Abstract: A susceptor composition that can bond two or more layers or substrates to one another and that can be used to coat or cut a substrate. The susceptor composition is activated in the presence of radio frequency (RF) energy. In one embodiment, the susceptor composition of the present invention comprises at least one ionomer and a polar carrier. The ionomer and polar carrier are blended with one another and form a mixture, preferably a uniform mixture. The ionomer and polar carrier are present in an amount effective to allow the susceptor composition to be heated by RF energy. Also disclosed are RF induction heating systems.

Abstract: The invention provides spiro[pyrrolidine-2,3′-oxindole] compounds and libraries of these compounds produced by the stereo- and regio-selective reaction of variously substituted isatins, &agr;-amino acids, and dipolarophiles (e.g., trans-chalcones, acrylate esters, or vinyl oxindoles). The new libraries can be assayed using any of many known screening procedures for activity, e.g., biological activity. For example, the libraries can be screened for activity as drugs (e.g., anticancer drugs, antibiotics, antiviral drugs, antiinflammatory drugs, analgesics, immunomodulators, neuroleptics, sedatives, stimulants, or diagnostic aids), bioseparation agents, or pesticides (e.g., herbicides, insecticides, or rodenticides).

Abstract: A susceptor composition that can bond two or more layers or substrates to one another and that can be used to coat or cut a substrate. The susceptor composition is activated in the presence of radio frequency (RF) energy. In one embodiment, the susceptor composition of the present invention comprises a susceptor and a carrier. The carrier and susceptor are blended with one another and form a mixture, preferably a uniform mixture. The susceptor is present in an amount effective to allow the susceptor composition to be heated by RF energy. In a preferred embodiment, the susceptor also functions as an adhesive. The susceptor is an ionic or polar compound and acts as either a charge-carrying or an oscillating/vibrating component of the susceptor composition. The susceptor generates thermal energy in the presence of an RF electromagnetic or electrical field (hereafter RF field).

Abstract: A susceptor composition that can bond two or more layers or substrates to one another and that can be used to coat or cut a substrate. The susceptor composition is activated in the presence of radio frequency (RF) energy. In one embodiment, the susceptor composition of the present invention comprises a susceptor and a carrier. The carrier and susceptor are blended with one another and form a mixture, preferably a uniform mixture. The susceptor is present in an amount effective to allow the susceptor composition to be heated by RF energy. In a preferred embodiment, the susceptor also functions as an adhesive. The susceptor is an ionic or polar compound and acts as either a charge-carrying or an oscillating/vibrating component of the susceptor composition. The susceptor generates thermal energy in the presence of an RF electromagnetic or electrical field (hereafter RF field).

Abstract: The invention provides spiro[pyrrolidine-2,3'-oxindole] compounds produced by the stereo- and regio-selective reaction of variously substituted isatins, .alpha.-amino acids, and dipolarophiles (e.g., trans-chalcones, acrylate esters, or vinyl oxindoles).

Abstract: Drag reducing apparatus for the rear end of a road vehicle such as a truck or trailer comprises a storage container in which an inflatable bladder is rolled on a support shaft for displacement relative to the container between a stored position and a deployed position in which the inflatable bladder covers the rear surface of the vehicle and is inflatable to provide an aerodynamic contour extending rearwardly of the vehicle. The inflatable bladder is extendable and retractable relative to the container by cables having ends attached to the container shaft and opposite ends connected to a cable shaft, whereby rotation of the latter pulls the inflatable bladder from the container and rotation of the container shaft in the opposite direction rewinds the bladder into the container for storage. Guide and support tracks and a spring clip arrangement hold the periphery of the bladder against the rear surface of the vehicle when the bladder is in its deployed position.

Abstract: A method and vehicle preferably a wheelchair (10) for transporting and transferring an invalid person is described. The wheelchair has first and second frames (12 and 48) with drive wheels (18) between which is provided a chair (82) or support (83). The first frame has top and bottom sliding mechanisms (34 and 36) which are mounted by I-beam extensions (38 and 40) to the bars (24 and 26) of the first frame. The second frame has top and bottom rails (54 and 56) which are slidably connected to the sliding mechanisms of the first frame. The rails have slots (78) through which extend the center portions (38C and 40C) of the extensions which allow the first frame to move along the length of the rails. The bottom rails have front wheels (60), intermediate wheels (68) and stabilizing wheels (70). The chair is connected to the second frame by belts (84) and ratchets (86) and has a lifting system (90).

