Abstract: A fishing lure is described which is wholly or in part comprised of hydroxylated polyvinyl acetal sponge. The sponge may include a fish attractant. The lure looks and may smell like natural bait, and achieves a desired more natural action of a lure with a much longer lived attractant functionality.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing a polyether polyol of reduced scorching properties comprising buffering of the alkaline polyether polyol before heating to remove water, and the use of said polyether polyol to prepare flexible foam slabstocks.

Abstract: An analog and digital data-gathering system where the data gathering remote device or sequencer units are serially connected such that initially only the device closest to a control unit is powered and other data-gathering devices in the system are sequentially switched into circuit as each such remote device or sequencer unit responds to polling signals from the control unit. The system initially measures the signal from the wiring to a remote device or sequencer unit without the device being activated in order to determine the noise level present in the circuit wiring. The corresponding remote device is then activated by being interrogated or polled after that noise level has been determined.

Abstract: An anti-infective medical article has chlorhexidine bulk distributed throughout a polyurethane base layer and may have a coating layer on the base layer. The coating layer may be chlorhexidine permeated into the surface or it may be an antibiotic, antithrombogenic agent or a polymeric surface layer laminated onto the base layer. The invention includes a method for preparing the article wherein a homogeneous melt of polymer and chlorhexidine is prepared by twin screw compounding and the melt is extruded to give a medical article having bulk distributed chlorhexidine.

Abstract: Methods of forming a chemical barrier against the transmission of disease-causing microbes and other harmful agents through a membrane such as latex. In the principal method, a mold or former is coded with a coagulant, which is dried, and then the former is dipped into liquid latex, which is allowed to gel, and then the former is dipped into a solution containing the biocide, and then the former is dipped again into the liquid latex, after which the entire coating on the former is cured. Alternatively, the biocide may be sprayed or otherwise applied onto the gelled latex.

Abstract: This directory tab would aid in organizing and tracking files in a suspended filing system. The quick reference directory saves the user time and provides a handy at-a-glance feature to a filing system. This directory tab is designed to eliminate sorting through a suspended folder; it allows the user to look at the directory and visually see what's in a folder. Its design also permits additions or deletions in a quick and efficient manner. The directory tab is designed to allow office personnel who are in need of a particular item within a suspended file folder the ability to date and initial the directory tab. In doing so, the next user that comes along needing the same information will be able to identify who has it in a quick and efficient manner.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system comprising a reverse osmosis filter having an inlet port connectible to a source of feedwater under pressure via a feedwater inlet conduit, a product water outlet port for filtered product water and brine outlet port for brine. First and second pressure intensifiers are coupled to the feedwater inlet conduit between the source of feedwater and the inlet port of the reverse osmosis filter. Each of the pressure intensifiers includes a pumping member having a pumping stroke and a return stroke. A control valve in the feedwater inlet conduit controls which of the pressure intensifiers receives feedwater under pressure. The control valve is driven by particular fluid pressures in the first and second pressure intensifiers so that feedwater is alternately supplied to the first and second pressure intensifiers.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a tubing portion and a needle portion, at least one of which is a thermoplastic liquid crystalline polymer. The tubing and needle may be integral or unitary. The invention includes a method to make the assembly in which a melt of the liquid crystalline polymer is shear thinned by passing through an orifice such as an extrusion die to make tubing. The shear thinned melt may be directed into a mold having a point to make a liquid crystalline needle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading integrated circuit packages into package carriers is disclosed. Featured is a pick-and-place mechanism mounted on a tiltable table. Packages and carriers slide toward the pick-and-place mechanism under the influence of gravity. The pick-and-place mechanism combines the packages with carriers. The package/carrier combinations then slide away from the pick-and-place mechanism.

Abstract: Various methods of forming a chemical barrier against the transmission of disease-causing microbes and other harmful agents through a membrane fashioned of latex or other material. In one method, the latex material is provided with microbe sterilization properties by deforming the latex material from a relaxed condition such that the pores therein are deformed, then washing the deformed latex material with a biocide, which is entrapped in the pores, and then relaxing the latex material. Alternatively, instead of washing the deformed latex material with the biocide, the biocide may be mixed directly with the liquid latex preferably along with a buffer agent and then the liquid latex can be cured. In yet another method, the latex material is treated with a silicone, protein or high molecular polyion to form a water resistant surface.

