Abstract: A microphone stand assembly utilizes a low profile base of modified hexagonal peripheral configuration, and a screw-in shaft of adjustable height. A coarse thread affords durability and facilitates assembly and disassembly, and an anti-rotation arrangement cooperates with the base construction to provide stability and convenience of use.

Abstract: Low-shrinkage positioning formulations include, in addition to the resin-forming composition, a filler comprised of fibrous and spherical elements, usually of glass, present in a defined ratio and amount. The resin formulation may desirably comprise epoxy resin and a copolymerizable monomer having amide, acrylamide, or hydroxyl functionality, and may advantageously be devoid of any cationic catalyst ingredient.

Abstract: A bone spreader for preparing a site for dental prosthesis implantation consists of a relatively flat, wide, blade component and a longitudinal ridge component centrally disposed on one side of the blade component. Penetration of the instrument effects spreading of cortical bone tissue and produces a recess that includes a groove portion within which the root element of a dental implant can be accommodated.

Abstract: A cutting head for a portable, hand-held, power-operated pipe cutter is constructed with at least one channel in a rotating mounting plate assembly, to permit lateral insertion of a pipe. The power-transmission arrangement employed includes at least one component that effectively spans the entrance to the channel in the mounting plate so as to ensure that driving engagement therebetween is constantly maintained.

Abstract: A method for producing high capacity gas-storage microporous sorbents involves precursor carbonization under relatively severe heat-treatment conditions, normally followed by activation using a cyclic chemisorption-desorption process.

Abstract: Metal-doped sol-gel materials, suitable for use as sensors for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic analysis for trace chemical detection, are produced by effecting gelation and solvent removal of a doped sol-gel under mild temperature conditions. At least in certain instances reaction and drying will desirably be effected in an oxygen-starved environment. The metal of the sol-gel material functions, when irradiated, to produce a plasmon field for interaction with molecules of an analyte in contact therewith, increasing by orders of magnitude Raman photons that are generate by excitation radiation, and the method allows matching of the metal and metal particle size to a wavelength of light (or incident radiation, e.g., laser radiation) to generate surface plasmons. The porosity of the sol-gel material dramatically increases the surface area, and thereby the amount of metal exposed for analyte interaction.

Abstract: A microphone stand assembly includes an automatically operated anti-rotation arrangement for preventing inadvertent disengagement of the shaft from the base.

Abstract: A two-position, quick-change hacksaw consists of a back member, handle structure adjacent a rearward end portion of the back member, and a swing arm adjacent the forward end. The free end of the swing arm and the forward end portion of the back member have coplanar blade-engaging elements thereon which serve to engage the forward end of the blade and which are commonly disposed on an arc that circumscribes a third coplanar blade-engaging element disposed on a coupling block of a tensioning mechanism for mounting the rearward end of the blade. Two coplanar sets of transversely paired engagement elements enable mounting of the blade both in a plane parallel to a medial plane of the frame and also in a plane disposed at a substantial angle thereto. In one configuration, with the swing arm in its inoperative position, the saw is adapted for cutting within a relatively confined space; with the swing arm in its operative position the saw is configured for cutting within a relatively unconfined space.