Abstract: A gyroscopic roll stabilizer for a boat includes a cavity for liquid heat transfer medium that helps transfer heat from a flywheel shaft to a heat transfer shaft assembly that extends into the cavity. The cavity includes a first portion that overlaps the heat transfer shaft assembly and a reservoir portion that does not, with the second portion acting as a reservoir for the liquid heat transfer medium. The wall of the cavity is shaped such that the first portion is wider than the second portion. When the flywheel is rotating five thousand rpm or more, liquid heat transfer medium in the reservoir is displaced upward into the first portion, and a gas pocket that is present in the first portion when the flywheel is not rotating is displaced into the reservoir, thereby providing better heat transfer when the flywheel is spinning rapidly. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The physical movement of reticles and solder bump masks within a wafer processing plant are continually tracked and documented in a historical database for the useful life of the reticles or masks. In an example embodiment of the mask tracking method, the method includes moving the masks from one location to another in mask pods. In addition, a mask data set is generated for each mask composed of a mask identification code cross-referenced to a pod identification code and the mask data sets are processed by a computer arrangement. The mask data sets are then updated in the computer arrangement to include a facility location identification code as each mask moves to a subsequent location during wafer processing. The present invention provides the advantage that wafer lots and reticles can be matched to an event on the processing line and stored as data for later review and analysis.

Abstract: The physical movement of reticles and solder bump masks within a wafer processing plant are continually tracked and documented in a historical database for the useful life of the reticles or masks. In an example embodiment of the mask tracking method, the method includes moving the masks from one location to another in mask pods. In addition, a mask data set is generated for each mask composed of a mask identification code cross-referenced to a pod identification code and the mask data sets are then stored in a computer arrangement. The mask data sets are then updated in the computer arrangement to include a facility location identification code as each mask moves to a subsequent location during wafer processing. An important advantage is that wafer lots and reticles can now be matched to an event on the processing line and stored as data for later review and analysis.

Abstract: A composition suitable for topical application to human skin comprises, in addition to a suitable vehicle an active ingredient which can control skin barrier functions. The active ingredient is (a) a long chain .omega.-hydroxy fatty acid or a carboxy-substituted derivative, (b) an hydroxy-or epoxy-derivative of an essential fatty acid or an ester formed between (a) and (b). Certain novel compounds of structures (a), (b) and (a)(b) esters are also claimed.

Abstract: A composition suitable for topical application to human skin comprises, in addition to a suitable vehicle an active ingredient which can control skin barrier functions. The active ingredient is (a) a long chain .omega.-hydroxy fatty acid or a carboxy-substituted derivative, (b) an hydroxy- or epoxy-derivative of an essential fatty acid or an ester formed between (a) and (b). Certain novel compounds of structures (a), (b) and (a)(b) esters are also claimed.

Abstract: A composition suitable for topical application to human skin comprises, in addition to a suitable vehicle and a perfume, an active ingredient which can control skin barrier functions. The active ingredient is (a) a long chain .omega.-hydroxy fatty acid or a carboxy-substituted derivative, (b) an hydroxy- or epoxy-derivative of an essential fatty acid or an ester formed between (a) and (b). Certain novel compounds of structures (a), (b) and (a)(b) esters are also claimed.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition for alleviating or preventing sun-induced desquamation comprises as active ingredients a C.sub.3 to C.sub.30 2-hydroxyalkanoic acid or an ester thereof together with a sunscreen active ingredient in a therapeutically acceptable vehicle. The active ingredients can also be used in the preparation of the composition for the treatment or prevention of this skin condition which can follow exposure to an excessive amount of sunlight.

Abstract: The use of a curative agent chosen from 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid, 2-ketooctanoic acid and certain esters thereof in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of skin disorders such as Ichthyosiform dermatoses, Conradi's syndrome, Localized hyperkeratotic conditions, Dandruff, Callous forming disorders, Psoriasis, Eczema, Xerosis, Warts, Tinea pedis, Pityriasis, Lichen planus and simplex chronicus, Darier's disease, Pruritus, Seborrhoeic conditions and Scabies.

Abstract: A cosmetically acceptable composition for topical application to human skin comprises from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a substituted 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid or 2-ketooctanoic acid or a mixture thereof, together with an amount of a special neutralizing agent sufficient to adjust the pH of the composition to a value of from 3 to 7. The special neutralizing agent is one having a cation whose ionic radius is at least 100 pm.

Abstract: A cosmetically acceptable composition for topical application to human skin comprises from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a substituted 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid or 2-ketooctanoic acid or a mixture thereof, together with an amount of a special neutralizing agent sufficient to adjust the pH of the composition to a value of from 3 to 7. The special neutralizing agent is one having a cation whose ionic radius is at least 100 pm.