Abstract: A diagnostic reagent is disclosed containing a complex of a probe polynucleotide (P) bound via purine/pyrimidine hydrogen bonding to a labeled polynucleotide (L). The probe (P) contains a target binding region (TBR) capable of binding to a target nucleotide sequence (G) of a biological sample. A method is disclosed in which contact with a sample containing the target nucleotide sequence (G) causes binding, initially between G and a single-stranded portion (IBR) of the target binding region (TBR). Thereafter the labeled polynucleotide (L) is displaced from the complex by branch migration of (G) into the (P)/(L) binding region. Determination of displaced labeled polynucleotide (L) gives a value which is a function of the presence and concentration of target nucleotide sequence (G) in the sample.

Abstract: A device (10;50) comprisingan armature (12;80) movable in a first and a second direction;an obstruction for (20;22;60;74) for providing a motion stop in at least the first direction;an electromagnetic and return spring (18;28;60;140) for moving said armature in the first and second directions; anda damper attached to and movable with said armature for dissipating energy from the collision of the armature with the motion stop.

Abstract: A wide multi-row planter has a tongue which upon being disconnected at one point from the planter frame can be pivoted from its field position to an endwise transport position wherein the tongue and planter frame are within the tread width of the transport wheels. In its transport position, the tongue is secured to the planter frame by a releasable latch.

Abstract: An improved moving cavity yarn texturing device is described. One improved feature is a two stage energy tube which provides for more effective filling of the moving cavity by the yarn. The first stage has a cross section with a major axis and a minor axis. The second stage has a cross section with a major axis and a minor axis whose ratio is less than that of the first stage. A second feature is an improved chamber design which employs a channel having a "V" shaped cross section which eliminates snagging of the yarn by the cavity.

Abstract: A diagnostic reagent is disclosed containing a complex of a probe polynucleotide (P) bound via purine/pyrimidine hydrogen bonding to a labeled polynucleotide (L). The probe (P) contains a target binding region (TBR) capable of binding to a target nucleotide sequence (G) of a biological sample. A method is disclosed in which contact with a sample containing the target nucleotide sequence (G) causes binding, initially between G and a single-stranded portion (IBR) of the target binding region (TBR). Thereafter the labeled polynucleotide (L) is displaced from the complex by branch migration of (G) into the (P)/(L) binding region. A volume excluding polymeric agent such as poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO or PEG) or other polyethers enhances the rate of appearance of displaced labeled polynucleotide. Determination of displaced labeled polynucleotide (L) gives a value which is a function of the presence and concentration of target nucleotide sequence (G) in the sample.

Abstract: A rapidly solidified magnesium based alloy contains finely dispersed magnesium intermetallic phases. The alloy has the form of a filament or a powder and is especially suited for consolidation into bulk shapes having superior combination of strength, ductility and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor (24) having an electrolyte member (72) with a thimble that is held in a metal shell (30) by an insulating member (56). The thimble has an external surface (80) and internal surface (82) that are coated with a conductive material. A sleeve (96) is attached to the metal shell (30) by spot welds (108) and a seal is established therebetween. A terminal member (120) located in sleeve (96) includes a first contact ring (142) that is connected by a spring (148) and cylinder (152) to the external surface (80) and a second contact ring (144) that is connected by a coil spring (146) to the internal surface (82). Terminals (164 and 164')carried by terminal member (120) hold a tubular housing (90) of a heater member (92). Tubular housing (90) has an end (94) that is located in the thimble of electrolyte member (72). When electrical current is supplied to heater member (92) the temperature of the thimble is maintained above a minimum operating temperature of the electrolyte member (72).

Abstract: An underwater sonar transducer includes a centrally located beam with a plurality of stacks of piezoelectric transducer elements extending from each side, with a rigid end beam at the opposite end of each stack. A plurality of bolts extending from one end beam to the other on opposite sides of the stacks are tightened to apply a desired amount of prestress on the ceramic stacks. Arcuate radiating elements are welded to opposite sides of each end beam, end cap members are fastened to the centrally located beam at each end of the transducer and a jacket of elastomeric material is bonded to the edges of the end cap members to prevent ingress of fluid into the piezoelectric elements. Energizing of the piezoelectric elements causes expansion and contraction of the stacks, pushing the end beams in and out and causing bowing of the radiating elements to project sonar energy.

Abstract: Method and improved apparatus for recovering a volatile organic material, such as caprolactam, from a liquid mixture of organic and inorganic materials are disclosed. The method features the step of mixing the liquid mixture with superheated steam for 0.005 to 1.0 second to vaporize a large portion of the volatile organic material without degrading the organic materials. The steam and vaporized organic materials are then separated from the liquid mixture remaining, followed by separation of the vaporized organic material from the steam. The vaporized organic material subsequently is condensed. The improved apparatus features means for introducing superheated steam into a vaporizer feed pipe, as well as means for mixing the superheated steam with the liquid mixture in the pipe for 0.005 to 1.0 second so that a large portion of the volatile organic material is vaporized and feeds with the steam and remaining liquid mixture into the vaporizer for separation.

