Abstract: A monoski and releasable bindings for mounting thereon in fore and aft location are provided. The monoski bottom running surface is divided into two running surfaces separated by an intermediate channel which is not only deeper at the front end than at the back end but is also wider at the front end than at the back end. The releasable bindings permit a skier to wear conventional shoes rather than the usual stiff ski boots, permitting free movement of the skier's ankles and his feet to rotate horizontally and to pivot up and down, to maintain balance. The releasable bindings are mounted to slide back and forth lengthwise along the upper surface of the ski, the lengthwise movement being controlled by a breaking means mounted in association with the bindings.

Abstract: Apparatus for confining an oil slick on the open seas and for skimming the oil from the ocean's surface and funneling it into a floating barge wherein the oil is separated for later processing. Oil is confined in an inverted triangular-shaped area by two flotatable booms each made up of a plurality of individual flotatable sections connected together. Thus, the booms can undulate in up and down fashion with the action of the waves. Oil and water is skimmed from the confined ocean's surface by a catcher and is funneled by the catcher into a flotatable oil recovery barge for later processing of the oil separated from the ocean water.

Abstract: A total energy heating unit which provides not only heat but also hot water and electricity is set forth. A single source of fuel is used such as coal, wood, or even compact dry leaves. The fuel is burned in an airtight firebox surrounded on three sides by a hot air containment unit, in which is located a means for generating steam. On top of the firebox is located an enclosure for water circulating tubes. As the fuel burns, it not only furnishes heat for heating air forced through the containment unit and then into a ducting system, but also provides hot air for heating water circulating to a hot water storage tank, and heat for heating a metal block which, when impinged with water droplets, results in generating steam for operation of a steam turbine for the generation of electricity.

Abstract: An educational game is provided not only for entertainment but for the teaching of the construction and recognition of electrical and electronic circuits. Electrical or electronic circuits can be constructed by the positioning of modules or playing pieces representing certain electrical functions on a game board imprinted with positions for the placement of the modules and the completion of an electrical or electronic circuit between a positive and negative lead of a power source. The game lends itself to actual electrically working versions as well as simulated electrical and electronic versions.

Abstract: A portable desk of thin compact design which is not only reversible, making both sides thereof suitable for use as a writing surface, but also is easily attachable and removeable from the rim of an automobile or truck steering wheel as and when desired. The portable desk includes a pocket for holding index cards and the like.

Abstract: Antigens are provided which induce relatively large titers of antibodies. These antigens, which may comprise certain strains of microorganisms or a plant extract, can be conjugated to a second antigen by means of an organic coupling agent. The primary antigens of the invention, when chemically coupled to a secondary antigen function as immunostimulant adjuvants. When tumor cells are the secondary antigens, a means for immunotherapeutic treatment of cancer is provided.

Abstract: A device is provided which can be used as an educational means for teaching young children how to tie a double bow knot, particularly in their shoe laces, or as an aid to the handicapped child lacking sufficient manual dexterity in tying such a knot. Basically the device is a planar body member in which is provided two pairs of spaced-apart openings in alignment with one another, the two intermediate openings being connected by a narrow opening or slit. The device allows "bunny ear" loops to be formed in the intermediate spaced-apart openings and to form the double bow knot by making a simple overhand knot with the two "bunny ear" loops.

Abstract: A wood burning stove is disclosed which includes a stove housing that defines an upper zone comprising storage and exhaust chambers, and a lower zone for accommodating a wood burning fire. The exhaust and storage chambers are separated by a divider, both chambers having bottom openings that communicate directly with the top of the lower fire zone. Covering one opening in the housing and providing access to the fire zone is a fire door while another opening provides access at the top of the storage chamber and is covered by a wood fill door. The exhaust chamber communicates with and discharges smoke into a stovepipe or flue retaining chimney. A supply of logs is loaded into the storage chamber through its fill door. These feed automatically and sequentially by gravity from the storage chamber bottom into the fire zone for consumption by a fire burning therein.

Abstract: A driving tool and fastener, in the driving end of which is provided a nick or slot for insertion of the driving tool for driving the fastener, are provided which, because of their particular, respective cross-sectional configurations, can be interlocked temporarily together. As this interlocking engagement prevents the driving tool from accidentally slipping from the nick in the driving end of the fastener, rotational movement of the fastener is greatly facilitated. The shank of the driving tool is provided at its operative end with a bit that, because of its cross-sectional configuration compared to that of the nick, wedges with the nick. Thus, not only is slipping between the driving tool and fastener prevented when rotating the fastener, but accidental separation of the driving tool from the fastener is prevented, making the task considerably easier when using the fastener in overhead work or in a hard to reach location.