Abstract: The invention provides compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## or a physiologically acceptable salt, solvate or metabolically labile ester thereof.The compounds may be used in the treatment or prophylaxis of hypertension and diseases associated with cognitive disorders.

Abstract: An oil control sock has an enlarged inlet end which is placed over the ruptured opening in the side of an oil vessel while the outer free open end is then raised to a position above the oil level in the tanker thereby allowing the oil to seek its own level. The oil sock can also be used with extensions as needed and may be used for unloading the tanker into an assisting vessel. The sock is held in place on the side of the vessel by electromagnets.

Abstract: A module gauge is described for moduling the next-to-be-erected roof panel to conform its actual width with the design modular width by compressing or expanding the roof panel as needed. Conformation of the panel widths results in a weathertight roof structure.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention may be utilized for the automated bonding of electronic components to a circuit board. A placement and bonding head is attached to a manipulatable robotic arm and is utilized to select an electronic component having a plurality of conductive leads from a supply of such components and position that component adjacent a plurality of contact pads on a circuit board. While retaining the electronic component within the placement and bonding head, the component is then thermally bonded to the contact pads. In one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic component may be optically inspected while being retained within the placement and bonding head. In another embodiment, thermal bonding is accomplished utilizing a plurality of thermally activatable blades which each include a thermocouple mounted adjacent thereto.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention may be utilized to support a selected mounting point on a circuit board during the mounting an electronic component. An integrated circuit device is selected and positioned adjacent a first side of a circuit board at a desired mounting point utilizing a robotic manipulator and a placement head. A support fixture is then urged into temporary contact with a second side of the circuit board utilizing a flexible mounting system such that minor variations or misalignments between the plane of the support fixture, the circuit board and the placement head are eliminated. In one embodiment of the present invention a flexible fluid filled bag is utilized in conjunction with the support fixture so that the presence of components on the second side of the circuit board may be accommodated while supporting the circuit board during component mounting.

Abstract: A medical pump comprising an intake/discharge nozzle, a fluid circulator, an elongate barrel extending between and joining the nozzle and circulator, a flushing path and an efflux path peripherally about the flushing path connecting the circulator and nozzle, non-return valves within the paths providing for uni-directional flow from the nozzle through the efflux path to the circulator and from the circulator through the flushing path to the nozzle. A debris-collecting filter element is disposed within the efflux path within the barrel. The filter element and valves may be in the form of a replaceable cartridge. The valves may be constructed as a shuttle with joined oppositely operating valve plates. The valves may also comprise a resilient flap member with a flap formed therein, both the flap member and flap being independently operable and defining the two valves.

Abstract: In accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention, a gate latch apparatus includes a frame having spaced side members, a ring pivotally mounted between the side members, and means to limit outward swinging of the ring. A support rigidly secured with respect to the frame has a horizontal portion and an inclined portion to aid the user in positioning a latch bar on the horizontal portion where operation of the latch is assured. The bar causes the ring to swing inwardly during closure, and the ring drops downward upon passage of the bar to latch the gate closed. To release the latch, the ring is lifted to enable the bar to be removed from the support.

Abstract: Integrated lenses are fabricated on LED devices by chemical etching mesas through mask openings which are non-circular. The mask is removed and the mesas are then etched to form spherical lenses.

Abstract: Paramagnetic metals are separated from aqueous media containing them in low concentration by first fixing the metals on bacterial yeast or other cells so as to render the cells magnetic, and then recovering the cells by a high gradient magnetic separation technique. The metal and the cells are contacted in the presence of a compound which is converted by the cells into a product which interacts with the metal and causes it to become bound to the cells. The process is particularly useful for removing low concentrations of highly toxic metals, e.g. uranium, from industrial effluents containing them.

