Abstract: A method of disposing of garments after use. The garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles are provided as woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol polymer fiber, the fiber being water soluble only at temperatures above approximately 37.degree. C. and preferably above 50.degree. C. After use, the fabric is subjected to water at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the fabric whereupon the water and dissolved fabric are subjected to disposal.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece contains a spindle detachably holding an elongate bar for surgical operation and transmitting rotation to the bar, an elongate sheath covering the bar except for the distal portion thereof, and a plurality of balls provided in the proximity of the distal end of the sheath, with the balls being arranged in one cross-sectional plane. The balls have a diameter approximately equal to a thickness of the sheath in the proximity of the distal end thereof, and the balls are projected slightly radially inwardly from the inner surface of the sheath with the peripheral surface of the ball being spaced from the bar.

Abstract: Towel, sponge and gauze products composed of fibers of polyvinyl alcohol resin. The fibers are selectively soluble in aqueous solutions only above approximately 93.degree. C. Polyvinyl alcohol fibers have a degree of hydrolysis of at least 99%, are composed of no more than 1/2% sodium acetate, 1/10% methyl alcohol and an average degree of polymerization between approximately 1300 to 1500. The polyvinyl alcohol fibers being produced by a process of dope extrusion.

Abstract: A mechanism for a cutting or grinding tool for converting rotational movement into reciprocating movement contains a casing, a reciprocating member mounted within the casing for receiving and securing a tool to be inserted into a tool receiving opening of the reciprocating member, a shaft member rotatably mounted within the casing for rotation by a rotational driving force, a bearing member for rotatably carrying the shaft member, and a support member for carrying the reciprocating member for enabling reciprocating movement thereon. The reciprocating member and the shaft member are spaced apart so that a center axis of the reciprocating member and a center axis of the shaft member are offset. A connecting member is provided between the shaft member and the reciprocating member for interconnecting the shaft and reciprocating members for converting rotational movement of the shaft member into reciprocating movement of the reciprocating member.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the intensity and frequency of arcing in a reactive DC sputtering process when the process uses an arc-suppression system which interrupts or reverses the voltage applied to the sputtering target. A plasma having required properties is introduced into the vicinity of the sputtering target by means of a separate plasma applicator which operates independently of the target.

Abstract: A dental treatment device for forming a screw hole for embedment of an implant material by a tool attached to the dental treatment device contains a speed-reducing unit for decelerating rotation of an external electric motor and raising torque for transmitting rotation to the tool, and a clutch unit provided between the speed-reducing unit and the tool. The clutch unit contains a driving side clutch having a first indented surface on its forward side, a tool side clutch having a second indented surface on its rear side, and a spring for thrusting the driving side clutch towards the tool side clutch for axially mating the first indented surface and the second indented surface with each other.

Abstract: A spread is provided which is a water-continuous dispersion comprising a continuous aqueous phase and optionally a dispersed fat phase. The continuous aqueous phase comprises a gelling maltodextrin and an aggregate-forming proteinaceous gelling agent. The dispersed fat phase, if present, contains no more than 20% of fat by weight of the spread. The components of the spread are selected so that the spread has a ratio of plastic stress to maximum stress (.sigma.p/.sigma.max) in the range 0.95 to 1, when measured by compression analysis at 5.degree. C., typically using samples of cylindrical shape, measuring 26 mm in length and 26 mm in diameter, which are compressed at a rate of 0.8 mm per second. The spreads show characteristic rheological parameters comparable to those of an idealised plastic dispersion, and have good spreading properties at all temperatures from 4.degree. C. to 25.degree. C. They are suitable for use as a substitute for butter or margarine and show good microbiological stability.

Abstract: A stationary material mixing apparatus for the mixing of a fluid stream. A conduit is provided containing a number of mixing stations located along the longitudinal axis of the conduit, each occupying the entire cross-section of the conduit. The array of mixing elements of each mixing station is related to mixing elements at other mixing stations in that mixing elements at downstream mixing stations are of a smaller dimension than mixing elements at upstream mixing stations so that more mixing elements are contained within each mixing station as mixing stations approach the downstream end of the conduit.

