Abstract: A stiffness decoupling assembly (22) is provided for the protection of buildings or other structures (20) subject to earthquakes, in order to prevent collapse or catastrophic failure of such structures (20). The preferred decoupling assembly (22) includes a plurality of elongated, relatively flexible, concrete-filled pipes (28) rigidly connected to the structure (20) and extending downwardly toward an underlying foundation (26), with at least certain of the pipes (28) being coupled to the foundation (26) for resisting overturning of the structure (20). A primary load-bearing column (46) rests upon the foundation (26) and receives the array of pipes (28); bearing means (32) is interposed between the upper end of the column (46) and structure (20) for permitting relatively lateral movement therebetween. The invention serves to decouple the lateral stiffness from the load-carrying strength of the column (46), to thereby reduce the transmissibility of ground acceleration to the protected structure (20).

Abstract: A simplified, low-cost forming system (46) and method for the rapid construction of integrated, monolithic cast structures such as storm shelters (20). The preferred forming system (46) includes an inner core form member (48) presenting a base (54) and upstanding sidewall structure (56), together with an open-top outer form member (50) having a circumscribing sidewall assembly (118) and a superstructure (120) releasably secured thereto. In use, the outer form member (50) is telescoped over the inner core form member (48), with the distance between the form walls defining the thickness of the resulting shelter (20); preferably, a reinforcing grid (52) and door frame (32) are located between the form members (48, 50). After form assembly, concrete (178) is poured through the open top of the outer form member (50) to fill the complete form.

Abstract: Improved animal diets for oral administration are provided which include a quantity of non-hydrolyzed, non-digested, naturally occurring protein supplemented with a minor amount of an additive selected from the group consisting of di- and tripeptides including an essential amino acid residue. The diets commonly include at least about 8% by weight of such intact protein, which may be derived from typical plant or animal sources. The preferred additive includes an essential amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan, isoleucine and valine. Use of the di-and tripeptide additives of the invention gives increased nitrogen use by the animal, as compared with feeding of the amino acid constituents of the additives.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval system separates information regarding the expertise of individuals into four files which can be independently and separately accessed. The records in the various files include fields for indicating the beginning and end of a range of topics within a hierarchical classification system, the level of the topic within the classification system and a field for facilitating alphabetic sorting of topics independently of hierarchical level, and a novel code format for the beginning and end of range indicators permits a small computer to effectively manipulate data in a hierarchical classification system.

Abstract: A sap flow gauge (10) which can accommodate stem or other plant parts (S, S') of very small and/or varying cross-sectional configuration is provided which includes a generally U-shaped body (12) presenting a central bight portion (50), a pair of spaced, opposed legs (52, 54) and a stem-receiving passageway (56). The body (12) preferably includes a pair of spaced, endmost filler pads (16, 18) which support a bridging strip-type resistance heater (28). The heater (28) has one end thereof affixed to an adjacent filler pad (16), with the remaining end of the heater (28) thereof being free. A flux sensing thermopile (40), as well as spaced, temperature differential sensing thermocouple pairs (44, 46) are also supported by the central bight region of the body (12).

Abstract: An oxidizing resin for iodide conversion and retention is prepared from a metal chelating resin providing functional groups binding polyvalent metal ions. The oxidizing resin is formed by applying an alcohol solution of zirconium peroxide to the chelating resin granules. The resulting oxidizing resin will convert iodide to iodine in aqueous solution, and will retain the converted iodine within the resin granules. When the oxidative capacity has been reduced by treating large amounts of iodide, it can be easily regenerated by contacting the zirconium-containing resin with hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A prefabricated roadway expansion joint/load transfer assembly (10) is provided which accommodates normal expansion and contraction between adjacent slabs (90a, 90b) while transferring vertical shear loads and minimizing stress cracking of the surrounding concrete (90). The assembly (10) includes a plurality of X-configuration bar units (12) including crossed, unconnected metallic bars (20, 22) whose ends (24, 30, 28, 26) are embedded within the adjacent slabs (90a, 90b). The bar ends (24, 30, 28, 26) are coupled within the corresponding slabs (90a, 90b) through use of respective U-shaped coupling assemblies (14) each having spaced legs (38, 40) and a bight (42) and vertical tie rods (44). The individual bar units (12) are joined by laterally extending connecting rods (56-70). A central spacer (18) is supported by the bar units (12) and supplementary spring supports (76) and extends the full width of the assembly (10).

