Abstract: The permanent wave curling device of this invention comprises a vapor and heat generating hair curling iron including a handle, a mandrel and a wave solution reservoir threadably attached to the mandrel at an end opposite the handle. The handle encloses electrical circuitry necessary to control the electrical current applied to an electric heating element positioned within the mandrel. The heating element is positioned within the mandrel and receives wave solution from a rotatable rod and wick assembly that transports wave solution from the reservoir. The hair to be curled is wound about the mandrel and anchored thereto by a retaining clamp. Heat from the heating element is conducted through the mandrel to the hair in a conventional manner. The rod and wick assembly is normally spaced from the heating element and transports the wave solution from the reservoir by capillary action into the interior of the mandrel.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus which dispenses, retracts and locks an animal leash in a desired position is disclosed characterized by a spool housing sized to store a length of cord and a handle portion adapted to be grasped in the hand of a user. The spool housing rotably mounts a spool having the length of cord wrapped thereabout with the distal end of the cord being attachable to an animal collar. A coil spring is mounted between the spool and spool housing to continuously bias the length of cord in a retracted position about the spool. A high strength locking mechanism adapted to selectively apply friction to the spool and positively prevent the cord from being dispensed or retracted from the spool is provided which is actuable by way of a trigger lever formed on the handle portion of the housing. A cam actuator stop is additionally provided to maintain the locking mechanism in a locked orientation.

Abstract: A carpenter's level holding device and method for plumbing a wall partition is disclosed, characterized by use of a bracket to hold a conventional carpenter's level to removably attach and self-register the level on a wall partition and a method providing for the positioning, plumbing, and securing of a wall partition by a single user. The bracket includes a first portion adapted to mount one end of the level and a second portion formed to be selectively rested upon the top of a wall partition to thereby hold the carpenter's level securely against and parallel to the vertical timbers of the wall partition with the bracket maintaining the carpenter's level in position upon the wall partition, an individual user has both hands free to properly plumb and temporarily secure the wall partition in place.

Abstract: A sign standard in which flexible means for permitting resilient lateral displacement of the sign is mounted closely below the sign, and means for adjusting the height of the sign above the ground, or other surface or a base, is disclosed.

Abstract: Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is detected by enzyme immunoassay by bonding biotinylated antibody to an avidin coupled paper disc, reacting the antibody on the disc with the solution suspected of containing HCG, and determining the amount of HCG on the disc by enzymatic assay detection techniques.

Abstract: A casting solution of two nylons in formic acid, e.g., high molecular weight extrusion grade Nylon 66 homopolymer [.eta.] about 2 or higher, and nylon multipolymer 66, 610, 6 as a strengthening polymer and gelation promoter, when cast by either the dry or wet phase inversion processes, results in highly unexpected membranes of superior strength, flexibility, and uniformity, suitable for use in microfiltration and ultrafiltration.

Abstract: An improved fuel filter particularly adapted for use on sport and off-road vehicles such as go-carts, motorcycles, and the like, is disclosed characterized by a two-piece barrel housing sized to removably receive a replaceable/disposable filter element. Five embodiments of fuel filter structure are disclosed each adapted to permit the filter element to be readily replaced and properly seated within the housing.

Abstract: An improved food oven and method of preparing food is disclosed characterized by a double-oven compartment structure with each compartment having multiple infrared heating rod arrays and a smoker unit adapted to prepare food disposed within the compartment. Operation of the heating rod arrays and smoker units are monitored by a novel electronic control system which permits independent baking, broiling, barbecuing, smoking and hold-warming of foods disposed within each compartment. The compartments further incorporate a unique vent system which automatically generates a convectional airflow through each of the compartments to reduce isolated temperature gradients within the compartments and effectuate a generally uniform preparation of food.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for breaking and removing cremated remains from a crematory furnace. The system includes means for breaking cremated remains into fragments for transmission through a vacuum line into a grinder which reduces the fragments into fine particles. A filter collects fine particles output from the vacuum line; and after completion of the grinding process, the output of the grinder and the particles collected in the filter are collected in a receptacle for removal from the system.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for measuring surface heights is disclosed which yields a true height profile of the surface being measured. The apparatus and method is adapted to provide a straight and preferably level reference datum adjacent to the measured surface from which height and slope variation along the measured surface are automatically sensed, recorded and plotted. Three structural embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention are disclosed which permit either separate or simultaneous transverse or longitudinal surface data to be obtained during operation.

Abstract: A flag staff holder for sign supports adapted to hold different size shafts comprising a conical socket with protuberences inwardly at levels therein is disclosed.

Abstract: A supplemental hand restraint device is disclosed which is utilized in conjunction with conventional handcuffs to eliminate functional hand and/or finger use of a person in custody. The device comprises a bag adapted to be positioned over the hands and handcuffs of a person in custody and be secured thereupon to completely enclose or encapsulate the person's hands. The device may additionally be secured to the belt of a person in custody to prevent the person from stepping through the handcuffs as well as be utilized in multiple custody applications.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for dispensing beverage syrup is disclosed characterized by use of a low flow rate, positive displacement pump adapted to accurately deliver syrup from a collapsible bag/box syrup container to a dispensing nozzle. Air ingestion into the dispensing system is eliminated by use of a novel air trap/filter adapted to generate a high vacuum signal at the intake port of the pump in response to detecting the presence of air or encountering a syrup depletion condition which signal automatically discontinues pump operation. A vacuum actuated diverter valve is additionally incorporated into the dispensing system to permit the intake port of the pump to be automatically placed in flow communication with differing syrup containers, thereby allowing continuous syrup dispensing operation even during replacement of spent syrup containers.