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A bus arbitration controller controls access of a plurality of asynchronous potential master devices to a unitary interconnecting bus by forming a distributed state machine of arbitration logic units in each of the potential master devices. Each arbitration logic unit receives control signals by way of the unitary bus which are common to all the devices, each control signal being the logical OR of the corresponding signals from all other devices. The control signals include a device address/priority number and a synchronization signal set. The arbitration logic includes a priority resolver which awards bus access to a device having the highest address/priority number, and control logic which receives the common synchronization signal set and synchronizes the operation of the device in which the arbitration logic resides with all other devices contending for the unitary bus. The control logic and the priority resolver are programmable array logic circuits.

A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling a pulse width modulated (PWM) inverter controlled for ignition by a (PWM) pulse produced with a carrier wave and a modulation wave. The method comprises sampling an amplitude of the modulation wave at a cycle rate related to the frequency of the carrier wave. The modulation wave and the carrier wave are synchronized when the sample modulation wave amplitude has a peak value greater than an amplitude of the carrier wave. The modulation wave and the carrier wave are asynchronized when the sampled modulation wave has a peak value less than the amplitude of the carrier wave.

In a system for editing documents having text and voice components, portions of a document are selected by cursor control to display text characters and associated voice symbols or tokens representing the voice component position and time-length.

Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed that provide for simultaneously upconverting electrical signals carrying information at electric frequencies onto optical subcarrier lightwave frequencies that are greater and less than the carrier frequency of the lightwave onto which the electrical frequencies were upconverted. The upconversion of the electrical signals can be performed with or without suppression of the optical carrier frequency.

Herein disclosed is a graphic processing apparatus which uses a CRT of raster scanning type. The graphic processing apparatus has functions to compare and judge whether or not within the range of a predetermined region thereby to effect the drawing operation, to compare drawing picture element data and other data in the drawing operation thereby to arithmetically control the drawing picture element data in accordance with the compared result, and to drawing a pattern of an arbitrary size on the basis of a fundamental unit of line and design patterns in the drawing operation.

A firmware/hardware electronic digital speedometer connected to a vehicle multi-measurand data communications system maintains virtually no flicker in the display of digital numbers in a digital display unit such as a vacuum fluorescent display during movement of a vehicle when no change in speed is apparent. A speed sensor supplies speed information to a first computing unit which establishes an accumulated count of speed during a first interval. Then the first computing unit supplies over a communications link the speed count to a second computing unit at a rate that approximates the update rate of the display unit. The second computing unit processes the speed data in a particular manner to effect the virtually flicker-free updating of the display and improved accuracy.

Novel phosphorous esters of cyanohydrins which exhibit outstanding pesticidal activity. A method of controlling pests by subjecting the pests to a pesticidally active amount of a compound of this invention is also covered.

A complex arithmetic unit (CAU) for manipulating digital data representative of complex numbers. The CAU receives control signals and digital data representative of the real and imaginary parts of the complex operands from a host computer, and performs division, magnitude, and multiplication operations. The CAU has an input port for receiving input data and control signals; an output port for transferring output data and control signals; a RAM for storing input data, output data, and the results of intermediate calculations, the RAM having an input bus connected to the input port and an output bus connected to the output port; a data buffer for transferring digital data from the output bus; a controllable multiplier which also performs addition and subtraction of products, with an input connected to the input bus and the buffer, and an output for transferring digital output data; a parallel scaling multiplexer which receives the multiplier output data and extracts a selected contiguous subset of digital bits to scale the multiplier output data according to a predetermined scaling factor; an address multiplexer for extracting predetermined aspects of the multiplier output data; a lookup PROM addressable in response to the address multiplexer for storing approximate results of mathematical operations and transferring the results to the data buffer means and the multiplier input; a control device responsive to predetermined aspects of the multiplier output data extracted by the data scaling multiplexer control device and the address multiplexer, for controlling the other components.

An Laser Doppler Velocimeter multiplexer interface (20) includes an event pulse synchronizer (162), which synchronizes data pulses from events A, B and C. Clock control (164) is connected to receive timing information on the data pulses from the synchronizer (162). Displays (24, 26, 28) are connected to receive clock signals from the clock control (164) for indicating a data rate for each of the measured events A, B and C. Display (30) is connected to receive clock signals from the clock control (164) to indicate a coincidence rate between data pulses for any selected combination of the measured events A, B and C. A multiplexer (156) receives the data pulses from the events A, B and C and rate data from the clock control (164). Multiplexer (156) has output (180) for supplying the data pulses and rate data to a single input of a data processing system. A multiplexer control (158) is connected to supply control signals to the multiplexer (156) for selecting the event data pulses and the rate data for output from the multiplexer (156). Multiplexer control (158) receives start signals from the pulse synchronizer (162) and user selected inputs for desired outputs from multiplexer (156).

The present invention provides a method of seismic exploration for obtaining a measure of the subterranean formation rock properties. Incident angle ordered gathers of seismic signal are processed to obtain a measure of the reflection coefficient as well as attributes descriptive of variations in amplitude of the seismic signal as a function of incident angle. Such attributes, when plotted on an angle dependent amplitude diagram, are transformed into a most probable estimate of the subterranean formation rock properties as well as a diagnostic of relative lithology and pore fluid contrast.

Alkali metal phosphates and HF can be produced from a substantially calcium-free fluoroaluminum phosphate precipitate (which also contains iron) made by the aging of wet process phosphoric acid containing iron, fluorine and aluminum, preferably phosphoric acid analyzing in the range of about 15%-45 weight percent P.sub.2 O.sub.5, 2-4% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and 1-2% fluorine. One process involves digestion of phosphate ore matrix in recycled phosphoric acid, filtration to remove the insoluble residue, precipitation and filtration to remove gypsum, and aging of the product acid to precipitate the aluminum impurity as a fluoroaluminum phosphate compound. The fluoroaluminum phosphate can be decomposed (as by heating at above 195.degree. C.) to produce HF and aluminum phosphate. The aluminum phosphate can be contacted with alkali metal hydroxide under conditions which produce an alkali metal phosphate.

A method is disclosed for the determination of the shape of a flat section of fabric prior to application of the fabric to a curved surface.

In a power generation process using a gas turbine for conversion of the energy of gas which is produced by the gasification of a fossil carbon-bearing material such as brown coal, the gas is initially cleaned of dust and optionally desulfurised in the hot condition. The gas is then passed to a combustion chamber in which the temperature of the gas is increased by partial reaction of the gas with air and/or oxygen to a temperature of from 1000.degree. to 1500.degree. before the gas is passed through a catalytic fixed bed reactor arranged upstream of the gas turbine combustion chamber. The combustion chamber in which the gas temperature is increased, the fixed bed reactor and the gas turbine combustion chamber may be combined. The fixed bed reactor contains a nickel-bearing catalyst which, at elevated temperatures, is resistant to ageing and resistant to sulfur and compounds thereof.

