Abstract: The floating point number data processing means is for use in microprocessor systems and finds application in AC motor drive technology. The format used includes a sign bit, a seven bit signed exponent and an eight bit mantissa. The mathematical functions are performed in a gate array using registers which are mapped into a memory of the microprocessor system, the particular mathematical function being dependent upon a particular choice of registers. An unsigned integer comparison of floating point numbers is used to give a correct result.

Abstract: A luminous gas discharge display including two opposing hermetically sealed plates and a pair of low profile electrode assemblies. At least one of the plates is formed of a transparent material and at least one of the plates includes at least one channel terminating in at least one opening through the plate containing an ionizable gas to define a gas discharge path. The electrode assemblies are positioned externally of the glass plates and in communication with channel. Each electrode assembly includes an outer substrate, an intermediate conductive layer deposited on the outer substrate and an inner emissive layer deposited on the intermediate conductive layer opposite the opening. The intermediate conductive layer provides electrical contact between a voltage source and the inner emissive layer to ionize the ionizable gas and produce a gas discharge display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spinning filaments of a polymeric material includes a first temperature control arrangement for heating a spin pack to a first predetermined reference temperature greater than the predetermined polymer inlet temperature such that the temperature across a polymer filter holder and the spinneret plate in the spin pack is substantially uniform, whereby the temperature of the filaments emanating from the spinneret plate is substantially uniform. A plate assembly having at least one polymer flow passage therein is disposed between the outlet of the pump and the inlet of the spin pack. A second temperature control arrangement for independently controlling the temperature of the plate assembly to a second predetermined reference temperature is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the oxidation of uranium hexafluoride by injecting the uranium hexafluoride and an oxidant gas together into a reaction vessel to form a plume characterized in that a plurality of the said plumes are formed together in the same vessel, the plumes mutually contributing to a circulating product formation stream in the said vessel. The process may include the establishment of three or more plumes simultaneously contributing to the reaction between the gases in the reaction vessel. The oxidant gas may comprise steam. The process may be one in which the product is formed as a particulate solid. The product particles may initially be formed as dentritic particles which may be recirculated in the reaction vessel to promote seeding, growth, agglomeration and aggregation of the required product particles, the plumes thereby contributing to the product formation process in the vessel.

Abstract: A process for the production of a uranium oxide in which UF.sub.6 is converted by reaction with steam into UO.sub.2 F.sub.2 in a first step and by further reaction of UO.sub.2 F.sub.2 with steam and/or hydrogen in a second step to produce an oxide of uranium, the process being carried out in an apparatus comprising a single kiln vessel having a first region, having UF.sub.

Abstract: A rotary kiln, particularly for producing uranium dioxide from uranium hexafluoride, has an inlet arrangement and a heated rotatable barrel. Uranium hexafluoride and steam react together in the inlet arrangement to form uranyl fluoride which is fed into the barrel by the aid of a rotating scroll feed device. In the barrel, the uranyl fluoride reacts with a counterflow stream of steam and hydrogen to produce the uranium dioxide. A porous metal or ceramic filter closely surrounds the scroll feed device to remove particles from kiln-produced gases. The filter is maintained in a clean condition by the scraping action of a number of helical blades forming part of the scroll feed device. The uranium dioxide powder produced by the kiln may be processed to form nuclear fuel pellets.

Abstract: Resealing apparatus for closing the toner-dispensing slot of a toner cartridge, preparatory to refilling that cartridge with toner. The apparatus includes a pair of work stations, each including a fixture for receiving an empty toner cartridge and a guide for supporting a seal insertion tool into predetermined juxtaposition with that cartridge. A motorized actuator extends each seal insertion tool into juxtaposition with the toner cartridge, and retracts that tool from the cartridge after sealing is completed. Powered clamps engage the toner cartridge to assure positive contact between the cartridge and the seal. A single heater power supply is selectively connected to the seal insertion tools of each work station. A programmed logic controller performs the sequence of resealing operations for each work station, once initiated by an operator, so that the operator may then prepare the other work station for a resealing operation.

Abstract: A barbecue grill having a venturi shaped body. Inner and outer spaced rings are attached to a support pan and the body respectively. A removable support column attaches the support pan to a base. A dome shaped grill is supported on the venturi shaped body.

Abstract: A process for preparing (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid by resolution of racemic (6R,S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid using a base, wherein the base is N-ethyl-2-aminomethylpyrrolidine or its optical isomers.

Abstract: Therapeutically active compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein the variables are defined in the specification are provided.

Abstract: An electrostatographic printer has a process unit adapted to be removably mounted in a main assembly of an electrostatographic reproducing machine, the process unit including a developement apparatus at which an electrostatic latent image is developed on an imaging member, and a transfer device which causes a developed toner image to be transferred from the moving imaging member to a copy sheet. The development apparatus is contained within a housing of an electrically insulating material, and comprises conductive means adjacent the exit portion of the development apparatus, i.e. the portion from which the imaging member emerges as it moves towards the transfer device. The conductive means includes a conductive coating on the exit portion of the developer housing, and a conductive seal member through which an electrical discharge path is provided.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a container in which an auger having vanes is disposed in the chamber thereof for moving particulate material stored therein. A threaded sealing member is adapted to engage the auger vanes so as to be driven along the container on rotation of the auger. The sealing member is mounted slidingly within the container but is restrained from rotating about the auger. On rotating the auger, in one direction, the sealing member moves along the auger to a storage position located beyond the auger vanes.

