Abstract: An apparatus for decorating articles has at least one article carrier which is movable along a transport path through treatment stations and which is connected to a vacuum source at least over a portion of the transport path for holding an article in the article carrier by the vacuum. A stationary vacuum duct is arranged along at least a portion of the transport path, to make a connection between the vacuum source and the article carrier. At least one vacuum conduit in the article carrier is connected to the vacuum duct by way of a connecting conduit which is connected to the vacuum conduit in the article carrier and which is moved along the transport path. The vacuum duct is provided with an opening for the passage of the vacuum to the connecting conduit, the opening being movable along the vacuum duct.

Abstract: A device for applying fluids such as fertilizers or insecticides or weed killers to vegetation clippings as the vegetation is being mulched by a lawn mulching mower. The treating fluid is applied to the vegetation clippings while they are being mulched, forming a protective fluid treated mulch blanket which can be directly distributed to the intended areas.

Abstract: A system for melting metal and holding molten metal, comprises a rectifier unit receiving AC electric power and outputting DC electric power, a plurality of inverter units, each receiving the DC electric power output by the rectifier unit and outputting AC electric power; and a plurality of induction furnaces each receiving the electric power output by a respective inverter unit. Each inverter unit comprises a plurality of inverter modules connected in parallel, each module independently being connectable to and disconnectable from the rectifier unit and the furnace. The rectifier unit comprises a plurality of rectifier modules connected in parallel, each module independently being connectable to and disconnectable from the AC supply and the inverter units.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing acetylene alcohol compounds in a continuous process, which are produced via ethynylation in which ketones containing a group --CH.sub.2 COCH.sub.2 --, are condensed with acetylenes at a temperature of about 20 to 50.degree. C. under a pressure of about 10 to 30 kg/cm.sup.2 in the presence of a quaternary ammonium hydroxide anion exchange resin having strong basicity in an aprotic solvent by feeding a reactant mixture at an LHSV range of 0.1 to 5.0 and the reactant mixture comprises the acetylene, the ketone and the solvent at a molar ratio of 1.0:0.2-3.0:1.0-4.0.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of ceiling fans and includes a first plate (16) attached to a ceiling junction box and a plug plate (42) to be rotatably joined to the first plate and fixed in a final position by locking screws (70) that pass through apertures (64, 66) in one plate and into bores (38, 40) in the other plate. The locking screws (70) are usable to fix a fan bell to the plug plate. The plug plate (42) includes slidably engageable flat contact strips (204a, 204b). The plates include an initial orientation key (206) for fitting into an oval opening (214) and the first plate may include a spring biased shock protector for blocking access to live contacts (204a) when the plates are not connected. The plates (300, FIGS. 16, 17) may be formed in slidably adjustable sections for use with different size fan bells.

Abstract: Thrombin-induced and ADP-induced platelet and other cell activation is inhibited without affecting thrombin's other proteolytic activity by administration of a bradykinin sequence related analogous peptide. Bradykinin analogs are peptides to which substitutions, additions or deletions have been made to the first four amino acids of the amino acid sequence of native bradykinin. The bradykinin analogs described inhibit .alpha.-thrombin-induced and ADP-induced platelet activation and secretion, inhibit .alpha.-thrombin-induced calcium mobilization, and prevent .alpha.-thrombin from cleaving its platelet receptor. The bradykinin analogs may comprise single- or multiple-chain peptides.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of pouring molten metal from a refractory vessel into the sprue of a mold where the vessel is in contact with the sprue. Molten metal is poured through the orifice of a nozzle in the bottom of the vessel. Laminar flow and velocity of the molten metal through the orifice are controlled by a stopper that extends from the orifice and also displaces molten metal in the sprue of the mold when the stopper is in the closed position to minimize excess buildup of solidified metal in the volume of the sprue. Filtering of dross can be accomplished in the refractory vessel and heating means can be provided to hold the molten metal at the appropriate temperature.

