Abstract: The rate of growth and feed efficiency of ruminants is increased by adding to the feed of ruminants an effective amount of the trichloroethyl ester of an essential amino acid.

Abstract: One or more optical fibers, forming part of a cable for the transmission of luminous signals, are divided into sheathed sections spliced together inside a junction box having opposite walls provided with a pair of nipples in which the incoming and outgoing cable portions are resiliently clamped. Between these nipples the two sections of each fiber, partly stripped of their sheaths, are bent into a loop along which they are joined together by a sleeve. Adjacent fiber loops of the same cable can be separated within the box by interposed sheets. The loops not only relieve stresses on the bared fiber ends but also facilitate the equalization of ray paths in a multifiber optical cable.

Abstract: In a loading apparatus, sacks are moved from a supply source along a conveyor to a device which arranges the sacks into a layer. From this device, the layer of sacks is moved over a double conveyor belt structure to a member which loads the layer directly onto a loading surface or onto a previously deposited layer of sacks on the loading surface. To provide continuous operation of the apparatus even when a loading surface is being replaced, the different parts of the apparatus can operate at variable speeds. The double conveyor belt structure which normally moves continuously supplying layers to the loading member, switches to a step-wise movement and stores a number of layers of sacks until the loading surface is replaced and ready to be loaded.

Abstract: In an apparatus for automatically handling stacks of bags, initially the bags are formed into stacks, each stack is moved onto and along a conveying track and then unloaded from the track to a loading surface. The support surface on the conveying track for the stacks of bags has a number of recesses into which a prong-shaped support member can be inserted for lifting a stack from the track without using a pallet. The prong-shaped support member includes a stripping plate so that by moving the support member transversely of the plate, the stack on the support member can be displaced onto a loading surface. A carriage movable over the conveying track provides the support surface of the stack of bags. The conveying track includes upper rails for moving the carriage from the stack-forming end to the unloading end and lower rails for returning the carriage to the stack-forming end.

Abstract: [(Thioalkyl)thioacetyl]cephalosporin derivatives of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen, lower alkyl, phenyl-lower alkyl, tri(lower alkyl)silyl, a salt forming ion, or the group ##STR2## R.sub.1 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, phenyl, thienyl or furyl; R.sub.2 and R.sub.6 each is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R.sub.3 and R.sub.5 each is lower alkyl, phenyl or phenyl-lower alkyl and R.sub.4 is hydrogen, hydroxy or lower alkanoyloxy; are useful as antimicrobial agents.

Abstract: An awning assembly including an elongated storage case mounted on the side of a recreational vehicle, and having an extended position for providing shade and a retracted position for storage. A lead bar is connected to the outer edge of the awning, and the inner edge is connected to a spring-loaded take-up roller in the case. To brace and support the lead bar when the awning is unrolled and extended, automatically positioned, telescoping rafters extend between the ends of the case and the central portion of the lead bar, and telescoping legs pivoted on the ends of the lead bar are connectible to anchor brackets on the side of the vehicle. These legs are jointed between their ends to facilitate operation on a curved-sided vehicle, and are connected to the lead bar by swivels permitting compact folding into inconspicuous storage positions along the bottom of the case, where they are latched and partially concealed by a leg latch.

Abstract: A gardening method and unit utilizes a unique liquid circulating system in combination with an adjustable, high intensity lighting system including a novel form of reflector panel assembly in which the feeding cycle and the lighting cycle can be closely regulated to control the environment for plant life within an enclosed area. The method and system of the present invention is particularly advantageous in relatively compact portable units so constructed that the seedlings or plants may be grown in upper and lower spaced trays, each having its own lighting system controlled by a common timer and a common liquid circulating system in which the liquid or nutrient solution may be pumped into the upper tray and drained by gravity into the lower tray to carry out combined top flooding and subirrigation. In the alternative the system is operative to carry out top-irrigation by spraying water in the form of a fine mist over natural or organic soils.

Abstract: A magnetic auger in the form of a cylinder having one or more magnetic helices in the surface thereof is disclosed for transporting ferromagnetic particles such as toner particles used in magnetography.

