Abstract: The invention relates to a non-aqueous washing machine, methods of using the machine, methods of washing, and recycling.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for tracking vehicle maintenance information. The systems and methods employ wireless communication signals transmitted and received by mboile units, including mobile telephones, palm devices and base stations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an insulating coating for refractory articles, adapted to be applied by spraying or gunning, which is easy to apply, cost effective, eliminates the potential health hazards associated with ceramic fiber paper, and which imparts sufficient insulating properties to the refractory article in high temperature environments. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an insulating coating and a method of preparing the insulating coating wherein the coating composition is comprised of about 25% to about 75% by weight of lightweight aggregate, up to about 25% to about 75% by weight of binder, up to 0.5% by weight of organic fiber, up to about 15% by weight of an additive to improve green strength, and up to about 5% by weight of a foaming agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a co-molding process for producing co-molded, chemical bonded, canned refractory articles which eliminates the costly and problematic firing or sintering steps and which eliminates the time consuming separate canning and sizing of the refractory articles as required by conventional methods. The co-molding process of the present invention comprises the steps of:(a) mixing a refractory aggregate with a chemical binder to form a pressable refractory composition;(b) placing a metal can into a press cavity die;(c) charging said refractory composition into said metal can and press cavity die;(d) subjecting said refractory composition to high pressures while in said press cavity die to shape and size said refractory article; and(e) drying said refractory article at temperatures sufficient to cure said chemical binder.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a martial arts training device useful for developing skill in the martial arts by providing simulated arms and legs for practicing various martial arts techniques. The training device comprises an elongated tubular member having a first and second distal portions, wherein the tubular member has a first arcuate bend adapted to matingly engage an exterior of an associated, generally cylindrical heavy bag so as to engage at least a portion of the bag along a circumference thereof; an elongated elastomeric member having opposed ends fixed to the tubular member on opposite sides of the first arcuate bend so as to define an aperture therewith, whereby the elastomeric member is adapted to secure the tubular member about the bag by securing the bag via friction to the first arcuate bend; and a resilient cover disposed about at least a portion of the elongated tubular member.

Abstract: A plastering tool particularly suited for removing plastering material from large pails for transfer to a plastering hawk tool includes a rigid cylindrical handle portion. A scoop is fixed to a first distal end of the handle portion. The scoop has a planar base portion shaped as to form a generally acute angle. Disposed on the base portion opposite the acute angle and generally concentric therewith is a sidewall that is substantially perpendicular to the base. The sidewall is rounded on opposite sides thereof. The scoop is fixed symmetrically to the handle. With the afore-noted structure, the plastering tool is particularly suited for removal of plaster from shipment containers for transfer thereof to plastering hawking tools or the like.

Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include light emitting panel members and one or more light sources positioned/embedded in a light transition area, which increases the efficiency of light entering the panel members along the light input area to be emitted from one or more light emitting surfaces along the length of the panel members. Light may be reflected or refracted by a surface which changes the path of a portion of light such that it enters the input area of the panel member at a more acceptable angle. A uniform light output distribution may be produced by utilizing a pattern of light extracting deformities.

Abstract: An automatically-operating bottom structure for use in a collapsible container includes a band (80, 84) pivotally connected to a first pair of panels (16, 20), a first pair of bottom flaps (120, 122 and 160, 162) connected to a second pair of panels (18, 22), a second pair of bottom flaps (124, 126) connected to a third pair of panels (17, 19), a third pair of bottom flaps (164, 166) connected to a fourth pair of panels (21, 23) a first pair of web panels (128, 130) and a second pair of web panels (168, 170). The band and bottom flaps are folded within the container when the container is in a folded-flat condition, but automatically form an operative bottom structure when the folded-flat container is moved to a fully-expanded condition.

