Abstract: Methods for adding data blocks to a data subscription plan period. The methods include determining whether a threshold number of data blocks have been reached during the data subscription plan period; and incrementally adding data blocks to the data subscription plan when the threshold number of data blocks has been reached. The cost per data block of the added data blocks is less than the high-cost per data block rate normally associated with exceeding the threshold number of data blocks during the data subscription plan period.

Abstract: Methods for adding minutes to a calling plan having a calling plan period. The methods including determining whether a threshold number of minutes have been reached during the calling plan period; and incrementally adding minutes to the calling plan when the threshold number of minutes has been reached. The cost per minute of the added minutes is less than the high-cost per minute rate normally associated with exceeding the threshold number of minutes during the calling plan period.

Abstract: A material for sealing threaded pipe joints includes a multifilament yarn ready-coated with a joint sealing composition. The material is packaged in a dispenser from which the coated yarn may be supplied for direct application to a threaded area of a pipe.

Abstract: A material for sealing threaded pipe joints includes a multifilament yarn ready-coated with a joint sealing composition. The material is packaged in a dispenser from which the coated yarn may be supplied for direct application to a threaded area of a pipe.

Abstract: An article of manufacture which comprises a material for sealing threaded pipe joints comprising a multifilament yarn ready-coated with a joint sealing composition and packaged in a dispenser from which the coated yarn may be supplied for direct application to a threaded area of a pipe.

Abstract: A conventional ball lock mechanism has been replaced with a wedge adapted to lock a tool, such as a punch, forming tool or die bushing in a retainer block in which the tool can be accurately positioned relative to the retainer block. The tool is released by moving the wedge away from the retainer block. The inclined surface of the wedge may be inclined upward or downward at an acute angle to the vertical, or the wedge may have both upwardly and downwardly inclined surfaces. The upper portion of the tool is preferably non-circular and is held within a tool cavity formed when the wedge is disposed in the retainer block. One surface of the wedge (its tool-mating surface) is adapted to correspond to the surface of the tool in contact with the wedge. The assembly of wedge slidably disposed within the retainer block is preferably used with a hardened backing plate rather than being secured directly to the die shoe.

Abstract: Double mutant Salmonella microorganisms help prevent reactivity of the microorganism while maintaining the effectiveness of the microorganism to elicit an immune response. Various specific combinations of mutants are beneficial.

Abstract: An article of manufacture which comprises a material for sealing threaded pipe joints comprising a multifilament yarn ready-coated with a joint sealing composition and packaged in a dispenser from which the coated yarn may be supplied for direct application to a threaded area of a pipe.

Abstract: A conventional ball lock mechanism has been replaced with a wedge adapted to lock a tool, such as a punch, forming tool or die bushing in a retainer block in which the tool can be accurately positioned relative to the retainer block. The tool is released by moving the wedge away from the retainer block. The inclined surface of the wedge may be inclined upward or downward at an acute angle to the vertical, or the wedge may have both upwardly and downwardly inclined surfaces. The upper portion of the tool is preferably non-circular and is held within a tool cavity formed when the wedge is disposed in the retainer block. One surface of the wedge (its tool-mating surface) is adapted to correspond to the surface of the tool in contact with the wedge. The assembly of wedge slidably disposed within the retainer block is preferably used with a hardened backing plate rather than being secured directly to the die shoe.

Abstract: A conventional ball lock mechanism has been replaced with a wedge adapted to lock a tool, such as a punch, forming tool or die bushing in a retainer block in which the tool can be accurately positioned relative to the retainer block. The tool is released by moving the wedge away from the retainer block. The inclined surface of the wedge may be inclined upward or downward at an acute angle to the vertical, or the wedge may have both upwardly and downwardly inclined surfaces. The upper portion of the tool is preferably non-circular and is held within a tool cavity formed when the wedge is disposed in the retainer block. One surface of the wedge (its tool-mating surface) is adapted to correspond to the surface of the tool in contact with the wedge. The assembly of wedge slidably disposed within the retainer block is preferably used with a hardened backing plate rather than being secured directly to the die shoe.

