Abstract: A side ring baton is disclosed. The side ring baton is comprised of an elongated cylindrical shaft with an anterior end and a posterior end, and a side ring having a circular interior, tangentially connected to the elongated shaft near the anterior end of the elongated shaft. The side ring is fixed stationary in a horizontal plane with the elongated shaft. The side ring baton also has a finger fulcrum between the shaft and posterior side of the side ring for rotational acceleration. The side ring baton further has a mini light attached to the finger fulcrum of the baton for providing light in the night.

Abstract: The present invention provides chemokine-like factor (CKLF) polypeptides with chemotactic and hematopoietic stimulating activities and polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides. Additionally, a method for producing such CKLF polypeptides by recombinant techniques is provided. Also provided are the antibodies and antagonists against such polypeptides. The present invention further disclose a drug compound comprising a therapeutically effective amount of such CKLF polypeptides as well as pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and carriers. Also disclosed are the uses of such CKLF polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostics or therapeutics to treat immunodeficiency, hematopoietic diseases and primary tumors.

Abstract: A universally fitting, removable padded wraparound luggage handle cover includes a substantially square and planar interior sheet of a cushioning, preferably foam-like material. About the cushioning material is peripherally secured a top and a bottom sheet of a flexible high woven fabric. To the top sheet of the fabric is secured an elongate strip of hook-and-loop material having a width in a range of about 1 to about 3.5 centimeters and secured to the top sheet along one entire edge thereof. A second or bottom strip of hook-and-loop material, generally complemental in width to the top strip, is secured to the bottom sheet of fabric along an edge opposite to the edge at which the top strip, is secured and in which the respective fabric edges define a distance therebetween in a range of about 12 to about 17 centimeters. The bottom sheet of fabric is preferably provided with a transparent envelope having one free edge into which may be inserted owner identification or other information.

Abstract: A swimsuit converter is provided for converting the bottom rear panel of a swimsuit to a shape with more body exposures. The swimsuit converter includes a center connection part, and a plurality of extensions, each with one end connected to the center connection part and with another end connected to an attachment structure. When in use, a swimsuit wearer attaches two extensions through the attachment structures to two sides of a bottom rear panel of a swimsuit and attaches one or more extensions to one or more locations around the waist portion of the swimsuit. The swimsuit converter holds the swimsuit rear panel together, and converts a conventional or bikini style swimsuit to a thong style, which is particularly suitable for sun bathing and sun tanning.

Abstract: A bioreactor or cell culture surface comprises a multiplicity of microwells appearing, upon enlargement in the range of 200 to 1000 magnifications, as a honeycomb structure consisting of a plurality of rows of irregular hexagons, each having a transverse x-axis, a longitudinal y-axis, and a z-axis which defines a height of each microwell. Co-parallel major bases define the directionality of anticipated cell growth, while pairs of equilateral minor bases define the x-axis width of each microwell. An arrow-like geometry is defined by the equilateral pairs of minor bases which also define an x-axis separation between opposing major bases of the hexagon to induce cell growth directionality. An acute angle exists between the members of the arrow-like pairs of minor bases, while an obtuse angle exists between contiguous major and minor bases.

Abstract: An implant composition having controlled resorption rate in vivo for stimulating bone growth, a method of making the implant composition, and a kit of implant materials are disclosed. The implant composition includes a calcium sulfate compound, polymer containing particles, and a setting agent for setting the calcium sulfate compound and the polymer containing particles into a heterogeneous solid composition. Upon setting, the calcium sulfate compound forms a matrix and the polymer containing particles settled within the matrix. The resorption rate of the implant composition in vivo can be controlled of between eight and twenty-four weeks, which substantially matches the rate of bone growth. The implant composition of the present invention can be used for the repair, augmentation, and other treatment of bone.

Abstract: A process for forming a metallic article having a black ornamental surface includes the steps of metallurgically providing an alloy containing between about 51 and 70 about percent by weight of titanium, between about 3 and about 17 percent by weight of niobium, and the balance of a metal selected from the group consisting of zirconium, tantalum, molybdenum, hafnium zirconium, chromium, and mixtures thereof. The alloy is then casted and/or metal worked into a workpiece having a desired geometry and surface texture. The workpiece thereof is then baked in a kiln or oven in a substantially air atmosphere of between about 450 and about 850 degrees C. for a period of between about one and about 29 minutes. Resultant of such baking, there is produced a durable black surface layer consisting substantially of an oxide of niobium which is adhered to the substrate of the workpiece which remains unoxidized.

Abstract: An orientation/time sensing alarm device is provided, which comprises an orientation sensor, a time sensor connecting to the orientation sensor, and an alarm connecting to the orientation sensor and the time sensor, forming a circuitry. The time sensor is activated by the orientation sensor when the orientation sensor senses the alarm device is above a predetermined orientational threshold. The alarm is activated when the time sensor senses the duration of activation of the time sensor being above a predetermined timing threshold. Also provided is a self-reminding golf club having an orientation/time sensing alarm device connected to the grip of the golf club for reminding a golfer of a misplaced golf club.

Abstract: A color flame candle and a color flame candle lamp are disclosed. The color flame candle includes a container with one open end, which contains mixed liquid incendiary agent and color-making agent, a hollow candle head, a wick, a sealing means to seal the open end of the container to prevent evaporation or leak of the fuel, a cap, and a decorative external cover. The color flame candle can further include a bottom open end and a base sealed thereon. In the color flame candle lamp, a heat insulator is positioned at the upper open end of the container as a lamp head. The incendiary agent is stored separately in a storage bottle, and is added into the container prior to use. The candle lamp can be refilled and used repeatedly. The color flame candle, or candle lamp generates a pure and colorful flame for a long period of time.