Abstract: A magnetic separator for separating relatively magnetic particles from relatively non-magnetic particles comprises a superconducting magnet providing a uniform magnetic field and a current carrying conductor dispersed in the field such that relatively magnetic particles are captured by the conductor. The current conductor is in the form of a matrix having either randomly, radially, spirally or parallelly set pairs of wires.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube assembly has a tube the forward end of which is located within the trachea and supports an inflatable sealing cuff. The rear end of the assembly supports a soft, semi-flexible flange having slots which receive a tape by which the assembly is secured about the patient's neck. The assembly also carries a second inflatable plastics cuff mounted on the flange, which encircles the tube and has a raised portion on opposite sides of the tube. The volume of the second cuff, when inflated, is sufficient to accommodate the space between the flange and the neck without elastic deformation of the cuff.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a change in the liquid level in a liquid storage tank, such as an underground hydrocarbon storage tank. A gas line is inserted just below the level of the liquid in the tank, and a second interconnected gas line is placed in a small liquid cup located on the surface. The differential pressure between the two lines is measured and used to compute the level in the tank. A second measurement taken hours later reveals any change in level indicating a leak. Provision is made to accurately zero the apparatus at each measurement to insure precision.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating particles suspended in a liquid from the liquid. A flow of the liquid is passed through a filter bed of ferromagnetic bodies which acts as a coarse filter to trap the larger particles in the flow. The filter bed is arranged within a truncated cone between the poles of an electromagnet. To cleanse the bed and flush out the trapped particles a wash liquid is passed through the bed and the electromagnet is energized to levitate the bed to thereby allow the wash liquid to remove the particles. The liquid flow from the coarse filter can be passed to a high gradient magnetic separator at which remaining small particles in the flow are filtered magnetically.

Abstract: In the method described fluid containing magnetizable particles is introduced into a separating chamber containing a fluid-permeable mass of magnetizable material and held therein for a finite length of time. During this time the magnetizable material is moved into a magnetic field where the fluid is drained from the magnetizable material leaving magnetizable particles entrained in this material. This draining may be achieved either by providing relative movement between the separating chamber and the magnetizable material or by discharging the fluid from the separating chamber. The magnetic separator described comprises a chain of separating chambers, and associated masses of magnetizable material, which are moved continuously through a separating zone in which a magnetic field is established by a magnet. In this zone each mass of magnetizable material is drained and, outside this zone, the magnetizable particles entrained in the magnetizable material are removed by flushing.

Abstract: In the method described fluid containing magnetizable particles is introduced into a separating chamber containing a fluid-permeable mass of magnetizable material and held therein for a finite length of time. During this time the magnetizable material is moved into a magnetic field where the fluid is drained from the magnetizable material leaving magnetizable particles entrained in this material. This draining may be achieved either by providing relative movement between the separating chamber and the magnetizable material or by discharging the fluid from the separating chamber. The magnetic separator described comprises a plurality of interconnected separating chambers, and associated masses of magnetizable material, which are moved continuously through a separating zone in which a magnetic field is established by a magnet. In this zone each mass of magnetizable material is drained and, outside this zone, the magnetizable particles entrained in the magnetizable material are removed by flushing.

Abstract: A magnetic separator, for separating magnetizable particles from a fluid, consists of a separating chamber filled with a paramagnetic packing material, and a magnet for establishing a magnetic field within the packing material. The packing material is pervious to the fluid. A process for separating magnetizable particles from a fluid consists in applying a magnetic field to the packing material while passing the fluid therethrough, so as to attract the magnetizable particles in the fluid to collecting sites within the packing material.

Abstract: A magnetic field is established in a predetermined zone. A quantity of fluid, from which native magnetizable particles are to be separated, is passed through the predetermined zone; and, at the same time, a magnetizable material is passed through the predetermined zone in the same direction as the fluid, so that native magnetizable particles are attracted to the magnetizable material.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for magnetic separation. A magnetic field is established in a first zone by a magnet. Fluid containing magnetizable particles is passed through a separating chamber disposed in the first zone. The separating chamber comprises a rigid elongate canister having an inlet and an outlet for fluid, at least two fluid-permeable partitions dividing the space within the canister into several compartments, each of which extends substantially the full length of the canister, and a packing of magnetizable material disposed between the partitions. The form and disposition of the canister, the partitions and the packing material is such that the fluid flows from the inlet, through the packing material in a direction transverse to the axis of the canister, to the outlet, and the linear velocity of the fluid decreases as it passes through the packing material. As the fluid passes through the separating chamber, magnetizable particles within the fluid are magnetized and attracted to the packing material.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of grapevine named `Melody`, and tested as NY 65.444.4, which originated from seed produced by a hand pollinated cross of `Seyval` (non-patented) and GW5 from New York (non-patented) is described. This new variety can be distinguished by its vinifera-type wine with varietal character, its resistance to powdery mildew infection and its adaptation to the climate of the grape growing regions of New York.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of grapevine from an interspecific cross (Labruscana.times.vinifera), named `Einset Seedless` and tested as NY 63.878.1 which originated from a seed produced by hand pollination of `Fredonia` (non-patented) with pollen from `Canner` (non-patented) is described. This new grapevine variety can be distinguished by its early maturing seedless fruit of attractive red color, having a unique mild American flavor, firm texture and adherent skin. Winter hardiness is good and storage life is considered to be excellent.