Abstract: Wear of the belt (1) of a belt fuser is minimized by use of a high viscosity lubricant of perfluoropolytrimethylene oxide grease between the inside of the belt and the heater element 6. To avoid damage of the belt at turn on, the belt is heated to a predetermined temperature before force is applied to move the belt.

Abstract: A method and kit are described that are useful in the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or the evaluation of its progression. According to the method, a purified voltage-sensitive calcium channel complex is contacted with a biological fluid obtained from a person suspected of having, or known to have, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The voltage-sensitive calcium channel is of a type that ALS sera selectively reacts with. The reaction takes place for a time and under conditions sufficient for the calcium channel complex and anti-calcium channel complex antibodies that may be present in the biological fluid to form an antigen/antibody complex. The presence or absence of the antigen/antibody complex is then determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing protuberances such as thorns extending from a plant stem includes a first and second stripping arm pivotally attached to each other. The arms have a plurality of concave sections set along the opposing edges of each arm to allow a plant stem to be inserted therebetween. The apparatus is mounted to a table by a plate attached to one of the arms.

Abstract: A simplified anchor chain tensioner includes a base bracket, and a multiple function U-shaped lever pivotally mounted to the base bracket. The anchor chain hook is pivotally mounted by threaded engagement to a pivot pin mounted through the two lever arms of the U-shaped lever. The front ends of the lever arms are resiliently movable toward and away from one another, with the end of one lever arm being notched to resiliently latch and hold down the anchor hook arm; while the end of the other lever arm is jogged to provide a surface for locking engagement with the base bracket and a second surface for the application of manual compression force to release the latching and/or locking action.

Abstract: The present invention involves the production of glossy emulsion pigment-containing coating compositions in which the pigment is coated with an organic compound capable of adhering to the pigment surface when the coated pigment is emulsified and capable of rendering said pigment surface oilophilic and the coating is applied to the pigment prior to emulsification thereof and prior to dispersion of the coated pigment in the oil phase.