Abstract: A method is provided for effecting a color change in wood or a wood-grained article, and the article prepared thereby. The method includes the steps of applying to a nitrocellulose-finished wood article a composition that includes a water-based dye or pigment and a water-based varnish or lacquer over the nitrocellulose coating, without physically or chemically stripping the nitrocellulose layer. In an alternative embodiment, a wood-grained article is refinished by application of the water-based dye or pigment and a water-based varnish or Lacquer to its surface.

Abstract: A compact, light weight, back packable winch and power source, including a cable quick release device to facilitate single handed use of the winch. The power train and cable retrieval mechanisms are mounted on one side of a back pack frame or platform, and straps and padding enabling the mechanism to be carried like a back pack are mounted on the other side of the frame together with folding legs that assist in supporting the assembly during operation. A substantial quantity of small diameter cable is wound onto the winch spool by a level wind mechanism. The spool and level wind mechanism are powered, through chain and sprocket assemblies, by a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor is powered by a compact gasoline engine that operates a hydraulic pump to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor, controlled by a flow control valve.

Abstract: A broad spectrum, non-toxic, microbiocidal composition effective in killing or inhibiting the growth of a wide variety of microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, yeasts, molds and fungi and algae, that includes a compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R is alkyl, aryl, aralkyl and alkaryl groups including, but not limited to, straight chain, branched chain or cyclic alkyl groups having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, polyoxyethylene or polyoxypropylene having from 2 to 32 ethylene oxide or propylene oxide units respectively, alkyl phenoxy polyoxyethylene containing 2 to 32 ethylene oxide units, alkyl phenoxy polyoxyethylene containing ethylene oxide units and 1 to 24 carbon atoms in the phenolic alkyl chain, and polyhydroxy compounds, including but not limited to, ethylene glycol, glycerol, or sorbitol.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus having a fixed post with a pad and a clamping jaw post with a threaded hole, through which a screw with a handle on one end and a pad on the other passes. The clamping apparatus may be used with rails so that on the bottom rail the fixed post is placed within one hole and the clamping jaw post placed within another hole such that a workpiece may be clamped between the two, and additionally a top rail with holes that the other ends of the fixed and clamping jaw post engage with may be added to prevent the workpiece from buckling when clamping pressure is applied by turning the screw.

Abstract: Discs and a footpad for devices such as automatic swimming pool cleaners are disclosed. The discs incorporate upwardly-extending, non-truncated fins protruding radially from their peripheries. The peripheries themselves, moreover, define a plurality of tongues for increased flexibility, and both the discs and footpad may include ramped segments facilitating movement over obstacles extending from swimming pool surfaces. Also disclosed are discs having series of slits spaced along portions of their peripheries. Each such disc may be part of an assembly including a "bib," or cap, that too may be slitted if desired. The slits of each component, when present, permit its effective surface area to increase as the associated cleaner climbs the side of a swimming pool, enhancing the maneuverability of the cleaner. By contrast, unslitted portions of the cap seal, or cover, the slits present in the disc to provide adequate suction for the disc against the pool surface.

Abstract: Novel polymeric compositions are provided for polyamide fibers or fibers having terminal amino groups that impart stain resistance and are resistant to discoloration.

Abstract: Chalcone and cinnamate bearing polyphosphazenes are disclosed. The polyphusphazenes contain a sufficient number of chalcone or cinnamate groups, or a combination thereof, to achieve a photocrosslinkable material. The phosphazene backbone is transparent from the near and mid-UV to the near infrared region, minimizing degradation of the skeleton both under the high intensity UV irradiation required for the photo-crosslinking reaction and during subsequent exposure to light disclosed. These photosensitive polyphosphazenes are useful for a variety of purposes, including in photolithography, photocurable coatings, for the stabilization of certain non-linear optical properties, and for use in the construction of biocompatible semi-permeable membranes which can be used to encapsulate living cells or other substances of implantation.

Abstract: 2,5-Diaryl tetrahydrofurans, 2,5-diaryl tetrahydrothiophenes, 1,3-diaryl cyclopentanes are disclosed that reduce the chemotaxis and respiratory burst leading to the formation of damaging oxygen radicals of polymorphonuclear leukocytes during an inflammatory or immune response. The compounds exhibit this biological activity by acting as PAF receptor antagonists, by inhibiting the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, or by exhibiting dual activity, i,e., by acting as both a PAF receptor antagonist and inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase. Also disclosed is a method to treat disorders mediated by PAF and/or leukotrienes that includes administering an effective amount of one or more of the above-identified compounds or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, optionally in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, to a patient in need of such therapy.