A database storing data associated with an identifier unique to each sample, the data including first data representative of at least one of composition data, processing data, and property data for the each sample, and second data representative of microstructure data for the each sample. The microstructure data includes a feature determined based on a temperature dependence of magnetization for the each sample.

A variable magnification finder including from front to rear, a first lens unit of negative power, a second lens unit of positive power and a third lens unit of positive power, these three units constituting an objective lens of positive overall power, followed by an eyepiece lens of positive power, wherein a finder image formed by the first and second units near the third lens unit is observed by the eyepiece lens, and, with the other lens units being held stationary, the second lens unit is axially moved to vary the finder magnification.

The invention provides a carpet cleaning composition and dispensing means which use foam producing surfactants, solvents, propellants, builders and water. Other adjuncts may be added, such as fragrances, dyes, and fabric softeners. The invention also provides a method for cleaning soiled fabrics having fibers containing soiling particles which comprises: (a) applying to said fibers an aqueous, solvent/surfactant admixture having a solvent with consistent evaporation rate in ambient air; (b) collapsing without abrasion said mixture into said fibers and emulsifying and segregating said soiling particles during a controlled residence time; and (c) evaporating said solvent so as to form said admixture into a foam, elevating said soiling particles substantially to the surface of said fibers; and compositions directed to the same.

Metal-free compounds of the formula ##STR1## 1:1 and 1:2 metal complexes thereof, and acid addition salts of metal-free compounds of said formula and 1:1 and 1:2 metal complexes thereof, wherein B is hydrogen; C.sub.1-4 alkyl; C.sub.1-4 alkyl monosubstituted by C.sub.1-4 alkoxy; C.sub.2-4 alkyl substituted by hydroxy; C.sub.5-6 cycloalkyl; C.sub.5-6 cycloalkyl substituted by 1 to 3 C.sub.1-4 alkyl groups; phenyl(C.sub.1-3 alkyl); phenyl(C.sub.1-3 alkyl) the phenyl group of which is substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy and halo; --A--NH--R.sub.2 ; --A'.sub.4 --N(R.sub.7).sub.2 ; --A.sub.4 --N.sup..sym. (R.sub.8).sub.2 R.sub.9 A.sup..crclbar. or --N(R.sub.7).sub.2, R is hydrogen; C.sub.1-4 alkyl; C.sub.5-6 cycloalkyl; C.sub.5-6 cycloalkyl substituted by 1 or 2 C.sub.1-4 alkyl groups; phenyl; phenyl substituted by 1 or 2 substituents selected from methyl, ethyl, methoxy and ethoxy; benzyl; phenylethyl; or benzyl or phenylethyl the phenyl group of which is substituted by 1 or 2 substituents selected from methyl, ethyl, methoxy and ethoxy, R.sub.1 is hydrogen or --N.dbd.N--D, wherein D is a diazo component radical, with the proviso that R.sub.1 must be ##STR2## when B is other than --A--NH--R.sub.2, and T is hydrogen, cyano, --COOR.sub.4, --CO--N(R.sub.5)2, --SO.sub.2 --N(R.sub.5).sub.2, ##STR3## with the provisos that (i) when the compound is a monoazo compound free of sulfo groups, it contains at least one water-solubilizing basic or cationic group, (ii) when the compound is free of sulfo groups and is other than a monoazo compound, it contains at least two water-solubilizing groups, and (iii) when the compound contains one or more sulfo groups, the total number of basic and cationic groups exceeds the number of sulfo groups by at least one, are useful as dyes except for the compounds wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen which are useful as intermediates.

The present invention is a membrane and a process for separating at least one component from at least one other component in a gas mixture. A gaseous mixture is passed over a membrane having a thin film of a molten salt hydrate which is selectively permeable to at least one component in the gaseous mixture.

Compounds having the formula ##STR1## wherein X is oxygen or sulfur; R is halogen; C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 alkyl; C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 alkoxy; nitro; cyano; C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 haloalkyl; or R.sup.a SO.sub.n -- wherein n is 0 or 2 and R.sup.a is C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 alkyl; R.sup.1 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; R.sup.2 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; R.sup.3 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; R.sup.4 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; or R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 together form a single bond; or R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 together are alkylene having 2-5 carbon atoms; or R.sup.2 and R.sup.4 together are alkylene having 2-5 carbon atoms; and R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 independently are (1) hydrogen; (2) halogen; (3) C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; (4) C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy; (5) trifluoromethoxy; (6) cyano; (7) nitro; (8) C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkyl; (9) R.sup.b SO.sub.n -- wherein n is the integer 0, 1 or 2; and R.sup.b is (a) C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; (b) C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl substituted with halogen or cyano; (c) phenyl; or (d) benzyl; (10) --NR.sup.c R.sup.d wherein R.sup.c and R.sup.d independently are hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; (11) R.sup.e C(O)-- wherein R.sup.e is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy; or (12) --SO.sub.2 NR.sup.c R.sup.d wherein R.sup.c and R.sup.d are as defined; and (13) --N(R.sup.c)C(O)R.sup.d wherein R.sup.c and R.sup.d are as defined and their salts are useful as herbicides.

Compounds having the formula ##STR1## wherein X is sulfur; R is halogen; C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 alkyl; C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 alkoxy; nitro; cyano; C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 haloalkyl; or R.sup.a SO.sub.n -- wherein n is 0 or 2 and R.sup.a is C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 alkyl; R.sup.1 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; R.sup.2 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; R.sup.3 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; R.sup.4 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; or R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 together form a single bond; or R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 together are alkylene having 2-5 carbon atoms; or R.sup.2 and R.sup.4 together are alkylene having 2-5 carbon atoms; and R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 independently are (1) hydrogen; (2) halogen; (3) C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; (4) C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy; (5) trifluoromethoxy; (6) cyano; (7) nitro; (8) C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkyl; (9) R.sup.b SO.sub.n -- wherein n is the integer 0, 1 or 2; and R.sup.b is (a) C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; (b) C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl substituted with halogen or cyano; (c) phenyl; or (d) benzyl; (10)--NR.sup.c R.sup.d wherein R.sup.c and R.sup.d independently are hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; (11) R.sup.e C(O)-- wherein R.sup.e is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy; or (12) --SO.sub.2 NR.sup.c R.sup.d wherein R.sup.c and R.sup.d are as defined; and (13) --N(R.sup.c)C(O)R.sup.d wherein R.sup.c and R.sup.d are as defined and their salts are useful as herbicides.

Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkyl, cyano, nitro, S(O).sub.n R wherein R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl and n is the integer 0, 1 or 2; and R.sup.2 through R.sup.8 are hydrogen or certain substituents, their salts, herbicidal compositions containing the compound or salts and the herbicidal use thereof.

