Abstract: The invention provides a prepackaged dressing including dry particulate solids for forming a pourable, water-based natural or synthetic hydrocolloidal polyemeric gel to dress wounds. The gel contains a biologically active constituent. Liquid and dry, solid particulate components are separate and are mixed just before use. One dry constituent is the hydrocolloid which is contained in a compartment of a sealed container separate from moisture. After mixing with water, the dry hydrocolloid does not become fully hydrated immediately. The liquid component (water) provides a fluid consistency initially. At this stage, the admixture is sufficiently fluid in consistency to allow it to be poured or spread into a wound. Following application to the wound, the hydrated hydrocolloidal dispersion begins to solidify to form a solid, self-supporting flexible dressing structure consisting primarily of water, the hydrocolloid, as well as the biologically active constituent, e.g.

Abstract: A towable cargo watercraft or boat is described that can be transported on a motor vehicle to and from the location where it is to be used. The craft includes a hollow hull comprising a rigid shell formed from plastic resin with a bottom wall, side walls and a transom extending upwardly and terminating in a wide upwardly facing open hatch. The hatch extends substantially from the bow to the stem of the watercraft and from one side of the craft to the other to allow easy access to a storage compartment inside the hull. A removable hatch cover is connected by a waterproof seal to a rim that encircles the hatch for covering and sealing the hatch when the watercraft is in use. A releasable latch is provided to hold the hatch closed during use, and the seal around the hatch maintains the watercraft in a weatherproof and watertight condition.

Abstract: A lifting harness for hoisting a dinghy includes a hoisting ring having a top and a bottom. The ring has a portion at the top for fastening the ring to an overhead hoist. The ring also includes a horizontally extending strap-supporting slide bar for supporting a stern strap and a bow supporting member as a part of the ring for securing a bow strap to the ring. The stern strap extends over the slide bar and includes an opening at each end for surrounding the rear portion of the pontoon tube. The stern strap is adapted to slide to the left or to the right across the slide bar relative to the dinghy for balancing the dinghy. A bow strap is provided and includes an upper end that is connected to the bow support member. The bow strap extends downwardly from the ring and includes a means for connecting the bow strap to the bow of the dinghy.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible deck suited for use at the entrance of a house trailer or mobile home includes a floor formed from wood or metal. The floor has opposed longitudinally extending side edges and opposed laterally extending front and rear edges. The deck also includes at least one movable wall with an edge at the level of the floor that is connected to one of the side edges of the floor. Each wall is movable between a vertical collapsed position extending upwardly from a side edge of the floor when the deck is being transported and a horizontal deployed position extending laterally from the floor. The deck includes a framework supporting the floor of the deck and the framework includes ground-engaging wheels mounted for rotation at the bottom of the framework. A coupling at the front of the deck to facilitates connecting the deck to a towing vehicle such as a truck for moving the deck from one location to another.

Abstract: A plastic injection molding machine is provided which includes a filter for the continuous removal of foreign particulate contaminants from molten resin. The molding machine has a filter assembly with a passage for molten plastic resin and also includes a movable filter body containing a plurality, e.g, two, removable filters movably supported within the filter assembly for transporting the filter element between at least a pair of alternate positions, including an operative position within the passage containing the molten plastic resin and a non-aligned inoperative position. The filter body has a bored opening containing the filter and an accumulation chamber for storing the foreign material upstream of the filter.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided that is useful in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette's Syndrome and schizophrenia comprising an amount of cotinine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which amount is effective to reduce or alleviate at least one of the symptoms of Tourette's Syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or schizophrenia in a human or other mammal.

Abstract: A single-piece corrugated box suited for shipping one or more articles, e.g. hazardous articles such as cans of paint, varnish, solvent or other liquid hydrocarbon includes four upright side wall panels that are connected by vertical fold lines and upper and lower pairs of abutting, full-overlap article-stabilizing flaps that are provided with punched openings therein positioned in vertical alignment with each other so that one pair of stabilizing flaps surrounds and interlocks over the upper end of the article and the other pair of stabilizing flaps surrounds and interlocks over the lower end of the article. Each pair of stabilizing flaps is supported exteriorally by a pair of laterally opposed end flaps which are folded centrally so as to enclose and abut the ends of the article as well as the underlying stabilizing flaps. The stabilizing flaps are hinged to the side walls of the box by horizontal fold lines.

