Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating unwanted moderately saline waters for producing waters acceptable for treating soil, such as for irrigation. The treated water is also suitable for human and livestock consumption. The process includes passing moderately saline waters having 0.05% or more by weight and less than 1.00% by weight of the salts of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cl, SO4, or CO3 or combinations thereof through an ion exchange resin. The ion exchange resin is pre-treated to be saturated with multivalent cations. Preferred multivalent cations include calcium (Ca2+) or magnesium (Mg2+) ions, or combinations thereof. After passing through the ion exchange resin, the effluent has decreased sodium cations and increased calcium and/or magnesium cations compared to the pre-treated moderately saline water.

Abstract: The invention relates to disposing of unwanted waste waters produced from purifying water. The methods of the present invention include applying waste water containing 0.15% by weight of the salts of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cl, SO4, and CO3 and mixtures thereof to soil to control dust, effect soil stabilization, seal ponds, inhibit root rot, and irrigate soil. The invention also relates to the utilization of waste waters within cooling towers and for laundry applications.

Abstract: An illuminated bougie in which the elongate bougie body is formed of flexible light-transmitting material. A socket for detachably attaching the light-transmitting end of a fiber optic bundle is formed in the proximal end of the bougie.

Abstract: A telescoping multi-sectional mast in which the upper sections are extended and retracted in a controlled predetermined sequence and in which each section, when fully extended, is automatically and positively locked to the next lower section.The improved locking system includes a lock projection-lock engagement pair, one of the pair being carried on the outer surface of each of the upper sections of the mast and the other of the pair being carried on the upper ends of each of the intermediate sections. A lock actuator stud is carried on the upper end of each of the intermediate and bottom sections. This pair cooperates to operatively lock together in response to disengagement with the actuator stud carried on the next lower mast section, to restrain relative vertical movement between an upper section which is fully extended from the next lower section. The pair unlocks in response to engagement with the actuator stud carried by the next lower section.

Abstract: A protective covering for a lesion comprises a frame for adhering to the skin of a patient and for surrounding a lesion. The frame has a central opening and a generally L-shaped cross section including a wall, and a base that surrounds the lesion and attaches to the patient's skin with an adhesive. One end of the wall extends perpendicularly from the base, extending around the central opening. The free end of the wall includes a peripheral recess wherein a rim of a cover is received. The cover aligns with the opening and the rim extends fully around the cover so that when the frame base is attached to the patient's skin surrounding a lesion, and the rim of the cover is sealingly received in the recess of the wall, a sealed space is provided enclosing the lesion to protect it from the water. The cover may be put on and taken off the frame many times while the adhesive connection between the frame and skin remains intact.

Abstract: In a combined SCR-SNCR process for reducing the NO content of a stream of combustion products by NH.sub.3, SCR is employed for primary NO reduction. NH.sub.3 is injected into the SNCR zone only when the NO content of the SCR effluent exceeds a preselected design maximum value.

Abstract: A cellular communications system is provided having both surface and satellite nodes which are fully integrated for providing service over large areas. A spread spectrum system is used with code division multiple access (CDMA) employing forward error correction coding (FECC) to enhance the effective gain and selectivity of the system. Two-way adaptive power control and signal quality monitoring and power control responsive thereto are provided for controlling the power output levels of transmitters to the minimum necessary for satisfactory communications. Each transmission includes a code representative of the transmitter output power level. Receivers compare this code to the received signal strength and adjust their associated transmitter power output level accordingly. Bit error rate and SNR are monitored by receivers to develop a measure of signal quality. A signal quality code is transmitted to remote units and transmission output power level is adjusted in response.

Abstract: A space transport architecture (STA) for robotic operations on a planet. The STA comprises and an earth launch vehicle (ELV) (10), adapted to carry a space transfer vehicle (STV) (15) and associated payloads (17) into low earth orbit (LEO). The space transfer vehicle (STV) (15), carried by the ELV (10), is adapted to carry associated payloads from LEO in the planetary orbit and to dispense these payloads (17) from planetary orbit for landing in the locus of at least one planetary exploration site. At least one planetary lander (17) is carried by the STV. The lander (17) is adapted to carry a plurality of robotic operational platforms (58) and deploy these platforms in the locus of the exploration site. A plurality of robotic operational platforms (58) is carried by each of the landers (17).

Abstract: A package for decorative lights includes an elongate hollow cylindrical core with notches in the ends of the core. The decorative light string is wound around the exterior of the core with the terminal ends of the string extending through the notches, securing the cord around the core, with the electrical connector plugs on the terminal ends enclosed within the core. A protective outer cover encloses the core and the light string wound on the core. Preferably the outer cover has a polygonal cross-section and the electric lights on the string are received in and protectively enclosed by the inner apexes of the cover.

Abstract: A biological stain composition contains toluidine blue O and a pharmaceutically acceptable oxidizing agent to convert any leuco toluidine blue O to the chromo form. A dry composition for preparing the stain includes the toluidine blue O, the oxidizing agent and an effervescent agent. These compositions are preferably buffered to improve shelf stability and clinical consistency. Compositions for intra-oral application contain a flavoring agent.