Abstract: A method is provided for treating drinking water for disinfecting and/or removing iodide. The method utilizes resin bound silver ions. For performing the disinfection or iodide removal with minimal release of silver ions into the water being treated, a chelating resin having iminodiacetic acid chelating groups is employed, and the resin is loaded with not over 0.5 mol of silver ion per mol of iminodiacetate.

Abstract: A low temperature, solution phase process for synthesizing nitriles such as acrylonitrile and benzylnitrile is provided which makes use of a transition metal complex bearing an imido moiety to form a final nitrile corresponding to the moiety. In practice, a solution of a transition metal complex is formed in a non-interfering solvent, and the solution is reacted under time and temperature conditions to form the desired nitrile. The solution may also contain a base such as pyridine.

Abstract: The use of E. suis specific primers in PCR with DNA from swine blood increases the sensitivity of current DNA hybridization protocols for determining whether swine are infected with E. suis prior to the development of any clinical symptoms. The present invention provides these E. suis primers and a method to use these primers in a PCR protocol to provide a highly sensitive diagnostic assay for early signs of an E. suis infection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the rapid heat treatment of products, and especially gas-permeable, water-containing products such as bread dough. Baking of dough involves placing the dough within an enclosed oven or zone (1) and subjecting the dough to dielectric (e.g. radio-frequency or microwave) heating using appropriate generators (6, 7, 7a, 8a). Radiant heat from an appropriate source (9) and hot oven gases are simultaneously applied for crust formation. During at least a portion of the baking cycle, the gas pressure within the zone (1) is selectively elevated by steam addition (10) in response to the rise in gas pressure within the dough resulting from vaporization of water therein. In this way, the pressure differential between the dough interior and the ambient environment is minimized, and the dough may be rapidly baked without fear of significant dough disruption. Cooling is effected by gradually reducing the zone pressure, through use of a vacuum pump (12).

Abstract: Novel modified and unmodified soil and rhizo-plane bacterial strains are disclosed which are useful for the control of weeds (e.g., downy brome, Japanese brome, and jointed goatgrass) in the vicinity of wheat. The specific bacteria are identified as Pseudomonas putida (FH160), Enterobacter taylorae (FH650), and Xanthomonas maltophilia (FH131). A method of weed control using one or more of the bacterial strains is provided, which can be effected by spraying or direct soil application during planting of bacterial solutions. The strains can also be mixed with chemical herbicides to give enhanced weed control.

Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing, monolithic cast concrete picnic table (10) is provided which presents a generally horizontal table section (12), horizontal bench sections (14,16) generally along and below the side margins of the table section (12), and a central connecting section and base (18,20) joining the table and bench sections (12,14,16) and permitting placement of the table (10) on a support surface. Preferably, the table (10) presents a generally H-shaped footprint, with unobstructed spaces (117) beneath the bench sections (14,16) on either side of the connecting section (18). The table (10) can be rapidly cast using a form (118) permitting easy separation of the table (10) via jacks (126).

Abstract: An improved baking pan (10) for short-time combination baking is provided which allows baking of bread or other comestible products using both conventional heating and microwave or rf energy. The pan (10) preferably includes a bottom wall (12) and upstanding sidewall structure (14) which are provided with apertures (26, 28) sized to permit passage of microwave or rf energy therethrough. A liner (34) is positioned within the pan (10) in covering relationship to the apertures (26, 28), so as to prevent passage of uncooked dough or the like through the pan apertures (26, 28), while being sufficiently thin to not appreciably decrease thermal conductivity through the pan walls (12, 14). Combination bread baking using the pan (10) typically involves conventional heating to a temperature of from about 430.degree.-625.degree. F., with simultaneous application of microwave energy.

