Abstract: The invention relates to novel molecules and libraries thereof as well as methods for their production. Methods of producing the novel molecules include the cleaving of starting molecules into molecular subunits and the assembly of the subunits into novel recombined molecules.

Abstract: A payment card comprises a plastic card and operates with three different legacy payment systems. A magnetic stripe with user account data allows card use in traditional point-of-sale magnetic card readers. A dual-input crypto-processor embedded in the card provides for contact/contactless smart card operation. A user input provides for user authentication by the crypto-processor. Internal to the plastic card, and behind the magnetic stripe, a magnetic array includes a number of fixed-position magnetic write heads that allow the user account data to be automatically modified by the crypto-processor.

Abstract: A method of sputtering a target, comprising steps of: (a) providing a magnetically enhanced sputtering apparatus comprising a sputtering target having a first, sputtering surface and a second, opposing surface in electrical contact with a cathode electrode of the sputtering apparatus; (b) sputtering the first surface of the target to form a first erosion track therein; (c) removing the target from the sputtering apparatus when the first erosion track reaches a predetermined depth below the first surface; (d) reinstalling the sputtering target in the sputtering apparatus such that the second surface is the sputtering surface and the first surface is the opposing surface and is in electrical contact with the cathode via an intervening backing plate comprised of at least one material selected for causing a second erosion track to be formed in the second surface of the target during sputtering therefrom which is laterally displaced from the first erosion track; and (e) sputtering the second surface of the ta

Abstract: A gas cartridge introduced into the housing of the invention is punctured by a pin moved by an arm designed to show through a series of windows whether the cartridge is full or empty. A pulling on a tab rotates the arm to action, in puncturing the cartridge and a spring then locks the visual displays in position. The pin is provided with a cone-shaped head which prevents any re-arming of the arm from changing the display to show that the cartridge is full, when in fact the cartridge has been spent. The amount of pull needed to activate the arm can be selectively controlled.

Abstract: A flotation device of the invention—of cell shape, substantially flat and of little bulk when deflated—is able to be filled with a compressed gas from a cartridge coupled with it so as to unfold and expand outwardly under action of the compressed gas which fills it. A belt of a jacket with an adjustable strap overlies the flotation device about the waist of a wearer and is coupled with it by a drawstrap. When the flotation device is filled with the compressed gas, its length increases to that of a life vest which can be placed around the head and about the neck when being donned. Pulling down the end of the drawstrap snugly secures the flotation device to the adjustable strap which continues to be worn about the waist. An elongated tube allows the wearer to orally inflate the vest should the compressed gas tend to leak over time, in keeping the head out of the water.

Abstract: A dampening device for use with conventional finish dirt scrapers characterized by a shaft with the lower end of the shaft attached to a skid shoe and the upper end of the shaft having a piston mounted thereon which operates in a cylinder, wherein the cylinder has a divider containing an orifice which separates the chamber into a lower chamber and an upper chamber and a by-pass oil line with the upper end opening into the upper cylinder chamber and the lower end opening into the lower cylinder chamber below the piston so that the cylinder operates in a closed oil system in which the oil helps minimize bounce as the piston moves up and down, and a compression-expansion spring surrounding the shaft with the upper end abutting the bottom of the cylinder and the lower end rotatably attached to the skid shoe, the piston and spring working in unison to dampen the normal bounce of the bucket on finish dirt scrapers.

Abstract: A baseball training apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a handle portion, a cylindrical portion extending from the handle portion, an adjustable weight element disposed inside of the cylindrical portion, and means enabling the adjustment of the adjustable weight element.

Abstract: A first belt of the invention--substantially hollow and worn about the waist--is able to be filled with a compressed gas from a cartridge coupled with it so as to unfold and expand outwardly under action of the compressed gas which fills it. A second belt of the invention--also worn about the waist--underlies the first belt and is coupled with it by a drawstrap. When the first belt is filled with the compressed gas, its length increases to form a horizontal tube which serves as a life preserver. Putting it over the head, about the neck and shoulders, and pulling down the end of the drawstrap snugly secures the first belt to the second belt (which continues to be worn about the waist) to convert it to a life vest. Couplings are provided on the first belt for maintaining a circular configuration across the chest area, while an elongated tube allows the wearer to orally inflate the vest should the compressed gas tend to leak over time, in keeping the head of the user out of the water.

Abstract: A collapsible, ground-supportable, manually transportable carrier includes a container and transport handles attached to a front end of the container. The container is formed of a plurality of detachable container sections, with adjacent sections being interconnected by a transverse hinge extending along floor portions of the container sections. The hinge comprises hinge elements inter-fitted together and rotatable relative to one another to a position enabling the container sections to be detached from one another. Tensioned cables extend along upper edges of the carrier side wall to oppose pivoting of the hinge elements and thereby maintain the container sections interconnected. The carrier can be ground-supported directly on a floor of a rear container section, or ground-support wheels can be mounted on that rear container section. The container sections, when disassembled, can be nested together, one inside of the other.

