Abstract: A portable weighing system for a bed comprising a pair of scales placed under the legs or support members of a bed and a weight data collector unit. The scales are positioned directly below the ends of a bed and resting on the floor, and the legs or support members of the bed are then placed on the scales. Each scale is comprised of a beam shaped load cell, support bar, and support bar extensions. The load cell is shaped such that a section of the load cell rests on a horizontally disposed floor engaging base and the ends of the load cell are elevated above the base such that the ends do not rest on the base. The support bar is positioned above said load cell and attached to said load cell by a pair of threaded fasteners. The two support bar extensions are adjustably attached to each end of the support bar such that the width of said scale can be readily adjusted to accommodate beds of varying widths.

Abstract: An electric heater comprises a housing with an air inlet area, an air outlet area, an electric heating element disposed between the inlet area and outlet area, a fan that moves air through the heater, a first high-temperature limit switch mounted on the housing in the air inlet area, and a second high-temperature limit switch mounted on housing in the air outlet area, the first and second switches being electrically connected in series with each other and to the heating element so as to disconnect power to the heating element when either switch is tripped.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for admitting liquid from a draining surface into a drain conduit and for preventing discharge of waste gas from the drain conduit into the atmosphere in response to a higher pressure in the drain conduit than at the draining surface. The method and apparatus typically are for use draining floors, basements, roofs, countertops, exterior paved areas, and surfaces draining into line that could discharge waste gas back into the environment. The invention provides floor drain assemblies and check valves with good drainage performance with out the use of P or U-traps, and is particularly well suited for use when drainage occurs irregularly. Floor drains according to the invention comprise check valves adapted for disposition within floor drains, the check valves generally comprising spring-loaded stops, elastic diaphragms, or sheath valves. Check valves according to the invention are preferably installable in existing drain structures, and are easily removable.

Abstract: A stack of plastic T-shirt type bags for use with a dispenser. Each bag in the stack has a pair of handles with aligned apertures for receiving the prongs of the dispenser. The stacks are retained in alignment by a releasable flap on the periphery of the aperture in each aperture integral with the bag. The stack provides for the releasable securement of adjacent flaps together for retention of bags in overlying aligned relation in the stack. Each bag has at least one discrete region of weakness between each aperture and the inward side of the respective handle stack which can be broken for detachment of a bag from the dispenser. The stack is adapted to dispensers with prongs carrying surface projections (i.e. transverse ridges) to restrict unwanted sliding of the stack along the prongs.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fish migration past dams and other water barriers. A preferred embodiment 100 comprises a conduit 101 passing from downstream side 22 of water barrier 10 to upstream side 21 of the barrier, flow-controlling valves 102 and 105 disposed in series within conduit 101, and actuators 103 for opening valves 102 and 105 in the presence of fish. Fish 30 are attracted by flow 130 passing through conduit 101 at controlled rates by means of flow-through devices in valves 102 and 105. On entering forechamber 104 and swimming upstream the fish pass actuators 103, which cause first valve 102 to open. As first valve 102 opens, water flow through conduit 101 remains controlled and substantially uniformly turbulent under action of second valve 105. With valve 102 open fish 30 may swim to mid-span section 140 of the conduit. When no further fish are present in forechamber 104 or passing actuators 103, or enough fish are present in section 140, the first valve closes.

Abstract: An improved floor drain for buildings, basements, exterior paved areas, and the like. The invention provides floor drain assemblies and check valves providing improved drainage performance, particularly where drainage is an irregular occurrence, and having unprecedented simplicity and reliability. Floor drains according to the invention comprise check valves adapted for disposition within floor drains, the check valves generally comprising spring-loaded stops or elastic diaphragms, either of which may be tailored for opening under a selected hydrostatic pressure. Use of the check valves according to the invention permits drainage through the drain conduit while preventing back flow from the drain of undesirable or unwanted gasses. Check valves according to the invention are preferably installable in existing drain structures, and easily removable for maintenance or replacement.

Abstract: Method for obtaining the foamed organosilicon compositions, involving mixing of organosiloxane rubber (OR), organosilicon joining agent (JA) and modifier (M). Agents acting like (OR) are represented by polyorganosiloxane block-copolymers having formula as follows: {[R1SiO1.5]a[R2(OH)SiO]b, [R3R4SiO]c}n, where: R1R2R3R4 are aliphatic, aromatic radicals having from 1 to 6 atoms carbon; n is an integer from 30 to 360; c=1; a is selected from the 0.019-3.760 interval; b is selected from the 0.008-0.240 interval; or the mixture of the above block-copolymer with the “&agr;”, “&ohgr;”-dihydroxypolydiorganosiloxane in the ratio of (0.05-0.

