Abstract: A detector includes a sensor of an ambient condition. Outputs from the sensor are sampled at a predetermined rate when the outputs do not represent an alarm condition. The outputs are analyzed using pattern recognition techniques to determine if a predetermined profile, which precedes the presence of an alarm condition, is present. In the event that the profile is detected, the sample rate is increased along with associated sample value processing. The detector includes a programmable processor coupled to the sensor. The processor includes pattern recognition instructions for detecting the presence of the predetermined profile. The processor also includes instructions for altering the sampling rate in response to the detected presence of the profile. A second sensor can be incorporated to provide sample rate altering signals.

Abstract: A hand-operated pump for fluid distribution comprising a pump body defining a pump chamber, a hollow control rod traveling in the pump body between a rest position and a depressed, lower position, a free floating piston assembled in a sliding manner on the control rod, the piston and the rod serving to define an outlet valve, characterized in that the outlet valve exhibits a cylindrical tight sealing contact adapted to open by sliding the piston towards the top on the rod at a determined height and the rod includes a surface engaged by the piston and widening in a vertical direction towards the top.

Abstract: For an impeller pump, the seal/bearing unit has two rotor-stator pairs of tapered sleeves arranged back-to-back. The sleeves have a spiral groove, and convey barrier-liquid from an entry-mouth in an entry-chamber to an exit-mouth in an exit-chamber. Having two sleeves gives the units mechanical stability, thrust support capability, and resistence to vibrations and other abuses. The tapered sleeves may be arranged wide-narrow-wide, or narrow-wide-narrow. The sleeves may be mounted for sliding in the housing and on the shaft, or may be fixed to the housing or shaft.

Abstract: This invention concerns a sports bag such as a golf bag equipped with an organizer insert. In another aspect the invention concerns an organizer insert for a sports bag such as a golf bag. The invention involves an apertured plate, with each aperture being sized and shaped to comfortably receive, for example, a golf club handle. Side walls extend below the plate to define a single compartment beneath each aperture. A spacer is associated with the side walls to keep them in fixed relationship with each other as they extend downwards. A retainer is associated with each compartment to grip a golf club handle and resist its removal from the bag. Golf club handles may be dropped or pushed into the bag through the apertures in the plate. They are gripped by the retainers and are kept relatively still inside their respective compartments. In this way the clubs will be retained in fixed relative locations within the bag, and will be unlikely to fall out of the bag during normal handling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mutant of Bacillus thuringiensis which produces a larger amount of crystal delta-endotoxin with a greater pesticidal activity as compared to the corresponding parental strain. The mutant may also have a larger crystal size as compared to the corresponding parental strain. The crystal delta-endotoxin produced by the mutant Bacillus thuringiensis will have an activity directed towards the same pest(s) as its parental Bacillus thuringiensis crystal delta-endotoxin. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a mutant, compositions comprising such a mutant as well as methods for controlling a pest(s) using these compositions.

Abstract: A rod lens comprises a sleeve having two opposite ends, two correcting lenses, one at each of the opposite ends of the sleeve, and a light-transmitting fluid contained within an enclosed space defined by the sleeve and by the correcting lenses. The correcting lens at one of the opposite ends of the sleeve is non-convex. The correcting lens at the other end of the sleeve is convex. Depending upon what properties are sought, the non-convex lens may be planar or concave, and the light-transmitting fluid may exhibit optical properties of flint glass or of crown glass. If a liquid, the light-transmitting fluid may be water or a non-aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A vibratory conveying apparatus includes a trough operatively associated with a vibratory drive assembly for conveying pieces along the trough. The vibratory drive assembly includes a base member and a vibratory drive mounted to the base member. The trough is operatively associated with the vibratory drive to be driven into vibration substantially longitudinally with respect to the base member. First and second flexure members or bars extend longitudinally of the base member on opposite lateral sides of the base member, the bars connected at base ends to the base member. At least one leaf spring extends laterally across the base member, the leaf spring connected at opposite ends to distal ends of the bars and operatively connected at a center thereof to the trough. The flexure members provide increased flexibility at the leaf spring connections to increase useful spring life.

Abstract: A composite closure for a container having carbonated contents includes an outer closure cap having a top wall portion, and an annular depending skirt portion. A disc-shaped sealing liner is positioned within the closure cap adjacent the inside surface of the top wall portion. The liner includes an inwardly facing sealing portion at the periphery thereof, and further includes an annular seal bead which projects downwardly from the liner in a direction away from the top wall portion. The closure is configured for enhanced sealing with an associated container, with the top wall portion of the outer closure cap preferably including a relatively thick, peripheral reinforcing region which overlies the annular seal bead of the liner for further enhancing sealing.

