Abstract: Composition and process for the preparation of high temperature stable continuous glass fibers with an upper temperature use limit of 2300.degree. F. are provided. The compositional formulation, in mole percent, is 62-85% SiO.sub.2, 10-20% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 5-15% MgO, 0.5-5% TiO.sub.x, and 0-5% ZrO.sub.2. The continuous fibers are prepared by an economical direct melt method, and demonstrate high tensile strength, high Young's modulus, and low linear thermal shrinkage characteristics. Friction pads containing these high temperature stable continuous glass fibers are also provided.

Abstract: Composition and process for the preparation of high temperature stable continuous glass ceramic fibers with an upper temperature use limit of 2300.degree. F. are provided. The compositional formulation, in mole percent, is 62-85% SiO.sub.2, 9.5-20% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 5-15.5% MgO, 0.5-5% TiO.sub.x, and 0-5% ZrO.sub.2. The continuous fibers are prepared by an economical direct melt method, and demonstrate high tensile strength, high Young's modulus, and low linear thermal shrinkage characteristics.

Abstract: Composition and process for the preparation of high temperature stable continuous glass ceramic fibers with an upper temperature use limit of 2300.degree. F. are provided. The compositional formulation, in mole percent, is 62-85% SiO.sub.2, 9.5-20% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 5-15.5% MgO, 0.5-5% TiO.sub.x, and 0-5% ZrO.sub.2. The continuous fibers are prepared by an economical direct melt method, and demonstrate high tensile strength, high Young's modulus, and low linear thermal shrinkage characteristics.

Abstract: A focus detecting system for detecting focus state of an image forming optical system relative to an object, includes a beam splitter assembly for forming at least three coplanar two-dimensional images of a scene, each image having a different focus setting. An area array image sensor senses the images at the image forming plane. Signal processing electronics determine the sharpness of the three images and calculates an optimum focus setting for the optical system by deterring the variances of the three images and calculating a position of maximum variance corresponding to a best focus setting of the optical system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning, aligning and orienting fibers in flowing fluids, to permit fibers such as wood pulp fibers to be accurately imaged and rapidly measured with little operator involvement, utilizing a plugging resistant and fouling resistant sheath flow cell, is described. An embodiment is disclosed which simultaneously determines the distributions of shape (curl) and length of samples of wood pulp fibers. Fibers are transported in a dilute water suspension through a sheath flow cell that orients fibers normal to an imaging system that includes a two-dimensional CCD video camera. Images of fibers are analyzed rapidly by a processor, which calculates the shape and length of individual fibers. The data are displayed on a cathode ray tube screen while a pulp sample is being analyzed, and are stored in processor memory for further analysis.

Abstract: A method and preparation are described for treating human skin with retinoic acid glucuronide (RAG) in a topical carrier. For treatment of acne or wrinkled skin, RAG can be applied in an effective amount which is nonirritating to the skin. Retinoid dermatitis, an objectionable side effect of topical application of retinoid compounds, can thereby be avoided.

Abstract: For treatment of acne the glucuronide of retinoic acid (retinoyl .beta.-glucuronide) is orally administered to women of child-bearing age who are capable of conception. This therapy is safer than the oral administration of retinoic acid because retinoic acid glucuronide is essentially non-teratogenic at dose levels effective for the acne treatment. The retinoic acid glucuronide can be in all-trans or 13-cis form.

Abstract: Water soluble glucuronic acid derivatives of vitamin A, including retinoyl .beta.-glucuronide and retinyl .beta.-glucuronide, having in vivo activity comparable to retinoic acid and retinol and methods of their preparation are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the 15-fluoro-retinoid compounds which provide vitamin A activity with reduced liver storage. A preferred compound is retinoyl fluoride.