Abstract: An infrared collector employs a concentrator formed of a plurality of spatially related gradient-indexed (GRIN) lenses and a photodetector, interconnected by optical fibers. Since the GRIN lenses are arranged on a hemispherical shell, the concentrator is relatively insensitive to the direction of the incoming infrared radiation. Optical fibers are used to connect the GRIN lenses to a photodetector, whereby assembly is simplified. The infrared detector in the collector of the present invention has a size that is significantly smaller than those used in conventional collectors. The concentrator has high optical gain, and therefore, is particularly well adapted for use in low-power portable systems. The arrangement is useful as a node in an infrared data network.

Abstract: A push button structure that is particularly suited for gaming equipment is tolerant of the spillage of food or beverage, or of continued operation thereof by individuals with soiled hands. The push button structure has an actuatable member having an outwardly extending flange and a manipulable portion. A retaining member is provided with an opening through which is exposed the manipulable portion of the actuatable member. A protrusion is formed on the inner surface of the retaining member or on the outer surface of the outwardly extending flange of the actuatable member to prevent the surfaces from communicating with each another over a large contact area. The reduction in the contact area reduces the strength of adhesion therebetween resulting from the contaminants.

Abstract: A vehicle including an elevatable cargo box to facilitate cargo loading and unloading. The vehicle includes a U-shaped cargo area within which the cargo box is located by mounted guides. The cargo box is movable between elevated and lowered positions by cables, which is operated by a drive system and is laterally secured in the elevated position by cones being fully registered within blocks. In a preferred embodiment, the cargo box is retrofitted to an existing vehicle. A series of cables is connected to corners of the cargo box and a drive is operably connected to the series of cables for retracting and extending the cables effecting the movement of the cargo box.

Abstract: An apparatus for straining or rinsing is constructed with a bowl portion having an upper rim, the bowl portion being provided with a plurality of perforations through the wall thereof. The bowl portion provided with an engagement portion, which may be integrally formed therewith, for engaging with a predeterminable portion of a kitchen sink. Various embodiments of the invention engage with sink wall intermediate of a dual sink arrangement, or a standardsink faucet or valve. The employment of the engagement portion obviates the need to occupy the bottom surface of the sink during such straining or rinsing. In addition, the invention includes a method of employing a colander.

Abstract: A display arrangement presents sequential graphical data that corresponds to predetermined environmental features or points of interest, such as sequential holes of a golfcourse. The display arrangement is installed on the golf cart and the information that is sequentially displayed is correlated to the features of a golf course, such as the various physical characteristics of the respective golf holes. A user will actuate the arrangement by manipulation of an actuator switch, whereupon the graphical data, which is printed on a web, is sequenced to display subsequent information, such as the information that relates to a subsequent golf hole to be played. An automated indexing arrangement controls the displacement of the web on which the graphical data is printed. The web is installed on a web carrier having associated therewith an alignment arrangement that maintains the web element in predeterminable spatial relation with respect to a predetermined web path and the display region.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the color characteristic of a tooth, particularly in a mouth in which restorative dentistry is contemplated, employs the photographic imaging of the tooth of the patient, and the photographing of visually selected color standards, to achieve the final selection of the closest color match. The resulting photographic images, which may be on a single photograph, are subjected to calorimetric or spectrophotometric analysis to achieve the final selection of the closest match. The system avoids the need to rely upon the visual color acuity of the practitioner in order to achieve a close color match for a prosthetic device. Additionally, the method and system of the invention avoid the problems associated with color shifts associated with photography, when such is used alone as the indicator of tooth color.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an embossed metal gasket includes the steps of supplying a metal gasket preform having opposed first and second planar surfaces and at least one sealing port defined therein, laminating the opposed planar surfaces with a chemical resist material, masking the chemical resist material on the first planar surface in such a manner so as to delineate a raised surface area of a bead circumscribing the sealing port, masking the chemical resist material on the second planar surface in such a manner so as to delineate a recessed surface area of the bead circumscribing the sealing port, curing the unmasked chemical resist material on the opposed planar surfaces of the preform, removing the uncured chemical resist material from the opposed planar surfaces, and exposing the gasket preform to a chemical etching agent to reduce the thickness of the gasket preform in areas which are absent cured chemical resist material.

