Abstract: A theme provides a group of multi-media resources for enhancing displays in a graphical user interface to an operating system of a computer according to a topic of the theme. The theme's resources are periodically updated by retrieving updating resources from a remote computer at which the updating resources are stored by a theme provider, so as to provide continually updating enhancements to the graphical user interface display consistent with the theme's topic. The theme's resources can include hypertext templates which define the graphical user interface displays as hypertext pages, allowing the theme to provide a wide variety of enhancements to the displays including text, graphics, hyperlinks, and software components, among others. The theme also enhances a graphical user interface with a view port that plays live or locally cached information from the Internet in each of a plurality of categories, by adding a category for the theme so as to play information from the theme's provider in the view port.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a structured abrasive article that provides an enhanced cut rate and extended productive life when abrading mild steel workpieces. This abrasive article includes a backing having a surface that contains precisely shape abrasive composites. In this invention, the abrasive composites include a binder, abrasive particles, water-insoluble metal silicate particles and a coupling agent. The selection of the combination of these components or materials in an abrasive composite provides an abrasive article having an enhanced cut rate and extended productive life when used to abrade, finish or grind mild steel, particularly under wet conditions using water or water treated with rust inhibiting agents.

Abstract: An improved carrying device for briefcases and similar items is disclosed. The invention may be used to carry a briefcase on the back of the user. A tapered support portion, consisting of heavily woven nylon, is attached to a horizontal securing strap and two shoulder straps. The securing strap is adjustable and is wrapped around the briefcase. The shoulder straps fit over the shoulders of the user. The shoulder straps support the underside of the briefcase, and the support portion holds the back surface thereof. The securing strap restricts lateral shifting of the briefcase while walking. The briefcase may be carried vertically or horizontally relative to the user's body.

Abstract: A copier apparatus and method includes a scanning station for electronically scanning a set of document sheets to be copied as a copy job. The scanning station includes a platen or glass for supporting a document sheet scanned in a first mode wherein the document sheet is manually positioned on the platen by an operator and the scanning station operates in a second mode wherein document sheets are automatically fed to the station by a feeder. An operator control panel includes a display for indicating options for selection by an operator. These options include selection for scanning of a document sheet from the set in the first mode or the second mode. Another option available allows the operator to identify that all document sheets of the set are scanned for this copy job. A controller is responsive to signals generated pursuant to selections for actuating the scanning station to scan document sheets from the set in the first and second modes.

Abstract: This invention provides a family of insecticidally effective peptides which may be isolated from Tegenaria spider venom, DNA encoding such insecticidally effective peptides and methods for controlling invertebrate pests.

Abstract: There is provided a biodegradable composition as obtained from a melt comprising converted starch, a plasticizer and at least one member selected from alkenol homopolymers and/or alkenol copolymers which are combined under conditions sufficient to ensure uniform melt formation, in which the at least one member is present in the composition at a concentration of from 10 to 200 parts per 100 parts of dry converted starch.The invention further relates to methods of making the composition, and to articles made from said composition.

Abstract: An iodine chemical laser is disclosed comprising: a laser cavity; a combustion chamber; a first injector injecting into said combustion chamber an iodine compound as a fuel; a first supply means for supplying the fuel to said first injector; a second injector for injecting F.sub.2 and NF.sub.3 into said combustion chamber; a second supply means for supplying said F.sub.2 and NF.sub.3 to said second injector; combustion initiating means for initiating combustion of the mixture fuel-combustion supporter in said combustion chamber; a supersonic nozzle for extracting products resulting from said combustion fuel-combustion supporter and supplying them into said laser cavity; supply means for supplying singlet oxygen into said laser cavity at the same time as said combustion resulting products; said fuel being in excess with respect to stoichiometric proportions corresponding to said combustion, richness .phi. of said iodine compound fuel with respect to said stoichiometric proportions being 0.5<.phi.<2.

Abstract: To generate atomic iodine in the fundamental state, a combustion reaction between a combustion supporter and a fuel, of which one at least is an iodine compound, are injected into a chamber. Means to enable the two products to be measured out with an excess of the iodine compound with respect to the stoichiometric proportions of the combustion and means to initiate the combustion reaction are provided.

Abstract: A protective solution for the preservation of functional cells containing saccharose, and a phosphates buffer having a high concentration. The osmolarity of the solution is 330.+-.10 mOsm and its pH 7.3.+-.0.2. It can be mixed directly with red corpuscles of human or animal origin, with other blood cells such as leucocytes and platelets, and with cellular suspensions from various organs, either for their preservation for a long time, of the order of one week, in situ after thawing, or during transportation. The preferred composition is______________________________________ Adenine 0.085 g .+-. 0.010 Glucose 5 g .+-. 0.5 Saccharose 47 g .+-. 2 Monosodium phosphate monohydrate 0.75 g .+-. 0.08 Disodium phosphate dihydrate 4 g .+-. 0.5 Sodium chloride 2.5 g .+-. 0.

Abstract: Trans-polyisoprene composition of improved dimensional stability and stiffness are prepared by blending trans-polyisoprene with glass fibres and reinforcing silica. A crystalline wax may also be added to the compositions, to provide easier moldability.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium salts consisting of cations and anions wherein the cations have the formula: ##STR1## and the anions are halide ions. These salts which are useful as intermediates in the preparation of 3-phenoxybenzaldehyde, may be prepared by reacting a 3-phenoxybenzyl halide with hexamethylenetetramine.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a storage chamber in which a flexible hose, used to connect the usual dust collection tools to the cleaner, can be stored when not in use. In a preferred embodiment, the hose can be sucked into the storage chamber when it is desired to store same.

Abstract: Article classifying apparatus comprises means for conveying articles in series to a work station. At the work station means are provided for establishing a machine readable classification code on each article. The apparatus also includes means for varying the speed of the conveying means.

Abstract: Bromobutyl alone or blended with other free radical curable polymers or with free radical curable monomers can be vulcanized by heating in the presence of free radical agents.