Abstract: A continuous process and apparatus for preparing organic acids and their salts from biomass. Biomass flows from a region of fresh biomass and high acid and acid salt concentration to a region of digested biomass and low acid and acid salt concentration in a fermentation apparatus under anaerobic conditions. Organic acids and acid salts produced by the process of the present invention are volatile fatty acids such as acetic, butyric and propionic acids and their salts such as calcium acetate, calcium propionate, and calcium butyrate. The apparatus of the present invention contains at least two fermentation reactors in series to increase the biomass residence time in the reactors. The fermentation reactors of the present invention are imbedded in the ground with earthen berms as support for sides having three layers. The core of the reactors are covered with a flexible covering to maintain an anaerobic environment.

Abstract: In the present invention, the watch is mounted in a conventional hollow collar which is in turn positioned in a display box. A slit in the display box allows a securing member to be slipped through the box and the watch collar. The securing member is locked to the wall of the box on the other side of the watch collar by an anti-theft locking means. The end of the securing member has a pin which is inserted into the locking means and is held in place until released by a release mechanism, such as by a magnet. Such a release mechanism, opens the locking means and allows the securing member to be withdrawn. The end of the securing member opposite the pin, projects out of the box both to form a handle to aid in the removal of the securing member and as a visual indicator that the securing device remains inserted in the watch box.

Abstract: The invention describes compositions and methods for optimizing IgA class switching in B cells. The compositions comprise a multivalent antigen receptor crosslinker, CD40 ligand or lipopolysaccharide, and the cytokines TGF-.beta., IL-4, and either IL-5 or IL-2. Methods of using the compositions are also described.

Abstract: Keyboard constructions and methods are described which force or provide feedback for finger action that will enhance stability of the carpal tunnel tendons. Methods are described for reducing incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in a person who operates a keyboard, involving monitoring actuation of switches, measuring a depression characteristic, comparing the depression characteristic with a predetermined value, and creating a signal corresponding to the number of keystrokes executed with a depression characteristic less than the predetermined value. A method is also described for detecting unphysiologic tendon translation denoting tendon instability in the carpal tunnel of a person who engages in repetitive hand motion.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for calibrating a device responsive to values of a reference signal. The reference signal may be subject to short-term disturbances. In one implementation, a cellular radio base station utilizes a Stratum-2 oscillator to which to phase-lock a base station VCO. Compensation is made for the aging of the Stratum-2 oscillator, thereby to provide a regulation signal causing the VCO to exhibit acceptable short-term and long-term frequency stability characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a turf board for simulating snowboarding on snowless terrain. The turf board includes a platform, two wheel assemblies and two bindings. Each of the wheel assemblies includes tires independently attached to a bottom surface of the platform by a shock absorber suspension. In a preferred embodiment, each of the wheel assemblies include a unique, three-piece rim which maintains the tire. The two bindings are attached to a top surface of the platform for securing a user to the turf board.

Abstract: An intelligent network telecommunications service allows a calling party (22) to provide a voice message which is converted by the service to a text message. The text message is delivered to any of a plurality of types of media formatters (90), which in turn transmit the text message to corresponding types of receiving equipment (100). The text messages can be delivered to a sole called party or to a distribution list of called parties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil-based drilling fluid, a continuous phase for an oil-based drilling fluid, and additives for an oil-based drilling fluid. The drilling fluid, the continuous phase of the drilling fluid, and the additives for the oil-based drilling fluid are characterized by non-fluorescence (defined as a fluorescence intensity of 800 or less) when exposed to ultraviolet light. The continuous phase of the drilling fluid is composed of synthetic hydrocarbons selected from the group consisting of oligomers synthesized from one or more alphaolefins containing a C.sub.2 to C.sub.14 chain length, wherein the oligomers have an average molecular weight of from 120 to 100, and additives. The additives of the continuous phase include surfactants, wetting agents and/or emulsifiers.