Abstract: A self-contained ventilation apparatus is disclosed for ventilating buildings, e.g., patient rooms such as hospital rooms, waiting rooms, hospital operating rooms, doctors' offices, and clinics, especially rooms contaminated with infectious microorganisms. One or more blowers is provided. When there are two blowers, a first blower is provided for discharging room air to the atmosphere and a second blower is provided for introducing fresh outside air to the room to provide a continuous supply of fresh air to the room which is free of disease organisms. Both streams of air pass through an air-to-air heat exchanger to adjust the temperature of the incoming air to approach that exhausted from the room. When filters are used, both currents of air are preferably filtered, e.g., with a high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter. Provision is made for automatically maintaining room air pressure at the desired value (typically below that of surrounding rooms) as filters gradually become clogged with dust.

Abstract: A medication patch to be applied to the skin includes a self-supporting backing layer to give the patch the required integrity and strength by acting as a supporting framework for other components, and a flexible hydrophilic pressure-sensitive adhesive reservoir comprising a natural or synthetic polymer for the sustained release of medication to be absorbed topically through the skin into the body of a patient. The reservoir has two portions: first, an external coating layer with an exposed lower skin-contacting surface that forms a pressure-sensitive bond with the skin, and second, an upper internal portion which infiltrates the porous backing and becomes solidified therein after being applied so that the reservoir and the backing are unified, enabling the backing itself to act as a storage location for the medication-containing reservoir.

Abstract: A dual purpose biomedical device has a solid flexible ultrasonic couplant sheet or pad formed from an electrically conductive hydrogel. The hydrogel sheet has an upper surface that is exposed during use for allowing direct contact between an ultrasonic generator and the hydrogel sheet and a lower surface that is placed during use against the skin of a patient whereby the hydrogel sheet transmits ultrasonic waves to and from the body of the patient. An adhesive is operatively associated with the hydrogel sheet for adhering the sheet to the skin. A removable and replaceable electrically conductive flexible sheet is supported upon the upper surface of the hydrogel sheet for establishing electrical contact with the patient through the hydrogel sheet when lowered into contact with the hydrogel sheet. The conductive sheet is removable therefrom for allowing the ultrasonic generator to contact the hydrogel sheet.

Abstract: A food package that includes a concealed eating utensil is provided. The package comprises a can body containing a quantity of food with a cover removably secured to the can to enclose one end of the can and to provide a storage compartment between the end of the can and the cover. A folded eating utensil is contained in the storage compartment. The utensil has two portions: a functional end portion (spoon, fork or knife) and a handle portion with a joint between them for enabling the utensil to be folded for storage in the compartment. The term "joint" is used broadly herein to include any form of connection, e.g., a hinge or complete separation of the handle from the functional end portion of the utensil with a socket connection therebetween. Utensil retaining members can be provided inside the cover for engaging portions of the utensil to hold it in place.

Abstract: A flexible ornamental or protective plastic molding strip has an inserted flexible decorative cord. The flexible molding strip which serves as a base strip has an exposed outer surface that is usually smoothly contoured but can, if desired, be provided with longitudinally extending depressed or projecting surface decoration. In the exposed surface are one or more longitudinally extending grooves. Into each groove is inserted a flexible decorative cord, preferably of a color selected to provide an appealing visual effect, usually a color which contrasts with the color of the base strip itself. The decorative cord can be easily inserted into the groove by pressing it into place either at the factory or at the job site, to harmonize with the decor. The cord can be removed and replaced at any time desired, yet will be held securely in the groove by its contact with the walls of the groove during normal use.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting highway rumble strips comprises a vehicle that includes a supporting framework, e.g., a framework formed from steel channels welded together and having four ground-engaging wheels, one mounted at each corner of the framework for supporting the vehicle and allowing it to move freely under its own power or to be towed down the highway. A cutter, e.g., a cutting head or cutting wheel with carbide steel cutting teeth, is supported on the framework for producing a series of spaced apart transverse cuts in the pavement as the vehicle travels, usually at a uniform speed along the shoulder of the highway. The cutter can be a toothed wheel that is rotated on an axis at its center by a drive motor, engine, or other prime mover.

