Abstract: An electronic article surveillance tag is claimed wherein the tag features a spindle assembly which anchors and retains a set of ball bearings which are used to clutch and retain the shaft of a tack. The spindle features an operational tab which may be contacted by the appropriate probe to turn the spindle about a central axis. The spindle is seated in a retaining means with a graduated lip around the perimeter. The turning of the spindle serves to raise a portion of the spindle from the retaining means, loosening the ball bearing grip on the shaft of the tack. The electronic article surveillance tag may be used with either a smoothed or grooved tack shaft and may be operated by either mechanical probe actuation or by the use of a magnetic detachment means applied to the spindle.

Abstract: A one-way valve includes a valve support flange for facilitating attachment of the valve to a host device, a valve tube for facilitating coupling of the valve at one end to a delivery vessel or a delivery system, and a valve sheathing formed substantially tubular and collapsible upon itself, the sheathing open at one end and connected at the other end to the valve tube.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance tag is claimed wherein the tag features a spindle assembly which anchors and retains a set of ball bearings which are used to clutch and retain the shaft of a tack. The spindle features an operational tab which may be contacted by the appropriate probe to turn the spindle about a central axis. The spindle is seated in a retaining means with a graduated lip around the perimeter. The turning of the spindle serves to raise a portion of the spindle from the retaining means, loosening the ball bearing grip on the shaft of the tack. The electronic article surveillance tag may be used with either a smoothed or grooved tack shaft and may be operated by either mechanical probe actuation or by the use of a magnetic detachment means applied to the spindle.

Abstract: A system for top-down evacuating and rinsing of a user-mounted colostomy bag has a valve assembly affixed through one wall of the colostomy bag, the valve assembly having a first coupling interface and an interiorly protruding stem, at least one solution reservoir for containing an aqueous solution, and a second coupling interface attached directly to or indirectly to at least one of the at least one solution reservoir, the coupling interface for connecting the reservoir to the valve for communication of the aqueous solution from the reservoir to the bag.

Abstract: A deactivator for deactivating label-style EAS devices is claimed. The preferred embodiment, of which, employs a microprocessor unit to control two transceiver coils, and a deactivation coil in series with a capacitor. The two transceiver coils are essentially two flat figure eights arranged concentrically but rotated through some angle with respect to each other. The transceiver coils are operated alternatively, first transmitting an interrogation signal and then listening for a response. When an EAS device is detected, the microprocessor unit drives the capacitor and deactivation coil at the system's resonant frequency to generate a high amplitude magnetic field then shifts the frequency of the driving current away from the resonant frequency to attenuate the magnetic field. A field sensor or current sensor provides feedback to the microprocessor to determine the resonant frequency of the system during a frequency sweep.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance tag is claimed wherein the tag features a spindle assembly which anchors and retains a set of ball bearings which are used to clutch and retain the shaft of a tack. The spindle features an operational tab which may be contacted by the appropriate probe to turn the spindle about a central axis. The spindle is seated in a retaining means with a graduated lip around the perimeter. The turning of the spindle serves to raise a portion of the spindle from the retaining means, loosening the ball bearing grip on the shaft of the tack. The electronic article surveillance tag may be used with either a smoothed or grooved tack shaft and may be operated by either mechanical probe actuation or by the use of a magnetic detachment means applied to the spindle.

Abstract: Described herein are a range of techniques and apparatuses used to study the retinal vasculature near the fovea, a description of the need and rationale for noninvasive in vivo monitoring of the retinal vasculature, a presentation of theoretical and practical considerations which demonstrate that entoptic visualization of the smallest capillaries near the fovea is optimized by a short wavelength source of light which is constrained to enter the eye through a small limiting aperture moving in space near the eye at an optimized velocity in a circular or irregular path, and a discussion of the feasibility of using these techniques in a museum or novelty device as well as a research and clinical tool.

Abstract: Described herein are an apparatus and range of techniques used to study the retinal vasculature near the fovea, a description of the need and rationale for noninvasive in vivo monitoring of the retinal vasculature, a presentation of theoretical and practical considerations which demonstrate that entoptic visualization of the smallest capillaries near the fovea is optimized by a small short wavelength source (1 mm or less) rotating at 3.5 Hz in a circular path (radius 2 mm) imaged in the plane of the eye's entrance pupil and a discussion of the feasibility of using these techniques as a reseResearch relating to the development of the present invention was supported in part by grants from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (NIH EY08005 and EY07638). The United States government may have corresponding rights to the license and use of any resulting patent.

Abstract: Cylindrical fibrous structures comprising a fibrous mass of nonwoven, synthetic, polymeric microfibers wherein the microfibers are substantially free of fiber-to-fiber bonding and secured to each other by mechanical entanglement or intertwining, the fiber structure having a substantially constant voids volume over at least a substantial portion of the structure and, preferably, a graded fiber diameter structure, both as measured in the radial direction. The structures are particularly useful as depth filters.

Abstract: Cylindrical fibrous structures comprising a fibrous mass of nonwoven, synthetic, polymeric microfibers wherein the microfibers are substantially free of fiber-to-fiber bonding and secured to each other by mechanical entanglement of intertwining, the fiber structure having a substantially constant voids volume over at least a substantial portion of the structure and, preferably, a graded fiber diameter structure, both as measured in the radial direction. The structures are particularly useful as depth filters.

Abstract: The photovoltaic converter of the present invention comprises a thin film consisting essentially of a lattice of stacked carbon chains comprising alternating single and double bonds deposited on the surface of an electrode transparent to sunlight. The carbon lattice is prepared in situ by depositing and exposing a plastic film comprising a highly oriented polymer system to heat or other types of radiation for controlled degradation. The exposed surface of the degraded film is then covered with a vapor-deposited coating of aluminum, and is finally compressed with a metal electrode cover. Illumination directed onto the film induces an electromotive force at the interface of the degraded polymer and the transparent electrode, which constitutes a "Schottky barrier". A particular feature is the addition of the preformed polymer coating before degradation of electron-attracting molecules which serve as conductive bridges between the carbon layers in the residue.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing erythromycin ethyl carbonate and to erythromycin ethyl carbonate produced thereby.

Abstract: A support surface having the shape of a desired mirror surface for use in reflecting solar light and a sheet of flexible mirror material with a portion covering the support surface. A reel device for selectively changing portions of the flexible mirror material on the support device, and a device for adhering the sheet of flexible material to the curvature and surface of the support surface. The mirror also includes devices for preventing wind lifting of the flexible material from the support surface and for correctly positioning the solar mirror relative to the sunlight.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for bonding shaped members without the use of an adhesive, comprising the steps of exposing the surfaces to be bonded to the low energy particles of a gas discharge plasma just before and substantially simultaneously as the members are brought together into intimate face-to-face contact; heating the members; and then compressing the heated members together. The process is applicable to bonding a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer to a wide variety of materials including cellophane, polyester or aluminum foil.