Abstract: A board game incorporating the elements of wine evaluation, wine appreciation and wine trivia. At the beginning of the game, the players evaluate or taste test a plurality of wines and record their impressions on those wines along with other vital information. During the game, the players advance along a game board by answering trivia questions relating to wine evaluation, wine making, and wine history. In addition, players perform blind taste tests on the sample of wine evaluated at the beginning of the game. The players can advance along the game board by answering questions pertaining to the blind taste test correctly.

Abstract: A method of improving surface morphology of a semiconductor substrate when using an SOI technique comprises providing a silicon ingot positioned on a support member, orientating the silicon ingot in relation to the support member, and a cutting device, and cutting the silicon ingot along about a (100) crystal plane of the silicon ingot, preferably using a wire saw. This then provides a silicon substrate having an initial surface defining a miscut angle which is less than about 0.15 degrees from the (100) crystal plane. The method then comprises processing the silicon substrate using SIMOX processing, which includes implanting oxygen atoms in the silicon substrate to form a buried oxide layer and annealing the silicon substrate to provide a final substrate surface. Finally, the method includes accepting the final substrate surface for further processing when the final substrate surface measures between 2-20 Å RMS using an atomic force microscopy technique.

Abstract: An ink jet recording sheet comprises a support carrying an ink-receiving layer, this layer comprising a hydrophilic polymer, preferably poly(vinyl alcohol) and a poly(vinylpyridine). The images formed using this sheet display good water fastness.

Abstract: A method of treating moisture containing wood including the step of exposing the timber or wood to a vaporous azeotrope of an organ-boron component and an alcohol at a temperature below the alcohol's boiling point. The organ-boron compound hydrolyses with the moisture to form boric acid in the timber or board.

Abstract: A magnetic particle separator for a motor vehicle drive axle includes a slot in a wall of the drive axle and a magnet in the slot. The slot is located such that one side thereof defines a window open to a gear chamber of the drive axle. The slot has dovetail edges which define abutments for preventing dislodgement of the magnet into the gear chamber through the window. A cover of the drive axle closes and open side of the gear chamber and an open end of the slot to prevent dislodgement of the magnet through the open end. Ferromagnetic particles entrained in fluid lubricant circulating in the gear chamber are attracted by the magnet through the window and thereby separated from the lubricant.

Abstract: Chain hanger devices are described for attachment to a bicycle frame for supporting and retaining the drive chain vertically and laterally when the rear wheel and drive sprocket are removed from the frame. The hanger devices engage the chain without requiring manual manipulation of the chain. The rear wheel can be inserted into the frame again without physically handling the chain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the thickness of an interfacial oxide film intermediate to a polysilicon layer of a first conductivity type and a silicon substrate of a second conductivity type supporting a p-n junction. Radiant energy, preferably in the form of light, is directed on to the top surface of the polysilicon layer thereby stimulating carriers which concentrate at the interfacial oxide film, allowing the excited carriers to diffuse across the oxide film, and creating a short circuit, the magnitude of which is inversely related to the thickness of the interfacial oxide film.

Abstract: A two-speed drive arrangement has input and output shafts operatively interconnected by a clutch and a planetary gear arrangement. The clutch us selectively movable to three positions to establish the direct drive, bypassing the planetary gear arrangement, a reduction drive through the planetary gear arrangement and a neutral condition. In both the neutral condition and the direct drive, the planetary gear arrangement is free of direct rotary influence from the input and output shafts and components thereof may remain stationary.

Abstract: A circuit samples and stores high frequency transient events that affect low frequency steady state signals. The circuit digitizes the high frequency transient signal and samples the digital signals. The present and previously stored data samples are compared, and if the difference exceeds a threshold, the present sample is stored in memory, if the memory is not full, and simultaneously the internal counter is reset. If a number of successive samples do not exceed the threshold and are not stored within a defined interval, the last sample of the interval is stored and an interval counter is reset to zero. A logic circuit controls the timing and operation of the counter and storage of the sampled data.

Abstract: Diffusion transfer films and processes are disclosed wherein the processing composition includes a light reflecting pigment and an optical filter agent, and the image-receiving layer carries an overcoat comprising a polyoxyalkylene decolorizing agent hydrogen bonded with at least one other polymer and a salt of polyvinyl hydrogen phthalate, the overcoat layer being adapted to decolorize optical filter agent immediately adjacent the interface between the processing composition and the overcoat layer.

Abstract: Photographic processing compositions containing a light-reflecting pigment and a styrene-butadiene copolymer are disclosed. The photographic processing compositions are useful in photographic diffusion transfer film units and processes for the provision of permanent photographic laminates. A light-reflecting layer formed in a photographic laminate from such a processing composition exhibits a reduced tendency toward cohesion or adhesion failure and separation.

