Abstract: The invention allows several users to manipulate complex data interactively, but separately, and then have the results of their inputs merged. It is based on hierarchical planning which matches typical business environments. The planning process is distributed over the management hierarchy and each level may contribute one or more alternative plans for consideration by a superior level. The distribution of the process is carried out using computer-enabled ‘delegation’. Relationships are specified between a dimensional structure and a responsibility structure such that sub-plans and plans using the dimensional structure of a planning data repository (PDR) may be partitioned into components corresponding to the responsibility structure. Part of ‘delegation’ is the process of setting up the conditions, requirements, etc. for a subordinate to draft one or more sub-plans for their particular area.

Abstract: Fire retardant cellulosic material comprises from 0.4 to 2.0% by weight of tin and from 0.4 to 8.0% by weight of boron based on the weight of the cellulosic material. The fire retardant material is prepared in a two-stage or a one-stage process. The two-stage process comprises impregnation of the material with an alkaline solution of an alkali metal stannate or stannite, followed by impregnation with an aqueous solution of boric acid and drying. The one-stage process comprises impregnation of the material with a stable aqueous colloidal suspension of hydrous tin oxide stabilized with an alkali metal salt of boric acid having a pH in the range of from 4 to 8, followed by drying.

Abstract: A synthesis of fluoxetine is disclosed. The process begins with a lower alkyl ester of 3-benzoylpropionic acid, which is reduced in the presence of a chiral ligand to produce the corresponding .gamma.-hydroxy ester, and the ester is cleaved. The free acid is then condensed with the alcohol to form a .gamma.-lactone, which is treated with ammonia to provide the .gamma.-hydroxy amide. The amide undergoes a Hoffman rearrangement to provide a 2-oxo-1,3 oxazine, which is reduced to 3-(methylamino)-1-phenyl-1-propanol. The alcohol is deprotonated and reacted with a 4-chloro- or 4-fluoro benzotrifluoride to provide fluoxetine free base.

Abstract: A synthesis of fluoxetine is disclosed. The process begins with benzoylacetonitrile, which is reduced, optionally in the presence of a chiral ligand, to produce the corresponding aminoalcohol, and the amine is carbamoylated without isolation. The alcohol is deprotonated and reacted with 4-chloro- or 4-fluoro benzotrifluoride or with 4-trifluoromethylphenol to provide a carbamate of fluoxetine. The carbamate is reduced with a hydride or with borane to provide fluoxetine free base. The process may be employed for the synthesis of individual enantiomers of fluoxetine.

Abstract: A synthesis of fluoxetine is disclosed. The process begins with a lower alkyl ester of 3-benzoylpropionic acid, which is reduced in the presence of a chiral ligand to produce the corresponding .gamma.-hydroxy ester, and the ester is cleaved. The free acid is then condensed with the alcohol to form a .gamma.-lactone, which is treated with ammonia to provide the .gamma.-hydroxy amide. The amide undergoes a Hoffman rearrangement to provide a 2-oxo-1,3 oxazine, which is reduced to 3-(methylamino)-1-phenyl-1-propanol. The alcohol is deprotonated and reacted with a 4-chloro- or 4-fluoro benzotrifluoride to provide fluoxetine free base.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis comprising a femoral component, a tibial component and a meniscal component therebetween, a stabilising peg extending from the tibial component through an elongated slot in the meniscal component and into an opening in the femoral component between a pair of condylar members thereof. The part of the peg extending through the slot allows the meniscal component to rotate and also to move linearly about the peg along one path, whilst the part of the peg in said opening engages cam surfaces on a projection between said condylar members as the knee is flexed, in use, and said linear movement of the meniscal component occurs.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine for knitting a sock having a pocket knitted integrally with the foot portion includes a needle cylinder carrying long and short butt needles, a drive train for oscillating the needle cylinder in a normal first mode and a second mode 180 degrees out of phase relative to the first mode, a pair of needle raising cams positionable so as to engage only the long butt needles during the knitting of the toe pocket, a lifter for holding the long butt needles in an up position during the knitting of the toe pocket, and a pair of stitch cam for engaging the needles to form the stitches. During the formation of the toe pocket, the short butt needles are pushed downwardly out of action below the knitting height while maintaining their stitches and the long butt needles are oscillated 180 degrees out of phase to form the toe pocket.

Abstract: A motor controller unit of the type providing optimum motor operation and protection is configured to determine phase rotation correction during motor start-up without stopping and re-configuring. The effects of heat on the squirrel cage (amortisseur) and motor field windings are accurately and automatically determined on a continuing basis to deter nuisance trip occurrence during motor start and restart operations and to prevent damage to the motor windings during continuous motor operation, respectively.

Abstract: A method of providing a tendon guide surface to an installed pile is disclosed in which a tendon foundation guide cone assembly having a tendon guide surface is attached to a lowering unit and lowered to the pile. The tendon foundation guide cone assembly is then attached to the installed pile and released from the lowering unit. A tendon foundation guide cone assembly and a method for securing a tendon to the ocean floor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shaver blade assembly useable in either an irrigation-only mode, an aspiration-only mode or an irrigation/aspiration mode. The shaver blade assembly has a stationary elongated outer tube and a movable (e.g. rotatable) elongated inner tube, both inner and outer tubes having hubs attached to their proximal ends for attachment to a handpiece which provides power to move the inner blade relative to the outer blade. The inner and outer tubes are provided with cutting windows at their distal tips and the relative movement between these cutting windows acts to cut tissue during surgical procedures. The outer tube is provided with a fluid inlet port at the proximal end of its tubular surface and a fluid adapter is selectively attachable to the outer tube so as to provide a means for introducing irrigating fluid into the fluid port. The adapter is integrally formed with sealing surfaces which obviate the need for O-rings and the like.