Abstract: A dried fruit or vegetable has a water content in the range 4% to 7%, and has a water activity of 0.4. Substantially all of the cells of the dried product are undamaged. An air drying process is gentle and contains four phases, during which the temperature of the drying air is maintained at 60° C. In a first phase the relative humidity of the drying air is allowed to rise to between 50% and 55%, and is maintained substantially constant at this value during a second phase by maintaining exchange of the drying air with fresh air substantially constant. In a third phase of the process, the relative humidity of the drying medium is permitted to decrease relatively rapidly until the fourth phase commences, at which stage the relative humidity is permitted to asymptotically approach a predetermined relative humidity value.

Abstract: The present invention describes an improved mounting device or catch intended for mounting mirrors, glass plates or other generally flat objects to walls, doors, cabinets or other appropriate surfaces. The present invention comprises a plastic shell element, similar in appearance to existing mounting devices, but having a recessed means on its back side to accommodate a support plate. The support plate is a preferably metal, generally J-shaped plate that slidably engages the plastic shell to provide much greater structural integrity to the mounting device. In addition to strengthening the basic support structure, the metal plate provides a secondary support means that can retain the supported object even in the event of a failure of the plastic shell, potentially preventing the destruction of the supported object. The improved structural features are accomplished while retaining the aesthetic features and resilient support features of prior-art plastic mounting devices.

Abstract: A high performance boat hull structure is provided which combines a V-hull bottom portion 12 with mid hull sponsons 31 and 33 which form longitudinal tunnels with adjacent structures. The mid hull sponsons 31 and 33 have horizontally disposed running surfaces to provide lift at high speeds. Outer sponsons 14 and 16 incorporate running surfaces 24 and 26 and together with mid hull sponsons 31 and 33 form a second air tunnel and engage and deflect side directed spray and wake downwardly providing additional lift and decreasing or eliminating spray and signature wake. Entrance of injected or inducted air into the air tunnel area decreases frictional engagement of the hull with water to improve efficiency and ride.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dislodging a test baffle in a fluid conduit following pressure testing without permitting fluid to escape. The invention provides a device for dislodging or unseating a test baffle, for releasing a pressure within the conduit contained by the baffle, and for removing the baffle without leakage or other fluid escape. A preferred apparatus according to the invention comprises a rigid plug adapted for sealing engagement of an end of a fluid conduit such as a pipe, and a removal device adapted to pass through an aperture in said plug and to engage and dislodge a test baffle disposed within an interior of the conduit. Preferred removal devices comprises flexible lines attached to the test baffle and tools adapted to pass through the aperture and engage the test baffle.

Abstract: Straight-line potentiometer including a casing with a longitudinal opening in which slides a carrier having an electroconductive slider which provides electrical contact between an electroconductive slideway and an electroresistive slideway. The slider is provided with a centrally disposed offset portion which is inserted between the lugs of the carrier. The slideways are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal opening and run parallel to the opening. The carrier is made up of an operating stem and two resilient lugs, arranged so as to form a fork, extending through the longitudinal opening. The ends of the lugs are further provided with toes which engage the inner edges of the longitudinal opening and allow the carrier and slider to smoothly slide along the opening. The improved straight-line potentiometer is also provided with a plurality of resilient grips situated on opposite ends of the longitudinal line of the carrier and engaging lateral sectors of the slider in a riding arrangement.

Abstract: A hockey training device comprising a frame with skate-like and hockey stick-like members attached thereto, simulating an opposing player. This training device is intended to assist the novice hockey player in developing the skills associated with maneuvering the hockey puck around and/or through an opponent, and forces the novice to concentrate on the triangle presented by the skates and hockey stick of the opponent. The device consists of a frame supporting two downwardly disposed legs having skate-like elements attached, and a third leg having a stick-like element attached. The skate-like elements and stick-like elements have coplanar lower edges so that the entire device may be placed on the ice, resting on these edges. The frame may be weighted, and drag-inducing spikes may be incorporated into the skate-like elements to affect the motion of the device on the ice.

