Abstract: The invention provides novel benzothiophenes of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is N-pyrrolidinyl or N-piperidinyl;R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently hydrogen, --CO--(C.sub.10 -C.sub.22 alkyl), --CO--(C.sub.10 -C.sub.22 branched alkyl), --CO--(C.sub.10 -C.sub.22 alkenyl), --CO--(C.sub.10 -C.sub.22 polyalkenyl), --CO--(C.sub.10 -C.sub.22 alkynyl),or --CO--(CH.sub.2).sub.n COR.sub.4 ; provided R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are not both dodecanoyl, and one of R.sub.2 or R.sub.3 is not hydrogenR.sub.4 is -3-cholesteryl or --O(CH.sub.2).sub.2 (OR.sub.5)CH.sub.2 OR.sub.6 ;R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 are independently hydrogen, --CO--(C.sub.10 -C.sub.22 alkyl), --CO--(C.sub.10 -C.sub.22 branched alkyl), --CO--(C.sub.10 -C.sub.22 alkenyl), --CO--(C.sub.10 -C.sub.22 polyalkenyl), or --CO--(C.sub.10 -C.sub.22 alkynyl); provided one of R.sub.5 or R.sub.6 is not hydrogen;n is 0-4; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof.

Abstract: An iron-nickel alloy useful for the manufacture of a stretched shadow mask, the chemical composition of the iron-nickel alloy containing by weight: 69%.ltoreq.Ni.ltoreq.83%, 0%.ltoreq.Mo.ltoreq.7%, 0%.ltoreq.Cu.ltoreq.8%, 0%.ltoreq.Co.ltoreq.1.5%, 0%.ltoreq.W.ltoreq.7%, 0%.ltoreq.Nb.ltoreq.7%, 0%.ltoreq.V.ltoreq.7%, 0%.ltoreq.Cr.ltoreq.7%, 0%.ltoreq.Ta.ltoreq.7%, 0%.ltoreq.C.ltoreq.0.1%, 0%.ltoreq.Mn.ltoreq.1%, 0%.ltoreq.Si.ltoreq.1%, 0%.ltoreq.Ti.ltoreq.1.2%, 0%.ltoreq.Al.ltoreq.1.2%, 0%.ltoreq.Zr.ltoreq.1.2%, 0%.ltoreq.Hf.ltoreq.1.2%, S.ltoreq.0.010% the balance being iron and impurities resulting from smelting, the chemical composition furthermore satisfying the relationships:Co+ni+1.5.times.Cu.gtoreq.79.5%; 3.times.(Co+Ni)-2.times.Cu.gtoreq.206%; Co+Ni+7.times.Cu.ltoreq.130%; 7.times.(Co+Ni)+2.times.Cu.ltoreq.581%; Mo+W+Nb+V+Cr+Ta.ltoreq.7%; Ti+al+Zr+Hf.ltoreq.1.2%; C+Mn+Si.ltoreq.1%; 80.5.ltoreq.Co+Ni+0.80.times.Cu.ltoreq.81.7%.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading bar code symbols using a substrate hand-holdable bar code symbol reading device. In general, the automatic bar code symbol reading device comprises a hand-holdable housing containing operative elements which provide an object detection field and a scan field each defined external to the housing. The method involves automatically detecting the presence of an object within the object detection field by sensing object sensing energy reflected off the object. In a preferred embodiment, the object sensing energy is IR radiation produced from an object sensing energy source disposed within the housing. In automatic response to the detection of the object within the object detection field, the hand-holdable device detects the presence of a bar code within the scan field using a laser beam produced within the housing.

Abstract: Described are recombinant yeasts containing genes encoding xylose reductase, xylitol dehydrogenase and xylulokinase, and DNA molecules, vectors and methods useful for producing such yeasts. The recombinant yeasts effectively ferment xylose to ethanol, and preferred yeasts are capable of simultaneously fermenting glucose and xylose to ethanol thereby taking full advantage of these two sugar sources as they are found in agricultural biomass.

Abstract: A contactless method and apparatus for real-time in-situ monitoring of a chemical etching process during etching of at least one wafer in a wet chemical etchant bath are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing two conductive electrodes in the wet chemical bath, wherein the two electrodes are proximate to but not in contact with a wafer; monitoring an electrical characteristic between the two electrodes as a function of time in the etchant bath of the at least one wafer, wherein a prescribed change in the electrical characteristic is indicative of a prescribed condition of the etching process; and recording a plurality of values of the electrical characteristic as a function of time during etching. From the plurality of recorded values and corresponding times, instantaneous etch rates, average etch rates, and etching end points may be determined. Such a method and the apparatus therefor are particularly useful in a wet chemical etch station.

