Abstract: The use of xanthine derivatives having the general formula: ##STR1## as pesticidal and pestistatic agents is disclosed, as well as pesticidal and pestistatic compositions containing same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and compact power transmission mechanism for a tractor or similar vehicle having mounted thereto a mechanical attachment such as a lawn mower. The power transmission mechanism includes an engine which transmits driving power to ground engaging wheels through a driving power transmission unit and to the mechanical attachment through a driving speed changing unit positioned atop the transmission unit and operatively interconnected to the drive shaft thereof. The driving speed changing unit includes an input shaft which receives engine driving power for driving the drive shaft through a differential gear unit. Engine power is transmitted to the attachment through a belt from a power take-off unit coupled to the input shaft.

Abstract: An expert system wherein the rules are of three classes: (1) retrieval rules, which each associate one of several attributes to an object in accordance with the values of inputs; (2) analysis rules, which selectively associate an attribute with an object, and which are somewhat analogous to the natural-language inference rules which would be used in communications between domain experts; and (3) action rules, which selectively carry out the output and control actuation options, based on the attributes associated with objects by the other rules.Preferably only the action rules can enable execution of an external command procedure. Preferably each of each of the action rules requires no logical operations other than a test for association between an attribute and an object. Preferably none of the action rules can associate an attribute with an object. Preferably only the retrieval rules include numeric operations.

Abstract: An improved digital demodulator capable of demodulating a frequency multiplexed input signal is disclosed. The frequency division multiplexed input signal is sampled in an analog-to-digital converter. The samples are translated by mixing with base band frequency signals to yield real and imaginary values corresponding to phase information in the original modulation signals. After translation, the translated samples are filtered in real and imaginary digital filters. After filtering, the original modulation information is recovered by analysis of the position of vectors in the complex plane represented by the real and imaginary values. In the preferred embodiment, a successive approximation technique is used to determine the angle of the vectors to the real axis. Low pass output filtering may be employed after recovery of the modulation signal for improvements in signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power transmission belt for transferring power between two power transfer members. The belt includes a resilient binder and a plurality of traction blocks spaced apart from one another and formed integrally with the binder. The traction blocks are formed from a dense, abrasion-resistant material for bitingly and frictionally engaging a wall of the power transfer members. The binder is preferably formed from an elastomeric material. Preferably, the belt has a substantially V-shaped cross section and the traction blocks extend laterally outwardly from at least one of the side walls of the belt.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle which is provided at part of a handle shaft of a handle with a steering mechanism so that a steering cylinder expands and contracts to perform hydraulic steering and, even when a hydraulic system is in trouble, the steering mechanism serves as a speed reduction mechanism, thereby enabling mechanical steering.

Abstract: A multiple circuit breaker system wherein each single pole breaker within the multiple breaker system have very similar structure and dimensions, except that at least one of the breakers (e.g. the one which is connected to a floating neutral pole) has an additional articulation which the other breakers do not have. This additional articulation, and the associated spring action, provide extended contact time.

Abstract: A liquid metering unit comprising a conduit of flexible material depending between first and second rotatable rollers, each having first and second curved surfaces and first and second flat portions. The rollers are driven in opposite directions so that their first curved surfaces impinge upon the conduit, constricting it and causing it to move upwards along its longitudinal axis such that any liquid contained therein is expelled from its lower end. Continued rotation of the rollers presents the second flat portions to the conduit, which is released and drops back to its original position. The conduit is recharged with liquid from a reservoir connected to its upper end by means of a vacuum source selectively connectable to its lower end.

Abstract: A slow release formulation to be administered to humans or animals, comprising primary granules which contain an active ingredient and are in a secondary matrix of a water soluble/dispersible slow release material, the granules themselves comprising particles containing the active ingredients and in a primary matrix of a water soluble/dispersible slow release material.Optionally the formulation comprises a binder phase of a water insoluble slow release material having embedded therein secondary granules comprising the secondary matrix containing the primary matrix granules.The water soluble/dispersible material may be a polysaccharide and acacia and low viscosity methylcellulose are exemplified, as well as alginate and gelatine.

Abstract: A computer based system and method determines and displays possible chemical structures for converting two naturally aggregated but chemically separated polypeptide chains into a single polypeptide chain which will fold into a three dimensional structure very similar to the original structure made of the two polypeptide chains. A data base contains a large number of amino acid sequences for which the three dimensional structure is known. After plausible sites have been selected, this data base is examined to find which amino acid sequences (linkers) can bridge the gap between the plausible sites to create a plausible one-polypeptide structure. The testing of each possible linker proceeds in three steps. First, the span (a scalar quantity) of the candidate is compared to the span of the gap. If the span is close enough, step two is done which involves aligning the first peptides of the candidate with the initial peptide of the gap.

Abstract: Hybridomally produced monoclonal IgM antibodies having high affinity are useful for the immunoassay and purification of viral antigens.