Abstract: An intraocular lens having a light-transmitting optic (32, 94a, 94b, 142, 148, 216) comprised of a synthetic light-refractive material (40, 102) operably coupled with a flexible optic positioning member (34, 62, 74, 84, 100, 150, 210) to refract light onto the retina in order to correct refractive errors in the eye (10). The refractive material has an index of refraction of from about 1.36 to 1.5 or higher. The optic positioning member (34, 62, 74, 84, 100, 150, 210) is constructed of a flexible synthetic resin material such as polymethylmethacrylate and permits focusing upon objects located near to and far from the viewer. The optic (32, 94a, 94b, 142, 148, 216) of the present invention possess greater refractive capability than optics conventionally used in IOL construction, and permits retinal receipt of the image being viewed in order to correct refractive errors.

Abstract: A device for the production of a metallic strip using a rapid solidification technology is specified, which device comprises a movable heat sink with an external surface onto which a melt is poured and on which the melt solidifies to produce the strip, and which device comprises a rolling device which can be pressed against the external surface of the movable heat sink while the heat sink is in motion.

Abstract: An intraocular lens having a light-transmitting optic (32, 94a, 94b, 142, 148, 216) comprised of a synthetic light-refractive material (40, 102) operably coupled with a flexible optic positioning member (34, 62, 74, 84, 100, 150, 210) to refract light onto the retina in order to correct refractive errors in the eye (10). The refractive material has an index of refraction of from about 1.36 to 1.5 or higher. The optic positioning member (34, 62, 74, 84, 100, 150, 210) is constructed of a flexible synthetic resin material such as polymethylmethacrylate and permits focusing upon objects located near to and far from the viewer. The optic (32, 94a, 94b, 142, 148, 216) of the present invention possess greater refractive capability than optics conventionally used in IOL construction, and permits retinal receipt of the image being viewed in order to correct refractive errors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite material of formula: (C—N—B-MR)x(Al-MR)y(R)z in which C—N—B-MR is one or more carbides, nitrides or borides of one or more refractory metals of group IV, V or VI of the Periodic Table and/or one or more aluminium carbides, nitrides or borides chosen from Al4C3, AlN, AlB2 and Al1-67B22; Al-MR is one or more aluminides of one or more of the above refractory metals, it being understood that: if MR=Nb, Ta, Hf, Zr, Ti or V, then Al-MR=Al3MR; if MR=W or Cr, then Al-MR=Al4MR; if MR=Mo, then Al-MR=Al8Mo3 or Al17Mo4 (?Al4Mo), and R is a residual component other than carbon, comprising one or more phases chosen from Al4C3, AlN, AlB2, Al1-67B22 and MRtAlu(C—N—B)v in which t, u and v are numbers greater than or equal to zero, and x, y and z are the volume fractions of the respective components with x>y; x+y>0.5; x+y+z+1 and 0.01<y<0.5.

Abstract: The invention concerns a nanocrystalline alloy of the formula: Fe3?xAl1+xMyTz wherein: M represents at least one catalytic specie selected from the group consisting of Ru, Ir, Pd, Pt, Rh, Os, Re, Ag and Ni; T represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mo, Co, Cr, V, Cu, Zn, Nb, W, Zr, Y, Mn, Cd, Si, B, C, O, N, P, F, S, Cl and Na; x is a number larger than ?1 and smaller than or equal to +1 y is a number larger than 0 and smaller or equal to +1 z is a number ranging between 0 and +1 The invention also concerns the use of this alloy in a nanocrystalline form or not for the fabrication of electrodes which in particular, can be used for the synthesis of sodium chlorate

Abstract: A manually installable polymeric plug useful for hydrostatic pressure testing of polymeric pipe or tubing having a flexible wall, the plug having a substantially rigid polymeric handle with a threaded cylindrical section that is engageable with the polymeric pipe or tubing, and an elastomeric sealing member that extends forwardly of the first element and is insertable into the open end of the polymeric pipe or tubing and blocks fluid flow through the interior of the threaded cylindrical section, the elastomeric sealing member having a plurality of axially spaced sealing surfaces that provide a fluid seal between the sealing member and the inside wall of the polymeric pipe or tubing.

Abstract: A bend support bracket for flexible polymeric tubing, the bracket being installable inside a wall and having an arcuate guide surface, an oppositely disposed arcuate gripping surface and a flexible attachment arm, the flexible attachment arm having a fixed end that is unitarily molded to the body, a free end that comprises a positioning groove into which a portion of an inwardly facing wall of an aperture in a bracket support strap is receivable, and an outwardly facing, arcuate biasing surface disposed between the first and second ends, wherein the application of manual pressure to the biasing surface biases the positioning groove into alignment with the aperture wall so that a portion of the aperture wall is receivable in the positioning groove.

Abstract: A bend support bracket for flexible polymeric tubing, the bracket being installable inside a wall and having an arcuate guide surface, an oppositely disposed arcuate gripping surface and a flexible attachment arm, the flexible attachment arm having a fixed end that is unitarily molded to the body, a free end that comprises a positioning groove into which a portion of an inwardly facing wall of an aperture in a bracket support strap is receivable, and an outwardly facing, arcuate biasing surface disposed between the first and second ends, wherein the application of manual pressure to the biasing surface biases the positioning groove into alignment with the aperture wall so that a portion of the aperture wall is receivable in the positioning groove.

Abstract: A clip for joining bearing elements, such as found in escalator constructions may be employed, for example, to join a track rail, on which rollers of an escalator roll to a carrier frame. The clip has a base part and a bracket part of spring steel. At the upper end of each side, the base part has a shoulder to engage one of the elements to be joined. The bracket part has a lug which engages the other element to be joined and, through a further lug, presses the shoulders of the base part against the first element to retain the two elements in the desired contacting position.

