Abstract: A high energy rocket propellant can be formed wherein the propellant binder has a cellulose acetate butyrate: polyethylene glycol ratio of about 0.01 to 0.03 on a weight basis.

Abstract: A method for the simultaneous bidirectional transfer of digital data at a ry high rate between a host digital data processor and an external device includes the steps of: loading the output data into a data register of the processor; loading an address reference of an external device into an address register of the processor; forming a composite address consisting of the sum of the data register and an address register; and exporting the output data through the address lines from the processor to the external device while simultaneously reading data into the processor from the external device. The method accomplishes rapid data transfer by advantageously transferring data over what would normally be address lines between the processor and the external device. This method is suitable for applications where data is to be transferred from a processor operably coupled to only one external device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel direct positive silver halide emulsion and a color diffusion transfer photographic film unit in which the above emulsion is used and which provides a high sensitivity and a low minimum density. The direct positive silver halide emulsion contains a core/shell type grain in which 60% or more of the projected area of all grains is shared by a monodispersed parallel twin crystal-containing type tabular grain having an aspect ratio of 1.5 or more, wherein the shell of the core/sell grain is formed by adding a silver salt in which at least 30 mole % of the silver salt is a non-twin crystal silver halide fine grain emulsion having an average grain size of 0.12 .mu.m or less.

Abstract: A method is provided for the integration of a low-volume liquid flow and ing system and a portable optical waveguide-based fluorescence detector for the chemical analysis of reagents in fluorescence-based reactions. The method is particularly applicable to the detection of enzyme inhibitors, modifiers, or ligands in cases where a fluorescent enzyme substrate or product exists. In a preferred embodiment, the presence and concentration of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, such as chemical warfare nerve agents or certain insecticides, is determined by mixing aqueous samples with a dilute solution of n-methyl indoxyl acetate, and monitoring the formation of a fluorescent product (n-methyl indoxyl). The presence of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor reduces the amount of fluorescent product formed in a given time period.

Abstract: A method is provided for blocking or preventing the prenylation of CXXX box containing proteins thereby preventing and/or treating hepatitis D which includes the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a protein-prenyl transferase inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel method of functionalizing polyketone polymers by reacting with primary aromatic amines to form substituted pyrroles. The advantages of this method include but are not limited to permissible addition of small molecules to produce a wide variety of products, grafting of the polymer side chains to synthesize branched or comb polymers, and coupling reactions for controlling molecular weights.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interpreting and displaying the status and diagnostic data of, and/or programming an implantable medical device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a microprocessor with multiple executable programs; data entry means, such as a keyboard or light pen; a display means such as a screen display and/or a printer; and may include a receiver and transmitter means for remote programming and interrogation of the implantable medical device. The apparatus further includes a stored audio signal to represent the status and diagnostic values of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: Miniature rose plant having abundant, small, white, hybrid tea-shaped blooms produced in large clusters; deep green, glossy, disease-resistant foliage; dwarf, upright habit of growth; and ease of production from softwood cuttings.

Abstract: The Jored strain of Jonagold apple tree characterized by the clear, bright red on a bright yellow-green background color of its fruit, substantially without stripes or bands; by the early finish color development of its fruit; by the conical contour of its fruit; and by the prominence of its lenticels.

Abstract: The new and distinct cultivar of cherry rootstock, which has been given the designation GI 148/8 produces a tree which is generally spreading and which upon grafting produces a dwarf tree.

Abstract: A Nordic-type strawberry variety named "Chambly" combines the characteristics of cold-hardiness, adaptability to various soil conditions, vigor and strength, absence of suckering and its high yield of firm, deep red fruit with raised neck, elevated calyx and uniform well-colored flesh. Chambly yields strawberries characterized by an excellent taste (slightly sugary), a very fresh appearance and appealing texture, with a real strawberry aroma and no noticeable aftertaste.

Abstract: Poinsettia `585` is a new cultivar the "curly" flower type, distinguished by creamy white flower bracts, unique flower bract formation and presentation, dark green foliage and self-branching characteristics. The new plant produces a very desirable branched flowering pot plant. The post-production foliage and bract retention is excellent even under low light intensities in the consumer's home.