Abstract: A system for the introduction of a fluid to an internal volume of a suction canister. The canister is provided with sidewalls and a top, the latter possessing a circular opening and cylindrical duct. A fluid-containing vessel is provided having a tubular extending dispensing port sized to pass over and capture the cylindrical duct when the fluid-containing vessel is positioned over and in contact with the suction canister. The fluid-containing vessel further is provided with a fluid reservoir segregated from the tubular extending dispensing port by a circular membrane which is scored so as to rupture by the cylindrical duct upon the application of nominal pressure exerted upon the fluid-containing vessel.

Abstract: A liner for the loading and unloading of objects for use with a rear-opening truck bed. In use, the liner lies flat and occupies virtually the entire surface area of the truck bed. The liner can be gripped and pulled towards the rear opening of the truck and folded downwardly to enable the user to pull the liner toward the rear opening to access objects which would otherwise be difficult to reach.

Abstract: A method of producing an absorbent composition. A polymeric material characterized as having surface anionic reactive sites is mixed with a source of multi-valent metal ions to render the polymeric material sorbent of aqueous liquids. A dispersant is then added to form a wet slurry which is subsequently dried to a granular consistency.

Abstract: A dental handpiece contains a tool for dental treatment operation, tool holding members for detachably and rotatably holding the tool, tool detachment members for abutting against the tool holding members to detach the tool from the tool holding members, and rotatable contact members capable of being point-contacted with the tool holding members. The rotatable contact members when contacted with the tool holding members is rotatable with the tool holding members.

Abstract: A mixing device for mixing two or more liquids. A shell body is configured with a cavity having a longitudinal axis and circular cross-section which rotatably houses a shaft. The shaft is configured along a portion of its surface with grooves for receiving liquids from inlets located within the shell body. The shaft is further provided with tubular bores for receiving one of the components to be mixed and for injecting that same component downstream within a narrow annular gap region formed between the outer surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the internal cavity in that portion of the shaft containing the slotted grooves.

Abstract: A cross-linked gel-like composition of matter. The composition is capable of being used as a modeling compound, as well as being moldable, extrudable, stretchable, and being inflated into bubbles for use as a play activity. The composition is based on a cohesive polyvinyl alcohol non-adhesive and substantially non-drying composition that is safe if accidentally ingested and can be washed from fabrics and carpets with water.

Abstract: A gate latch assembly which includes a latch bar fixedly attached to a swingable gate is received into a slot in a latch frame. The latch frame is fixedly attached to a gate post enabling the gate to swing from the gate post upon the actuation of pawl releasing the latch bar. A number of modifications have been made to the standard gate latch assembly in order to improve its overall function and usability.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing materials having no moving parts in which a plurality of elements are fitted into a conduit. At least some of the mixing elements and axially overlap with adjacent mixing elements. Each axially overlapping region provides a mixing matrix introducing complex velocity vectors into the materials to be mixed. A drift space subsequent to the matrix enhances the mixing operation.

Abstract: A process is described by which a chemical species is sorbed into the channels of a host phase which is then heated to affect an irreversible phase transformation of the host phase which seals the chemical species within its crystal structure. The host phase is an insoluble solid, non-toxic and stable both to the chemical species it encases and its environment.

Abstract: A mop head comprising a bundle of fibers bound together to create mop head fabric. The fibers are composed of polyvinyl alcohol which is water soluble at temperatures above approximately 93.degree. C. The polyvinyl alcohol fibers are produced by a process of dope extrusion and which contain wetting and anti-blocking agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of bleaching waste paper pulp. The pulp is first treated to a reductive chemical followed by acidification and washing or dewatering. The pulp is then subjected to ozone and then to hydrogen peroxide. The reductive chemical used is either formamidine sulphinic acid or sodium hydrosulfite.