Abstract: An inflation system for pressurization and depressurization of a balloon catheter. The inflation system includes a syringe, including a syringe barrel, a plunger with expandable thread, a handle with cam, a syringe end cap, pressure gauge, flexible tubing, and connectors. The syringe is structured such that part of the syringe barrel has an internal thread which engages the expandable threads of the plunger. In the disengaged mode, the plunger slides freely within the syringe barrel allowing for rapid motion to purge, pressurize, or depressurize the inflation system. Once pressure reaches a predetermined level in the system, the cam on the handle causes the threads to automatically lock against the syringe barrel, and continued pressurization or depressurization is accomplished by the rotation of the plunger handle with respect to the syringe barrel. One advantage of the inflation system is that only one step is necessary for locking the syringe for controlled pressurization and depressurization.

Abstract: A dispensing device is provided including a container having a neck, a fitment mounted on the container having an elongated socket for receiving a roller therewithin and a valve member slidably mounted on the neck and communicating with an inner surface of the elongated socket. The valve member includes a transverse wall with a switch rib jutting outward from an upper surface thereof and projecting through a window formed on the wall of the fitment. A pair of slots flank the switch rib and partially traverse across the upper surface thereof and completely across a skirt projecting downwardly from the upper surface. Additionally, there may be a cutout area located between the slots. Both the slots and cutout area provide flexibility to the switch rib. Fluid communication between the container and fitment is achieved when a cap covering the fitment is removed.

Abstract: An improved mandrel for use in filament winding. Two embodiments are described for a new filament winding mandrel concept. The first embodiment comprises a plurality of spaced apart slots machined at an angle along the ends of the central mandrel section for use with machines of at least three degrees of motion. A second embodiment comprises a series of two circumferential rows of axial fins protruding along the circumference of the central section of the mandrel for use with machines having only two degrees of motion. A second configuration of the second embodiment is an addition of a strip of slots that are simply placed around and secured to the circumference of the mandrel at locations where fiber turn around is desired. This provides for fiber securing in place with minimal rather than requiring machining the axial fins into the tool.

Abstract: A homogeneous liquid detergent composition comprising sodium trimetaphosphate, potassium hydroxide and an alkali metal silicate, the composition being substantially free of added potassium salts with a K/Na weight ratio of less than 1 and preferably in a gel form.

Abstract: A rinse nozzle for an aircraft waste tank includes a tubular member mountable at one end in an opening in the waste tank for receiving cleaning solution through said one end to the interior of the tubular member. The other end of the tubular member extends into the tank and is closed to prevent the exit of cleaning solution out that end. The tubular member has a midsection with a reduced radius and a plurality of first openings circumferentially spaced apart around the midsection. An annular collar is rotatably disposed about the midsection of the tubular member and includes a plurality of second openings disposed thereabout, at least some of which extend outwardly and rearwardly of the direction of rotation of the annular collar to thereby cause the collar to rotate as cleaning solution flows from the tubular member out the first openings against the collar and then out the second openings.

Abstract: An automated concurrent data backup system and method. The architecture of the present invention includes a CPU coupled to a primary controller. The primary controller is coupled by separate logical buses to at least a set of paired mirrored or shadowed primary data storage devices. On one of the logical buses, a backup device controller is attached. Attached to the backup device controller is a backup device. In normal operation, the primary controller writes data to both of the primary data storage devices. When a backup is desired, the primary controller is programmed to detect a specified "trigger" signal from the CPU. The primary controller stops writing data from the CPU to both of the primary data storage devices. The backup device controller becomes the "bus master" over one of the logical buses, in known fashion, and starts a backup operation with respect to the data stored on the primary storage device designated for being backed up.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing metal and ceramic matrix composite materials. The invention also encompasses various composite products made by the disclosed method. The resulting composite material comprises a reinforcement material in either continuous or discrete form embedded in a matrix material which is either a pure metal, a metal alloy, or a ceramic. The reinforcing material is optionally coated with a barrier coating material. An electric arc or plasma arc is used to spray a thin layer of matrix material over a preplaced layer of reinforcement material. Successive layers are built up until a desired object shape and thickness are achieved. There is an optional final step of high-temperature diffusion annealing or hot isostatic pressing.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a fat composition comprising a mixture of one or more polyol fatty acid polyesters, which mixture exhibits Newtonian rheology at solid fat content of at least 15%, and with a fatty acid distribution which complies with the condition:PY<1.1wherePY=2.94*y+2.1*x+16.6*y.sup.2 +2.7*x.sup.2 +14.6*xy-0.26wherein x=[P]-[M] and y=[S]-[P] and PY means predicted yield and which in the same time complies with each of the following conditions:[B]<0.35either [P]<0.40 or [P]<0.65and [L]<0.15,wherein [P] is the molar fraction of palmitic acid residues, [M] is the molar fraction of myristic acid residues and [S] is the molar fraction of stearic acid and longer saturated fatting acid residues, [B] is the molar fraction of lauric and shorter fatty acid residues, [L] is the molar fraction of saturated fatty acid residues having a carbon chain length of at least 20.

Abstract: A zone adhering adhesive tape material for releasably retaining one or more electric or electronic conduit members of interest or the like in position with respect to an adjacent surface is disclosed which includes a continuous, flexible web of backing material in strip form and a pair of spaced parallel zones of adhesive material applied along both edges of one side of the backing material defining a relatively wide non-adhesive zone therebetween. The material attaches the conduit members releasably under the non-adhesive zone.

