Abstract: Alkanes are catalytically oxidized in air or oxygen using iron-substituted polyoxoanions (POAs) of the formula:H.sub.e-z ?(n-C.sub.4 H.sub.9).sub.4 N!.sub.z (XM.sub.11 M'O.sub.39).sup.-eThe M' (e.g., iron(III)/iron(II)) reduction potential of the POAs is affected by selection of the central atom X and the framework metal M, and by the number of tetrabutyl-ammonium groups. Decreased Fe(III)/Fe(II) reduction potential has been found to correlate to increased oxidation activity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dye composition for use in CD-R recording media and having reduced wavelength dependence of the dye layer absorption, comprising:(1) a first cyanine dye having a peak absorption wavelength in the solid film form in the range of about 690 nm to about 730 nm, the amount of said first cyanine dye is about 90% to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the solid components in said dye composition; and(2) at least one noncyanine dye having a peak absorption wavelength in the range of about 900 nm to about 1200 nm, each noncyanine dye having an absorption coefficient greater than 30,000 cm.sup.-1 and said amount of noncyanine dye is about 10% to about 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the solid components in said dye composition. The invention is also directed to a recordable medium coated with the above dye composition, and a recording mechanism implementing the above dye composition.

Abstract: A center drill used for machining a hole in a work piece which is adapted to be partially enclosed in a cup shape drill member in a side view thereof, includes a drill portion provided on a leading end of the center drill, and a dust extractor radially outwardly extending from a portion of the center drill which is enclosed in the cup shape drill member.

Abstract: An electronic, computer based telecommunication system has an object oriented processor system with the aid of which data are exchanged between data bases and customers connected thereto. A data record is created from a selected memory in which all the information from for example a telephone call is stored, this record being common to all customers. The record comprises only that information which is required by the customers. From this data record then the specific data which are desired by an individual customer are extracted. Three kinds of objects are defined and stored in corresponding memories, service templates, customer templates and an output type. The first objects define the types of service which is used. In a second object the information is defined which a customer wants to extract from the common data record. Thus each customer has its own customer template.

Abstract: A method for determining the absolute humidity of air by aid of a capacitive sensor and a temperature sensor as well as a heating element. The sensor temperature is changed upon reaching a predetermined humidity limit value. In order to eliminate the risk of falsified measuring values and to enable long-time stable and accurate measuring also in the high-humidity range, the determination of the humidity of air until reaching the predetermined humidity limit value is effected by evaluating the value measured for the capacity of the sensor. Upon reaching a predetermined limit value, the temperature of the sensor is controlled to a constant sensor capacity by heating and is evaluated.

Abstract: A synthetic alkali metal silicate pigment is modified with a source of a water soluble zirconium ion to form an oxy-hydroxy zirconium species precipitate on the pigment surface. The surface modified pigment is made by slurrying the pigment and reacting it with the source of a water soluble zirconium ion. The surface modified pigment provides improvements over conventional synthetic alkali metal silicate pigments in terms of optical properties, particularly in paper applications, and physical properties, particularly in rubber applications. The surface modified pigment is also useful as an extender or replacement for TiO.sub.2, a conventional synthetic alkali metal silicate such as a sodium-aluminosilicate pigment, a clay, a calcined clay or the like.

Abstract: Method for the determination of an analyte in a volume of a fluid sample, in particular of anti-TSH receptor autoantibodies in a patient serum, in which one or more determination reagent(s) which contains or which containa) a predetermined amount of a binder (B) for the analyte (A) andb) a predetermined amount of a competitor (K) which is likewise bound by the binder (B), in such a way that the extent of its binding to the binder (B) is correlated with the simultaneous presence of the analyte (A) and/or its amount in the sample, the competitor (K) being labelled, or being capable of being labelled, with a label which permits its qualitative and/or quantitative determination, is or are added to the sample with the formation of a liquid reaction mixture, whereinc) the liquid reaction mixture is reacted simultaneously or subsequently with a solid phase to which a substance (Imm) for the selective immobilization of the amount of competitor (K) not bound to the binder (B) is bound, and optionally with a labelled r

Abstract: A method for complex procesing of sea-water comprises the successive steps of mechanical filtration, calcium separation on modified zeolite, magnesium separation on weak-acid cation exchanger and processing of the resulting softened sea-water, regeneration of the modified zeolite and regeneration of the weak-acid cation exchanger. During the step of processing of the softened sea-water, its desalination it carried out so as to produce fresh water and simulatneously produce secondary brine having a concentration of salts at least as high as 100 g/l whereby the modified zeolite is regenerated. A plant for implemention of the method of complex processing of sea-water comprises a filter, two sorption columns for calcium separation connected in parallel with each other, a sorption unit for magnesium separation, a softened sea-water processing unit and a mixed concentrate processing unit.

Abstract: A marking device for applying markings to the insulating sheathing of a wire comprising two color disks alternatingly moved between active and inactive positions by a common carrier to selectively apply markings to the wire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition capable of stimulating plant growth and to a method of preparing such a composition. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a microbial culture containing microorganisms having thickened cell walls. The microorganisms are prepared by passing the microorganisms having cell walls through a magnetic field having two magnets of like north poles which face the microbial culture to be treated. Upon the treatment in the magnetic field the cell walls of the microorganisms become thickened and are effective as an ingredient of a plant growth stimulating composition. Furthermore, a method of stimulating plants such as a vegetable plant, sugar cane, a fruit tree, a tropical plant or a grass is disclosed and is carried out by applying the composition to the plant to effect stimulation of the growth of the plant.