A method for increasing the yield of fine and ultrafine powder from a metal or metal alloy, including such high surface tension metals and alloys as copper, Fe-based alloys, Cu-Al-Fe alloys and Ni-Cr-Fe-B-Si alloys. A pressurized stream of molten metal is atomized by a cone of impinging gas streams, the apex of the gas cone being less than 50 mm from the melt outlet and 11-24 mm from the gas orifices. The gas velocity is greater than 100 m/sec, and the mass flow ratio of melt to gas is less than 0.10. The melt stream is pressurized by introducing pressurizing gas to an overpressure zone above the melt, e.g. in a sealed crucible.

The present invention relates to a method for treating lakes with selenium with the intention of lowering the mercury content of fish, and is characterized by supplying to the lake selenium in the form of a selenium salt incorporated in a carrier material capable of dispensing selenium to the surrounding water substantially continuously and in a controlled manner. The carrier material is preferably a rubber-based or silicon-based and biologically degradable material. There is preferably maintained an effective selenium level of beneath 10 .mu.g.

A ferroelectric liquid crystal composition having a long helical pitch and a light switching element having a quick response property are provided. This composition comprises (1) at least one member selected from the group consisting of liquid crystal compounds having a smectic C phase and no helical structure and liquid crystal compounds having only a nematic phase as a liquid crystal phase and no helical structure and (2) at least one chiral smectic liquid crystal compounds.

A novel optically active liquid crystal compound and a liquid crystal composition containing the same are provided, which compound is expressed by the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is alkyl or alkoxy of 4-18 C; R.sub.2 is alkyl, alkoxy, acyl or alkoxymethyl of 4-18 C; but either one of R.sub.1 or R.sub.2 is an optically active group; either one of X.sub.1 or X.sub.2 is halogen atom and the other is H; m and n each are 0 or 1 and m+n is 0 or 1.

In a computer system having at least a bus with at least one central processing unit (CPU), one random access memory (RAM), and a first configuration of a plurality of different types of peripheral units (e.g. tape drives, disk drives, diskette drives, printers, unit record peripherals, etc.) coupled to the bus, an apparatus for controlling the first configuration and also capable of controlling a predetermined number of other configurations of different types of peripheral units when any of that predetermined number of configurations of peripheral units is coupled to the bus.

A process and composition for inhibiting surfactant irritation and insult comprising an aqueous solution of a surfactant and an effective amount of an irritation inhibitor selected from the group consisting of lecithin, sodium cetearyl sulfate, an amino acid, cocamine compounds, amine oxides, glyceryl monoesters, ethoxylated monocarboxylic acids, ethoxylated hydroxyl compounds and mixtures thereof.

An image capture lens and an image capture apparatus in which various kinds of aberrations are corrected and optical performance suitable for capturing images is obtained. Successively from an object side provided are a first lens group including a negative meniscus lens, a second lens group including a positive lens directing its convex to the object side, a third lend group including a first cemented lens composed of a bi-convex positive lens and a bi-concave negative lens, the first cemented lens having positive refractive power and directing its concave to the object side, a fourth lens group including a second cemented lens composed of a bi-concave negative lens and a bi-convex positive lens, the second cemented lens having negative refractive power and directing its convex surface to an image side, a fifth lens group including a positive lens directing its convex to the image side and a sixth lens group including a negative lens directing its concave to the object side.

The compounds 9-phenyl-3,7-dimethyl-2,4,6,8-nonatetraenoic acids wherein the phenyl group is substituted with an alkyl, aminoalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, hydroxyalkylamino, and a hydroxy alkoxy group, and derivatives thereof which are used as disease modifying anti-rheumatic agents and as immunosuppressants.

A waste gas in treated by the sequence of discharge treatment and catalytic oxidation. A microbe-containing gas is disinfected by first mixing it with ozone, then subjecting the gas to discharge treatment and catalytic reaction successively.

A method for producing an aluminum nitride powder of superior sinterability of which steps are providing an aqueous boehmite sol having a pH of 1.2 to 4.5, mixing a carbon source material to the sol and drying the mixture. The mixture is sintered in a non-oxidizing atmosphere containing nitrogen or in a nitrogen atmosphere and finally decarbonized to obtain an aluminum nitride powder. The carbon source material is preferably a mixture of an organic carbon source material and a solid carbon powder. A predetermined amount of alpha-alumina may be added to the mixture.

This relates to reinforced hollow utility poles, and attachments therefore, formed by pultrusion of dielectric insulating material, such as glass fiber reinforced resin, and the method of fabricating the same.

The present invention relates to the aluminum hydroxide having a specific surface area of at least 350 m.sup.2, preferably at least 400 m.sup.2, per g. and to a process for its preparation. The aluminum hydroxide should be capable of absorbing at least 1 g of fat per g. of material. The aluminum hydroxide is preferably part of a pharmaceutical preparation.

There is provided an improved light receiving member for use in electrophotography comprising a substrate for electrophotography and a light receiving layer constituted by a contact layer formed of a polycrystal material containing silicon atoms as the main constituent atoms and at least one kind selected from nitrogen atoms, oxygen atoms and carbon atoms, a photoconductive layer formed of an amorphous material containing silicon atoms as the main constituent atoms and a surface layer formed of an amorphous material containing silicon atoms, carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms, the amount of the hydrogen atoms contained in the surface layer being in the range from 1.times.10.sup.-3 to 40 atomic %. The light receiving layer may have a charge injection inhibition layer or/and an absorption layer of light having a long wavelength.

A method for use in the assay of PIVKA-II by the enzyme immunoassay using the two antibody-sandwiching method, characterized by using a monoclonal anti-PIVKA-II antibody as solidified antibody for said assay.

Fibrinolytic enzymes are produced and then isolated from non-cancerous established cell lines, designated as BEB or GPK. These fibrinolytic enzymes differ from those produced by malignant cell lines.

The actinomycete "Actinomadura sp." designated in our culture collection as Strain No. G455-101 has been deposited with the American Type Culture Collection under the Accession Number ATCC No. 31491. The taxonomic description of this microorganism is presented in detail in the specification as are instructions for fermenting aqueous nutrient media with it to produce the BBM 928 antibiotic complex. The BBM 928 complex has utility as an antibacterial agent against gram-positive and acid fast bacteria and exhibits antitumor activity against experimental animal tumors.

Novel pharmaceutical analgesic, anti-inflammatory and skeletal muscle relaxant compositions and methods of using same comprising an analgesically and anti-inflammatory effective amount of at least one non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug other than aspirin, acetaminophen and phenacetin, in combination with an effective amount of a skeletal muscle relaxant.

A novel fungicidal compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, ##STR2## R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are hydrogen, bromine or methyl; R.sup.4 is alkenyl having 2 to 9 carbon atoms or alkynyl having 2 to 9 carbon atoms; m is an integer of 0 to 2; n is an integer of 0 to 1; p and q are independently integers of 1 to 8; Az is imidazolyl or 1,2,4-triazolyl, Q is --CO--, --O-- or --CO--NR.sup.5 --; R.sup.5 is hydrogen or methyl, Y is hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or phenyl; and Z is hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or methyl, provided that, when Z is hydrogen or chlorine, n is 1, or its salt. A process for producing the compound (I) and a fungicide containing the compound (i) are also disclosed.

