Abstract: A protocol for multilink access network-local exchange (AN-LE) interfaces is provided for common channel signaling on all AN-LE links and the transfer of calls and control to operational links upon detection of a link failure. The protocol permits the AN to assign channels on an AN-LE link and is error-tolerant and self-aligning.

Abstract: A bacteriocin produced by Lactococcus lactis NRRL-B-18535 is described. The bacteriocin is useful in foods and other materials and has a wide spectrum of activity against Gram-positive bacteria in a pH range between 2 and 8.

Abstract: A distributed, predictive, event-driven processing environment is provided for controlling a number of elements characterized by different states and events. Transitions between states are reflected by predictive, event-driven, independent functions provided in the action subroutines and do not require state searches associated with fixed state machines. Action subroutines can be grouped together in various service groups which require similar event processing. Service groups are invoked by an action subroutine manager which can also access a application programming interface set. Processing of different elements can be spread across multiple processors or a single processor with the action subroutines having no knowledge of the number of processors.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the constituents present in an electroless plating bath solution. The method involves measuring ac spectra using a working electrode which has a high hydrogen overvoltage. First, a selected dc potential is applied to a working electrode which has been subjected to pretreatment and which is present in the electroless bath being analyzed. The electrode must have a high hydrogen overvoltage and is preferably an alloy of a low hydrogen overvoltage noble metal and a high overvoltage metal. A constant ac signal is superimposed on the dc potential. The dc potential is then swept over a chosen range at a selected sweep rate. The various constituents in the bath are then monitored by measuring the ac current at one or more reference phase angles with respect to the constant ac signal between the working electrode and a reference electrode as the dc potential is varied. The resulting ac spectra provides a useful measurement of the make-up of the constituents in the electroless plating solution.

Abstract: An overflow arrangement which includes an upstanding fluid retaining wall spaced radially outwardly from and encircling an upstanding externally threaded fillneck on a surge tank or overflow reservoir so as to define an annular channel therebetween. A cap adapted to be screwed onto and off of the upstanding threaded fillneck is provided, the cap having a generally circular-shaped top wall, a skirt depending downwardly from a radially outer periphery of the top wall and a radially outwardly extending flange contiguous with a lower extremity of the skirt to a radial extremity overlying an upwardly facing extremity of the upstanding fluid retaining wall.

Abstract: New formulations for the electrodeposition of a dense, reflective tin or tin-lead alloy on a cathode have been developed. Such electrodeposition solutions are partially comprised of an additive which is comprised of at least one nonionic surfactant which is electrolyzed prior to starting the electrodeposition process. The electrodeposition solution is also comprised of an amount of an aliphatic dialdehyde kept low enough so that the solder deposits contain no more than 500 ppm of co-electrodeposited carbon. The additive and the aliphatic dialdehyde is mixed with a solution comprised of an alkane or alkanol sulfonic acid and a tin alkane or alkanol sulfonate or a mixture of a tin and lead alkane or alkanol sulfonate to form an electrodeposition solution. A dense, reflective finish is then electrodeposited on a cathode by using such an electrodeposition solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to additives for methanesulfonic acid based tin and tin alloy plating formulations. Specifically, the invention involves the use of gallic acid in the multiple roles of antioxidant, grain refiner, selective precipitant, and selective chelator in methanesulfonic acid based tin or tin alloy plating formulations.

Abstract: A telecommunications system is provided to connect a plurality of dissimilar types of subscriber telecommunications devices and to provide integrated telecommunications services. The system is provided with a digital communications link comprising a PCM bus for voice and data and an HDLC coded PCM highway for control signals to create a master slave environment, wherein a central processing board operates as a master processor for a plurality of peripheral processor boards. The peripheral boards are coupled to various subscriber telecommunications devices. The CPU board is provided with hierarchical program control that includes low level program code for driving CPU board components, and mid-level program code for effecting system functions and CPU board functions. The mid-level code can also be used to create data bases relating to system configuration as well as data bases for each port associated with the peripheral boards.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the growth of bacteria in raw or processed meat products having a pH between about 6.0 and 6.5 stored at above freezing temperatures using an inorganic propionate salt which extends the shelf life of the meat is described. The salt is preferably sodium propionate or calcium propionate and is used in an amount less than about 1% by weight and preferably between about 0.05 and 0.5 percent by weight of the meat such that no flavor is imparted to the meat. Preferred dried compositions containing a bacteriocin from Pediococcus acidilactici and a propionate salt are also described.

