Abstract: An improved container for transporting food and similar products is provided. The container employs one or more layers of a breathable material which is permeable to water vapor but repellent to liquid. By enclosing hot food in this container, moisture vapor from the food dissipates away from the food and avoids the soggy texture which often accompanies transported food. The container of the present invention has a wide range of possible applications, including everything from delivery of individual pizzas to large scale relocation of food for institutional purposes.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved device and method for plicating tissue. The apparatus of the present invention employs a ligament of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene or similar material which is of sufficient width to allow it to be retained in place by sewing through it using conventional sutures. The present invention is particularly applicable to the repair of heart valves where it can be relatively rapidly installed around a weakened heart valve yet is not susceptible to "guitar string" pull-out or similar problems.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved compositions of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and similar polymers and methods for forming and using such compositions. In its preferred embodiment, the present invention employs a mixture of PTFE and expandable thermoplastic microspheres. Through application of an energy source to the mixture, a coherent three dimensional expansion of PTFE can be achieved. The expanded mixture has many of the same beneficial properties of mechanically expanded PTFE and numerous properties previously unavailable with expanded PTFE products.

Abstract: An improved air diffusion panel, and method of construction and use, is provided which is particularly suitable for use in clean and ultra-clean environments, such as clean rooms and mini-environments facilities. The preferred diffusion panel of the present invention includes a diffusion membrane of a continuous mass of porous polytetrafluoroethylene bonded to one or more support screens of polymer mesh. The composite membrane and screens are mounted in a unique frame which eases the time and effort required for construction of the panels and which can be mounted to reduce vibration of the panel and leakage around its edges. This improved air diffusion panel also significantly filters small and sub-micron particles, resists chemical attack, and blocks liquid droplets.

Abstract: An improved water resistant slide fastener and method of producing a water resistant zippered seam is disclosed. A thin and flexible water resistant coating is employed on the inside and outside surfaces of the stringer tapes of the slide fastener to eliminate water penetration therethrough. Once the slide fastener is attached to a garment or other article, a water resistant seam sealing tape employing a compatible adhesive is then installed over the attachment means of the stringer tape to protect further against water penetration. The zipper of the present invention is flexible and comfortable to wear, while being fully effective at preventing unwanted water penetration without the need for costly and cumbersome additional barrier layers.

Abstract: An electrically charged air filter which comprises a blend of clean expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene fibers and clean polyamide fibers.

Abstract: This invention provides porous electrically-conductive gasket materials having thin porous coating layers that provide good release properties from clamping surfaces and that provide good electrical conductivity.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for covering traditionally mounted rain gutters. It is comprised of a roof attached shield and an arcuate screen attached to the gutter. In the preferred embodiment, a narrow trough is provided at the lower edge of the screen to accumulate excess water. The apparatus acts to separate water from debris, directing water from the roof into the gutter while encouraging the debris either to be immediately shed from the roof or to be collected and readily dried and removed from the trough.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method to facilitate direct eye level contact between a hospital caregiver or other support personnel and a patient confined to a bed. The invention provides a lightweight yet stable chair which rapidly folds into a substantially flat unit which can be readily removed from the bedside in a medical emergency. The design of this apparatus makes it uniquely suitable for the severe constraints of a hospital environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved single stage or multiple stage reed valve for use in an air intake of an internal combustion engine. The multiple stage reed valve of the preferred embodiment includes a relatively stiff first stage reed member having ports therein, a relatively flexible second stage reed member comprising multiple reed petals to control flow through the ports in the first stage reed, and means to join each reed petals to an adjacent reed petal to cause the reed petals to move substantially in unison with one another. The present invention provides a reed valve with increased life and which is resistant to material fatigue even under conditions of uneven flow through the air intake.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved condom which provides a high degree of protection against disease and pregnancy, and exceptional stimulation of the penis. The interior walls of the condom are used to directly stimulate the penis. This provides a sensation similar to unprotected sexual intercourse while avoiding the need for thin condom sheath materials which can compromise the condom's protection.

Abstract: A casting powder for use in ingot steel production through bottom pour process is provided. The powder combines the crucial properties of existing bottom pour fluxes and hot topping compounds into a single, easily dispensed mixture. The present invention provides a significant simplifying and savings over present methods while producing steel with fewer impurities.

Abstract: A unique promotional lottery game combining both skill and chance is provided. Multiple jig saw puzzles, with identical jig saw patterns, are played by contestants simultaneously, puzzle pieces for all the puzzles received from a common, unsegregated, pool. Each contestant is challenged to separate the puzzle pieces using only visual clues on their faces, to place the puzzle pieces in the correct places, and to collect all the pieces needed to solve one or more puzzles. The game readily is combined with other promotional games, such as instant win games and sweepstake games.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a child-resistant box for storage of medicine and other potentially harmful products. The invention comprises a lid hingedly connected to a receptacle and two sets of finger-actuated latches positioned around the circumference of the box, retaining the lid closed upon the receptacle. The latches are positioned so that only two adult hands can span the distance between the latches and actuate all the latches simultaneously so to open the box.

Abstract: A skid device adapted to be removably attached to standard tined lawn rakes is provided. The device maintains the tines of the rake above the surface to be raked so to ease both the effort required to pull the rake and the damage caused to the substrate under the material to be raked, while allowing thorough raking action. The device is readily removable to allow standard raking action when desired.

Abstract: A collapsible folding lawn chair is provided. Employing a chair of the folding frame and "sling seat" variety, a second level of compactness is achieved by addition of flexible locking hinges intermediate certain straight members of the frame. The chair remains a readily assembled single unit yet collapses to an easily transported and stored size. Additional features such as fully reclinability can be readily provided with minimal increase in the storage size of the chair.

Abstract: A disposable plastic clean up glove is economical to manufacture and easy to use and is made from two sheets of thermo setting plastic sheets joined together by heat sealing into shape and perforated for easy detachment. A fastener cut extends along the outside of the cuff portion and a tie strip extends along the fastener. Once an object is picked up using the glove, the glove is turned inside out to form a container and the fastener closed. The tie strip may be closed for double security and an aroma bubble located on the outside of the glove, now inside of the container, is burst to disinfect and deodorize the held contents.

Abstract: A skid device adapted to be removably attached to standard tined lawn rakes is provided. The device maintains the tines of the rake above the surface to be raked so to ease both the effort required to pull the rake and the damage caused to the substrate under the material to be raked, while allowing thorough raking action. The device is readily removable to allow standard raking action when desired.

Abstract: A test for the completeness of an application of neutralizer solution to hair during a permanent wave treatment is disclosed in which a small quantity of an acid-base indicator added to the neutralizer solution produces a visible change in the color of the end wraps.

Abstract: Different from a standard digital display utilizing separate digits for seconds, minutes and hours, an electronic timepiece which uses tow digits composed of triads of red, green and yellow L.E.D.s. Each L.E.D. color is synchronically sequenced and each period of display is for one-third of a second. Each color L.E.D. is dedicated to a particular element of time, i.e., red represents second, yellow represents minutes and green represents hours.