Abstract: A fabric workpiece holder is described for holding workpieces for various craft activities such as quilting and embroidery. The workpiece holder consists of a rigid hoop having a circumferential groove on its outer surface, an elastic cord that wraps around the fabric workpiece after it has been draped over the rigid hoop, and engages the circumferential groove on the hoop, and a novel clamp that allows the user to securely tighten the elastic cord, and maintain the tension therein, holding the fabric workpiece to the hoop. A unique feature of the clasp is an indexing ridge on the back surface that engages the groove on the hoop through the fabric. The ends of the elastic cord slide into holes on either side of the clasp and when the cord is tightened the clasp, including the ridge, are pulled toward the hoop.

Abstract: An inflatable sailboard consisting of an inflatable hull, a mast, a boom, and a sail, and optionally comprising a removable rigid deck and auxiliary devices such as mast supports and center boards attached to the hull by through-hull fittings. The hull of the invention consists of a plurality of independently inflatable compartments, has a relatively high beam width to length ratio, generally in the range of 1/3 to 2/3, and in preferred embodiments may be employed without mast, boom, or sail, and with an attached seat, as a kayak. The hull may also be towed by a boat or jet ski for sporting use, or may be used as a "boat trailer" to transport supplies or equipment. The sail of the invention incorporates head and foot cups adapted to attach the sail to the mast to control tension within the sail. Preferred masts for use with the invention are provided in a plurality of assemblable sections, and include an adjustable support for the boom and improved hull attachment means.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a continuous or intermittent supply of ozonated fluid, particularly water, from a closed loop system for sanitation, consumption, and other purposes. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus aspect of the invention comprises an ozone generator, an ozone entraining system, and a closed loop water circuit. The closed loop circuit permits continuous recirculation and ozonation of fluid not drawn from the system for use. Optionally the apparatus provides for the removal of an arbitrary fraction of ozonized or ozonated water to any arbitrary service application, such as food- or medical-equipment sterilization, with simultaneous addition of makeup water to maintain a relatively constant mass balance in the overall system, so that ozonized water is continuously available. Unused water is stored indefinitely in a reservior. Further options include venting of off gases and destruction of any ozone gas fraction thereof.

Abstract: A conformally folding table comprises a surface assembly and a support member adapted to pivotally attach the surface assembly to a structure such as a post or mast. The surface assembly comprises a plurality of surface members and is adapted, upon being pivoted into a stowed position, to fold or "wrap," by means of relative rotations between adjacent surface members, around the structure and into close conformance with it, so as to allow storage of the table in a minimum of space. When the table is to be used, the table is pivoted away from the structure into a deployed position and the surface members are unfolded or "unwrapped" to form a flat table surface. Preferred embodiments of the table also comprise one or more legs for stability and a lateral support member to help support the surface members in forming a flat table surface.

Abstract: A disc storage and display device is provided in which discs, such as CD, CD-ROM, DVD, and floppy diskettes for computers are inserted into transparent envelopes and the envelopes attached to rails on a rotary file structure. The envelopes may be rotated about a mandrel on the storage device to display the contents thereof The envelopes may be readily removed for access to the disc or the disc may be removed from the envelopes while on the mandrel. An articulated protective cover is provided to protect but permit easy access to the disc storage and display device.

Abstract: Sodium salt of (poly-(2,5-dihydroxy-phenylene))-4-thiosulfonic acid, being a cyclo-linear polymer, is proposed as the regulator of a cell metabolism. There are provided for the production of the claimed preparation: interaction of para-benzoquinone and sodium thiosulfate at the molar ratio of 10:1 to 2:1, separation of a final product, and purification from admixtures. The interaction of para-bernzoquinone and sodium thiosulfate is made in a water-organic medium, preferably in the water-acetone one, at the temperature of 40 to 70 C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the pre-treatment of hazardous biological and chemical contaminants from a waste fluid stream prior to discharge to a waste water treatment facility such as a publicly owned water treatment works or a similar privately operated facility. The method includes breaking apart tissue samples with a macerator, contacting a waste fluid stream with ozone, preferably in a vibrational mixer, which thereby acts as a promoter of hydroxyl radicals, passing the mixture through strong and weak unpolarized magnetic fields, static discharge and neutralization units, and finally, exposing the mixture to ultraviolet radiation. If found necessary, a subsequent static discharge and neutralization unit may be employed.