Abstract: An electroless gold plating composition comprises an aqueous solution of alkali metal gold cyanide, alkali metal cyanide, alkali metal hydroxide, a reducer selected from borohydrides and alkyl amine boranes, and a stabilizer having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is --COOH, --OH, --CH.sub.2 OH, or --SO.sub.3 H (or an alkali metal salt thereof), R.sub.2 is --COOH, --OH, --Cl, --H, (or an alkali metal salt thereof) and is disposed in the 2, 5, or 6 ring position, and --NO.sub.2 is in the 3 or 4 ring position. This composition has a pH of 12.5-14.0, is heated at 85.degree.-95.degree. C., and operates at an oxidation/reduction potential of -550 to -700 millivolts to produce high purity gold deposits of amorphous structure and good hardness for electronic applications. The composition may be replenished as many as ten turnovers.

Abstract: A non-perforated metal tube with open opposite ends extends coaxially around a plasma discharge tube that projects beyond both ends of the metal tube. The plasma tube contains an ionizable gas and an electrode. The ends of both tubes engage two end cap assemblies which maintain the tubes in a coaxial, uniformly spaced relationship. Both end cap assemblies have a tubular coupling that fits around a flared end of the metal tube and have a mechanism for supporting the glass tube. Passages are provided in the end cap assemblies for gas to enter and exit. A plasma is established in the plasma discharge tube by applying an excitation potential between the electrode and the metal tube.

Abstract: This invention relates to alkyl and alkanol sulfonic acid plating baths and to methods for plating tin and tin-lead alloys. It also relates to low foaming wetting systems based on low to moderate foaming surfactants and soluble, non-silicon containing defoamers, and to low volatility brightener systems.

Abstract: A lactose-fermenting (Lac.sup.+), mucoid (Muc.sup.+) Streptococcus lactis transconjugant designated ML-3/2.230 was obtained by conjugative co-transfer of Lac.sup.+ Muc.sup.+ phenotypes from Lac.sup.+ Muc.sup.+ Streptococcus cremoris MS to lactose-negative (Lac.sup.+), non-mucoid S. lactis ML-3/2.2. Curing studies on the transconjugant ML-3/2.230 showed that Muc.sup.+ phenotype in the strain was encoded on two plasmids, pSRQ2203 and pSRQ2204. DNA hydridization experiments also indicated the involvement of two plasmids in the expression of the mucoid phenotype. Plasmid pSRQ2203 also contained genetic information for lactose utilization (Lac.sup.+).

Abstract: A transformer of the type used to produce high voltage for an electrostatic field apparatus has a hermetically sealed container. The container encloses a coil assembly having primary and secondary coils wound on a common core. Electrical terminals extend outward from the container and are connected to the coils. The interior volume of the container is completely filled with a thermally conductive, electrically non-conducting fluid. The internal pressure of the transformer is less than one atmosphere at 22.degree. C. The transformer can be operated in any mounting orientation of its rated power. A method of manufacturing the transformer is described by which gases are removed from the container so that it can be completely filled with the fluid.

Abstract: Heteroaromatic compounds having at least two nitrogen atoms may be used to regulate consistency of alloy content and of deposit thickness. Modified nonionic surfactants which lack terminal hydroxy groups are used as grain refiners having low tendency to cause foam build-up in electroplating baths. Dioxolanes may be used to produce deposits having, as desired, a white uniform matte, a semi-bright plate, or a mirror bright surface. Antioxidants are used to prevent oxidation of divalent tin.

Abstract: A method for providing fungal inhibition using Lactobacillus casei var. rhamnosus which produces an antifungal substance is described. Bacterial compositions of LCR are also described. The method and compositions are particularly useful for producing fermented foods.

Abstract: A method for producing a novel antifungal product from a Pediococcus species is described. The preferred product (AFP) comprises a compound which contains valine and lactic acid and has a molecular weight of less than about 500 daltons. The product (AFP) is particularly useful in retarding fungal growth in foods and other materials in need thereof.

Abstract: A novel dextran having a slushy, applesauce-like appearance with a particulate gel-like structure in crude form is described. The dextran is particularly produced by Leuconostoc dextranicum NRRL-B-18242. The dextran in particulate or dried form is used in foods and other applications where texture is important.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting Listeria monocytogenes in a food or other material which can be contaminated with this pathogen using a bacteriocin produced by DNA in Pediococcus acidilactici is described. The bacteriocin is particularly produced by Pediococcus acidilactici containing a 6.2 Mdal (9.4 Kilobase pairs) plasmid encoding for the bacteriocin.

Abstract: Heteroaromatic compounds having at least two nitrogen atoms may be used to regulate consistency of alloy content and of deposit thickness. Modified nonionic surfactants which lack terminal hydroxy groups are used as grain refiners having low tendency to cause foam build-up in electroplating baths. Dioxolanes may be used to produce deposits having, as desired, a white uniform matte, a semi-bright plate, or a mirror bright surface.