Abstract: A method of controlling the content of a chemical bath includes the steps of: determining a replenishment condition for the chemical bath; defining a unit of the replenishment condition; establishing a pacing factor corresponding to a replenishment volume of a replenishment medium per unit of the replenishment condition; and defining a replenishment threshold corresponding to the product of a predetermined number of the defined units of the replenishment condition and the pacing factor. The rate of continued replenishment of the predetermined constituent of the chemical bath is determined in response to the replenishment condition, which may be elapsed time, ampere-hours (or coulombs), number of product loads, product surface area, or line speed over time. The method replenishes constituents as they actually are consumed. It also prevents depletion (or buildup in the case of decanting a by-product) and the associated time delay related to detection and correction.

Abstract: Novel radioiodinated analogues of naturally-occurring phospholipid ethers are tumor-specific and have a triglycerol backbone structure which, in certain embodiments, is substituted at the 3-position with an alkyl phosphocholine and include a monoiodinated benzoyl side chain substituted at the 2-position in accordance with the general formula: ##STR1## where n=1-15 ##STR2## M=0-15; Z=.sup.123 I, .sup.125 I, and .sup.131 I; Y=NH.sub.2, NR.sub.2, and NR.sub.3, and R=alkyl, aralkyl.

Abstract: Water-soluble, high-viscosity grade cellulose ether compositions are useful for the reduction of serum lipid levels, particularly total serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and/or attenuate the postprandial rise of blood glucose levels in animals. The pharmaceutical uses of compositions for reducing cholesterol levels additionally include the treatment of diabetes and/or hypercholesterolemia, with avoidance of many of the undesirable side effects associated with other forms of treatment. The composition may be in the form of a prehydrated ingestible composition, such as a gelatin, or a comestible, such as a cookie. In addition, the compositions of the present invention are palatable to the patient, thereby enhancing patient compliance with the regimen.

Abstract: A method for removing residues including waxes, oils, greases, resins, fluxes, diamond lapping compounds and solvent soluble resists from the surface of electronic components, optic elements, contact lenses and metals comprises the steps of contacting the surface with a solution consisting of from 60% to 100% of liquid n-paraffins, iso-paraffins or a mixture thereof having hydrocarbon chain lengths substantially in the range of from C.sub.9 to C.sub.16, from 0% to about 40% paraffin emulsifying agents and from 0% to about 25% d-limonene, allowing the solution to solubilize the residues and removing the solution from the surface.

Abstract: Novel difunctionalized cyclobutabenzene monomers of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein Z can be hydrogens or a cyclobutane ring; and X and Y are carboxyl, amino, alcohol, isocyanate, acid halide, or bis-acyl halide groups. Exemplary difunctional bitricyclodecatriene monomers are ?2,2'-bidicyclo?2.4.0!octa-1,3,5-triene!-5,5'-dicarboxylic acid (BXTA) and ?2,2'-bitricyclo?6.2.0.0!deca-1,3,(6),7-triene!-7,7'-dicarboxylic acid (QXTA). The difunctionalized bitricyclodecatriene monomers can form part of a polymer backbone chain in which the multiple butane ring functionalities can be easily opened to produce strong, three-dimensional covalent bond crosslinking between polymer chains. The crosslinking can be induced simply by heating the polymer to a temperature in excess of 250.degree. C.

Abstract: A splice box arrangement for a conveyor employs first and second end members that are coupled to one another and to base and top members using conventional fasteners, obviating the need for total replacement of the splice box when a conveyor of a different width is desired to be installed. The end members have parallel angled portions extending outwardly from a central portion, the angled portions having apertures therethrough that register with corresponding apertures of the base and top portions. The apertures accommodate removable fasteners, such as threaded fasteners. Only the base and top members of the splice box need to be removed and replaced when a conveyor having a different width is installed.