Abstract: The invention provides an article carrier for heavy articles such as an outboard motor. It includes a pair of article-encircling loops including a rear strap loop for encircling the stern portion of an outboard motor and a front strap loop encircling the front portion of the motor. Each of the loops is positioned during use in an inclined plane such that the rear strap loop projects rearwardly from the handle at an oblique angle and the front strap loop projects forwardly at an oblique angle whereby the loops lie in inclined planes and encircle the motor obliquely when in place on the motor housing. A handle formed from a flexible member is connected to the article carrier at the top of the motor during use to provide a hand grip for the carrier. Releasable fasteners are secured to at least one of the loops for holding the loops in place on the motor during use.

Abstract: A clasp for a biomedical electrode includes opposed cooperating jaw members. The jaw members can be end portions of a U-shaped leaf spring. A lever is pivotally mounted for engagement with the jaws for forcing the jaws together to grip an electrode placed between them. An opening is provided within the clasp for receiving the stud of a different style electrode and a retaining tab or finger is provided for engagement with the stud to shift the stud to a locked position in the opening when the lever is pivoted toward its operative position.

Abstract: Cotinine is prepared from nicotine or nicotine sulfate by mixing a solution thereof with compounds having the formula XBr, YBrO.sub.3 where X is hydrogen or an alkali metal and Y is an alkali metal to produce an intermediate product: dibromocotinine hydrobromide perbromide, which is reduced and de-brominated to produce cotinine.

Abstract: A garment applies heat to the neck, head or torso with air-activated chemical heating packets. The garment is formed from cloth and is preferably soft and sufficiently supple to conform to the body contours during use. The garment has at least one pouch positioned between two layers of cloth for holding the air-activated heat-producing packet. A layer of cloth between the heating packet and the body is a high pile cloth with air-trapping qualities for diffusing heat supplied by the heating packet to distribute the heat evenly to the body for assuring comfort for the user. In one form of the invention, the garment comprises a neck wrap, scarf, bandanna, a head covering in the form of a hat liner, or a cap insert. The neck wrap, scarf or bandanna includes an elongated pouch for holding the heating packet and has overlapping ends that can be fastened together by means of hook-and-loop fasteners.

Abstract: A golf club has a clubhead upon which is rotatably mounted a rotary member or roller. The roller is exposed at the front of the club to engage the golf ball and is free to rotate upon a horizontal axis while in contact with the golf ball to facilitate rotation of the golf ball as the club moves the golf ball across the ground. The clubhead preferably has a front face that is directed toward the ball and the roller is mounted on the clubhead as a part of the front face of the club so as to engage the ball and to rotate freely while in contact with the ball. Typically, the clubhead has a pair of horizontally spaced apart supporting walls with an opening between them to accommodate the roller and to support the roller for rotation about a horizontal axis with the roller located at an elevation adapted to engage the center of the ball but to be held out of contact with the ground.

Abstract: A stackable height adjustment ring for supporting a manhole cover frame upon a concrete manhole shaft liner has a ring body that is formed from plastic resin, e.g., scrap plastic. The ring includes inner and outer radially spaced apart side walls and optionally a top wall. Brace arms which are integral with the walls preferably extend radially between the walls for holding them together. The rings have alignment members, e.g., an inner wall of the ring can have an upwardly facing shoulder upon its upper edge and the outer wall, a downwardly facing shoulder on its lower edge. An upwardly extending cylindrical collar at the top of the outer ring fits the downwardly facing shoulder of an adjacent ring. There is also a downwardly extending collar at the lower edge of the inner ring to fit on the upwardly facing shoulder of a similar inner ring.

Abstract: A combined waste recycling and disposal method utilizes a first container or bin having at least one supporting wheel for supporting the bin from the ground. Waste of a first category, e.g., garbage, is stored in the bin. A second container is provided for waste of a second category, specifically, recyclable waste. Waste of the second category is placed in and stored in the second container. The second container is supported on the first container and thereafter the first container is transferred to a pickup point while loaded with both recyclable and non-recyclable waste by moving the first container while it is supported by the wheels. The second container is then removed from the first container and the waste from both containers is transferred to separate compartments of a pickup vehicle, e.g., a truck for hauling the waste to a recycling and a disposal location. The second container is a rigid receptacle with two or more side-by-side compartments for recyclable waste.