Abstract: A combination cabinet scraper blade edge preparation tool for: (1) filing a scraper blade edge square to its face or, alternatively, at a predetermined angle to the blade face and (2) for burnishing the scraper blade edge at a predetermined burnishing angle relative to the face of the blade. The tool may be easily fabricated because it can be made with a uniform cross-sectional shape and with minimal machining by extruding it from aluminum, among other materials, and using thumb or set screws threaded into the extrusion to fix the file and burnishing rod in position.

Abstract: A holder for conventional rectangular cabinet scrapers having a body shaped like an open scroll, pivoting structures within each scroll-like end of the body to grasp a scraper blade along a substantial portion of its entire end, and a centrally located padded pressure plate adjustable with a thumb screw to apply pressure to one face of the cabinet scraper in order to bow it away from the body.

Abstract: Permanently soil resistant polymeric compositions that have fluorochemical dispersed throughout the polymer are prepared by melt extrusion of the fluorochemical with the desired polymer. Preferred polymers for extrusion with the fluorochemical are polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyamide.

Abstract: Polymer blends of the following:(i) poly[bis(methylamino)phosphazene] and poly[bis(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)phosphazene;(ii) poly[bis(methylamino)phosphazene] with poly(vinyl chloride), poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(ethylene oxide), or polystyrene;(iii) poly[bis(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)phosphazene with poly(vinyl alcohol) or poly(acrylic acid); and(iv) poly[bis(phenoxy)phosphazene] with polystyrene or poly(methyl methacrylate).

Abstract: Conveyors containing powered rollers arranged in zones, each of which zones may be independently controlled. Such conveyors are particularly useful in transitioning object flow from a constant speed conveyor such as in a plant or warehouse, to manual offloading operations which tends to be more intermittent in nature. The independently controlled zones automatically activate and deactivate in a manner that allows objects to accumulate in a compact fashion on the conveyor when offloading operations stop, but once again to space themselves apart from one another as offloading operations resume and flow once again reaches steady state. This increased spacing during steady state flow allows the conveyor to begin absorbing objects in the accumulation mode if and when offloading stops again. Among other beneficial effects is an ergonomic one: Workers are freed from the stress of knowing that objects flowing on the conveyor will simply be propelled off the end if they take a momentary break.

Abstract: A method for preparing 2',3'-didehydrodideoxynucleosides and the corresponding reduced 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides which includesi) preparing a nucleoside derivative of the general structure ##STR1## wherein B is a nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur heterocycle of from C.sub.1 to C.sub.15, Y is a suitable oxygen protecting group, each R is C(S)SR', where R' is an alkyl or cyanoalkyl group of C.sub.1 to C.sub.15, or both Rs together are >C.dbd.S: and thenii) deoxygenating the nucleoside derivative to the corresponding 2',3'-didehydrodideoxynucleoside.

Abstract: A biocidal protective coating for heat exchanger coils formed by applying a polymeric composition containing an organic water resistant polymer that has associated with it an effective amount of a biocidal compound to inhibit corrosion, fouling, and biocidal buildup on the coils.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive automatic apparatus for unplugging electrical and electronic equipment from electrical circuits such as power, cable television and telephone circuits when an electrical storm is detected in the vicinity of the device by monitoring conditions that typically change near electric storms and, when one or more indicia of a storm are noted, physically disconnecting the device from the circuit(s) so that substantial insulation is interposed between the device and the circuit(s). In some configurations, re-connection of the electrical or electronic equipment automatically occurs after an electrical storm has passed.

Abstract: Lighting fixtures which may be employed in inclined ceiling applications. The fixtures feature substantially elliptical cross-sectioned housings which, when intersected by the plane of an inclined ceiling, yield a circular opening and trim in order to lend an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Such fixtures may also employ adjustable socket housings in order to allow the lamp contained within the fixture to be disposed substantially perpendicular to the floor space, or as otherwise desired, to impart a desired lighting pattern.