Abstract: A promotional pallet which can be varied in both length and width, and which will have places for signs and pennants in any of its configurations. Its length is changed by using two sections each formed by a pair of base members with interengaging fingers and in which the extent of interengagement can be varied. The fingers slidingly interengage in a "cantilever" manner so as to provide structural strength regardless of length. The width of the pallet is changed by using two sets of sections of equal width hinged together with hinges which can accommodate change in length, while at the same time permitting flush overlapping of two sets of sections, so the weight being carried is distributed uniformly over a common surface.

Abstract: A remote-controlled motor-driven drum is provided to wind and unwind a cord which holds a self-balancing sign carrier. The sign carrier, which has telescoping rails, is adjustable in width. Its center rail includes two sheaves to receive the cord and lead it from the drum back to an end secured to the ceiling. Thus, rotation of the drum serves to raise and lower the sign carrier and a sign carried by it. The sheaves on the carrier not only allow it to be raised and lowered, but also serve to make the unit self-balancingThe user attaches a sign to the carrier when it is in its lowered position and then raises the sign and carrier to the ceiling. The motor, which is reversible, is remotely controlled either by wires leading between the motor and a switch or by radio control (with a control similar to that used on a garage door).

Abstract: A hair relaxant and process in which water-soluble disulfides are added to water-soluble mercaptans, used as reducing agents, to shift the equilibrium point of the relaxer toward the reactants sufficiently such that the relaxant will not cause damage to the hair. The ingredients are carried in a viscous creme base, and there is an absence of sulfite and bisulfite salts. This is followed by rinsing and the use of an oxidizing neutralizer. The process is carried out in the absence of added heat.

Abstract: A ratchet block comprised of a frame, movable sheave assembly, ratchet assembly, ratchet assembly and cam wherein the ratchet automatically engages under load permitting rotation of the sheave in only one direction, and disengages when the load is removed permitting rotation in both directions. This automatic engagement and disengagement of the ratchet to increase or reduce friction when a rope or wire is run through the sheave does not require the user to disengage the ratchet mechanism with a conventional switch.

Abstract: An atmospheric reticulated ceramic foam burner which is retrofittable into existing residential heat exchanger designs has been developed to reduce NO.sub.x and CO emissions. It is operated in a blue flame or substantially radiant mode. The ceramic foam tile used is a three dimensional, web-like structure composed of ceramic struts and voids (or pores) which is permeable and rigid and can withstand the high temperatures found in domestic burners. The foam tile is positioned over a manifold, and is the outlet for the manifold. The manifold inlet is a venturi so that incoming gas is mixed with air in the correct range of proportions before passing through the foam. The pressures used, relative to tile porosity, are such that the gas-air mixture does not burn until it has passed all the way through the foam tile, resulting in a flame above the tile. Additional quantities of (secondary) air can be introduced around the burner to mix and burnout the products of combustion.

Abstract: A lock having a housing and flange, a lock cylinder, a cam lever, and a lock nut. The housing has a length which is slightly less than the thickness of the panel into which it is to be inserted. Its exterior surface has axial ridges which engage with the inner surface of the panel hole in which the housing is inserted. The ridges preferably extend only a short distance from the flange. These ridges hold the housing in place and prevent it from turning in the panel hole. The lock cylinder, which fits within the housing, has a threaded portion extending outwardly to receive the cam lever and the lock nut. Tightening up on the lock nut serves to draw the housing fully into the hole and to clamp the housing in place. The lock cylinder is keyed to the inner surface of the housing; and the cam lever is keyed to the threaded portion.

