Abstract: This invention concerns ionomers comprising a substantially fluorinated, but not perfluorinated, polyethylene backbone having pendant groups of fluoroalkoxy sulfonic acids and the metal salts thereof, and with the uses of said ionomers in electrochemical applications such as batteries, fuel cells, electrolysis cells, ion exchange membranes, sensors, electrochemical capacitors, and modified electrodes.

Abstract: A method of producing an injection moldable polyimide resin composition, which is characterized by the fact that at least one aromatic acid anhydride and at least one aromatic diamine are directly combined with at least one polymer that can be melt molded at a temperature lower than 400.degree. C. Furthermore, the resulting product can be heat treated.

Abstract: Dispersion polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene to make polytetrafluoroethylene or modified polytetrafluoroethylene is initiated at low temperature and is completed at higher temperature in the presence of liquid saturated hydrocarbon.

Abstract: An electrical ground connector assembly for providing a fast, secure, moisture-resistant ground connection without using special tools. The electrical ground connector assembly includes a ground rod and a cap having an tapered rod chamber for receiving the ground rod. The cap also includes a slot for receiving a ground wire. The angle of the slot may vary, depending on the diameter of the ground wire. The cap may be cylindrical or rectangular in shape. In installation, the ground wire is inserted into the slot of the cap. The upper end of the ground rod is forced into the rod cavity of the cap by any suitable manner, such as hammering the cap down over the ground rod. As the upper end of the ground rod reaches the end of the rod cavity, a compression contact is made between the wire and said ground rod. Alternatively, the ground rod can first be driven into the ground, and then the ground wire and the cap can be assembled on the ground rod.

Abstract: This invention relates to the isolation of nucleic acid fragments from Pseudomonas sp. strain G-179 that encode periplasmic nitrate reductase and nitric oxide reductase enzymes. The enzymes are useful in denitrification reactions and for the identification of other denitrifying bacteria. In addition, this invention also relates to the construction of chimeric genes encoding all or a substantial portion of a bacterial nitric oxide reductase or a bacterial periplasmic nitrate reductase enzymes, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein the expression of the chimeric genes results in production of altered levels of the nitric oxide reductase or periplasmic nitrate reductase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: Optical cable comprising a reinforcing tube with diameter less than 7 mm, obtained from a metal strip gradually deformed until it assumes a final configuration with overlapping outer edges, at least one optical fiber arranged loosely in the tube, a water-blocking fluid occupying 75% of the useful internal area of the tube and a plastic sheath around the tube. The water-blocking fluid is deposited when the strip is curved with edges a predetermined distance apart.

Abstract: An equivalent time pulse-echo radar or other pulse-echo system employs a transmit reference sampler collocated with the transmitter to provide a transmit reference pulse, which initiates a pulse width modulated (PWM) pulse. A receive sampler connected to a receive antenna provides an echo-detection pulse that terminates the PWM pulse, such that the width of the PWM pulse indicates target range. The transmit reference sampler and the receive sampler are driven from a common clock such that transmit-receive timing offset drift precisely cancels on a picosecond scale, thereby enabling sub-mm range accuracy with common, low-cost circuit elements. The radar further includes automatically referenced pulse detectors that are responsive to either the magnitude or the phase of the sampler outputs. The radar can be used for precision tank level measurements, robotics, or automotive ranging applications.

Abstract: A vertically oriented payment-receiving enclosure and player's console for an arcade game has two juxtaposed check acceptors hinged to it. This allows one of the acceptors to be swung out of the way while the other remains in its normal operating position during servicing and inspection. The arrangement also allows improved maintenance access to an enclosed portion of a player's control mounted in a top portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: A device for facilitating measuring and cutting conduit. The device includes two end plates sized and configured for receiving conduit while being provided with a surface for resisting rotation of the conduit as it resides upon and is supported by the end plates. A planar ruled member is attached to and supports both of the end plates preferably at a distance so that the device can be supported by the circumference of a standard five gallon bucket.