Abstract: A cleaning unit for cleaning travel equipment allows the travel equipment to be shifted from an operating mode to a cleaning mode. The cleaning equipment is an escalator or a moving walkway which has tread units connected with an endless conveyor. The cleaning unit can be mounted as a substitute for a tread unit of the travel equipment during a cleaning sequence and includes cleaning elements. The travel equipment can be shifted from an operating mode to a cleaning mode in which the cleaning equipment is substituted for one or more tread units and the travel equipment operated whereby a cleaning sequence is performed. After cleaning is performed, the equipment is stopped, the cleaning equipment removed, and the removed treads reinstalled.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a nanocomposite based on magnesium and another element or compound known to absorb hydrogen and hardly miscible when ground with magnesium or its hydride, such as vanadium, titanium or niobium. The method is characterised in that it consists in submitting magnesium or a compound based on magnesium known to absorb hydrogen to hydrogenation to obtain the corresponding hydride in powder form. Said resulting powder hydride is then mixed with the other element or compound or a hydride of said other element or compound and the resulting mixture is subjected to intense mechanical grinding until the corresponding nanocomposite is obtained in the form of a hydride. Finally, if necessary, the resulting nanocomposite is subjected to hydrogen desorption.

Abstract: A clip for joining bearing elements, such as found in escalator constructions is disclosed, and may be employed, for example, to join a track rail, on which rollers of an escalator roll to a carrier frame. The clip has a base part and a bracket part of spring steel. At the upper end of each side, the base part has a shoulder to engage one of the elements to be joined. The bracket part has a lug which engages the other element to be joined and, through a further lug, presses the shoulders of the base part against the first element to retain the two elements in the desired contacting position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a piece based on one or several metal hydrides capable of reversibly absorbing hydrogen. Said piece is in the form of a thin and dense band, having a thickness preferably not more than 1 mm and porosity preferably less than 20%. The piece is obtained by rolling a powder of selected hydride(s), with or without additional component(s), such as binders or heat-transfer elements. Said piece can easily be produced on an industrial scale. By its very nature, it is particularly adapted for use as a base element in a tank for storing and transporting hydrogen. It can also be used in a Ni-MH typre battery for storing and transporting energy.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter for measuring a flow rate of a fluid in a pipe is described. A pipe carries a fluid. A magnetic coil is disposed adjacent to the pipe for inducing a magnetic flux in the fluid. A plurality of electrodes are disposed within the pipe, and the plurality of electrodes are electrically isolated from one another. Measurement circuitry is coupled to at least one of the plurality of electrodes and is configured to measure flow rate as a function of a potential across the plurality of electrodes. An empty pipe detector is coupled to at least one of the plurality of electrodes and is adapted to detect an empty pipe condition based upon an adjustable test criteria. In one embodiment, a local operator interface is coupled to the empty pipe detector for adjusting the adjustable test criteria.

Abstract: Disclosed are new Ca, Mg and Ni-containing alloys of the general formula: (CacMgdMe)b(Ni1-zTz)a where: M is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Y, Ce, La, Pr, Nd, Th, Nd, Ti, V, Zr, Ta, Hf, Sr, Ba and Misch metals; T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Zn, Cu, Fe, Co, Mn, Cr, Mo, W, Si, Ga, Ge, In, Sn, Ag, C and B; a is an integer equal to 2 or 5; z is a number ranging from 0 to 0.5; and when a is equal to 2, then 0.9?b?1.1; and when a is equal to 5, then either 1.75?b?2.25 or 0.75?b?1.31. These alloys which are of the AB2, A2B5 or AB5 types, may be single phase or multiphase and are useful for reversibly absorbing hydrogen from a gas phase. Also disclosed is a method for preparing the above alloys.

Abstract: A cleaning unit for cleaning travel equipment allows the travel equipment to be shifted from an operating mode to a cleaning mode. The cleaning equipment is an escalator or a moving walkway which has tread units connected with an endless conveyor. The cleaning unit can be mounted as a substitute for a tread unit of the travel equipment during a cleaning sequence and includes cleaning elements. The travel equipment can be shifted from an operating mode to a cleaning mode in which the cleaning equipment is substituted for one or more tread units and the travel equipment operated whereby a cleaning sequence is performed. After cleaning is performed, the equipment is stopped, the cleaning equipment removed, and the removed treads reinstalled.

Abstract: A container configured for containing at least metallic particles, the metallic particles capable of absorbing hydrogen such that the metallic particles expand upon the absorption of hydrogen, the container including an inner surface, comprising: a liner disposed within the container such that a void space is provided between the liner and the inner surface, wherein the liner engages the inner surface to substantially prevent ingress of metallic particles, when the metallic particles are contained in the container, into the void space.

Abstract: A crimping tool used with a crimping apparatus includes a first member having a die receiving portion, a second member being connectable with the first member, and wherein the crimping tool is removably coupled with the crimping apparatus.

Abstract: A nitric oxide-stimulation laser has an applicator packet (1) containing at least one diode chip (2) with dedicated emission of infrared (IR) light in wavelengths of predeterminedly proximate 1,550 nanometers for being eye safe and non-invasive with battery power for a duty cycle of one on and three off at a desired rate of repetition for operating periods of fifteen minutes with automatic shutoff. The IR laser light is generated by passing a set current current of predeterminedly proximate 160 milliamps axially through a diode chip of preferably GaInAsP/InP. From a light-emission end (14) of the diode chip, an astigmatic and non-coherent beam (12) of IR light is emitted and converted with a beam processor (10) to collimated light beams (13) for effectively deep penetrative entry into a select portion of an animate body (15) for stimulation of animate generation of nitric oxide for improvement of the animate body.