Abstract: Chimeric leptin which are proteins comprising leptin or a mutant or a variant thereof fused to a human immunogobulin domain. One favoured immunoglobulin domain is the human immunoglobulin Fc domain. The chimeric derivatives of leptin have, despite their large molecular size, good pharmacological activity combined with prolonged clearance rates. These derivatives of leptin are therefore indicated to be particularly useful for the treatment or prophylaxis of obesity or diseases and conditions associated with obesity such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and type II diabetes.

Abstract: An automatic sandwich preparation system including a meat patty and bun storage and delivery system. The patty system includes a number of canisters containing meat patties mounted on a carrousel and tilted inwardly toward the center of the canister. An ejection blade slides the bottom patty from the bottom of a selected canister onto a wire conveyor. Each canister is coded for the size of the meat patties contained in it. The carrousel is mounted in a freezing chamber. The bun system includes parallel shelves holding the bun portions in rows separated by step-driven dividers. The bun portions are delivered from the trays into a bun transport that in turn delivers the bun portions to a toaster.

Abstract: An automatic sandwich preparation system in which each sandwich is prepared under the control of a computer with condiments as ordered. Shredded lettuce is delivered by an automatic volume measuring mechanism or by a weight responsive delivery system. Condiments such as mayonnaise and mustard are delivered by a volumetric pump and a flexible spreader blade that rotates over a screen above the surface of the bun. In an alternative arrangement, radial dispensing orifices rotate over the bun followed by a flexible spreader blade. In another alternative, the condiments are fed individually through flexible tubes to the bun surface while the positions of each of the delivery orifices are controlled by a common mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic sandwich preparation system in which each sandwich is prepared under the control of a computer with condiments as ordered. Meat patties are packaged in spaced positions along a plastic strip and then frozen. The strips are packed in shipping and storing containers that are received by the automatic sandwich preparation equipment. The meat patties are removed from the strip by directing the strip over a small diameter roller that frees the patty. Two face-to-face plastic strips may be heat sealed to form pockets for the meat patties and also for serving portions of other sandwich components such as chopped vegetables, catchup, mustard and the like. The contents are removed by physical separation of the two strips. In another arrangement, ground meat is formed into a log shape that is frozen. While the log remains frozen individual meat patties are sawed from the log.

Abstract: A three pole relay which operates in response to the flow of normal operating current across fluorescent lamps to activate a coil, the coil coperating a relay to open switches disposed in all of the filament lines associated with the lamp to shut off filament current while maintaining current flow across the lamps themselves.

Abstract: A power returnable tape rule has an improved connection between the outer end of the power spring and the inner end of the coilable rule blade provided by interengaging element thereon. The rule blade has an elongated aperture adjacent its inner end with the margins of the blade defining the aperture including opposed inwardly extending finger portions. The tongue is configured with spaced transversely extending shoulders facing in opposite directions, and it extends along the upper surface of the rule, downwardly into the aperture under the fingers and upwardly from the aperture and forwardly thereof along the upper surface of the rule blade. The shoulders on the tongue of the spring abut the margins of the aperture adjacent the finger portions in either direction of relative longitudinal movement to limit such movement and retain the two elements in assembly.

Abstract: A sliding file support to cooperate with a dual access file system having a central longitudinal upwardly open U-channel. At least one side of the channel has an outer surface and at the top of the side a lip with an inner surface. The element comprises a slider and a loop for an end stop. The slider carries two rear, lower legs with inner bearing surfaces; also a third, lower forward leg longitudinally between the other two and with an inward bearing surface. The slider also carries a ledge longitudinally between the rear legs, and a hook longitudinally spaced from the legs. In operation the hook is hooked under the lip of the wall, the ledge rides on the top of the wall, and the bearing surfaces clasp the wall between them in sliding engagement. The body and the support are readily engaged and disengaged.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making a multi-pocketed album page includes means for supporting and guiding a plurality of transparent plastic strips into contacting relation with opposite surfaces of a paperboard web, the latter being moved through a predetermined path of travel. Longitudinal heat sealing means are provided for heat sealing the plastic strips to the paperboard web in a direction along the path of travel of the strips and paperboard web. Transverse heat sealing means are also provided for heat sealing the strips to opposite surfaces of the paperboard web transversely of the path of travel. Shiftable cutting or shearing means are provided for cutting the paperboard web and transparent strips, after sealing, into page size so that each page is provided with a plurality of upwardly opening transparent pockets on both surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A probe member for use with a probe cover including a handle having a mounting member; and a probe element fixed to the mounting member; the probe element includes at least one stationary salient section having a sharp edge outwardly flared toward the handle for gradually dilating the end of the probe cover installed on the probe element and impaling the adjacent surface of the probe cover to hold the probe cover firmly in place and prevent its release.

Abstract: Self-leveling dispenser of the type having an elongated lever which serves to balance the spring and platform, with a member being adjustable along the lever for altering the ratio of effective moment arms to change the effective spring rating of the dispenser. An adjustment feature comprises felxible strands connected to opposite sides of the adjustable member. By means of a pulley surface, both strands leave the lever at the pivot point and proceed to a take-up pay-out device, shown as a dentent-controlled reel. For avoiding working against the spring during adjustment the lever concavely curves about the line of action of a tension spring acting upon the lever. In combination of these features the strands are guided by longitudinally convex surfaces of the curved member. The platform and spring loads are shown to act in one diagonal direction of a rectangular frame with the frame braced by a tension member extending in the opposite diagonal direction.