Abstract: Edge-supported and fully supported membranes having substantially uniform thickness, and substantially parallel surfaces, and having the capacity to transmit at least about 90% of incident light with very little diffraction, dispersion or absorption of incident light are made by forming a polymer/solvent mixture, spin-coating a film of the polymer from the mixture onto a rotatable surface, which may have a release agent thereon, and, where a release agent is present, joining a frame or other support to the membrane and removing the membrane with its attached support from the surface. Apparatus for making such membranes includes a dispenser for dispensing a polymer/solvent mixture onto a rotatable support; a device for spinning the rotatable support at gradually increasing speeds from a first to a second speed; and a device for maintaining the speed of rotation of the support at the second speed until the membrane forms.

Abstract: A toilet base containing substantially no ceramic material includes a one-piece plastic bowl with a smooth interior surface and a plastic trap that are mounted within a cast thermoset plastic containing a major amount by weight of one or more fillers such as calcium carbonate, alumina, glass frit and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A device for high-speed transcription of physiological data recorded at substantially lower speeds includes a device for converting the recorded data into electrical signals, a device for converting the electrical signals into light signals and displaying them with high clarity and resolution, and a device for transcribing the light signals onto light-sensitive media at high speed.

Abstract: Modern refrigerated container ships have a hold in which insulated containers carrying perishable products are stacked and are connected to a source of cold air, which is circulated through the containers to cool the products. This system has disadvantages such as the dehydration of the products by the constant circulation of the cold air. The invention provides that the containers in such a conveyance are sealed and their interiors contain a modified atmosphere being cooled by circulation through a heat exchange unit which is sealed in the container and which receives cold air from the exterior source. The invention can analagously be applied to the warming of products.

Abstract: New mineral polymers called polysialates have the empiral formula M.sub.n [--(Si--O.sub.2 --).sub.z --Al--O.sub.2 --].sub.n,wH.sub.2 O where z is 1, 2 or 3, M is sodium, or sodium plus potassium, n is the degree of polycondensation, and w has a value up to about 7. The method for making these polymers includes heating an aqueous alkali silico-aluminate mixture having an oxide-mole ratio within certain specific ranges for a time sufficient to form the polymer.

Abstract: A toilet base containing substantially no ceramic material includes a one-piece plastic bowl with a smooth interior surface and a plastic trap that are mounted within a cast theromset plastic containing a major amount by weight of one or more fillers such as calcium carbonate, alumina, glass frit and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Rack means for mounting and carring devices such as two-wheeled vehicles (e.g., bicycles) on engine-powered vehicles such as automobiles includes structures for clamping the rack between the trunk and trunk lid, the engine well and engine hood, or between some other opening on the automobile and a closure appended to that opening. Racks of this kind permit carrying two or more bicycles in side-by-side relationship with minimum abrasion of one against another.

Abstract: An improved garment checking bag includes a horizontal bar with a hook projecting upwardly from an intermediate portion of the bar, a foraminous bag attached to and hanging from the bar and a horizontal hanger rod attached to the bar. The hook is part of a unitary hook and shaft that extends through an opening in the horizontal bar and terminates in a flange that precludes removal and inhibits rotation of the shaft in the opening. The horizontal bar is a cylindrical member with an opening in each end; the horizontal rod has a bent portion at each end, that rotatably engages one of those openings.

Abstract: A simulated monster toy and game includes a base that simulates a lake or sea and a housing joined to the base that simulates a cave at the sea's edge, in which the simulated monster is movably mounted. At the mouth of the cave is a weight-actuated triggering means for the monster. Weights shaped like simulated fish are placed on the weight-actuated trigger until the accumulated weight releases the monster from a cocked position within the cave. Upon release, the monster springs outwardly from the cave, devours the fish weights, and pulls them into the cave with the monster.

Abstract: To extend their shelf life, certain vegetables are placed in enclosures that are at least as permeable to carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and oxygen as low density polyethylene that is not more than two mils thick, the atmosphere within the packages is modified to comprise at least about 25% oxygen by volume, at least about 3% carbon monoxide by volume, and the balance substantially all molecular nitrogen, and the packages are then sealed. The permeability should be sufficient to prevent the carbon dioxide concentration from rising much above 20% by volume, and to prevent the oxygen concentration from falling much below about 2% by volume.

Abstract: An article for holding one or more replaceable elements in the nasal passages of a human being for affecting gases passing through such elements includes a loop-shaped clip having a holder for such elements, preferably at one or both ends of the loop.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for organizing and joining conductors of multi-conductor cables such as communication cables. An elongated multiple connector structure having a series of open-channels, the entrance ends of which are intersected by guide channels, each having a releasable holder at one end so that a bundle of wires may be separated, organized and held in the channels in bridging relation to connection sockets. Various types of releasable holders or retainers are disclosed including retainers which may also serve to strip insulation from a portion of each wire. Plugs are forced into the sockets and press bridging portions of the wires therein to strip the insulation and establish permanent electrical connections. Each socket is provided with a sharp edge to shear the excess portions of the wires as the plugs are forced into the sockets.

Abstract: The storage life of citrus fruit, such as lemons, oranges and grapefruit, is extended and their resistance to deterioration upon exposure to air is improved by subjecting them to controlled or modified atmospheres (CA) consisting essentially of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and nitrogen.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for organizing and joining conductors of multi-conductor cables such as communication cables. An elongated multiple connector structure having a series of open-channels, the entrance ends of which are intersected by guide channels, each having a releasable holder at one end so that a bundle of wires may be separated, organized and held in the channels in bridging relation to connection sockets. Various types of releasable holders or retainers are disclosed including retainers which may also serve to strip insulation from a portion of each wire. Plugs are forced into the sockets and press bridging portions of the wires therein to strip the insulation and establish permanent electrical connections. Each socket is provided with a sharp edge to shear the excess portions of the wires as the plugs are forced into the sockets.