Abstract: A body lotion applicator with an extended applicator head for reaching the back and other portions of the body that are difficult to reach. An elongate arm serves as a handle and conduit for conducting body lotions from a conventional bottle to the applicator head. The applicator head includes a face plate and porous sponge affixed thereto by a retaining ring. The sponge preferably consists of an outer layer of a small cell, open-cell foam and an inner body of a large cell, open-cell foam. The sponge is detachable from the head and is replaceable with a coarse-celled exfoliative sponge or similar sponge assembly.

Abstract: A refuse collector for introducing solid refuse into commercial plastic trash bags is disclosed. The collector includes a open, peripheral frame having a collection tray hinged thereto, and a pair of expander arms that extend rearwardly from the frame and into a plastic trash bag to hold the bag open. The collector is particularly adapted to collection of hazardous solid waste such as metal chips or refuse contaminated toxic or infectious materials. The collector may be used in a horizontal or vertical position, and folds into a compact configuration for storage.

Abstract: A cartridge monitoring and display system for an automatic or semiautomatic firearm. A programmed microcontroller receives input signals from each of a slide switch and a magazine switch, which switches generate respective signals upon actuation of the firearm slide and upon insertion or withdrawal of a cartridge magazine. The microcontroller calculates the number of rounds remaining in the firearm and displays the number on an LCD display. A visible and audible warning is given when the cartridge count drops below a predetermined minimum level. The entire system is incorporated in a mounting strap which may be inserted between the frame and hand grip of a conventional semiautomatic pistol.

Abstract: A solid waste compactor having multiple waste receptacles for separately receiving, temporarily holding, and compacting separate classes of solid waste, for example paper, glass, aluminum cans and steel cans. In one preferred embodiment there is a single screw-driven compaction ram which compacts solid waste in the several receptacles, which are rotatable into position beneath the ram on a revolving table. In an alternative embodiment there are multiple compaction rams for the multiple receptacles, with all the compaction rams being driven in series by means of a common drive chain, and with the receptacles being mounted on a slidable carriage for removal from the compactor.

Abstract: A solid waste compactor having multiple waste receptacles for separately receiving, temporarily holding, and compacting separate classes of solid waste, for example paper, glass, aluminum cans and steel cans. In one preferred embodiment there is a single screw-driven compaction ram which compacts solid waste in the several receptacles, which are rotatable into position beneath the ram on a revolving table. In an alternative embodiment there are multiple compaction rams for the multiple receptacles, with all the compaction rams being driven in series by means of a common drive chain, and with the receptacles being mounted on a slidable carriage for removal from the compactor.

Abstract: A set of fire suppression agents suitable for streaming applications is disclosed. The agents are characterized by high extinguishment efficiency, low toxicity, and low ozone depletion potential. The agents are partially or completely fluorinated alkanes having at least two carbon atoms.

Abstract: A portable, foldable basketball backboard assembly. In an upright deployed position the assembly is erected to provide a regulation size basketball backboard. The assembly may be folded downwardly into a compact, folded assembly that is sufficiently compact in size and short in height to permit it to be transported and stored in ordinary storage facilities. In the folded position the assembly is transportable on integral caster wheel assemblies. The assembly is raised and lowered by a lift mechanism which facilitates raising of the assembly while also preventing the assembly from being lowered suddenly or unexpectedly. An extendible goal post, which supports a foldable backboard and a hoop, extends upwardly and outwardly from the base so as to provide a clear playing space beneath the backboard.

Abstract: A positive displacement, recirculating Roots-type rotary gas compressor which operates on the basis of flow work compression. The compressor includes a pair of large diameter recirculation conduits (24 and 26) which return compressed discharge gas to the compressor housing (14), where it is mixed with low pressure inlet gas, thereby minimizing adiabatic heating of the gas. The compressor includes a pair of involutely lobed impellers (10 and 12) and an associated port configuration which together result in uninterrupted flow of recirculation gas. The large diameter recirculation conduits equalize gas flow velocities within the compressor and minimize gas flow losses. The compressor is particularly suited to applications requiring sustained operation at higher gas compression ratios than have previously been feasible with rotary pumps, and is particularly applicable to refrigeration or other applications requiring condensation of a vapor.

Abstract: A process for treating metal surfaces to obtain improved susceptibility to bonding with adhesive compositions is disclosed. A metal surface is oxidized with a halogen to form a monolayer of halide ions on the surface. The halide ions are then exchanged with azide ions to form an azide monolayer on the metal surface. Upon contact of the treated surface with an adhesive composition, the azide layer may be thermally or photochemically decomposed to form active nitrene species, which react to bond the adhesive composition to the metal surface.