Abstract: A plumbing tool for temporarily plugging a pipe which normally contains fluid under pressure. An elongate threaded rod has proximal and distal ends. A hollow elongate sleeve is disposed around the threaded rod. A cylindrical gasket is disposed around the rod between the hollow sleeve and a gasket stop on the distal end of the rod. The stop includes a washer, keyed to the threaded rod to prevent relative rotational motion, and a nut engaged on the distal end of the threaded rod, to permit field removal of the washer and field replacement of the gasket.

Abstract: A device, adaptable to a forklift, for grasping a storage drum by a lip formed in its top edge. A lifting arm supports the lip from below while a mechanical linkage causes the spring-loaded support arm to be drawn against the inside surface of the lip as the device is raised by the forklift. Further lifting by the forklift causes the drum to be raised while the force exerted by the holding arm against the lip is dictated by the weight of the drum. Lowering the drum to the ground causes the mechanism to automatically release.

Abstract: A cellular communications system is provided having both surface and satellite nodes which are fully integrated for providing service over large areas. A spread spectrum system is used with code division multiple access (CDMA) employing forward error correction coding (FECC) to enhance the effective gain and selectivity of the system. Multiple beam, relatively high gain antennas are disposed in the satellite nodes to establish a first set of cells, and by coupling the extra gain obtained with FECC to the high gain satellite-node antennas, enough gain is created in the satellite part of the system such that a user need only use a small, mobile handset with a non-directional antenna for communications with both ground nodes and satellite nodes. User position information is also available. A digital data interleaving feature reduces fading. Each transmitter includes a coder representative of its output power level.

Abstract: Artificial life robotics are utilized in a system for in-space service of spacecraft. An Earth Launch Vehicle (ELV) carries an Exoatmospheric Mothership Vehicle (MSV) into a space trajectory. The MSV, in turn, carries at least one Operational Service Vehicle (OSV). The MSV separates from the ELV and rendezvous within station keeping proximity of the spacecraft. The OSV then separates from the MSV for operative approach to the spacecraft. The OSV includes a propulsion/attitude control system and spacecraft servicing apparatus. The OSV carries an on-board "artificial life" computer which controls the OSV propulsion system and spacecraft servicing apparatus.

Abstract: A space launch system and a space transfer vehicle usable within such system. The space transfer vehicle includes a primary propulsion engine and attitude control system. A guidance system for both the atmospheric launch vehicle and the space transfer vehicle is integral with the space transfer vehicle.

Abstract: A rotatable cutter bit for drilling a hole in the hardplate of burglar-resistant safes includes an elongate hollow barrel having diamond grit bonded in a matrix to the periphery of the work-drilling end and a beeswax core in the hollow working end. A method for drilling hardplate includes the step of rotating a diamond-tipped drill bit in the hardplate in the presence of beeswax in the drilling interface.

Abstract: A prosthesis and method for treating gastro esophagus reflux. The prosthesis is a normal C-shaped cushion member, the inside diameter of which is generally larger than the normal outside diameter of the distal esophagus. The C-shaped member is temporarily deformable to a shape adapted for inserting the member into the abdominal cavity through a laparoscopic portal. A shaping spring normally maintains the cushion member in the C-shape and is deformable to permit inserting the C-shaped member through the portal.An optical viewing laparscope is inserted through the abdominal wall of the torso. The prosthesis is temporarily deformed and inserted through a laparoscopic portal in the torso wall. The prosthesis is then positioned around the distal esophagus adjacent the diaphragm.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for fighting wild fires includes an inductor for foam forming chemicals positioned in the discharge conduit of a water pump. The inductor includes a hollow barrel having a short pipe orifice therein and a foam concentrate liquid induction port to supply the liquid at the vena contracta of the pumped water flowing into the inductor.

Abstract: A radio transmission antenna system and method of transmitting radio signals.The antenna system includes an array of separately rotatable directional antennas which are spaced along an azimuth line. The antennas are rotated to direct their respective major lopes of transmitted rf energy along parallel lines in a selected direction relative to the azimuth line. Two separate adjustments are made to the phase of identical rf signals which are fed to each antenna in the array.A first phase adjustment is made when required to produce a coherent wave-front transmitted in the selected direction. This first phase adjustment shifts the phase of the signals fed to adjacent antennas in the array by 180.degree.. This adjustment establishes a radiation pattern in any given azimuth quadrant which records major lobes, established by rotating the antennas, at 0.degree. and 90.degree. relative to the azimuth line and at least one intermediate angle between 0.degree. and 90.degree..

Abstract: A composition useful for administering Vitamin C to a subject comprises a compound having Vitamin C activity and at least one compound selected from the class consisting of the aldono-lactones and edible salts of L-threonic, L-xylonic and L-lyxonic acids.High Vitamin C levels in the human body are established by orally administering to a human subject an effective amount of this composition.