Abstract: An impulse rocket propellant is comprised of highly hydrated mineral salts such as boric acid hydrate HBO.sub.2.H.sub.2 O and a plaster forming agent comprising calcium oxide hydrate CaO.H.sub.2 O and sodium sulfate hydrate Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4.10H.sub.2 O, all of which are compounded and intimately commingled with a heat conducting inorganic fiber such as glass wool. When these compounds are allowed to dry, loaded into suitable rocket devices, and instantaneously heated, the water of hydration of the hydrated mineral salts instantaneously vaporizes into steam which can be used to propel the rocket. The resulting unhydrated mineral salts are entrained within the steam. Upon coming into contact with the atmosphere, the steam condenses into fine water droplets into which the entrained salts dissolve and ionize.

Abstract: A fish feeder which utilizes water to fill a water container to induce a rotational movement in a rotatable arm. A predetermined rotation of the water container causes the water container to dump its contents and cause a rotation of the rotatable arm in an opposite direction. Abrupt halting of the rotational movement of the rotatable arm induces a vibrational movement to cause fish feed to be dispensed from a feed pan. The amount of fish feed dispensed for a wide range of grain sizes is provided in the present invention in addition to a precise control of the frequency at which food can be dispensed.

Abstract: A digital X-ray scanner device for instantaneously producing an electronic image on a monitor of a object scanned by X-rays. A solid straight electronic linear array is used to detect X-ray shadows and produce an electronic signal which is processed for display. Image enhancement techniques can be utilized including displaying particular windows of the scan data and elimination of background noise and the use of color enhancement. The device can be adapted for retrofitting panoramic dental X-ray scanning machines and other uses such as veterinary scanning and scanning other portions of the human body as well as inanimate objects. Archival storage of the information allows ready access for future use.

Abstract: Structured meat products, particularly structured raw meat products, are prepared by mixing comminuted meat or trimmings with powdered sodium alginate and powdered calcium carbonate. A slow release acid, such as glucono-delta-lactone, citric acid, lactic acid and the like, can also be added. The slow hydrolysis of the powdered form of such acids slowly lowers the pH of the meat to improve its flavor, but still ultimately produces enough hydrogen ions to stimulate the release of sufficient calcium ions from the calcium salt to accelerate formation of an algin/calcium gel. In either case, after being formed into the desired shape, the meat is stored, usually under refrigeration, from about one to four days to allow the algin/calcium gel to set. Thereafter, the resulting structured meat product can be conveniently portioned, packaged and marketed as a refrigerated raw meat product, a frozen raw meat product, or precooked and marketed refrigerated or frozen.

Abstract: A sorbent composition for reducing the stress buildup within sorbent alloys such as hydride powders being used to store hydrogen gas by imparting more of a fluid-like property to the alloys. Under the teachings of the present invention, a second powder is added to the powdered sorbent alloy to serve as a flow aid to the alloy powders so as to allow rearrangement and movement for the alloy powders with respect to each other and with respect to the sidewalls of the container. The flow aid powder which is chemically inert with respect to hydrogen and the sorbent alloys is mixed with the sorbent alloy powder and the amount of the flow aid powder is dependent upon the volume change of the particular hydride, the strength of the container, the geometry of the container, the orientation of the container, and the direction of the reaction front. The addition of the flow aid reduces densification, compaction, settling, and stress buildup during successive cycles of absorption and desorption.

Abstract: A method of treating cellulose-containing materials to increase chemical and biological reactivity of cellulose. The cellulose is contacted, in a pressure vessel, with a volatile liquid swelling agent having a vapor pressure greater than atmospheric at ambient temperatures, such as ammonia. The contact is maintained for a sufficient time to enable said agent to swell the cellulose fibers. The pressure is rapidly reduced to atmospheric, allowing said agent to boil and explode the cellulose fiber structure. The rapid pressure reduction also causes some freezing of the cellulose. The agent is separated from said cellulose and recovered for recycling.

Abstract: Slip preventing means for garment hangers is provided by a flexible, sleeve-type member having (1) an upper surface of uneven contour, (2) flexible lip portions which curl under the upper surface to engage a top flange of a garment hanger having an I shaped cross section and one or more openings in its top flange, and (3) a cuff which also curls under the upper surface to engage one of the projections of the top flange which forms an end of the opening. The cuff section is open at both ends. It is located interior to the ends of the member to the extent that either end of the member will bridge the opening when the cuff engages a projection and thereby prevent garments hanging on the hanger from getting caught or torn in the opening as the garment is removed from the hanger.