Abstract: Polymeric cladding for elongate substrates, preferably electrical conductors, comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, the outer layer being a cross-linked polymer composition filled with halogen-free particulate inorganic flame-retardant filler which has been treated with material which increases the elongation to break of the composition at 200.degree. C. to at least 50%. The enhanced elongation enables the cladding better to resist burning, possibly by reducing the tendency for the outer layer to split when exposed to fire. Bundles of insulated electrical wires may be wrapped in mineral tape, preferably mica tape, to provide circuit integrity cables which are significantly smaller and/or lighter than previously known.

Abstract: Image-receiving elements for use in photographic diffusion transfer products and processes and including a unitary image-receiving and decolorizing layer are disclosed. The unitary image-receiving and decolorizing layer comprises a mixture of gelatin, an organic monobasic or polybasic acid or anhydride and a copolymeric mordant comprising recurring units from a vinylpyridine and from a copolymerizable vinylbenzyl quaternary ammonium salt. The image-receiving elements can be used in diffusion transfer products and processes for the provision of color images which appear satisfactorily to emerge from a white background and which exhibit desirable densitometric characteristics.

Abstract: To detect leaks from pipelines carrying fluids, especially oil, light is transmitted through a fibre-optic held in proximity with the pipeline. The fibre-optic is surrounded by a medium of which the refractive index is altered by the influence of the leaked fluid. In a preferred embodiment the medium is a silicone rubber (4) of which the refractive index is normally lower than that of a quartz fibre optic (3), but of which the index increases to that of the quartz or above when oil (7) soaks into it through a permeable cladding (1) and elastomeric protective layer (2), thus rendering the fibre optic non-internally--reflective so that light (6) is absorbed. Control means linked to a light receiver detect that change and the position of the leak is located to within the length of the optic. In another embodiment the medium is a liquid which is expelled from around the optic by the action of leaked fluid.

Abstract: A selected point in an electric power system is monitored for subsequent fault analysis. The voltage and current at the point is continuously sampled with samples for a predetermined period of time being temporarily stored in memory. In response to a Fault Event, voltage and current samples at differing sample rates and for differing periods of time are recorded. Voltage and current samples after a Cold Load Pickup are recorded, also the recorded samples allow later analysis of the fault and identification of the cause of the fault.

Abstract: The automated assembly of major subassemblies providing for the rapid assembly of parts in predetermined positions by automatically tack fastening (e.g., riveting) mounted parts together or by automatically drilling holes in mounted parts and manually locating other parts is disclosed. After the initial locating steps are completed, assembled parts are permanently fastened together. At each tack or permanent fastener location the automated assembly machine: clamps the parts together with a predetermined amount of force; determines the composite thickness of assembled parts to be fastened together; drills a hole through the assembled parts; selects the correct length fastener to be inserted into the hole; inserts the selected fastener into the hole; secures the selected fastener; and, moves to the next position and repeats this sequence of operations. The illustrated automated assembly machine includes part holding devices (41) mounted on a machine frame (11).

Abstract: The automated assembly of major subassemblies providing for the rapid assembly of parts in predetermined positions by automatically tack fastening (e.g., riveting) mounted parts together or by automatically drilling holes in mounted parts and manually locating other parts is disclosed. After the initial locating steps are completed, assembled parts are permanently fastened together. At each tack or permanent fastener location the automated assembly machine: clamps the parts together with a predetermined amount of force; determines the composite thickness of assembled parts to be fastened together; drills a hole through the assembled parts; selects the correct length fastener to be inserted into the hole; inserts the selected fastener into the hole; secures the selected fastener; and, moves to the next position and repeats this sequence of operations. The illustrated automated assembly machine includes part holding devices (41) mounted on a machine frame (11).

Abstract: An apparatus for strengthening the bodies of individuals including a hexagon shaped grid or rack positioned above a surface of water such as created by a swimming pool. The hexagon shape of each component of the grid permits an individual to grasp alternately individual segments of the grid and progress in any direction relative to the water, either during exercise or specially designed games utilizing the improved features of the apparatus. The apparatus is particularly useful in connection with physical development of handicapped children. The grid itself is adjustably mounted with respect to the level of water permitting it to be raised or lowered to different heights above the water dependent on the age of the participant or his or her stage of development.

Abstract: A silicone rubber surface for fixing resinous powder images to a substrate at elevated temperatures in a xerographic reproducing apparatus is disclosed. The silicone rubber surface prevents offset of the image by supplying inherently a release material to the surface. Dispersed in the silicone rubber is a catalytic agent which in the presence of water or moisture, promotes the degradation of the silicone rubber over a period of time at elevated temperatures. The release material is the degradation product of the silicone rubber, and release is possible throughout the lifetime of the fuser surface without the external application of release materials.

Abstract: A silicone rubber surface for fixing resinous powder images to a substrate at elevated temperatures in a xerographic reproducing apparatus is disclosed. The silicone rubber surface prevents offset of the image by supplying inherently a release material to the surface. Dispersed in the silicone rubber is a catalytic agent which in the presence of water or moisture, promotes the degradation of the silicone rubber over a period of time at elevated temperatures. The release material is the degradation product of the silicone rubber, and release is possible throughout the lifetime of the fuser surface without the external application of release materials.