Abstract: A gas-cycle system operable using a Bell-Coleman cycle, the gas-cycle system comprising an expander (23) and a compressor (27) incorporated in a flow path (13). The expander (23) and compressor (27) are integrated in a rotary machine (41), and each comprises a rotor assembly (70) configured to define one or more zones (80) each of which changes continuously in volume during a rotation cycle of the rotor assembly. The expander (23) and compressor (27) are drivingly interconnected whereby rotational drive applied to one is transmitted directly to the other. Each rotor assembly (70) comprises an inner rotor (73) and an outer rotor (75) adapted to rotate about parallel axes at different rotational speeds. The inner rotors (73) are each drivingly connected to a common shaft for rotation therewith. The two outer rotors (75) are coupled together such that rotational drive applied to one is transmitted directly to the other.

Abstract: An example hydraulic tool includes: a fluid reservoir; a pump; an electric motor; a cylinder; a piston; a first trigger button; a second trigger button; and a controller configured to perform operations comprising: receiving a first signal when the first trigger button is triggered, responsively, causing the electric motor to rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby: (i) causing the pump to provide fluid to the cylinder, and (ii) causing the piston to move in a first linear direction, thereafter, receiving a second signal when the second trigger button is triggered, and responsively to the second signal, causing the electric motor to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, thereby: (i) opening a fluid path from the cylinder to the fluid reservoir, and (ii) causing the piston to move in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for preparing compositions that improve plant health and reduce fungal infestations. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions described herein to improve plant health by applying the compositions directly to plants, and/or applying the compositions to substrates used for plant growth. The compositions include a synergistic ratio of composting bacteria, bio-surfactant producing bacteria, bio-remediating bacteria, bovine feces, and humic acid. The compositions reduce fungal growth and fungal infestation the infected area. Methods of reducing brown patch and/or dollar spot infestations to a plant such as turf grass or crop are also described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for preparing compositions that improve plant health and reduce fungal infestations. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions described herein to improve plant health by applying the compositions directly to plants, and/or applying the compositions to substrates used for plant growth. The compositions include a synergistic ratio of composting bacteria, bio-surfactant producing bacteria, bio-remediating bacteria, bovine feces, and humic acid. The compositions reduce fungal growth and fungal infestation the infected area. Methods of reducing brown patch and/or dollar spot infestations to a plant such as turf grass or crop are also described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for preparing compositions that improve plant health and reduce fungal infestations. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions described herein to improve plant health by applying the compositions directly to plants, and/or applying the compositions to substrates used for plant growth. The compositions include a synergistic ratio of composting bacteria, bio-surfactant producing bacteria, bio-remediating bacteria, bovine feces, and humic acid. The compositions reduce fungal growth and fungal infestation the infected area. Methods of reducing brown patch and/or dollar spot infestations to a plant such as turf grass or crop are also described herein.

Abstract: A bin blender for mixing particulate solid materials, comprises a closable bin for containing the materials and having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, mounted for rotation of the bin about an axis extending across the interior of the bin, and an internal baffle extending within the bin at an angle of less than about 45° to the axis of rotation of the bin.

Abstract: A method for assessing the particle size of a bulk particulate material (1), such as powdered or granular material includes transmitting sound energy (as herein defined) through the particulate material (1) from a source (2) to a detector (3), and assessing the particle size from the time taken to pass through the material from the source (2) to detector (3) or signal velocity, through the material (1). Typically the signal is a frequency or frequencies in the range about 20 Hz to 20 kHz (but higher frequencies are envisaged), and the particulate material may be in a moving production stream of the particulate material (1). Apparatus is also claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioassay materials useful for the detection of toxic substances and, more particularly, to packaging materials for food and other products, along with methods for their manufacture and use. The invention provides a unique composite material capable of detecting and identifying multiple biological materials within a single package. The biological material identification system is designed for incorporation into existing types of flexible packaging material such as polyvinylchloride or polyolefin films, and its introduction into the existing packaging infrastructure will require little or no change to present systems or procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioassay materials useful for the detection of toxic substances and, more particularly, to packaging materials for food and other products, along with methods for their manufacture and use. The invention provides a unique composite material capable of detecting and identifying multiple biological materials within a single package. The biological material identification system is designed for incorporation into existing types of flexible packaging material such as polyvinylchloride or polyolefin films, and its introduction into the existing packaging infrastructure will require little or no change to present systems or procedures.