Abstract: A surgical cutting device for making incisions in tissue has a holder with a distal end, an applanation plate extending from said distal end for contacting and altering the contour of tissue to be incised, and a cutting blade reciprocally movable with respect to the holder and extending from said distal end in proximity to the applanation plate. The blade is guided by the holder and linearly advanceable into the tissue to effect an incision. After the incision is made, the blade is retractable from the tissue.

Abstract: A reel or spool for winding or unwinding of cable, wire, or the like includes a hub having a cylindrical wall defining an outer barrel surface and an axial end wall suitable for the application of labels or other identification indicia. A flange extends radially from the outer barrel adjacent each end wall. The flanges have a plurality of integrally formed, radially extending ribs disposed on their outer surface. The connection between the ribs, the axial end wall and the barrel surface of the hub being within the radial extent of the cylindrical wall. In one form of the invention, the hub includes an inclined wall connecting the cylindrical wall, the axial end wall and the ribs.

Abstract: A helicopter main rotor pylon support structure including a framing structure for supporting the loads applied to the main rotor pylon, and a fire shield for preventing fire from transmitting from an engine or exhaust compartment into an adjacent compartment. The framing structure includes first and second composite main beams, each beam extending adjacent to a engine compartment and an exhaust duct compartment. A plurality of bridge members preferably extend between and connect with the first and second main beams and are formed integral therewith. A plurality of vertical posts are attached to and spaced along the main beams. The vertical posts are engaged with discrete attachment points on the helicopter. There is at least one fire panel mounted to each main beam. The fire panel has side edges which are slidingly engaged with the vertical posts, and a lower edge which is slidingly engaged with a flange formed on the helicopter.

Abstract: A heat ejection device is disclosed for a heating system. The heat ejection device is adapted to mix ambient air from an interior with bleed air from a heat source. The heat ejection device includes a housing with an inner passage, an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is adapted to channel ambient air into the housing. The outlet is adapted to channel mixed heated and ambient air out of the housing. A dispenser is located in the housing between the housing inlet and outlet and includes an inner chamber which is adapted to receive heated air from a bleed line. The dispenser has a plurality of apertures formed in it which permit air to flow from the inner chamber into the inner passage for mixing with ambient air to form a flow of mixed air. An acoustically absorptive inlet liner is mounted on an inner surface of the housing at the housing inlet. The absorptive inlet liner is adapted to direct ambient air past the dispenser to minimize turbulence and absorb noise.

Abstract: The machine consists of a blast housing, a reclaim duct, a reclaim hopper and a support framework. In use, the machine is supported on a horizontal surface over which it is driven and carries out a shot blasting or other operation on an adjacent vertical surface. The blast housing contains a centrifugal throwing wheel which is driven by an electric motor, whereby particulate material introduced into the cage is projected at high speed onto the surface. The reclaim duct receives particulate material, together with debris produced by the action of the material on the surface which rebounds from the surface, and feeds the debris and particulate material to the reclaim hopper. The central axis of the reclaim duct follows a three-dimensionally curved path which describes an upward turn through approximately 90.degree. and also an arc of about 145.degree. in an imaginary horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical surface. The upper end of the reclaim duct is connected to the reclaim hopper.

Abstract: A transfer device for picking up and placing resin preimpregnated composite plies. The transfer device includes a movable transfer head with a plurality of transfer feet movably mounted within it. Each transfer foot includes a support cage with a plurality of spaced posts extending between upper and lower ends. A mounting plate is located on the support cage. A pickup foot extends from the lower end of the support cage and has a channel formed through it which communicates with an opening in the lower end of the support cage. The pickup foot includes a tip end adapted to contact the resin preimpregnated composite ply. A valve is mounted within the support cage and includes a valve member located adjacent to the opening in the lower end of the support cage. The valve member is movable between a closed position and an open position. A spring surrounds at least a portion of the periphery of the transfer foot and biases the transfer foot into the transfer head.