Abstract: Poinsettia `F-29` is a new cultivar of the "curly" flower type, distinguished by peach pink bracts and unique flower bract formation and presentation. `F-29` is a seedling from cross pollination. The new plant produces a very desirable flowering pot plant. The post-production foliage and bract retention is excellent even under low light intensities in the consumer's home.

Abstract: A mobile harvester of leafy produce has two harvesting sections with a cutter located forwardly for severing the produce from the ground. A continuous belt having a large number of openings moves in a closed path presenting an upwardly facing surface. A low pressure plenum underneath the belt provides a vacuum attraction to the belt upwardly facing for picking up severed produce. An enclosure ove the belt protects against wind removal of produce leaves from the belt. The two harvesting sections are individually adjustable for proper height above the ground.

Abstract: A level measuring device for measuring the level of a liquid in a container. The device has an elongated support which extends approximately horizontally into the container and is fastened at a fastening end 6 to a wall 3 of the container while its other resting end 3 rests under initial spring pressure against the bottom 2 of the container. On the support there is fastened a carrier 12 on which a mechanical-electrical transducer is disposed and on which there is pivotally mounted a lever 13 which bears a float 14 and acts on the transducer. The support is developed as an elastic spring in the region between its fastening end 6 and the carrier 12.

Abstract: A screw tool has a direction-reversible catch including clamping members disposed within wedge-shaped clamping spaces between an outer drive ring part (5) and an inner driven core part (8) of approximately triangular shape in cross section, the clamping members are displaceable by a rotatable switch member which is lockable in its switch positions into release with respect to the wedge walls of the corresponding clamping space by drivers acting on the clamping members and blocking the passage of the clamping members into, in each case one of their two clamping positions, and it proposes, in provide for a structurally simple friction-minimized construction wherein each clamping member lies loosely in a clamping space and is displaceable into its clamping position by the rotation of the drive ring part.

Abstract: Cross-linked aqueous dispersions and emulsions and method for producing casts of any desirable shape therefrom the dispersions comprising a water dissipatable polymer in an amount from 18 to 30 percent by weight based on the total weight of the composition: water in an amount from .[.67 to 130.]. .Iadd.30-80 .Iaddend.percent by weight based on the total weight of the composition; a source of multivalent metallic ions in an amount of 0.1 to 5 percent by weight based on the total weight of the composition; and humectant in an amount from 0.1 to 40 percent by weight based on the total weight of the composition and the emulsions comprising a water dissipatable polymer in an amount from 18 to 30 percent by weight based on the total weight of the composition; water in an amount from .[.67.]. .Iadd.30 .Iaddend.to 80 percent by weight based on the total weight of the comosition; emollient oils in an amount from 0.

Abstract: A patterned microwave interactive element and laminate including a patterned microwave interactive element for use in forming food packaging materials that may be employed to store and subsequently cook the food stored therein are provided. The pattern of the microwave interactive element is selected to focus the heat generated to predetermined areas of the food contained in the packaging. Areas where the microwave interactive element has been deactivated may be formed by a variety of methods, such as by demetallization, by the application of an inactivating chemical, by mechanical means and the like, to create a preselected pattern of inactive areas relative to the active areas, thereby controlling the temperatures produced in different sections of the packaging material. Optimum browning and/or crisping of the microwave heated food product may be achieved by selecting a pattern of microwave interactive and inactive areas tailored to specific food products.

Abstract: A motor for rotating a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk comprises an armature concentrically secured to a center shaft affixed to the base frame of a disk drive unit. A rotor frame is rotatably supported in a cantilever fashion on a free end of the center shaft by a pair of bearings. The rotor frame is cup-shaped with a depending cylindrical sidewall encircling the outer peripheral surface of the armature. The sidewall includes a disk support that projects outwardly from the sidewall. A permanent magnet secured inside the sidewall interacts with magnetic fields produced by the armature. The cantilever support makes it easier to bring armature leads through a hole in the mounting frame as a part of the manufacturing process.In an alternate embodiment, the center shaft is shortened so that the lower bearing on the shaft rests upon the frame. The cup-shaped rotor is mounted on the bearings with a hub having a depending cylindrical wall mounted on the lower bearing.

Abstract: A form feeding control device includes a sensor provided at an inlet mouth of a printer to sense whether or not a continuous form exists in the inlet mouth. A control unit feeds the continuous for transfer thereto of a printed image corresponding to one page of the continuous form. The printed image is then fixed on the continuous form. The control unit also feeds the continuous form to fix the printed image on one page when the sensor senses that the end of the continuous form has passed through the inlet mouth and that a printed image has been transferred to the continuous form.

