Abstract: Apparatus to facilitate putting on and removing footwear. The apparatus may be swivelably coupled to a chair where handles are provided to rotate an arm which is coupled to a footrest. By moving the arm, which is at seat level, the footrest is movable between a stowed position and an operative, forward position.

Abstract: A liquid/gas phase detector system employing a sensor to detect fluid phase, flow rate, and temperature. A flow conditioner in the form of a pipe segment with an inverted V-shaped section forming a weir is adapted for coupling in a horizontal conduit downstream from a source of liquid flow. When a thermal dispersion technology sensor is used, heated and non-heated temperature sensitive elements extend within the pipe segment on the upstream side of the weir. Fluid flow changes encountering the sensing elements cause temperature changes which produce an output signal relating to fluid phase (gas or liquid) and flow rate. Several different embodiments for the flow conditioner are provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a low density porous rigid fused-fiber matrix having a density of between about 3.5 and 5.5 pounds/cubic foot and a free volume of between about 90-98 volume percent for use as a cell-culture substrate or implant material, or in chromatographic separation of blood cells. The method is carried out by forming a slurry containing (I) silica, alumina or silica and alumina fibers having thicknesses between about 0.5 and 20 .mu.m and lengths between about 1 and 10 mm, and having a fiber:liquid weight ratio of between about 1:25 to 1:70, (ii) a thickening agent to give the slurry a viscosity between about 1,000 and 25,000 centipoise, (iii) boron nitride particles between about 2-12 percent by weight of the total fiber weight, and (iv) a dispersing agent when the slurry contains silica fibers, allowing the slurry to settle in a mold to produce a fiber block, drying the fiber block, and heating the dried fiber block to at least about 2200.degree. F.

Abstract: A rigid acoustic insulator panel for use as a sound insulator is disclosed. The panel is composed of a rigid matrix formed of randomly oriented, fused silica fibers having fiber diameters predominantly in the range between 0.5 and 2 .mu.m. The matrix has a three-dimensionally continuous network of open, intercommunicating voids, and a density of between about 2 and 6 lb/ft.sup.3. In one embodiment, the panel has greater flow resistance characteristics, progressing from a sound-absorbing side of the matrix to the opposite panel side. Also disclosed is a method of preparing the panel.