Abstract: A halogen bulb is composed essentially of a tubular halogen bulb having two conductive ends, a thick hollow glass envelope and a socket for holding securely the tubular halogen bulb in the thick hollow glass envelope. The thick glass envelope has a thickness ranging between about 2 mm and about 8 mm, which is made integrally or made of two component parts joined together. The thick hollow glass envelope may be provided with protuberances perpendicular to an outer surface opposite to the socket, and/or ventilation holes to reduce the temperature of the double-enveloped halogen bulb at work. The socket may be provided with one or more ventilation holes at the closed end thereof. A bracket is used inside the thick hollow glass envelope for holding the tubular halogen bulb such that the tubular halogen bulb is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of socket.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing an antigen-induced immune response through use of a ribonucleocapsid complex are provided. Composition containing a ribonucleocapsid complex and an antigen which are capable of enhancing the immune response to the antigen are also provided.

Abstract: A composite optical element comprises a first optical material and a second optical material joined to one plane of a third optical material. The first and second optical materials are of equal thickness and having ground surfaces flush with each other on both of their principal planes.The first and second optical materials are fixedly joined to one another, and one of the principal planes of the two materials is ground. Then, the ground principal plane of the first and second optical materials is joined to the third optical material. Then, the other principal plane of the first and second optical materials is ground.A preferred embodiment is an optical isolator wherein the first and second optical materials are birefringent materials and are joined to one side of a Faraday rotator having a Faraday rotational angle of approximately 45.degree. and third and fourth birefringent materials are similarly joined to the other side of the rotator.

Abstract: A curb-climbing front wheel drive power wheelchair has a frame, a seat connected to the frame, a pair of drive wheels connected to the frame and rotatable about a transverse axis below a portion of the seat supporting the wheelchair occupant's thighs. The power wheelchair also has at least one ground-engaging idler wheel connected to the frame behind the drive wheels and anti-tip wheels forward of the drive wheels, rigidly connected to the motors for pivotal movement.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for producing elongate curved hollow bodies at least partially comprising thermoplastic material a preform is extruded from an extrusion system head and engaged by a gripping means. The preform is moved by the gripping means into the region of a guide stencil disposed above the mold cavity of a mold portion of a divided blow molding mold and introduced into the mold cavity by a simultaneous downward movement of the gripping means and a movement following the configuration of the guide stencil. The guide stencil has two mutually opposite walls, the spacing of which increases in an upward direction and the spacing of which at the bottom of the guide stencil approximately corresponds to the maximum width of the mold cavity. The preform is thus guided towards the mold cavity by the walls, acquiring its definitive orientation with respect thereto by virtue of such guidance, passing through a lower opening in the guide stencil into the mold cavity.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a washing chamber and a washing brush on the end of a hose leading to a reservoir for liquid to be applied. The hose is connected to an outlet pipe of the reservoir having a one-way valve which is immersed in liquid in the reservoir and allows movement of the brush to pump liquid from the reservoir to the chamber. Liquid supplied to the chamber is collected in a sump, the overflow of which feeds the reservoir. A filter screen is positioned between the chamber and the sump, in which solid material precipitates, allowing liquid to be recycled. The apparatus can be used, for example, for removal of ink from a used screen, removal of stencil material from a used screen or application of a degreasing preparation to a screen prior to use.

Abstract: A method of introducing a leak detection dye into a closed refrigeration system through circulation of the refrigerant. A predetermined amount of the leak detection dye, which is soluble in the refrigerant and the system lubricant, is installed in a component of the refrigeration system, such as in a desiccant bag placed in a dehydrator. The leak detection dye may come in various forms including as a leak detection additive having the leak detection dye implanted on and absorbed into a host swatch of a substrate material, as a powder, as a solid pellet of powdered dye concentrate and inert ingredients, or as a slurry. The refrigeration system is assembled, charged and operated, by which the refrigerant and system lubricant flowing through the component, such as a desiccant bag in the dehydrator, and mixes the dye with the refrigerant and system lubricant.