The invention primarily concerns a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, the adhesive layer of which is filled with glass microbubbles and has a dark appearance by virtue of (1) the microbubbles are stained glass which preferably is dark, and (2) dispersed throughout the adhesive layer is a pigment or dye which preferably is dark. More broadly, the invention concerns any coherent article filled with stained-glass microbubbles. The glass of the microbubbles preferably has an ultraviolet window, permitting the article to be made by photopolymerizing a matrix filled with the microbubbles.

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride when blended with sulfur is often miscible and has reduced melt flow viscosity. Various metal carbonates impart improved stability and optionally various fibers can be utilized to increase the tensile strength of the composition.

Copolymers of (1) from about 80% to about 98% by weight of acrylic acid and (2) from about 2% to about 20% by weight of itaconic acid and having a weight average molecular weight of between about 100,000 to about 800,000 and which are at least water dispersible are useful as retention aids for paper coating compositions.

A sulfur-containing polyurethane base lens resin is obtained by reacting one or more isocyanate compounds, which have two or more NCO groups, with one or more OH-containing compounds, which have two or more OH groups, in such proportions that the molar ratio of NCO groups to OH groups ranges from 0.5 to 1.5. At least one of said one or more OH-containing compounds contains one or more sulfur atoms in the molecule thereof. The total content of sulfur atoms in all OH-containing compounds is 20 wt. % or higher.

Poly(butylene terephthalate) is prepared in a two-stage process wherein terephthalic acid and 1,4-butanediol are esterified in the presence of a catalytic amount of a catalyst having an organo-metallic component which is an organo-titanate compound, an organo-tin compound or a combination thereof and a salt component which is an organic acid salt or an inorganic salt. In a second step, the esterification product is subject to polycondensation. By following the foregoing procedure, the formation of tetrahydrofuran is significantly suppressed and the percent conversion of esterification products increased.

A process for making agar-agar from algae extraction juices and comprising: (a) placing the extraction juice in the presence of a cationic ion exchange resin conditioned into the Na.sup.+ form, then placing it (b) in the presence of an anion exchange resin conditioned into the Cl.sup.- and/or SO.sup.--.sub.4 form, then (c) optionally placing the juice in the presence of a cation ion exchange resin conditioned into the OH.sup.- form, (d) thereupon gelling the juice, (e) extracting the agar-agar from the obtained gel, and where called for (f) treating the obtained powder by placing it in contact with an ozone-loaded carrier gas. Such a process allows producing at reduced costs high-grade agar-agar, useful in particular in the medical, pharmaceutical and bioengineering fields.

A lamination for use in a dynamo-electric machine of the kind employing a stacked laminated stator and/or rotor, is formed of a flat annular plate of ferromagnetic material having a given outer diameter and a bore opening of a certain inner diameter. The plate has a number of equally circumferentially spaced slot opening extending from an intermediate circumference to form a number of teeth which extend radially to an air gap periphery of the plate. The slot openings are formed to contain electrical conducting elements which extend axially of the lamination stack to correspond to an n pole operating configuration. The annular plate includes a tooth portion defined by the teeth between the intermediate circumference and the air gap periphery, and a yoke portion defined by a continuous surface of the plate between the intermediate circumference and the periphery of the plate radially opposite the air gap periphery. For a given ratio of inner diameter to outer diameter for the plate, the teeth are sufficiently wide relative to the area of the slot openings to that the ratio of flux density in the tooth portion to flux density in the yoke portion in response to current passed through the conducting elements, is optimized for a given n pole operating configuration of the conducting elements.

A text compiling device includes a first memory area for storing an intervening code program in which a statement or comment is given by a code. The intervening code is read out and is converted to an ASCII code program. The converted ASCII code program is stored in a second memory area, which partly overlaps with the first memory area. Similarly, a reverse conversion can be carried out.

In a control system for a power converter for driving induction motors, the control system separately controlling an exciting current component of the primary current of the induction motors contributing to generation of a magnetic flux and a torque current component of the primary current contributing to generation of a torque, a voltage detecting device detects the output voltage of the power converter, and a correcting device responds to the voltage detecting device for determining a current correction for correcting at least one of the exciting current component and the torque current component to reduce the difference of the detected voltage from a reference value of the output voltage.

A control system for an M-phase a.c. machine which measures the currents in at least (M-N) phases, where N=2 if M is even and N=1 if M is uneven, measures the instantaneous values of the voltages in (M-N) phases and obtains control signals for alteration of the input voltage and/or current to the motor to maintain the motor in an efficient running condition.

A control system for an induction motor includes a power presumption circuit for presuming an electric energy F.sub.o, which is associated with a reactive power generated in the induction motor, on the basis of the numerical constants including the secondary winding resistance, the actual primary current and the actual rotation speed or angle of the induction motor. The electric energy F.sub.o is used to compensate for the change of the numerical constants of the induction motor, which is caused by the change in temperature.

A technique is disclosed for encoding SAR image data to achieve data compression. In the image encoding stage, the SAR image is transformed into a list of high reflectivity radar discretes and a small array of frequency filters. In the target list, the location data and intensity levels above the local average background clutter are tabulated for a predetermined number of the highest intensity radar discretes. The array of frequency filters is divided into three zones; the inner, middle, and higher frequency zones relative to the d.c. filter. Only the inner and middle zones of filters are retained and the outer filters are discarded, thus acheiving the desired data reduction. The inner zone filters are quantized to a higher level of precision than the middle zone of filters. The saturation levels of the filters are determined adaptively. In the decoding stage, the original SAR image is reconstructed from the radar discrete list and the small array of frequency filters.

A vector processing apparatus includes a scalar processor for executing scalar instructions and a vector processor for executing vector instructions. The vector processing apparatus has status code registers (SCR) which can be referred to by both processors through a wait managing circuit. The scalar instructions each have an order assurance instruction to assure an order of execution, and the order assurance instruction and the vector instruction each have a field to designate an SCR. The wait managing circuit renders the execution of the instruction in the scalar processor or the vector processor to wait or enable in accordance with a set status or a reset status of the SCR designated by the instruction field, and sets or resets the SCR designated by the instruction field in response to the completion of execution of the instruction to control synchronization of the execution of instructions in both processors.

Storage or retrieval of a record from computer storage or memory is generally accomplished by scanning, or direct addressing. Scanning a file of records to retrieve one particular record requires comparing its key with the key of one record after another until a match is found. Direct addressing involves assigning each record to a specific location usually on the basis of a record key. Direct addressing provides the most rapid means of accessing a single record in a file, but the process of transforming a record key, to a corresponding address or location where the record can be found, is subject to certain disadvantages. Neither complete randomization nor a completely uniform distribution results when keys are converted to addresses even by random conversion transformations or hashing techniques. A transformation or hashing process is provided herein which not only leads to a greater degree of randomness, but is so general that it is effective for both static and volatile files.

