Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) which are suitable for use in liquid crystal devices including those devices which exploit the electroclinic effect. The compounds of formula (I) may also be used as chiral dopoants suitable for use with ferroelectric liquid crystals or they may be used as chiral nematic dopants.

Abstract: A flangeless seam especially useful in disposable articles, such as training pants, incontinence articles and the like. The flangeless seam preferably comprises a first member and a second member; at least a portion of the second member overlaps at least a portion of the first member. The flangeless seam preferably further comprises a barrier member disposed between at least a portion of the overlapping portions of the first member and the second member forming a laminate having a seam area. A joining means is preferably disposed in at least a portion of the seam area joining at least a portion of the first member to at least a portion of the second member, the barrier member preventing at least a portion of the first member from becoming joined with at least a portion of the second member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing memory backup of sterilizer cycle progress in a sterilizer control apparatus are disclosed. The control apparatus includes a microprocessor operable to detect a drop or failure in power from the external source, a RAM for temporary storage of data from the microprocessor, and a clock chip. The clock chip and the RAM receive their power from a backup voltage source which is normally charged by the external power source. The clock chip includes a bit which can be set by receipt of an input signal.A comparator circuit is connected to compare the backup voltage VBAK to the minimum power required for accurately retaining memory in the RAM. When VBAK falls below the minimum required power, the comparator sends a signal to the clock chip to set the bit. After power is restored, the microprocessor checks the bit in the clock, and, if the bit is not set, continues operating the sterilizing cycle from the point at which it was interrupted by the power failure.

Abstract: A dental handpiece sterilizer includes a sterilization chamber with an internal manifold system having outlet connectors into which dental handpieces can be plugged. A sterilant vapor introduced to the manifold flows through the dental handpieces coupled to the manifold and into the interior of the chamber so that it contacts the exterior surfaces of the handpieces before exiting the sterilant chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to structural aggregate pigment products that are cationic, and have improved wet-end retention. A method for converting anionic pigments to cationic pigments is also provided. More particularly, a structural aggregate pigment comprising a clay and/or titanium dioxide or other particulate components, and a functional microgel made from silicon and aluminum or zinc gel formers and a gelling agent such as calcium chloride, can be cationized by adding an effective amount of modified or unmodified epichlorhydrin dimethylamine condensate to a slurry of the structured pigment. The resulting cationic pigments have superior papermaking characteristics and a much improved retention.

Abstract: The electronic microprocessor controller of a sterilizer includes a circuit board functionally controlled by software. The software includes a fist user operation mode for normal operation of the sterilizer. A diagnostic operation mode is initiated by insertion of a jumper in the circuit board, and provides for repetitive cycle operation without opening the door, quickly advancing to a cycle phase, without completion of intervening phases, printing of variables not available in the user operation mode, and calibration of the circuitry.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting pressure changes within the chamber of a pressure vessel are disclosed. The apparatus includes a pressure transducer which is gauge-referenced to atmospheric pressure and has bi-directional capability of determining pressure changes above and below atmospheric pressure. The transducer is structured to provide frequency output and is therefore connected directly to a microprocessor. The microprocessor includes structure programmed to compensate for variations in existing ambient atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods of collecting blood cells use a first container connected to initially collect blood. A filtration system is provided that uses two flow paths, the first being a dual purpose path that is initially used to convey plasma and platelets to a pair of transfer/storage containers. A second flow path leads to a temporary transfer container through a filtration device. The dual purpose fluid path is next used to convey blood cells, now substantially free of undesired matter, from the temporary storage container to a storage container. The filtration system is then detached from the blood collection system.

Abstract: An improved element basket for a rotary air preheater includes a tubular structural element disposed in each of the four corners of the basket frame and extending therethrough in mutually parallel relation. During installation of the basket into the preheater rotor, rods are provided each having an attachment member formed in one end. The rods are inserted into the tubular elements and retaining clamps are attached thereto to prevent withdrawal. A chain or rope is attached to the attachment members, thus allowing the basket to be conveniently drawn into a desired position in the rotor.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring system provides a first, coarse temperature output signal, and a second, fine temperature output signal based on the first, coarse output signal. The fine output signal has a higher resolution than the coarse output signal, and permits fine temperature control of an apparatus at a variable control output. The fine output signal is automatically calibrated upon switching from the coarse to the fine signal.

