Abstract: Neutron optics based on the two-reflection geometries are capable of controlling beams of long wavelength neutrons with low angular divergence. The preferred mirror fabrication technique is a replication process with electroform nickel replication process being preferable. In the preliminary demonstration test an electroform nickel optics gave the neutron current density gain at the focal spot of the mirror at least 8 for neutron wavelengths in the range from 6 to 20 ?. The replication techniques can be also be used to fabricate neutron beam controlling guides.

Abstract: An earpiece of flexible foam construction which incorporates recycled pulverized polyurethane foam (RPPF). RPPF constituting 5% to 30% of the improved foam has been found to be useful. The novel and unique nature of RPPF allows for the replacement of a higher cost component with a lower cost component while maintaining or improving physical properties, such as sound attenuation, sound control, comfort and fit.

Abstract: A process for producing foamed aluminum in space comprising the steps of: heating aluminum until it is molten; applying the force of gravity to the molten aluminum; injecting gas into the molten aluminum to produce molten foamed aluminum; and allowing the molten foamed aluminum to cool to below melting temperature. The apparatus for carrying out this invention comprises: a furnace which rotates to simulate the force of gravity and heats the aluminum until it is molten; a door on the furnace, which is opened for charging the aluminum into the furnace, closed for processing and opened again for removal of the foamed aluminum; a gas injection apparatus for injecting gas into the molten aluminum within the furnace; and an extraction apparatus adjacent the door for removing the foamed aluminum from the furnace.

Abstract: A digital electronic camera is hermetically sealed in a housing, typically inexpensive clear plastic. Digital electrical signals for downloading image information from the camera are converted to radio or, more preferably, infrared optical signals. These signals are communicated through the radiation-transparent housing to an external radio transceiver or infrared adapter connected to a personal computer. The bi-directional pc-to-camera communication is typically completely opaque to the picture-capturing pc and to its operating software. Electrical operation of the digital camera's shutter circuit is through the sealed housing by manually moving a magnet relative to an internal sensor, typically a Hall-effect sensor or a reed switch.

Abstract: The present invention is a stable topical creatine application suitable for absorption directly through the skin into the underlying muscle without traveling through the blood system for the purpose of increasing muscle energy. It is created by combining creatine with phosphoric acid in a cosmetically elegant vehicle suitable for topical use. Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine can also be added. Topical creatine avoids the side effects of oral creatine supplements.

Abstract: A hair cleanser comprising is a mixture of conditioners, cooling agents, emulsifiers, humectants, pH balancing agents, preservatives, thickeners, and vitamins. The cleanser may also include astringents, emollients, fragrances, re-fatting agents and botanicals.

Abstract: A rolling walker of the type having a frame, and a leading wheel, which has a low point, rotatably attached to the bottom of the frame at its front. The improvement comprises an intermediate wheel, which is rotatably attached to the bottom of the frame, close to and behind the leading wheel so that the low point of the intermediate wheel is lower than the low point of the leading wheel. The axle of the intermediate wheel may be lower than the axle of the leading wheel or the diameter of the intermediate wheel may be larger than the diameter of the leading wheel.

Abstract: A life extending, pop-up sprinkler comprising a riser pipe, a collar, a pop-up shaft with a threaded head, an O-ring, a weight, and a spray insert. The riser pipe is threaded at both ends. The lower threads are designed to mate with the specially threaded cavity in the sprinkler head body. Threaded onto the upper threads is the collar, which has a opening, having a hexagonal (or other shaped) cross-section, in its upper web. Sliding inside this opening is the cylindrical pop-up shaft which has a mating, outer, hexagonal (or other matching shaped) cross-section. The O-ring is slipped over the lower end of the shaft and a cylindrical (or other shaped) weight is screwed onto the lower end of the shaft. Both the O-ring and the weight are of larger diameters than the shaft so as to preclude leakage. The upper end of the shaft terminates in a cylindrical pop-up head which is also larger in diameter than the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the preparation of in-situ formation of a series of glass-ceramic composites by the Self-propagating High temperature Synthesis (SHS) technique with advantages of processing simplicity as well as the potential of cost savings. The materials produced by the technique contain crystalline TiB2 phase and have either a pure glassy matrix or a glass matrix with partial devitrification based on the Al2O3—CaO system. The materials can potentially be used for infrared light transmission and for other high temperature applications. These materials can also be produced with relatively high porosity.

Abstract: An extendible dish drain rack comprising a plurality of bases designed to assemble in a particular sequence; the front of the second and each subsequent base designed to overlap the rear of the preceding base with a short overlap. A lip for overlapping a sink is provided at the front of the first. A first fastener is located at the front of each second and subsequent base. A second fastener is located at each rear. The fasteners are designed to mate with each other, prevent slippage and allow for disassembly of the bases. Each base also incorporates a device for inclining the bases. This creates an angle of inclination in the assembly sufficient to efficiently drain water. There are typical supports for supporting dishes in a water draining configuration on the top surface of each base. Preferably the device for inclining the bases is a foot or leg located under the rear of each base. Preferably one fastener is a slot and the second fastener is a tab which loosely fit to each other.

Abstract: A novel composition of a materials that can be extruded into sheets to form panels to create a roofing system wherein the panels are formed to interlock with like panels in order to provide a substantially weatherproof covering on a roof. The sheet member has a top layer made of ASA (Acrylonitrile/Styrene/Acrylate polymer) and a bottom layer made of PVC (Polyvinylchloride). The two layers are extruded and bonded or preferably coextruded. Then the bonded materials are thermoformed to resemble more popular types of roof coverings such as shake or shingles or tiles.

Abstract: A system for producing adjustable articulated beds. These beds use measurements taken from a particular human form applied to the bed construction. All beds made using this system have the following in common: a standard distance of four inches from the top of the intended user's head to the head end of the mattress; a mattress that increases in length as the bed is articulated upward and decreases in length when returning to supine position thus matching the change that occurs to the posterior length of the user with no slippage; standardized articulating mechanisms, to articulate the thighs and legs plus and increases the length of the thigh supporting sections when articulated upward, thus matching the movement of the human form; and standardized orbiculators to articulate the torso.

Abstract: A camera based measurement system which can automatically determine tailor body measurements with one camera, few pictures and without requiring the customer to wear special garments. The present invention will automatically detect the neck and other body features and can perform the function with a single camera, and a relatively small number of views.

Abstract: A targeting, small wildland fire extinguisher dropping system comprising: a droppable extinguisher package, adapted for filling and handling, for containing fire suppressant solution, and bursting when it hits a target on the ground full of said fire suppressant solution and dropped from a height; a quantity of fire suppressant solution inside said droppable extinguisher package; and a package dispenser, adapted for suspending, for holding said droppable extinguisher package and dropping said droppable extinguisher package upon command. A stirrer adapted to be inserted into said droppable extinguisher package for stirring said fire suppressant solution may also be provided.

Abstract: An essentially hollow housing inside of which is supported a ferrule, with female pipe threads for connecting to a water supply and a ball valve for turning the water supply on and off. The ball valve includes a handle, for operating the ball valve, which is supported exterior to the housing. At the end of the housing there is a spout for diverting water flow from the horizontal to the vertical. The handle may be shaped so that the condition of the valve (i.e. open or closed) may be readily determined. In an alternate embodiment there is a hand held shower connection that joins the ferrule and passes through the hollow housing at a compound angle at one side.