Abstract: A utility data collection system can be implemented utilizing a serial sequence of transmissions between subsequent utility monitors. Each utility monitor can add its local utility data with the data of preceding utility monitors and transmit the combined set of data to the next utility monitor in the serial sequence. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, low power transmitters can be utilized at each utility monitor in the field to transmit to proximate utility monitors such that high power transmitters are not required to communicate directly with the utility center. Furthermore, the detection of anomalies can be tracked and immediately conveyed to the utility centers from each utility monitor. Components of the utility collection system can be implemented as code, methods and apparatus.

Abstract: The side tracking system includes a window mill having a full diameter cutting surface and a reduced diameter tapered cutting surface and a whipstock having a ramp engaging the reduced diameter cutting surface. The materials of the whipstock have a first cutablity and the materials of the casing have a second cutability. The reduced diameter cutting surface contacts the whipstock ramp at a first contact area and the full diameter cutting surface contacts the wall of the casing at a second contact area. As weight is applied to the mill, there is a first contact stress at the first contact area and a second contact stress at the second contact area. A cutability ratio is the first cutability divided by the second cutability and a contact stress ratio is the first contact stress divided by the second contact stress. The mill cuts the casing rather than the whipstock by maintaining the product of the cutability ratio and the contact stress ratio less than one.

Abstract: A rodenticide which is non-toxic to humans, domestic animals and livestock comprises a water-retentive material as the active ingredient and a rodent attractant. Preferably the water-retentive material is cellulosic material. In certain embodiments the water-retentive material comprises alpha-cellulose. In one preferred embodiment the cellulosic material comprises purified cellulose derived from the core of the cob of the DK 446 maize hybrid or from the core of the cob of an agonist of the DK 446 hybrid. It is considered that the unique selective toxicity of such rodenticides arises from the interference with water transport through the gut wall, particularly in the caecum (where cellulose is digested in rats). The caecum is vestigial in humans, who are not therefore affected by such materials. A laboratory method of screening candidate water-retentive materials for rodenticidal activity in the field is disclosed, involving examination of the gut (for compaction and bloating) and the caecum (for impaction).

Abstract: A utility data collection system can be implemented utilizing a serial sequence of transmissions between subsequent utility monitors. Each utility monitor can add its local utility data with the data of preceding utility monitors and transmit the combined set of data to the next utility monitor in the serial sequence. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, low power transmitters can be utilized at each utility monitor in the field to transmit to proximate utility monitors such that high power transmitters are not required to communicate directly with the utility center. Furthermore, the detection of anomalies can be tracked and immediately conveyed to the utility centers from each utility monitor. Components of the utility collection system can be implemented as code, methods and apparatus.

Abstract: The side tracking system includes a window mill having a full diameter cutting surface and a reduced diameter tapered cutting surface and a whipstock having a ramp engaging the reduced diameter cutting surface. The materials of the whipstock have a first cutablity and the materials of the casing have a second cutability. The reduced diameter cutting surface contacts the whipstock ramp at a first contact area and the full diameter cutting surface contacts the wall of the casing at a second contact area. As weight is applied to the mill, there is a first contact stress at the first contact area and a second contact stress at the second contact area. A cutability ratio is the first cutability divided by the second cutability and a contact stress ratio is the first contact stress divided by the second contact stress. The mill cuts the casing rather than the whipstock by maintaining the product of the cutability ratio and the contact stress ratio less than one.

Abstract: An improved manufacturing process for twisted pair exchange cables and for an improved binding machine used during this manufacturing process is provided. The manufacturing process includes a stranding phase and a cabling phase. During the stranding phase, unit cables are produced with only a first colored ribbon to identify them. During the cabling phase, a second colored ribbon that identifies the orientation of the unit within the cable is applied. This will result in units that have one of two colors (e.g., yellow or black). The improved binding machine is used to apply the second colored ribbon.

Abstract: The side tracking system includes a window mill having a full diameter cutting surface and a reduced diameter tapered cutting surface and a whipstock having a ramp engaging the reduced diameter cutting surface. The materials of the whipstock have a first cutablity and the materials of the casing have a second cutability. The reduced diameter cutting surface contacts the whipstock ramp at a first contact area and the fill diameter cutting surface contacts the wall of the casing at a second contact area. As weight is applied to the mill, there is a first contact stress at the first contact area and a second contact stress at the second contact area. A cutability ratio is the first cutability divided by the second cutability and a contact stress ratio is the first contact stress divided by the second contact stress. The mill cuts the casing rather than the whipstock by maintaining the product of the cutability ratio and the contact stress ratio less than one.