Abstract: A method of treating a collagenous biomaterial, such as porcine aortic valve leaflets or bovine pericardium, by exposing the biomaterial to an alcohol to inhibit in vivo calcification. The biomaterial, preferably glutaraldehyde-pretreated, is subjected to an aqueous solution of 60% to 80% lower aliphatic alcohol, such as ethanol for a period of at least 20 minutes, and preferably, 24 to 72 hours. The biomaterial is rinsed, and then stored in either a glutaraldehyde-free environment or an ethanolic solution of glutaraldehyde. In some embodiments, the treatment solutions include an additional anticalcification agent which may be a soluble salt of a metallic cation, such as Al.sup.+3 or Fe.sup.+3.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of rain droplets on a windshield employs a source of light, such as an LED, and a photodetector installed on the instrument panel of a vehicle. The LED and the photodiode are arranged with respect to one another such that light from the LED cannot reflect directly off the windshield into the photodiode. Only when the light from the LED is backscattered by an environmental condition, such as the raindrops on the exterior of the windshield, the condensation of moisture on the interior of the windshield, or the presence of smoke in the cabin, will the photodiode receive the light from the LED. Each of these environmental conditions has a predeterminable characteristic signature which permits the processing of data to detect same.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a flag, banner, or pennant, so as to simulate waving in wind, is particularly adapted for use with a novelty flag that is scaled for use in model railroad layouts. The apparatus employs a correspondingly scaled flag staff for coupling with and supporting the flag along one edge thereof. A drive arrangement is coupled to the flag staff at the base thereof for producing a rotatory oscillating motion. Electrical energy for the drive arrangement, which includes a small electric motor having a motor shaft with an eccentric element attached thereto, is provided from a conventional energy source, such as batteries. Coupling between the flag staff and the drive arrangement is achieved via a mechanical energy storage device that includes a resilient spring arranged to receive mechanical energy from the drive arrangement. The eccentric element attached to the motor shaft includes a mechanical striker that is in the form of a spring wire wound about the motor shaft.

Abstract: Bioprosthetic materials, either natural or synthetic, are treated with trivalent iron cations, or salts, to prevent in vivo calcification. Such bioprosthetic materials include porcine aortic valve leaflets, bovine pericardium, aortic homografts, biocompatible elastomers, and the like which are intended for invasive, or in-dwelling use in a human or animal body. Simple incubation of the natural bioprosthetic materials in an iron ion-containing solution, such as aqueous FeCl.sub.3, particularly with the addition of an anticalcification agent, such as a diphosphonate, prior to implantation has been found to inhibit calcification of the biomaterial over a prolonged period, and to do so without adverse side effects. Incorporation of an iron-containing compound, with or without an additional anticalcification agent, into the formulation for polymers, such as polyurethane, has also been found to inhibit calcification with no adverse side effects.

Abstract: An arrangement for handling stacks of articles, each article having a predetermined height dimension, employs a stack guide for maintaining the stack of articles in stacked alignment, and an elevator for rasing and lowering the stack guide. A retractable support is coupled to the stack guide for supporting the articles and selectably releasing a lowermost one of the articles, or in the alternative, picking up an article, such that the article is added onto the bottom of the stack. The retractable supports extend along the length of the articles and are rotatable between engaged and disengaged positions. A linear actuator is coupled to the retractable supports by operation of links and effects the rotation between the engaged and disengaged positions. A limiter assembly determines the lowermost limit of the elevator, and also defines a predetermined extent of upward travel, which predetermined extent corresponds to the height of an article of the stack.

Abstract: A system for securing a vehicle of the type having a plurality of wheels from rolling or sliding along the floor of a refrigerated-type cargo container, employs lashing point anchors which couple to the floor of the cargo container without damaging same. Generally, the floors of refrigerated-type cargo containers are delicate, as they are formed of a plurality of elongated floor sections formed of extruded aluminum. The floor sections are arranged parallel to, and at a predetermined inter-sectional distance from, one another, each elongated floor section having a horizontal top portion and a vertical portion arranged orthogonal to one another to form a T-shaped cross-sectional configuration. A plurality of lashing straps, each having first and second ends, are coupled between the vehicle and respective ones of the lashing point anchors. Each lashing strap has an associated length adjustment arrangement.

Abstract: Naturally-derived bioprosthetic materials are treated with epoxide crosslinking agents. In some embodiments, the tissue is crosslinked with low molecular weight epoxides in aqueous solutions at high pH levels. In other embodiments, the tissue is crosslinked at physiologic pH levels with epoxide crosslinking agents catalyzed with tertiary or quaternary amines, such as Tris or imidazole. In an advantageous embodiment, bioprosthetic tissue is crosslinked and derivatized with an anticalcification agent, such as a polyphosphonate anticalcification agent, using a polyphosphonate:polyepoxide monoadduct.