Abstract: A fuel injector, system and method comprising means for ejecting fuel directly into a cylinder (14) an engine through a non-conductive, heat storing element. The element including a nozzle (44) portion comprising a preferably ceramic body having a narrow, first passage (158) in communication with a conical second portion (164). The two portions cooperating to cause the fuel to flow turbulently therethrough. The nozzle further includes a heater (174) for elevating the temperature to the nozzle to a predetermined temperture. In this manner, as the fuel contacts the heated nozzle it is atomized. In one embodiment of the invention a solid ceramic body is employed. In another embodiment, the nozzle (178) is formed by a plurality of stacked ceramic disks which include a central opening (182) therethrough and a plurality of heating elements (184), one for each disk. The openings (182) are sized to approximate the continuous conical portion of the solid body nozzle.

Abstract: A proportioning control valve for a fluid pressure braking system for a tractor-trailer combination vehicle permits unproportioned communication of control pressure when the tractor is pulling a trailer but proportions communication of control pressure when the tractor is operated without a trailer to establish a proportionally lower pressure level at the outlet of the valve. When the pressure level at the control port exceeds a predetermined level established by a spring, the control valve proportions at a rate which increases the pressure level at the outlet at a rate greater than the rate of increase of control pressure until the unproportioned pressure level is attained.

Abstract: A wheel rim assembly (10) includes a first bead flange and a separable second bead flange (16), the separable second bead flange (16) being maintained on the rim assembly (10) by a separated retaining ring assembly (20). Each terminal end (22) of the retaining ring assembly (20) has an arcuately shaped bore (24) extending circumferentially, the bore (24) having an enlarged opening area (30) communicating with an axial opening (28) located at the outboard axial surface (23) of the retaining ring assembly (20). Located within the bores (24) is a flexible locking member (40) comprising a stranded wire cable (42) having balls (44) affixed securely thereto, the balls (44) being captured within the enlarged opening areas (30) and the flexible cable (42) being maintained within the arcuately shaped bores (24) by means of retaining connections (36) received in radial openings (34) passing through the terminal ends (22) and bores (24 ) of the retaining ring assembly (20).

Abstract: A control valve assembly for use in an anti-lock braking system wherein a 3-way isolation valve normally connects a wheel cylinder to a master cylinder and isolates that wheel cylinder(s) from the master cylinder and simultaneously connects the wheel cylinder to the common connection of a pressure modulating unit when the anti-lock system has been energized. The assembly enables use of a three channel anti-lock system in a dual circuit cross split brake system and increases the protection of the normal brake circuit from leakage in the modulating unit.

Abstract: Modified phenolic resins and cured resins prepared therefrom.

Abstract: The invention is a hydraulic failure compensating switch which incorporates a differential pressure valve which responds to a hydraulic failure in one of a pair of vehicle braking circuits and altering the pressure reducing function of the braking system proportioning valve(s) in response thereto to increase braking torque at the vehicle's rear wheels.

Abstract: A method of forming foamed fibers which comprises the steps of forming a melt of a polymer of fiber-forming molecular weight in which is admixed a blowing agent, and a closed-cell-forming additive, extruding said melt through a spinnerette, quenching said melt downstream of said spinnerette under conditions at which bubbles form in said melt, and drawing said melt as it is quenched to produce a foamed fiber having fine bubbles contained therein is disclosed. The product fibers may contain substantially only closed-cells and/or substantially uniform cross sectional area cells.

Abstract: A low voltage supply control system provides on command a voltage doubling of the supply voltage to the fuel injector coils of a fuel injection system. The command signal is responsive to the magnitude of the battery voltage falling below a predetermined level at any time during the operation of the fuel injection systems be it on cold starting or during a component failure in the power generating system of the vehicle during operation. The advantage of this system is that the impedance of the fuel injector coils is typically many times higher than that of coils used without the low voltage supply control system. Overall the cost advantages of the low voltage supply control system are very attractive.

Abstract: The compact brake piston-return mechanism (10) comprises a housing (22) having a bore (40) with a longitudinal sleeve (50) received fixedly in said bore (40). The sleeve (50) has a through opening (56) receiving therein a piston (60) which extends exteriorly of the through opening (56) to an enlarged diameter portion (69) for engaging a brake stack (32, 35, 36). The piston (60) has an interior opening (66) in which is disposed a deformable member (80) connected by means of a ring (70) with the piston (60). A deforming member (90) is disposed within said deformable member (80), deforming member (90) extending axially through an aperture (63) at an end (62) of the piston (60) disposed within said bore (40). The deforming member (90) includes a radially extending member (94) which has an axially extending portion (95) that encircles interior ends (52, 62) of the sleeve (50) and piston (60).

Abstract: An upright metering panel is installed on the cleaning shoe assembly of a combine which has a configuration to distribute the grain being cleaned over a substantial portion of the lateral width of the chaffer part of the shoe assembly.

Abstract: A method of assembling a heated electrochemical sensor (24) for use in sensing exhaust gases in an internal combustion engine (16). A tubular electrolyte member (72) having a closed end (74) is insulated from a metal shell (30). The external surface (80) and internal surface (82) of the electrolyte member (72) are coated with a conductive material. A sleeve (96) retains a terminal member (120) having first (142) and second (144) contact rings located on shoulders (126) and (140). Terminals (164 and 164') are located in slots (160 and 162) in bore (138) on terminal member (120). A tubular heater (92) has an end (93) inserted in bore (138) until contact surfaces (161 and 163) engage terminals (164 and 164'). A coil spring (146) is placed on tubular heater (92) and a wave or washer spring (148) is placed adjacent contact ring (142). Sleeve (96) and shell (30) are brought together and spot welded (108). Thereafter, a sealed joint is produced to complete the manufacture of the heated electrochemical sensor (24).