Abstract: In spectrographic measurements, the selectivity (that is to say, the ratio of the signal from the analytical sample to the signal from the impurity) is of vital importance. If a narrow spectral band is filtered from the region of the spectrum to be examined by means of a filter arrangement or the like and supplied to a detector whose output signal is displayed, there is a substantial improvement in selectivity in that the filter apparatus is periodically displaced relative to the region of the spectrum to be examined, that the spectral band extending through the filter apparatus is periodically displaced over the range of the spectrum to be examined and that the output signal for the detector is transmitted to the display through a lock-in-amplifier whose phase-reference signal is proportional to the displacement.

Abstract: A method of optimizing texture and processability of chewing gum compositions is disclosed. The method includes the steps of making a sample batch of chewing gum containing powdered sorbitol, making subsequent batches of gum also using powdered sorbitol, using at least two types of powdered sorbitol in one or more of the samples batches and varying the ratio between the at least two types of powdered sorbitol between sample batches in order to optimize texture and processability of the gum. The types of powdered sorbitol may differ in their particle size distribution or particle morphology. Methods of manufacturing gum and gum compositions using optimized ratios of powdered sorbitol are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sleep apnea monitor includes an SaO.sub.2 sensor, a breathing sensor, a snoring sensor, and a head position sensor, all of which are mounted to a headgear. The breathing sensor preferably includes a piezo-electric film formed of a generally cylindrical shape positioned between the nose and mouth of the subject such that exhaled air warms the film and generates an electric signal indicative of the brathing pattern of the subject. Preferably, the region bounded by the piezo-electric film is used as a resonant cavity which is acoustically coupled to a microphone included in the snoring sensor. In one embodiment, data is logged from the sleep apnea monitor at the rate of one measurement for each pulse beat of the subject. In this way, data recording is synchronized with a physiological variable.

Abstract: A personal health monitor includes sensors for measuring patient weight, temperature, blood pressure, and ECG waveform. The monitor is coupled to a central unit via modems and includes a computer which is programmed to prompt a patient to take prescribed medication at prescribed times, to use the sensors to measure prescribed health parameters, and to supply answers to selected questions. Medication compliance information, test results, and patient answers are compiled in a composite log which is automatically transmitted to the central unit. The computer is also programmed automatically to disconnect the monitor from an alternating current power source and to rely on internal battery power during certain periods of patient-monitor interaction, such as during use of the ECG module. In this way, danger to the patient and complexity of the ECG module are minimized.

Abstract: A roller cone rock bit is disclosed with an improved bearing system. The improvement comprises a main journal bearing which is substantially frustoconically shaped and a main roller cone bearing which is reverse shaped to mate with the journal bearing. The journal and roller cone bearings comprise polycrystalline diamond. The invention also includes a member for retaining the roller cone on the journal.

Abstract: A packing machine for pouches or other flexible container is provided having an indexable conveyor, a feed means which discharges pouches onto said indexable conveyor, a sensing means for indexing the conveyor, a variable stroke vacuum head assembly with a vacuum shroud for transporting and packing the pouches, and means to vary the length of stroke of the vacuum head assembly.

Abstract: Overflow calls intended for a telephone answering center are automatically diverted to an overflow center which automatically answers the overflow calls and records information acquired from the overflow calls. This recorded information is digitally encoded and then transmitted back from the overflow station to the telephone answering center, where it is received and used to allow operators at the telephone answering center to place callbacks, or to take other appropriate action.

Abstract: An adjustable pressure relief valve is disclosed comprising a valve body having an inlet and an outlet, a valve seat associated with the inlet, a valve member configured to seal off the flow of fluids through the valve at the valve seat, an adjustment screw supported in the valve body to allow rotational but not longitudinal movement of the adjustment screw with respect to the valve body, a compression member connected to the adjustment screw and mounted within the valve body which moves longitudinally with respect to the adjustment screw when the adjustment screw is rotated and a resilient member biased between the compression member and the valve member. In the preferred embodiments, a connection between the adjustment screw and the valve member aligns the valve member with the valve seat. Also, the adjustment screw provides an unchanging stop surface to limit the lift of the valve seat as well as inside diameter guiding to prevent buckling of a helical spring used as the resilient member.

Abstract: A composition for use in yeast-fermented foods to modify the food and improve its softness during storage is disclosed. The composition comprises (by weight) 1 part of protein, 0.5 to 4 parts of edible fat and oil, 3.5 to 13 parts of water, 0.5 to 2 parts of at least one material selected from the group consisting of mashed potato powder, sweet potato powder and starch; and 0.3 to 4.5% of a phosphate and/or citrate based on the total weight of said protein, edible fat and oil, water and at least one material selected from the group consisting of mashed potato powder, sweet potato powder and starch.

Abstract: A computerized order/delivery system for use in the food service industry includes a central computer that accepts customer food orders and, based on a customer identifier, automatically selects the store that is to prepare the food and transmits the required information to that location.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing multiple polycrystalline diamond and/or CBN bodies. The method involves mixing a temporary binding agent, such as paraffin, with a quantity of the crystals and then molding or extruding that mixture to produce temporarily held bodies. The temporarily held bodies are then placed in a reaction chamber and surrounded by a pressure transmitting medium, such as powdered cemented tungsten carbide. Preferably, the paraffin is removed by heat and vacuum. The reaction chamber is then pressed and heated thereby creating discrete polycrystalline diamond and/or CBN bodies of approximately the same shape and size as the temporarily held bodies. The preferred embodiment also includes the step of placing a separating layer of cobalt and graphite powder around the temporarily held bodies before they are surrounded by the pressure transmitting medium.

