Abstract: A new and useful a plastic article, particularly plastic siding, with an accent color pattern incorporated therein, a specially formed accent color pellet which is useful in manufacturing such an article, and a process for producing the article using the pellets are provided. The process contemplates extruding a plastic product from a base material formed of powder-sized particles and specially formed accent color pellets. The accent color pellets are alloyed masses of resins and pigment which are larger than the powder particles of the base material, and have a higher vicat softening point temperature than the base material. The alloyed pellets are designed to melt controllably and to mix controllably with the base material.

Abstract: The present invention involves perfluoro compound emulsions including nitric oxide, their preparation and their use. These emulsions provide a new source of nitric oxide. Such nitric oxide-containing emulsions may be used for the administration of nitric oxide to individuals in need thereof. Individuals in need of nitric oxide administration can include those suffering from hypertension, preeclampsia and a number of other situations where an increased blood flow, for example, is desirable. In addition, given the long use of perfluoro compound emulsions as blood substitutes, the present invention provides a relatively safe mode for administering and distributing nitric oxide-without potential negative side effects such as toxicities due to drug metabolites.

Abstract: With the objective of simplifying the splicing of optical fibres and obtaining a very high degree of accuracy in the positional setting of the fibre ends prior to splicing the ends together fully automatically, the relative positions of the fibre ends are determined with the aid of laser light diffraction. By illuminating the fibre ends (1, 2) with laser light (3) and studying the image of the diffraction pattern on a display screen (6), which pattern can be related directly to the perpendicular distance between the fibre ends and the relative offset between the geometric axes of the ends, it is possible to determine the distance between the fibre ends by direct image analysis. A suitable splicing distance between the gap between the fibre ends can then be adjusted automatically to a value suitable for splicing, with regard to fibre material and fibre dimensions.

Abstract: The invention relates to ZrB.sub.2 /Cu composites, and more specifically to methods of making ZrB.sub.2 /Cu composite electrodes and methods of using ZrB.sub.2 /Cu composite electrodes. ZrB.sub.2 powder is contacted with a polymer and shaped to a desired form. The polymer is vaporized and the ZrB.sub.2 powder is sintered. The sintered ZrB.sub.2 is contacted with Cu and heated above the melting point of Cu which causes the Cu to infiltrate the ZrB.sub.2, forming the ZrB.sub.2 /Cu composite electrode.

Abstract: A telecommunications management network (TMN) is directly connected for operation and maintenance data message exchange to a common channel signaling network. The direct connection to the telecommunications management network is made through a gateway one of a plurality of signal transfer points included within the telecommunications network. Addressing and format conversions are effectuated between the transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) used for the telecommunications management network operation and maintenance messages and the common channel signaling--signaling system no. 7 messages. The telecommunications management network and each of the network element nodes are accordingly assigned both an internet protocol address and a signaling system no. 7 (SS7) address. Static tables maintained in certain ones of the signal transfer points map internet protocol addresses and signaling system no. 7 (SS7) address against each other for message routing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for the pretreatment of a lignocellulose-containing biomass. Pretreatment comprises the addition of calcium hydroxide and water to the biomass to form a mixture, and subjecting the mixture to relatively high temperatures for a period of time sufficient to render the biomass amenable to digestion. The pretreated biomass is digested to produce useful products such as feedstocks, fuels, and compounds including fatty acids, sugars, ketones and alcohols. Alternatively, the pretreatment process includes the addition of an oxidizing agent, selected from the group consisting of oxygen and oxygen-containing gasses, to the mixture under pressure. The invention is also directed to a method for the recovery of calcium from the pretreated biomass.

Abstract: A new and useful a plastic article, particularly plastic siding, with an accent color pattern incorporated therein, a specially formed accent color pellet which is useful in manufacturing such an article, and a process for producing the article using the pellets are provided. The process contemplates extruding a plastic product from a base material formed of powder-sized particles and specially formed accent color pellets. The accent color pellets are alloyed masses of resins and pigment which are larger than the powder particles of the base material, and have a higher vicat softening point temperature than the base material. The alloyed pellets are designed to melt controllably and to mix controllably with the base material.

