Abstract: Ferroelectric liquid crystal mixtures containing compounds of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is, for example, a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 22 carbon atoms, in which one --CH.sub.2 -- group may be replaced by --O-- or --CO--O--.

Abstract: A cesium iodide based scintillation material is obtained exhibiting a low afterglow and high radiation hardness; its preparation method is developed, too.The cesium iodide based scintillation material doped by thallium iodide contains an additional admixture of compound having the general formulaMe.sub.x (CO.sub.3).sub.y,where Me is a cationic admixture,1.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.2,1.ltoreq.Y.ltoreq.5,This material has in its absorption spectrum a stretching vibration band of CO.sub.3.sup.2- -ion about 7 .mu.m and a bending vibration band about 11.4 .mu.m, the absorption coefficient of the latter being from 1.4.multidot.10.sup.-3 to 2.multidot.10.sup.-2 cm.sup.-1.Preparation method of this scintillation material comprises the raw material cesium iodide melting, adding of the activating thallium iodide dope, introduction of cesium carbonate (3.multidot.10.sup.-4 to 5.multidot.10.sup.-3 % by mass) and a sodium salt (3.multidot.10.sup.-4 to 7.5.multidot.10.sup.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the formation of organic gels by dissolving organic gelling agents in organic solvents. The aryl cyclohexanol gelling agents employed in this invention are not structurally related to previously known gellation agents and they exhibit potent gellation activity, for example, from 0.2-5%, by weight, of gelling agent is able to immobilize a variety of organic solvents. The gels formed range from optically transparent to slightly translucent, and complete fluidity can be restored by either increasing the temperature (reversible) or by chemical treatment (irreversible).

Abstract: An electroconductive resin composition comprising (A) at least one thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of a polyphenylene ether type resin, a polystyrene type resin and an ABS type resin, (B) carbon black, and (C) an olefin type resin, said electroconductive resin composition containing from 5 to 50 parts by weight of (B) the carbon black per 100 parts by weight of (A) the thermoplastic resin, and from 1 to 30 parts by weight of (C) the olefin type resin per 100 parts by weight of the total amount of (A) the thermoplastic resin and (B) the carbon black, and said electroconductive resin composition having a surface resistivity of from 10.sup.2 to 10.sup.10 .OMEGA..

Abstract: Tin oxide doped with an electrochemically effective amount of a metal, e.g., antimony or niobium, which provides a color change when the doped tin oxide is exposed to an electrochemical potential in the presence of mobile ions. Particles of electrochromic doped tin oxide, e.g., coated on a white or pastel pigment substrate, have a contrast ratio greater than 1.2, where contrast ratio is a measure of electrochromic functionality of a material and is the ratio of reflectance of the material in an oxidized state to the color of the material in a reduced state and where color is a photodiode measurement of the value of light reflected off the oxidized or reduced material from a constant source of light shining on the material.

Abstract: Tin oxide doped with an electrochromically effective amount of a metal, e.g. antimony or niobium, which provides a color change when the doped tin oxide is exposed to an electrochemical potential in the presence of mobile ions. Particles of electrochromic doped tin oxide, e.g. coated on a white or pastel pigment substrate, have a contrast ratio greater than 1.2, where contrast ratio is a measure of electrochromic functionality of a material and is the ratio of reflectance of the material in an oxidized state to the color of the material in a reduced state and where color is a photodiode measurement of the value of light reflected off the oxidized or reduced material from a constant source of light shining on the material. Such doped tin oxide-containing particles are useful as electrochromic material in display devices.

Abstract: A conductive composition and a CRT bulb employing the conductive layer. The conductive composition includes from about 0.4 to about 10 wt % of tin oxide, from about 4.5 to about 7.0 wt % of a dispersing agent, from about 3.5 to about 7.0 wt % of an antiabsorbent, from about 0.8 to about 4.0 wt % of a vaporization inhibitor, and from about 0.020 to about 0.25 wt % of a surfactant, based on the total weight of an alcoholic solvent. The conductive composition exhibits good solubility, coating performance, and heat stability, and a conductive layer formed of the conductive composition exhibits low surface resistance and enhanced luminance.