Abstract: A heat and shelf-stable oil-in-water emulsion useful as a tissue or cell-selective delivery vehicle. Radioactive or stable, synthetic or semi-synthetic polyhalogenated triglycerides, such as 2-oleoylglycerol-1,3-bis[7-(3-amino-2,4,6-triiodophenyl)heptanoate] or 2-oleoylglycerol-1,3-bis[.omega.-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl)hepatanoate] or phenyl acetate, can be incorporated into the lipophilic core of a lipoprotein-like emulsion particle. The lipophilic core is surrounded by a phospholipid membrane comprising cholesterol and apolipoproteins. For hepatocyte-selective delivery, the emulsion is chylomicron remnant-like by being in a size range of 50 to 200 nm as measured by number weighting analysis with a narrow size distribution (<2% greater than 300 nm) and having a composition simulating naturally-occurring chylomicron remnants. Use of cholesterol in the emulsion formula facilitates association of apolipoproteins, especially Apo E which are recognized by liver cells and necessary for binding and uptake.

Abstract: A gaming machine in which a game is controlled using virtual reels arranged to correspond to symbols of actual reels, increases the interest of a player in playing the game. A virtual symbol row arrangement is provided corresponding to a plurality of symbol rows to be displayed on a variable display, and is formed of the symbols that constitute each of the symbol rows. When a predetermined play condition is satisfied, a controller starts the operation of the variable display and samples random number values. In response to the sampled random number values, the controller determines stop symbols in the virtual symbol row arrangement for every symbol row. The controller controls the variable display to produce an image of the stop symbols when the variable display is stopped, and performs win determinations on a selected combination of the stop symbols. The virtual symbol row arrangement consists of at least two tables, with a plurality of virtual symbol rows disposed as one table.

Abstract: An automatic, self-adaptive controller for varying the interval between wipes of a windshield wiper arrangement for a vehicle measures current drawn by the windshield wiper arrangement during a forward and return portions of the windshield wiper wipe cycle and calculates an integration of the current over each portion of the windshield wiper wipe cycle to establish forward portion and return portion integration. The magnitude of the portions, which graphically appear as current lobes over time, are indicative of wiper-to-windscreen friction, and hence, wetness. The difference between the forward and return integration is representative of vehicle air speed. The windshield is characterized as wet when the first and second summation values are small, and in that case, a short interval between wipes is established. When the first and second integration values are large, the windshield is deemed to be dry, and a long interval is established between wipes.

Abstract: Compliant mechanisms are arranged to enable airfoil and other structures to adapt their shapes to different flight conditions and thereby achieve optimum lift:drag ratios in plural flight conditions. The compliant mechanisms can be formed integrally whereby a compliant frame thereof, or the skin of the airfoil, undergo elastic or other deformation to produce the desired displacements in direct response to applied forces. In an airfoil context, shape changes can be effected by the leading and trailing edges of the entire airfoil system. In addition, the driver arrangements of the compliant mechanisms can be controlled individually to effect a desired surface contour throughout the length of the wing, illustratively a twist therein.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an elevatable cargo box to facilitate cargo loading and unloading. The vehicle includes a U-shaped cargo area within which the cargo box is located by mounted guides. The cargo box is movable between elevated and lowered positions by cables in response to a drive system, the cargo box being laterally secured in the elevated position by cones that engage within corresponding spaces in blocks. In a preferred embodiment, the cargo box is retrofitted to an existing vehicle.

Abstract: The device according to this invention is provided to reduce the trauma which can be caused by an open wound such as that caused after childbirth and in particular to reduce the trauma of an open wound in the perineal and/or rectal area which can be painful and uncomfortable to a person having experienced childbirth. The device comprises a housing having a gel-like material therein which can be cooled prior to application to the area and said material has a high thermal capacity so that when the device is applied a cooling effect is created, an occluding effect of the open wound is provided and furthermore a cushioning effect on the area surrounding the wound is also provided thereby allowing the device to be used comfortably and also to improve the comfort of the person to whom the same is applied.

