Abstract: A roof vent device formed from upper and lower outer surfaces sized to define a generally rectangular configuration having a linear axis. A tapered matrix is positioned between the outer surfaces, the taper being directed in a direction perpendicular to the axis to define a thin linear edge and a thick linear edge along the outer edges of the configuration that are parallel to the axis and tapered linear edges along the outer edges of the configuration that are perpendicular to the axis. The tapered matrix has a gap located proximate the middle of the tapered linear edges and extending generally over the linear axis of the outer surfaces. The gap defines an entrance for an air to vent air from beneath the roof ridge out the thick linear edge. The gap further provides a pivot point about which the configuration folds to conform to a roof pitch having a predetermined angle. In one embodiment the matrix is tapered from one outer edge to the gap and the remaining portion of the matrix is generally level.

Abstract: Linear block polymer having a molecular weight of at least 104 Dalton, comprising urea and urethane groups and ester groups at such a distance from each other that after hydrolysis of these ester groups fragments are created which are so small that they are biologically degradable and can be excreted from a human body and further including an end group selected from primary NH2 and OH groups, which can be substituted by a monoamine. The polymers are intended to be used as implants.

Abstract: A gutter shield device used with gutters having inboard and outboard edges. The device includes an elongated matting having a plurality of open cones arranged in transverse and longitudinal rows, the bases of the cones defining a lower first plane and the apexes of the cones defining an upper second plane. The matting further including a pair of lateral lips extending outwardly from the bases of the cones. Also included is an elongated strip of porous fabric sufficiently smooth to prevent debris from being retained thereon. The being fabric is bonded to the cone apexes. In one embodiment, the device includes a reinforcing strip proximate its outer edge. A preferred matting is nylon embedded with carbon black and the preferred water porous fabric is a non-woven nylon-polyester.

Abstract: Nanofibers are produced having a diameter ranging from about 4 .ANG. to 1 nm, and a nano denier of about 10.sup.-9. The use of the electro-spinning process permits production of the desired nanofibrils. These fibrils in combination with a carrier or strengthening fibers/filaments can be converted directly into nonwoven fibrous assemblies or converted into linear assemblies(yarns) before weaving, braiding or knitting into 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional fabrics. The electrospun fiber can be fed in an air vortex spinning apparatus developed to form a linear fibrous assembly. The process makes use of an air stream in a properly confined cavity. The vortex of air provides a gentle means to convert a mixture of the fibril fed directly or indirectly from the ESP unit and a fiber mass or filament into an integral assembly with proper level of orientation. Incorporation of thus produced woven products into tissue engineering is part of the present invention.

Abstract: A winch device, comprising a drum for storing cable and the like, wherein the device disengageably couples the drum to a winch drum shaft driven by a high torque, low speed hydraulic motor or pump. The motor includes a housing suitable for mounting on a frame of a vehicle or other device. The principal components of the motor or pump include a crank shaft mounted in the housing for connection to a winch drum shaft. At least two cylinder and piston assemblies are attached to the crank shaft for rotation of the crank shaft upon movement of the pistons between a minimum and maximum point of travel in the cylinders to thereby impart motion to the crank shaft and, thus, the drum crank shaft. A valve assembly is driven by the crank shaft for providing hydraulic fluid to the cylinders under pressure to sequentially move each the piston between its minimum and maximum points of travel by providing hydraulic fluid under pressure on each face of the piston to move the piston in the desired direction of piston travel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of highly absorbent or superabsorbent hybrid fibers by ozoning of natural or synthetic fibers and subsequent graft polymerizing on the ozoned fibers. The method is characterized in that the ozoned fiber is graft polymerized in a water solution, containing ionizable or swellable monomers having hydrophilic groups and cross-binders comprising polyfunctional groups. The invention also comprises a product produced by the method according to the invention.

Abstract: To prevent abnormal sounds made by the vibrations of the tip of a seal lip of the molding for a window plate of a vehicle which are created when the air is sucked out from the inner cavity by the difference in pressure between the inside and the outside of the seal lip when the vehicle runs at high speeds, a seal lip body 4a extends in the direction of a vehicle body panel P from the leg of the molding 1 for a window plate and a folded-back lip 4b is consecutively integrally formed such that it folded back in the opposite inward direction from the tip of the seal lip body 4a into the cavity 5 between itself and the vehicle body panel P and extends along the vehicle body panel P. When the vehicle runs at high speeds, even if the seal lip 4a is moved up by the difference in pressure between the inside and the outside of the seal lip body 4a, the folded-back lip 4b is pressed on the vehicle body panel P and thus the air does not leak from the cavity 5.

Abstract: A device useful for delivering a predetermined treatment agent using a non-adhesive carrier for controlled regional release where the relationship between pore size, molecular weight, concentration and the like are predetermined to achieve specific predetermined time and quantity of release. The device includes a mouthguard shaped for extended contact with a substantial portion of the users mouth, such as all of the teeth and gums, for example, so as to provide treatment to a major region of the mouth as opposed to specific topical points of treatment. The mouthguard is held in position by properly fitting it to the patient, such as by softening and molding in situ. The portion of the mouthguard that is in direct contact with the region of treatment is formed from a polymeric material having a network of porous cavities that are sized to incorporate the treatment agent and release that agent over a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A reel handler including at least one reel arm for engaging a reel is mounted on a frame. A moving device moves the reel arm to raise and lower the engaged reel, and a hydraulic motor for rotating the reel is contained within the end of the reel arm. The hydraulic motor includes a crank shaft operable to rotate the reel when the crank shaft is rotated. Preferably, two spaced reel arms are pivotally mounted on a transverse, telescoping support cylinder that allows the reel arms to be spaced at varying distances to accommodate reels of various sizes. At least two cylinder and piston assemblies are attached to the crank shaft for rotation of the crank shaft upon movement of each piston between a minimum and maximum point of travel in the cylinders. The two cylinders are offset with respect to each other such that each piston reaches its said minimum and maximum points of travel while the other is offset from its own said minimum point of travel.

Abstract: A shoe tassel retainer device for use with a shoe having a flap overlying at least a part of the arch of the shoe, and at least one tassel proximate the flap. A first loop member includes a detachable attachment for adjustably fitting the first loop member over the arch of said shoe and retaining the flap. A second loop member has a portion extending from one end attached to the first loop member to its other end attached to the first loop member. One or both of the elastic loop members may be elastic. The one end of the second loop may be permanently attached to the first loop member and the other end of the second loop may be detachably attached to said the loop member, whereby the portion of the second loop member is adapted to detachably retain the tassel.

Abstract: A spring plate for use in a multiple disk friction coupling device, wherein a spring plate is an elastic member formed generally in a dish-like shape; a driving face facing a mating member comprises a side face of an outer diameter end portion, a circular protruding face, and a slant face smoothly continuing to this protruding face. The axial section of the driving face is formed of straight lines and curves which continue. The spring plate, when pushed against the mating member by a piston, is elastically deformed, pressing the driving face against a wide range of the mating member. Therefore the friction coupling member of the friction coupling device will never be locally heated to a high temperature, thus preventing heat distortion and non-uniform seizure of these members and accordingly smooth operation of the friction coupling device for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A label for attachment to clothing including a template having raised indicia thereon. The label is attached during manufacture of the article of clothing, by the store or other vending establishment, or by the purchaser at any time after acquisition of the clothing. The indicia conveys information relating to characteristics of the clothing. The raised indicia is unaffected by normal usage such as folding, crumpling or washing of the label. The indicia may comprise lettering, Braille or both forms of raised writing, as well as designs, logos or other symbols. One embodiment of the invention includes a template having indicia thereon relating to characteristics of the subject colors. The template comprises a plurality of colors identified by indicia and connected by a line or other device for specifying the relative proportion of the plurality of colors.

Abstract: A prophylactic and prosthetic device comprising an elastomeric gel formed into a tubular shape generally replicating that of the human male sex organ or member. The exterior of the device may be molded or otherwise formed to have the appearance of the member, or it may have a generally cylindrical shape such as that of conventional condoms. The texture of the exterior simulates the color, physical properties and tactile feel of human flesh, and, when wet with water soluble fluids, has relatively low friction similar to the human skin that it replicates. The interior of the device is hollow, providing space for insertion of the human male sex member in an aroused state. The texture of the interior surface is highly tacky so that it virtually sticks to the skin of the male user. The preferred elastomeric gel is formed from a mixture of plasticizing oil and a block copolymer selected from SEBS block copolymers, SEPS block copolymers and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A device useful for collection of sperm from human males, preferably in a discreet and camouflaged manner. The device includes an outer shell having a generally tubular inside chamber and an exterior with the appearance of an ordinary device normally found in a public environment such as one having the appearance of a flashlight. The shell provides access to the chamber via at least one removable cap having an exterior appearance compatible with the ordinary device. The chamber is filled by an insert formed from an elastomeric gel having the general tactile feel of human flesh. One end of the insert has an opening simulating a body orifice. The insert includes a central passage sized to accommodate a human male sex organ in said opening while providing at least a cushioning amount of the elastomeric gel. A preferred insert includes radially extending high points for engagement with the chamber and radially extending low points for expansion of the central passage during use.

Abstract: A device useful for collection of sperm from human males, preferably in a discreet, camouflaged manner. The device includes an outer shell having a generally tubular inside chamber and an exterior with the appearance of an ordinary device found in a public environment such as a flashlight. The shell provides access to the chamber via at least one removable cap. The chamber is filled by an insert formed from an elastomeric gel having the general tactile feel of human flesh. One end of the insert has an opening simulating a body orifice. The insert includes a central passage sized to accommodate a human male sex organ in said opening while providing at least a cushioning amount of the elastomeric gel. A preferred insert includes radially extending high points for engagement with the chamber and radially extending low points for expansion of the central passage during use.

Abstract: A device useful with electrical appliances having a plug for insertion in an electrical power outlet. In addition to an electrical power outlet having a receptacle for transmitting power to an electrical plug, the device includes a standby receptacle having openings for receiving an electrical cord plug. The standby receptacle is insulated to prevent transmission of electrical energy to the electrical cord plug when it is inserted therein. The device is fixedly mounted on the standby receptacle at a point proximate the electrical power outlet. The electrical cord plug may include two conductive prongs extending therefrom for insertion into the electrical power outlet, or it may have a third prong as a ground. The standby receptacle thus has two prong receptacles or three prong receptacles for receipt of the corresponding prongs.

Abstract: A dual dental tray assembly is provided which includes a pliable resilient outer dental tray using a pre-formed thin inner tray of thermoplastic material that nests inside the pliable outer tray. The two are heated to between 145.degree.-160.degree. F. During this time the inner tray is more formable, allowing for the inner tray to be accurately formed over the patient's teeth. The outer tray also prolongs the time during which the inner tray is moldable. The outer tray also operates as a seal with the gums to create a better vacuum created by the patient's sucking. Thus, the inner tray, once formed and cooled, becomes hard and flexible again and provides a thin hard dental tray as accurate as dental trays produced by dentists in their labs on models. The thinner, hard dental tray can then be used for dental treatments including bleaching, fluoride applications, and other dental operations, including provisional crowns and other dental work. The outer tray is usable for fluoride gel treatments.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive article comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and a porous layer affixed to the adhesive layer. The porous layer includes pores sized to permit passage of the adhesive therethrough to render the pressure sensitive adhesive article adhesive. A method of making a pressure sensitive adhesive article by forming a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and attaching a porous layer on one side of the adhesive layer. The porous layer having pores sized to permit passage of the adhesive therethrough.

Abstract: A deck of cards, comprising at least one set of twenty six cards. Each of the set of cards has two different letters of the alphabet displayed thereon to form thirteen subsets of two cards having the same two different letters thereon. Each card in the thirteen card subset has a picture of one object of a selected group of objects displayed thereon. The displayed object has a name in which the first letter is the same as one of the letters displayed on one of the pair in the subset and not the other of the letters on the pair. In a preferred embodiment, the two different letters are consecutive letters of the alphabet so that the totality of the thirteen subsets has all of the letters of the alphabet displayed in pairs of two letters each. In one embodiment, each letter is displayed in upper case in one location and lower case in another location on its respective card. The selected objects may be divided into four different groups of objects, such as animals, mechanical objects, foods and amusement devices.

Abstract: A device useful for displaying clip strips having a plurality of individual products thereon and having both a hole and a slot. The device engages a shelf having a plurality of holes on its top surface. The device includes an elongated body having a shelf engaging end and an outer terminal end extending from the shelf. The shelf engaging end includes a pair of spaced apart tabs extending away from the body configured to engage a pair of shelf holes and present a flat surface against the underside of the shelf. The tabs including a flange for mounting the tabs on the body and providing a surface of engagement for contact with the top surface of the shelf. Located proximate the outer terminal end of the body is a platform for supporting at least two hooks extending both out from the body to space the product from the body and upward for engaging products.