Abstract: A composition having a) a haloelastomer with halogenated monomers, polyorganosiloxane monomers, or both halogenated and polyorganosiloxane monomers, and b) a doped metal oxide, preferably antimony doped tin oxide, dispersed or contained therein, wherein the composition can be formed into films or outer layers of components useful in xerographic processes.

Abstract: A system for displaying luminescence comprises a crystalline structure comprising a compound having the formula:.alpha.-CuAlX.sub.4wherein the compound has lattice parameters a=b ranging from 5.430(1) .ANG. to 5.751(3) .ANG.; c ranging from 10.069(1) .ANG. to 10.570(4) .ANG.; and X is selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, and a mixture thereof. The crystalline structure may also include a compound of the formula:.beta.-CUAlCl.sub.4wherein the compound has lattice parameters a=7.635(2) .ANG., b=12.842(2) .ANG., and c=6.127(1) .ANG.. The system also includes an excitation source which transmits energy to the crystalline structure such that the crystalline structure displays luminescence. The crystalline structure is also useful in a gas sensor application since the luminescence of the crystalline structure is capable of being quenched in the presence of gaseous material.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a structured packing element, the element being corrugated with corrugations which form alternating peaks and troughs across the element, the corrugations having a longitudinal axis, the element having at least one band of first fluting at an angle between 0.degree. and 180.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the corrugations and at least one band of second fluting at an angle between 0.degree. and 180.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the corrugations, the first fluting being at an angle greater than zero to the second fluting. The element preferably has a plurality of holes through the element. The foregoing structured packing is suited for use in processes requiring a contact device for accomplishing mass and/or heat transfer.

Abstract: An improved aerator for oxygenating water and generating a circulating current within a livewell or baitwell while minimizing damaging turbulence. The aerator includes a downstream expansion area to reduce exit velocity, and an air intake conduit positioned to minimize stagnation of the liquid flow. The new aerator has an increased negative aspiration pressure, and can be operated at lower depths than previously possible.

Abstract: A coating fluid holding member including a porous molded body which is formed of heat-resistant fibers (or a mixture of heat-resistant fibers and a filler) bound to each other with a binder, has intercommunicating pores having an average pore size of 1 to 500 .mu.m, and has a porosity of 20 to 90%, and a coating fluid holding member including a porous molded body which is formed of heat-resistant fibers bound to each other with a binder, contains fine intercommunicating interstices between fibers and uniformly distributed pores having a diameter of 0.05 to 2 mm, and has a porosity of 30 to 90%. The holding member has a high fluid holding capacity for its volume and releases the coating fluid, such as a parting agent, an oil or a coating compound, in a stable manner for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite profile having a foam material introduced therein. The invention provides an inline method for the introduction of a foam material into a composite profile.

Abstract: Preferential etching techniques are used to form a mold which can then be used to mold a microlens array. A mask (4.sub.i) made of a material which is resistant to a chemical composition for etching the plate is formed on a substrate, so that the mask is in the form of a grid with generally polygonal meshes each centered over one of the desired cells. The sides of each cell of the mask has outgrowths (5.sub.j) extending towards the center of desired cells. The substrate is subjected to the etching composition.

Abstract: A foamed aqueous dispersion of a mixture of particulate plastics material is formed when the fibers are between 5% and 35% of the volume of the mixture, where no more than about 7% of the volume of the mixture is conductive fibers between about 7 and 20 mm long, and where any other fibers are reinforcing fibers with a high modulus of elasticity and between about 7 and about 50 mm long. A web is formed from the foamed dispersion using a wet laying process. The web is dried and compacted under heat and pressure. The compacted web is cooled to form a consolidated element in which the conductive fibers extend as a conductive lattice. The resulting element can be formed or molded into shielding to provide attenuation of electrical or magnetic fields.

Abstract: A method of recycling post-consumer polyester to obtain recycled polyester of sufficiently high purity to meet food packaging requirements is disclosed. The method includes cleaning comminuted pieces of post-consumer polyester to remove surface contaminants; melting the surface-cleaned post-consumer polyester pieces; extruding the post-consumer melt; blending the melt of post-consumer polyester with a melt of virgin polyester prepolymer; solidifying and pelletizing the blended melt while the virgin polyester prepolymer remains as prepolymer; and polymerizing the solid blended pellets in the solid state.