Abstract: A multiple use article for conditioning of fabrics in a laundry dryer comprising an initially multiple-layer flexible substrate carrying a conditioning agent transferable to fabrics when tumbled therewith in a clothes dryer. The dryer operator modifies the shape of the multiple-layer flexible substrate between successive uses to expose additional fabric-conditioning agent for transfer to additional fabrics subsequently loaded in the clothes dryer.

Abstract: A receiver of digital signal pulses, operating with a sampling period T, comprises an equalizer which includes at least one feedback loop from the output of a decision unit for subtracting from an incoming signal pulse a value corresponding to the magnitude of a tail or postcursor of a preceding signal pulse. The signal pulse thus purged of postcursor interference is delayed by one or more sampling periods T for algebraic combination with one or more fed-forward compensating signals each representing the estimated value of an interfering precursor sample, these compensating signals being derived from the outputs of respective decision units with the aid of filters.

Abstract: An anode carrier for a deep well having a carbonaceous backfill which is used for the cathodic protection of underground metallic structures. The carrier includes an elongated electrically non-conducting tubular member having one or more apertures or windows and each of such windows is adapted to receive a platinized anode to which an impressed DC current is applied.

Abstract: A material transporting device is disclosed wherein a web material is pneumatically moved between mating, irregular louvered surfaces and pleated to exit from the device in a narrowed pattern. Use of the device is particularly directed to rapid handling of scrap web material.

Abstract: The stake incorporates a foamed plastic core. The core is covered by brown paint. A layer of peat moss is adhesively secured over the painted layer and is uniformly distributed over the surface of the stake.

Abstract: An electrical energy regulator, particularly suitable, for a portable X-ray machine. A transformer primary of a converter is supplied with half waves of a.c. via a transistor whose conduction interval during each half-wave is controllable to regulate the peak voltage applied, after cut off of primary current, by induction from a tuned circuit formed with the primary to an X-ray tube connected to a secondary winding of the transformer.

Abstract: The loss modulus of a material is ascertained by subjecting a sample of the material to a mechanical vibration at the resonant frequency of the material. The dynamic driving force required to maintain the material in mechanical vibration at its resonant frequency is measured. Next, the static driving force required to displace the same material the same distance as when vibrating is measured. The quotient of the dynamic force divided by the static force is proportional to the tangent of the angle between elastic modulus and loss modulus of the material, or tan .delta.. Since the frequency of the material, when in vibration, is related to the elastic modulus of material, the loss modulus may be readily computed by multiplying the elastic modulus by tan .delta..An apparatus capable of performing this method includes a driving system that vibrates the sample material at its resonant frequency using a sinusoidal driving force which is 90.degree.

Abstract: Compounds of the following formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, nitro, cyano, and trifluoromethyl, and R is selected from a triacetyl substituted pentose, pentose, a tetraacetyl substituted hexose, hexose, a hydroxy substituted cycloalkyl of 5 to 7 carbons, ##STR2## wherein n is 1 or 2 and R.sup.3 is hydrogen, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal ion; are disclosed. These compounds possess useful anti-inflammatory activity.

Abstract: A paint roller cage assembly apparatus in which a group of four cage wires are held and affirmatively positioned generally as if at the corners of a square; a cage wire cap with sockets for the cage wires is then applied to one end of the cage wires, and a similar cage wire cap is next applied to the other end of the cage wires, thereby automatically assembling a paint roller cage; the apparatus includes cage wire feeders, and a plurality of cage wire holders in the form of pivotably associated links which may be pivoted to position the wires for the application of the caps.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for preparation of cyclohexanone 2-carboxamide which is in turn useful for preparing herbicides by condensation of one equivalent of urea with more than two equivalents of cyclohexanone, under controlled conditions of pH.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling make-up and addition of replenishment solution to a photographic processor, having one or more reservoirs and metering pumps for selecting make-up solution concentrates, and electronic controls for determining the volume of replenishment solution. Replenishment can be accomplished taking into consideration all of the operating variables such as film size, replenishment rate, and percent exposure, as well as the cumulative effect of any additions and aerial oxidation of the solution while not in use.