Abstract: A biodegradable plastic material based on cellulose esters and possibly biodegradable carboxylic acid esters, glycol esters or glycol ethers as softener, composed of from about 50 to about 90 weight percent cellulose ester, from about 5 to about 40 weight percent softener, from about 5 to about 30 weight percent polyester and from about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent AQ-nylon. The biodegradable plastic material may also contain organic acids and/or acid esters and/or ethers different from the softener, and other additives, such as flame inhibitors, and is distinguished by excellent biodegradability, injection molding and blow molding characteristics. Also disclosed are articles made of the material of the invention and methods of making such articles. It is preferably molded into thin sheets and transparent plastic articles, preferably into enclosures/containers for oil lamps, eternal flame oil candles, composition lights, other cemetery light designs, votive lights and thin sheets.

Abstract: An active flat-design video screen is described, having signal line means arranged in lines and columns, these signal line means, at their crossing points, defining picture elements of the video screen, in which case the lines that are arranged in columns are developed as electrodes and the signal line means that are arranged in lines are developed by means of optical waveguides into which, on the input side, a modulated light signal is coupled and which, at each crossing point, have a device for the coupling-out of the respective light signal. In comparison to conventional active flat-design video screens, the video screen according to the invention distinguishes itself particularly by a good picture resolution and a good contrast range, connected with a good regeneration rate.

Abstract: Metallic implants with a coating of hydroxyl apatite are described. Hot isostatic pressing permits pore-free compaction of the hydroxyl apatite layer and results in firm bonding of the layer on the metallic core. The surface of the layer is partially dehydrated by means of ion bombardment, and a bioactive layer for osteogenesis is produced.

Abstract: In a gas transport laser with axial gas flow, a radial blower is provided for the gas circulation on the axis of which a laser resonator has been arranged. The laser resonator is concentrically enclosed by a ring channel serving as a cooling section. For this purpose, several heat exchangers are provided in the ring channel which are connected to a water reservoir. The water reservoir preferably serves as the cover plate of the radial turbine, and carries--at the same time--the cathode being shaped as a ring electrode.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for the automatic examination of eggs for cracks or fractured surface areas in their shells. The process includes the steps of directing light from at least one light source onto the egg, and detecting and measuring the intensity of the light emanating from the egg. Cracks or fractured surface areas in the egg shell will allow a greater intensity of light to emanate from the egg. Such relatively higher intensity is measured to determine if a crack or fracture exists. The apparatus consists of at least one light source, a device for rotating the egg, apparatus for moving the light beam over the surface of the egg shell, and a device for detecting the intensity level of the light emanating from the egg.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for measuring the curvature of the cornea of the human eye. The device utilizes a continuous, curved surface plate positioned in front of the eye and having a telescope extending through the surface plate such that its optical axis is aligned with the eye. Several object points are generated on the surface plate within the field of vision of the eye and are formed also on the image plane of the eye. Detection devices, located within the telescope measure the positions of such image points in relation to the optical axis. The radius of curvature of the cornea can be determined from this measurement.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which selectively generates an electrostatic charge pattern directly on a portion of a surface for use in facsimile process machines or high-speed printers. A matrix is formed by two sets of electrodes, one perpendicular to the other, separated by a perforated metallic spacer having an electret film on each side between it and the electrodes. One set of electrodes is perforated corresponding to the perforations in the spacer. Separate control devices control the application of an electrical voltage to the sets of electrodes enabling an electrostatic charge to be generated directly on a surface covering the perforated electrode. Charged toner particles may be applied to the surface by known techniques to effectuate the printing or reproduction of an image.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the production of superconductors consisting of a polymer or glass matrix which contains a very fine dispersion of superconducting particles, approximately 50 to 100 A in diameter, of intermetallic compounds of vanadium or niobium with the elements aluminum, germanium, silicon, gallium or tin, or of niobium nitride or niobium carbonitride. The matrix material is first brought into a viscous state and the superconducting particles are admixed with the viscous matrix in such quantities that, after solidification of the matrix, the particles are spaced at an average distance of 10 to 100 A. The superconducting material may be then formed in wires, filaments and tapes.

Abstract: A storage element for an erasable, digital, permanent storage device is disclosed in which a bipolar, charged electret serves as the storage medium. The electret has a thin conductive layer on one side and a ring electrode on the other. The state of charge of the electret is changeable to erase, or change the storage element.

Abstract: A device for taking a cell smear comprised of an applicator and a swab located on the end portion of the applicator, the swab is used to collect the cellular material when the cell smear is taken. The swab consisting of a material which is soluble in a solvent that has no detrimental effect on, or is innocuous to, the collected cellular material.A method of taking cell smears for diagnostic examination which comprises collecting a specimen of or from the skin, mucous membrane or other body area or surface to be examined by means of a swab, which is described above. The swab is dissolved in a solvent that has no detrimental effect on, or is innocuous to, the collected cellular material in the specimen. A solution is formed containing the cellular material. The cellular material is then diagnostically examined.