Abstract: A filter arrangement which is employed in a fluid conduit is formed of a filter formed of a permeable filter material connected to a flange seal having an annular portion for engaging with and coupling to the permeable filter medium, and a planar portion for forming a seal which prevents leakage at a flange-type coupler. The planar and annular portions of the flange seal are formed of teflon, as is the filter itself, which may be formed of multiple layers of teflon fabric or filter material, each having a respective filter permeability characteristic. The filter is coupled to the annular portion of the flange seal by a thread which is sewn through the various layers of the filter medium and the annular portion of the flange seal. The thread may itself be formed of teflon, such that the entire filter arrangement is formed of teflon and will resist corrosion. Collapse of the filter is prevented by a rigid tubular support which has apertures therethrough to facilitate flow of the fluid.

Abstract: A video scrambling and descrambling arrangement utilizes plural scrambling characteristics including a predetermined scrambling waveform and a selectable one of a plurality of phase relationships with respect to the video signal to be scrambled. Descrambling is achieved by combining with the scrambled video signal a correspondingly phase shifted, inverted version of the scrambling signal. Scrambling and descrambling can be implemented in analogue or digital forms. The information required to achieve descrambling is contained in the scrambled video signal, preferably in an unscrambled portion thereof.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a variable display device for variably displaying symbols for each of a plurality of symbol columns by moving each of the plurality of symbol columns separately in a predetermined direction. The plurality of symbol columns are each formed by a plurality of symbols arranged in the predetermined direction. A drive signal for operating the variable display device is generated when predetermined gaming conditions are satisfied. In response to the drive signal, there is determined a combination of stop symbols to be displayed when the symbol columns are stopped. Positions of the stop symbols are detected separately for the symbol columns, respectively, and position signals indicative of the positions of the stop symbols are generated, respectively. Correction amounts for correcting the positions of the stop symbols are determined based on the position signals.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprises a variable display device for variably displaying a plurality of display patterns so as to give a predetermined play value according to the display pattern at the time when variable displays stop, and control unit for driving the variable display device, executing a winning determination and controlling the variable displays of the variable display device to stop so as to be the display patterns of winning or losing according to a result of the determination, when a predetermined play condition is satisfied. The control unit executes desired times of plays when the determination results in a particular winning, and controls the variable displays of the variable display device to stop such that predetermined display patterns are displayed as results of the desired times of plays. Then, the control unit controls the variable displays of the variable display device to stop such that a winning pattern which the player can distinguish as the particular winning is displayed.

Abstract: Spectacle lenses are coated by ion vapor deposition by means of sputtering target materials. A plurality of lenses to be coated are introduced into a sputtering chamber by a load lock device, and when in the chamber the lenses are covered by a disc which is rotated at high speed (50/60 rpm). During this rotation alternate targets of magnetrons are sputtered releasing metal particles which are oxidized by an oxygen plasma created by a third magnetron and metallic oxide coatings are formed on the lenses as alternate layers of different materials. At the end of the operation of coating, which is pre-programmed, the lenses are returned automatically to the load lock device from whence they can be removed. After placement or the lenses in the load lock device the entire process is effected automatically by pressing a button.

Abstract: A dried sample processor employs a loader which reads unique identification data from a carrier web, and supplies such data to a computerized controller. The carrier web is then brought to a punch arrangement which punches a specimen sample therefrom and deposits same into a well of a microtiter array. The microtiter array and the wells therein are moved into registration with the punch hole of the punch unit under the control of the computerized controller. The correlated carrier web identification data and the address of the well in the microtiter plate are displayed as graphical information on a computer monitor, and made available to other components of a computerized laboratory.

Abstract: A device, and process, for continuously separating dissolved solutes and suspended particles from a multicomponent fluid phase in a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed (MSFB). The process is of the type wherein a solid resin and a liquid buffer move countercurrent to each other in the bed. In steady state operation, a time invariant pH gradient will form in the bed and remain spatially fixed. Other condition variables, such as temperature, can be used to form a time invariant gradient provided that equilibrium partition between the solid and liquid phases is a function of the condition variable.