Abstract: A breast binder for the suppression of postpartum lactation and for relieving the discomfort of breast engorgement includes a double layer of cloth panels joined end to end in torso encircling configuration; a plurality of releasable and adjustable fastening means disposed vertically along the ends of the binder, each of which can be independently adjusted to provide the compression to the breasts required to suppress lactation; and, shoulder straps having individually adjustable fastening means to optimize uplift support to the breasts to relieve the discomfort of breast engorgement.

Abstract: A granulated activated carbon is produced by spherically agglomerating activated carbon powder in an aqueous slurry in the presence of a bridging liquid and a binder. At least about 50% of the carbon powder has a surface area of from about 2800 to about 3500 m.sup.2 /gm, an iodine number of from about 2500 to about 3500 mg/gm, a total pore volume of from about 1.0 to about 2.8 cc/gm, and a bulk density of from about 0.27 to about 0.32 gm/cc. The granules are activated by treatment with steam to provide granules having particle diameters of from about 0.17 to about 0.71 mm, and pore size distribution and adsorptive capacity essentially unchanged from that of the carbon powder. The granules are particularly effective for the treatment of drinking water to reduce the level of undesirable contaminants.

Abstract: A flexible endoscopic ligating instrument comprises a flexible fiberoptic endoscope on the end of which is secured an outer tube and an inner tube inserted and reciprocally movable within the outer tube. An elastic ring is mounted peripherally on the end of the inner tube which projects beyond the outer tube. A trip wire is fastened to the inner tube to provide rearward motion to the inner tube and thereby cause the elastic ring to slide off and effect ligation. The instrument is particularly suited for ligating lesions deep within the alimentary tract such as esophageal varices.

Abstract: A flexible, one-piece membrane is provided for inside or outside corners at building foundations, shelf angles, and roofs. The membrane includes a central vertical section that wraps around the corner, a top planar section that extends rearwardly into the corner, and a bottom planar section that extends forwardly upon the building foundation, shelf angle, or roof. The membrane is preferably made of plastic film, for example polyvinylchloride, and is particularly suited for use in masonry construction.

Abstract: Serial assay of guaiacol peroxidase (G-P.sub.x) in the cervical mucus of human females during the menstrual cycle demonstrated that G-P.sub.x levels decrease 20- to 100-fold in the middle of the cycle relative to levels at other times in the cycle. Cervical mucus can be sampled either at the external cervical os or in the vaginal canal. The test for assaying G-P.sub.x includes extracting the sample with a Ca.sup.++ -containing buffer solution at a slightly alkaline pH, and thereafter adding guaiacol and a peroxide. Decreasing levels of G-P.sub.x are indicated by a color change from deep red to pink to yellow. The decrease was found to coincide with the peak of plasma estrogens that normally precedes ovulation. Accordingly, the test provides a reliable prediction of impending ovulation and is therefore useful in the practice of natural fertility control.

Abstract: An aqueous gel comprising water and a cross-linked polyacrylamide provides a transparent, thermally insulating cover for a solar pond. Heat losses from the top of the pond to the atmosphere due to convection currents are minimized as well as losses due to evaporation. Advantage is taken of convection currents to maximize heat extraction efficiency.

Abstract: Subjecting 1,4-bis-[(pyrrolin-3-onyl)methylamino]-2-butyne to ultraviolet irradiation effects rearrangement in greater than 80% yield to 1,4-bis-[(isocyanatocyclopropyl)methylamino]-2-butyne. The diisocyanate is useful in the synthesis of polyurethanes and polyureas and also for the in situ photochemical generation of a cross-linking agent for polyurethanes and structurally related polymers.

Abstract: An adjustable collet is provided comprising a step collet, a plurality of machinable and removable jaws, and means for interlocking the jaws with the step collet. The interlocking means comprise counter-bored and threaded holes spaced on the face of the collet, and hollow bosses projecting from one surface of the jaws and aligned with counter-bored or counter-sunk holes on the opposite surface, the interlocking means being effected by mating the jaw bosses with the holes in the collet face and by engaging screws passing through the holes and bosses in the jaws to the threaded holes in the collet face. To further increase the capacity of the collet, extension bars are utilized that incorporate the above-described interlocking means.

Abstract: Crystal growth is effected by laser energy input and direct heating at a glass-crystal interface. The process is based on the use of a laser beam of appropriate wavelength as a means of providing heat to the interface due to transmittance differences between the glass and crystal phases. The process is useful for inducing crystal growth in amorphous semiconductors and oriented crystal growth in ceramic, metallic, and polymeric glasses, and for producing shaped single crystals from preformed glassy shapes. The transmittance differences can be used to provide direct heat and thus drive any two-phase boundary on a microscopic scale.