Abstract: A system is provided for the remote control of one computer from another in which selectable compression speeds are utilized to minimize overall screen refresh time. In one embodiment, an algorithm selection module at one computer chooses the highest compression available corresponding to a worst case scenario, followed by measurement of the compression time and the transmission time, with the ratio of compression time to transmission time being used to select a decreased compression, thereby to lower compression time and consequently lower the overall screen refresh time. By adjusting both the send time and the compression time on the transmit side, the above ratio can be made to equal one, which corresponds to the most efficient utilization of the available bandwidth and CPU power, which in turn translates into the quickest screen refresh time for the remote control operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to lipid mixture compositions comprising one or more cholesteryl esters in an amount of at least about 25% by weight of the composition, and less than about 5% by weight of sphingolipid, as well as cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations for topical application to the lips containing the lipid mixture.

Abstract: The dispenser comprises a plurality of delivery stations (20a-20b, 30) for the constituent substances of the drink, a delivery station (40) for empty cups, a location (10) for release of the drink to the user, and an automatic control unit which automatically controls the succession of operations involved in emitting the substances and cups. A cup handling device (60) is provided, comprising a gripping member (61) for gripping a cup (8), and means for moving said gripping member (61) in such a manner as to bring it, by a succession of movements, to the exit points of the delivery stations (20a-20b, 30, 40, 50); said handling device (60) is controlled by the automatic control unit in such a manner as to firstly bring the gripping member (61) to the station (40), then bring the gripped cup under the exit points of the other delivery stations (20a-20b, 30, 50), and finally bring the cup carrying the drink into the location (10) for its release to the user.

Abstract: Novel reactions used to prepare phosphole and bisphosphole compounds are detailed. Novel phosphole compounds and metal coordination compounds of phosphole and bisphosphole compounds are also provided. These metal coordination compounds are useful as catalysts for the polymerization or olefins with carbon monoxide and for the polymerization of acrylic monomers.

Abstract: Modular ceiling air diffusers are provided in which the core deflector elements are pre-fabricated in a one-hit one-part pressing operation to form a selected pattern of integral louvers shaped to deflect air in a desired horizontal air pattern. This reduces the labor content and material costs in manufacturing modular ceiling air diffusers compared to prior art devices of this kind, without compromising the level of air distribution performance.

Abstract: A breast prosthesis worn in a brassiere or the like. It has a prosthesis y having a front side in the shape of a natural breast, a back side with a recess and a prosthesis edge which follows a closed line on which the front side and the back side both end. The prosthesis body has a soft elastic silicone rubber compound which is enclosed without any voids in a bag consisting of two elastically expandable plastic films joined tightly together along the edge of the prosthesis. When the wearer is lying down, the prosthesis should assume a stretched form, where the front side is flattened slightly. When the wearer stands upright, the upper part should sag downward slightly, with the lower and middle areas of the front side having a somewhat greater bulge.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel amorphous tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene (TFE-HFP) dipolymers, and other copolymers containing TFE, HFP and a third monomer, many of which are more random than previous amorphous TFE-HFP copolymers, as well as a novel high productivity continuous process for making these polymers. The polymers are particularly useful in the form of coatings, films and encapsulants.

Abstract: A fault indicator contained within a protective equipment closure of the type used to house pad-mounted components of a power distribution system detects the occurrence of a fault current in a monitored conductor and provides a light indication thereof. The fault indicator includes a circuit monitoring module, having an integral fault indicator flag module, and a remote fault indicator light module. A status-indicating flag is rotatably mounted in the integral fault indicator flag module. The flag is positioned in either a reset indicating position or a fault indicating position by a magnetic pole piece, which is magnetized in one magnetic direction or the other by momentary application of a current in one direction or the other to an actuator winding on the pole piece.

Abstract: 350 The present invention provides a nitrile hydratase nucleic acid fragment isolated from Pseudomonas putida which encodes a nitrile hydratase activity capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis of certain racemic nitriles to the corresponding R- or S-amides. Also provided are transformed microorganisms capable of the active expression of said nitrile hydratase activity. Additionally, the invention provides a transformant harboring the nitrile hydratase gene in conjunction with an amidase gene, both of which may be co-expressed producing active nitrile hydratase and amidase enzymes respectively. Methods for the production of such enantiomeric materials are also provided.

Abstract: An aspirating jet piddler that has no moving parts and operates to achieve a soft laydown with reduced tangling.