Abstract: A clip provides a method for securing suspended ceiling tees to each other at an angle, especially but not necessarily at an angle other than a right angle. The clip has a body portion, an integral first tab portion projecting from one end of the body portion, an integral second tab portion projecting from the other end of the body portion, and preferably two integral tongue portions projecting from the body portion along either side of the second tab portion.

Abstract: A non-toxic dye in an aerosol container to be used for protection against an assailant is disclosed. The dye is an irritant to skin and eyes and is also a semi-permanent marking dye which is intended to aid in the identification of the assailant by police.

Abstract: Apparatus for the purification of a fluid, such as water, which in the presence of light of an activating wavelength brings the fluid into contact with surfaces with fixed photoreactive coatings of anatase (TiO.sub.2) or other photoreactive semiconductors, thereby detoxifying, reducing or removing organic pollutants therefrom. The apparatus includes a nontransparent substrate coiled longitudinally and helically around a transparent sleeve. The nontransparent substrate has photoreactive semiconductor material bonded thereto. The nontransparent substrate defines a helical path through an annular cylindrical housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for the removal of asbestos or other matter from a gas stream in a conduit is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least two filter units installed in parallel to receive and filter the gas stream from the conduit, outlets for solid matter at the bottom of each filter unit, and first and second valves respectively on either side of each filter unit for isolating each filter unit for cleaning by compressed air jets when desired. Preferably, the apparatus includes a displacement chamber upstream of the filter units, with much of the asbestos being removed from the bottom thereof. The outlets at the bottom of each filter unit and the collecting and discharge area at the bottom of the displacement chamber are sealed from the surrounding environment, and the filtered solid matter is discharged into bags via at least one bagging unit sealed to the outlets and the discharge area.

Abstract: An exercise machine is disclosed, in which there is a frame, an exercise portion moveable with respect to the frame, weights raisable with respect to the frame, and a cable connecting the weights to the exercise portion. The force transmission mechanism between the weights and the exercise portion involves first and second pivot points mounted to the frame and spaced apart from each other in a plane substantially parallel to and spaced from the plane of movement of the exercise portion, and a third pivot point mounted to the exercise portion and moveable therewith. The cable is connected at one end to the frame, passing around one of the first and second pivot points, then to and passing around the third pivot point, then to and passing around the other of the first and second pivot points, thus defining a triangle with the third pivot point constituting a moveable apex, and then connecting at its other end to the weights.

Abstract: One version of the invention provides a method for cooling and maintaining an object at a substantially constant temperature. The method includes adding a salt that dissolves endothermically in water to a mixture containing at least water, a surfactant and an emulsified thermal buffer. The "salt:water:thermal buffer" ratio is such that the reaction provides sufficient endotherm to cool the system to the freezing point of the thermal buffer and effect at least a partial phase change of the thermal buffer. Another version of the invention provides a device for effecting the method. The device has a reaction compartment consisting of two portions separated by a frangible barrier, one portion containing the emulsified thermal buffer in water and the other portion the salt that dissolves endothermically into solution. One specific version of the device is a container for transporting an amputated extremity such as a severed finger to another location for replantation.

Abstract: A novel locking mechanism and specific applications for same are disclosed. One aspect of the invention provides a product security system having a locking mechanism for preventing sliding movement between a slidably juxtaposed product container and product container locking structure, and a separate decoupling unit. The decoupling unit has a frame adapted to receive the slideably juxtaposed parts, and means within the frame adapted to disengage the locking mechanism, thereby permitting sliding decoupling of the parts. The locking mechanism has a magnetically attractable pin in a blind hole in the first part and a detent opening or recess in the second part. The pin is moveable between a first position in which the pin enters the detent, thereby preventing sliding movement between the first and second parts, and a second position in which the pin is retracted into the blind hole from the detent, thereby permitting sliding movement. Means are provided for biasing the pin into the first position.

Abstract: A combination lock or padlock having pushbuttons where the combination of buttons to be pushed to open the lock is mechanically programmable by the user is disclosed. The lock has a case and a locking arm and associated slider, moveable between a locked and unlocked position. A plurality of buttons project from at least one side of the case, and are owner-reversible between two orientations and moveable through holes in the case between first and second positions. In one orientation, movement of the locking means is barred in the first position and permitted in the second position, and in the other orientation movement is permitted in the first position and barred in the second position. The orientation of any button is not being visually ascertainable from outside the case, so the lock owner can program the combination of the lock by selecting the orientation of the respective buttons.

Abstract: A toilet roll cover suitable for covering both wall mounted and free standing toilet rolls is disclosed. The invention provides embellishment of the interior design of a bathroom and may enhance hygiene and air quality. The invention comprises a piece of material, preferably lined with stiff interfacing, formed into a generally cylindrical shape with a longitudinal opening running substantially from end to end. The generally cylindrically shaped piece is formed by placing the piece around a new roll of toilet paper and pulling radially inwardly the piece's lateral ends across most of the area of the ends and securing the ends by fastening means such as a ribbon threaded through a sewn channel. The preferred embodiment is further characterized by a band of lace or the like running longitudinally adjacent one side of the longitudinal opening, forming a pouch which can accommodate fragrance exuding means such as pot pourri.

Abstract: A livestock watering device is disclosed, including an insulated tank, at least one opening through the top for an animal to gain access, and at each opening, at least one horizontally arranged buoyant door pivotally connected at one side thereof on the underside of the top adjacent to the opening, by flexible rubber straps. The upper surface of each door has a flat periphery on the hinged and adjacent sides for engaging the underside of the top of the tank adjacent the opening, and a scooped central portion falling away from the flat periphery so as to drain away from the periphery. Preferably, the flat periphery of each door lies entirely radially outwardly of the walls of the opening. A resilient seal may be added to provide a double seal. In an alternative embodiment, there are two doors per opening, the doors being pivotally connected at opposite sides of each opening and arranged to swing towards and away from each other.

Abstract: A friction welded part having a sealed flash trap is disclosed, along with a method for producing such parts. The friction welded parts have a hollow cylindrical part and a second part to which the hollow cylindrical part is friction welded. There is an internal flash trap in the region of the weld, and the hollow cylindrical part is pinched inwardly or a conical flange on the flash trap is deformed outwardly so as to seal the flash collecting portions of the flash trap from the hollow portion of the hollow cylindrical part remote from the weld. The method involves the conventional steps of rotating the parts with respect to each other under pressure, stopping the rotation, and exerting high pressure to form the weld. In accordance with the invention, the hollow cylindrical part in the region adjacent the flash trap is then forced inwardly or a flange on the flash trap is forced outwardly so as to effect the seal.