Abstract: A spool for thread with a self contained bobbin holder. A contrivance consisting of a spool with a self contained bobbin holder is described. The invention is based on the fact that the core of the spool is projected beyond the edge of the spool creating a protuberance which functions as a receptacle for the bobbin, allowing the contrivance to temporarily store the mated spool and bobbin for quick and easy retrieval.

Abstract: A sound wave generator is effective for producing ultrasonic sound wave vibrations as well as low frequency vibrations which are offensive to rodents. A wiring conductor which serves as a sonic radiator is attached to an end portion of a solenoid rod which is reciprocated by a coil which is energized by alternating current power. The solenoid rod is permitted to vibrate within a hollow spool, and the sonic radiator is mechanically coupled to the solenoid rod by a high compliance, conductive metal spring. Ultrasonic sound waves are produced by forming the solenoid rod of a ferromagnetic material which is characterized by magnetostriction in the presence of an alternating magnetic field. The amplitude of sound wave vibration is intensified by selecting the length and diameter of the solenoid rod so that its natural frequency of vibration is in harmony with either the pulse frequency of the electromagnetic driving force, or alternatively, the frequency of ultrasonic sounds produced by magnetostriction.

Abstract: A method for testing and treating visual dysfunctions (for example amblyopia) includes steps of providing an interactive visual game that presents to the patient a visual task, the visual game employing images scaled to the threshold visual parameter or parameters of the patient, and presenting a nonvisual reward to the patient for successful completion of the task. Also, apparatus for treating visual dysfunctions in a patient includes means for presenting an image to the patient, the image presenting a visual task to the patient, means for scaling the image to about the patient's threshold value for a visual parameter or parameters, means for providing an interaction between the patient and the image, and means for providing a reward for successful completion of the task.

Abstract: Method for removing coherent noise from a series of seismic traces. Each seismic trace included in the series is Fast Fourier Transformed into the frequency domain. For each frequency of the resultant f-x representation, a series of N complex numbers, one corresponding to each trace, is selected. The selected series of complex numbers corresponding to each frequency are processed to produce autoregressive model coefficients from which a polynomial rooting provides complex roots related to wavenumbers and decay constants. Amplitudes and phases for complex non-stationary spatial sinusoids associated with the estimated wavenumbers are then determined. For all frequencies f, the collection of determined wavenumbers, decay constants, amplitudes and phases constitute an f-k representation of the seismic traces.

Abstract: The ear ornament is a continuous member completely extending around the ear. The continuous member has an upper engaging portion resting on the bridge of the ear, a rear portion passing through the channel defined by the pinna of the ear, a lower non-engaging portion extending adjacent to earlobe of the ear, and a front portion extending in front of the ear. The continuous member may include a fastener means for connecting adjacent free ends of a member. A decorative ornament may be integral with a continuous member or be attachable to the continuous member for decoration.

Abstract: Article wrapping apparatus, particularly for wrapping cigarette packets in wrapper film, includes separate cutters (34A,14) respectively for severing a wrapper web into separate sections and for cutting the leading end of a tear strip attached to each section. Drive means (24) is provided for varying the path length of the web between the cutters. Separate drives (12,30) are provided respectively for the cutters and for the web, these being synchronized with a further separate drive for the articles. An air mover (32) assists feeding of the web towards the main cutter (34A); a further air mover (50) assists feeding of wrapper sections across and beyond the path of an article to be wrapped. Opposed belt conveyors (43,44) may be clamped together under action of air cylinders for feeding of wrapper sections without loss of timing.

Abstract: A modular transmission is provided having a variety of flexible modules. These include very basic speed gearbox and range gearbox modules to which other modules can be added. The other modules can include a front wheel drive module, a supplemental reduction module, and an intermediate module. The intermediate module can include additional ranges and/or a creeper gear. The entire structure is highly flexible, and allows ready construction of a transmission to meet a particular customer's needs out of standard components which can be produced in mass quantities.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing olefins wherin a suitable amount of a fumed refractory oxide is used to improve the flow of particulate catalyst as a slurry of that catalyst is charged to the polymerization zone.

