Abstract: A solution of various benzaldehyde derivatives dissolved in suitable solvents are used in impinger sampling or as a coating on substrates to provide passive, real-time visual colorimetric indication of the presence of hydrazine and its derivatives.

Abstract: A self-adhering polymeric composition for use as a drag-reducing fouling-release coating and a method for making such composition. The composition, which is formed by mixing a base polymer with a curing catalyst and immediately adding trace amounts of a inhibitor modifier to the mixture, produces a high integrity coating with a surface extended network of differentially cross-linked chains that reach into and control the flow/adhesion properties in the liquid phase.

Abstract: An adjustable pillow with adjustable neck support having a main portion and a neck support portion. A plurality of separately inflatable members positioned in chambers that are surrounded and separated by cushioning material. One of the chambers formed in the neck support portion and the other chambers formed in the main portion. One of the main portion chambers is in substantial vertical alignment with the neck support portion chamber. Each inflatable member is configured to be inflated and deflated to an infinite number of pressures for controlling the firmness of support provided by the pillow and neck support.

Abstract: A ratchet chuck key tool with a torque indicator for tightening and loosening a chuck. The device includes a one-way ratchet having a ratchet wheel, a pawl and a handle. The pawl, which is connected to the handle, drivingly engages and disengages the ratchet wheel as the handle is reciprocated. A shaft is connected to and rotates with ratchet wheel. A pair of chuck keys are mounted on opposite ends of shaft. One chuck key tightens a chuck and the other chuck key loosens a chuck, the handle being moved in the same direction for tightening and loosening of the chuck. One chuck key defines a purchase for turning the other chuck key and making the chuck finger tight. A torque indicator associated with the pawl provides an indication that the force required to rotate the handle and turn the chuck keys exceeds a predetermined torque level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the viscosity of high viscosity material within a container. An electromagnetic enery source is mounted within a housing which is provided with a fixture that is configured to interconnect with the container of high viscosity material. A waveguide and a deflector are provided for directing the electromagnetic energy from the source to the container for heating the high viscosity material therein and reducing its viscosity.

Abstract: A top for sealing an elongated tube such as a test tube, a blood drawing tube or the like has a tubular body with a closed upper end, a depending sidewall and an opened lower end which form an open ended tube receiving chamber. The lower end of the sidewall tapers outwardly and forms an enlarged entrance. An annular sealing rib, which is formed at the upper interior corner of the tubular body, extends inwardly into the tube receiving chamber and sealingly engages the lip of the tube when the top is in place. An annular gripping rib, which is formed in the sidewall below the sealing rib, grippingly and sealingly engages the sidewall of the tube. A lower rib, which is formed below the gripping rib, facilitates placing of the top on the tube and gradual breaking of the seal when the top is removed. A thumb tab at the lower end of the sidewall assists in the removal of the top from the tube.

Abstract: In a method for removing skin from fish and fowl, the fish and fowl are exposed to intense heat for a short duration. The heat is sufficiently intense to destroy the bond between the skin and underlying flesh without significantly affecting the underlying flesh. The high temperature is removed and the skin is refrozen. The fish or fowl is carried to a skinning station where a high velocity spray, which is directed at the skin, rapidly separates the skin from the underlying flesh without removing the flesh.

Abstract: A motor driven aerial photographic system with a lightweight frame and having a slidable carriage with a shutter and a film advance member, the carriage being slidable within a multiple track guide. The shutter is provided with a slit for exposing the film and the film advance member is provided with gripping members for advancing the film. A motor drive assembly transforms rotational movement of a gear which is driven by a motor into reciprocating linear motion for driving the carriage between a shutter cocking position and a film exposing position. The film to be exposed is engaged by the gripping members and is advanced as the carriage moves to the shutter cocking position. The film and gripping members are disengaged as the carriage moves toward the film exposing position, the film being stationary during exposure. Film guides maintain registration of the film, shutter and lens.

Abstract: A universal folding carrier for carrying objects on tailgates of pickup trucks and trunk lids of automobiles or the like has a frame to which a carrying member and a supporting member are pivotally mounted for movement between collapsed and extended positions. The carrying member is held by a pair of braces in its extended position for carrying objects and the supporting member is held in its extended position by bearing against the frame. The carrying member is a substantially U-shaped member having a bent forward end defining a clamping member and a pair of rearwardly extending carrying arms. The supporting member is a substantially U-shaped member having a forward foot bar and a pair of forwardly extending legs. When the carrier is in its operative extended position, the clamping member is clamped to the tailgate of a pickup truck or it rests against the trunk lid of an automobile.

Abstract: A bottle holder for use with a bottle having a wide body and a narrow neck formed with an annular flange, particularly a soft drink bottle. The bottle holder has a lower annular band which fits snugly over the bottom of the bottle, an upper apertured gripping member which fits over the flange, and a handle which connects the upper gripping member and lower band. The handle is formed with an integral hinge portion which permits the lower band to be folded into the handle to form a flat member for packaging and storage.

Abstract: A new toy is provided which, because its topology is that of an inverted toroid, can present multiple appearances and can rapidly change appearances. The toy may be continually manipulated, in a motion similar to turning a pair of socks inside-out, to present a new surface and thus a new appearance with each such action. In a preferred embodiment, the toy is composed of several segments of cloth with elastic and two cloth tabs with grommets at each junction of two segments. The outer surface of the toy is typically formed by a single segment of the cloth with the other segments enclosed. When the segments are distinguished from one another such that each has a different appearance, manipulating the toy so as to bring another segment to the outer surface causes the toy to present a new appearance. Two constraining loops, each going through a set of the aforementioned grommets, act to limit the overall exterior dimension of the toy and facilitate smooth functioning of the toy.

Abstract: Polymer compositions and methods of making them are provided. Selected surface layers of the polymers, integral with the polymer body, possess pressure sensitive adhesive properties. The polymers are cured with the selected surfaces in contact with a cross-linking inhibition agent which controls the amount of cross-linking of the polymer taking place at the surface. The polymers are useful as, or in conjunction with, prosthetic appliances which are adhered to skin or other substrates.

Abstract: A pre-vaporizing liquid fuel burner with an eductor mounted to the end of a burner housing having an internal chamber. The eductor has air ducts disposed in a throat of the eductor through which combustion gas and air flow. A perforated flameholder is contiguous with the gas inlet of the eductor throat. The air flowing from the ducts creates a suction at the downstream side of the eductor throat which, in turn, draws the combustion gas from the center of the flame into the throat. The streams of air and gas flow from the eductor in interleaving streams to a mixing zone and then to the chamber downstream of the eductor. The interleaving streams are non-parallel to the burner axis but flow in an axisymmetric pattern to produce turbulent secondary eddies or flow patterns for complete mixing of air and combustion gas in a short distance. Liquid fuel is sprayed into the axisymmetric flow of the air-gas mixture where it evaporates. The combined air-gas-fuel vapor mixture is then fed to the flameholder and ignited.

Abstract: A glass harmonica with a plurality of quartz cups of different sizes coaxially arranged on a spindle which is rotated by a variable speed motor. The cups are held on the spindle by intermediate mounting members which are slidable along the axis of the spindle. End mounting members, which are mounted on the spindle, clamp the cups so that they rotate with the spindle. A range of musical tones are produced when the rims of the rotating cups are touched by a player's fingertips, either the fingertips are moistened or the edges of the cups are moistened by a moisturizer.