Abstract: Methods of treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and reduction of the level of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) of benign prostate conditions are disclosed. The treatment method includes an initial treatment of patients with orally administration of an initial dosage of about 40 mg 13 cis-retinoic acid daily for a period from about ten days to about twenty days, and followed by a sustaining treatment of the patients with orally administration of a sustaining dosage of about 40 mg 13 cis-retinoic acid about every five to seven days in a sustaining period.

Abstract: A doctor blade device for machines for the coating of fibrous webs, in particular of paper or cardboard, and for keeping rotating rollers clean has a leaf-shaped doctor blade element (1) which is held by a holding means (2) and which, for a change, can be drawn out laterally on the holding means (2). The doctor blade element (1) is provided at least on one side with a grip part (8).

Abstract: A flushing system for air conditioning drainage pipes including a pipe assembly, a valve for selectively blocking the pass of the upstream drain line and a connection for a pressurized fluid supply. Each of the pipe assembly ends has a slidable tubular member cooperatively larger in diameter than said pipe assembly and drain line to snugly receive the ends of the pipe assembly. The tubular members are slid partially over the drain line ends and the ends of the pipe assembly. An alternate embodiment uses cooperating threads on the ends of the pipe assembly and one of the ends of the slidable tubular members. To flush the system with a fluid (liquid or gas), a user closes the valve assembly by rotating the ball valve member and applies the pressurized fluid to flush the system. Also, O-rings are used to enhance the sealing engagement in yet another embodiment.

Abstract: A method of treating palmar and plantar fibromatosis is disclosed. The method includes administering to a patient of a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising 13-cis-retinoic acid. Preferably, the treatment method includes administering to a patient of an initial dosage of a composition comprising 13-cis-retinoic acid for an initial treatment period, and thereafter administering a maintenance dosage of the composition.

Abstract: A commode-urinal is provided with a cleaning-water path connected with water-supplying facilities; the commode-urinal is provided with a draining-off path connected with a sewer-path. The commode-urinal is used together with commode-excrement container as a set thereby the commode can process urine and excrement by different methods. When it is used to process urine, it can effectively solve the existing problems of using water unreasonably and wasting water due to unscientifical processing methods.

Abstract: A folding chair with hard arms has front and rear support tubes, left and right support tubes, chair back auxiliary tubes. The left and right support tubes are bent upward to form the arm support tubes. One end of a hard arm is pivotally connected to the upper end of the arm support tube and another end has an arm fixing shackle. A sliding element is pivotally connected at one end to the auxiliary tube and its another end is slide-connected with the hard arm. The hard arm folding chair uses a sliding structure for the arms, and it utilizes the arm fixing shackle device to enable the arms to be withdrawn with the chair. The hard arm folding chair provides support to the user for standing up and reduces deformation of the flexible seat and back material, therefore improving comfort.

Abstract: A surgical implant system includes an implant body and an osseostimulative surface applied to, or used with, the implant body, the surface including a calcium sulfate (CS) compound which is a member selected from the group consisting of CS dihydrate, CS hemihydrate, anhydrous CS, and mixtures thereof. The performance and rate of resorption of the osseostimulative surface may be improved or modified through the use of a stabilizing component, a viscosity modifier, a pH modifier, or a cell growth inductive microgeometry. The system is also definable in terms of an in situ system of bone augmentation in which a bio-resorbable CS matrix, in various physical forms, from a kit is disposed about the surgical implant positioned within an osseotomy site.

Abstract: A method of treatment of seborrheic dermatitis includes the application, in the form of either a lotion or a cream, of a mixture including a therapeutically effective amount of ivermectin in water preferably in a concentration of about 750 micrograms per milliliter (mcg/ml), in the case of a lotion, and with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier if used as a cream. Such a lotion or cream is applied nightly preferably for a period of seven days and then employed on a maintenance basis one to four times per month.

Abstract: A method for treating dermatoses including transient acantholytic dermatitis, acne miliaris necrotica, acne varioliformis, perioral dermatitis, and acneiform eruptions is disclosed. The method includes topical application of a dermatological composition containing an avermectin compound to the affected areas of a patient.

Abstract: Methods for treating acne vulgaris are disclosed. The treatment includes topical application of a dermatological composition containing an avermectin compound to the affected areas of a patient alone, or in conjunction with other conventional methods of treating acne vulgaris. The dermatological composition contains an avermectin compound in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, including water, glycols, alcohols, lotions, creams, gels, emulsions, sprays, soaps, body washes, facial cleansers, and facial masks.

Abstract: A flexible liquid feeding assembly as an add-on device for use with liquid dispensing bottles is disclosed. The flexible liquid feeding assembly contains a flexible tube and a weight feeder for feeding liquid into a liquid dispenser of a liquid dispensing bottle. The flexible tube has a high degree of flexibility, and the weight feeder has a sufficient weight. Such structural features enable the weight feeder to move in the same direction of liquid's movement in the dispensing bottle. Therefore, the flexible liquid feeding assembly provides a continuous liquid supply regardless the bottle's orientations, even when the bottle is in an inverted position. Alternatively, a weight blocker can be used in conjunction with liquid feeding holes on the side of flexible tube. A liquid dispensing bottle containing a flexible liquid feeding assembly is also disclosed.