Abstract: A weight training apparatus suitable for performing most of the major weight training exercises. The apparatus includes a base which supports a pair of upper rear cross members, a pair of intermediate cross members, and a pair of adjustable safety bars. The rear cross members support a barbell at approximately shoulder height for use in connection with squats and other exercises in which the barbell is supported on the shoulders. The intermediate cross members support the barbell at a height suitable for bench presses performed with a bench, which may be positioned within the apparatus. The safety bars are adjustable in height and are positioned for use while performing bench presses as well as squats. The apparatus further includes a removable pull-up bar.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an electric luminaria fixture. The fixture comprises a frame and associated legs, which support an electric lamp inside a bag to give the appearance of a traditional luminaria. The frame includes a semicircular clip which is adapted to support and retain lamp sockets of various sizes and shapes. The legs of the fixture include rotatable feet which can be nailed to a surface, and clips which attach the bag to the fixture. The fixture is preferably used with an inverted bag, to allow electrical wiring to extend unimpeded beneath the luminaria.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a sucrose sulfate composition useful for magnetic resonance imaging of the gastrointestinal tract. Paramagnetic/superparamagnetic/ferromagnetic ions or particles are attached to sucrose sulfate molecules in the composition. The sucrose sulfate composition travels, in the patient, to sites in the gastrointestinal tract which are diseased and the paramagnetic/superparamagnetic/ferromagnetic ions or particles allow magnetic resonance imaging to be more effective for imaging of these sites in the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A cartridge monitoring and display system for an automatic or semiautomatic firearm. A programmed microcontroller receives input signals form each of a slide switch and a magazine switch, which switches generate respective signals upon actuation of the firearm slide and upon insertion or withdrawal of a cartridge magazine. The microcontroller calculates the number of rounds remaining in the firearm and displays the number on an LCD display. A visible and audible warning is given when the cartridge count drops below a predetermined minimal level. The entire system is incorporated in a mounting strap which may be inserted between the frame and a hand grip of a conventional semiautomatic pistol.

Abstract: A bail-type animal trap for small rodents and the like, having a self-setting triggering mechanism. The trap includes a spring-loaded, bail-type striker which is hinged to the upper surface of the base. The striker is releasably retained in the cocked position by a resilient latch which is connected by a wire or rod to a trigger plate which is adapted to hold a piece of bait. The trigger plate engages a stop affixed to the base. The trigger plate includes an integral catch for engaging the stop, and an integral fulcrum which causes the trigger to release when it is either lifted, depressed, or moved sideways. The striker further includes a self-setter which returns the trigger plate to the set position each time the trap is sprung.

Abstract: A solid waste compactor having multiple waste receptacles for separately receiving, temporarily holding and compacting separate classes of solid waste, for example paper, glass, aluminum cans and steel cans. A single screw-driven compaction ram compacts solid waste in the several receptacles. The compaction ram extends from a trolley which is movable in two orthogonal directions on orthogonal tracks positioned above the receptacles. A reversible compaction motor mounted on the trolley drives the compaction ram up and down. The receptacles are mounted on a slidable carriage for removal from the compactor.

Abstract: An isolation leverage weight training cuff includes a tapered, flexible tube having multiple fasteners spaced longitudinally along its exterior surface. The cuff is worn on the forearm or the lower leg. The cuff is used to facilitate exercising of the large muscles groups of the upper arms or legs to exhaustion, without being limited by premature fatigue of the smaller muscles of the forearm or calf.

Abstract: A portable, foldable basketball backboard assembly is disclosed. In an upright deployed position the assembly is erected to provide a regulation size basketball backboard. The assembly may be folded into a compact assembly sized for storage and transportation. In the folded position the assembly is transportable on integral wheel assemblies. The assembly includes an integral spring biasing mechanism to assist in raising the assembly to the upright position.

Abstract: A portable camera support. The camera support comprises a shoulder support member which rests on and extends forwardly from a user's shoulder and which supports a camera. A telescoping extension tube extends forwardly from the front end of the shoulder support member and is pivotably attached to a torso engaging support member, the lower end of which bears upon the user's chest or torso. A preferred adjustable bracing member permits selective adjustment of the height of the camera. A camera mounting plate permits forward and rearward adjustment of the position of the camera, as well as limited left- and right-handed rotation to accommodate left- and right-handed users.

Abstract: An improved method of fracturing a geological formation surrounding a well bore is disclosed. A relatively small explosive charge is emplaced in a well bore and the bore is subsequently hydraulically pressurized to a pressure less than the formation breakdown pressure and preferably greater than the fracture propagation pressure of the formation. The charge is denoted while the bore is so pressurized, resulting in the formation of multiple fractures in the surrounding formation with little or no accompanying formation damage. Subsequent hydraulic pressurization can be used to propagate and extend the fractures in a conventional manner. The method is useful for stimulating production of oil, gas and possibly water from suitable geologic formations.

Abstract: A high ratio positive displacement recirculating rotary compressor is disclosed. The compressor includes an integral heat exchanger and recirculation conduits for returning cooled, high pressure discharge gas to the compressor housing to reducing heating of the compressor and enable higher pressure ratios to be sustained. The compressor features a recirculation system which results in continuous and uninterrupted flow of recirculation gas to the compressor with no direct leakage to either the discharge port or the intake port of the compressor, resulting in a capability of higher sustained pressure ratios without overheating of the compressor.