Method to process seismic data to yield useful information regarding the subsurface area explored. Seismic data which is acquired from the seismic exploration is autocorrelated and the amplitude spectrums estimated, stacked and averaged to reduce the effects of nonwhite reflectivity upon the data. The amplitude spectrum is cepstral windowed a first time to reduce the effects of reflectivity leakage on the amplitude spectrum, amortized at both low and high frequencies so that the amplitude spectrum will approximate the analog wavelet and cepstral windowed a second time to eliminate any remaining rapidly varying components of the amplitude spectrum. The resultant amplitude spectrum is then used to estimate the phase spectrum for the wavelet and a two-sided least squares filter is then designed to shape the estimated seismic wavelet into a zero-phase, low sidelobe output wavelet.

There is disclosed a data encryption system for use in a computer system having at least one disc drive. A first memory is used for storing an encryption key and a second memory is used for storing data. Data from the second memory is logically combined with selected portions of the encryption key by a gate. Control hardware and software controls the reading and writing of data onto the disc, routing the data through the gate so that the data is automatically encrypted as it is written onto the disc and decoded as it is read from the disc. Furthermore, an encryption key portion selection circuit controls the first memory so that it outputs a sequence of selected portions of the encryption key for use by the gate as data flows through the gate. The selected portions of the encryption key correspond to the disc location where the data is stored or is to be stored.

Speaker-independent word recognition method and system for identifying individual spoken words based upon an acoustically distinct vocabulary of a limited number of words. The word recognition system may employ memory storage associated with a microprocessor or microcomputer in which reference templates of digital speech data representative of a limited number of words comprising the word vocabulary are stored. The word recognition system accepts an input analog speech signal from a microphone as derived from a single word-voice command spoken by any speaker. The analog speech signal is directed to an energy measuring circuit and a zero-crossing detector for determining a sequence of feature vectors based upon the zero-crossing rate and energy measurements of the sampled analog speech signal. The sequence of feature vectors are then input to the microprocessor or microcomputer for individual comparison with the feature vectors included in each of the reference templates as stored in the memory portion of the microprocessor or microcomputer. Comparison of the sequence of feature vectors as determined from the input analog speech signal with the feature vectors included in the plurality of reference templates produces a cumulative cost profile for enabling logic circuitry within the microprocessor or microcomputer to make a decision as to the identity of the spoken word. The work recognition system may be incorporated within an electronic device which is also equipped with speech synthesis capability such that the electronic device is able to recognize simple words as spoken thereto and to provide an audible comment via speech synthesis which is related to the spoken word.

A method and apparatus for monitoring and testing the operation and configuration of a remote receiver in an electrical load management system. The receivers are responsive to encoded command signals to remove electrical loads from the electrical distribution system. Upon receipt of a predetermined status inquiry command signal, the receiver retrieves status information pertaining to the receiver, and transmits the status information over a data communications link to a hand-held operator display unit. The operator display unit employs a short-range FM transmitter to transmit the predetermined status inquiry command signal, receives the transmitted status information, and displays the received status information to the operator on a display.

Fetal monitors for automatically and continuously monitoring the well-being of a fetus. The preferably ambulatory monitors include one or more fetal cardiac sensors for detecting the fetal heart rate. The sensors can be acoustic, electrocardiographic or bioimpedence types. Interference sensors are included for selectively sensing the principle interference components contained in the fetal cardiac sensor signals. The preferred microprocessor based signal processing system converts the sensor signals into digital format and transforms the signals from time domain into frequency domain and back into time domain after appropriate processing. Adaptive cancellation of interfering signals and other signal enhancing operations are disclosed. Analytical subsystems continuously analyze the fetal heart rate information and information from a fetal movement sensor to perform a fetal non-stress test. Subsystems for other analytical tests are also disclosed. Alarms warn the mother when fetal behavior is outside of preprogrammed acceptable limits of such analytical tests so that remedial action may be initiated. The monitoring system also preferably includes a sensor belt for properly and conveniently wearing the sensors and a control unit containing the signal processing and related components.

An apparatus for measuring and regulating the variable pressure furnace gas chemistry is described. The apparatus uses a mass spectrometer for measurements, in the preferred form of the invention, in which gas species percent composition is obtained quantitatively independent of total furnace pressure variation. Using such a real time measurement capability, active control of batch process furnace operations is possible by intrinsic measurement of the part outgassing rather than by assumption of batch part status as a function of extrinsic parameters such as temperature and total pressure. Thus, by a combination of batch process temperature ramp control and variable admittance of suitable gas into the furnace, uniform batch processing is possible by closed loop control, due to renormalization of furnace residual gas chemistry from day to day drift and from batch part chemistry variation. Quantitative measurements of the variable residual pressure is made possible by adjusting in real time the throughput into the mass spectrometer independent of the total pressure variation in the furnace. These measurement means also make possible the real time determination of sinter part densification in vacuum furnaces by measurement of the part outgassing attenuation during pore closure.

Method for the binocular stereoscopic moving image representation of image scenes sensed with relative movement between a single monocular imaging sensor and a scene area, in particular aerial image scenes. The method uses left and right frames for said representation which are sensed at different times during said relative movement. For the continuous stereoscopic representation of almost the whole image the frames are each combined from parts of at least three consecutive sensed images of an image sequence overlapping in pairs. The parts of the at least three images are rectified under consideration of the geometric parameters of the actually sensed images such that the image scale for said parts is equal. The method is also applicable if sensed images are transmitted from said imaging sensor with a reduced frame rate and by imaging-adapted interpolation and/or extrapolation on the basis of two transmitted images. In each case intermediate images are reproduced and for the representation inserted between the transmitted images to produce said consecutive image sequence. Selected frame pairs can be displayed for a selected period of time as a still picture. For highlighting moving objects substantially identical image contents of the two frames used for representation are suppressed by subtraction of the data of the brightness values. Highlighting of moving objects can also be achieved by representing the two frames monocularly in alternation.

Oxide dispersion strengthened alloys containing 5-9% chromium, 5-7% aluminum, 5-9% tungsten, 1-3% molybdenum, 1-5% tantalum, 0-1.5% titanium, 0-10% cobalt, 1-4% rhenium, 0.1-2% yttrium, small amounts of boron and zirconium as required, balance essentially nickel display excellent lives to rupture under load at intermediate high temperatures of about 850.degree. C.

This invention relates to an efficient cis-to-trans isomerization of 1,4-dihalobutene-2 by means of a thiol or hydrogen bromide or hydrogen chloride catalyzed reaction.

