Abstract: A closure and container system for storing prescription or over-the-counter medications is disclosed that is reversible between child-resistant and non-child resistant modes of use. The system includes a pair of endless beads, one on each of the container neck and closure, to improve moisture-barrier protection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Raney catalyst comprising iron, cobalt, a third metal wherein the third metal is selected from the group consisting of nickel, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, platinum, osmium, iridium and mixtures of any of the metals of this group.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for treating swimming pool waters in order to remove one or more nutrients necessary for algal growth and to accelerate the breakdown of objectionable chloramines within chlorinated pool waters. The target nutrients of preference are those containing phosphorus or nitrogen. Phosphorus nutrients are preferably removed by ion-exchange with finely divided lanthanum carbonate, or by direct precipitation in the pool with liquid lanthanum chloride. Nitrogen nutrients (including, in particular, chloramines) may be removed (possibly with the aid of catalysts and in separate reactors). The same reagents used to scavenge phosphates are useful in this regard, the nitrogen being released from the pool water as a nitrogenous gas. To allow the fine lanthanum carbonates to be conveniently handled in the pool environment, they may be linked to larger carrier particles, such as those of diatomaceous earth, or they may be embedded within porous beads formed from polymers or gels.

Abstract: A fluid tight wrap is provided around a penis of a user utilizing a substantially fluid impermeable sheath formed of sheet material. The sheath has a proximal end and a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, where the inner surface contacts the skin of the penis in use. The sheath has a first side and a second side, and sheath member is sized to circumferentially envelop a penis of a user such that the inner surface of the second side overlaps the attachment portion and the attachment portion securing the second side to the first side such that the first and second sides overlyingly coextend substantially longitudinally down the penile shaft from the proximal end of the sheath to the distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for accomplishing low-temperature sterilization in a plasma generated using a variety of gas molecules. The plasma is generated using a hollow cathode discharge device of design that permits the device to be of commercially practical size and provides for the generation of moderate but extremely consistent plasma density throughout the chamber, thereby assuring sterilization of all items placed therein.

Abstract: The invention consists of a method for inducing production of a mucosal immune response in a host by administration of an antigen-encoding polynucleotide preparation, comprising DNA or RNA encoding an antigenic epitope to a mucosal inductor site in the mucosal tissue of the host. Naked DNA may be administered directly to mucosa, for instance in saline drops, or in a recombinant gene expression vector. Preferably, the recombinant gene expression vectors are not capable of replication or dessimination. The invention also includes the use of live viral vaccines wherein the viruses include immunostimulatory polynucleotides of the invention. According to a preferred method of the invention, a target protein antigen is administered through its expression by a recombinant gene expression vector.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a workpiece, such as an automobile bumper, comprising a support base, a top frame attached thereto, a crossbar mounted to the top frame for supporting the workpiece and a stabilizing device for securing the workpiece to the apparatus. The top frame further comprises a central portion and a plurality of arms extending therefrom. The plurality of arms may further comprise a first pair of spaced apart arms each having a first end attached to the support base and a free second end opposite the first end. A crossbar is attached to each of the free second ends of the pair of spaced apart arms. The apparatus further includes a stabilizing device attached to the apparatus for stabilizing the workpiece positioned thereon. The apparatus may include an adjustment mechanism comprising a rod having spaced apart ends received within a pair of aligned bores, and a retainer positioned intermediate the ends for positioning the top frame in a plurality of user selectable orientations.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for extracting a cell-bound protein of bacterial origin, useful in acellular vaccines, comprising contacting a suspension of the cell-bound protein with a flocculating agent prior to heat treatment.

