Abstract: A repair apparatus for tire punctures is operable upon a damaged tubeless tire in situ and includes a hollow probe initially containing a rubber boot disposed in a collapsed condition but subsequently automatically unfolding when urged into the tire interior by a plunger rod in the probe. A stem integral with a circular main body of the rubber boot is connected to the plunger rod by a flexible tether that serves to retain the unfolded boot juxtaposed the puncture point inside the tire while a drive rod forces a measured amount of rubber bonding fluid through the probe to sealingly secure the boot. Alignment and retention of the probe and drive rod is facilitated by a mounting unit secured to the tire by adjustable attachment elements clampingly engaging the rim of the wheel mounting the tire while threads on the probe and drive rod cooperate with tapped bores in the mounting unit to permit controlled advancement and retraction of the probe and drive rod.

Abstract: The length of a drilling cycle in a bowling ball fitting and drilling method is reduced in an apparatus including a fitting apparatus (10) usable by a bowler to determine the size of a thumb hole and at least one finger hole to be drilled in a bowling ball and including a drilling apparatus (14) having a ball support (22), a rotatable drilling tool (30) movable relative thereto and a drive (36) for the drilling tool (30). A dove tail slide connection (50), (52) provides for moving the drilling tool (30) in an orbital path and an adjustment mechanism (56), (58), (60), (62), (70), (84) is provided whereby the diameter of the orbital path may be varied to vary the diameter of a hole drilled in the ball. A control motor (122) is responsive to the fitting apparatus (10) to operate the adjusting mechanism (56), (58), (60), (62), (70), (84). The control motor 122 is carried by the drive (36) and thus, may be adjusted "on the fly".

Abstract: A vacuum brake power booster for automotive vehicles includes a booster housing whose interior is subdivided into a vacuum chamber and a working chamber by a moveable wall. A control housing carries the moveable wall and accommodates a control valve which controls a pressure differential acting upon the moveable wall. The control valve has at least two sealing seats cooperating with an elastic valve member and is operable by an actuating rod. One of the sealing seats is operable, irrespective of the actuating rod, by an electromagnet whose armature is in force-transmitting interaction with one of the sealing seats. An electrical switching apparatus is also included, the control signals of which influence the current supply of the electromagnet thereby enabling its deactivation. The switching apparatus are operable by a relative movement between a valve piston and the control housing.

Abstract: Delays in fitting and drilling bowling balls are eliminated in a point of sale bowling ball fitting and drilling apparatus. A fitting apparatus (30) includes two movable finger blocks (34), (36) and a thumb aperture (38). Through the use of inserts taken from a group of inserts (150), the fitting apparatus (30) may be utilized to generate control signals to a drilling apparatus (46). A ball (204) may be positioned within the drilling apparatus (46) and insert receiving holes drilled therein in response to the information received by the drilling apparatus (46) from the fitting apparatus (30).

Abstract: There are disclosed novel compounds having the formula ##STR1## which exhibit antifungal activity.

Abstract: A load bearing truss includes first and second generally parallel chord members, first and second post members coupled between the first and second chord members and a plurality of V-shaped metal webs interconnecting the first and second chord members. Respective portions of the first and second chord members extend beyond the first and second post members. A first connector member interconnects the portions of the first and second chord members extending beyond the first post member to define a first end section and a second connector member interconnects the portions of the first and second chord members extending beyond the second post member to define a second end section. The truss is lengthwise adjustable by trimming a selected one or both of the first and second end sections.

Abstract: An interactive audio-visual (A/V) transceiver is advantageously coupled to a television and/or telephone (T/T) cable, a TV, a video recorder (VCR), and other A/V devices. The A/V transceiver switches data between a program/service provider and the connected A/V devices. In one embodiment, the transceiver includes three primary modules, a main module including a CPU, a system bus, system memory, an infra-red (IR) control unit, an audio-visual bus, an A/V decoder, an A/V processor, and an A/V encoder, an A/V connect module including a number of tuner/demodulators and a switch, and an optional CD ROM module. The A/V transceiver hardware is complemented with an operating system and software program which supports the functions provided in the A/V user interface.

Abstract: Amorphous metal alloys rich in noble metals prepared by rapid solidification processing are disclosed. The alloys have at least a ternary composition having the formula M.sub.a G1.sub.b G2.sub.c, wherein M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ag, Au, Ru, Os, Rh, Ir, Pd, and Pt, and G1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of B, C, Cu, Ni, Si, and Be, and G2 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Y, the lanthanides, Zr, Hf, Ca, Mg, Ti, Nb, and Ta. The subscripts a, b, and c are atomic percentages; a ranges from 70 to 90 percent, and b and c range from 5 to 15 percent each. Preferably, a is at least 80 percent and b and c are generally equal. The amorphous metal alloys are readily glass forming and thermally stable at room temperatures.

Abstract: A multipoint video conference system (8) is provided that has video rate control and allows communication of audio, video and data information between end-point units (16). The multipoint video conference system comprises a multipoint control unit (10, 20) having a plurality of interface units (12, 22) located therein. Each interface unit (12, 22) is operable to communicate with other interface units (12, 22) via a backplane (14, 24) of the multipoint control unit (10, 20). A plurality of end-point units (16) are each coupled to an associated interface unit (12, 22). Each end-point unit (16) is operable to communicate and process real data information and operable to receive and resend fill data information. The multipoint control unit (10, 20) is operable, with respect to each participating end-point unit (16) in a data channel, to allow communication of real data information and, with respect to each non-participating end-point unit (16), to allow communication of an equal amount of fill data information.

