Abstract: Transparent elastomer safety shields for laboratory glassware subjected to vacuum evacuation, and for electronic components, is disclosed. Removable glassware sheaths permit viewing vacuum processes while protecting personnel from implosion hazards. Removable sheaths also permit adding conventional heat transfer materials such as powders, strips, and fluids to the sheath prior to securing to the glassware to assist evaporation and sublimation procedures. Further, the addition of thermally conductive nanopowders, such as copper, aluminum, and iron to flowable polymer formulations prior to curing into a solid elastomer, provides enhanced thermal conductivity for these transparent sheaths, and for “see through” heat sink potting compounds for protective covering of electronic components.

Abstract: A magnetic scraper for manually cleaning contaminated surfaces, such as commercial kitchen exhaust duct systems, is disclosed. Two sharpened blades are positioned opposite one another secured to a body portion. An elongated, extendable arm pivotally connected to the body portion allows propelling the scraper blades either forward or backward in any direction over the extended distances imposed by duct geometry. A magnetic base surface provides self position maintenance of the body portion of the magnetic scraper. Precision dimensions over the length of the scraper body portion and the angle of blade placement permits smooth manual degreasing throughout the varying duct configurations.

Abstract: A removable heel cushion is described. The cushion is comprised of a heel pocket and a resilient shock absorber configured for placement within the heel pocket. The assembled removable heel cushion is easily connected to a shoe by placing the heel pocket over the heel section of a shoe, whether the shoe is flat soled or has a heel, and then securing attachments, such as shoe laces or VELCRO™ tipped straps, over the upper section of the shoe. Resilient shock absorbers can vary from coiled springs to vacuum formed hemispheres customized to user preference. Shock absorbers can be frangibly attached to the heel pocket for replacement or additions according to user preferences.

Abstract: A method for the production of anisotropic, three dimensional thin films is disclosed. Instead of fabricating away from the routine tendency of vacuum sputter deposited thin films to form discontinuous islands which then accrete into the third dimension, the present method encourages this anisotropic formation. By precisely controlling gun voltage and deposition time, together with spectral control over the plasma forming gas and any reactive gas, with accurate substrate temperature control, and real-time feed-back and control over deposition parameters, two or more materials are sequentially grown on a substrate as distinct discontinuous islands. The resultant film maintains the optimum characteristics of each one of the film's components. Other novel structures made possible by the method of the invention include unique single component and post method deposited component anisotropic thin films.

Abstract: An in-pool skimmer is disclosed for maintaining large area swimming pools and demarcated swimming areas free of offensive floating debris. PVC tubing interconnected in a water-proof manner, and having additional buoyancy floats attached, forms the frame for the skimmer netting. In place of traditional perimeter operation of a pool skimmer, the in-pool skimmer floats within the pool and is directed by an operator either walking behind or swimming behind the skimmer, guiding the skimmer with its convenient handles. When not in use the wedge shaped skimmer floats open side up, above the water, retaining collected debris within the netting of the skimmer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating protective seals or "boots" for electric switches, such as push button and toggle switches, is described. In place of traditional rubber molding techniques, the seals are made by thermoforming a plastic film, preferably polyurethane, over a mold containing the nut portion of the seal and pins configured for a suitable shape for toggle or push button switches. Inexpensive stamped, threaded nuts can be employed, and this, together with reduced tooling costs and the efficiency of the method, produce extremely economical electric switch seals. The seals themselves offer unique benefits in that the thin, yet tough, plastic film does not interfere with the functioning of the switches, while providing prolonged service life under difficult conditions. Utilizing clear urethane film, the resultant seals provide clear viewing of the functioning of the switch within.

Abstract: A rotary evaporator is described utilizing a magnetically driven fluorocarbon cylinder, operating within a solvent container, to create a thin solvent film for rapid evaporation without the usual requirement for rotating the entire solvent container assembly. Infra-red heating is employed for efficient evaporation rates. Solvent heating is controlled during evaporation by a single temperature probe, turning the infra-red heater on and off on demand of the probe. Over heating of the product is prevented by maintaining a solvent residue at or near the conclusion of an evaporation.

Abstract: A reliable and economical one way fluid flow check valve fabricated from two thin sheets of plastic is described. One or more half cylindrically shaped depressions are vacuum formed across one or both sheets of plastic, and a 1/2 funnel shape fluid entrance can be simultaneously vacuum formed in one or both sheets. The two sheets are than heat sealed together at their longitudinal edges to form the complete check valve. The check valve is preferably in the form of a truncated V. The check valve can be heat sealed into a variety of devices such as toy balloons, cushions, mattresses, inflatable boats, and the like. Various modifications are described for light or heavier fluid pressure applications.

Abstract: A device and method for creating favorable conditions for achieving adjustable laminar fluid flow is described. In the practical example of a thermal mass flow meter the laminar flow element contains a porous, open celled, flexible material such as stainless steel mesh. The mesh creates a labyrinthine flow path, for the creation of laminar fluid flow, within the laminar flow element. Means for compressing or elongating the steel mesh renders the laminar flow element adjustable over an extended fluid flow range, and provides optimal fluid dynamics.

Abstract: A method for drying foams, and in particular inorganic and organic aerogels, so that intricate internal pore/cell structure is maintained utilizing a select group of fluorocarbon solvents. Replacement of precursor diluents with a fluorocarbon solvent, followed by direct sublimation, is employed to dry the foam in place of critical point drying.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for sequestering sublimating water vapor with molecular sieves during freeze drying. Long mesh columns of sieves permit unimpeded sublimating water vapor flow while efficiently adsorbing sublimating water vapor at high flow rates, and also allow efficient sieve desorption during regeneration.

Abstract: A rotary evaporator for laboratory scale solvent evaporative procedures is described. A magnetically driven fluorocarbon coated rotor, being open at its base and closed at its top, operating within a container for solvents, creates a thin film for rapid solvent evaporation without the usual requirement for rotating the entire solvent assembly. Rotary seals are eliminated, increased control over bubbling and foaming at higher vacuum is obtained, and continuous solvent addition is simplified.

Abstract: A rotary evaporator for laboratory scale solvent evaporative procedures is described. A magnetically driven fluorocarbon coated rotor, operating within a container for solvents, creates a thin film for rapid solvent evaporation without the usual requirement for rotating the entire solvent container assembly. Rotary seals are eliminated, increased control over bubbling and foaming at higher vacuum is obtained, and continuous solvent addition is simplified.

Abstract: A method for preparing biological specimens for the scanning electron microscope utilizes a select group of fluorocarbon solvents. Replacement of drying solvents with a fluorocarbon solvent, followed by direct sublimation, provides comparable results to critical point drying.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance and method is described for the correction of malocclusions of teeth. Light, continuous force, with torque being absent, is applied to the dental arch. Round arch wires are secured within brackets having symmetrically and continuously curved grooves. Under the influence of elastomerically applied force, the arch wire guides the teeth into a pre-selected alignment with no torquing forces being necessary.

Abstract: A vacuum valve maintaining the simplicity of operation and reliability of a glass stopcock for large bore, low impedance vacuum procedures, such as continuous freeze drying. A rigid inner member, with friction reducing raised circumferential and longitudinal portions, is rotated within a clear elastomeric outer member to provide various vacuum connections.