Abstract: The surface of a workpiece is cleaned by generating a steady-state one atmosphere glow discharge plasma above the surface of the workpiece. The use of one atmosphere, uniform glow discharge plasmas generated by a low frequency RF ion trapping mechanisms is preferred. The plasma used to effect surface cleaning may be formed in atmospheric air or other gases at about one atmosphere of pressure, or at pressures below or above one atmosphere.

Abstract: Methods for the transformation of etioplasts and of chloroplasts are disclosed. One method comprises incubating isolated etioplasts with a chelating agent to bind metal ions on which chloroplast nucleases are dependent and incubating the resultant nuclease-inactivated etioplasts with foreign DNA. By an alternative method of transforming chloroplasts, foreign DNA comprising expression cassettes are coated on metal particles and inserted by high-velocity impact into plant cells. For transformation into a plant chloroplast, DNA molecules containing an expression cassette includes a DNA fragment containing appropriate control sequences. The expression cassette may also be flanked by chloroplast DNA which facilitates stable integration of the gene(s) of interest into the recipient chloroplast genome. It is desirable to include within the expression cassette a selectable marker gene that encodes a selectable phenotype which allows for the identification of the cells expressing the introduced gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a procedure for irreversibly transferring a diffraction grating, such as a stamped hologram, onto a substrate, such as a document or a product to be secured, which procedure consists of preparing a transfer film consisting of a supporting film substrate that carries at least one layer formed by a protective film overlay, a metallized or transparent reflective layer that carries the stamped optical image, and a layer of activatable adhesive. The procedure consists of superimposing the transfer film prepared in the above-described manner and of applying pressure with a transfer tool. The stage consisting of the preparation of the transfer film consists of depositing, onto a supporting film substrate whose dimensions are greater than those of the element to be transferred, at least one optical element whose dimensions correspond exactly to those of the element to be transferred onto the substrate.

Abstract: A spray booth includes an outer enclosure in which the temperature and humidity of a fluid (such as air) is not controlled and a fluid handling unit within this enclosure, which circulates and controls the temperature and humidity of a smaller volume of the same fluid (air) to develop an environment suitable for application of coatings to desired substrates. In use, fluid is drawn from the outer enclosure into the inner, fluid handling unit in order to clean and modify the temperature and humidity of the fluid being handled, conditioning it to be delivered to the region of limited size which is established for receiving the substrate to be coated.

Abstract: The oxidation and corrosion resistance of a nickel-base alloy are enhanced by a process which includes first enriching the surface of an alloy substrate with platinum, as by electrolytic deposition, and then simultaneously diffusing aluminum and silicon from a molten state into the platinum-enriched substrate. The invention further provides coatings and coated substrates with enhanced oxidation and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to alkaline primary cells comprising a zinc gel as the anode material, an aqueous alkaline electrolyte, a separator and a cathode material containing manganese dioxide, wherein the cathode material comprises 0.1-5% by weight of alkali metal titanates and/or alkaline earth metal titanates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nonwoven based on thermoplastic filaments, wherein all the filaments of which it is composed are completely manufactured from a polymer or from a blend of polymers derived from lactic acid, said nonwoven being permanently hydrophilic.The filaments of which the nonwoven according to the invention is composed are continuous filaments.They may furthermore be subjected to a hydrophilic treatment using a surface-active agent.

Abstract: The boring head has a fine movement mechanism for the tool support and a counterweight mounted in the tool body. In order to compensate for imbalance during the adjustment of the cutting tool, the counterweight is moved automatically in the opposite direction by means of a transmission device. The tool support, the counterweight, and the setting screw of the fine movement mechanism can all be simultaneously clamped firmly to the clamping organ.

Abstract: In the tool body (2), a tool support (4) for a cutting-plate holder (6) is mounted capable of fine radial movements. To compensate for imbalance, a balancing device (30) is provided which has at least two weight bodies (20, 21) movable in opposite circumferential directions within the tool body (2) in essentially the same plane. In certain embodiments, each of the two weight bodies (20, 21) forms approximately one-fourth of a circular ring.

Abstract: The sleeve has a cylindrical metal tube with a plastic core. The metal tube has one or more grooves on the inner surface of the tube that run along at least a portion of the length of the tube. The plastic core fills the annular space between the metal tube and the rod of a rotary dental instrument, such that plastic material (1) fills the grooves to anchor the plastic core to the metal sleeve and (2) is molded to rigidly link the rod to the sleeve. The present invention reduces the exposure of plastic material in the sleeve, thereby reducing plastic swelling that can occur when the dental instrument is repeatedly cleaned using disinfectants.

Abstract: A method for charging an electric storage cell, in particular a lead acid battery, as the starter battery in a motor vehicle, involves the generator voltage being controlled, using the charge state of the accumulator as a controlled variable, the charge state being derived from a measurement of the no-load voltage of the storage cell at the instant of the zero crossing of the current flowing in the storage cell. The measurement of the no-load voltage is carried out within a period of from 0.1 ms to 1 ms after a zero crossing of the current in the storage cell.

Abstract: Optical device for viewing a virtual three dimensional image superimposed on a real object and characterized in that it includes means for forming a three dimensional virtual image and two semi-transparent mirrors arranged between the observer and the real object at a given angle of inclination to reflect the computer-generated virtual image of the real object.

Abstract: Two methods and corresponding electrode designs are provided for the generation of a plasma at or about one atmosphere. Using these methods, various webs, films and three-dimensional objects are beneficially treated in a reduced amount of time. A first method utilizes a repetitive, asymmetric voltage pulse to generate a plasma discharge between two electrodes. An asymmetric voltage pulse is used to generate a discharge in which a substrate can be exposed predominately to either positive or negative plasma species depending on the voltage polarity used. A second method uses the gap capacitance of an electrode pair and an external inductor in shunt to form a resonant LC circuit. The circuit is driven by a high power radio frequency source operating at 1 to 30 MHz to generate a uniform discharge between the electrode pair. Both methods have temperature controlled discharge surfaces with supply gas temperature, humidity and flow rate control.

Abstract: A formulation which induces systemic immunity in plants which comprise a surfactant which reduces the surface tension to below about 30 dynes/cm and the contact angle of liquids on the surface to zero. The plants which have been immunized and a method of applying the formulation to induce such immunity to the plants.

Abstract: A connector for a composite pipe includes a male conical member to be inserted between inner and outer layers of the pipe. The outer layers have oppositely wound composite strips which are overlapped along the conical surface. The ends of the strips are braided and a cup located over the conical surface. A filler is injected between the cup and conical member to fill the voids formed between the overlapping strips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for sterilization of liquids using a steady-stage glow discharge apparatus, at one atmosphere.