Abstract:
A method enables the prediction of the likely alertness level of an individual at a given point in time based upon the analysis of certain biological and other parameters associated with the individual subject including, circadian phase of the biological clock, accumulated acute or chronic sleep deprivation, shift commencement and termination time, time of last sleep, environmental light, etc. Among other advantages, the method facilitates the creation of bio-compatible schedules for shift workers by providing an accurate model of the likely alertness level of the individual on a specific schedule.
Abstract:
A temporary seal or patch assembly prevents the escape of contents, e.g., fluids and the like, from within a container having a breach therethrough until the contents can be removed and/or a repair effected. A frame that supports a sealing bladder can be positioned over the breach and the frame is then attached to the container surface, which must be of a ferromagnet material, by using switchable permanent magnets. The permanent magnets are designed to have a first condition that is not attracted to the ferromagnetic surface and a second conditions whereby the magnets are attracted to the surface with sufficient force to support the seal assembly on the surface. Latching devices may be attached to the frame and engage the container surface with hardened pins to prevent the lateral movement of the seal assembly along the container surface from external forces such as fluid drag or gravity.
Abstract:
A novel peptide, polydiscamide A, has been isolated from a marine sponge. This compound, and its derivatives, are useful as antibacterial agents.
Abstract:
A ceramic superconductor comprising a metal oxide substrate, a ceramic high temperature superconductive material, and a intermediate layer of a material having a cubic crystal structure, said layer situated between the substrate and the superconductive material is provided, and a structure for supporting a ceramic superconducting material is provided, said structure comprising a metal oxide substrate, and a layer situated over the surface of the substrate to substantially inhibit interdiffusion between the substrate and a ceramic superconducting material deposited upon said structure.
Abstract:
An electronic device that provides a multiplicity of electronic circuit functions within a single device package by utilizing a plurality of field emission devices wherein at least some of the field emission devices are employed to perform more than a single circuit function.
Abstract:
An apparatus for effecting electrical connection between the main machine and a module containing the apparatus for advancing a sheet through the transfer zone and to registration for information developed on the photoreceptor belt. The connector on the main machine is mounted to permit engagement with a complementary connector on the module, but provide for movement when the module is raised slightly to contact the photoreceptor module. The apparatus minimizes which otherwise would inhibit this upward movement and detract from proper operation of the machine and the quality of the copy produced.
Abstract:
A climbing apparatus is provided for climbing ferromagnetic surfaces, such as storage tanks and steel frame structures. A magnet assembly is rotatably mounted in a frame assembly. The frame assembly provides a pair of cam surfaces having different dimensions so that, when the frame is rotated, the cam surfaces contact the ferromagnetic surface to separate the magnet assembly from the surface. The different cam dimensions enable one side of the magnet at a time to be detached from the surface to reduce the effort needed to disengage the climbing apparatus. The cam surface also provides for smoothly attaching the apparatus. A hardened dowel pin is also attached to the frame and the pointed end of the dowel engages the surface when the magnet is attached to the surface to prevent downward sliding movement of the assembly under the weight of the user.
Abstract:
An electrostatographic printing machine comprising a main frame and at least one unit insertable into and removable from said main frame for cooperative association therewith in producing prints, said main frame and said removable unit having at least one electrical connection to conduct electric current therebetween comprising two electrical contacting elements, one on each of said main frame and said removable unit a first element comprising a plurality of resiliently flexible conductive fibers arranged in a brush-like configuration and the second element comprising a substantially continuous conductive contact surface for electrical contact with said brush each of said contacting elements being connected to an electrical component.
Abstract:
A timepiece for continuously calculating and displaying the actual biological time of day of an individual. After an initial biological time of day is entered, the timepiece runs at a pre-determined rate corresponding to the rate at which time would progress in a free-running circadian clock for the individual. When the individual is exposed to clock-altering stimuli, such as bright light, the timepiece computes a new operation rate based upon the relative effects of the clock-altering stimuli as determined by a phase response curve for the individual. By combining information concerning the presence or absence of clock-altering stimuli with information concerning the effects of that stimuli, the watch is able compute and continuously display the individual's accurate biological time.
Abstract:
An electronic component is disclosed wherein the electronic component includes an insulation displacement connector for electrically connecting the electronic component to at least one external wire by displacing insulation from and contacting a conductor of the external wire. The insulation displacement connector can include a plurality of contacts electrically connected to the electronic component at one end thereof, and structure for displacing insulation from an external wire so that the external wire is placed in electrical communication with the conductive contact member at another end thereof. By locating the plurality of contact members closely adjacent each other, the insulation displacement connector can be engaged with a ribbon cable having a plurality of external wires, so that each contact is selectively engaged with an individual external wire in the ribbon cable. A cover can be provided which is removably engageable over the ribbon cable to lock the ribbon cable to the insulation displacement connector with the external wires of the ribbon cable electrically connected to the insulation displacement connector. Attachment structure can be provided on, for example, a lower surface of a hollow body to which the electronic component is mounted, for attaching the hollow body, and thus the electrical component, to any surface.