Abstract: A propulsion and positioning system for a vehicle comprises a first gyroscope mounted for precession about an axis remote from the center of said gyroscope. A support structure connects the gyroscope to the vehicle. Gyroscopes are used to cause the first gyroscope to follow a path which involves at least one precession-dominated portion and at least one translation-dominated portion, wherein in the precession-dominated portion, the mass of the first gyroscope is transferred and associated movement of the mass of the remainder of the system in a given direction occurs, and, in the translation-dominated portion, the mass of the first gyroscope moves with an associated second movement of the mass of the remainder of the system in substantially the opposite direction, wherein the movement owing to the translation-dominated portion and is larger than the movement owing to the precession-dominated portion of the motion, hence moving the system.

Abstract: The mill assembly and whipstock assembly include a mill having a tapered end which engages a ramp of the whipstock assembly. The ramp includes a plurality of surfaces having different angles whereby the rate of deflection of the mill by the whipstock varies as the mill is lowered into the borehole. In particular, the ramp of the whipstock includes two surfaces having steep angles, one steep angled surface causing the mill to punch through the wall of the casing and the second steep angle surface moving the center of the mill across the wall of the casing.

Abstract: A circuit for generating pixel values for an overlay for a bitmapped output display including apparatus for testing the color value of a background pixel, apparatus for setting the color value of the pixel of the overlay to a minimum value for the particular color if the color value of a background pixel is greater than a preselected value, and apparatus for setting the color value of the pixel of the overlay to a maximum value for the particular color if the color value of a background pixel is less than the preselected value.

Abstract: An arrangement for storing information to be displayed in a plurality of different pixel formats on a bitmapped output display including apparatus for selecting first positions for storage of information in a first pixel format, apparatus for selecting second positions for storage of information in a second pixel format, apparatus for selecting information from first positions of storage for display in the first pixel format, and apparatus for selecting information from second positions of storage for display in the second pixel format.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of an immediate hypersensitivity disease, which comprises administering to a mammal, including a human, a compound of the following formula ##STR1## in which the group --CHR.sup.1 R.sup.2 is in the 5- or 6- position of the benzoxazole nucleus, R.sup.1 is hydrogen or C.sub.1-4 alkyl, R.sup.2 is selected from the group --COOH or a salt or ester thereof, the group --CONH.sub.2 and the group --CH.sub.2 OH, and in which R.sup.4 is a phenyl group optionally substituted by one or two groups selected from halogen, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, C.sub.1-4 alkyl and C.sub.1-4 haloalkyl, or optionally substituted in two adjacent positions by methylenedioxy.

Abstract: Propanoic acid derivatives of the formula: ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is a C.sub.1-8 alkyl group optionally substituted by hydroxyl or --COOH and R.sup.2 is hydrogen or a protecting group, are useful as anti-thrombotic agents.

Abstract: The invention provides 3-(2-formyl-3-hydroxy-5-oxocyclopent-1-enyl)-p ropanoic acid and derivatives thereof having anti-thrombotic activity coupled with low toxicity. Also provided is a method for preparing such compounds by subjecting a 3-[3-hydroxy-5-oxo-2-(.beta.-styryl)cyclopent-1-enyl]-propanoic acid or derivative thereof to oxidative cleavage.

Abstract: A host system includes a microprogrammed processing unit which couples a foreign processing unit to the main memory of the host system. The microprogrammed processing unit also couples to an interface connected to the foreign processor. During operation, the host processor transfers a channel command to the microprogrammed processing unit which is operative under firmware control to perform the various control functions required for initiating a particular job. In this manner, the various parameters and information necessary to dispatch a job of the foreign processor is accomplished expeditiously under the firmware control in response to commands issued by the host processor.

Abstract: Propanoic acid derivatives of formula: ##STR1## where X represents a ketonic or hydroxylic function, R.sup.1 is a C.sub.1.sub.-8 alkyl group optionally substituted by hydroxy or --COOH and R.sup.2 is hydrogen or a protecting group, having spasmolytic activity.

Abstract: The invention provides 3-(2-formyl-3-hydroxy-5-oxocyclopent-1-enyl)-propanoic acid and derivatives thereof having anti-thrombotic activity coupled with low toxicity. Also provided is a method for preparing such compounds by subjecting a 3-[3-hydroxy-5-oxo-2-(.beta.-styryl)cyclopent-1-enyl]-propanoic acid or derivative thereof to oxidative cleavage.

Abstract: The invention provides styryl cyclopentenyl propanoic acids and derivatives thereof having spasmolytic activity coupled with low toxicity. Also provided is a method of preparing styryl cyclopentenyl propanoic acid compounds which involves cyclising 7-hydroxy-5,8-dioxo-10-phenyldec-9-enoic acid in the presence of a base.