Abstract: A device is provided for compression of objects such as parts of the body. The device has the form of a band that can be shaped like a sleeve, wrap or garment that is sized to encircle the body part or other compressible object and having a component or components made of an elastic material. Indicia such as tick marks or scales are printed on the device. The stretch of the elastic material as the device is tensioned around the body part causes increased separation of the indicia or movement of a free end of the band with respect to the indicia. A system measures the separation of the indicia and converts it to compression as a function of the circumference of the body part. The system may be a card having edges with measurement scales or the scales may be printed on the device and the displacement of a free end of a band or sub-band of the device with respect to the scales indicates the compression for particular circumferences of the body part.

Abstract: A device for collecting menstrual flow has a cup shaped to fit over the cervix and has an attached pouch defining a reservoir that contains an absorbent material. A port having a fabric cover permits menstrual flow from the uterus to pass into the reservoir. The device, which is flexible and resilient, is folded in one end of an applicator used to insert the device into the vagina. The device is shaped to automatically fit into and remain in position over the cervix after the device is ejected from the applicator.

Abstract: Compositions of perfluorocarbons and methods of using these compositions for subcutaneous fat removal. A version of the composition also contains local anesthetic and/or vasoconstrictors. The composition is in association with a pharmacuetical carrier. The composition is for use in liposuction techniques. Also provided is a method for subcutaneous removal of lipid or fat cells from a patient using the composition.

Abstract: Compositions of perfluorocarbons and methods of using these compositions for subcutaneous fat removal. A version of the composition also contains local anesthetic and/or vasoconstrictors. The composition is in association with a pharmacuetical carrier. The composition is for use in liposuction techniques. Also provided is a method for subcutaneous removal of lipid or fat cells from a patient using the composition.

Abstract: A therapeutic compression garment made of a unitary piece of flexible, foldable, light weight Velcro-type loop fabric having a central region for wrapping partially around a body part and a plurality of pairs of bands integrally connected to the central region and extending outwardly in opposite directions from both sides of the central region to encompass the body part. The therapeutic garment adapted for the leg in combination with an ankle-foot wrap for applying therapeutic compression to the leg, ankle and foot. A method for treating disorders requiring compressive therapy involving the step of applying the garments of the invention to the indicated body part.

Abstract: A composition of matter which comprises a metallic complex of the formulaM.sup.Z+ L.sub.n IwhereinM is a metal ion of nutritional or therapeutic value;L.sub.n is one or more oligopeptides wherein at least one oligopeptide comprises at least one amino acid selected from the group consisting of nonprotein amino acids and synthetic amino acids;n=1-3,Z=1-6. The metal ion of the metallic complex is selected from the group consisting of chromium, zinc, manganese, magnesium, calcium, copper, iron, vanadium, cobalt, molybdenum, germanium, selenium, and indium. The invention further provides food or drink compositions or dietary supplements which comprise the metallic complex of the invention.

Abstract: A portable remotely controlled automatic door closing apparatus enables the door of a room or office to be closed from a remote location within the room or office by transmitting a signal to an actuator which exerts a force on the door to move it from an opened position to a closed position. The apparatus comprises a battery or AC powered motor which moves a lever arm into engagement with the door to rotate the door about its hinges from the open to the closed position. The apparatus is free standing and immobilized on the floor in a non-connected relationship thereto between an apparatus wall and the door in its open position. The apparatus is immobilized to prevent slipping by a floor-engaging mechanism, such as an adhesive, an anti-skid rubber material, or suction cups, or carpet engaging projections.

Abstract: A microwave oven adapted for use within a motor vehicle dashboard area. The microwave oven has a removable storage cassette, and slidable platforms for securing and serving containers of beverages and foods. A motor vehicle featuring a microwave oven in which food may be heated by a microwave-generating magnetron powered directly or indirectly by the vehicle's battery and/or alternator. The space required for the microwave oven is provided by elimination of the major dashboard storage compartment, i.e., the glove compartment. The microwave oven door opens to a horizontal position to provide a securing and serving surface for hot beverages and food. The microwave oven accommodates a removable storage cassette for glove compartment items. The storage cassette must be removed as one condition, and the door of the microwave oven must be closed as a second condition for the magnetron to receive electrical power.

Abstract: A method of treating a human subject to inhibit mutagenic effects of carcinogens by administering to the subject a composition comprising a sufficient amount of 6,6'-dithiodinicotinic acid to inhibit activity of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in said subject to thereby inhibit said effects. Also provided is a method of inhibiting occurrence of mutations and of cancers derived from mutations, which method comprises administration to a subject of a composition comprising a sufficient amount of 6,6'-dithiodinicotinic acid.

Abstract: An apparatus for batch distilling a liquid at sub-atmospheric pressure, without the aid of a vacuum pump. The apparatus includes an evaporator section having a valved entry port through which a batch of liquid in a first atmospheric condition is added to the evaporator section. A condenser section receives distillate and is in communication with the evaporator section. A valved vent is provided for sealing said apparatus from the outside atmosphere to form a second atmospheric condition which is sealed from the atmosphere after a heating element vaporizes said liquid into an initial sufficient amount of a first vapor to purge the first atmospheric condition from the apparatus through the valved vent. A condenser is disposed for condensing a sufficient amount of the first vapor to form a third atmospheric condition at a pressure below the first atmospheric condition, and for condensing a second vapor to produce distillate.

Abstract: An envelope has a tear panel created by lines of perforations that begin on either side of a pull tab formed in one or more of the panels of the envelope and divergingly extend away from the pull-tab. The pull-tab is conveniently grasped to exert a force that will detach the tear panel along the lines of perforations in order to readily inspect and extract the contents of the envelope.

Abstract: A container for exposed film cartridges that permits swift, one-handed insertion of such cartridges while securely containing them after insertion is disclosed. A pouch with stiffened walls has a circular opening covered by overlapping flaps made of a flexible but resilient material through which cartridges may be inserted.