Abstract: A two-step process for the production of polyamides from .alpha.,.omega.-dinitriles and .alpha.,.omega.-diamines involving the catalytic hydrolysis of the .alpha.,.omega.-dinitrile by addition of water with simultaneous purging of the reactor (i.e., venting of ammonia and water vapor) in the first step followed by polymerization by addition of the .alpha.,.omega.-diamine to the hydrolysate in the second step. Such a process is particularly useful in the production of poly(hexamethylene adipamide), i.e., nylon 6,6, from adiponitrile and hexamethylene diamine using lower catalyst levels during hydrolysis and resulting in reduced levels of bis(hexamethylene)triamine, BHMT, in the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for enhancement of the stream of plasma particles created by the process of cathode arc vapor deposition. The apparatus is designed to control through trapping the plasma particles generated from a sacrificial cathode plasma source and focus the plasma particle stream to collide with and deposit upon the substrate to be coated. The apparatus includes a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field of a distinctive cusp shape. The anode is insulated from the chamber to strengthen and sharpen the electric field potential created in the chamber. This stronger, sharper electric field potential is contoured to create an electron trap having an aperture through which the plasma ions are directed at the substrate to be coated. The specific configuration described directs the plasma particles efficiently in that the plasma deposition rate is higher per unit of magnetic field strength than can be obtained with other commercial designs.

Abstract: A topical drug application for the alleviation of kerato-conjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome) is comprised of a solution of 17-.beta.-estradiol suspended or dissolved in a vehicle, and the method of preparation and application of the same. In the preferred embodiments, 17-.beta.-estradiol is in a lipid vehicle or 17-.beta.-estradiol 3-phosphate disodium dissolved in an aqueous vehicle having a pH of between about 6 to about 8. This invention may also be useful in treating other conditions where KCS may occur, such as post-operative corneal transplant patients and patients who cannot receive replacement estrogen therapy.

Abstract: An element which can be plugged into an electronic data processing (EDP) device, for receiving a user card which is equipped with components, including at least one of a processor and/or data memory, a frame having an exterior form, which is designed to accommodate the user card, a first interface for transferring data between the element and the EDP device, and a second interface formed by contacts on the user card and on the frame, for transferring data to and from the user card. The exterior form of the frame is that of a diskette so that it can be inserted into a diskette station of an EDP device. The first interface between the element and the EDP device is designed in a standard fashion, so that data can be transferred using a standard read/write device already present in the diskette station of the EDP device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Raney catalyst comprising iron, cobalt, a third metal wherein the third metal is selected from the group consisting of nickel, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, platinum, osmium, iridium and mixtures of any of these metals.

Abstract: A process for the hydrolysis of a dinitrile (e.g., adiponitrile) utilizing from 0.1 to 500 mmoles of catalyst (e.g., a mixture of phosphorous acid and calcium hypophosphite) per mole of the dinitrile and in the presence of from 0.01 to 0.5 moles of a dicarboxylic acid cocatalyst (e.g., adipic acid) followed by addition of a diamine (e.g., hexamethylenediamine) and heating to produce polymerization. Such a process is particularly useful in the production of nylon 6,6 having a low BHMT content and improved melt stability.

Abstract: A process for the hydrolysis of a dinitrile (e.g., adiponitrile) utilizing a dicarboxylic acid (e.g., adipic acid) as the sole catalyst followed by addition of a diamine (e.g., hexamethylenediamine) and heating to produce polymerization. Such a process is particularly usefull in the production of nylon 6,6 having a low BHMT content and improved melt stability.

Abstract: A multilayer polypropylene film which includes at least one base layer containing propylene polymer or a propylene polymer mixture and resin, and at least one outer layer containing .alpha.-olefinic polymers having 2 to 10 carbon atoms is disclosed. The resin has a mean molecular weight of.gtoreq.1500. The invention also relates to a process for the production of the multilayer film, and to the use of the film in a twist wrapping process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermally efficient and low maintenance enclosed structure, such as a sunroom, made from a framework of joined structural members, thermally insulating kick panels, windows, optional door assembly, optional skylights, and a roof. The structural members include reinforced and non-reinforced polyvinyl chloride extrusions. The structural members are joined together at joints using hardware which cannot be seen from inside or outside the enclosure thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the enclosure. Machines for making the enclosure from a small number of extruded profiles are also described.

Abstract: A cigarette pack is described which is made from a thermoplastic film. In addition, an opening device for opening cigarette film packs made from thermoplastics and a process for the production of an opening device are described.