Abstract: A conventional pocket for delivering signatures in a bindery line is modified by providing a lift plate which is hinged to the leading edge of the pocket's signature support tray. A suitable actuator under control of the system's computer is made to raise and lower that lift plate, depending upon the number of machine cycles which will be executed before that particular pocket will be called upon to deliver a signature to the magazine being assembled. If more than a predetermined number of machine cycles will take place before a signature must be delivered, the actuator lifts the lift plate and, in doing so, elevates the leading edge of the signature stack to the point where the lowermost signature is positioned out of contact with the hopper's separator disc. This prevents unwanted abrasion and marring of signatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for splitting soapstock, comprising the steps of mixing the soapstock with a soap splitting acid, and of separating the acid water phase formed from the oil phase, characterized in that the mixture of the soapstock and the soap splitting agent are subjected to a high temperature treatment at or above 100.degree. C. during a residence time equal to or more than 2 minutes.

Abstract: A detergent composition for washing and softening fabrics comprising at least one detergent active material and, as a fabric softening agent, a smectite clay mineral which is a 2:1 layer phyllosilicate possessing a lattice charge deficiency in the range of 0.2 to 0.4 g equivalents per half unit cell.

Abstract: A fat mimetic composition which may be used in a low/no fat salad dressing and processes for their preparation are disclosed employing a unique combination of microcrystalline cellulose, cold water swelling starch and gum to provide excellent fat-like properties.

Abstract: A cold vapor pressurization system for outer space vehicles that is used prior to and during engine burn to pressurize its fuel tank and oxidizer tank to produce the required engines net positive suction pressure (NPSP). The engine start system uses reaction control system (RCS) hydrazine to pass through a gas generator where it is disassociated. The by-products are then introduced into the hot side of the propellant heat exchangers. An oxidizer feed system and a fuel feed system pass through the respective cold sides of the heat exchangers to vaporize the propellants which are then used to produce the required engine NPSP for the oxidizer tank and fuel tank respectively. This system could also be used to provide engine NPSP during engine burn.

Abstract: Novel amide derivatives have the following structure (1): ##STR1## where Y is hydrogen or an unsaturated fatty acid residue,A is an hydroxyalkyl group,B is a sugar or phosphate residue, and(C.sub.a H.sub.b) is a hydrocarbon residue with from 7 to 49 carbon atoms.The amide derivative can be employed in compositions, together with a suitable carrier, for topical application, particularly to improve damaged human skin or hair.

Abstract: A pie product (pie dough or pie crust) containing a reduced amount of fat. The pie product contains a hard vegetable fat, and a softer fat. A method of preparing the pie product includes the steps of:(a) preparing a cohesive mass comprising flour, a first-stage fat, and water wherein the first-stage fat is a vegetable fat having a Wiley melting point below 110.degree. F. and a Solid Fat Index at 70.degree. F. and less than or equal to 49, preferably in the range of 20-49; and(b) adding a second stage fat to the mass obtained in step (b) in order to obtain a dough, wherein the second-stage fat is a vegetable fat having a Wiley melting point below 115.degree. F. and a Solid Fat Index at 70.degree. F. in the range of 20 to 73 and wherein fat B is added in a molten state.

Abstract: An adjustable shade comprising an upper headrail and a lower rail and a transversely pleated expandable and collapsible shade member attached to the upper headrail and to lower rail and extending therebetween. The lower rail means including two lower rail sections and a hinge device that interconnect the lower rail sections for swinging movement between a position in which the lower rail sections extend in relatively opposite directions parallel of the upper headrail and a position in which the lower rail sections extend downwardly from the hinge. One lift cord is attached to the hinge device and extends upwardly through the first row of cord guide openings to the upper headrail, and a first shade operating means connected to the first lift cord means for raising the proximate ends of the lower rail sections while allowing distal ends of the lower rail sections to swing downwardly and draw lower portions of the pleated shade member into an inverted fan configuration.

Abstract: An aqueous liquid detergent composition comprising water, electrolyte and detergent active material in amounts sufficient to form a structuring system capable of suspending particulate solids, said composition further comprising a functional polymer ingredient having an average molecular weight below 2000, provided that when the composition comprises:(a) at least 15% by weight of the detergent active material and from 1 to 30% by weight of a salting-out electrolyte; or(b) contains 5% or more of a swelling clay; and then the average molecular weight of the polymer ingredient is less than 1000; and when the functional polymer material comprises 0.

Abstract: A paperboard clamshell carton includes a tray and a cover, hingedly connected and latched in the closed position by cooperating latching members. Detents, extending forwardly from adjacent the upper corners of the front wall of the tray, and detent engaging slots and tabs in the cover, located adjacent the lower corners of the front wall of the cover, releasably engage when the cover is folded shut over the tray. The forwardly extending detents are of double thickness, being formed by overlapped extensions of the glue flaps and side walls of the tray.

Abstract: A zone adhering adhesive tape material for releasably retaining one or more electric or electronic conduit members of interest or the like in position with respect to an adjacent surface is disclosed which includes a continuous, flexible web of backing material in strip form and a pair of spaced parallel zones of adhesive material applied along both edges of one side of the backing material defining a relatively wide non-adhesive zone therebetween. The material attaches the conduit members releasably under the non-adhesive zone.