Abstract: A simplified coin dispenser for a gaming machine prevents jamming of coins when paying them out. The coin dispenser is provided with a bucket for accommodating a plurality of coins used as game media in the gaming machine. A rotary disk and associated rotary drive for rotating same are provided at the bottom of the bucket. The rotary disk has a plurality of openings that are disposed side-by-side along the circumference thereof, each of the openings being dimensioned to permit a coin to enter therein. A coin-feeding guide plate and a coin receiving plate are disposed under the rotary disk so as to be rotated synchronously with the rotary disk. The coin-feeding guide plate has a plurality of extension portions for inclining and moving the coins that have entered the openings from the bucket.

Abstract: A simplified coin dispenser for a gaming machine prevents jamming of coins when paying them out. The coin dispenser is provided with a bucket for accommodating a plurality of coins used as game media in the gaming machine. A rotary disk and an associated rotary drive for rotating same are provided at the bottom of the bucket. The rotary disk has a plurality of circular openings that are disposed side-by-side along the circumference thereof, each of the circular openings being circular in shape and dimensioned to permit a coin to enter therein. A coin-feeding guide plate and a coin receiving plate are disposed under the rotary disk so as to be rotated in unison with the rotary disk. Coins that have entered the circular openings are received at the coin receiving plate and are guided by the coin-feeding guide plate in a direction radially away from the center of the rotary disk. The coins then are energetically ejected from a coin outlet.

Abstract: A heat and shelf-stable oil-in-water emulsion useful as a tissue or cell-selective delivery vehicle. Radioactive or stable, synthetic or semi-synthetic polyhalogenated triglycerides, such as 2-oleoylglycerol-1,3-bis?7-(3-amino-2,4,6-triiodophenyl)heptanoate! or 2-oleoylglycerol-1,3-bis?.omega.-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl)heptanoate! or phenyl acetate, can be incorporated into the lipophilic core of a lipoprotein-like emulsion particle. The lipophilic core is surrounded by a phospholipid membrane comprising cholesterol and apolipoproteins. For hepatocyte-selective delivery, the emulsion is chylomicron remnant-like by being in a size range of 50 to 200 nm as measured by number weighting analysis with a narrow size distribution (<2% greater than 300 nm) and having a composition simulating naturally-occurring chylomicron remnants. Use of cholesterol in the emulsion formula facilitates association of apolipoproteins, especially Apo E which are recognized by liver cells and necessary for binding and uptake.

Abstract: A wheel cleaning cover, such as for a golf trolley wheel, is formed of a pair of hinged circular covers, each forming a semi-circular half and made of a light, robust material. When the golf trolley is not in use, a pair of such wheel covers can be closed around respective ones of the golf trolley's wheels. For each such wheel, the hinged semi-circular halves are securely fastened to one another to encase the associated wheel therewithin. The trolley wheels can remain on their axle(s) while the covers are securely closed around the wheels. When a cover is closed around its associated wheel and secured, it can be rotated and a brush installed in the cover functions as a cleaner/buffer, removing any mud, dirt, or grass on the enclosed wheel's surface. Debris from the wheel is contained within the cover until the cover is removed from the wheel, then any debris may be discarded.

Abstract: A coin supply and collection apparatus that is applied easily to an existing carousel of the type having a plurality of gaming machines, is readily installed without requiring significant alteration of the gaming machine bases or the internal components of the gaming machines. The apparatus is provided with a first belt conveyor for receiving coins from a coin-providing side and conveys them, as coins to be used in each of the gaming machines, beneath the plurality of gaming machines. A second belt conveyer receives the coins fed from the first belt conveyer and conveys them to coin carriers associated with each of the gaming machines.

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: A fibre optic bundle end is produced by placing the end in a ferrule (6) and the bundle (14) and ferrule (6) are supported in a furnace (22) for rotation about the ferrule axis. The ferrule (6) and the fibres (14) therein are heated and while still in the furnace (22) are radially compressed by compression members (2,4) so that the fibres become lightly packed, after which the protruding fibre ends are cut off and the cut surface (16) is polished. The compression is achieved by rotating the ferrule (6) and fibres (14) back and forth about the bundle axis while the compression members which are bars passed through the furnace (22) move together radially of the ferrule (6), the said members being mounted for reciprocation so as to allow the ferrule (6) to roll thereon as it rotates.