Improved noncatalytic nonreactive alumina-silica solid for removing carbonaceous and metallic contaminants including nickel and vanadium from hydrocarbon feedstock by short term, high temperature contact comprises mullite and crystalline silica. In the decarbonizing and demetallizing process, impurities are deposited on the particles of the solid and the major portion of the feedstock is vaporized. After burning carbonaceous deposit from the particles, the hot particles containing nickel and vanadium are recycled into contact with incoming charges of contaminated feedstock. Periodically metals are removed from coke-depleted particles by extraction with a mineral acid at elevated temperature without dissolving or otherwise destroying the alumina-silica particles. The particles are then reintroduced into the system. The particles comprising mullite and crystalline silica are obtained by calcining particles of high purity kaolin or kyanite under controlled conditions to assure substantial conversion of silica content of the clay or kyanite to a mixture of mullite and crystalline silica. Optionally, small amounts of acid insoluble alumina are also present in the particles.

A metalworking lubricant comprising an oil-in-water microemulsion and containing about 1-30 wt % natural or synthetic oil; about 0.5-30 wt % of a water-soluble surfactant, preferably a nonionic surfactant; about 1-20 wt % of an organic consurfactant, preferably 1,2-octanediol; and about 45-97.5 wt % water containing less than about 1 wt % dissolved inorganic salts. The lubricant is suitable for various metalworking methods, including hot rolling and cold rolling of aluminum and aluminum alloys.

A novel liquid crystal compound exhibiting SC phase which, when added to an optically active liquid crystal, makes the resulting chiral smectic liquid crystal material exhibit superior performances in liquid crystal display elements utilizing the ferroelectricity of the material, and a chiral smectic C composition using the compound. The compound is expressed by the formula ##STR1## wherein X represents F or Cl and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each represent a straight chain alkyl group of 1 to 18 carbon atoms.

A voltage-dependent non-linear resistance ceramic composition comprises SrTiO.sub.3, Sr.sub.1-x Ba.sub.x TiO.sub.3 (0.001.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.300) or Sr.sub.1-x Ca.sub.x TiO.sub.3 (0.001.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.300) as host material and further includes 0.001-2.000 mol % of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 as metal oxide for semiconductorization acceleration, 0.001-3.000 mol % of metal oxide(s) of at least one selected from the group consisting of Ca.sub.2 O.sub.3, CuO, Ag.sub.2 O, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, ZrO.sub.2, Bao, SiO.sub.2, MgO, B.sub.2 O.sub.3, MnO.sub.2, NiO, MoO.sub.3 BeO, Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, Li.sub.2 O, Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3, PbO, CaO, TiO.sub.2, P.sub.2 O.sub.5, Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 and V.sub.2 O.sub.5, which segregates at grain boundary to make the grain boundary selectively to high resistances; an element made of the composition has both characteristics of capacitance and varistor, and is suitable for filter to remove noise or surge.

Sweeteners of the formula: ##STR1## and food-acceptable salts thereof, where the substituents are disclosed herein.

A laminate which is elastic in at least one direction, includes an elastic sheet having at least one nonelastic nonwoven web joined thereto at least at two areas. The nonelastic web is gathered between the two areas. The elastic sheet is formed from a polyetherester and the nonelastic nonwoven web includes spunlaced hydraulically entangled polyester fibers. The nonelastic nonwoven web may also include rayon or wood pulp fibers.

An electrically conductive fibrous material and a process for preparing the same from a thermally stabilized acrylic fibrous material are provided. The thermally stabilized acrylic fibrous material is first contacted with cuprous ions to produce a cuprous ion-impregnated fibrous material, and subsequently is subjected to a sulfiding agent capable of sulfiding cuprous ions, and preferably washed, to produce thermally stabilized acrylic fibrous material having covellite copper sulfide in association therewith. Also provided are electrically conductive composites and a process for preparing the same by incorporating the fibrous material prepared in accordance with the process within a substantially continuous polymeric matrix.

Compounds with a flavanone skeleton having the formula I ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, which may be the same or different, represent hydrogen, hydroxyl, methoxyl, thiomethyl, amino or substituted amino, are endowed with expectorant, mucolytic, mucopoietic, choleretic and hypolipaemia-producing activity.

A cyclodextrin adsorbing material composed of a water-insoluble resin substrate to which a ligand having such a size as to be included by cyclodextrin is chemically bonded via a spacer radical; a method of separating and purifying cyclodextrin from an aqueous solution containing it, which comprises bringing said aqueous solution into contact with the above adsorbing material to adsorb cyclodextrin on the adsorbing material, and subjecting the adsorbing material to a desorption treatment to recover cyclodextrin; and a method of increasing the amount of cyclodextrin yielded, which comprises carrying out a cyclodextrin-forming reaction by an enzymatic method in the presence of the above adsorbent material.

Disclosed herein are Ba-containing plate-like magnetoplumbite type ferrite particles for magnetic recording containing ions of one metal (II) selected from Ni and Zn and ions of one metal (IV) selected from Ti, Sn and Zr, and having zinc incorporated as a solid solution close to the particle surface and the change of coercive force of said particles at a temperature of -20.degree. to 120.degree. C. in the range of -0.5 to +0.5 Oe/.degree.C., and a process for producing the same.

Disclosed is a method of making an adhesive comprising forming a first composition of a polyesterether glycol having the general formula ##STR1## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each independently selected from alkylidene from C.sub.1 to C.sub.10, and n is about 1 to about 5 about 0.01 to about 1% by weight (based on the weight of the polyesterether glycol) of a catalyst, and sufficient solvent for said adhesive to have at least 50% solids, forming a second composition of about 0.85 to about 0.95 mole % of a diisocyanate and about 0.15 to about 0.05 mole % of a polyisocyanate, and mixing the first and second compositions together. The adhesive is applied to a first substrate, the solvent is evaporated, and a second substrate is pressed against the adhesive on the first substrate to form a flexible laminate.

A surface-coated cutting member includes a substrate, a metal layer vapor-deposited on a surface of the substrate and a hard coating vapor-deposited on the metal layer. The substrate is made of hard material selected from the group consisting of tungsten carbide-based cemented carbide, titanium carbo-nitride based cermet and high speed steel. The metal layer is made of metal selected from Group IVa of the Periodic Table and has an average thickness of 0.1 to 1 .mu.m. The hard coating has an average thickness of 1 to 9 .mu.m, and includes an inner layer of an average thickness of 0.2 to 4 .mu.m vapor-deposited on the metal layer, an intermediate layer of an average thickness of 0.2 to 4 .mu.m vapor-deposited on the inner layer and an outer layer of an average thickness of 0.2 to 3 .mu.m vapor-deposited on the intermediate layer. The inner layer is made of carbide or carbo-nitride of metal selected from Group IVa of the Periodic Table, and the intermediate layer is made of carbo-nitride of metal selected from Group IVa of the Periodic Table. The outer layer is made of nitride of metal selected from Group IVa of the Periodic Table.

Theophylline can be determined with an analytical element, composition, kit and method which utilize the inhibition, by theophylline, of alkaline phosphatase activity on an appropriate substrate. The assay is carried out at a pH of 9 or less. The element comprises an absorbent carrier material, a suitable buffer for maintaining the pH at 9 or less, and, in fluid contact, a first zone containing an isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase which is capable of activity at pH 9 or less, and a second zone containing a substrate for the isoenzyme. Use of this invention avoids the effect of endogenous alkaline phosphatase found in human biological fluids which has no activity at pH 9 or less.

