Abstract: A universal lifting device for elevating heavy off-the-road vehicles, e.g. mechanical shovels used in mining operations, is proposed to raise the upper revolving section of the shovel and allow for its lower wheeled base to be removed with a view to attending to the maintenance, for instance, of the rotation mechanism of the shovel. The lifting device comprises front and rear lifting beams to which various type of brackets can be removably mounted to ensure a proper positioning of the front and rear lifting beams with respect to the revolving frame of different models of mechanical shovels. Front and rear lifting points are provided to control the vertical displacement of the front and the rear lifting beams, respectively.

Abstract: A highly combustible fuel which exhibits low exhaust pollutants is developed by exposing an atmosphere of a gaseous hydrocarbon fuel, for example, gasoline, to a source of energy such as an electrical potential difference, ultra-violet radiation, microwave radiation or laser radiation. The combustible fuel can be fed directly to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. It is clearly visible in the flask as being whitish silvery grey in color. The combustible fuel can also be condensed and the condensate employed as a fuel.

Abstract: A basket removably attachable to a support arm extending laterally outwardly from a helicopter, comprises a frame structure having a bottom support surface and a top surface joined together in an axially adjustable relationship. An opening is defined in the top surface of the frame structure for providing access to the bottom support surface. The frame structure is displaceable between collapsed and erected positions for selectively reducing and increasing its height, whereby the basket can be carried in its collapsed position and, once on site, extended to its erected position for safely receiving at least one operator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting genetic variation in individuals by PCR amplification of the locus of interest, transferring the resulting PCR products to a membrane filter, hybridizing with allele-specific-oligonucleotides (ASOs), and visualizing the results. Such a method is in the field of diagnostics, pharmacogenetics, cancer therapeutics, and drug metabolism. In particular, the present invention relates to the detection of genetic polymorphisms in gene encoding xenobiotics metabolizing enzymes CYP1A1, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and NAT2.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation printing apparatus has a printing head with an array of electrodes in contact with an electrically conductive electrocoagulation printing ink, and a driver circuit for impressing electric signals to individual electrodes of the array. The driver circuit includes a current limiter for limiting the magnitude of electric current passing through individual electrodes and the electrocoagulation printing ink to a predetermined value. The current limiter corrects a density of adjacent ink film pixels of a printed line to compensate for a cross-influence of impedance between adjacent ink film pixels.

Abstract: An automatic overhead door opening system for a transport container whereby to operate the displacement of a panel door from a closed position to an open position. The system is housed in a restrained size housing which incorporates a motorized drive for driving an endless chain associated with an elongated central guide track on which the door is guidingly attached. The motorized drive is comprised of two small d.c. motors each having a drive gear drivingly coupled to a common driven gear of a gear drive which includes a worm gear in meshing engagement with a driven sprocket connected to a drive sprocket to displace the endless chain. The housing is of reduced thickness and access to the interior of the housing is provided through a non-obstructed removable bottom wall plate and accordingly it is not necessary to disconnect the endless chain and drive sprocket to have access to the components of the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capillary carpet irrigation system which includes a water bearing capillary carpet disposed on a supporting surface and a plurality of water permeable pots resting upon and in hydraulic connection with the carpet. The pots contain growing medium and roots of plants. Conventional irrigation equipment supplies water to the carpet. A four layer capillary carpet includes: a water impermeable base membrane of polyethylene; and a water permeable microperforated dark coloured top membrane. Between the top and base membranes two water bearing capillary mats are supplied with water from the irrigation equipment.

Abstract: A water heater system for a water dispensing fountain having a refrigerated water reservoir, is disclosed. The water heater system is comprised of a plastic molded hot water tank formed in a support membrane. A feed conduit is also formed in the membrane and extends from a connector, which secures to the bottom wall of the refrigerated water reservoir, to the bottom end of a serpentine array of the conduit which extends upwardly to the bottom wall of the hot water tank. The purpose of the serpentine conduit is to prevent hot water from the tank from flowing back into the refrigerated water reservoir. A dispensing conduit extends from the hot water tank and is located at a position whereby water can be extracted from a valve connected thereto by gravity flow. An exhaust pipe also extends from the hot water tank and is provided with an exhaust port located above the top water level of the refrigerated water reservoir whereby to exhaust water pressure vapors from the hot water tank.

Abstract: By adjusting a state of circular polarization of a laser beam, a rate of rotation in micro objects rotated by angular momentum imparted from the light is controlled. The light has greatest effect on anisotropic transparent micro objects. A micro mixer using anisotropic micro probe objects can also be provided by using the light to control rotation of the probe objects in a suspension or solution.