Abstract: An environmentally controlled commercial/public toilet designed to neutralize and confine contaminating agents such as bacteria, odors, vapors and other airborne particles inside the bowl by generating and maintaining a cyclone-type air circulation inside the existing bowl. A standard bowl (70a) with a housing (20a), and an air-trapping cavity (76) created inside the bowl (70a) by a detachable bowl-skirt (73a), confines the contaminating agents during toilet use and improves the efficiency of the air circulation. Sanitizer and odor conditioner cartridges are employed to neutralize the contaminating agents by releasing sanitizing and odor conditioning agents into the air flow circulated inside the bowl (70a). This invention is retrofitable to existing commercial/public toilets.

Abstract: A modular seat unit devised to be lowered into and secured to the perimeter wall at the shallow end of a swimming pool is provided. The modular seat unit affords a swimming pool owner with an in-pool seating accessory which is conveniently attached to a swimming pool wall and used by an occupant while still in the swimming pool. The pre-formed seating module is devised to include hydrotherapy water/air jets to produce pressurized, therapeutic water turbulence and includes conveniently accessible means for controlling the water flow to the seat cavity. An adapter to hold the pole of an umbrella to shelter the seat's occupant from the sun's rays is integrated into the module.

Abstract: A swimming pool structure comprises a swimming pool sidewall defining a pool area, an elevated deck attached to the sidewall along an upper rim thereof, and a pair of ladder side rails extending from the deck into a water-holding pool area defined by the sidewall, the side rails being connected at upper ends to at least one of the sidewall and the deck. The ladder side rails are provided with elements for ensuring that the side rails are oriented at an acute angle with respect to the pool sidewall. A pair of hand rails are connected to the respective side rails and extend inwardly therefrom into the pool area. A plurality of steps are disposed between and connected to the side rails, while a pair of platform guard rails are connected to the deck in parallel with the side rails.

Abstract: Structure for neck and shoulder massage in a hydrotherapy hot tub consists of a pillow element against which a person's head rests with a cavity in the pillow element through which a stream of fluid is directed toward the person's neck. The structure includes a surface interposed in the stream of fluid to deflect the stream to impinge on the person's neck downward at an adjusted acute angle thereto. Another form of the structure includes wing portions extending over the shoulders of a person whose head and neck are at the pillow element with conduits and nozzles at spaced intervals directing streams of fluid downward from the undersides of the wing portions onto the shoulders of the person.

Abstract: A bathtub apron system for use with either one of two differently shaped bathtubs. The bathtub apron system includes an apron having an essentially planar central section with first and second ends, and inwardly rounded sections extending respectively from the first and second ends of the central section. Outwardly rounded sections extend from the ends of the inwardly rounded sections to form the opposing outer edges of the apron. The outwardly rounded sections are removable at a predetermined position from the inwardly rounded sections to form a second shaped apron sized to fit a second shaped bathtub.

Abstract: The features of a surgical slush machine are augmented by a separate warming basin for surgical liquid to thereby permit simultaneous availability of the warmed liquid and surgical slush. The slush cooling basin is disposed adjacent the warming basin, and a common sterile drape is disposed over and contoured to both basins to provide separate sterile receptacles in the drape for the liquid and slush. Basin centering indicia on the drape facilitate deployment of the drape relative to the basins. Cooling and heating of the respective basins are effected independently with individual power controls.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mechanism for remotely opening and closing a drain of a basin by means of a flexible rod moving through a non-linear tube. The rod connects a drive member, pushed or pulled by a user, with a member linked to a plug which opens and closes the drain. Within the bend of the tube, the flexible rod and/or tube are configured to leave a void between them in order to reduce friction. The configuration of the rod may include one or more bulbous ends or a lobed cross-section.

Abstract: Bicycle helmet apparatus includes a visor which is removable and adjustable relative to the visor. The helmet includes three patches of fastening material and the visor includes three patches of mating material. The visor is preferably secured to the helmet at the three locations and may be pivoted or oriented relative to the visor by varying the locations at which the patches on the visor are connected to the fixed patches on the helmet. The visor is completely removable from the helmet, if desired.