Abstract: A sound system, for a band or the like, incorporates an anechoic enclosure which allows a performer to use the same desired speaker color under all performing conditions and which insulates the audience and other pick-up microphones from each sound-source's speaker and insulates the pickup microphone for each sound source from the ambient room sounds. According to the system, a sound source, such as a musical instrument, outputs a first sound signal which is amplified and fed to a speaker in an anechoic enclosure. In response to the speaker output, a microphone in the anechoic chamber outputs a second sound signal which is amplified and distributed to room speakers. In its exemplary embodiment, the anechoic enclosure comprises four laminated layers: an inner layer of rigid closed-cell foam surrounding a chamber; a layer of denser flexible, closed-cell foam; a second layer of rigid closed-cell foam; and an outer hard, rigid layer. The enclosure may be opened so that the speaker therein may be heard.

Abstract: A process unit which can be removably mounted in a main assembly of an electrostatographic copying machine has a housing enclosing an imaging member and, optionally, other processing means such as a development device, a cleaner, and a charge corotron. The transfer corotron, for transferring a toner image from the photoreceptor to a copy sheet is preferably incorporated in the cassette housing. An aperture is present in the housing adjacent corotron so that a copy sheet can enter the unit to have an image transferred thereto from the photoreceptor. A simple resilient cover flap is provided over the aperture which protects the imaging member from contamination, physical damage, and light exposure when the cassette is removed from the main assembly of the copier. The flap is readily displaced as an entering copy sheet bears against it, thus enabling a copy sheet to pass.

Abstract: A cassette for an electrophotographic imaging machine contains a photoreceptor, such as a drum or endless belt photoreceptor and optionally one or more process means, such as a charge corotron, a development device, a transfer corotron and a cleaning device. The photoreceptor belt is loosely held in an open loop, for example by means of belt retaining strips, within a cassette when the cassette is out of the main machine. When the cassette is inserted into a suitably shaped aperture in the main machine, the photoreceptor engages over a plurality of support rollers. At least one of the rollers is movable so as to space it from another roller, thereby tensioning the photoreceptor belt and accurately locating the belt within the main machine. One of the support rollers may also be a drive roller for the belt.

Abstract: Apparatus to be mounted on a cartop for raising a wheelchair from the driver's seat and orienting and engaging the wheelchair for transport on the roof. The supporting base is mounted on the roof with an overlying frame rotatably mounted to the base above the driver's position. The frame is biased to rotate outwardly of the car and a cable is used to raise the wheelchair, engage the frame for rotation and change the attitude of the chair so that it is flat-lying and engaged by the frame for transport.

Abstract: A heated hair straightener has a handle connecting to an electric source and a pair of scissor-like clamp housings pivoted on the handle and having facing coverplate surfaces for clamping and straightening the hair. This combination has an improvement in the heater sub-assembly fitting in one of the housings and formed as a sandwich arrangement including an aluminum coverplate, a copper elongated heater plate forming a first electrode connected to one side of the line and electrically insulated from the coverplate by a thin dielectric film. Plural PTC heater pellets are aligned on the heater plate and held by an insulating locator panel having cut-outs fixing the pellets on the heater plate. A second electrode, formed as a corrugated stainless steel spring plate covers and abuts the PTC pellets and is connected to the other side of the line. Next is a phenolic or ceramic insulator member with a recess for the corrugated spring plate to fit and abut therein.

Abstract: A hair dryer is provided having a first cup-shaped plastic housing with an air inlet and generally tangentially directed outlet to be connected to a hose coupling and thence to a soft bonnet on the head of the user. A sheet metal plate provides a motor and other internal components on one side and a fan on the opposite side with the fan directing air through the outlet. A second plastic cup-shaped housing is provided facing the first and the housing are secured together with the plate between them, the hair dryer having a controlled air heater in the outlet. To this general overall arrangement an improvement comprises a heater formed in the shape of a cone in at least one plane of the outlet and secured to a mounting plate covering the outlet such that, with the housing, the mounting plate and housing form the outlet duct which is faired to form a substantial rectangular-to-round outlet path.

Abstract: A timer control circuit for controlling the ON-OFF operation of a controllable current conducting device, such as an indicator lamp or a semiconductor power device, and for keeping the device in a given operating state over a readily adjustable time interval, that utilizes relatively few components and is of low cost construction. The circuit includes principally resistive-capacitive timing means and transistor switching means, the device being coupled with the transistor switching means which, in addition to selectively connecting the device in and out of the circuit as a function of the timing cycle, feeds back a threshold voltage to the timing means as an integral parameter in determining the time interval.

Abstract: A tape reel case, for containing a flexible metal tape measure or the like, includes a pair of substantially identical case elements or bezels, each of which consists of a peripheral wall having first and second edge portions and an inwardly extending wall portion integral with the second edge portion of the peripheral wall. The first edge portion of the peripheral wall has a tape discharge slot of predetermined length formed therein extending from its first edge portion toward the second edge portion thereof. This first edge portion of the wall also has a groove formed therein extending from a first end adjacent one end of the slot through approximately one half of the peripheral length of the wall to a second end portion approximately diametrically opposed from the slot.