Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of organic aerogels, whereby the organic solvent in which the gel is immersed is directly extracted supercritically without the need for exchange with a low temperature solvent (i.e., CO.sub.2) prior to extraction of the pore fluid.

Abstract: Provided is a vertically adjustable desk lifting device having a plurality of gas pressurized cylinders for urging a desk in an upward direction, thereby facilitating the raising and lowering of a desk by a single user. The desk can be locked into a multitude of vertical positions and easily released via a foot pedal. The lifting device comprises a pair of spaced-apart gas pressurized cylinders positioned on both sides of a desk. The gas pressurized cylinders are chosen or calibrated to provide an adequate upward force to slightly urge the desk in the upward direction, depending upon the weight of the desk and the distribution of such weight. Additional gas pressurized cylinders can be easily inserted adjacent any one of the four standard gas pressurized cylinders to counterbalance the weight distribution of the desk if needed.

Abstract: Provided is an improved curtain for garage door windows, standard windows, and the like, with at least one curtain element overlying a support sleeve portion. The support sleeve portion is affixed adjacent the top edge of the curtain element such that the curtain element overlies the support sleeve portion in a smooth fashion and hangs naturally. The support sleeve portion provides for detachably installing the curtain over the window through the use of coacting hook and loop fasteners. The support sleeve portion further provides for rapid adjustment of the width of the curtain, dually through the use of elastic banding material contained within the support sleeve portion, and by crimping and detachably affixing the support sleeve portion to the associated coacting hook portion at selected intervals.

Abstract: A sleep promoting and comforting device for infants having a cavity partially filled with a freely flowable material. The cavity is placed on the torso of an infant lying in any position. A plurality of appendages extend from the cavity of the device. Both the cavity and appendages have the capacity to contain enough freely flowable material to provide adequate pressure to an infant's torso. The appendages are of sufficient length to extend partially around the arms of an infant, and they may contain flexible rod-like structures that allow them to remain bent around the upper arms and waist of a sleeping infant. An attaching means enables the comforting device to remain secured on the infant's torso so as not to slip and pose a threat of suffocation. This device comforts infants lying on flat surfaces by providing continual gentle pressure to the torso and subtle restraint to the arms.

Abstract: This patent discloses a detachable hot beverage cup lid. There is provided a spill resistant feature within the drink-through opening, a condiment funnel, an alignment indicia opposite the drink-through opening, and a novel stirring rod.