Abstract: A pallet for supporting a plurality of packages, the pallet including a base member having a plurality of feet defining a plurality of gaps between adjacent feet and a subframe including a plurality of cross bars, each of the cross bars overlying and supported by the feet and spanning the gaps defined between the feet. A package position is provided for each of the packages. Each package position is located along a respective one of the cross bars and directly overlies a respective one of the gaps such that each of the packages when mounted on the pallet at a respective one of the package positions is suspended above the respective gap by the respective cross bar.

Abstract: In a process for producing blocks of metals, in particular steels and nickel-base and cobalt-base alloys, by remelting self-consumable electrodes under electrically conductive slag in an atmosphere of controlled composition, the operation of melting down the self-consuming electrode is effected in a space which is gas-tightly delimited by the slag bath surface, the wall of a chill mold and a hood which is disposed on the chill mold, wherein for opening the closed-off space for effecting the electrode-change operation the gas-tight connection between the hood and the chill mold is separated, with the hood raised the residual electrode portion is removed from the melting region and a new electrode is moved into the melting position.

Abstract: A hybrid internal/external manifolded fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of fuel cell units, each of which comprises an anode and a cathode and an electrolyte in contact on one side with an electrolyte facing face of the anode and in contact on the opposite side with an electrolyte facing face of the cathode. A separator plate separates each of the fuel cell units between an anode and cathode forming an anode chamber between the anode facing face of the separator plate and the anode and forming a cathode chamber between the opposite cathode facing face of the separator plate and the cathode of an adjacent fuel cell unit. The anode chamber is in gas communication with a fuel gas supply and outlet provided through internal manifolds whereas the cathode chamber is in gas communication with an oxidant gas supply and outlet provided through external manifolds.

Abstract: A vacuum shell (10) defines an inner cavity (18) in which particulate materials are packed via vacuum pressure. In use, the vacuum shell (10) is positioned within the container (such as sack (16)), and the open end 15 of the shell 10 is brought into contact with a surface (such as platform (17 or 17')) such that a vacuum tight compartment is created. Particulate material is supplied through port (26 or 27) into the inner cavity (18) while vacuum pressure is applied. The particulate material is densified within the inner cavity (18) under the vacuum pressure, and when the volume/quantity of particulate is achieved, the vacuum pressure ceases, and the vacuum shell (10) is withdrawn from the container. To enhance filling, the filter media inside the vacuum shell (10) can be periodically pulsed with air or other suitable gases to remove particulate cakes from the filter material (22).

Abstract: A method of continuously wrapping products, whereby sheets of wrapping material, as they are fed continuously and together with respective products along a first path, an instantaneous tangent of which extends in a first direction possibly varying from one point to another along the first path, are engaged by respective folding tools fed continuously and cyclically along a second closed path to perform a folding operation of a respective sheet at each cycle; each tool being imparted, in the course of each folding operation, at least a first movement in a second direction substantially crosswise, at each instant, to the first direction, and at least a second movement in the first direction.

Abstract: A folding device is provided for an automatic sewing machine for folding over at least two edge strips of a first fabric part. The edge strips extend at an angle to one another and the first fabric part will be sewn on a second fabric part. The device includes a support plate for the second fabric part, a folding plate movable in relation to the support plate for the first fabric part, and a carrier plate. The carrier plate is movable in relation to the support plate and the folding plate for a pressing plate that can be placed on the first fabric part. At least two folding slides are provided which are arranged at an angle in relation to one another and which are connected to a drive means each. The folding plate and the pressing plate have at least one edge strip each, whose angle is adjustable, and the angle of at least one of the folding slides is adjustable.

Abstract: A method of renting portable telephones is disclosed. When a portable telephone 5 is rented from a first rental shop 4-1 and returned to a second rental shop 4-2 different from the first, the telephone identification code 5(ID) and the first rental shop identification code 4-1(ID) stored therein are read and transmitted to a control center 2. Simultaneously, the number of call units 52A recorded in the portable telephone 5 is also read and transmitted to the control center 2. Based on this return data 20, the control center 2 is able to track the movement of the portable telephones 5 among the rental shops 4 (4-1, 4-2, . . . ) and to enter the use charge in the accounts as sales of the first rental shop 4-1. In addition, it can also ascertain the number of portable telephones 5 available for rental and the number of portable telephones 5 on loan at each rental shop. As a result, the renting and returning of the portable telephones among the rental shops 4 can be conducted efficiently.

Abstract: Reinforced concrete slab and girder building structures incorporate shearing connectors with lengthwise support parts to which lengthwisely spaced, transversely extending, rigid load transfer plates affix. A girder structure having one or more lengthwisely extending girders is provided and the shear connectors are fixed to the girders near their support walls below a deck for supporting the slab, the shearing connectors being positioned so that portions of the load transfer plates and support parts project above the girder structure and deck to receive compression forces in the slab which are transferred by the connectors to the girders. The lengthwisely extending connector support parts have connections for carrying a series of lengthwisely spaced rebar rods which embed in the slab when it is poured and transfer compressive load forces to the transfer plates.