Abstract: A bin blender for mixing particulate solid materials, comprises a closable bin for containing the materials and having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, means mounting the bin for rotation of the bin about an axis extending across the interior of the bin, and an internal baffle extending within the bin at an angle of less than about 45° to the axis of rotation of the bin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioassay materials useful for the detection of toxic substances and, more particularly, to packaging materials for food and other products, along with methods for their manufacture and use. The invention provides a unique composite material capable of detecting and identifying multiple biological materials within a single package. The biological material identification system is designed for incorporation into existing types of flexible packaging material such as polyvinylchloride or polyolefin films, and its introduction into the existing packaging infrastructure will require little or no change to present systems or procedures.

Abstract: Determining a characteristic or characteristics of a particular material such as the type, constitution, surface characteristics, or general flowability of the material. The material flows through a measuring cell (1) of constant volume so as to maintain a substantially constant volume of flowing material in the measuring cell. The weight of material in the measuring cell is continuously monitored and oscillations in the weight of the contents of the measuring cell as the material flows through the measuring cell are compared with stored comparative information to determine the material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating a modulated signal across an isolation barrier using capacitors is provided. The present invention allows low distortion communication of an audio signal across an isolation barrier without the need for a large and bulky isolation transformer. The present invention may be used to provide telephone line isolation for modem applications compliant with governmental regulations. A line interface integrated circuit (IC) may be connected directly to a telephone line and powered by the telephone line. The line interface IC may include a sigma delta modulator to communicate the receive signal across a capacitor over an isolation barrier and a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter to provide an analog transmit signal from a sigma delta bit stream communicated across a capacitor over an isolation barrier. Circuitry on the opposite side of the isolation barrier includes similar components to process the transmit and receive signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a configurable architecture for serial communications. The architecture can emulate parallel to serial conversion devices for both synchronous and asynchronous data transmission. The invention uses a plurality of register sets to emulate standard interfaces. One register block performs data and control storage to communicate between a host computer and a local processor. A second register block emulates a serial communications controller (SCC) with its own data control storage and features to implement a number of communication protocols. The SCC provides serial data output. This invention provides an architecture of flexibility optimizing a configuration for synchronous and asynchronous requirements using the same basic blocks while still maintaining an interface compatible with standard requirements.

Abstract: A device for coupling a host computer to a serial communications device. A dual port register set is coupled to the CPU bus of a host computer. The dual port registers receive the control signals and data from the host computer. This information is immediately available to be read by a serial communications controller. In this invention, one channel of a two-channel serial communications controller is implemented to receive the parallel data and convert it to serial output. The parallel data is also provided directly to a microprocessor interface for use by a local microprocessor, if desired. The present invention eliminates unneeded conversion steps and reduces the amount of circuitry required to implement serial communications functions.

Abstract: A transport unit particularly adapted to contain an injured person in a manner that the person can be moved with relative comfort and safety. There is a rigid containing structure having inflatable cushions positioned therein and arranged to fit the contours of a person's body. The person is placed in the container, and a lid of the container is placed over the person, with the cushions then being inflated to firmly, yet gently, hold the person in place.

Abstract: A phased array radar having a plurality of antennae, each connected with a respective receiving channel, is provided with apparatus to suppress variations in phase and gain in the receiving channels. The apparatus injects a reference signal into a normally provided head amplifier in each channel, which then passes through the same amplification and frequency changing circuits as the signal induced in each antennae. Thus the differential phase shifts of the reference signal and the radar carrier frequency are substantially constant. The gains of the head amplifiers are controlled by the action of an AGC loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to new compounds of formula I ##SPC1##and salts thereof with pharmaceutically acceptable acids, in which formula all the substituents may be hydrogen, while R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may furthermore be a methyl group, R.sub.3 an alkyl group, an alkoxy-alkylene group, an alkylthioalkylene group, an alkylsulphoxyalkylene group or an alkylsulphonalkylene group having up to 8 carbon atoms or a benzyl group, and R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group or an alkylthio group having up to 6 carbon atoms, a benzyloxy group, --OH, --NH.sub.2, a mono- or dialkylamino group, in which the alkyl group(s) contain(s) 1 or 2 carbon atoms, --CN or --CF.sub.3, and two of the substituents R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.