Abstract: An apparatus for anesthetizing animals for slaughter has a gas chamber with an inlet at one end and an outlet at another end, and an inclined inlet ramp extending to the inlet of the chamber and a declined outlet chute for receiving anesthetized animals from the outlet of the chamber. The inlet ramp is sized to force the animals to proceed to the inlet in single file. A continuous belly conveyor extends through the gas chamber from the inlet, through an anesthetizing gas zone, and through the outlet for supporting the animals on their bellies and transporting them through the gas chamber in single file at a rate sufficiently slow to ensure each animal is rendered unconscious by the time it reaches the outlet. The conveyor has a pickup portion extending from the inlet of the chamber into the inlet ramp for receiving individual animals and supporting them on their bellies for introduction into the chamber.

Abstract: An optical system is coupled between a one-dimensional line image and a two-dimensional detector array. The line image is segmented and reimaged onto respective image cells of the detector array, each image cell being a row of detector cells. The optical system positionally segments the line image into lengths of a predetermined length. The predetermined length of the segments optically fit within the width of image cells within the array. The optical system reimages the line segments to image cell positions on the detector array. The optical system preferably employs diffractive (binary) optic elements.

Abstract: A method for compressing digital image of more than a first predetermined number into the first predetermined number of bits in a substantially lossless manner includes determining a plurality of ranges in which input image data falls and comparing current image data with the plurality of ranges. The method further includes preserving a second predetermined number of bits of the current image data based upon which of the plurality of ranges the current image data falls to encode the current image data as an image value comprising the first predetermined number of bits.A system includes means for determining a plurality of ranges in which input image data falls and means for comparing current image data with the plurality of ranges, the means for comparing coupled to the means for determining.

Abstract: Ogura sterility DNA is used to develop agronomically valuable hybrids that lack the undesirable features of plants having Ogura DNA (chlorosis at low temperature; poor fertile fertility; aberrant flower morphology) but still impart efficient male sterility (which can be easily restored). Ogura sterility is carried by a DNA sequence defined by nucleotides 928-2273 of a 2428 base sequence reproduced in the specification. When present in mitochondrial or nuclear genome of a plant it confers cytoplasmic male sterility. Also disclosed are recombinant plant nuclear and mitochondrial genomes containing a DNA sequence defined by nucleotides 928-1569 of the specified sequence (or its homologous); cytoplasm containing such a mitochondrial genome; Brassica plants or hybrids containing the sterility DNA; and, DNA probes of at least 10 bases from the 928-1569 sequences. DNA probes are used to detect male sterility and for selecting clones without the need for lengthy agronomic/rehybridization steps.

Abstract: A plasmid vector designed for transforming lymphoblastoid cells, immortalized by Epstein Barr virus, for producing heterologous proteins, which comprises the bacterial DNA elements required for its amplification together with the following DNA fragments:the DNA elements which constitute an expression cassette allowing the insertion of a heterologous DNA to be expressed in the human lymphoblastoid cells,the Adenovirus 5 derived DNA sequence encoding the VA I and VA II RNA aimed at optimizing the messenger RNA translation,a gene engineered to be efficient as a selective marker in eukaryotic cells, andDNA segments selected for their property to promote plasmid DNA integration into the cell chromosome DNA.

Abstract: An orthodontic device is worn in a mouth of a patient and is attached between an upper attachment portion secured to the maxillary teeth and a lower attachment portion secured to the mandibular teeth such that the device is proximal a cheek of the patient. The device is formed from a single flexible resilient spring element having a generally curved body portion where the body portion is defined to lie in a plane relative to a plane defined by the cheek of the patient. The spring element has first and second oppositely disposed end portions where the first end portion is configured to directly attach to the upper attachment portion. The second end portion is configured to directly attach to the lower attachment portion. The spring element produces an applied force between the upper and lower attachment portion operative to displace the maxillary teeth relative to the mandibular teeth.