Abstract: A multiple-reader system for authentication of articles uses a first reader (400) which employs predetermined modulated illuminating light (20) and a multiplicity of discriminating variables, such as wavelengths (110), amplitudes (120), and time delays (140) relative to the modulated illuminating light (20) to characterize fluorescent light (70) detected from fluorescent indicia on the articles. The fluorescent indicia may also incorporate spatial distributions such as bar codes as discriminating features. Additional readers (410 and 420), which may be readers of fluorescent marks and/or readers of other indicia, are synchronized with the fluorescence reader by timing signals. The discriminating features may be re-programmed by the user of the authentication system. Thus the discriminating features define a user-determined and programmable encryption of the articles' authentic identity.

Abstract: A multiple-reader system for authentication of articles uses a first reader (400) which employs predetermined modulated illuminating light (20) and a multiplicity of discriminating variables, such as wavelengths (110), amplitudes (120), and time delays (140) relative to the modulated illuminating light (20) to characterize fluorescent light (70) detected from fluorescent indicia on the articles. The fluorescent indicia may also incorporate spatial distributions such as bar codes as discriminating features. Additional readers (410 and 420), which may be readers of fluorescent marks and/or readers of other indicia, are synchronized with the fluorescence reader by timing signals. The discriminating features may be re-programmed by the user of the authentication system. Thus the discriminating features define a user-determined and programmable encryption of the articles' authentic identity.

Abstract: Accessory apparatus for authenticating articles is used in conjunction with existing readers or scanners of articles bearing stored data, such as credit cards or identification cards. The accessory apparatus is disposed before, after, on, under, inside, or adjacent to existing reader apparatus, to have a view of the article whose data is to be read. Information in addition to the stored data is coded on the article in non-visible indicia and is detected by the accessory authenticating apparatus. This coded additional information may be related to identification data stored in the article by the article's normal storage mechanism, such as a magnetic stripe or an embedded memory IC chip. The additional information may be coded in various combinations of predetermined characteristics of light emitted by the article to be authenticated when the article is irradiated with non-visible light from the accessory apparatus.

Abstract: A system for authentication of articles uses a multiplicity of discriminating variables to characterize light detected from the articles after predetermined illumination. Articles are tested which have been marked with substances such as dye or ink that fluoresce in a region of the optical spectrum when illuminated with light in another region of the spectrum, such as the ultraviolet region. The authentication system illuminates the articles with light modulated at a frequency of more than about 50 kHz, and secondary fluorescent light returned from the articles is synchronously detected. A programmable microcomputer digitizes the synchronously detected signal and analyzes it to compare the signal with predetermined standard digital signals. The standard signals incorporate a number of discriminating features, for example the fluorescent light's wavelengths, amplitudes, and time delays relative to the modulated illuminating light.

Abstract: An atherectomy catheter for the removal of atherosclerosis, thrombosis, cholesterol deposits, fatty nodules, and other such sclerotic material from within the blood vessels of a patient. According to a preferred construction, the catheter includes no moving parts, and the undesirable material is shaved from the entire inside diameter of the vessel and captured and removed therefrom by the application of negative pressure as the catheter is withdrawn along a longitudinal segment of the vessel. The catheter of this invention is characterized by the absence of any moving parts during the cutting process and its construction to permit removal of atherosclerosis with virtually no danger of harm to the vessel itself.

Abstract: The present invention provides photopolymerizable coating compositions comprising (a) a photosensitive compound selected from the group consisting of photoinitiators and negative-working photosensitive substances which are present in an amount effective to render the compositions sensitive to radiant energy, and (b) an ethylenically unsaturated, urethane-containing, self-crosslinkable grafted cellulose ester polymer; imaging elements for use in offset printing processes prepared therefrom; and processes employing said imaging elements.

Abstract: A roller bearing installation, in which one or more roller bearing assemblies (30A, 30B, 30C) are prepackaged in a housing (18) having corresponding recesses (28A, 28B, 28C) receiving each bearing assembly (30A, 30B, 30C). An angled gib plate (52A, 52C, 52C) is bedded in each recess, each gib plate (52) including an inclined section (54) mating with an inclined surface (58) on a bearing assembly cover (72) to allow a bearing depth adjustment by lengthwise adjustment of the bearing assembly (30) in its recess, enabling position adjustment of the supported structure (10) and bearing preload adjustment. Accurate alignment of the bearing assembly (30) is achieved by a ball plunger (100) urging the same against a guide surface (57) of the gib plate (52). A fixture (110) is used to precisely locate each gib plate (52A, 52B, 52C) in a recess (28) while a moldable bonding material (109) in which each gib plate (52) is bedded sets up.