Abstract: The invention is a method of harvesting ice formed on the freezing tube evaporator of a shell ice maker by trapping the gas phase refrigerant in the evaporator using a steam trap of the type that allows liquids to pass but not gases. The gas phase refrigerant can thus be maintained in the evaporator without circulating the gas phase refrigerant entirely through the refrigeration system. As a result, a greater fraction of the gas phase refrigerant in the evaporator condenses than would otherwise condense there if the gas phase refrigerant continued to flow without being trapped in the evaporator. The result is an increase in the heat transferred from the refrigerant to the evaporator and to the ice formed thereon and thus reduces the time and energy required to harvest the ice and correspondingly raises the efficiency of the entire ice making cycle.

Abstract: Cooling water is circulated through the heating water jacket of a gas sterilizer during the initial gas pressurization phase to reduce the temperature rise within the sterilization chamber caused by the heat of compression of the gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing materials and/or equipment by exposure to a biocidal gas. The apparatus is designed to be used with an exhaust vent system. A sensor is provided in the exhaust vent system for determining flow of gas therethrough. The sensor provides a signal to the control unit of the sterilizer so as to control the operational status of the sterilizing apparatus when a flow of gas in the exhaust vent system is stopped.

Abstract: A prophylactic device designed to isolate completely those portions of the body most susceptible to the introduction of infected bodily fluids of another into the bloodstream. The device includes a body portion fitting the wearer like a garment, extending from the vicinity of the navel downward to extend onto the thighs. A trap portion, either integral with or fixed to the body portion, covers the perineum of the wearer. The latter portion is formed of a highly expandable material and fitted loosely. The trap portion can respond to pressure from within or without to extend outwardly or inwardly to maintain an impermeable barrier between a penetrating member and the interior of a target orifice.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, an improved mechanism for adjusting the rotational axis of the crankshaft to vary the engine compression ratio. The crankshaft is supported at spaced points therealong in circular disks that are swivably adjustable about their central axes. The crankshaft rotational axis is eccentric to the disk axis, whereby disk adjustment moves the crankshaft axis in a direction to vary the engine compression ratio.

Abstract: A closed passage system surrounding an engine cylinder for cooling purposes. Fins extend longitudinally along the various passage sections to promote heat transfer into the air flowing through the passage. Fin density varies according to the heat load. Near the upper end of the combustion chamber, a large fin density is used; near the lower end of the chamber a lesser fin density is employed. An effort is made to continuously guide the coolant air for efficient heat removal action.

Abstract: Mechanism for cooling individual cylinders of an engine, using low pressure air bled from an engine supercharger. Special passage structures are provided to guide and confine the air during its passage across external surfaces of the engine cylinders. After performance of its coolant function, the air may be passed into the supercharger outlet passage. The mechanism is especially useful for cooling engines in armored military vehicles in that a minimum number of air openings are formed in the armored hull structure; engine cooling is achieved without sacrificing the integrity of the armor envelope.

Abstract: An engine supercharger is modified to include an auxiliary turbine downstream from the main turbine wheel. The main shaft of the supercharger is tubular (hollow) to accommodate a second shaft. The opposite ends of the second shaft are suitably connected to the auxiliary turbine and an auxiliary fan that is located upstream from the main compressor wheel within the supercharger. An air-collection chamber of scroll-like configuration is arranged between the auxiliary fan and compressor wheel to receive air discharged from outer tip areas of the fan blades.

Abstract: The disclosure illustrates an insulated composite piston comprising a crown of ceramic or other heat resistant material secured to an aluminum piston body by a bolt of temperature resistant alloy. A low conductivity interface between the crown and the body is provided by a series of stacked discs having low effective thermal conductivity. The relative thermal expansion of the parts is compensated for by bellville washers on the bolt. The above arrangement insulates the crown from the piston body thereby minimizing the temperature gradient across the crown so that its temperature can be maintained as high as necessary to increase efficiency and minimize noxious emissions.

Abstract: An endoprosthetic device for a prosthesis between metatarsal and phalangeal bones comprising proximal and distal components which are engageable with each other. The proximal component has a convex, part-spherical bearing surface and a stem projecting from this surface for securing the proximal component into the end of the first metatarsal. The distal component has a concave, part-spherical bearing surface and a stem projecting from this surface for securing the distal component into the end of the phalanx adjacent to the first metatarsal. The engagement of the two components forms a less-than-hemispherical articulation.