Abstract: A heat pump system (10, 210) includes a power section (11, 211) having a generator (15, 215) for converting a first working fluid from a liquid to a relatively high pressure gas, a power unit (25, 222) providing energy by the conversion of the relatively high pressure gas to relatively low pressure gas to power a drive piston (27, 228') for intermittently delivering a power stroke, a power section condenser (51, 251) converting the first working fluid from relatively low pressure gas to the liquid, a compressor section (12, 212) intermittently driven by the drive piston, the compressor section having a compressor (75, 275) converting relatively low pressure gas second working fluid to relatively high pressure gas second working fluid for circulating the second working fluid through a compressor section condensor (108, 308) and a compressor section evaporator (115, 315) to effect heating and cooling operations.

Abstract: DNA molecules are taught which code for an odorant-binding protein which is synthesized solely in the lateral nasal gland. This protein, because of the broad range of odorants which it binds, can be used in many techniques for trapping odorants in either a liquid or solid medium. This protein bears some structural homology with other carriers of small lipophilic molecules from many other species; the carriers are known to transport specific lipophilic molecules.

Abstract: Methods of forming a chemical barrier against the transmission of disease-causing microbes and other harmful agents through a membrane such as latex. In the principal method, a mold or former is coded with a coagulant, which is dried, and then the former is dipped into liquid latex, which is allowed to gel, and then the former is dipped into a solution containing the biocide, and then the former is dipped again into the liquid latex, after which the entire coating on the former is cured. Alternatively, the biocide may be sprayed otherwise applied onto the gelled latex.

Abstract: A toy block comprising:sheet material folded to form a toy block having a plurality of planar surfaces.a plurality of holes formed on at least one of the planar surfaces; anda plurality of protrusions removably retained by the folded sheet material and extending outwardly from at least one of the planar surfaces,whereby the protrusions of one block are arranged for selectable and removable interlocking interengagement with the holes of another block.

Abstract: A human erythroid specific enhancer element is described. The enhancer element can be used to enhance transcription of a structural gene in erythroid cells. Methods for gene therapy employing the enhancer element are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a digital power amplifier, a high frequency linear modulated driving signal is used to control a bridge circuit arrangement of transistors. By inputting this high frequency linear modulated signal to a bridge arrangement of driving comparators, a controlled dead band is created and a balanced output is obtained from the bridge circuit arrangement of transistors. The balanced output signal is then fed through a filter circuit for demodulation. An alternative embodiment of the invention employs a bridge circuit consisting of transistors connected in parallel for improved power handling capabilities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring corrosion to members within the core of a nuclear reactor, particularly fuel rod cladding. A sensor means is submerged inside the core of a nuclear reactor near the member of fuel rods. The sensor means is comprised of a generally cylindrical section having an outer surface that is subject to corrosion and radiation, and has a cross-sectional area A.sub.1. The sensor means additionally has a reference section subjected to radiation but not to corrosion, and having a cross-sectional area A.sub.2. At least one pair of first probes, separated by a length L.sub.1, is placed in electrical contact with the cylindrical section. At least one pair of second probes separated by a length L.sub.2, is placed in electrical contact with the reference section. A current is passed throughout the sensor means to produce a potential gradient in the cylindrical section and reference section.

Abstract: A method and construction are disclosed to form a trench gate JFET transistor. The invention comprises forming a first trench in a semiconductor substrate, forming a gate channel about the trench and forming a conductive layer upon the surface of the gate channel. The conductive layer interfaces with the gate channel to form a p-n junction. Source and drain regions are formed adjacent to a trench and disposed in electrical contact with the gate channel. An integral capacitor may be added to the construction by forming a second trench, which extends through and excavates a portion of the first trench. The drain region is extended about the surface of the second trench to remain in electrical contact with the gate channel. A layer of insulating material is applied to the second trench, which is then filled with a body of conductive material. The conductive material is insulated from the conductive layer by the insulating layer.

Abstract: Previous types of armored safety workwear are too inflexible, heavy or expensive to be useful. The present invention provides an article of protective clothing comprising a flexible supporting material and a plurality of elongated coil springs held in close proximity to the surface of said supporting material at spaced locations. Preferably, the coil springs are free to rotate in relation to the supporting material. The coil springs are held in elongated pockets secured to the surface of said supporting material.