Abstract: A tube which is normally in a collapsed position and which has an inner layer, suitably of felt. The free end of the tube is pulled apart and a pool of resin is located within the tube. Opposed driven rollers then pull the free end of the tube to assist in the dispersion of the resin in the felt. To assist in the resin impregnating the felt a vacuum is applied to urge the felt on either side of the collapsed tube so that the sides are more towards each other in the region of the pool of resin. In order for the vacuum to be able to be applied in the region of the pool of resin the vacuum is applied to the trailing end of the tube and an insert comprising a strip of material that is less prone to collapse than the felt of the tube is located along the inside of the felt.

Abstract: A granulating device, and a granulating method for thermoplastic resin material, in which a screw type kneading and extruding machine for kneading, extruding and melting the thermoplastic resin material, a die holder connected to a front end portion of the screw type kneading and extruding machine, the die holder including a passage through which the melted resin material flows, a change-over valve and at least two outlets, the passage selectively connected to the outlets with the change-over valve, a first and a second dies, for forming the melted resin material into a plurality of pieces of string, connected respectively to the outlets to adapt to different ranges of viscosity of the melted resin material, and a first and a second cutter units including cutters moved respectively along extruding planes of the first and second dies to cut the string-shaped resin material into small pieces, and cooling and solidifying sections for cooling and solidifying the small pieces of thermoplastic resin material.

Abstract: A method for preparing a conductive thermoplastic resin composition or an electric conductor includes the step of kneading (a) conductive resin master batch pellets of conductive carbon black and a thermoplastic resin in which the conductive carbon black accounts for 5 to 50% by weight relative to the total amount 100 parts by weight of the conductive carbon black and the thermoplastic resin, (b) a thermoplastic resin in a weight ratio: (a+b)/(a) ranging from 1.01 to 1.5. This method permits the production of a conductive carbon black-containing conductive resin composition and an electric conductor which show stable conductivity even within a high resistance region (having a surface resistivity ranging from 10.sup.6 to 10.sup.16 .OMEGA.), wherein the control of the conductivity is difficult.

Abstract: In order to assure that an adequately small delivery granulation is offered to the nip of a two-roller machine, preferably a high-pressure roller press for interparticle crushing, namely for an optimum draw-in of the granular material, it is inventively proposed that a sieve means to be arranged in the product delivery shaft of the two-roller machine and that the oversized sieve particles be comminuted with a crushing roller that is likewise arranged in the product delivery shaft and that the comminuted particles then be presented to the high pressure nip for further interparticle crushing.

Abstract: Shaped load-carrying structures are fabricated using bamboo linear fibers with a compatible bonding material and synthetic polymers such as polyesters, epoxies, and polyolefins. The structures are manufactured by coating at least one of bamboo culms, split bamboo culms, bamboo fiber tape, or prepared bamboo fibers with a bonding material to produce a core. The core is then combined with a polymer matrix and extruded or molded to form a structure having the desired shape. The structures compare favorably with wood, steel, and concrete regarding strength, longevity, price and ability to withstand earthquakes. The structures may be used as beams, columns, telephone poles, and marine piles.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to fiber spinning and, in particular, to a process of spinning fibers of more than one cross-sectional component and to fibers produced thereby.

Abstract: The present invention related to a method for providing a composite structure and the composite structure formed thereby. The method broadly comprises the steps of: providing a core structure formed from a non-metallic composite material in a substantially uncured state; applying a fluoroelastomer film in a substantially uncured state over surface portions of said core structure; placing a metallic structure over a portion of said core structure, said metallic structure having inner surfaces which contacts said fluoroelastomer film; and molding said composite structure under conditions of heat and pressure for a time sufficient to co-cure said fluoroelastomer film and said non-metallic core structure material and to form a bond between said fluoroelastomer film and said inner surfaces of said metallic structure. The method of the present invention may be used to manufacture original metal/composite structures as well as to refurbish metal/composite structures such as fan exit guide vanes for jet engines.