Abstract: Wafer demount apparatus automatically demounts and transports a polished semiconductor wafer to an inspection station. The apparatus includes a bridge located between a polishing block supporting wax-mounted wafers and an offload conveyor. The bridge fills the gap and provides a smooth transition surface for the wafers moving from the polishing block to the conveyor. The bridge is also capable of movement to achieve vertical and horizontal alignment with the polishing block.

Abstract: A cable data network architecture includes a master head-end, at least one distribution hub connected to the master head end via a first communication link, and one more more user modems connected to the distribution hub(s) via a second communication link. The master head end includes an inter-hub communications switch, a network controller, a network element manager, and one or more external communication links. The distribution hub includes at least one radio frequency modulators for modulating and transmitting data, at least one demodulator for receiving and demodulating return data, a link access control computer for controlling transmission and reception of data by the distribution hub, a hub element manager for detecting faulty communications to and from the distribution hub, and a local switch for switching data between the modulators, the demodulators, the link access computer and the hub element manager within the distribution hub.

Abstract: A method for mounting a semiconductor wafer on a polishing block to hold the semiconductor wafer during polishing. The method comprises the steps of providing a polishing block having a surface for mounting the semiconductor wafer and providing a heater comprising a heater body and a thermally conductive buffer plate which is selectively moveable with respect to the heater body between a pre-heating position in which the plate is spaced from the heater body and a heating position in which the plate contacts the heater body. A bonding agent is applied to the polishing block surface. The polishing block is placed on the buffer plate when the buffer plate is positioned in the pre-heating position and the buffer plate is moved from the pre-heating position to the heating position to heat the buffer plate, the polishing block and the bonding agent.

Abstract: Alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonists having the formula: ##STR1## which are useful to produce .alpha.-adrenoceptor antagonism, pharmaceutical compositions including these antagonists, and methods of using these antagonists to produce .alpha.-adrenoceptor antagonism in mammals.

Abstract: A portable work table adapted for being removably positioned within a storage compartment of a vehicle includes a frame having an upper wall with a generally planar top surface, side walls extending from the upper wall and a bottom wall extending between the side walls. A plurality of legs are movably mounted on the frame and are movable between a first position such that the legs extend from the bottom surface for being engaged with a support surface such that the frame is positioned above the support surface to permit work to be readily carried out on the top surface and a second position such that the legs are retracted from the first position towards the bottom surface such that the frame is positionable within the storage compartment of the vehicle. A plurality of objects are movably mounted on the frame.

Abstract: A portable work table adapted for being removably positioned within a storage compartment of a vehicle includes a frame having an upper wall with a generally planar top surface, side walls extending from the upper wall and a bottom wall extending between the side walls. A plurality of legs are movably mounted on the frame and are movable between a first position such that the legs extend from the bottom surface for being engaged with a support surface such that the frame is positioned above the support surface to permit work to be readily carried out on the top surface and a second position such that the legs are retracted from the first position towards the bottom surface such that the frame is positionable within the storage compartment of the vehicle. A plurality of objects are movably mounted on the frame.

Abstract: A device for moving workpieces, particularly in surface treatment plants, including a receptacle supported below an electromagnetic oscillating motor by an arbor for containing the workpieces, whereby oscillatory motions are imparted to the receptacle upon energization of the motor.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for defining a vertical axis by means of a reely suspended optical system acting as a plumb line. In equilibrium, the optical system has a vertical optical axis about which real images can be detected at distances of the order of a thousand feet above or below the optical system. The apparatus is capable of considerable accuracy in generating a vertical axis for alignment purposes.

Abstract: A method and therapeutic compositions for inducing interferon formation in vivo. To a host is administered an interferon inducer of the formula: ##SPC1##Wherein X is a member selected from the group consisting of bromo and iodo and Y is a member selected from the group consisting of methyl and ethyl when X is bromo; or Y is a member selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, benzyl and chloro when X is iodo.