Abstract: A solar collector comprising, a bottle like structure with a front serrated lens surface, rear convex reflector, central heating chamber and plurality of tubular members each holding adjustable reflectors, for heating food located within the chamber is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an arrangement which enables highly efficient and convenient food preparation. The arrangement comprises a sink having two adjacent basins. A colander and a cutting board are arranged in one of the sinks in such a way that the cutting board is supported by the top edge of the sink while the colander is slidably supported on rails beneath the cutting board. The colander is conveniently storable beneath the cutting board but, in use, is simply slid out from beneath the cutting board whereby food chopped up on the cutting board can be scraped off into the colander for rising or draining. An overflow region may be provided in the dividing wall between the two sinks so that if one sink becomes blocked, water overflows into the second sink, and hence to the drain, rather than overflowing onto the floor.

Abstract: A survival kit comprising, inter alia, a replacement cap for a conventional canteen, a gasket, and a collapsible tube. The cap includes a crown and an annular depending skirt; a passage is defined clear-through the crown and the skirt is internally screw threaded so that the cap can be secured to the threaded neck of a canteen. The gasket is a flat annular washer with a central aperture. The collapsible tube is formed of several telescoping sections and one end of the tube is threaded.When the survival kit is utilized to obtain potable water from salt water, contaminated water, vegetable matter, etc., the cap of the canteen is removed, and the collapsible tube is removed from the interior of the canteen. The gasket is positioned atop the neck of the canteen, and the replacement cap is secured thereover after partially filling the canteen. The collapsible tube is extended, and the threaded end thereof is secured within the aperture in the replacement cap.

Abstract: An implement for measuring an individual's skin temperature which is convenient and easy to use. Two liquid crystal indicators are attached to a base which is convenient to the user. When the user touches the implement, the liquid crystals would indicate how close the individual is to an individually tailored goal temperature which is a function of the state of relaxation of the individual. Depending upon how close the individual is to his goal temperature, a number of learned relaxation "cues" is utilized to help the individual obtain his goal temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides a denture liner composition for a composite denture based on a phosphonitrilic fluoroelastomer (poly(fluoroalkoxy)phosphazene) curable at atmospheric pressure at temperatures of 100.degree. C. or less, conveniently by immersing the packed denture flask in a water bath at the appropriate temperature. The composition includes filler materials for increasing the hardness of the cured liner, interpenetrating polymers for increasing firmness and bond strength, and cross-linking agents for increasing the tensile strength and bond strength of the cured liner. The composite denture is preferably prepared in a one-step process wherein the liner composition material of a single firmness is cured in situ with the denture base material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a float-responsive valve of the type used in cisterns. Lost motion connection means are provided between the float and the valve, so that in the event of a drop of water pressure in the line supplying the valve, a resilient means overrides the action of the float to seat the valve and prevent siphoning of water from the system back into the water supply system. The construction is simple, using a minimal number of parts, and is easily maintained.

Abstract: Disclosed are filters which are particularly useful in sampling devices for detecting radioactive particulate contaminants in a gaseous medium, such as air. The filters comprise a filter membrane sandwiched between two pieces of plastic material having holes exposing the filter membrane to the gaseous medium. The filters can readily be handled by grasping them by their plastic portions and there is little risk of the filter medium being damaged. An air tight seal may easily be made with the plastic surrounding the filter medium. The filter is easily constructed by placing a piece of filter material to cover a hole in a plastic base layer and then covering them both with a plastic cover layer having a hole to match the hole in the base layer. The cover layer is preferably formed of self-adhesive layer.

Abstract: A connection system comprising a variety of metal connectors, a plurality of illuminated modules insertable into the connectors, and electrical leads hidden within the connectors to electrically join the modules in series relationship, and a step-up transformer for supplying the voltage needed to energize the plurality of modules. Each connector has a hollow body adapted to receive at least one illuminated module. Each illuminated module includes a rigid, transparent plastic sleeve with an annular collar at each end of the sleeve; a gas filled tube is retained in the sleeve by the collars. A foot with a mounting flange is operatively associated with some of the connectors to firmly support an assembled plurality of illuminated modules. The connectors and illuminated modules can be assembled into diverse configurations for applications previously unsuited for gas filled tubes, such as neon.

Abstract: An exercising device for strengthening the trunk muscles of a human being. The device comprises, inter alia, a frame that is permanently attached to a support surface, and a yoke that is secured to a support arm on the frame. A pair of resistance elements, preferably hydraulic cylinders, are mounted between the frame and the yoke, one cylinder being secured on each side of the centrally situated support arm. The yoke is adjusted to fit about the upper trunk of the user, and the user twists his trunk to pivot the yoke about the support arm against the resistance provided in a horizontal plane by the hydraulic cylinders. A stabilizer bar prevents the hips of the user from rotating while using the exercise device.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is disclosed as including a bundle of tubes within a tubular casing, wherein uniform helical flow of a heat exchange medium within the casing is created by a series of stepped transverse baffle plates having the shape of circular sectors. Successive sectors are interconnected by cylindrical supports which are positioned between neighboring exchanger tubes in order to prevent the medium from flowing between successive baffle plates.