Abstract: A garment comprising an outer layer, which has an outer surface and an inner surface, and an inner layer, which is attached to the outer layer, has a slit defined by two opposite margins. The garment comprises a fastener, such as a zipper or a hook-and-loop fastener, which is manipulatable to unfasten the opposite margins from each other and to refasten the opposite margins to each other. The slit provides access to the inner surface of the outer layer, when the opposite margins are unfastened from each other, so that a decoration can be stitched onto the outer surface of the outer layer, through the inner surface of the outer layer, without stitching through the inner layer.

Abstract: A spring coefficient adjustment system for a vibratory drive for use in driving a vibratory delivery apparatus. The drive includes an electromagnet and an associated armature spaced apart by a gap. In the drive, a plate is movable with respect to a frame. One of the electromagnet and the armature is connected to the frame and the respective other is connected to the spring plate. A primary spring is connected between the frame and the spring plate. A plurality of auxiliary elastomer shear springs are selectively engageable between the frame and the plate to change the total spring coefficient between the frame and the plate.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions of and methods for obtaining peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. The invention relates as well to the DNA sequences encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, the recombinant vectors carrying those sequences, the recombinant host cells including either the sequences or vectors, and recombinant peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor polypeptides. By way of example, the invention discloses the cloning and functional expression of a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, designated PPAR-&ggr;, obtained from a human source. The invention includes as well, methods for using the isolated, recombinant peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor polypeptides in assays designed to select and improve substances capable of interacting with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor polypeptides for use in diagnostic, drug design and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A system and method for generating an AC power output signal from a DC power input signal. The system incorporates a transformerless DC-to-DC boost regulator including a plurality of boost stages coupled in series for receiving a DC input signal and producing a boosted DC power signal. The system further incorporates a DC-to-AC converter coupled to the transformerless DC-to-DC boost regulator, for receiving the boosted DC power signal and generating an AC power output signal. A control element is coupled to both the DC-to-DC boost regulator and the DC-to-AC converter. In at least one embodiment, the system and method for generating an AC power output signal from a DC power input signal are used in connection with an uninterruptible power supply.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjuvant product which is intended to improve the activity of a molecule when administered to a host, characterized in that it comprises at least one part of the P40 protein of Klebsiella pneumoniae or a protein having at least 80% homology with the P40 protein of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The invention also relates to nucleotide sequences which encode these peptides or proteins and to the use of these sequences as a medicament. More particularly, such DNA sequences can be used in compositions which are intended for immunization by the intramuscular or intradermal route.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of brass components to reduce leachable lead therefrom when the components are exposed to water which includes the steps of first cleaning the brass components with a cleaning agent in the form of a mineral acid, a mineral acid plus an oxidizing agent, ammonium chloride or ferric chloride and then rinsing to remove the cleaning agent. Thereafter, the brass components are contacted with a lead removal reagent after which the brass components are washed again. It is also possible, in the preferred embodiment, to remove any leachable lead remaining on the surface of the brass components by the additional step of treating the brass components with a water soluble acid and thereafter rinsing the components to leave the components substantially free of the acid. The process as disclosed reduces the leachable lead to well within the most stringent state and/or federal guidelines.

Abstract: A color coded elastomeric ring is fit onto a dental instrument. The elastomeric ring includes axial and circumferential formations for increased traction of a dental practitioner's finger to manipulate the instrument. Advantageously, two elastomeric rings are provided, one at each end of the instrument. Each elastomeric ring preferably has an outside profile with a decreasing diameter toward the adjacent end of the instrument. The ring is located adjacent to a receiving port for a tool insert or point.

Abstract: A method for the inhibition of the binding of &agr;4&bgr;1 integrin to its receptors, for example VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) and fibronectin; compounds that inhibit this binding; pharmaceutically active compositions comprising such compounds; and the use of such compounds either as above, or in formulations for the control or prevention of diseases states in which &agr;4&bgr;1 is involved.

Abstract: A new slide or snow board is described having a structure of the bottom side or slide face of a central slide structure and lateral guide surfaces, which enables a simple and substantially drift-free steering mechanism. Therefore, this slide board is in particular suitable for beginners, children or unathletic users.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for distribution of fluid products of the type which has container (1) in which product (P) to be distributed is held and on which a distribution device is mounted, which is engaged in opening (2) of container (1) by the intermediary of bushing (3) and a sleeve.