Abstract: An apparatus for displaying one of the four playing card suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades) includes a plurality of segments for being selectively illuminated. The segments are configured in the shape of the four playing card suits with all four suits being overlaid one over the others, and the segments are arranged so that some of the segments form parts of different playing card suits. The segments are illuminated in sets so that the illuminated segments form any one of the four playing card suits. In a preferred embodiment, the segments are configured into a first group that forms a quadrangle and a second group of segments that form arches extending between the corners of the quadrangle and lying outside of the quadrangle.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for the extraction of metal ions having a reduction potential of above about +0.3 from an aqueous solution. The method includes contacting the aqueous solution with a polymeric extractant having primary phosphinic acid groups, secondary phosphine oxide groups, or both phosphinic acid and phosphine oxide groups.

Abstract: A noise barrier for the abatement of transportation-related or industrial noise is disclosed which includes a plurality of adjoining, upright panels supported by support structure. The support structure includes a plurality of spaced-apart upright posts each positioned between two adjacent panels and which provide inwardly-facing grooves for receiving the ends of the panels. Panels are stacked and are supported in the grooves to form a barrier of a desired height. The panels have a reinforced plastic foam slab attached to and sandwiched between a plastic sheet defining a traffic face to be oriented towards the source of noise and a plastic sheet defining a residential face. Pockets filled with a sound absorption material are formed in the panels at the traffic face which is selectively perforate or imperforate to achieve the desired sound transmission loss/sound absorption capabilities.