Abstract: A unitary dispensing closure having a lid mounted on a closure part or base in such a manner that the lid will automatically move toward either a closed or an opened position when it is released after being manipulated to any position between these two positions can be constructed so as to utilize the resiliency within a "live" hinge to provide the force necessary to move the lid. In any position intermediate these two positions the hinge connects to the lid and closure part or base so that contact between the lid and closure part causes temporary deformation of the hinge. As a result of the resiliency of the material in the hinge such temporary deformation is adequate to move the lid as described.

Abstract: An insulin delivery device comprised of a compartment limited by a semipermeable, ionically charged membrane, containing the enzymes glucose oxidase and catalase, is disclosed. The enclosed enzymes provide a means for varying the permeabiity of the membrane to stored insulin deposited within the compartment according to the magnitude of glucose concentration outside the compartment, thus facilitating continuous, physiologically regulated delivery of insulin to tissues. This device may be applicable for intracorporeal or extracorporeal use.

Abstract: On the rear wall of a cathode ray tube a metal disc system is arranged adjacent to the longitudinal axis of the tube, which metal disc system acts as an eddy current brake. The metal disc is substantially vertical to the rear wall, its diameter in a special embodiment is 60 mm and is arranged within a circle of about 500 mm diameter around the longitudinal axis of the tube parallel to the axis of the tube bulb. The metal disc preferably is of conductive metal, for instance aluminium or copper.

Abstract: An intrauterine catheter used in conjunction with an ultrasonic scanning apparatus to improve the resolution of the ultrasonic scan. The catheter consists of a catheter having an input orifice and a plurality of output orifices. A balloon substantially surrounds the entire catheter and is filled with a fluid through the catheter. A cervical sound stop is used to ensure that only the uterus is filled with the solution.

Abstract: The process comprises injecting, before the polystyrene expanding stage, high-pressure steam into a mould which forms the definitive shape of the ribbed and grooved surface of a blank of the diaphragm. After removal of the blank from the mould, water is made to travel toward the ribbed and grooved surface of the blank by condensation resulting from a lowering of the temperature. The blank is then brutally frozen so as to produce microfractures in a thin superficial zone of the blank. This superficial zone is removed by means of a suitable machining operation so as to expose under this zone the softened aspect of the diaphragm immediately subjacent to this zone.Application in the manufacture of electrodynamic loudspeakers.

Abstract: A motor driven machine for compactly coiling a chain of sausages prior to delivering the sausages to a smoking room. The machine comprises an arcuate first arm and a second, channel-like arcuate arm; an elongated drive shaft is disposed within the second arm. A pneumatic piston joins the arms together, and conduits deliver pneumatic pressure to the piston from the bore of the drive shaft. One end of a rope of sausages is clamped to one arm, and a smoke stick is temporarily retained in the other arm. The piston is then pressurized to force the arms apart, and the drive shaft and the arms are rotated rapidly, as a unit, to form a coil of sausage about the expanded arms. When the coil reaches the desired length, the piston is then retracted so that the arms are drawn toward each other, and the smoke stick is removed with the sausages depending therefrom for processing.

Abstract: A battery operated, rotary powered washing and polishing wand is disclosed which has an elongated rigid tubular shaft and a coaxial flexible drive shaft which permits the incorporation of a bend in the shaft and the swiveling of a disc mounted at the bent end of said shaft. Fluid can be supplied through the interior of said shaft to the disc for discharge therefrom along with aspirated additives such as soap.

Abstract: A hand-held vibrating nail trimmer which facilitates the management of finger or toe nails. The trimmer contains a small electric motor which vibrates a serrated blade placed on top of the nail. The vibratory action of the blade penetrates the relatively brittle surface of the nail, thereby trimming the nail. Because of the flexible nature of the underlying skin and tissue, it will move in unison with the blade and therefore resist being damaged.

Abstract: Forced hot air alimentary oven comprises an insulated housing, vertically extending chambers situated at opposite sides of the housing, a plurality of parallel, superposed cooking compartments extending horizontally across the housing, heating elements, and a motor-driven fan for forcing the heated air throughout the housing. Relatively long and narrow passageways are defined between the open upper end of each compartment and the base of the compartment located thereabove. Pairs of spaced lips at opposite ends of each passageway act as entrance, and exit, apertures for facilitating communication between the chambers and the cooking compartments. The lips create a stream, or first zone, of rapidly moving laminarly flowing heated air that heats the food products in the superior compartment; a second, larger zone of slower moving air is utilized to heat the food products in the lower compartment. The two zoned hot air flow cooks foods with differing moisture content, such as fruit pies, evenly and thoroughly.

Abstract: A floating device, the upper or superior surface of which is designed to receive, support and at least partially protect the body surface of a swimmer lying chest-down on said device. A shell body is provided that protects, at least partially, the submerged surface of the device, as well as providing protection to other parts of the body of the swimmer, such as the arms and/or head or legs, most dangerously exposed to shocks/knocks against foreign bodies during the course of movement of the said device in the water. Further means are provided on said shell body, on the one hand in order to allow the swimmer to catch or hold himself on it, and on the other hand, eventually, to augment or increase the directional stability and steering of the device. The device is particularly adapted for use in sports activities and the descent of rivers and rapids.