Theophylline can be determined with an analytical element and method which utilize the inhibition, by theophylline, of alkaline phosphatase activity on an appropriate substrate. The assay is carried out at a pH of 9 or less. The element comprises a porous spreading zone and at least one other zone in fluid contact with the spreading zone. The isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase and a suitable substrate for the isoenzyme are located in different zones of the element. The element also contains a buffer for maintaining the pH at 9 or less, substantially all of which is located in the spreading zone.

Compositions and methods for inducing pluripotent stem cells into retinal ganglion cells for administration to a subject for treating progressive optic neuropathies, thereby alleviating symptoms of such disorders including glaucoma.

Use of tin protoporphyrin and tin mesoporphyrin together with ultraviolet light in the treatment of psoriasis.

The invention relates to new 1,2,3,4,6,7,12,12b-octahydroindolo[2,3,-a]quinolizin-1-yl-alkanecarboxylic acid amides of the formula (I), ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 stand independently for a hydrogen or halogen atom, or a hydroxyl, nitro or C.sub.1-4 alkoxy group; R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 stand independently for a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group; R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 stand independently for a hydrogen atom, C.sub.1-8 alkyl group, C.sub.3-8 alkenyl or cycloalkyl group, aryl or aralkyl group, heteroaryl or heteroaralkyl group containing oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur atom, all these groups being optionally substituted; or R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 together form an optionally substituted C.sub.2-8 .alpha.,.omega.-alkylene group, wherein one carbon atom may optionally be replaced by an oxygen or nitrogen atom; and G means a C.sub.1-4 straight chained alkylene group, as well as to their therapeutically suitable acid addition salts and pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds. The compounds of the formula (I) have valuable therapeutic properties, namely vasodilatory, spasmolytic, antiarrhythmic and gastrocytoprotective effects. The gastrocytoprotective effect is particularly important.

Certain fungistats when employed in combination have been found to exhibit synergistic antifungal properties and further exhibit fungicidal properties.

Disclosed herein is a water-soluble polymer composition, and more in detail, a composition of a polymer or a copolymer of acrylamide having an improved thermal stability.

Heat-vulcanizable organopolysiloxane compositions, adopted for curing into silicone elastomers having improved reversion and oil resistance and useful, e.g., as seals in contact with hot oils, comprise at least one diorganopolysiloxane resin (A) having a viscosity of greater than 1,000,000 mPa.s at 25.degree. C., a reinforcing and/or semireinforcing filler material (B), an organic peroxide (C), an organosilicon compound (D) containing at least one acryloyloxyalkyl or methacryloyloxyalkyl group bonded to a silicon atom, and (E) at least one oxide or hydroxide of an alkaline earth metal.

For reducing the redundancy ratio of an entity key set, from very high ratios when encoded into conventional I/O code-words, down to a ratio close to zero, a non-redundant number code representation is employed in an encoder/decoder in lieu of a conventional multiple code-word representation, each member of the number code representing a member of the entity key set. Such a number code encoder/decoder may hold in store and provide access to an entity key set representing a set of 65535 different textual or lexical words, thereby using a 16 bit fixed length number code. Code-words representing such code numbers would require 16 bits of storage each if being held in store, however, such code numbers are produced using two alternative methods, (i) as relative address values of individual storage locations within a string of storage locations, e.g., a string of 8 bit byte locations, or (ii) as marked bit counts within a bit map representing the stored set. An embodiment using a byte string representation would require just a little more than 8 bits of storage for each entity key, while an embodiment using the bit map representation would require just a little more than 1 bit of storage for each entity key. These extreme values are achieved for entity key sets having low redundancy ratios prior to redundancy reduction. In many applications, the degree of compression may be maximized by combining the two types of representation, using the bit mapping technique in those parts of the system where the redundancy ratio is lowest. To enable a compressed representation of files within a file handling system, for example, the 16 bit code-words mentioned above may be applied to represent repeatedly occurring file segments for compact file storage as well as for fast file transfer. Provided the relative frequencies of occurrence can be statistically determined for the different code-words, a variable length type of code may be designed to further reduce average code length. The well-known Huffman code is an optimum code for this purpose.

Disclosed are compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is amino, an acylated amino or a protected amino group, X is hydrogen or methoxy, and R' is hydrogen, R or R.sup.4 wherein R is an organic residue attached to the azetidine ring through a carbon atom therein and R.sub.4 is azido, a halogen, an amino group which may optionally be acylated or a group of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.5 is an organic residue and n is 0, 1 or 2, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. The compounds have antimicrobial and/or .beta.-lactamase-inhibitory activity and are of value as drugs for human beings and domesticated animals.

In the synthesis of biotin and decarboxybiotin, a more direct method for the conversion of 1,3-diacyl-4-(bromomethyl)-5-[(5-alkoxycarbonylpentanoyl) or hexanoyl]-4-imidazolin-2-ones to 1,3-diacyl-4-[(4-alkoxybutanoyl) or pentanoyl]-1H,3H-thieno (3,4-b)imidazol-2-one via the Bunte salt of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is (C.sub.1 -C.sub.5)alkanoyl or (C.sub.2 -C.sub.5) alkoxycarbonyl, X is methyl or (C.sub.2 -C.sub.5)alkoxycarbonyl an Y is an alkali metal.

A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner.

Discloses (1) reacting a 3-(hydrocarbylthio) propionaldehyde with a compound ##STR1## (2) reacting latter compound with CO and R"YH where y is O or S to make (3) hydrolyzing this compound; (4) certain new 1-acyloxy-3-methylthiopropenes and (5) the methyl ester of 2-acetoxy-4-(methylthio)thiobutanoic acid.

The invention is a process for the hydroformylation of C.sub.2-4 alkenes, formyl-substituted C.sub.2-4 alkenes, aryl-substituted alkenes, unsaturated norbornane ring-containing compounds, and .alpha.-unsaturated acetals which comprises contacting a C.sub.2-4 alkene, a formyl-substituted C.sub.2-4 alkene, aryl-substituted alkene, an unsaturated norbornane ring-containing compound or an .alpha.-unsaturated acetal in a polar organic solvent with water and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalytic amount of a catalyst which comprises a mixture of (a) an alkali metal iron carbonyl or alkaline earth metal iron carbonyl which corresponds to the formula M.sub.a Fe.sub.x (CO).sub.y and (b) iron pentacarbonyl under conditions such that an alcohol or aldehyde derivative of a C.sub.2-4 alkene, a formyl-substituted C.sub.2-4 alkene, an aryl-substituted alkene, unsaturated norbornane ring-containing compound or an .alpha.-unsaturated acetal, is prepared wherein M is an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal; a is 1 or 2; x is an integer of 2 to 4, inclusive; and y is 8, 11 or 13.