Abstract: Improved pin-reinforced sandwich structure ties the face sheets (typically on opposite sides of a foam core) together with a plurality of Z-pins that extend into each face sheet (through the core). The pins are arranged in a tetrahedral or hat section configuration in 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional arrangements to provide enhanced reinforcement, particularly in shear. We are able to improve the pulloff strength additionally by dimpling the core surrounding the pins to produce adhesive fillets along the pins.

Abstract: A half-finished folded soft cloth product, which is formed in an almost box shape by folding the soft cloth product such as a shirt, a handkerchief, a towel, etc., is put in a square frame on a lower die interposing a hard rubber plate thereunder, and thereafter is compressed between the lower die and an upper die to form a solid cloth product, which is convenient for carrying.

Abstract: A method of shaping a layer of settable material such as honeycomb core (24) including placing the core on a flexible support (38); translating the flexible support (38) and core into an oven (28); heating the core to a desired forming temperature in the oven; translating the flexible support (38) and core (24) horizontally from the oven into a forming area (26); lowering a contoured upper die (32) onto the core (24); tensioning the flexible support (38); pressing the core between the tensioned flexible support and the upper die so that the core (24) is forced to conform to the shape of the die (32); cooling the core to set temperature; and raising the die (32) to remove the finished shaped core, is provided.

Abstract: A large surface shaped structure having a smooth surface is formed by compression molding a charge (26) of reinforced molding material containing a thermoplastic material by placing a heated mold charge (26) in a mold (12, 14) which has its peripheral surfaces spaced apart to provide a shear gap (34). The width of the shear gap (34) is adjusted to accept a quantity of molding material sufficient to dissipate residual energy in the flow front of the charge to prevent rebound of the flow front as the structure solidifies.

Abstract: With an auxiliary electrode having a shape corresponding to the end of a workpiece attached to an upper electrode of a high frequency heater for high-frequency heating the end of the workpiece extruded, the workpiece is high-frequency heated intensively and uniformly between the auxiliary electrode and the lower electrode. After heating, the end of the workpiece is molded into a predetermined shape by a couple of stamping molds.

Abstract: An electrode for an electric double layer capacitor in which resin is used as a starting material and the manufacturing cost is low and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A method of manufacturing an electrode for an electric double layer capacitor containing carbonized resin includes heating resin at a temperature equal to or higher than the temperature for finishing endothermic reaction of the resin upon melting (softening to be fluidized) of the resin and equal to or lower than the temperature for starting oxidizing reaction in an atmosphere of a pressure range of 0.

Abstract: Fiber bundle reinforced composite material useful for various high temperature structural members having excellent strength, toughness and resistance to oxidation and a process for producing the same. The fiber bundle reinforced composite material is reinforced with fiber bundles each having a plurality of continuous inorganic fibers bundled with medium such as carbon, being oriented in one, two or three directions, or randomly in the matrix which is reinforced with nano-sized particles precipitated. The fiber bundle reinforced composite material has a desired orientation of fibers and enables production of fiber bundle reinforced composite members having excellent strength and toughness.

Abstract: Sintered reaction-bonded silicon nitride components, e.g., automotive components, are made by forming a powder mixture comprising silicon and oxide or oxide precursor additives. These additives comprise alumina and a calcium compound. The powder is formed into a preform, the silicon is reacted with nitrogen in a nitriding process to form silicon nitride, and the so-formed silicon nitride is sintered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of heating tanks, such as galvanizing tanks, containing a bath of molten metal. Use is made of at least one element made of a refractory material which is thermally conducting and substantially gas-tight, particularly in relation to oxygen. The element is put into direct and permanent contact with the upper surface of the bath.