Abstract: A load transfer device, adapted to be grouted into a core hole drilled vertically through the joint between adjoining concrete slabs, includes a hollow diamond-shaped member and anchoring blades attached to opposite sides thereof. The device permits efficient transfer of shear across the joint while maintaining the necessary flexibility to permit expansion and contraction of the joint. A resilient shield is fitted over the faces of the diamond-shaped member to prevent binding of the grout to the faces and to minimize corrosion. The interior hollow space of the diamond-shaped member is filled with a resilient core to eliminate contamination with road debris and other foreign matter.

Abstract: An ocular insert is disclosed that is attachable to the third eyelid of animals to provide controlled delivery of ophthalmic medication. The insert includes a disc impregnated with medication in controlled-release form and a biodegradable spear for attachment of the insert to the third eyelid. An insert effective for treatment of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis comprises a disc impregnated with chloramphenicol sodium monosuccinate and a spear of biodegradable polylactic acid which provides for retention of the insert in the eye, and consequent medication, for up to seven days.

Abstract: A textured soybean product is produced from full-fat soybean by hydrating whole soybean by treatment with a dilute alkaline solution; mixing the hydrated soybean with full-fat soy flour and equilibrating the moisture content thereof; and passing the mixture through an extrusion cooker. The textured product has excellent flavor, color, and appearance, and can be formulated into an all-vegetable ground meat analogue or it can be used as an extender in blends with ground meat.

Abstract: Addition of from about 1.0 to about 15% by weight of a vanadium oxide or boric oxide promoter to a zirconia (ZrO.sub.2) powder promotes rapid densification at temperatures below about 1300.degree. C. For example, a density of greater than 92% of estimated theoretical density can be achieved by addition of 4% by weight of ZrV.sub.2 O.sub.7 to monoclinic ZrO.sub.2 and sintering at 1100.degree. C. for about 24 hours. Sintering at temperatures below about 1150.degree. C. avoids the destructive monoclinic/tetragonal phase transformation and provides for better control of microstructure and composition. A density of greater than 98% of estimated theoretical density can be achieved by addition of from about 2 to about 5% by weight of a boric oxide promoter to stabilized cubic ZrO.sub.2 and sintering at about 1200.degree. C. for about 4 hours.

Abstract: A water-soluble complex comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone and gossypol is an effective spermicide.

Abstract: Addition of from about 0.1 to about 6.0% by weight of V.sub.2 O.sub.5 to (PZT)lead zirconate-lead titanate powder promotes rapid densification at temperatures below 1000.degree. C. and eliminates the need for PbO atmosphere control. Densification to greater than 98% of theoretical density is achieved with firing times as short as 1-5 minutes. Dielectric properties depend upon the amount of V.sub.2 O.sub.5 added and upon the microstructure developed, but in general are equivalent to those reported for conventional PZT compositions.

Abstract: An improved solid state thermal engine utilizes as a drive member a braided belt fabricated from a memory alloy such as nickel-titanium and nickel-titanium ternary alloys, copper-zinc and copper-zinc ternary alloys, and the like. The braided belt is mounted on a set of pulleys to provide passage through a hot zone where the belt contracts and develops tension, and through a cold zone where it relaxes and stretches. Since more energy is delivered by contraction than is required for relaxation, positive work output results with an efficiency of between one-fifth and one-third of the Carnot cycle.

Abstract: An improved polycrystalline semiconducting ceramic composition comprises an alkaline earth metal titanate doped with a hexavalent metal oxide such as (MO.sub.3)(Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3).sub.x where M is tungsten or molybdenum, and x ranges from 0 to 7, which is liquid phase sintered with lead germanate to produce internal insulating boundaries. The composition is fine grained and provides thin-layer, multi-layer capacitors that exhibit high dielectric constant values, low dissipation factors, and low temperature and voltage coefficients of capacitance.

Abstract: Certain N,N-dialkyl substituted derivatives of dopamine (DA) increase renal blood flow without affecting cardiac contractility. Particularly effective are N,N-di-n-propyl DA; N-n-propyl-N-n-butyl DA; N-n-propyl-N-n-pentyl DA; N-n-propyl-N-isobutyl DA; and N-n-propyl-N-phenethyl DA. Orally effective versions of these derivatives are obtained by acylating the hydroxyl functions.

Abstract: Liquid phase sintering of a mixture comprising a major amount of barium titanate and a minor amount of a lead germanate composition at temperatures in the range of from about 750.degree. to about 1050.degree. C. provides a heterophasic ceramic body of high dielectric constant and strength, and low dissipation factor. Consequently, relatively inexpensive low melting point metals such as silver and copper can be utilized as electrodes in the fabrication of monolithic multi-layer capacitors.

Abstract: A cybernetic music system is provided that comprises digitized music-information input capable of transmitting in real time the required music information over a narrow bandwidth channel. The system includes a peripheral music synthesizer and audio output means and is capable of reproducing the music information aurally in at least four voices. The peripheral music synthesizer comprises control circuitry, voice logic circuitry, and volume control circuitry. The system is particularly useful for individualized student instruction in and composition of music.