Abstract: A roller bearing installation, in which one or more roller bearing assemblies (30A, 30B, 30C) are prepackaged in a housing (18) having corresponding recesses (28A, 28B, 28C) receiving each bearing assembly (30A, 30B, 30C). An angled gib plate (52A, 52B, 52C) is bedded in each recess, each gib plate (52) including an inclined section (54) mating with an inclined surface (58) on a bearing assembly cover (72) to allow a bearing depth adjustment by lengthwise adjustment of the bearing assembly (30) in its recess, enabling position adjustment of the supported structure (10) and bearing preload adjustment. Accurate alignment of the bearing assembly (30) is achieved by a ball plunger (100) urging the same against a guide surface (57) of the gib plate (52). A fixture (110) is used to precisely locate each gib plate (52A, 52B, 52C) in a recess (28) whjile a moldable bonding material (109) in which each gib plate (52) is bedded sets up.

Abstract: A roller bearing installation, in which one or more roller bearing assemblies (30A, 30B, 30C) are prepackaged in a housing (18) having corresponding recesses (28A, 28B, 28C) receiving each bearing assembly (30A, 30B, 30C). An angled gib plate (52A, 52B, 52C) is bedded in each recess, each gib plate (52) including an inclined section (54) mating with an inclined surface (58) on a bearing assembly cover (72) to allow a bearing depth adjustment by lengthwise adjustment of the bearing assembly (30) in its recess, enabling position adjustment of the supported structure (10) and bearing preload adjustment. Accurate alignment of the bearing assembly (30) is achieved by a ball plunger (100) urging the same against a guide surface (57) of the gib plate (52). A fixture (110) is used to precisely locate each gib plate (52A, 52B, 52C) in a recess (28) while a moldable bonding material (109) in which each gib plate (52) is bedded sets up.

Abstract: Microbiologically contaminated shellfish are rendered edible by depurating the tainted shellfish in ultraviolet light irradiated salt water. The inlet water is first irradiated with ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet light source immersed in the water. The ultraviolet treated inlet water is then circulated through a filter which is provided to remove solid impurities from the circulating salt water whose salt and oxygen contents, temperature and flow rates are carefully controlled. Before returning to the depurating tank the water is again passed through an ultraviolet light irradiation zone.

Abstract: A hydraulic reactor system for minimizing mooring forces of a vessel attached to an offshore structure, by means of a ramp which enables access between the two, comprising a structural frame provided with a hydraulic piston utilizing a one-way pressure relief valve which allows inward movement with minimal resistance. Conversely, the outward movement of the hydraulic piston provides considerable resistance. The device is connected to, or involved in, a ramp structure allowing an extension or reduction in length of the radius of the geometric configuration as it pivots vertically when attached to a vessel on its outboard end. The upward movement energizes the system by compressive action with minimal resistance, while the downward movement produces considerable resistance to outboard movement of the vessel.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for connecting a material and personnel transfer ramp from an offshore oil structure, or the like, to a floating vessel which comprises a docking pedestal rigidly attached to the deck of a vessel, an attachment assembly which coverably and rotatably mounts onto the pedestal, the attachment assembly being provided with a swivel connection allowing attachment to a ramp mounted on an offshore structure, a line hanging down from the attachment assembly which is readily accessable from the boat, and a winch and associated line which guidably connects the attachment assembly on the ramp to the pedestal attached to the vessel. The limp hang line offers a great latitude of movements and ease of handling for connection in rough sea conditions. The correct method of attaching a free moving vessel to a stiff ramp structure is critical during the docking operation in order to prevent excessive shock loads.

Abstract: An improved method of and structure for mooring for example supertankers offshore which combines the mooring process and the connections of cargo transfer lines into one simple operation and includes a mooring buoy capable of fluid transfer which is particularly adaptable to a super port type operation. The buoy includes a relatively long flotation caisson structure having a relatively small diameter, such proportion insuring greater stability in rough sea conditions. A flow line is located down the center of the buoyant caisson and extends above the bow of the ship it will service. A fitting is located on the top end of the flow line which is capable of securely attaching to a mooring pedestal located on the bow of the ship. This arrangement allows fluid flow between the riser structure and the ship as well as forming a substantial mooring linkage between the ship and the anchor lines which are attached to the bottom of the buoy. The system also includes the use of a mooring winch on the ship.