Abstract: An improved fastening element for securement within an opening and of the type comprising (a) a head portion; (b) a connecting portion comprising a longitudinally extending body portion including a pair of opposed pillar-like parts, for insertion into such opening; and (c) at the end of said connecting portion remote from the head portion, locking means movable between a collapsed position in which the fastening element is insertable into the opening and an expanded position in which the locking means is effective in cooperation with an elongated retaining element inserted into the connecting portion to preclude removal of the fastening element from the opening.

Abstract: A connector interface for enabling multiple conversions between first and second data handling systems wherein the data in the first system is arranged in a first type of format and the data in the second system is arranged in a second type of format, includes a connector housing with first and second sets of electrical contact elements exposed at different portions of the housing. Circuitry contained entirely within the housing operates to convert data transmitted to the first set of contact elements from the first data handling system into corresponding data in the second type of format for transmission to the second data handling system through the second set of contact elements, and to convert data transmitted to the second set of contact elements from the second data handling system into corresponding data in the first format for transmission to the first data handling system.

Abstract: An illuminated gunsight adapted to be fixedly engageable with a firearm having existing sighting means. The illuminated gunsight comprises a base member which is fixedly anchored to the barrel of a firearm, or to the existing sighting means or to both the barrel and the existing sighting means. A second member, containing illumination means, such as a light emitting diode (LED), is moveably affixed to the base member. Movement of the LED containing member relative to the anchored base member, into and out of sighting alignment with the existing sighting means provides the electrical activation and deactivation of the LED.

Abstract: A low cost non-thermostatic device which maintains food at a constant equilibrium temperature between about 150.degree. F. to 180.degree. F. (65.degree. C. to 82.degree. C.) for extended periods of time, i.e. in excess of four hours, without detrimental burning or deterioration of the food. Food is maintained at a palatable heated temperature above that required to either kill bacteria or prevent bacterial growth. The device is a substantially closed receptacle, with minimal sufficient venting of accumulated moisture, having insulated walls preferably with interior reflective surfaces and an incandescent light bulb as a heat source. Constant temperature is maintained by minimizing venting and relating bulb wattage to interior receptacle volume, and the rate of heat loss through the receptacle walls. Such heat loss is related to the degree of interior wall reflectivity and/or the extent of the interior wall insulation.

Abstract: A battery terminal connector which electrically interconnects the terminals of two or more batteries and which terminal connector is tapped to provide terminal connection to an external device. The terminal connector also serves as a carrying handle for the batteries. The connector is comprised of two stiff metal members contained within an insulative handle housing offset from the surface of the battery or batteries to permit finger insertion. A portion of said metal members is exposed through said insulative handle housing for external electrical connection. The ends of the metal members are shaped for connection to the battery terminals and the metal members are sized to fit between such battery terminals.

Abstract: A connector interface for enabling communications between first and second data handling systems wherein the data in the first system is arranged in a first type of format and the data in the second system is arranged in a second type of format, includes a connector housing with first and second sets of electrical contact elements exposed at different portions of the housing. Circuitry contained entirely within the housing operates to convert data transmitted to the first set of contact elements from the first data handling system into corresponding data in the second type of format for transmission to the second data handling system through the second set of contact elements, and to convert data transmitted to the second set of contact elements from the second data handling system into corresponding data in the first format for transmission to the first data handling system.

Abstract: A method for reducing the incidence of wire breakage in orthopaedic surgery wherein said wire passes through apertures drilled in bone fragments for effecting a wire connection therebetween during healing. Said method comprises removing stress raising corners or edges, caused by the formation of said apertures, from positions in said bone fragments which are in contact with said wire. Manipulation of an aperturing drill or the utilization of novel radius cutters is utilized in effecting removal of said stress raising edges. The novel rotating radius cutters comprise arcuate cutting surfaces and integral drill or aperture positioning means.

Abstract: A cathode for an air depolarized cell in which the hydrophobic catalytic cathode contains or is integrally coated with, on the surface adjacent the cell separator, an absorbent material such as the gelling material used in the anode. The absorbent material, integrated with the cathode surface, adheres the separator to the cathode thereby preventing delamination and provides an electrolyte reservoir for the hydrophobic cathode.

Abstract: Corrosion is reduced in aqueous electrochemical cells having zinc anodes by utilizing mercury amalgamated discrete single crystal zinc particles to which small amounts of one or more of indium, thallium, gallium, bismuth, cadmium, tin and lead have been added or prealloyed with the zinc, prior to formation of the single crystal particles. A synergistically lowered rate of corrosion and cell gassing is obtained even with reduction of mercury content.

Abstract: A packaging method and a package for bulk containment of lop-sided articles such as blister carded or similarly packaged items in a space saving nested arrangement are described. A tray, such as a display tray, containing the blister carded items, has retaining means such as a tray wrapper to prevent unintended spillage of the blister carded items but which permits nesting of the blister cards contained within two closely juxtaposed trays whereby efficient nesting of the packed items is obtained in a readily handled package having structurally retentive properties.

Abstract: A method for making single crystals of metal or other crystallizing materials whereby powders of irregular shaped single crystal particles (as small as 325 mesh or about 50 microns) may be readily and economically made. Said method comprises the steps of: (a) forming thin individual coatings on each of said particles such as oxides of metals on metal particles; (b) melting the particle material within said coatings which function as individual particle crucibles; (c) cooling the melted particles within the coatings to form individual single crystals each within its own coating; and (d) removing the coating such as by solvation with a solvent or by chemical reaction. The single crystal particles conform to the original shape of the particles which may be irregular. Such irregular shaped single crystals, such as of zinc, when used in electrochemical cell anodes enables the utilization of reduced amounts of mercury for amalgamation thereof without significant increase in cell gassing.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell particularly of small dimensions having a vent which comprises a hot melt adhesive or other extrudible leak resistant material sealed to and substantially surrounding that portion of a metal electrode conductor extending through an aperture in a cell sealing element.

Abstract: A cell having an anode comprised of an anode metal gelled with a hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile gelling agent.

Abstract: A lithium-containing electrochemical cell with a glass-metal seal and cell terminal structure thereon with said glass comprising a glass loaded with alumina or other stable metal oxide or an aluminosilicate glass with or without such alumina or stable metal oxide loading.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for forming a cell can or container, for a cylindrical battery having longitudinally extending internally projecting ribs which are formed along the internal surface of the battery cell. These ribs provide increased physical and electrical contact between the cell and the electrode material disposed therein. Also disclosed herein is the product formed by this process.