Abstract: An odor control system for removing hydrogen sulfide from a gas stream. In a first chamber, the gas stream is initially treated with NaOH at low pH for removal of about 70% of the H.sub.2 S. Unreacted NaOH and the reaction product Na.sub.2 S flow into a first sump while the initially treated gas stream flows into a second chamber, fluidly connected to a second sump. In the second chamber, the gas stream is scrubbed with a solution of NaOH and NaOCl for scrubbing of the remaining H.sub.2 S before the cleaned gas is exhausted to atmosphere. From the second chamber, unreacted NaOH and NaOCl, together with reaction products sulfur, Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and Na.sub.2 S flow into the second sump. The contents of the two sumps are flushed out separately by adding make up water to each of them. Each sump has a separate drain and each drain empties into a common drain where the Na.sub.2 S from the first sump reacts with unreacted NaOCl from the second sump to produce sulfur and Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for sterilization of liquids using a steady-stage glow discharge apparatus, at one atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for minimizing heat degradation of a vapor decontaminant in a vaporizer by selectively operating a plurality of vaporizer heaters to provide a decreasing heat gradient through the vaporizer. A method and apparatus are also provided for selectively operating a plurality of preheaters, in series, for preheating a carrier gas entering a vaporizer in a flow-through decontamination system, and for maintaining a predetermined carrier gas temperature. A further method and apparatus are provided for fine-tuning chamber pressure in a high flow rate closed-loop flow-through vapor phase decontamination system.

Abstract: An insect repellant method and apparatus that can protect a defined area from insects for a determinable time period. The invention may be practiced in conjunction with or independent of normal building systems. The invention creates an invisible veil of protection against insects.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical instruments and similar devices make use of hydrogen peroxide vapor released from a substantially non-aqueous organic hydrogen peroxide complex, such as a urea-peroxide complex. Optionally, a plasma can be used in conjunction with the vapor. A method for preparing substantially non-aqueous hydrogen peroxide complexes is also provided. These complexes are useful as a source of peroxide vapor in hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilizers and as a component of self-sterilizing packaging materials.

Abstract: Micro-conduit with enhanced wetting characteristics for use in providing a blood heat exchanger apparatus with improved heat exchange capability. The micro-conduit comprises a plurality of elongated fibers, which may be made of a hydrophobic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Each fiber is open at two opposing ends, and has an inner surface between the open ends. The inner surface is coated with a wetting agent, such as phosphatidyl choline or another ampiphilic material with a hydrophilic end and a hydrophobic end. The fibers may have a shape and size that without presence of the wetting agent, would otherwise substantially impair free passage of water. The micro-conduit may be provided as a heat exchanger micro-conduit wrapping material, wherein micro-conduit fibers are attached to a thin flexible interconnect, such as woven netting, to maintain the fibers at predetermined spacings in substantially parallel alignment with each other.

Abstract: There is disclosed a small-sized automatic biochemical analyzer requiring reduced amounts of reagents. An original sample is transferred to diluting containers on a diluting turntable. The diluted sample is transferred to reaction containers on a reaction turntable and analyzed. The original sample is once diluted. The aliquots of sample are taken from the diluted sample. Thus, a limitation imposed by the minimum volume of liquid that the instrument can meter out can be overcome. Let N be the total number of the diluting containers on the diluting turntable. The turntable is rotated in M pitches at a time. M and N do not have any common factor.

Abstract: In a biochemical analysis apparatus, a dry-type frameless chemical analysis film having a base and a reagent layer formed thereon is taken out from a cartridge in which a plurality of such frameless chemical analysis films are stacked. Then the film is spotted with a sample liquid and is transferred to a cell in an incubator to be incubated at a constant temperature, whereby coloring reaction between the reagent layer and a particular biochemical component in the sample liquid is caused and the optical density of the coloring matter formed is measured. A horseshoe-like film transfer member receives the film taken out from the cartridge and inserts it into the cell while holding it, and a suction member enters the cell from below the cell and holds the film inserted by the film transfer member.

Abstract: A multi-item analyzer includes a first analyzing module for performing analysis items having a larger request in number arranged in the upstream side of a transporting line, and a second analyzing module for performing analysis items having a smaller request in number arranged in the downstream side. A sample sampling position for the analyzing module in the upstream side is provided on the transporting line, and a sample sampling position for the analyzing module in the downstream side is provided on a rack receiving area.