Abstract: A steam boiler (14) is situated on a tower (16) at the center of concentric tracks (17), (18), and (19). Poles (21) and (23) have wheels (25) running on the tracks. The poles are kept upright on the tracks with guylines (35) and struts (31) and (33). The poles carry frameworks (24) with mirrors (12) attached to them. As the earth turns, the poles move along the tracks, keeping the mirrors on the opposite side of the boiler from the sun and keeping sunlight focused approximately on the boiler. As the poles move, the frameworks pivot to fine tune the focusing. Each framework pivots about a horizontal axle (26) of the framework and about the vertical axis of one of the poles (21). Hydraulic cylinders (66) and (70) in series circuits (82) and (78) respectively pivot the frameworks collectively. The frameworks are arranged so the power needed to pivot the frameworks is the same on windy days and calm days.

Abstract: Multi-lumen catheters are intended for advancement through the accessory channel on endoscope into a body passage into the gastrointestinal system. The catheters have two or more independent lumens extending continuously to ports at the distal tip for injection of a contrast medium simultaneously with a guide wire for ERCP procedures and for passage of accessories such as visualization devices, polypectomy snares, cytology brushes, papillotomes and stone baskets for catheterization, diagnosis and treatment within the biliary tract. Use of balloons for maintaining a catheter in fixed position in the biliary tract and for dilatation is also disclosed. The catheters employed are extrusions of a resin comprised of nylon and PEBA. The catheters may also be extruded from polyurethane. Multi-lumen catheters having a reduced diameter distal tip portion on which a dilatation balloon is located are also disclosed. The reduced diameter distal tip portion may serve as a platform for support of a stent.

Abstract: A user interface has a mini-program window display means, a launch selection area display means and an activating means. The mini-program window display means displays a plurality of mini-program windows within a first panel interface. Each mini-program window has a first background pattern. Each mini-program window represents a virtual computing screen. Mini-windows shown in the mini-program windows each represent an application window displayed in the represented virtual computing screen. The launch selection area display means displays a plurality of application launch selection areas within a second panel interface.

Abstract: A modular photographic processor for processing a photosensitive material. The processor comprising a modular processing section containing at least one removable processing tank for holding a processing solution therein, the at least removable processing tank having an outlet port and an inlet port, and a modular recirculation system having a first end and a second end. The first end being connected to the inlet port by a first fluid connection and the second end being connected to the outlet port by a second fluid connection. The recirculation system including at least one replaceable fluid processing component which is connected to the recirculation system by a fluid connection.

Abstract: A closed-loop heat pipe transport design for a deployment application having a flexible section which connects to a payload structure and a deployable structure. The flexible section is a coil which is offset from the axis of rotation of the deployable structure. Upon rotation of the deployable structure around a predetermined axis, the flexible coil decompresses and sweeps in an arcuate fashion with a portion of said flexible coil aligning with the axis. When the deployable structure has completed its rotation and is fully deployed, the flexible coil will rest in substantially the same plane as it did before sweeping.

Abstract: A folding ball hitch having a recessed safety chain latching mechanism is of the type normally mounted in the bed of a pickup truck. The ball is foldable from an upright or active position to a down or stowed position in which the ball does not interfere with the usage of the bed when the truck is not towing a trailer. To accommodate the safety chains of a trailer, the present invention provides a sliding rod mounted below the mounting plate of the hitch. Chain link sized slots are formed in the mounting plate. The end links of the safety chains can be inserted into the slots and the rod can be slid from one side to the other to securely lock the chains in respective slots. The rod is biased toward a latching position wherein the rod can be manually translated to open the slot for allowing insertion of a link of the safety chain, following which the rod can be returned to its center position in which the link is secured and any chain forces are transferred by the rod directly to the mounting structure.

Abstract: The flow of water to a cuspidor bowl-rinse spout and cup-filling spout is controlled by a normally closed valve that is actuated by a lever, the ends of which lever protrude through opposite sides of the cuspidor housing. Either end of the lever may be moved in either of two opposite directions for actuating the valve.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed for absorbing liquids, including body fluids such as menstrual discharges or urine. The absorbent article has a liquid impermeable backsheet on which is disposed an absorbent core, and first and second liquid permeable topsheet layers. The edge of the absorbent core defines a perimeter, and the first and second topsheet layers and the backsheet each extend laterally beyond the perimeter to define a continuous border segment surrounding the absorbent core. A liquid impermeable seal is formed in the border segment which surrounds the perimeter for preventing lateral migration of liquid from the absorbent core beyond the seal. The seal is formed to extend from an outer surface of the first topsheet layer to an outer surface of the backsheet, for establishing a capillary gradient in the second topsheet layer, thereby inhibiting wicking of fluid therethrough.