Abstract: The mat of the present invention has a flexible sheet having a raised peripheral rim and a central opening. A first receptacle has a periphery about an upwardly extending opening which is joined about the central opening. A removable receptacle is disposed in and removable from the first receptacle. The flexible sheet is foldable for storage within the first receptacle. The first receptacle may be closed by the removable receptacle. The removable receptacle enables the solid matter and liquids collecting on the flexible sheet to be carried away for disposal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a nickel shell mold by nickel vapour deposition onto a mandrel in a deposition chamber is disclosed. A nickel shell mold assembly is produced having a liquid and vapour-tight cavity co-extensive with the mandrel for receiving a heating fluid, preferably a liquid such as oil, for flood heating of the mandrel to a uniform surface temperature.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a nickel metal powder by reduction of an ammoniacal nickel (II) carbonate solution essentially free of metallic nickel. A soluble silver salt is added in an amount to provide a soluble silver to nickel weight ratio of 1.0 to 10.0 grams per kilogram of nickel, an organic dispersant, such as gelatin, is added in the amount of 5.0 to 20.0 grams per kilogram of nickel Ni (II), together with a spheroid-promoting agent such as anthraquinone in an amount of about 1.0 to 5.0 grams per kilogram of nickel. The solution is heated to a temperature in the range of 150.degree. to 180.degree. C., with agitation, under a hydrogen pressure of about 3.5 MPa for a time sufficient to reduce the ammoniacal ammonium nickel (II) carbonate solution to micron-sized nickel metal powder. A high purity, micron-sized nickel metal powder of generally spheroid particulate configuration is produced. The nickel metal powder has an average particle size of about 0.5 microns.

Abstract: A wire stringing device which comprises a barrel having a cylindrical bore which is closed at one end and open at the other end, a handle depending from said barrel, a compression spring disposed within the bore in proximity to the closed end, a projectile insertable into the bore whereby when the projectile is within the bore the spring is compressed against the closed end of the bore, the projectile adapted for attaching a flexible line thereto, a trigger adapted for engaging the projectile and maintaining the projectile within the bore and for releasing the projectile in response to finger pressure, whereby the projectile and the flexible wire may be projected from the device, and an adjustable compression member axially movable within the bore adjacent the closed end of the bore for adjusting the compression of the spring. The device may comprise a safety latch for locking the projectile in the barrel.

Abstract: A lightweight cement block and a method of producing the lightweight cement block, comprising the steps of mixing three parts by volume sawdust with water to form a first mixture having a relative moisture content in the range of 40% to 44%; adding one part by volume sand to the first mixture to form a second mixture; mixing the second mixture with water until the relative moisture content of the second mixture is in the range of 40% to 44%; adding one part by volume cement to the second mixture to form a third mixture; mixing the third mixture with water until the relative moisture content is in the range of 40% to 44%; forming the third mixture into a block. The resultant block comprises sawdust in the range of 30% to 70% by volume, sand in the range of 10% to 40% by volume and cement in the range of 10% to 40% by volume.

Abstract: A mouse pad apparatus has a molded base, a pad, and a cord retainer. The molded base has a streamline profile and an outer peripheral surface surrounding a well adapted for receiving the pad. The outer peripheral surface has two adjacent sides extending substantially perpendicular to each other and two opposite sides extending arcuately from the adjacent sides. The two opposite sides each has a contoured wrist supporting surface extending outwardly from the well. The cord retainer is between the two adjacent sides. The cord retainer is an open passageway integrally molded in the outer peripheral surface and an molded cover for covering the passageway. The pad is affixed to said base within the well. The well has a depth wherein when the pad is fully registered therein the pad extends substantially co-planar with the adjacent and opposite sides. A plurality of rubber feet extend from an underside of the base.

Abstract: A convertible golf bag has a gusset panel which is invertible between a closing position and a carrying position. In the closing position, the gusset panel is fastenable to the golf bag for closing an open end thereof. In the carrying position, the gusset panel is fastenable to the golf bag at a point spaced from the open end for converting the gusset panel into a shoulder strap.

