Abstract: The present invention relates to a flash memory device and pre-program only the memory cells which keep the erase state by verifying whether the memory cells are programmed before performing the pre-program operation to prevent the memory cell from being over-programmed at the time of pre-program. Accordingly, there are excellent effects in that the reliability of the device can be improved by preventing the memory cell from being over-programmed and the operation speed of the device can be improved by reducing the time required in the pre-program operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flash memory device, more particularly to a flash memory device which can shorten a pre-program time in a way that identifies the state of the pre-program and the program on a selected word line basis in a pre-program mode that must be pre-performed in a sector mode.

Abstract: A marine engine exhaust system and method utilizes first and second enclosed, generally tubular chambers having generally parallel lengthwise dimensions and internal intermediate exhaust passageways spaced along the lengthwise dimension of the second chamber for circulating the exhaust gases through the first chamber, laterally through the intermediate exhaust passageway into the second chamber, along the lengthwise dimension of the second chamber and thence out of an outlet exhaust passageway which passes through the second chamber wall. An outer portion of the second chamber is integrally formed with an outer portion of the first chamber to enhance structural integrity.

Abstract: A marine engine exhaust system and method utilizes first and second enclosed, generally tubular chambers having generally parallel lengthwise dimensions and internal intermediate exhaust passageways spaced along the lengthwise dimension of the second chamber for circulating the exhaust gases through the first chamber, laterally through the intermediate exhaust passageway into the second chamber, along the lengthwise dimension of the second chamber and thence out of an outlet exhaust passageway which passes through the second chamber wall. An outer portion of the second chamber is integrally formed with an outer portion of the first chamber to enhance structural integrity.

Abstract: A catalytic converter for use in an automobile exhaust gas system suitable for use with an alcohol-containing fuel is provided. Preferably, the catalytic converter contains a palladium-impregnated ceramic honeycomb monolith disposed upstream of a platinum/rhodium-impregnated ceramic honeycomb monolith relative to the exhaust gas flow, such that the exhaust gas contacts the palladium-impregnated monolith before contacting the platinum/rhodium-impregnated monolith.

Abstract: An improved alkaline enzymatic fabric-washing composition is disclosed comprising a surface-active material, detergency builders, an enzyme, a peroxide compound bleach and a peroxyacid bleach precursor of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is an unsubstituted alkyl group containing 1 to 9 carbon atoms or a phenyl group; and M is hydrogen, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium or alkyl or hydroxyalkyl substituted ammonium cation. The composition is effective for washing fabrics at the low temperature region of 40.degree. C. and below.

Abstract: Peracid bleach-stable perfume compositions comprise components which do not contain alkenyl or alkynyl groups and have a PSV of at least about 65% selected from: saturated alcohols, esters, aromatic ketones, lactones, nitriles, ethers, acetals, phenols, hydrocarbons and aromatic nitromusks and mixtures thereof.The perfume compositions are used in bleach and/or detergent compositions containing a peracid bleach.

Abstract: An inflatable device, such as an emergency evacuation slide device, is principally composed of rubberized fabric sheet material wherein at least portions of said sheet material is a two ply laminate. The outer or upper ply of this laminate comprises rubberized high strength aramid fabric while the inner or lower ply comprises rubberized nylon fabric. The plies are biased relative to each other such that the warp cords of the outer ply lie at an acute angle relative to the warp cords of the inner ply.

Abstract: The stability of ethylene diamine tetra-(methylene phosphate)--EDTMA--and diethylene triamine penta-(methylene phosphonate)--DTPMP--incorporated as peracid stabilizer in bleaching and cleaning compositions comprising a percompound and an organic activator for said percompound is improved if said phosphonate compound is present as a complex of a metal ion selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium, zinc and aluminium ions, the molar ratio of said metal ion to said phosphonate compound in the complex being at least 1:1. Compositions comprising a percompound bleach, an organic activator and said metal complex of EDTMP or of DTPMP are provided.

Abstract: A quick release for the back rest (Fowler) of hospital stretchers. The conventional threaded crank actuator carries a mating threaded block and a sliding block, the sliding block being connected to the head rest. Manually operated hook means permits disengagement between the blocks to free the back rest. Inadvertent disengagement preventing safety means, and re-engagement means are also provided.