Abstract: A thin shell ceramic mould for use in metal casting is formed by applying a thin coating of a suitable material and binder to an expandable pattern, e.g. expanded polystyrene, having a density of about 30 to 50 kg/cu.m. The coated pattern is subjected to heat at a temperature of about 1000.degree. C. for 10 minutes to burn out the pattern and cure the coating. The ceramic shell is made just thick enough to be handled.

Abstract: A method of hydrolyzing cellulose to glucose and other saccharides, involving the bringing together in a reaction area an alphacellulose containing material, water, an effective amount of a calcium chloride catalyst and a minor amount of a hydrogen ion in a feedstock. The temperature of the feedstock is adjusted to between 150.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. at a pressure of at least 160 psig for a retention time of at least 20 seconds in the reaction area to convert the alphacellulose to said glucose and other saccharides.

Abstract: In an article of footwear for use with a foot wherein the article has an upper portion and a sole. The sole has a forefoot and a rearfoot portion with the sole forefoot portion having a medial aspect and a lateral aspect. The sole forefoot portion is of varying thickness across the width thereof such that the sole slopes at an angle upwardly from the medial aspect to the lateral aspect to provide an inclined surface of greater thickness at the lateral aspect than at said medial aspect. This compensates the forefoot in its naturally everted angulation in those individuals who are recognized to have a forefoot valgus foot type and maintains the normal alignment, position, motion and function of the entire foot during use of said article of footwear.

Abstract: A slip gripping device for use with an elongated cylindrical member to selectively move that member to any desired longitudinal or rotational position. The device comprises a collet-like member including a plurality of fingers, each of which includes a gripping element at the free end thereof. The collet member is arranged to be grasped and squeezed whereupon its fingers are flexed so that the gripping elements engage the surface of the cylindrical member so that rotary motion imparted to the slip grip device causes the concomitant rotation of the flexible member so that any longitudinal movement of the device causes concomitant longitudinal movement of the member. Release of the collet-like member enables the slip grip device to be slid and rotated with respect to the cylindrial member for positioning anywhere there along.

Abstract: Comfort accessories for use with a conventional brassiere having a pair of shoulder straps. The accessories comprise shoulder strap adjusting means as well as shoulder strap pressure diffusing means. The shoulder strap adjusting means is arranged to adjust the position of at least one of the shoulder straps with respect to the wearer's shoulders and comprises an elongated flexible strip having loop means located at each end. Each loop means is arranged to extend and hold a portion of at least one of the shoulder straps so that the position of the shoulder strap is adjusted with respect to the shoulder. The pressure diffusing means is arranged to spread pressure applied by the shoulder strap across the wearer's shoulder and comprises pad means which are releasably secured by fastening means to one of the shoulder straps. The pad means is interposed between shoulder strap and the shoulder of the wearer.

Abstract: A system for recognizing the content of a communication in symbolic language and composed of plural glyphs arranged in a predetermined order, each glyph being the smallest (lowest) informational unit of the language. The system includes a device for inputting a stream of data indicative of the plural glyphs, such as formed in a page of text. That stream is input into a storage means. The stored data is horizontally segmented into discrete lines of text and is then vertically segmented into individual glyphs. Each individual glyph is assigned a unique identifier, whereby all substantially identical glyphs are represented by the same identifier. The identifiers are arranged in a sequence corresponding to the sequence in which the glyphs appeared in the communication, thus representing glyph "words".

Abstract: A garment hanger is provided with a hook and a hanging section covered by a pre-formed sleeve of non-slip, protective material. One end of the hanging section is unconnected, so that the sleeve of material can be slipped over the unconnected end to cover the rods of the hanging section, which can be triangular in shape. The unconnected end is terminated with a second hook or other releasable type of connector so that it can be attached to the remainder of the hanger after the sleeve has been installed. Garments may then be placed on the hanger.

Abstract: A self-activatable penile prosthesis comprising at least one cylinder for implantation in the penis and including a front tip section, an intermediate section, and a rear tail section. The intermediate section includes at least one tubular member which is inflatable, and arranged to assume an elongated rigid and hard state from a flexible, flaccid state upon the application of an operating liquid under pressure thereto. An expandable bellows having an actuating fluid therein is located in the tip section. The actuating fluid expands from a first state to a second higher volume state upon the application of energy (e.g., heat) thereto. The expansion action causes an operating liquid located in at least one reservoir in the tip section to be provided under pressure to the inflatable tubular member in the intermediate section to cause it to become erect. Upon the dissipation of said energy from the actuating fluid the bellows contracts, whereupon the intermediate section of the cylinder becomes flaccid again.

Abstract: A procedure and device for use in removing atherosclerotic plaques by inserting a multiple-lumen catheter having a cutting tip into an artery, such as the coronary artery. The cutting tip is rotated by the application of fluid pressure through an inner lumen while, if necessary, negative pressure can be applied through a separate lumen to remove embolic particles as they are cut from the inner wall of the artery. A balloon inflatable through a third lumen may be applied proximally as a protection against possible perforation of the artery.