Abstract: The identification structure of the present invention provides a plurality of minute holes arranged in a code on a precision machine contact surface of the object to be identified. The holes are of such a small diameter and sufficiently deep depth that they do not interfere with or detract from the function of the object identified, but any attempt to remove them by grinding or otherwise, degrades or destroys the proper functioning of the object identified. The holes can be formed into a binary code which in one aspect depends on each hole being in one of two alternative positions. In another possible arrangement, the binary code can depend on the presence or absence of a hole in a particular position and a check sum can be included to prevent tampering or alteration. Electrical discharge machining provides an excellent fabrication technique. Placing the identification structure on the inside of the barrel of a gun is one example of an application.

Abstract: A method for measuring such parameters as height, position, shape, colinearity, and coplanarity of arrays of minute objects on the surface of integrated circuits, such as Ball Grid Arrays (BGA), all in one simple and straight forward procedure during the manufacturing process of integrated circuits. Shadows of the objects are created on the substrate through the use of x-rays or other light sources placed at predetermined distances and angles from the objects. An imaging device obtains images from the shadows cast onto the substrate and the images are then analyzed to determine if they meet predefined parameters. Multiple sources of illumination can be used to illuminate the array in order to create a more precise image for analysis and three dimensional images of the BGA can be created for analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for classifying batches of wood chips or the like according to light reflection characteristics; provide optimal use of darker wood chips in pulp and paper processes. According to a preferred embodiment, light produced by a set of illumination sources is evenly directed onto superficial wood chips of an inspected batch portion transported on a conveyor while being inspected by a camera disposed over the conveyor. The superficial wood chips presenting light reflection characteristics being substantially representative of the wood chips of the inspected batch, reflected light is sensed by the camera to produce electrical signals representing rejection intensity values for the wood chips of the batch portion.

Abstract: A utility pole comprises an inner structure disposed within an envelop formed of a different material than that of the inner structure, thereby enabling the combination of the qualities inherent to both materials in a single utility pole. The utility pole may be of a modular construction for allowing equipment and accessories to be integrated to the utility pole. For instance, a transformer may be added between two adjacent sections of the inner structure of the utility pole.

Abstract: A manhole or catch basin assembly comprises separable component parts which assemble to a unitary structure, the component parts being readily replaced or interchanged to increase the vertical height of the assembly such as when a road surface is repaved to an elevated height; the component parts are molded parts which fit snugly together in sealing engagement.

Abstract: A walker apparatus for disabled persons having a frame having a pair of spaced-apart wheels mounted at a front end thereof. A seat is secured to the frame rearwardly of the front end. The wheels are connected to a steering assembly having a tandem connecting linkage to cause the wheels to turn in parallel relationship. Handles are secured to the steering assembly to control the position of the wheels for guiding the apparatus during displacement thereof. A rear support wheel is secured to the frame and disposed behind the seat and substantially central between the pair of spaced apart wheels. The apparatus is motorized by the feet of the disabled person when sitting on the seat and grasping the steering handles.

Abstract: Peanut biscuits are produced by a method of (a) grinding roasted peanuts to obtain a peanut paste containing peanut oil; (b) removing the peanut oil from the peanut paste to provide a substantially oiless peanut paste; (c) forming the substantially oiless peanut paste into biscuits; and (d) frying the biscuits in oil. When peanut crumbs are desired, the substantially oiless peanut paste obtained in step (c) is directly fried in oil and the fried paste is ground to obtain crumbs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antifungal in vitro and in vivo screening assays for identifying compounds which inhibit mannosyltransferases involved in protein O- and N-glycosylation. The antifungal screening assay for identifying a compound which inhibit mannosyltransferases involved in protein O- and N-glycosylation, comprises the steps of: a) subjecting proteins to a specific mannosyltransferase protein encoded by a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannosyltransferase encoding gene, wherein said gene is selected from the group consisting of KRE2/MNT1, YUR1, KTR1, KTR2, KTR3, KTR4, KTR5, KTR6 and KTR7; b) subjecting step a) to a screened compound and determining the absence or presence of protein O- and N-glycosylation, wherein the absence of protein O- and N-glycosylation is indicative of an antifungal compound. There is also disclosed an in vitro method for the diagnosis of diseases caused by fungal infection in a patient.

Abstract: An improved pulping process by which pulp yield is increased requires using polysulfide in the cooking liquor and lignocellulosic particles having a maximum thickness of 2 mm.