Abstract: Dense, strong, composite materials are produced from mixtures of silicon and silicon carbide. The composite materials are characterized by a mixture of finely-divided silicon carbide in a substantially continuous matrix of silicon. The composite materials contain from about 40 to about 60 percent by volume silicon carbide and from about 60 to about 40 percent by volume silicon. The composite materials are produced by initially producing a finely-divided silicon carbide starting component and forming the component into a green body of the desired shape. The green body is subsequently impregnated with molten silicon in the absence of any substantial amount of carbon. Suitably, a thermoplastic resin binder may be added to the silicon carbide starting material to aid in forming the green body. The impregnation step may be carried out by surrounding the green body with finely-divided silicon metal and heating the covered body to a temperature above the melting point of silicon.

Abstract: A method for mechanically stimulating the nipples of a pregnant woman for diagnostic and therapeutic effects. A nipple stimulator device is placed over a woman's nipple, and an intermittent reduced pressure is induced in the interior of the apparatus by a pump. An elastic membrane on the stimulator device is drawn inward by the reduced pressure, and in so doing acts to massage the breast nipple and the adjacent breast. A gentle, soft massage of the nipple is thereby provided to yield the desired stimulation to produce hormones, for example, useful in accelerating labor or conducting contraction stress tests in a pregnant woman.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant tire valve assembly includes a valve body which is bonded at one end to an elastomeric base member that defines an outer sealing surface. A valve core assembly is threadedly mounted in the valve body, and this valve core assembly carries a seal member which is shaped to engage and seal against the outer sealing surface of the base member. In addition, the seal member extends up into an inner passageway defined by the valve core assembly. The cooperation between the seal member and the base member protects both the valve body and the valve core assembly from corrosion, as for example corrosion resulting from exposure to salt solutions commonly used to weight tires in agricultural and heavy construction applications.

Abstract: A mass polling system is situated in a central office of a telephone system, and does not employ toll machines or trunk lines leading to toll machines. The mass polling system ensures that a charge record is generated before the beginning of a recorded announcement, during the period while the caller is receiving an audible ring signal. Preferably, the charge record is generated at the initiation of the audible ring signal. In this way billing errors due to early caller disconnect are reduced or eliminated. The mass polling system is responsive to a billing disable command which prevents the mass polling system from causing charge records to be generated when the mass polling system is out of service.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the relative position of two objects comprises a scale with an incremental graduation defining a measuring direction X. A plurality of identical reference marks are positioned along the graduation, each reference mark allocated absolutely to the graduation. To determine the absolute value of a reference mark, two successive spacings between the two reference marks preceding in the measuring direction X are determined. The two spacings are determined by scanning the incremental graduation.

Abstract: An inverter apparatus for strips of sheet material which are affected by a magnetic field. The apparatus includes a pair of parallel drums which rotate in opposite directions immediately adjacent each other. Mounted within the drums in prescribed and fixed relationship are permanent magnets. A strip adheres to the first drum under the effects of the magnets within and rotates with that drum until it comes between the two drums. At that point the strip enters the field of the magnets in the second drum and departs the field of those in the first whereby it adheres to the second drum. The strip rotates with the second drum until it departs the field of the magnets therein, whereupon the strip drops off the drum in inverted relationship.

Abstract: A sugarless hard coated chewing gum comprising a sugarless chewing gum center and a sugarless hard coating containing hydrogenated isomaltulose. The chewing gum center has a low water content, preferably less than about 2.5 weight percent based on the weight of the gum center. The sugarless hard coated chewing gum is manufactured by applying to the chewing gum center a sugarless syrup comprising hydrogenated isomaltulose to coat the gum centers. The coated gum centers are then dried in an inert medium such as air to form the hard coating.

Abstract: A device for generating complete data sets for the determination of a workpiece contour. Sections of a workpiece contour are input into a data memory in the form of incomplete data sets. A computer applies a contour algorithm to link the incomplete data sets into complete data sets of the workpiece contour by combining the geometric data contained in the data sets. The complete data sets are applied to a result memory and/or to a graphic unit for display. The workpiece can then be represented on a display screen and/or the workpiece generated on a numerically controlled machine tool.

Abstract: In a photoelectric measuring device for measuring the position of two objects which can be rotated relative to each other, a grid located on a graduation support, which is connected with one of the objects, is scanned by a scanning device connected with the other object. To eliminate the eccentricity between the grid and the rotational axis of the graduation support, the light beam emitted by a light source is split in a first graduation area of the grid into two first order diffraction beams, at two diffraction angles. After two-fold deviation by two parallel mirrors, the first order diffraction beams are again joined, in a second graduation area of the grid that lies diametrically opposite the first graduation area. The first order diffraction beams join at the same diffraction angles at which they were emitted from the first graduation area of the grid. Consequently, the beams at the second graduation area are parallel to themselves as they were emitted at the first graduation area.