Abstract: The yoke of a driveline is formed with diametrically spaced and generally semi-cylindrical pockets for receiving the bearing caps of the cross of a universal joint. A notch is formed in each pocket and receives the shank of a pin whose head projects into overlying relation with the pocket and into engagement with the bearing cap to captivate the bearing cap axially in the pocket. The inner end portion of the yoke is formed on a spherical radius and is adapted to pilot into drive tubes of varying internal diameters.

Abstract: The presence or absence of a nucleic acid sequence associated with one or more related viruses in a sample containing one or more nucleic acids and suspected of containing such sequence can be detected by amplifying the sequence using primers to form extension products as templates and detecting the amplified product if it is present. This may be accomplished by adding a labeled hybridization probe to the amplified product either free in solution or after immobilization on a solid support. Preferably the virus constitutes AIDs viruses and hepadnaviruses.

Abstract: Olefins are polymerized with a catalyst composition which forms on mixing a supported chromium oxide catalyst system and a silane compound. This composition allows the production of one or more comonomers in-situ. The resultant polymer has a lower density, a higher melt index, and a higher high load melt index than polymers produced with a similar catalyst system in the absence of a silane compound.

Abstract: An organic polymeric material, which is preferably perfluorinated and which comprises a polymeric chain and at least one group pendant from the chain, in which the group pendant from the chain comprises a saturated cyclic group and at least one ion-exchange group or group convertible thereto, and in which the ion-exchange group of group convertible thereto is linked to the polymeric chain through the cyclic group. Also an ion-exchange membrane produced from the polymeric material, an electrolytic cell containing the membrane, vinyl monomers from which the organic polymeric material may be produced and intermediates useful in production of the monomers.

Abstract: Self-supporting ceramic composite bodies of desired shape are produced by infiltrating a permeable self-supporting preform with polycrystalline matrix material comprising an oxidation reaction product obtained by oxidation of a parent metal precursor, such as aluminum, and optionally containing therein metallic constituents. The composite body is formed by contacting a zone of a permeable self-supporting preform, having at least one defined surface boundary spaced from said contacting zone, with a body of molten metal which is reacted with a suitable vapor-phase oxidant to form an oxidation reaction product.

Abstract: Research apparatus for performing research on books stored either locally on magnetic or optical media or remotely in an on-line data base. A user of the research apparatus performs research in a project whose state is automatically saved on non-volatile storage, permitting a user to suspend and resume work on the project. The project state includes a list of the books being used by the project and for each book, the last location read and the last query executed on the book. The user selects one book as the current book, and when the selection is made, the research apparatus automatically displays text from the current book which contains the last location read. If there was a query active, the research apparatus automatically re-executes the query. If the current book is stored on an on-line data base, the research apparatus automatically establishes a connection with the on-line data base.

Abstract: A torroidal ring member including a central bore is arranged to receive a Christmas tree therethrough above the Christmas tree support base. The torroidal ring includes an outer cylindrical wall concentric with an inner cylindrical wall, with the outer cylindrical wall including a continuous array of electrical receptacle members therewithin to receive electrical receptacle portions of Christmas tree lights mounted to the associated tree. A modification of the invention includes the torroidal ring member formed with first and second semi-cylindrical portions securable together to form the torroidal ring member. Each semi-cylindrical housing is arranged to accommodate a fluid trough to contain a scented potpourri therewithin for projection through an apertured plate positioned above each trough.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method for treating oils having undesirable color impurities and an oil bleaching composition suitable for use in this method. The method comprises contacting the oil with the oil bleaching composition for a time period sufficient to reduce the amount of color impurities of the oil. The oil bleaching composition includes a neutral bleaching clay and a chelating polycarboxylic acid. The spent bleaching composition resists spontaneous combustion.