Abstract: A relatively low cost double salt road deicer composition is provided which includes a preponderant quantity of calcium magnesium propionate (CMP), together with smaller quantities of calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) and related salts. The product is preferably made by inoculating a sugar substrate (e.g., glucose, xylose or the hydrolysis products of biomass or starch) with facultative bacteria, followed by fermentation under anoxic conditions at moderate temperatures (30.degree.-37.degree. C.) and pH (5-7) in order to yield an organic acid mixture; the mixture is then reacted with a source of magnesium and calcium cations such as dolomite to produce mixed salts, which are then recovered as a solid road deicer. The preferred inoculum is P. acidi-propionici, and the fermentation step can be carried out batch-wise or continuously.

Abstract: A method for identifying wheat cultivars is provided which employs an imaging device such as a video camera and a computer to acquire and process images of grain samples and to identify the particular type or cultivar of the wheat by the images obtained thereby. The method involves the steps of acquiring the image of the kernel and germ for each grain, processing the image into digital format, storing data in the computer corresponding to the edge of the kernel and germ, determining the image characteristics of the kernel and germ, and comparing the image characteristics for the sample to a known standard. By accumulating data for a number of grains, calculating statistical information for the sample, and comparing to a known standard, the particular cultivar of the sample may be identified.

Abstract: A testing apparatus (20) and a corresponding method are provided for validly measuring the stickiness or adhesiveness of a sample (52) such as cooked pasta. The apparatus (20) includes a support surface (42) on which the sample (52) is placed, an apertured restraining member (106) for preventing separation between the sample (52) and supporting surface (42), a probe (70) presenting a sample-engaging face (82) for engaging and disengaging a portion of the sample (52), and a tester (22) which is coupled to the probe (70) for moving the probe (70) into and out of engagement with the sample (52). A plurality of probes (70-80) may be provided each presenting a different sample-engaging surface (82) for selective and alternate engagement with the sample (52). The restraining member (106) may be mounted on the tester (22) for shiftable movement relative to the sample (52), and is resiliently biased toward the sample (52) for holding the latter firmly against the supporting surface (42).

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for the cracking of walnuts (30) is provided, and particularly Eastern black walnuts, wherein the surfaces of the shells (32) of the walnuts (30) are first altered to present compression zone(s) (132, 134), and the walnuts (30) are then cracked by subjecting the shells (32) thereof to opposed compressive forces serving to crack the shells (32) while leaving nut meat kernels intact. Preferably, the walnut shells (32) are sanded adjacent the opposed upper and lower ends (34, 36) thereof to present the zones (132, 134), with subsequent compression cracking of the shells (32), leaving a substantial fraction of the internal nut meat intact.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for filtering fluids such as gases or liquids includes a casing defining an inlet and an outlet, and having a peripheral wall extending between the inlet and outlet. The peripheral wall defines a chamber having a longitudinal axis and a cross-sectional area, when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis, which increases between the inlet and the outlet. A bed of particulate filtering media is disposed within the chamber, the media ranging in size between relatively large particles disposed adjacent the inlet and smaller particles disposed closer to the outlet. Preferably, the size of the particles is chosen based upon the relationship between the lifting force exerted on the particles by a fluid flowing upward through the chamber and the weight of the particles.

Abstract: A prefabricated, easily installable strain gage assembly (10) is provided which includes an elongated synthetic resin substrate (12) having adhesive (16) applied to the majority of one surface thereof while leaving a handling tab portion (18) adjacent one end of the substrate (12). A strain gage unit (28) is secured to the adhesive-bearing surface of substrate (12). A strippable protective film (56) is placed in covering, protective relationship to the strain gage (28) and the adhesive surface of substrate (12). Preferably, the substrate (12), adhesive (16) and film (56) are substantially transparent, and the substrate (12) is provided with perpendicular alignment marks (55, 55a) which are strategically located relative to the strain gage unit (28).