Abstract: A ratchet system for a motorcycle or bicycle helmet shield has a one-piece face shield with end tabs having a ring of upraised teeth and additional radially extending teeth along a curved edge. The ratchet system also has a pair of helmet-mounted side plates, each having a leaf spring with a central point that engages in grooves between the radially extending teeth of the end tabs. The end tabs are pivotally mounted on the side plates. The ratchet system also has shield covers having a set of surface teeth to engage with grooves between the upraised teeth of the end tabs. The ratchet system may also include bolts for attaching the system to the helmet, for holding the covers against the end tabs, and for adjusting the ratcheting tension. A bicycle or motorcycle helmet face shield for protecting a bicycle or motorcycle rider's face from the sun includes a transparent body, an ultraviolet ray-filtering coating on a surface of the body, and a reflective coating on the same surface of the body.

Abstract: A urinary device to permit a user to urinate from an upright position, and providing more accurate discharge of the urine. The urinary device includes a funnel-shaped element placed around the urethra of the user. The urine is directed through an aperture into a tubular element. In one embodiment, the funnel-shaped and tubular elements are formed from a pair of opposed planar side walls hinged at the anterior and posterior longitudinal edges, with the device packaged in a flat-folded condition. In another embodiment, the tubular element is provided with accordion pleats extending the full length of the tubular element. The accordion pleats may be compacted for packaging purposes and then extended at time of use.

Abstract: A flush regulator selectively operable in partial flush mode or a full flush mode for use with a water closet including a water storage stank having a flush drain aperture formed in the lower portion thereof and a buoyant flapper valve disposed to selectively seal the flush drain aperture movable between an open and closed position by a flush handle movable between a first and second position to selectively control the flow of water through the flush drain aperture, the flush regulator comprising a buoyant flush assembly movably disposed within the water closet including a float chamber to control the buoyancy of the buoyant flush assembly and a dispensing chamber configured to operatively house a bleach/detergent therein such that when the flush handle is moved from the first position to the second position and released the float chamber engages the buoyant flapper valve in the open position to force the buoyant flapper valve to prematurely return to the closed position to operate in the partial flush mode a

Abstract: A selective volume flush apparatus (10) for use in a cistern contains two valves, a first valve (12) with an outlet opening into the discharge outlet of the cistern and an open end configured to sealingly engage a first valve seal (18). The valve seal (18) is attached to a lifting device (22) and the open end of the valve (12) is positioned at a height from the cistern floor to facilitate the flush of a smaller quantity of water. The second valve 14 includes a diaphragm 26 positioned slidingly movable in a cylinder and attached to a valve seal (20) at the lower end and to a lifting device (24) at the upper end. The valve seal sealingly engages upon an outlet opening 68 connected to the discharge outlet (28) of the cistern. Activating the second valve seal results in a full volume flush.

Abstract: A system of apparatus for use with handicapped or disabled patients. The apparatus includes a mobile platform which removably mounts a patient support module which can be a chair or commode seat. Lift module means is attached to the mobile platform for lifting or lowering the patient from or to a bed or other structure. In certain embodiments a body harness is suspended by the lift module for supporting the patient upright so that the apparatus can be used as a therapeutic walking exerciser. In another embodiment, a body sling supported from the lift module provides support for the patient's arms for use as a therapeutic exerciser. The method of operation permits the apparatus, with the support module chair removed, to be moved to a position where the lift module is centered over the patient on a bed, automobile seat or other structure to facilitate lifting and transporting the patient. This method simplifies the transfer of a patient.

Abstract: In a human body moving apparatus, a coupling bar couples upper ends of a pair of upwardly extending upright bars with each other, to define a prescribed space between the pair of upright bars. Base members are provided on lower end portions of the upright bars respectively, while plural wheels are mounted on the base members to roll on a floor surface or on guide rails. A support member for supporting a human body is mounted to be movable along the upright bars and stoppable at a moved position. The support member includes two parallel side bars extending across the pair of upright bars respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a patient support device comprising a flexible support means, the support means having a pair of ends each of which includes a pair of hand holds, the hand holds being formed by an aperture which is dimensioned to receive the palm of a user's hand when lifting a patient and flap means hinged to one edge of the aperture permitting the flap means to engage the palm of the user's hand when lifting a patient, each of the hand holds being aligned with a respective hand hold so that, during use, the flap means may be nested together to form an integral handle with a folded cross section, the support means being formed of reinforced sheet material having sufficient rigidity to enable the integral handle to resist collapse, the support means being dimensioned to position the hand holds above a floor surface in order to minimize discomfort experienced by a user when lifting a patient.