Abstract: A new and useful a plastic article, particularly plastic siding, with an accent color pattern incorporated therein, a specially formed accent color pellet which is useful in manufacturing such an article, and a process for producing the article using the pellets are provided. The process contemplates extruding a plastic product from a base material formed of powder-sized particles and specially formed accent color pellets. The accent color pellets are alloyed masses of resins and pigment which are larger than the powder particles of the base material, and have a higher vicat softening point temperature than the base material. The alloyed pellets are designed to melt controllably and to mix controllably with the base material.

Abstract: Vegetables or macerated vegetables were washed with water passed through ion-exchange resins capable of removing NO.sub.3 - and NO.sub.2 -ions to remove nitrate nitrogen harmful to human body, then pulverized by freeze-drying. Then, powdered vegetable juice is obtained by adding components effective for healthy life thereto.

Abstract: Ventilator for use with a source of gas under pressure for supplying such gas to the airway of a patient having an inlet adapted to be connected to the source of gas, and an outlet adapted to be connected to the airway of the patient. A pneumatic oscillator is connected to the inlet for supplying pulsatile gas in the form of successive small volumes of gas to the airway of the patient during a breath of the patient to cause diffusive ventilation of the airway to the patient. An exhalation valve assembly is connected to the patient airway for permitting the patient to exhale gases introduced into the patient airway.

Abstract: A pseudo-random number generator, and an associated method, generates a pseudo-random number. The pseudo-random number is a complex, linear combination of values of input sequences provided to the generator and exhibits little correlation with such input values. The generator includes a summation combiner and an IIR (infinite impulse response) filter connected in a feedback connection with the summation combiner. Because of the low correlation of the pseudo-random number and input values provided to the generator, the pseudo-random number is less susceptible to cryptanalysis by an unauthorized party.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a process for catalytic oxidative ammination of aromatic hydrocarbons which comprising contacting aromatic feedstock with oxidant, such as molecular oxygen, under suitable reaction conditions, in the presence of a catalyst comprising three essential components: a support; transition metal; and a mono- or binucleating ligand. In one embodiment of the invention the ligand comprises at least one nitro or nitroso group. In another embodiment, the ligand comprises a multidentate, chelating binuclear compound. The process is particularly suited, for example, to the one-step conversion of benzene to aniline.

Abstract: Can ends are ejected from a tool station by a lifter ring and air currents in an ejector chute provided by a curved nozzle assembly adjacent an opening in the lower edge of the chute. It entrains can ends in air current across the die station and over a knife edge in the lower opening of the chute. The lower wall of the chute is positioned on top of the blanking die during the can end entrainment. The punch assembly moves down through the lower opening and through a larger opening in the chute. After can end clears the tooling and continues down the chute with air streams that are augmented by nozzles in the upper wall, the chute is lifted. Double-acting cylinder actuators lift the chute. Side walls of the chute taper inwardly to align the can ends for precise release from the discharge end. Sensor emitters sense passage of the can ends. Solenoid valves control application of fluid pressure to opposite ends of the actuator cylinders.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program for controlling a centrifuge which receives a mixture of liquid and solid particles and separates the liquid from the solid particles. A bowl, along with a conveyor extending inside the bowl, are rotated at different speeds and the speed of, and the torque applied to, the bowl and the conveyor are detected and corresponding output signals are generated. A meter is provided for metering the flow of the mixture to the centrifuge and generating corresponding output signals. A computer responds to instructions from computer programs and controls the speed of the bowl and the conveyor as well as the flow of the mixture and a diluting agent to the centrifuge in response to the output signals in a manner to attain predetermined predetermined optimum operating conditions of the centrifuge.

Abstract: An asexually reproduced variety of perennial zoysiagrass with a unique combination of characters including an absence of leaf blade hairs, high turf quality, resistance to fall armyworm and a distinct DNA fingerprint.