Abstract: A security seal having a plastic body including three elongated parallel chambers. Mating with the body is a U-shaped resilient shackle having a pair of legs each having a reversely bent end portion terminating in a sharp edge for insertion in two of the chambers. The third chamber in the body contains a frangible ampule containing a colorless liquid. A solid substance that combines with the liquid to create a third substance with a bright hue is stored in the third chamber and/or is coated on selected portions of the seal. When used to seal a structure, the shackle is threaded through the structure, and the legs are inserted into the chambers. The sharp edges of the reversely bent end portions are flexed into tight engagement with the interior walls of the chambers.

Abstract: In an inverter for converting a direct voltage into an alternating voltage, having a number of n circuit units connected in series between two outputs, each circuit unit comprising a series connection, having a direct voltage source and a switch with a switching connection, and a unidirectionally conducting circuit element disposed in parallel with the series connection, the inverter having a control unit which operates the switching connections of the switches to render the switches conductive or non-conductive, in order to minimize the circuitry the voltage values of the direct voltage sources have the values U=U.sub.O.2.sup..nu. (.nu.=0, . . . n-1, .sub.O having any desired value), and the control unit is an analog-digital converter (1) having an analog input and digital outputs (A.nu.), whose analog input receives a reference alternating voltage and from whose digital outputs the 2.sup..nu. output is connected to the switch connection (S.nu.

Abstract: A system for providing early warning of the approach and egress of emergency vehicles in which the warning system provides a display to indicate the direction from which the emergency vehicle is approaching and in addition provides preemption control of the traffic signals at an intersection. A transmitter mounted on an emergency vehicle transmits a signal whenever it is on an emergency call which is received by infrared (I.R.) receivers positioned at an intersection to respond to the transmitted signals. The received signal is then processed by a master controller which in turn pre-empts operation of traffic signals to control traffic flow at the intersection to which the emergency vehicle is approaching. The master controller also provides an output to display signs facing approaching traffic on each road approaching the intersection which displays messages and symbols indicating the direction of the approaching emergency vehicle.

Abstract: The ostomy appliance has two interengaging coupling elements. One of the elements is an annular plate which includes an engaging member formed by two ribs which diverge from each other to define a V-formation. One of the ribs has a stepped formation on its distal region. The other coupling element has an annular channel having cooperating formation adapted to engage the stepped formation, thereby connecting the coupling elements.

Abstract: A vinyl covered fiberglass shell is preformed to fit the roof of an automobile. The vinyl covered fiberglass shell simulates the appearance of a padded vinyl fiberglass roof cover without the use of padding. The fiberglass shell includes a series of recesses which are molded into the outer surface of the shell when the shell is first formed. The vinyl covering is then placed over the entire outer surface of the fiberglass shell including the recessed portions. Decorative pieces such as molding strips, decorative letters, and an emblem are placed over the vinyl covering in the location of the recesses.

Abstract: Antibacterial activity is exhibited by .beta.-lactams having a sulfonic acid salt substituent in the 1-position and an amino or acylamino substituent in the 3-position.

Abstract: A composite skin barrier including a first adhesive component which fits around the stoma, a coupling element, and a second adhesive component which is flexible, light, and has a degree of porosity. The second adhesive component contacts the skin at a distance from the stoma.

Abstract: A branch connector for coaxial cable comprising a cylindrical housing of electrically conductive material and a supporting disc of insulation material inserted therein. The cylindrical housing has at least one tooth adapted to penetrate and electrically contact the outer conductor of a coaxial cable received in a feed-through channel of the housing. The supporting disc has a projecting pin adapted to penetrate and electrically contact the inner conductor of the coaxial cable. A clamping element with a screwed sleeve fits over the cylindrical housing. A screw cap couples with the sleeve.

Abstract: A cartridge is formed of two parts which form an outlet valve at the lower end. The valve is opened or closed by relative rotation of the parts.

Abstract: A rudder-steerable water ski is provided including a pivotable shoe rotatable by the user to correspondingly move a ski rudder through a transmission mechanism. A V-shaped rudder may be used with at least one blade of the rudder remaining in the water when the ski is angled with respect to the surface of the water. According to the method of the present invention, the conventional water ski may be modified to provide the rudder-steerable capability of the invention.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for the rapid detection and (or) purification of analytes in a sample. The system makes use of a fluid receptacle containing a capture reagent and a manifold having two ports. A sample containing an analyte disposed within the fluid receptacle is subjected to a capture reagent and processed by inserting the open end of the receptacle in one port. Vacuum, gas, reagents, and wash fluids are then applied to the second port to effect rapid interaction between the capture reagent and analyte, efficient washing of the capture reagent and detection and/or collection of the analyte.The system and method provide a rapid safe, uncomplicated means of automating processes based on affinity complexation principles. Encompassed within this category of processes are immunoassays, nucleic acid hybridization tests and affinity separations.

Abstract: An occlusive wound dressing comprising a flexible closed cell polyurethane foam containing from about 5% to about 50% by weight of the foam of one or more water dispersible, water swellable, and/or water absorbing agents. A pressure sensitive microporous adhesive is applied or laminated to one surface of the foam as a continuous layer. A polymeric film or skin is laminated or formed on the opposite surface of the foam.

Abstract: A method for welding a metallic conductor wire to a metallic fixture is characterized by introducing the wire into an opening in the fixture such that the axis of the portion of the wire within the fixture extends linearly therethrough and such that the axis of the welding beam extends substantially colinearly to the axis of the portion of the wire within the fixture. The beam of welding energy being targeted on the facial end of the fixture.

Abstract: This invention relates to ortho-heterocyclicbenzenesulfonylureas and, more particularly, to orthofuranylbenzenesulfonylureas, orthothienylbenzenesulfonylureas or ortho-pyrrolylbenzenesulfonylureas and their use in agriculturally suitable compositions as pre-emergence and/or post-emergence herbicides and as plant growth regulants.

Abstract: An occlusive wound dressing comprising a flexible closed cell polyurethane foam containing from about 5% to about 50% by weight of the foam of one or more water dispersible, water swellable, and/or water absorbing agents. A pressure sensitive adhesive is applied or laminated to one surface of the foam in a discontinuous pattern. A polymeric film or skin is laminated or formed on the opposite surface of the foam.

Abstract: This invention resides in a counter-current diffusion method for the formation of a metallic interlayer within a matrix, for example, a polymeric matrix, by controlling the permeability of the matrix, the permeability preferably being controlled by controlling matrix swelling.

Abstract: Tobacco varieties exhibiting agronomically useful resistance to N-(heterocyclicaminocarbonyl)arylsulfonamide herbicides are produced by tissue culture selection techniques.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprises a layer of substantially nonbonded layer of textile-decitex fibers. The layer is multi-needle stitched with an elastic stitching thread which causes the fabric to contract to less than 40%, preferably to 30 to 20%, of its original area. The nonwoven fabric is particularly suited for use as a dust-cloth.

Abstract: Zerovalent nickel catalyzed hydrocyanation of mononitriloolefins e.g., 4-pentenenitrile, to dinitriles, e.g., adiponitrile, is improved by using a triorganotin compound as a promoter for the zerovalent nickel.