Abstract: A slewing mechanism which is particularly suitable for use with a car seat for the physically disabled which permits a combined translational and rotational movement of a plate (6) or the like to which, say, a seat assembly (100) may be connected and which includes a primary arm (1) rotatable about a pivot (2) adjacent one end, a secondary arm (4) pivotally connected to the primary arm (1) by a pivot (5) adjacent the other end, the secondary arm (4) being pivotally connected to the plate (6) and a first link (8) to link the secondary arm (4) to the surface to which the primary arm (1) is pivoted and a second link (9) which connects the upper plate (6) to the primary arm (1).

Abstract: The invention discloses a high density semiconductor package. Two semiconductor chips are each affixed on a corresponding one of two lead frames. The semiconductor chips and the lead frames are encapsulated, wherein only a portion of the leads of the lead frames protrudes and extends from the package.

Abstract: The invention discloses a high density semiconductor package. In one embodiment, two semiconductor chips are each affixed on a corresponding one of two lead frames. The semiconductor chips and the lead frames are encapsulated, wherein only a portion of the leads of the lead frames protrudes and extends from the package.

Abstract: A bed having a lifting apparatus for raising and lowering an object, such as a person, onto and off the bed, and a stabilizing leg for stabilizing the bed against transverse tipping forced induced by the operation of the lifting apparatus. The lifting apparatus is pivotally attached to the bed by a boss and has a jib for attachment to the object. The jib being able to be moved between stops for the transfer of the object onto the off the bed. Reinforcement is provided to inhibit excessive deflection of the bed so as to maintain an axis of pivot of a mast of the lifting apparatus disposed substantially vertically. Various reinforcing arrangements are proposed for beds of differing purpose and construction. A spigot carrier is provided for mounting the mast onto a boss of the bed and has bearings for acting in relation to axial and radial forces from the lifting apparatus.

Abstract: A packaged integrated circuit device (2) has exposed contacts (8a, 8b) for electrical connection to terminals of an electrical component, such as a bypass capacitor (10), mounted externally from packaging material (4). The contacts (8a, 8b) are electrically connected to power and ground leads (6) extending from packaging material (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of pulse oximeter technology, and particularly, a pulse oximeter-like probe for diagnosing the pulpal vitality and vascular integrity of a subject tooth. The present invention does not require a reaction by the patient to pain caused by stimulation of a tooth. Thereby, the present invention is not as susceptible to false negatives or positives as were past methods for determining tooth vitality which were dependent on obtaining a neuronal response. As described herein, lack of neuronal response does not always indicate pulpal death. Both the apparatus and method of the present invention allow an immediate, objective diagnosis of tooth vitality without inducing painful stimulation.

Abstract: A memory card has a housing including an interior chamber and a top metal cover. A substrate is located in the interior chamber and carries printed circuit leads, packaged semiconductor devices connected to selected printed circuit leads, and a connector connected to selected printed circuit leads. The packaged semiconductor devices are spaced from the top metal cover and a thermal coupler is located between the top metal cover and the packaged semiconductor devices for coupling heat generated by the packaged semiconductor devices to the top metal cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching and retracting one or more sails of a sailing craft includes a reversible drive for rotating a drum. A rope or other elongated flexible element connects with movable parts of the one or more retractable sails and extends in a substantially continuous loop with a reach of the loop drivingly engaging the peripheral surface of the drum. Guides tension the loop and support the sail connection portions of the flexible element for movement between locations where the movable sail parts are launched and retracted. In preferred practice, the drive includes a radio signal responsive remote control system, and the apparatus operates to selectively launch and retract spinnaker and jib sails.

Abstract: Framing members of metal are produced from three tubular elements in parallel adjacent relationship held together by transverse fasteners. Sealing strips are located between the adjacent surfaces of the elements and subjected to pressure by the fasteners. In one form of the invention each of the fasteners comprises two pins, each of which passes through two elements so that the pin ends lie in opposed juxtaposition within a common element of the three and are secured together by collets. Alternatively, welded studs are employed. The members are joined together to form a frame by internal blocks shaped to suit the shape of the joint, e.g. angle or tee, and secured by clamping screws or riveting.

Abstract: This invention relates to the reproduction of all the essential moisture sorption characteristics of dead wildland fuels through use of an inorganic fuel moisture analog sensor. This inorganic fuel moisture analog sensor is calibrated to and reproduces all of the essential moisture sorption characteristics of dead wildland fuels without being subject to any of the undesirable characteristics associated with wood sensors. This analog is keyed to selectable response timelags, the size of these dead fuels, their water sorption processes, their radiation characteristics, and their thermal properties. This analog is fabricated from activated aluminum as the active material with calcium aluminate as the bonding agent.