Abstract: Two pairs of blender blades for crushing ice, one of which pairs extends upwardly and the other of which extends downwardly. The blades of the upwardly-extending pair are similar in size and shape; but one of the pair is at a sharper angle to the axis of rotation than is the other. The leading edges of this pair are involute. i.e., are convex towards their base and concave toward their tips. The downwardly-extending pair of blades are similar in shape and size and are at the same angle to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A moldable central body for use in a catalytic burner has a generally rotational symmetry about a longitudinal axis. It provides a cover retaining surface for the cover of the unit; furnishes the bayonet pin for receiving the cover; carries spacers positioning itself within the outer casing; holds the wave member in position; holds the stem support in position, which, in turn, holds the valve seat; provides a pivot hole for the spoon pivot for a curling iron; is a seat and shoulder for the diaphragm; provides an inner surface to hold alignment members for the control stem; holds the seat for the spring for the control stem; and provides a barrel retaining surface for a curling iron barrel. The control stem of a regulation element moves axially within the central body.The central body can be molded of plastic as a single integral piece. Since this central body serves so many functions and, yet, can be molded as a single integral piece, it reduces the cost of manufacture of the burner of this invention.

Abstract: A system for aligning substrates when preparing flat panel displays by lithography. A spherical reflector (imaging mirror) is used to focus a small geometric object, such as a cross, etched at the center of the reflector. The cross is projected toward a beam splitter and is then reflected onto the mirror which, in turn, images it on the surface of the substrate being used in the lithographic process. This optical system, which has a numerical aperture of about 0.05 radians, provides maximum depth of field with essentially no aberrations, and produces a relatively large probe image on a large alignment mark.The surface of the substrate carries a grid of stepped patterns as an alignment mark. The steps diffract the light received, and the diffracted light passes through a lens system to a sensor associated with the lens system. The amount of light diffracted is dependent upon where the image strikes the steps in the grid.

Abstract: A butane burner for personal care appliances includes a receptacle at one end for a gas canister. Upon insertion of a canister, a probe presses against the canister valve, opening it; and it thereafter remains open. Gas then flows to the input end of the control stem and, depending upon the longitudinal positioning of the control stem, flows into the stem through a gas inlet orifice in one side of the stem and travels in a channel within the stem to an outlet orifice at the other end. There it enters a Venturi, is mixed with air, passes from there through a mixing chamber and to a burning chamber within the barrel of the curling iron. The catalytic burner is located in the burning chamber. The control stem is spring-pressed in a direction to keep the gas inlet orifice normally in the open position. Movement of the control stem a slight distance in a direction away from the canister and toward the Venturi blocks the gas inlet orifice and stops gas flow.

Abstract: A rotating outlet for hair dryers is provided causing air exiting from the hair dryer to travel in a circular pattern. A tubular member fits the outlet end of the hair dryer, and has a spider across its outlet end which carries a centrally located pivot. A rotating member is mounted on this pivot and carries vanes cutting across the air stream. The vanes cause the rotating member to rotate. The outlet of the rotating member is at an angle to the axis of the air flow leaving the dryer, and, so, as it rotates, causes the air to move in a circular pattern. This pattern duplicates the pattern provided by the user when she rotates the dryer itself.

Abstract: A separate, removable milk container is provided which can be attached to and detached from a cappucino coffee maker. Alternatively, it can be attached to a modified espresso maker, converting it to making cappucino. The container has make and break connections for a milk delivery tube, so that, when the unit is not in use, the milk container can be removed from the unit and stored in a refrigerator to prevent spoiling of the milk. The cappucino maker includes a steam line to heat the coffee and milk. This line runs through a venturi, drawing milk into it, and then forces the steamed and frothed milk to a steamed milk outlet proximate to the coffee dispensing spout. The separate milk container includes means for attaching it to the unit and a milk tube which runs to the venturi. Thus, in use, the venturi draws milk from the container into the steam line and to the frothed milk outlet.

Abstract: A coffee mill with two bins for holding two types of coffee. The bins slope downwardly and inwardly to provide two adjacent bin outlets. These outlets feed into the entrance to a coffee grinder. A slider plate and a baffle plate are slidingly mounted between the outlets and the entrance, and can be used to close the outlets altogether or to partially or entirely close all of one outlet, leaving the other outlet open. The slider plate removably interfits with the baffle plate so that moving the baffle plate causes both plates to slide together, in order to determine the coffee mix. When the two plates are in the position in which the slider plate covers both bin outlets, the slider plate fits within and is carried by a supporting frame proximate to the outlets. As a result, the bin and the slider plate can be lifted, and the slider plate will seal the bin outlets and prevent spillage of the coffee beans remaining in the bins.