Abstract: An object oriented message passing system for transferring messages between a client task and a server task comprises an object database, an object management unit, a message transaction unit, and a locking unit. The object management unit creates a port object and one or more associated message objects. The message transaction unit matches a send message request issued by a client task with an acceptance function or with a receive message request issued by a server task. In response to a send message request, the message transaction unit creates a send message control block. In response to a receive message request, the message transaction unit creates a delivery message control block if the receive message request matches the send message control block, or creates a receive message control block if the receive message request does not match the send message control block.

Abstract: An improved cervical collar having an elongated neck encircling band secured to a two-piece chin support brace wherein each end of each of the two pieces of the chin support brace are permanently secured to the elongated encircling band body.

Abstract: Methods of treating inflammatory diseases in an animal by administering to the animal an effective amount of a polymeric acetylated mannan derivative of aloe origin.

Abstract: Cleaning methods for rail cars that haul freight, such as covered hoppers, open hoppers, box cars, tank cars, autoracks, locomotives, flat cars, remove the residue from materials transported by the rail car itself. The rail cars have at least one surface. Freight includes, but is not limited to, agricultural products, industrial products, foodstuffs, living beings, and packaged goods. Methods include the steps of vacuuming excess materials remaining in rail car, removing clinging or otherwise persistent materials with a forced air system, which may be augmented with abrasive materials to a surface of the rail car, and vacuuming up or otherwise removing all remaining dust and debris, and repeating some or all of the steps as necessary. In addition, methods wipe down the surface with a dry rag (e.g., paper or cloth) and/or wipe down the surface with a damp rag. A rag could also be used to apply a sterilizing agent, which would depend upon the application and materials removed and shipped.

Abstract: A cylindrical nasal tampon for a patient's self-application in controlling epistaxis comprises rayon, polysorbate 20, and optionally cotton fiber. A tab-like extension that is part of the tampon provides a gripping surface with which to grip the tampon. The tampon is impregnated with zinc oxide, which promotes healing, inhibits bacterial growth, limits bleeding, and prevents sticking of the tampon to the inside of the nose. The tampon is sized to be placed within the nasal cavity upon occurrence of a nosebleed. Blood from a nosebleed expands the tampon, holding it in place. When the nosebleed is ended, the tampon may be removed by applying pulling force to the extension, without disturbing blood clots that have formed.

Abstract: A hip protector using a matching pair of hip protector holsters interconnectable to form a waist encircling belt from which a pair of protective pad pockets are pivotally suspended over the patent's hips and secured in place by leg encircling straps. The hip protector is light weight and flexible for use under clothing and does not interfere with restroom activities. Each holster is identical and has a wide waist size adjustment range to minimize costs and inventory problems. The pads include impact absorbing base pads on which are positioned semi-rigid shells to distribute impact energy across the pad. The waist and leg encircling belts are secured by hook and loop fastening fabric for convenience and adjustability, and may be provided with an alternative hook and loop fastening fabric to service a substantially different range of leg sizes. The waist encircling belt may be locked with cable ties, a locking strap, or a locking buckle to ensure compliance.

Abstract: An interactive audio-visual (A/V) transceiver is advantageously coupled to a television and/or telephone (T/T) cable, a TV, a video recorder (VCR), and other A/V devices. The A/V transceiver switches data between a program/service provider and the connected A/V devices. In one embodiment, the transceiver includes three primary modules, a main module including a CPU, a system bus, system memory, an infra-red (IR) control unit, an audio-visual bus, an A/V decoder, an A/V processor, and an A/V encoder, an A/V connect module including a number of tuner/demodulators and a switch, and an optional CD ROM module. The A/V transceiver hardware is complemented with an operating system and software program which supports the functions provided in the A/V user interface.

Abstract: A dual traveling wave resonator filter includes a microstrip line to receive an input signal at a first end and first and second traveling wave resonator rings. Each traveling wave resonator ring is in close proximity to the microstrip line such that first and second resonant first combined signals are induced, respectively, in each of the first and second traveling wave resonator rings in response to the input signal on the microstrip line. A band-reject signal is rejected from the microstrip line and a pass-band signal is produced from the microstrip line at a second end.

Abstract: In advanced digital networks for providing selective point-to-point communications between subscriber's terminals and broadband server's equipment operated by a plurality of independent information service providers, routing through the network is controlled by functionality identified as a Level 1 Gateway. In an enhanced video dial tone network additionally providing an array of broadcast services from multiple providers, the Level 1 Gateway also provides high level control over at least some of the broadcast services. The Level 1 Gateway will perform a variety of functions including communications port management of transmissions of information between subscribers and servers, processing of billing information and session management. The Level 1 Gateway generates menus of providers and broadcast services, either as a function of providers and services available through a particular portion of the network or in a customized fashion specified by individual subscribers.

Abstract: A spring-energized cylinder head combustion seal for positioning in an inwardly opening annular groove in a cylinder liner for sealing the interface between the cylinder liner and cylinder head so as to prevent leakage of combustion gases includes a C-shaped annular sheath which is disposed in contact with the bottom surface of the annular groove and the lower surface of the cylinder head. The second component of the seal assembly is a helically wound spring which is of an annular ring shape and disposed within the C-shaped sheath. The sheath and spring are positioned such that the opening in the C-shaped sheath opens directly into the cylinder and the seal assembly is exposed directly to the combustion gases and the higher or elevated temperatures which are present. The spring and C-shaped sheath are constructed of superalloy materials and the exterior of the sheath may be plated with soft metal so as to provide an enhanced metal to metal seal between the liner and cylinder head.