Abstract: A standard laboratory module for automatically producing a solution of cominants from a soil sample. A sonication tip agitates a solution containing the soil sample in a beaker while a stepper motor rotates the sample. An aspirator tube, connected to a vacuum, draws the upper layer of solution from the beaker through a filter and into another beaker. This beaker can thereafter be removed for analysis of the solution. The standard laboratory module encloses an embedded controller providing process control, status feedback information and maintenance procedures for the equipment and operations within the standard laboratory module.

Abstract: Light, pulsed or continuous at a wavelength (e.g. 780 nm), fluoresceces a specimen. The specimens may be combinations of a dye (preferably labelled), an antigen (e.g. rubella) and an antibody reactive with the antigen, with properties of polarizing the light when fluoresced. The light polarized in a first direction (e.g. z-axis) parallel to the incident light and in a second direction (e.g. x-axis) perpendicular to the incident light are measured. A second specimen is then provided with the antigen and the antibody but without the dye. The same light as discussed above fluoresces the second specimen and polarizes the light when fluoresced. The light polarized in the first (z-axis) and second (x-axis) directions in the second specimen is measured. These measurements are processed in a microprocessor with the measurements in the z and x directions in the first specimen to identify the antigen or, when the antigen is known, to identify the concentration of the antigen in the first specimen.

Abstract: The invention is a sensing method and an oxygen sensor for detecting a change of oxygen partial pressure in an ambient atmosphere through a change of a measurable physical property of a sensing material. The sensor includes a sensing material selected from metal or its oxides which, when at an elevated temperature and exposed to a gas containing a changing partial pressures of oxygen, is capable of changing from one metal or metal oxide phase to another such oxide phase and vice versa. Associated with such phase change is a change in a measurable physical property of the material. The sensor also includes an electrical heating source, connectable to a power source, maintaining a temperature gradient across the sensing material since it is critical that the sensing material exist in at least two phases during active sensing.

Abstract: A gas detection and measurement system includes a light source, a light sensor, a test cell body having a first fluid port and a second fluid port, and first and second optical paths from the light source to the light sensor through the test cell. The first and second optical paths have different lengths. As fluid flows through the test cell body, light intensity measurements are taken along the first and second optical paths so that the concentration of a target gas within the fluid can be calculated.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and systems, and particularly, microfluidic devices that are easier to handle by the operator, without damaging, contaminating or otherwise fouling, as a result of manual contact with the device. These microfluidic devices and systems include manual handling structures, to allow handling of the small scale devices with minimal potential for fouling as a result of manual contact with the device.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for preserving platelets at cryogenic temperatures with retention of hemostatic activity are provided. The compositions include a first agent for inhibiting actin filament severing and a second agent for inhibiting actin polymerization. Contacting the platelets with the first and second agents prior to exposure to cold temperature prevents cold-induced platelet activation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing sulfur from gas streams, utilizing liquid redox, including an improved method for preventing build-up of elemental sulfur in a sulfur absorber. Ultrasonic irradiation of one or more portions of the structure of the absorber prevents sulfur build-up. In combination with monitoring of the pressure across the absorber, the freeing of sulfur from surfaces in an absorber can be automatically actuated.

Abstract: An air freshener which has a rigid plastic frame, a hollow shell of translucent, open cell foam which is placed over the frame and which is impregnated with a scent agent, a base which is removably connected to the frame and which has a light bulb extending therefrom into the interior of the frame for illuminating the shell and for heating the scent agent to increase its dispersion. The frame and shell are manufactured in the shape of a basketball, baseball, or other piece of sports equipment and the shell is imprinted with a name or team logo.

Abstract: A fluid bed reactor is provided having a grid baffle structure to provide increased theoretical stages within the reactor to enable the reactor to be used for time/temperature dependent reactions requiring a number of mixing stages and/or an increased particle residence time. The preferred baffle structure comprises a plurality of staggered first and second vertical members extending partly across the reactor from opposed sides of the reactor which form a path for the feed to travel therethrough from the inlet to the outlet of the reactor with the vertical members having vertical cross-members, preferably shorter than the vertical members, extending completely between adjacent vertical members and/or partly in the space between the members to form reaction stage sections whereby feed entering the reactor moves in a serpentine path and/or a sequential underflow and/or overflow path through the reaction stage sections of the baffle from the inlet of the reactor to the reactor outlet.