Patents Pending Research Articles

Effect of opiate dependence on erectile function in primates

AbstractThirteen nonhuman primates (Macaca mulatta and Madada fascicularis) were placed and maintained on opiates (six on morphine, seven on hydromorphone). Eight nondependent opiate naive primates were used as controls. Noninvasive transrectal electronic stimulation using a Biosonics MEGSRegistered trademark and devices by Biosonics, Inc. Philadelphia, Patents pending. unit was employed to produce erection in all primates. This device has been previously demonstrated to produce consistant, full erections in the species of monkeys employed in these studies. The opiate‐dependent monkeys were tested both after being maintained on the opiates for 150 days, and following a 30‐day washout period (opiate free).The results clearly demonstrate that opiate dependence did not alter the erectile response to rectal stimulation, thus the dependence did not negatively affect the neural or cardiovascular components of the erectile system. Analysis of the results demonstrated although there were no difference between species, there was a significant acquisition effect for the transrectal stimulation procedure.

MEASURING THE DEBRIS

The CDM/FP/00 (Continuous Debris Monitor with Flushing Plug) is an on‐line magnetic plug designed to measure the amount of ferrous debris in oil‐lubricated and hydraulic systems. It is superior to existing self‐sealing magnetic plugs in that a continuous reading is given when the unit is plumbed into an oil line. Further, it has the advantage of being self‐flushing, thereby obviating the need for removal and inspection. The sensor consists of a patented mechanism whereby the accumulation of ferrous debris causes a flux change in a magnetic circuit. A magnetic sensor converts this flux change into an electrical signal, which is proportional to the amount of debris captured. A sensor is incorporated into the mechanism to monitor the lubricant temperature and so provide compensation for changes in temperature. As debris accumulates, the magnetic circuit would eventually saturate. The CDM/FP/00 senses this and initiates a patented flush cycle, whereby the magnetic circuit is withdrawn from the oil line enabling the flow to wash off the accumulated debris, which can then be filtered out. Withdrawal is accomplished by a linear electric actuator. Fluid integrity is maintained by a thin non‐magnetic barrier between the oil line and the magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit is then accurately repositioned and debris accumulation recommences. The CDM/FP/00 is fully approved by the Health and Safety Executive for use in Class 1 atmospheres as defined in BS 1259:1958. This unit incorporates both Gabriel Microwave Systems Ltd, and Central Electricity Generating Board devices, each the subject of separate Patents Pending. Manufacture and sale, therefore, is under licence with respect to the CEGB device.

Precision Measurements of Interval Velocity Differences from Seismic Data: ABSTRACT

A new seismic technique, the DIVA (Differential Interformational Velocity Analysis) (trademark, Copyright Zenith Exploration Co., patents pending), which makes use of ultra refined seismic velocity analysis has been developed to identify and localize low velocity anomalies in the subsurface. Reservoir quality porous rock formations will always be distinguished by reduced seismic velocities whether or not hydrocarbons are present. In favorable settings, however, low velocities correlate well with hydrocarbon reservoirs. Where gas is present, the velocity reductions can be spectacular making the DIVA display an indicator with as much visual impact as the bright spot offshore. Color acoustic impedance sections further corroborate the reality of DIVA detection anomalies and assist in localizing them in reflection time. In addition, the color display, which in fact represents the essential information content of the seismic amplitudes, though very imprecise, is a vital monitor of the detailed changes in lithology. Fourteen wells to date have tested the concept ranging in depths from 7,00 to 15,000 ft (2,133 to 4,572 m) and targeting both carbonate and sandstone reservoirs. Several of these results are reviewed to illustrate the power of the approach. The technology has not only been proven by the drill but has also initiated new and exciting exploration plays which can not even be detected with usual seismic approaches. An east Texas reef bank sequence illustrates such a circumstance. End_of_Article - Last_Page 442------------

Polyurethane contraceptive vaginal sponge: Product modifications resulting from user experience

A preliminary study of a new contraceptive vaginal sponge ∗∗ ∗∗ Tradermaked COLLATEX TM and SECURE TM by VLI Corporation (Formerly Vorhauer Laboratories Inc), 130 McCormick Ave., Costa Mesa, CA, 92626 USA. U.S. & Foreign Patents pending. See Ref. (l). containing the spermicide nonoxynol-9 (N-9), was undertaken to assess acceptability of the method among a group of sexually active volunteers in Mexico City. Numerous modifications of the product and its packaging resulted from user experience and feedback to the physicians and bioengineers conducting the study. Although determining efficacy of the sponge was not an objective, it quickly became clear that spermicide is a crucial component of the intravaginal sponge contraceptive system; a high incidence of pregnancies led us to increase the spermicide level from 10% to 20%, then to the current 30% of dry sponge weight, or about 1.0 gram per sponge. (It should be noted that the high pregnancy rates were consistent with our experience using other vaginal contraceptive methods in the same clinic population). This initial evaluation of the contraceptive sponge has resulted in significant modification which should increase its acceptability to a small but important group of contracepting women. The sponge is currently being evaluated by the International Fertility Research Program (IFRP) in multicentered comparative clinical trials to determine use-effectiveness and acceptability in various cultures.