Abstract: A gel for use in an electrophoresis separation includes a plurality of gradients within the gel. Each gradient includes a polyacrylamide matrix and a buffer, wherein the polyacrylamide of one gradient has a different and preselected chain length as compared to at least one other gradient. The polyacrylamide matrix is a bi-functionally cross-linked acrylamide; and the buffer has a buffering capacity pH of from about 7.5 to about 9.5. A method according to the invention includes polymerizing the polyacrylamide matrix while monitoring polymer chain length and forming an electrophoresis gel therewith.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a cassette for gel electrophoresis which may be easily disassembled without disrupting or damaging the gel and which prevents the gel from sliding out of the cassette. This invention is further directed to a cassette provided with a comb carrier which allows for the easy insertion of a comb into the cassette after the gel has been poured without damaging the gel and which protects the comb from having unwanted material enter into the comb and into the gel.

Abstract: A composition for permanently straightening and/or waving hair comprises 10-25 weight percent sodium bisulfite, 10-25 weight percent urea, and 0.1-10 weight percent morpholine. The composition is applied in a primarily aqueous solution at near neutral pH (5-8) and at tepid temperatures (35.degree.-55.degree.C.) for a period of time ranging between 10 and 30 minutes.

Abstract: An automatically operating bottom structure for use in a collapsible container includes a band (80, 84) pivotally connected to a first pair of panels (16, 20), a first pair of bottom flaps (120, 122 and 160, 162) connected to a second pair of panels (18, 22), a second pair of bottom flaps (124, 126) connected to a third pair of panels (17, 19), a third pair of bottom flaps (164, 166) connected to a fourth pair of panels (21, 23) a first pair of web panels (128, 130) and a second pair of web panels (168, 170). The band and bottom flaps are folded within the container when the container is in a folded-flat condition, but automatically form an operative bottom structure when the folded-flat container is moved to a fully-expanded condition.

Abstract: A coating composition for the attenuation of the reflection electromagnetic radiation and particularly electromagnetic radiation have a wavelength of greater than 800 nm including the near infrared is described. The composition comprises a chromophore capable of absorbing up to about 95% of the electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength greater than 800 nm. Optionally, the composition may comprise microbeads that serve the purpose of also scattering the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A high speed sampling apparatus based on multiplexed charged coupled devices or sample and hold devices (18) utilises a microprocessor (20) to monitor timing differences between clock signals, each used to clock a respective one of the devices and a reference signal to control a variable timing delay (12, 13, 14) whereby to calibrate each of the devices (18). The control of the variable timing delay (12, 13, 14) is achieved by a digital/analogue converter (15) and additionally, a mark to space ratio control of the variable timing delay is also provided using a digital/analogue converter (16).

Abstract: This invention relates a refractory gas purging device for the introduction of gases through a metallurgical vessel to molten metal therein, the device having improved wear indication, safety, and performance. In particular, the refractory gas purging device has a porous refractory inner wear indicator which indicates the end of the useful life of the device. Further, the refractory gas purging device has directional gas passages which do not extend throughout the entire length of the device to prevent molten metal leaks from the metallurgical vessel and such directional gas passages being designed to improve the performance of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved titanium metal drum cathode for use in the production of metal foils and a novel method of making the same. The method includes the steps of welding together the ends of a strip of titanium that has been roll formed into a cylinder. During the welding operation some of the weld beads that form the weld are hot peened immediately upon solidification. Upon complete formation of the weld, the formed and welded trip of titanium is subjected to a heat treating cycle that includes a double anneal. Preferably, the strip of titanium metal and the weld metal that is used to form the weld both comprise an addition agent such as yttria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of etching polyimide from a substrate and to the etched substrates prepared according to such methods. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of etching polyimide from a substrate, comprising the steps of: providing a basic bath; ultrasonically agitating said basic bath; exposing said substrate containing polyimide to said basic bath; rinsing said substrate with hot water; optionally repeating the aforementioned steps at least once; and recovering an etched substrate.

Abstract: A device for capping and uncapping a hypodermic needle includes a body portion having an opening therein through which the cap of a hypodermic needle may be inserted and removed. The body portion has a base that can be attached to a surface by an adhesive layer or by hook and loop fasteners. The body portion includes a conical helix having screw threads that engage the end of the cap upon rotation of the cap therein. Because the cap is mechanically secured by the helix, the needle can be removed or inserted into the cap while the cap is retained in place. The body portion is made of an inexpensive, resilient foam material.