Abstract: A disposable fluid transport system is provided for dispensing sterile fluids from a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel has an internal chamber with an outlet opening extending therethrough. The fluid transport system includes a collapsible media bag having an internal compartment defining a sterile environment. A first end of a delivery tube is attached in fluid communication to the compartment of the media bag. Disposed at a point along the length of a delivery tube is an interface adapter. The interface adapter includes an annular flange which encircles and radially projects out from the exterior surface of the delivery tube. The gasket is formed of a resiliently flexible material and has an outside diameter that is larger than the inside diameter of the outlet opening on the pressure vessel. Once the media bag and delivery tube are positioned within the chamber of the pressure vessel, the second end of the delivery tube can be fed out the outlet opening.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dirt leveling device adapted for towing by a tractor which is characterized by one or more chisels attached to a transverse shaft on the front of the dirt leveling device having a rotatable relationship thereto, and a dirt leveling blade rotatably attached to the frame and controlled by a second hydraulically actuated ylinder. The hydraulically actuated cylinder for the chisels and the hydraulically actuated cylinder for the blade may be controlled by extensions to the vicinity of the driver of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A first belt of the invention--substantially hollow and worn about the waist--is able to be filled with a compressed gas from a cartridge coupled with it so as to unfold and expand outwardly under action of the compressed gas which fills it. A second belt of the invention--of conventional construction and also worn about the waist--underlies the first belt and is tethered to it. When the first belt is filled with the compressed gas, its length increases to form a tube riding under the armpits and holding a wearer vertically in the water as a life preserver, allowing the wearer to be able to swim about. Couplings are provided on the first belt for maintaining its configuration while allowing the tube to be slid over the arms to the shoulders and neck area in continuing to hold the wearer vertically, but as a life vest, keeping the head of the wearer out of the water. The tether prevents the tube from coming loose and floating away.

Abstract: A carrying case is provided having first and second facing sections rotatably opened and closed, a normally collapsed exercise unit within the first section including a pair of pneumatic cylinders coupled to a pair of pressure actuated steps, a handle to extend the exercise unit for use whereby one is able to alternately lower and raise the steps by exerting a downward force on them, and further incorporating means for fastening the exercise unit, once extended, to the other facing section to secure it in position when being used.

Abstract: A gas cartridge introduced into the housing of the invention is punctured by a pin moved by an arm designed to show through a window whether the cartridge is full or empty. A pulling on a tab rotates the arm to action, in puncturing the cartridge and a spring then locks the visual display in position. The pin is provided with a cone-shaped head which prevents any re-arming of the arm from changing the display to show that the cartridge is full, when in fact the cartridge has been spent.

Abstract: A first belt of the invention--substantially hollow and worn about the waist--is able to be filled with a compressed gas from a cartridge coupled with it and actuable by a pin whose placement is controlled by a pulling open of a belt buckle or by a pulling on an included lanyard. A portion of this first belt is secured in overlapping relationship so as to unfold and expand outwardly under action of the compressed gas which fills it. A second belt of the invention--of conventional construction and also worn about the waist--underlies the first belt and is tethered to it. The end result is to increase the length of the first belt when filled with the compressed gas, thereby forming a tube riding under the armpits in holding a wearer vertically in the water--yet still allowing him or her to be able to swim about, while the tether prevents the tube thus formed from slipping over the shoulders and head of the wearer.

Abstract: A multi-access port is provided having a mounting flange, an access cap, and a sidewall extending from the mounting flange to the access cap. Apertures are formed in the access cap in which are fitted tubing connectors having a lower tip extending below the access cap a distance less than the distance between the mounting flange and the access cap and having an upper tip extending above the access cap. A bottom surface of the mounting flange has formed therein channels capable of providing liquid communication therethrough when the bottom surface of the mounting flange is blocked or otherwise obscured by the bottom of the media bag in which the port is affixed. The multi-access port is typically mounted in the wall of a media bag such as media bags used in cell culture media containment system.

Abstract: A damping device for use with a conventional dirt bucket on a dirt mover which includes a skid shoe hingedly attachable to the bucket by means of a hinge at the front end of the skid shoe, the skid shoe having a wear plate attached to the bottom. The skid shoe with wear plate attached is attachable to the back of the bucket by a spring loaded leg removably connected to an outer sleeve which substantially encloses the spring loaded leg and which is rigidly attachable to the back of the bucket.

Abstract: A method of preparation of sugar beet fiber material for use as a non-caloric, non-coloring, bland ingredient in foodstuffs, comprising cleaning, peeling, and slicing sugar beets into cossettes and blanching the cossettes. The blanched cossettes have the sugar removed by extraction and are tissue milled to reduce the particle size. The resulting slurry may be further solvent extracted, washed, and dried.