Abstract: A dinner plate for serving, consuming and storing greasy foods, such as bacon, sausages or steaks. The plate has a central surface and a food-supporting plane raised above a portion of the central surface and having a plurality of channels for receiving greasy juices released from the food. The central surface is preferably inclined to facilitate drainage of such greasy juices to a lower side of the plate.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the use of medium chain fatty acids (C8-10) in the treatment of skin lesions. More particularly, the invention relates to a preparation containing medium chain fatty acids (C8-10) which has beneficial effects when applied topically in skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, chronic conditions considered to be pre-cancerous lesions, and malignant lesions of skin. A composition for topically treating skin lesions which comprises a fatty acid of a carbon number from 8 to 10 having a free carboxyl group and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A door lock having a first member rigidly affixed adjacent a door and having a second member slidably coupled to the first member for slidably advancing the second member in a first direction into a locked position overlying the door. A latch member is carried by the second member for slidable advance of the latch member in a second direction so as to releasably mate the latch member within a latch aperture on the first member, thereby locking the second member in the locked position. A timer is carried by the seond member for withdrawing the latch member from the latch aperature upon expiry of a pre-determined time interval thereby allowing the slidable withdrawal of the second member from the locked position into an open position away from the door.

Abstract: A trouble light positioner having first and second hooks, a swivel for swivelably mounting the first hook atop a trouble light, a mechanism for retaining the swivel in a selected position, and a mechanism for slidably attaching the second hook to the trouble light's power cord.

Abstract: An electro-chemical etch device for selectively removing material from an electrically conductive surface. At least two electrodes are each at least partially immersed in an electrically conductive fluid and aligned across the surface, proximate to corresponding regions of the surface. A mechanism is provided to move the surface through the fluid, past the electrodes, transversely to the direction of alignment of the electrodes. A control mechanism electrically coupled between the electrodes and the surface controls electrical current flow into or out of the fluid at each of the electrodes. The conductive surface and the conductive fluid are selected such that the rate of material removal at any point on the conductive surface is substantially dependent upon the surface density of electrical current flow into or out of the fluid at that point.

Abstract: A device for cleaning an oil spill from a water surface comprises an inclined rotatably mounted helical screw having a lower water-engaging end and an upper outlet end, a screw casing encasing said screw for rotatably supporting the screw, the screw casing closely encasing the screw so as to form a rotating fluid seal between the casing and the rotatably mounted screw, the screw casing having a lower opening for partial submersion in the water and an upper outlet for the evacuation of the oil from the screw into a storage reservoir. The helical vane of the screw has oil separating perforations therein for retaining the oil on the upper surface of the vane while allowing the water to flow therethrough.

Abstract: Box forming apparatus for forming a box from a box blank. The blank has a base with first, second, third and fourth side members extending along respective sides of the base. One of the opposed pairs of side members has parallel inner and outer portions. The other pair has flaps extending from each opposed end. In the apparatus, a pair of spaced, parallel frame members are slidably mounted on a fixed framework. A box forming plate moves vertically between the frame members. A rectangular box forming piston moves vertically between the frame members in alignment with and against the box forming plate. The forming plate and piston have the same size and shape as the box blank's base. A movable frame is provided for vertical displacement beneath the frame members. A flap tuck mechanism on the first frame members folds the flaps perpendicular to the other side members. The flap tuck mechanism is actuated by vertical displacement of the movable frame toward the frame members.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lift device adapted to transfer wheelchair passengers to commuter aircraft. A base and optional four post system provide support for a vertically moveable platform. An apron, which can be used either as a ramp from lowered platform to ground or a bridge from elevated platform to aircraft is provided. The platform is preferably raised and lowered using ball or acme screw-bushing brackets. The platform can be used to load and unload passengers from rear and front door commuter aircraft, on either side of the fuselage. The lift can be incorporated into a wheeled chassis, which can be lowered into ground contact at the position of use. Optionally extendible stairs are present to allow other passengers to enter or leave the aircraft using said platform and apron.

Abstract: A laser compass projects a laser beam along an axis. A mirror is rotated within a rotation plane perpendicular to the axis. The mirror is pivotally adjusted relative to the axis of the laser beam to reflect the laser beam at an angle ".alpha.". As the mirror rotates, the reflected laser beam is swept through an inverted cone having an apex at the point of intersection of the laser beam with the mirror, and having a base on whatever projection surface happens to be located above the laser compass (typically, a ceiling). The base of the cone defines a perfect circle on the projection surface. The radius "r" of the circle is governed by the distance "d" between the projection surface and the intersection of the laser beam with the mirror; and, by the angle .alpha.. The mirror pivot angle .alpha. required to yield a circle of desired radius "r" is given by the formula:tan .alpha.

