Abstract: A method for determining pore structure characteristics of hydrophobic porous materials includes placing a test sample of material in the sample chamber of a porosimetry apparatus, creating a partial vacuum and evacuating the sample chamber to remove air, creating a partial vacuum and evacuating the penetrometer and storage vessel above the water level, releasing the vacuum in a controlled manner, so pressure is applied and water in the penetrometer enters the sample chamber and intrudes into pores of the sample, applying a measured amount of intrusion pressure and measuring the change in volume of water in the penetrometer, and determining pore structure characteristics of the sample based on the change in volume of water in the penetrometer. The method further includes an optional step of applying a desired amount of compressive stress on the sample prior to testing. Nonporous plates optionally are used to measure x-y plane pore structure.

Abstract: A facial tissue container having an internal light source includes a window opening and frame for receiving and retaining the light source, a sealed sanitary barrier or cover over the window opening, and a powered LED unit, including a printed circuit board operably connected to multiple LEDs, a switch mechanism for operating the LEDs, and a power supply, a retaining mechanism for reversibly attaching the powered LEDs to the window frame. The light source also preferably also includes a dimmer switch mechanism for controlling LED brightness, and a switch mechanism for filtering the LEDs to emit colored light, and for changing colors based on predetermined patterns.

Abstract: A hydrogen G-cycle rotary vane internal combustion engine has a sodium vapor chamber transferring excess combustion heat into combustion chambers. An active water cooling system captures heat from the engine housing stator, rotor, and sliding vanes and transfers it back into the combustion cycle by premixing it with hydrogen to reduce peak combustion temperature and with an early an late stage combustion chamber injection to help transfer heat from the sodium vapor chamber, to control chamber temperature, and to increase chamber vapor pressure. A combustion chamber sealing system includes axial seals between the rotor and the stator, vane face seals, and toggling split vane seals between the outer perimeters of the sliding vanes and the stator. Sliding vanes reciprocate laterally in and out of the rotor assisted by a vane belting system. A thermal barrier coating minimizes heat transfer and thermal deformation. Solid lubricants provide high temperature lubrication and durability.

Abstract: A personal support apparatus for supporting the head and body of a person sleeping in a seated position includes a generally U-shaped collar member for contacting the wearer's neck from the back, with the collar being made from a soft resilient material that retains its shape, and first and second side arm support members permanently or reversibly and adjustably attached to the collar, with the side arm support members being made from a soft malleable material that reversibly conforms to the contours of the passenger's body and/or the vehicle seat or other surface, the first and second side arm support members being characterized by a first level of firmness, and the collar member being characterized by a second level of firmness that is greater than the first level of firmness.

Abstract: A method for determining pore structure characteristics of a filtration cartridge includes the steps of placing a porometry test location isolating device in sealing contact with the filtration cartridge at a desired test location, increasing the porometer test gas pressure until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring the flow rate of the test gas through the test location as a function of differential pressure, reducing the test gas pressure to atmospheric pressure, wetting the test location with a wetting liquid, increasing the test gas pressure again until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring differential gas pressure and gas flow rates through the test location, and converting the measured gas flow rates and differential pressures into through pore throat diameters, largest through pore throat diameter, mean flow through pore throat diameter, pore distribution, and gas permeability of the cartridge.

Abstract: A folding telescopic buttress stand includes a first two-piece telescopic section having an outer tubing member and an inner tubing member in slidable engagement, the outer tubing member being pivotally attached at its lower end to a base plate, and the inner tubing member having attached at its upper end a second two-piece telescopic section having an outer tubing member and an inner tubing member in slidable engagement. One embodiment includes an end fitting or adapter for engagement with a vehicle or other object affixed to the upper end of the inner tubing member. Yet another embodiment includes a third two-piece telescopic section having an outer tubing member and an inner tubing member in slidable engagement affixed to the upper end of the second two-piece telescopic section.

Abstract: Apparatus for exercising the abdominal muscles includes a flexible substrate that substantially conforms to a user's abdomen, with a tacky pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on one side of the flat or contoured surface, for adhering the exercise apparatus to the user's abdomen, and a system for attaching additional weight to the apparatus for providing increased resistance. The pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) allows the exercise apparatus to adhere to the user's abdomen, and enables releasable attachment, such that the apparatus can be attached and detached from the abdomen repeatedly, and can be reused. Optional weights are attached to the apparatus to increase resistance, as desired. While on his/her hands and knees, the user contracts the stomach muscles and pulls his/her abdomen with the attached apparatus inward toward the spine, thus exercising the abdominal muscles.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a roof-resting vehicle includes the steps of leaning one or more buttress stands against a rear fender area of the vehicle, passing a chain under a rear end of the vehicle from one of the buttress stands to another, tightening the slack from the chain by pulling chain-grab end fittings towards the fenders at the vehicle undercarriage, using a ratchet strap, restraining the chain from sliding off the rear end of the vehicle by attaching a ratchet strap to the chain near a trunk lid of the vehicle, and passing the chain up to the vehicle undercarriage in front of a wheel assembly of the vehicle, attaching a ratchet strap at a base of the one or more buttress stands and tightening, and placing wedges in front of the opposite end of the vehicle, such that the vehicle is stabilized.

Abstract: An aqueous pharmaceutical suspension for oral administration of a drug, which suspension maintains its content uniformity for prolonged period.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a roof-resting vehicle includes the steps of leaning one or more buttress stands against a rear fender area of the vehicle, passing a chain under a rear end of the vehicle from one of the buttress stands to another, tightening the slack from the chain by pulling chain-grab end fittings towards the fenders at the vehicle undercarriage, using a ratchet strap, restraining the chain from sliding off the rear end of the vehicle by attaching a ratchet strap to the chain near a trunk lid of the vehicle, and passing the chain up to the vehicle undercarriage in front of a wheel assembly of the vehicle, attaching a ratchet strap at a base of the one or more buttress stands and tightening, and placing wedges in front of the opposite end of the vehicle, such that the vehicle is stabilized.

Abstract: Calcium-fortified acidic beverages that are stable against calcium precipitation when stored for prolonged period at room temperature and elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A substantially taste masked liquid pharmaceutical composition containing a pharmaceutically effective amount of an unpleasant tasting drug dissolved or dispersed in an aqueous excipient base, said excipient base comprising polyvinyl pyrrolidone and/or copolyvidone, and high molecular weight polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for connecting and sealing duct sections is adapted for connecting and sealing round ducts (100), round oval ducts (200), and other commonly used ducts. The apparatus includes first and second connectors. Each connector includes a tubular member (20) having an outside diameter that is incrementally smaller than the inside diameter of the duct to which it is attached. An O-ring (40) carried in an O-ring channel defined in the tubular member makes an air-tight seal with the duct. A radially directed annular flange (50) extends outwardly from an outer end of the tubular member. An outer perimeter of the flange forms a rolled edge (60). A gasket (70) may be carried between the outer surfaces of adjacent flanges of first and second connectors associated with first and second ducts to be joined. Duct sealer (80) may also be carried between the outer surfaces, with or without a gasket. A plurality of fasteners (90) may be used to fasten the flanges together.