Abstract: A booster seat for use by a child at an event, e.g., a movie, a theater production, a professional baseball game, etc. The booster seat can be selectively inflated at the intended seat site and, after the event is viewed by the child, can be quickly deflated and folded into an envelope for subsequent ease of carrying and reuse. In one form of the device the inflatable booster seat comprises two separate inflatable chambers. The child has the choice then of being raised either the full intended height of the booster seat (both chambers inflated) or, alternatively, by inflating one or the other chamber, the child can be raised up a portion of the total two-chamber height. An air inlet valve for each chamber is provided to facilitate inflating by the child or the custodial adult then accompanying the child to the event. To facilitate ease of deflation, one or more selectively openable air outlet valves are provided. In a simple version of the device, the air inlet valve is the same as the air outlet valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a deposit of gum or other sticky substance from a carpet or other flat surface including in combination, a body adapted for upright use and terminated by spaced-apart top and bottom ends, an electric drive motor including a rotatable drive shaft mounted in the lower half of the body to create a low center of gravity to the upright body, a flat bottom brush interconnected the drive shaft and extending below the lower body terminal end, a fluid reservoir for holding an inventory of liquid gum remover attached to the body including a conduit extending toward the brush and device for delivering a controllable charge of liquid to the deposit, handle device extending outward from the upper half of the body to manipulate the body in upright position over the deposit, including device for energizing the motor to spin the brush, and a sleeve slidably mounted coaxial with the bottom end of the body and arranged to extend outward and beyond the brush, having a planar bottom parallel to the plan

Abstract: An enzyme bath maintenance system is provided for use in such textile treating fields as stonewashing, laundry, cleaning and dyeing, including the use of enzymes as the active agent, in which the enzymes are utilized within narrowly controlled ranges of pH and temperature. As a means for providing heat for controlling the temperature, a heat exchanger in which the heat source is hot water at a temperature not more than 12.degree. C. higher than that of the desired temperature, is disposed within the apparatus. The heat exchanger and the apparatus as a whole are designed to avoid pockets which allow the enzyme to become entrapped therein. The apparatus further includes automated means for detecting, monitoring and reporting bath parameters such as pH and temperature, with output for manual or automatic control thereof, and means for agitating the enzyme bath to maintain uniform distribution of the enzyme.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a loading dock area to prevent any wheeled apparatus from accidentally falling off the loading dock. The leveler includes a ramp for supporting a load between a truck and a platform and also used to actuate a barrier, the barrier is operatively connected to the ramp through a plurality of links. The invention operates through the position of the ramp in relation to the platform top surface. When the dock leveler is in the stored position the ramp is at a 90.degree. angle to the dock leveler top surface. In this position the linkage has rotated the stop such that it protrudes above the surface of the deck. Thus forming the barrier so that no wheeled vehicles could accidentally roll off the end of the dock. When the dock leveler is below a level position, the linkage no longer acts to supports the barrier, so that the barrier falls back to the surface of the dock leveler, no longer forming a barrier.

Abstract: Mobile elevatable platform devices are fitted with an impact absorbing bumper, a truck restraining hook mechanism, and, optionally, a ground anchor.

Abstract: A combination of a lint roller and encasement therefore in which two clam shell elements are pivotally connected together at one of their ends. One of the elements is a holder for a lint roller and the other is a cover/handle which when pivoted closed encloses the lint roller and when pivoted open serves as a handle. The two elements are each one-piece molded parts. The handle/cover element includes side sections which pivotally collapse to form a smaller and more comfortable handle in the opened use position. The holder element includes flanges extending from the end walls and between which the adhesive roller is rotatably mounted. The flanges are preferably arcuate in shape and have slanted edges providing a cam to spread the collapsed sections of the handle/cover to allow the handle/cover to fit over the roller and protect it.

Abstract: A snow scraper includes transparent main body with a hand grip portion and a blade formed on one end of the hand grip portion. The blade has a front portion which is provided with an inclined shoveling edge and a plurality of claws. The snow scraper further has a pressure indicating unit, a tire tread measuring unit and a light bulb unit and a magnifying glass.