Abstract: A dispensing container for dispensing a plurality of different types of items, e.g., vitamins. The container is constructed to include a jar and a releasably securable lid. The jar includes vertically disposed and radially extending partitions to establish a plurality of separate chambers, each adapted for storing a different type or a combination of items. The jar portion further includes a plurality of passages, with each passage being in communication with a respective chamber. The lid includes a downwardly extending sidewall having a dispensing slot located therein. The lid is releasably and rotatably secured to an upper portion of the jar by an annular projection on the sidewall of the jar which engages an annular recess on the inside of the sidewall of the lid. Accordingly, as the lid is manually rotated, the dispensing slot can be brought to overlie a respective passage in the jar portion to permit the dispensing of an item from the associated chamber.

Abstract: In an article of footwear for use with a foot wherein the article has an upper portion and a sole. The sole has a forefoot and a rearfoot portion with the sole forefoot portion having a medial aspect and a lateral aspect. The sole forefoot portion is of varying thickness across the width thereof such that the sole slopes at an angle upwardly from the lateral aspect to the medial aspect to provide an inclined surface of greater thickness at the medial aspect than at said lateral aspect. This compensates the forefoot in its naturally inverted angulation and maintains the normal alignment, position, motion and function of the entire foot during use of said article of footwear.

Abstract: A color video generator for use with a digital computer and a color video display. The computer produces digital data signals, each of which is composed of plural bits which represent a color to be produced. The color video generator produces a color in a portion of the display in response to receipt of an associated one of the first data signals. The color is preselectable. The video generation means operates on a color subcarrier signal composed of three primary color signals and comprises a data code translator having an addressable memory and a video phase modulator having an addressable memory. The translator is responsive to said first data signals for providing second, plural bit digital signals to the phase modulator. The phase modulator operates in synchronism with a phase demodulator in the display and is responsive to receipt of respective ones of the second digital signals.

Abstract: Containers formed of a flexible sheet of material capable of being sealed for closing off the interior of the container from the ambient atmosphere. The sheet material is resistant to tearing and includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The container comprises a mouth portion including a peel strip or layer fixedly secured to the inner surface of the material and extending substantially the entire length of the mouth portion, with adjacent portions of the peel strip or layer being in releasable engagement with each other. The engagement forms an air-tight interfacial seal at the mouth which is readily openable by peeling the engaging portions of the peel strip or layer from each other to provide ready access to the interior of the container without tearing the sheet material forming the container. Thus, the container can be readily reclosed by conventional mechanical means, such as folding, tin ties, etc.

Abstract: The switch guard assembly is comprised of an outer plate and a back plate. The switch guard assembly also involves a housing that is mounted against a panel, such as a cinderblock wall or a door jamb. The panel has inner and outer panel faces. The housing assembly is resistant to unauthorized access to the interior thereof. The outer plate and back plate are mounted respectively against the inner and outer panel faces. Both the outer plate and the back plate have openings. A cinderblock or door panel is provided with an opening that will eventually communicate with the openings of the outer and back plates. A pipe includes first and second ends located in the panel openings with the first pipe end passing through and beyond the opening in the outer plate. The second pipe end passes through and beyond the opening in the back plate.

Abstract: A portable electronic transaction device and a terminal therefor. The device comprises a central data processor, a fixed memory, an adaptable memory, optical means for transmitting and receiving information to and from the terminal and self-contained power source means, such as an on-board battery. The device is arranged to operate in either a stand-alone mode during which it monitors itself for abnormal conditions or in an operating mode during which it communicates with said terminal for the transmission of information therebetween. The device also includes cryptographic means for encrypting outgoing information and decrypting incoming information in accordance with cryptographic information stored in its memory. The cryptographic information is modified as a function of time by clock means in the device and/or a function of information transmitted to the device by the terminal or stored in the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for lubricating cables, such as speedometer cables, disposed within a tubular sheath. The apparatus comprises a coupling adapted for releasable securement to one end of the cable and includes a passageway having an outlet in communication with the interior of the cable sheath when the fitting is secured to the coupling. A pressurized container of a low viscosity lubricant is included in the device as is an on-off valve. The valve is arranged to allow an aerosol of the lubricant to be carried from the container into the coupling and from there along the entire length of the annular space between the cable and its sheath under the pressure applied by the gas to effect the lubrication of the cable.

Abstract: A starter for a nut, the starter having blades with outer edges possessing at least one innermost flat, at least one outer flat and a step connecting said flats.

Abstract: A buoyant vest for use in a tank of water. The vest is made of a buoyant material. The vest has first vest loops attached adjacent the shoulder portions. The vest also has second vest loops attached adjacent the waist portion thereof. Adjustable security lines are attached between the vest loops and anchoring loops located on the tank. An exercise device comprises the combination of the vest and the tank.