Abstract: A cord holding device and method of use. An embodiment of the device includes a sheet of material having a turned end. The turned end is selectively positionable between a closed orientation and an open orientation. In the open orientation, an opening is formed between the turned end and the sheet to allow for the cord to be inserted within an interior section. In the closed orientation, the turned end wraps around the cord to retain it within the device. A method of using the device comprises mounting the device to a position to receive the cord. A holding section is unturned an amount to allow for the cord to be inserted within the interior section of the holding section. After cord insertion, the holding section re-turns and wraps around the cord.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ? thio-containing compound that is capable of inhibiting the enzyme, membrane aminopeptidase P (mAPP or APP), whose natural substrate is bradykinin. The compound is useful as a pharmaceutical agent because by inhibiting bradykinin degradation, the compound allows bradykinin to exert its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, to improve renal function, and to improve glucose tolerance and insulin-sensitivity. The present invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the mAPP inhibitor of the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of inhibiting bradykinin degradation in a mammalian patient, preferably human, in need of treatment comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an ? thio-containing compound of the present invention.

Abstract: A rod is coupled to a frame to hold a wire reel that is to be loaded onto it. A roller is coupled to the frame so that its radial surface stays in contact with a radial surface of a spool wall of the loaded reel, as the loaded reel rotates. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for in-situ testing of transducers, and more particularly to the testing of piezoelectric transducers including piezoelectric accelerometers. Circuits, measurement techniques, and interpretative algorithms to enable in-situ testing of piezoelectric accelerometers are described. Accelerometers that employ a piezoelectric material to convert mechanical strains into electronic signals are reciprocal electromechanical transducers. In such transducers the electrical output impedance of the sensor is dependent upon the electrical and mechanical parameters of the sensor. The procedure described in this disclosure includes methods of measuring the transducer electrical output impedance as a function of frequency and the extraction of the electrical and mechanical transducer parameters from the measured data. The measured values of the transducer parameters may be interpreted to provide an indication of the operational status of the transducer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for in-situ testing of transducers, and more particularly to the testing of piezoelectric transducers including piezoelectric accelerometers. Circuits, measurement techniques, and interpretative algorithms to enable in-situ testing of piezoelectric accelerometers are described. Accelerometers that employ a piezoelectric material to convert mechanical strains into electronic signals are reciprocal electromechanical transducers. In such transducers the electrical output impedance of the sensor is dependent upon the electrical and mechanical parameters of the sensor. The procedure described in this disclosure includes methods of measuring the transducer electrical output impedance as a function of frequency and the extraction of the electrical and mechanical transducer parameters from the measured data. The measured values of the transducer parameters may be interpreted to provide an indication of the operational status of the transducer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a foamable resin composition which comprises a copolymer with a weight-average molecular weight of 150,000-350,000 produced by copolymerization of a monomer mixture of 55-85% by weight of styrene and 45-15% by weight of a methacrylic acid ester represented by general formula (I)CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(CH.sub.3)COOR (I)(wherein R represents a C.sub.

Abstract: Vermicular graphite cast iron is produced by adding to molten iron simultaneously up to 0.3% by weight of the iron of one or more rare earth metals and in excess of 0.2% by weight of the iron of calcium the quantity of rare earth metal being within the range of 2 to 8 times the sulphur content of the molten iron.The rare earth may be added for example as cerium, mischmetall or as rare earth silicide. The calcium may be added for example as calcium metal or as calcium silicide or a nickel-calcium alloy. An alloy containing both rare earth and calcium, such as a calcium-cerium-silicon alloy, or a composition containing rare earth, calcium and a fluxing agent may also be used.

Abstract: A vibration isolator (10) includes an outer housing (14) with an inner housing (16) supported for reciprocation therein. The inner housing (16) includes an elastomeric spring (32) supporting a sleeve or inner cylinder (30) with a passage (44) extending therethrough interconnecting a pair of spaced apart chambers (40,42) defined between the housings (14, 16). A tuning mass including liquid is disposed in the chambers (40,42) and the passage (44). The inner housing (16) functions as a piston to move the tuning mass through the inner cylinder (30) between the chambers (40,42) and generate amplified counter-inertial forces to cancel vibration.

Abstract: Liquid crystal mixtures are disclosed which contain 30-60% of a Schiff's base nematic liquid crystal compound, 25-65% of a second nematic liquid crystal compound selected from the classes of azoxy, ester and biphenyl, and 5-15% of a triphenyl compound to raise the isotropic transition temperature. This combination results in liquid crystal compositions having unexpectedly wide nematic temperature ranges.

Abstract: Liquid crystal mixtures are disclosed which contain 30-60% of a Schiff's base nematic liquid crystal compound, 25-65% of a second nematic liquid crystal compound selected from the classes of azoxy, ester and biphenyl, and 5-15% of a triphenyl compound to raise the isotropic transition temperature. This combination results in liquid crystal compositions having unexpectedly wide nematic temperature ranges.

Abstract: In an iron molding process and in a mold for carrying out the process, in which the mold is at least locally coated with tellurium or bismuth to promote the production of a white iron structure there is included in the coating a mineral substance such as a clay containing water which is loosely chemically combined, or a substance containing hydroxyl groups, the water or each hydroxyl group being chemically combined tightly enough so that it withstands the heat involved in drying of the mold but is liberated on contact with the molten iron.