Deposition studies with a novel form of electrostatic crop sprayer

The presented studies refer to the deposition achieved by means of a novel∗∗Patents pending. electrostatic sprayer developed by researchers at The University of Western Ontario.The deposition studies were carried out on an 8-hectare section of a large orchard in the vicinity of London, Ontario, Canada.The paper presents both chemical analyses of the residual pesticides and fluorescent dye depositions.Compared to the mechanical spraying, the residue analyses for the electrostatic spraying showed: i) 85% more pesticide in the upper canopies of the trees; ii) approximately the same deposition in the lower canopies; iii) a more uniform distribution of the pesticides within the whole tree, total variation being within 3% for electrostatic compared to 49% for mechanical.

On the control of MOSFET threshold voltage variation for the production of LSI devices

The variation in threshold voltage due to fluctuations in material properties and fabrication process operating conditions is examined. The optimum ranges in wafer dopant concentration, gate oxide thickness, and surface state density are identified such that their fluctuations would have a minimal effect on threshold voltage variation. An additional source of variation of dopant concentration in the MOSFET channel region is identified. This source is shown to be a local autodoping from degenerate diffusions adjacent to the channel during the first moments of gate oxidation. An ion implanted process (patents pending) designed to suppress this autodoping effect is presented and predictions for all optimum conditions affecting ΔV TH are presented.

Flow Measurements in Leading-Edge Vortices

An experimental study of the vortex flowfield over slender delta pianforms with sharp leading edges is presented. Complete velocity measurements in this three-dimensional flowfield are obtained by means of a Conrad-type probe used in conjunction with a five-degree-of-freedom traversing mechanism, and flow visualization is achieved by an oil fog technique. Effects of angle of attack, camber, sweep back, etc. are described. A new application of such flows, that of wind energy conversion by means of the Vortex Augmentor Concept (patented and patents pending) developed by the first author, is discussed.

A high-speed cylindrical solar-water heater

A high-speed solar water heater † † N.Z. Patent No. 144798/145072 (Australian and foreign patents pending). based on a novel principle is described, illustrated and test results are given.

New Antiadrenergic Compounds

WE have found that the benzyl quaternary ammonium compounds (I, patents pending) have a novel and highly specific blocking action on the peripheral sympathetic nervous system, which resembles that following section of adrenergic nerves and differs from that produced by adrenolytics, ganglion-blocking agents and reserpine.

Transducers for Extreme Vibration Conditions

Longitudinal section through flexure showing radial movement of pins inducing strain chang in wire. * Patents pending. PRODUCT improvement is the duty of any manufacturer who is a supplier to agencies charged with the responsibility of developing means to safeguard the general welfare. Statham Laboratories pioneered the principle of the unbonded strain gage, and its instruments for dynamic measurements have implemented fundamental work in diverse fields for many years. With a technical staff of physicists and engineers who understand and even anticipate the problems of the research workers in the vanguard, it carries on a continuous program to improve older designs and to introduce new ones. As a consequence, Statham pressure transducers and accelerometers have achieved popular acceptance and wide use. Each field of scientific exploration has specialized problems in research devices. Repackaging has satisfied many requirements, resulting in a variety of standard designs which emphasize minimum weight and size, resistance to corrosive fluids, temperature control, etc. The basic transducing element itself has been modified to produce either high voltage or high current output, controlled natural frequencies, increased sensitivity, or minimal thermal errors over extended temperature intervals. During pressure measurements on equipment for missiles and experimental aircraft, vibration is a serious problem. The specifications for instrumentation are customarily established by laboratory evaluation, but vibration conditions are difficult to simulate. Field experience with conventional instruments in extreme vibratory environments produced either inadequate records or damaged transducers. To solve the problem required a rugged transducer of exceedingly high natural frequency and the elimination of cantilevers or linkages which introduce spurious modes. This challenge has been met by the Statham biradial unbounded strain gage transducer element, shown schematically in Fig. 1. Competitive laboratory qualification tests have proved the superior accuracy, linearity, and stability of Statham biradial pressure transducers. Field experience with these transducers, where vibrations are known to be on the order of 8000 cps at 700 g, has not damaged a single instrument. As a pressure transducer, the biradial transducer element consists of a pressure cell topped by a flat plate through which, near the extended edge, are mounted a plurality of electrically insulated posts. On each side of the plate and in a plane parallel thereto, two sets of strain sensitive resistance wire filaments are wound around the posts and connected in such manner as to comprise the four arms of a Wheatstone bridge. When pressure is applied, the posts are displaced angularly, altering the electrical balance of the bridge to produce an electrical signal in the output circuit. Pressure transducers containing this new element can be dynamically balanced, since the natural frequencies of the diaphragm plate and its rim are matched. Pressure transducers incorporating the biradial transducer element are currently in use at a number of test stands for the measurement of gage or absolute pressures in ranges from 0-500 to 0-5000 psi. In catalog descriptions of these instruments, the natural frequency rating is for the lowest mode of vibration. Ratings for two typical models are: