Abstract: An improved cervical collar having an elongated neck encircling band secured to a two-piece chin support brace wherein each end of each of the two pieces of the chin support brace are permanently secured to the elongated encircling band body.

Abstract: A process for the production of a hopped malt beer wherein a processing liquid containing riboflavin is hopped to form the desired beverage. The improvement comprises subjecting that processing liquid to an effective amount of actinic radiation of a wavelength adopted to decompose the riboflavin and thereby reduce the amount thereof, whereby a beer having enhanced light stability is obtained.

Abstract: An electric socket convertor comprises a convertor plug receivable into a conventional electric light bulb socket. An electric convertor socket is connectable with a conventional electric cigarette lighter. A connecting mechanism electrically connects the convertor plug to the convertor socket, such that electric current at the conventional electric light bulb socket is conducted through the convertor plug to the convertor socket. An electric cigarette lighter is inserted into the convertor socket, and is thereby provided with a source of 12-volt D.C. Other portable electric devices similarly can be provided with 12-volt D.C. The electric socket convertor provides convenient access to 12-volt D.C. for numerous electrical devices, and obviates permanent electric socket installation.

Abstract: A process for preparing a fermented malt beverage wherein brewing materials are mashed with water and the resulting mash is heated and wort separated there from. The wort is boiled, cooled and fermented and the beer is subjected to a finishing stage, which includes aging, to produce the final beverage. The improvement comprises subjecting the beer to a cold stage comprising rapidly cooling the beer to a temperature of about its freezing point in such a manner that ice crystals are formed therein in only minimal amounts. The resulting cooled beet is then mixed for a short period of time with a beer slurry containing ice crystals, without any appreciable collateral increase in the mount of ice crystals in the resulting mixture. Finally, the so-treated beer is extracted from the mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously detecting leaks in a plurality of flexible, collapsible bag-like devices is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a platen having a plurality of openings for receiving bag-like devices or contraceptive devices such as a female condom made of latex, polyurethane, or other polymer material. The apparatus has a first pressurizing device for pressuring the bag-like device in the platen with a medium such as air. A pressure sensor is used for detecting a failure to hold a selected pressure in each of the pressurized bag-like devices. The apparatus has an identification device for identifying bag-like devices exhibiting a failure to hold the selected pressure. An evacuation device for evacuating the bag-like device is used. The apparatus has a second pressurizing device for pressurizing the bag-like device with a leak detection medium and a detector for detecting any leak detection medium leaking from the bag-like device.

Abstract: An improved cervical collar comprised of an elongated neck encircling band, a chin support brace, a sternum and shoulder brace and an adjustment system secured to the sternum and shoulder brace and the elongated neck encircling band for adjusting the height of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the elongated neck encircling band. The adjustment system is designed to lock the sternum and shoulder brace in position preventing further extension of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the elongated neck encircling band as well as preventing retrograde movement of the sternum and shoulder brace in relation to the neck encircling band. The collar also comprises a positive alignment tracking system for maintaining the sternum and shoulder brace in parallel alignment with the elongated neck encircling band as the height of the sternum and shoulder brace is adjusted.

Abstract: The invention is a tubular protective device for protection against transfer of infectious matter during sexual intercourse and for use as a contraceptive. The tubular protective device includes a flexible, thin walled tube having a sufficiently large diameter to permit movement of a penis within the tube during coitus. The flexible thin walled tube also has a closed end and an open end. The open end has a ring-like member integrally connected to the open end. The protective device furthers includes a device for retaining the closed end of the tubular device in a vagina for a user.

Abstract: A pick holder is adapted for temporary storage and protection of a musical pick that is used for plucking strings of a stringed musical instrument such as a guitar. The pick holder comprises a flat body structure that includes a pair of side panels of identical configuration. Each of the side panels has an outer surface and an opposite parallel inner surface with a peripheral margin extending around the inner surface. The peripheral margin has a connecting peripheral margin portion and a free peripheral margin portion whereby the side panels are connected in a facial relationship at respective ones of the connecting peripheral margin portions to form an interior compartment between the inner surfaces of the side panels. Respective ones of the free peripheral margin portions define an opening into the interior compartment.

Abstract: The invention is a sterile, plasma-free storage medium for blood components including red blood cells and for platelets processed separately or together. The red cell storage medium includes adenine and a physiologically compatible, aqueous electrolyte solution. In one liter of this electrolyte solution there is between about 3.0 grams and about 25.0 grams of dextrose, between about 3.0 grams and about 6.0 grams of sodium citrate, and between about 2.0 grams and about 4.2 grams of sodium bicarbonate. The red cell storage medium is isotonic and has a pH in a range of between about 6.8 and about 7.4. The red cell storage medium is capable of storing and preserving red cells for at least 49 days.

Abstract: A halogen-free flame-retardant bitumen composition with improved performance characteristics is described. The flame-retardant bitumen composition contains at least 45 weight percent bitumen, about 2 to 25 weight percent thermoplastic polymer, and about 15 to 35 weight percent of a mixture of flame-retardant compounds. The mixture of flame-retardant compounds comprises alumina trihydrate and/or magnesium hydroxide, at least 2 weight percent zinc borate, and, optionally, about 2 to 20 weight percent calcium carbonate of the final flame-retardant bitumen composition.

Abstract: A method of forming a coupling or connecting a composite drive shaft to an annular member comprising the steps of locating the shaft over the member and injecting adhesive through holes in the shaft to bond the shaft to the member.

Abstract: A polymer comprising fluoroalkyl group has a structure in which one or two parts of the fluoroalkyl group at the one or both ends of the molecule are linked to a part of alkylene groups or alkylene groups substituted with halogen, a part of alkylene group substituted with functional groups, such as halogen, cyano group, alkylsulfonic acid group, amidoalkylsulfonic acid group, carboxylic acid group, carboxyl group, oxycarbonyl group, ether group, epoxy group and the like, and/or a part of silicone group. A method of preparation of the polymer comprising fluoroalkyl group contains reaction of a fluoroalkanoyl peroxide with a monomer comprising the functional group or a monomer comprising silicone group. A surface active agent comprises fluoroalkyl group and caroxylic acid salt group. A surface treatment agent comprises the polymer comprising fluoroalkyl group, hydrolysis products thereof, hydrolytic condensation products thereof, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for significantly improving the physical and catalytic properties of fluid cracking catalysts (FCC) is disclosed. The invention is a process for manufacturing a fluid cracking catalyst. The process includes adding an effective amount of an acid stable surfactant or an alkaline stable surfactant to a slurry of clay particles and sodium silicate particles. The process then includes forming a sol binder and spray drying the particles. Forming of the dried particles into a catalyst product then occurs.

Abstract: A microwave utensil for heating two different foods having different microwave absorbing properties allows the foods to be heated simultaneously without overheating one of the foods. The utensil includes a lower vessel to receive a first food and a second vessel which is nested within the first vessel to displace a portion of the first food item. A second food item is placed in the second vessel such that the first food item shields the sides of the second food.

Abstract: A process for preparing a fermented malt beverage wherein brewing materials are mashed with water and the resulting mash is heated and wort separated therefrom. The wort is boiled, cooled and fermented and the beer is subjected to a finishing stage, which includes aging, to produce the final beverage. The improvement comprises subjecting the beer to a cold stage comprising rapidly cooling the beer to a temperature of about its freezing point in such a manner that ice crystals are formed therein in only minimal amounts. The resulting cooled beer is then mixed for a short period of time with a beer slurry containing ice crystals, without any appreciable collateral increase in the amount of ice crystals in the resulting mixture. Finally, the so-treated beer is extracted from the mixture.

Abstract: The invention is a sterile, plasma-free storage medium for blood components including red blood cells and for platelets processed separately or together. The red cell storage medium includes a physiologically compatible, aqueous electrolyte solution. In one liter of this electrolyte solution there is between about 3.0 grams and about 25.0 grams of dextrose, between about 3.0 grams and about 6.0 grams of sodium citrate, and between about 2.0 grams and about 4.2 grams of sodium bicarbonate. The red cell storage medium is isotonic and has a pH in a range of between about 6.8 and about 7.4. The red cell storage medium is capable of storing and preserving red cells for at least 49 days.

Abstract: A random number selector device includes a plurality of disks rotatably mounted about a common axis. A first disk includes an outer ring divided into segments where each ring segment contains one or more number arranged sequentially around the disk. A second ring of ring segments is disposed concentrically within the first ring. The ring segments of the second ring include letters arranged alphabetically around the disk. A second disk superimposed on the first disk includes a pointer and a plurality of ring segments, each ring segment includes one or more random numbers. A third disk is superimposed over the second disk and includes a window to view one of the random numbers on the second disk.

Abstract: The invention includes a pressure vessel and a method of pressurizing, via a fluid medium, waste matter at an ultra high pressure. The invention includes an ultra high pressure vessel. The pressure vessel has quick opening closures at each end. A fluid medium is available for supply to pressure vessel cavity within the pressure vessel. A means for supplying the fluid medium under ultra high pressures into the fluid vessel cavity is also provided. The invention further includes a ram means or a means for loading and compacting the waste matter. The method includes pressurizing the matter at a sufficient pressure and holding the pressure for a sufficient time to sterilize the matter.