generate heat and convert visible light into far infrared light. This far infrared light develops or marks portions of the thermal layer which are adjacent the infrared layer.

Abstract: A rotary direct drive servovalve having a force motor which includes a rotor assembly positioned within an isolation tube which is surrounded by a stator assembly. A permanent magnet is disposed adjacent a closed end of the isolation tube and is rotatable to position the rotor at a desired predetermined position by interaction of magnetic forces between the permanent magnet and permanent magnets disposed upon the rotor. The permanent magnet is clamped in position subsequent to adjustment to thereby provide centering forces on the rotor.

Abstract: An adjustable head mounting system for a magnetic recording device. The head mounting system includes a head tray for receiving a magnetic head and a bracket. The head tray is formed of a resilient material and has a first portion for receiving the head, a second portion intersecting the first portion along a first joining line, and a third portion intersecting the second portion along a second joining line. The three portions of the head tray each have a substantially planar surface and an adjustable coupling device to connect the surface to the bracket. The orientation and position of the head can be adjusted by adjusting the coupling device to pivot the head about the joining lines.

Abstract: An in-vessel composting system wherein the exhaust gas from aerated compost feed material is pretreated by scrubbers and then by a chiller/condenser. A small portion of this cool, relatively dry, ammonia-free gas is passed through an activated carbon column and discharged to the atmosphere. The remaining portion of the exhaust gas is supplemented by ambient air to make-up for the volume of air vented and recirculated through the composting system until such time as the system requires a fresh supply of oxygen. The system is then recharged by blowing in ambient air and venting the spent recirculating air.

Abstract: A latching mechanism is disclosed for application in vending machines, or the like. In a preferred embodiment the latching mechanism is of one-piece construction. The latching mechanism comprises a ramp mounted to an outer door of the vending machine and configured such that an inner door of the vending machine remains latched to the outer door when it is pulled away from a dispenser housing to access the refrigerated compartment therein. The ramp preferably comprises a ridge on a horizontal surface thereof. When the inner door is urged against the outer door, it passes over the ridge and comes to rest on the ramp. The ridge deters the inner door from sliding off the ramp and becoming detached from the outer door. An appropriate amount of force applied to separate the two doors causes the inner door to roll over the ridge and swing away from the outer door.

Abstract: A landscape care tool can take the form of a vegetation-cutting tool incorporating circular-shaped blades having teeth or an earth-working tool incorporating hoeing tines. Drive linkage for such tool forms, as well as other tool forms, imparts linear movement in response to rotation of a shaft. The drive linkage includes a worm element which rotates with the shaft and a tooth carrier which moves linearly in response to rotation of the worm element. The worm element has one set of threads angled in one direction and a second set of threads angled in the opposite direction. The tooth carrier carries one tooth which engages threads of the first set of threads in order to move the carrier in one linear direction and a second tooth which engages threads of the second set of threads to move the carrier in the opposite linear direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a coupling ring such as a canted washer or spring for use in non-self locking electrical connectors is disclosed. The canted washer or spring having uniform frustoconical surface is positioned between the plug and coupling ring providing a known spring force response between the coupling ring and plug shell shoulder. In one embodiment, the canted washer is used in a non-bayonet electrical connector with a swaged coupling ring. An alternative embodiment is described as a double turn canted spring used in conjunction with a non-swaged, grooved coupling ring. The apparatus is used in both metal and composite non-bayonet electrical connectors. Configuration to a particular cant for either the canted washer or spring is calculable using known factors such as; size, material thickness, and the modulus of the material. A canted washer or wave spring for use in electrical connectors subjected to high and low temperature environments is also disclosed.

Abstract: An energy efficient light switch providing dual switching capability for banks of overhead lights through the detection of infrared energy activity in a room. The switch has three positions preset by the user, activating a sufficient, but limited amount of light for a room through the automatic control of all, none or a portion of the banks of lights in the room. The switch is operable at 277 volts or 120 volts, has a sweep range of from 0.degree. to 180.degree. and is applicable for most lighting fixtures, fluorescent as well as incandescent and replaces the standard wall mounted wall switchplate. A method of manufacturing the energy efficient infrared light switch is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a toothbrush of the type having a plastic head and bristles terminating in the head and extending therefrom in an array, the toothbrush comprising an antibacterial composition embedded in pores created in the plastic head, which antibacterial composition is slowly releasable from the toothbrush into the buccal cavity during repeated use thereof during the life of the brush.