Abstract: A mobile, self propelled pothole patching vehicle is provided having a truck chassis and cab. The pothole patching vehicle includes an asphalt conveyor system for delivering asphalt to the road surface from a storage hopper mounted on the chassis. The conveyor system is uncoupled from the hopper and is movable with respect to the rest of the vehicle both longitudinally along the axis of the vehicle and transversely in a side-to-side swivelling motion. The conveyor is provided with a conveyor housing having a slotted top panel through which the asphalt passes into the conveyor interior. A conveyor mount slidably receives the conveyor and is pivotally coupled to the discharge port and the chassis for lateral swivelling motion of the extendible conveyor. During longitudinal and lateral movement of the conveyor, the discharge port opening into the housing interior remains within the ambit of the slotted portion of the top panel for continuous delivery of asphalt.

Abstract: A method and composition for the preventive and curative treatment of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage in animals. The method comprises administration to the animal of a mixture of urea, alkaline potassium salts and magnesium salts. The composition comprises a mixture of urea, alkaline potassium salts, and magnesium salts, and if required, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A gate latch control device for controlling opening and closing of a gate latch fixed to a gate post. The device incorporates a rod which is mounted for slidable displacement through the gate post, with opposed ends of the rod protruding from opposite sides of the gate post. A slot is provided in the rod for slidable passage of the gate latch through the slot. One end of the slot contacts and pivotally displaces the gate latch when the rod is slidably displaced from a closed position into an open position.

Abstract: A novel dual bladder-type aerosol power system which can be used in a standard aerosol spray container. The aerosol powering system utilizes a dual independent rubber-type bladder combination to generate the expulsion power for the aerosol. A power system for an aerosol spray generating nozzle comprising: (a) a nozzle adapted to generate an aerosol vapor spray; (b) an inner hollow resilient power bladder connected to the nozzle, the resilient bladder being adapted to contain the liquid used to generate the aerosol spray, and (c) an outer resilient power bladder enveloping the inner bladder, the inner and outer bladders cooperating to generate a pressure on the liquid when filled with the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to security means for securing the sequential order of the pages of a book such as a passport, or other such security document, by enabling the convenient detection of any removed pages through a visual inspection of the book. Specifically, the invention provides a means of marking the unbound edges of the pages of a book whereby any subsequently missing page(s) may be detected upon a visual review of the unbound side of the book. The tamper-proof comprises a plurality of pages, a spine at a first side of the pages and a visually detectable marking on each one of successive ones of the pages at the outer edge of the side which is opposite the first side. The markings collectively depict a visual image across the outer edges of the opposite sides of the pages such that the absence of any one of the successive pages is identifiable upon viewing the image. Preferably, the markings are printed by means of invisible fluorescent ink.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for improving fluid flow and gas mixing in boilers. More particularly, this invention pertains to a method and apparatus for improved fluid flow and gas mixing in kraft recovery boilers for increased energy efficiency, reduced TRS emissions and increased capacity. The method of introducing air into a boiler furnace comprises: (a) introducing air through at least one opening located on at least a first wall of the interior of the furnace; and (b) introducing air through at least one second opening located on a second wall of the interior of the furnace opposed to the first wall at the same, or different, elevations.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel pipe ring crimping tool which is adapted for crimping a ring over plastic plumbing pipe onto a plastic fitting.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an atmospheric pressure capacitively coupled plasma formed inside a graphite furnace as a source for atomic emission spectroscopy. A capacitively coupled plasma device includes an electrically conducting, hollow elongated tube and an electrically conducting rod located coaxially and substantially inside the elongated tube, an ionizable gas present inside the cylindrical tube, and a mechanism of applying a high-frequency electric potential between the tube and the rod.

Abstract: An exploding box is disclosed having upright sides which are provided with horizontal ribs or grooves which lock a false box bottom in position while the sides are maintained in an upright position by a top cover or lid. The false bottom is biased upwards by a compressed spring. When the top cover is removed, the upright sides of the box fold outwards, releasing the false bottom. The false bottom then springs upwards, springing forth any contents in the box.