Abstract: A retractor assembly suitable for hip or other joint surgery comprising a structural member (1), which consists of a handle (2) that extends proximal through a curved region (4) to a distal region (3) adapted for use in a suitable patient, a light ducting member (5), which is at least in part in substantial conformity to the curved region (4), adapted in use to receive light and reliant on internal reflection of the light, to transmit such received light about at least part of the curved region to an emission outlet (7) which casts light to a zone at and/or about said distal region (3), and a shield (6) overlying at least that part of the light ducting means (5) in substantial conformity to at least part of the curved region (4), wherein the light ducting member (5), the shield (6) and the structural member (1) can be brought into assembly so that directly and/or indirectly each of the light ducting member (5) and the shield (6) is in a supported condition relative to the structural member (1).

Abstract: A browser-enabled system of software and services that focuses on connecting people across spatial, temporal, and organizational barriers to achieve specific objectives. The system includes a client server system that provides a virtual meeting place for a learning community and a structure through which that community can achieve its goals.

Abstract: A method of preparing an amine-free emulsion of alkaline earth metal sulfonates is disclosed. A solution of water and a nonionic, associative thickener of the type normally used for viscosity and thixotropy modification of latex compounds is combined with an overbased or neutral earth metal sulfonate or sulfonate complex to produce the emulsion. Mixtures of these emulsified products with other ingredients such as neutral diluent oils, linear alcohol/hydrocarbon mixtures, tall oil fatty acids, non-ionic surfactants, oxidized polyethylene waxes, small levels of microcrystalline wax, petrolatums, and/or calcium salts of oxidized petrolatums is also disclosed. The resulting emulsions find application in the modification of asphalt emulsions, the formulation of temporary coatings for the protection of painted automotive surfaces (transit coatings for automobiles) and in the prevention of corrosion of metal surfaces.

Abstract: A method and system for checking whether customer orders for transactions of financial instruments conform to business logic rules. Executable rule files are created and stored in a repository. New executable rule files can be created by scripting the new business logic rules in a script file which is converted into a corresponding source code file written in a computer programming language. The source code file is compiled to create an individual executable rule file. A rule selection repository contains identification of groups of selected executable rule files. The invention determines the category of the customer order and reads, from the rule selection repository, a group of executable rule files that correspond to the identified category of the customer order. The selected executable rule files are executed to check the conformance of the customer order. Execution results are stored in a status repository for subsequent retrieval and analysis.

Abstract: A browser-enabled system of software and services that focuses on connecting people across spatial, temporal, and organizational barriers to achieve specific objectives. The system includes a client server system that provides a virtual meeting place for a learning community and a structure through which that community can achieve its goals.

Abstract: An intermediate for a mailer type business form is provided that is Z-folded to produce a mailer type business form with built-in reply envelope. A large area is provided for printing statement, remittance and/or other information and yet the reply envelope produced accepts a conventional size personal check without folding. This is accomplished by providing a re-wettable adhesive for forming and sealing the reply envelope. The outgoing address indicia is imaged on the top face of one of the panels that forms the return envelope so that the outgoing address is concealed when the reply envelope is formed. The reply address indicia is imaged on the bottom face on the second panel defining the reply envelope so that when the reply envelope is formed, the reply address is the only exposed address on the reply envelope.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for producing iminodiacetonitrile by contacting ammonia, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide, or hexamethylenetetramine, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide in a reaction medium, the improvement which comprises the further steps of thereafter adjusting the pH of the reaction medium to a pH between about 5.5 and about pH 10 and heating the reaction medium to an elevated temperature for a sufficient time to convert by-products in the reaction medium to iminodiacetonitrile.

Abstract: A hydrojet for propelling textile yarn at high speeds to a collector includes a source of high pressure water issuing from an orifice to form a jet stream, which is aligned to contact yarn passing through a slotted engager guide located directly above a tube through which the yarn is propelled by the jet stream. The angle of the jet stream with respect to the axis of the tube is about 6.degree..

Abstract: A method of traversing a strand between two spaced rows of strand-restraining elements moving together in the same direction in the same plane to form a web is implemented by a pair of strand-engaging members associated with each row of strand-restraining elements for slideably engaging the strand and moving it in alternate traverses toward one and then the other row while forming a loop in the strand during each traverse. The loop is brought into a plane parallel to the plane of the rows of strand-restraining elements and beyond the rows. Means are provided for disengaging the loop from the strand-engaging members and depositing the loop around the strand-restraining elements.

Abstract: A method of traversing a strand between two spaced rows of strand-restraining elements moving together in the same direction to form a web is carried out by a strand-engaging member that orbits each row to alternately traverse the strand toward one and then the other row while forming a loop in the strand during each traverse and positioning the loop around at least one strand-restraining element. Rotary means traveling in the same instantaneous direction as the loop release it from the strand-engaging member.