Abstract: An elongated channel protector has an end wall that precludes axial displacement of the protector along an elongated rail car plug door operating handle in one direction. Angle shaped members extend from the protector laterally for engaging a cover appurtenance on the door for precluding axial displacement of the protector in the opposite direction. A pair of legs depend from the protector side walls and have aligned holes for receiving a bolt seal. Tubular elements surround the holes to protect the seal head and locking body. The seal is seated beneath the handle which is covered by the protector locking the protector to the handle.

Abstract: A golf club holder suspends golf clubs beneath an umbrella to keep the grips dry during rain. The holder comprises a head with clip devices for attachment to an umbrella shank and for attaching the shafts of clubs upside down to the holder. The clip devices comprise in one embodiment a molded plastic head with receptacles for attachment to the umbrella shank and for receiving the club shafts, the receptacles each comprising a bore lined with high friction rubber and a slot for receiving the shank or shafts laterally into the receptacle. A stem extends from the head to provide enhanced gripping action to the umbrella shank. The devices may be hinged to the stem to permit the holder to remain with the umbrella shank so that the umbrella may be collapsed with the holder attached. The holder stem may be permanently attached to the umbrella shank with the shaft clip devices hinged to the stem.

Abstract: A molded transparent thermoplastic housing has a programmable transmitting circuit for transmitting seal identifying serial number, seal location, container identification and other data to a local receiver. A door in the housing permits access to the circuit for programming the seal indicia and related data for transmission. A contact arrangement forms a switch upon insertion of a locking bolt into a locking mechanism in the housing and applies battery power through the bolt to activate the data generating circuit. A conductor along the bolt shank is connected to the circuit provides a tamper evident signal to the circuit when the bolt is severed. The circuit senses the removal of the bolt or severed bolt condition for generating a “tamper” signal which is transmitted to a local receiver/reader.

Abstract: A cane with an arm cuff C-clamp and a lateral handle has an accessory article carrying sack comprising a cloth or other material drawstring sack attached to the C clamp with a loop of the drawstring. Clips attach the sack to the leg of the cane to hold the open bag top closed and to keep the sack from moving about as the person using the accessory walks. Various embodiments of clips and fasteners are disclosed for attaching the sack to the cane leg and for precluding lateral displacement of the sack during walking of the user.

Abstract: A composition comprising a cross-linked salt of (a) a polyvinylpyrrolidone having ring opened pyrrolidone groups; (b) at least one acrylic acid-containing or methacrylic acid-containing polymer; and (c) an amine-containing polymer. The composition may be used as a pressure-sensitive adhesive, has good tack, and may be peeled from the body or from an object without causing damage or injury to the body or object.

Abstract: A sheet or web of fluoropolymer fibers, such as ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene fibers, which has been hydroentangled. Such hydroentangled sheets or webs may be employed as filters, masks, membranes, synthetic papers, industrial fabrics, or liquid separators for use in oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions.

Abstract: A composition comprising a halopolymer, such as an ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer, an effective stabilizing amount of an ionomer, and an effective stabilizing amount of a compound such as a phosphite of an organic polyhydric phenol; a thioester; a phosphite; or a hindered phenolic antioxidant. Preferred ionomers are metal salts of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, and metal salts of sulfonated polystyrenes. The stabilized halopolymers have improved resistance to thermal degradation and suffer less discoloration when subjected to high melt processing or extrusion molding temperatures.

Abstract: A retractable step is movable from a position located in a cavity to an extended position located outside of the cavity. The invention provides for a latching facility to hold the step in the extended position against the bias of a retracting spring. A person standing on the step, exerting a downward force thereon disengages the latching facility. As the downward force is removed from the step, the step automatically retracts in response to the bias of the retracting spring.

Abstract: The wear resistance of hardface coatings formed on a metal substrate using cloth-like flexible preforms, by substituting two or more thinner preforms for the single layer preform heretofore employed.

Abstract: A stabilized melt processable composition containing a halopolymer (e.g., an ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer) and an effective stabilizing amount of an ester of a (4-hydroxy-5-alkylphenyl) alkanoic acid and at least one phosphite. Such compositions may be melt processed and extruded at high temperatures (e.g., up to 305.degree. C.) and retain their stability. These compositions are especially desirable in wire and cable coating applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to liposome compositions comprising liposomes in an aqueous buffer at a pH of 6.5-8.5 and including a polyol in an amount of from 0.6 to 1.5 g per 100 ml of buffer. Also, the invention further relates to liposome compositions comprising a liposome including a detectable marker wherein said liposome may be derivatized with a ligand and the use thereof in an assay for analyte of interest.

Abstract: An improved fluoropolymer composition for insulating wires or jacketing cables comprising a blend of fluoropolymer and an additive selected from the class consisting of zinc borate, ZnCO.sub.3, ZnCrO4, ZnMoO.sub.4, Zn.sub.3 (PO.sub.4).sub.2, ZnSiO.sub.4, ZnSO.sub.4, ZnTiO.sub.3, ZnZrO.sub.4, zinc ammonium sulfate, zinc acetyl acetonate, zinc formate, zinc oxalate, BiBO.sub.3, alumina trihydrate, mixtures of molybdenum and tin oxides, molybdenum trioxide, antimony trioxide, and pyrogenic silica. A preferred additive is zinc borate. This composition provides for wire insulation and cable jackets which have improved flame and smoke resistance with federal safety and Underwriters Laboratories standards.

Abstract: A sac, in particular a vesicle, having a detectable metal, in particular a rear earth metal, encapsulated therein. The sac may be sensitized with a ligand and used in an assay. The vesicle is stored and/or used in an aqueous solution which includes the rare earth metal to increase the concentration of metal in the sac.

Abstract: A mating terminal and socket assembly comprising a quartz lamp with at least one terminal means connected to and extending outwardly from the quartz lamp. The terminal means is inserted into a socket means adapted to receive and grip the first terminal means. The socket means is preferably movable and connected to an electrically conductive means such as a wire. This mating terminal and socket assembly can be contained within the housing of a luminaire fixture. This invention also relates to a quartz lamp comprising a bulb having first and second end portions, and first and second end terminal means extending outwardly from the end portions of the bulb.

Abstract: In an assay wherein there is produced in an assay sample tracer bound to a soluble binder and unbound tracer, both bound and unbound tracer are separated from the assay sample for separate determination thereof by use of a supported binder for the soluble binder and a supported binder for the tracer. The assay may be effected as a "flow-through assay" by causing the sample to flow through successive chambers containing the supported binders.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for securing adjacent articulated members such as a toilet seat and lid mounted on a bowl. Included is a plate for mounting the apparatus to the bowl and a locking arm movable with respect to said plate to a position where the leg of the locking arm overlies the lid.

Abstract: Door and hinge construction for overhead doors is disclosed for use with sliding door panels, which includes combination hinge and roller housings engaged with and located at each side of the door panels, serving to retain the panels together, and which carry rollers which ride in tracks outside the door panel, with hinge and seal members engaged with the panels between the combination housings providing for hinged door movement and sealing against the entry of dirt and water.

Abstract: An improved melt-processable composition of a thermoplastic polymer selected from the class consisting of hexafluoroisobutylene/vinylidene fluoride copolymer, and ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer, wherein added to said thermoplastic polymer are a phosphite ester and an oxamidoester. A preferred phosphite ester is tris (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, and a preferred oxamidoester is 2,2'-oxamidobis [ethyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate]. In a preferred composition, about 1 wt. % of phosphite ester and about 0.5 wt. % of oxamidoester are added to a hexafluoroisobutylene/vinylidene fluoride copolymer.