Abstract: A collapsible, portable child's play-pen, which may be foldably collapsed onto two half-members which are pivotably coupled together along an axis and which together form a base for the play-pen, which may then be subsequently folded together to form a compact portable unit. First and second frame members, each pivotably coupled to the base along parallel but mutually opposite edges of the base, form one set of opposite side walls of the play-pen. Each of the first and second frame members are provided with a respective pair of first and second pivotable linking arms. One end of each of the first pair of linking arms is pivotably coupled to a first frame member, and similarly one end of each linking arm of the second pair of linking arms is pivotably coupled to the second frame member.

Abstract: A reusable and returnable container system for packaging, shipping and displaying goods comprises a tote having an opening in a bottom surface and an upper opening. The opening in the bottom surface has an abutment for supporting a tray inside the tote. The tote is preferably stackable and nestable with like totes. The tray is adapted to carry goods and is insertable into the tote for resting on the abutment. The tote is easily separated from the tray without first removing the goods. Each tray can be transferred to a shelf for displaying the goods for selection by consumers. After the tray has been emptied, each tray can be stored in a stack of nested totes for returning for re-use.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking and loading sheet material being continuously ejected along a flow path from a sheet production apparatus has a frame, a stationary rake, a catching rake and a drive. The stationary rake is mounted on the frame and positioned for directing sheet material being ejected to a stacking area. The catching rake is pivotally and extensibly mounted on the frame. The drive is adapted for effecting movement of the catching rake.

Abstract: A composition for treating skate blades has a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin and a carrier. The carrier includes a wetting agent for dispersing the PTFE resin and an inert agent for reducing any volatility of the wetting agent and which will not contaminate ice. The composition is applied to the skate blade and burnished thereon for presenting a blade surface impregnated with PTFE resin and having a reduced coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A printing compound and methods of producing 3-dimensional signs and lettering and tactile and Braille reading materials is disclosed. The printing compound includes an ultraviolet radiation curable resin and a filler mixed with the resin to form a paste. The resin can be an acrylated urethane oligomer or an epoxidized oil. The compound is applied to a substrate manually or by a computer controlled dispensing apparatus. The compound is subjected to ultraviolet radiation to cure quickly allowing for mass production.

Abstract: Electromedical apparatus is employed together with local topically applied drugs and general medical management program to non-invasively, non-traumatically, reduce in volume without fat cell death, specific local accumulations of stored triacylglyceride by localizing (e.g., focusing) radiant energy and/or localized lipolysis augmentation methods, thereby accelerating local fat tissue lipolysis reaction rates. The radiant energy includes, localized radio frequency, microwave or ultrasound energy, which impinges upon the fat cells to be reduced in volume but not killed or eliminated. Fat cell size reduction occurs through the mechanism of accelerated lipolysis rate which is a function of local cell temperature elevation and local fat cell lipolysis rate augmentation by local lipolytic drug delivery.

Abstract: A reinforced wood beam has a length and a longitudinally extending upper and lower surface. The upper and lower surfaces have a plurality of reinforcements. Each reinforcement comprises a steel strip bonded within a longitudinally extending kerf. The upper and lower surfaces each has at least two kerfs extending therealong and terminate intermediate of ends of the wood beam.

Abstract: A method for the separation and recovery of volatiles from a sludge containing about 1 to 80% by weight liquid solvents and 20 to 99% by weight solids, in which said sludge is fed with a reagent powder material in an amount effective to form a mixture having a high surface area to a distillation vessel, said mixture is heated to a temperature up to about 350.degree. C. while said mixture is advanced through the vessel for a time sufficient to distil a sufficient portion of the solvents to yield a solid residue powder, distilled solvents are condensed, and the solid residue powder recovered. The vessel preferably is a mechanical fluidized bed distillation vessel and said mixture is fluidized while being heated therein under a partial vacuum in a non-oxidizing atmosphere. The effective amount of reagent powder material includes about 5 to 70 wt % of the reagent powder material.

Abstract: An adjustable wall tie for anchoring and tying a masonry veneer to a structural masonry wall having a combination of component parts which includes a tension anchor element disposed in a mortar joint of a structural masonry block wall interconnected with an adjustable double-end hook secured at both ends in adjacent horizontal mortar joints of courses of a masonry veneer wall.