Apparatus is disclosed for adaptively producing a sample having a desired M-tile value, and includes a source of a set of input samples and a source of a control signal. Means are provided for adaptively masking or replacing a subset of the input samples with samples having a predetermined value in response to the control signal. A sorter receives the resulting masked samples and produces an ordered set of samples in rank order. Sample selecting means coupled to the output of the sorter provides an output sample from the location in the ordered set of samples corresponding to the desired M-tile, in response to the control signal.

A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a driving unit and a plurality of pixels. The pixel includes a first photoelectric conversion unit, a second photoelectric conversion unit, a charge-voltage conversion unit, a first transfer transistor, a second transfer transistor, a reset transistor, a microlens configured to condense incident light to the first photoelectric conversion unit and the second photoelectric conversion unit, and an output unit. The driving unit performs a first operation including a first reset operation and a first readout operation, and a second operation including a second reset operation and a second readout operation.

The present invention is directed to time-sharing computer system which includes a host computer system which operates in response to a host TSS command, a terminal computer system which is connected to the host computer system through a line and operates in response to a terminal TSS command, and a plurality of terminals which are connected to the terminal computer system. In this time-sharing system, the data processing in a terminal computer in response to a terminal TSS command input and the subsequent data processing in the host computer system in response to a host TSS command input can be carried out freely when the terminal is in a state of interaction with the host computer, without carrying out an end command of the host TSS a mode exchange operation. For this purpose, the system adopts the concept of a multiplexed TSS, which enables plural sessions to be simultaneously executed by the host computer system and the terminal computer system.

A self-testing memory simultaneously writes test patterns into the memory banks of the memory, simultaneously compares the contents of one of the memory banks with the contents of the other of the banks, and records errors when the contents of the one memory bank differ from the contents of the other banks.

Direct positive photographic elements are disclosed employing internal latent image silver halide emulsions associated with developer autoxidation promoter agents constituted by 5 or 6 membered nucleus-containing heterocyclic compounds comprising an azomethine group, whose methine group is substituted with a 5-amino-1,2,4-triazolyl group, and/or copper complex compounds thereof. Preferably said direct positive photographic elements are multi-layer elements comprising internal latent image type type silver halide emulsion layers sensitized to different regions of the visible light and associated with image-dye providing compounds (photographic color couplers).

A programmable X-ray film changer for use, for example, in making angiograms, is provided with an improved pressure plate mechanism, feed and removal mechanism, photographic plate indexing mechanism, a clutched single cycle drive mechanism, a receiving photographic plate cassette and control methodology. The improvements in combination permit a substantial reduction of the number of parts in the film changer resulting in increased reliability, a decrease in the expense of manufacture, and decreased weight. Furthermore, the X-ray photographic film changer is arbitrarily orientable in space and independent of gravity feed mechanisms or the interference of gravity with respect to its operation. The improved pressure plate is normally substantially flat and is bowed to form a convex surface by a pressure plate bowing mechanism. Misfeeds of multiple numbers of photographic plates are thus tolerated by the natural resiliency of the pressure plate. Bowing of the pressure plate is used to actuate feeding and removal of the photographic plates into the exposure position. Alphanumeric information is arbitrarily photographically printed onto the photographic plate subject to programmable control. The exposed photographic plates are disposed within a spiral receiving cassette. The natural resiliency of the photographic plates lays the photographic plate on the radially outermost surface of the spiral receiving chamber. Thus, receipt and storage of the exposed photographic plates is independent of gravity feed. The operational cycle of the film changer is arbitrarily programmable and controlled through a single cycle clutch which is driven by a continuously operated motor. Thereby, multiple film changers can be operated in combination through arbitrary program control without synchronization of their respective drive motors.

An operation support system architecture for a telecommunication system contains a control arrangement (BWS) inserted between the system (S) to be operated and an opertor station (DSS). The control arrangmeent comprises, besides a processor and an input/output unit (EAB), a memory (RSP) which contains the operating and maintenance knowledge of the system (S), namely in the form of the CCITT Specification Language SDL/PR. Further the control arrangement (BWS) comprises a correlation memory (ZSP) in which are stored the definition for the formation of MML commands to the system (S) and the formal description of the reactions expected by the system (S). On the basis of the data in the two memories (RSP, ZSP), a translator (I), also present in the control arrangmeent (BWS), can send the correct and properly structured commands directly to the system (S) or respectively evaluate the reactions of the system (S). The arrangement makes possible a paperless operation and maintenance, which is largely independent of the type of system (S) connected and can easily be adapted to changing conditions.

A telephone system wherein any one of a large number of telephones is connectible to a local directory assistance request processor. The name of a subscriber whose telephone number is sought is entered through a connected telephone by spelling out the subscriber's name with the standard telephone push-buttons, using the grouped alphabetic designators on those buttons. The resulting decimal signals are stored in the request processor, and also are forwarded by a digital transmission system to the appropriate one of a number of directory processors each having a subscriber data base in alphanumeric code. A look-up is carried out to locate the alphanumeric code data identifying the subscriber's name corresponding to the originally-entered decimal request signals, and the located alphanumeric information including name and telephone number is sent back through the digital transmission system to the request processor. The alphanumeric code data is used at that processor to control a voice-response unit which directs to the originating telephone corresponding speech signals identifying the subscriber's name and telephone number.

A telephone answering machine with digital storage of announcements and messages and enhanced message playback features. When an incoming call is detected the line is seized and a predetermined outgoing message is placed upon the telephone line. The outgoing message prompts the calling party to provide a telephone number, a priority code, or other information which can be input via a telephone DTMF keypad. The DTMF tones sent by the calling party are decoded and stored in a memory. When recalled by the user, the numbers corresponding to the DTMF tones are presented to the user as spoken words via a voice synthesizer. In addition, the machine is responsive to a set of commands which allows the user to play back the messages in chronological order or by a selected priority code, advance or backup to a particular message, and record a new outgoing message.

A key telephone system comprising a key service unit and key telephone sets is configured by the present invention so that system data are registered in an IC card and the system data so registered are fed to the key service unit by the insertion of the IC card in the key service unit.

Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein Z is oxygen or sulfur are disclosed. These compounds are useful as hypotensive agents due to their angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition activity and depending upon the definition of X may also be useful as analgesics due to their enkephalinase inhibition activity.

A telephone system allows a user to provide new services to terminations in a telephone network. A server having program sequences for controlling its operation connects the terminations and the telephone network. Using certain of its program sequences, the server monitors the occurrence of a request event at one of the terminations. A processor, distinct from the server, controls the server by accessing a directly accessible database to extract a state transition rule to provide control information corresponding to the response event. Information is returned to the terminations in response to the control information. The database storing the state transition rules is directly accessible by the user for changing the state transition rules to modify the services without changing the program sequences of the server. State transition rules within the database may be inserted, deleted or modified using conventional database management techniques.