Abstract: A process for purifying solid crude aluminum chloride, containing iron impurities, includes the steps of mixing iron with the crude aluminum chloride and reactively subliming and desubliming the mixture.

Abstract: A dent repair tool has a motor tool having a body and a motor shaft capable of spinning, an elongated inner shaft connected at its proximal end to the motor tool positioned within an elongated outer shaft, and separated from the outer shaft by bushings; and a working head releasably connected to the distal end of the inner shaft. The working head may take any of several forms, including a circular disk having curved protrusions disposed regularly around the perimeter of the disk, an elliptical plate, a triangular plate having rounded vertices and concave sides, and a square plate having rounded corners and concave sides. A system for repairing a dent in sheet metal includes urging the spinning working head of the dent repair tool against a raised portion of dented sheet metal to reduce or eliminate a dent.

Abstract: The subject matter of this invention deals with sulfonated polyphosphazene-based cation-exchange membranes for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells where the polyphosphazene is crosslinked, non-crosslinked, suitably blended with one or more additional polymers, and/or impregnated into the void volume of an inert microporous membrane support and where the membranes operate in a hydrated state that is characterized by a high proton conductance and low water and methanol permeation rates. In particular, the invention relates to the use of poly[bis(3-methylphenoxy)phosphazene] as the base polymer, with sulfonated ion-exchange groups, for direct liquid-feed methanol fuel cells.

Abstract: A system for detecting and monitoring termite infestation includes cover assembly having top and bottom plates having axially aligned apertures and linked by a threaded bolt, and bore gasket disposed between the plates. Bottom plates have additional apertures. Top plates have protruding dimples with nonslip surface and coating, tapered apertures therethrough, and plugs or, alternatively, an essentially flat top surface and areas of reduced thickness. An alternative cover assembly includes a top having a top disc portion with an axially aligned aperture therethrough and protruding dimples with tapered apertures and a cylinder portion, axially disposed downward therefrom and having retaining ridges encircling its exterior surface and rows of teeth axially disposed upon its inner surface; and a bottom cup in the shape of a tapered cylinder having a bottom covering, the bottom cup having an axially aligned aperture therethrough, additional apertures, and teeth axially disposed on the exterior surface thereof.

Abstract: An electrochemical process for hydrogenating an unsaturated fatty acid, mixtures of two or more fatty acids, or the unsaturated fatty acid constituents of an edible or non-edible oil's triglycerides is performed using a solid polymer electrolyte reactor. Membrane electrode assemblies consist of a cation exchange membrane onto which porous anode and cathode electrodes are attached. As the electrodes are permeable, reactant and products enter and leave the membrane/cathode and membrane/anode reaction zones via the back sides of the electrodes. Hydrogen is generated in situ by the electro-reduction of protons that are formed at the anode and which migrate through the ion exchange membrane for reaction with the fifty acids or fatty acid constituents. In the disclosed process, only protons (H+ ions) carry the current between the anode and the cathode. The need for a supporting electrolyte to conduct electricity has been circumvented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for tracking clients as they visit the locations of various recipients. Clients have access to telephones and identification devices which the client can use to communicate with a remote computer. The computer uses information received during the communication to identify and authenticate the client making the communication and the location of the client at the time of the communication. Authentication is accomplished by obtaining unique biometric parameters from a client over the phone and comparing those to biometric parameters in a database. Biometric data can include a voice print sampled during the call, or a finger or retinal print electronically transmitted during the call. Because each of these identifiers results from a physiological characteristic which is unique to the client, the system assures that the identified client is the client making the communication.

Abstract: A solid pre-cast prestressed concrete foundation pile and associated installation components having a single prestressing strand located on the longitudinal center axis of the pile, reinforced in the ends only with helix shaped wire reinforcement. The prestressing strand extends beyond the concrete face on the end to present an attachment point for a connection device used to transmit forces from a structure foundation and to accommodate the utilization of a unique, reusable cushion block and, where necessary a, particular internal splice device to form a continuous pile composed of multiple segments.The cushion block receives hammer blows applied to the top of the pile necessary to the driving (installation) process, affording protection to the pile top, the exposed strand and the internal splice device. The completed installation may include the optional attachment of the connection device (when required) after removal of the cushion block.

Abstract: A tamper resistant cover assembly for sealing bait access openings formed through buildings, concrete slabs, sidewalks, driveways, patios, parking lots, other similar structures, and trees, which structures and trees would ordinarily prevent direct access to sources of termite infestation. The tamper resistant cover assembly has a circumferentially expandable rubber bore gasket axially compressible between a top plate and a bottom plate. Axial compression is provided by screw means and causes circumferential expansion of the rubber gasket to seal the access openings. In a preferred embodiment, a tamper resistant bolt or screw is provided to create a flat top surface and to reduce the likelihood of cover assembly removal unless special tools are used. The cover assembly also allows for substantial separation of the cover assembly and the bait.

Abstract: A "U" shaped dispenser which is comprised of a base, two arms projecting from the base, and an axial rod for insertion through openings in the arms. Each arm has a side projection, or ear, that surrounds the opening and that is parallel to the base. The ears are inserted into the interior cavity of the rolled material. The rod is inserted through the interior cavity of the rolled material and locked into place by mating grooves on the rod with slots in the openings in the arms, thereby securing the rolled material into position. By pulling on the exposed end of the rolled material, a desired amount of material can be removed with one hand.Preferably, the arms are connected to the base as a single unit. The dispenser is made, preferably, of a sufficiently flexible material which allows for the arms to swing out when unfolded from the packaging material. Alternatively, the dispenser is made of a less flexible material and hinges are used to maintain flexibility.

Abstract: A multi-impact jarring apparatus for retrieving objects stuck within a well bore comprises (1) an operating mandrel reciprocatively mounted within an upper housing attached to a fishing operating string, the mandrel acting as a hammer against the housing for creating a series of successive upwardly directed impact forces, (2) a releasable spring compressible between the mandrel and an upper portion of the housing and responsive to tension applied to the operating string, (3) releasable latching means for releasing the mandrel from the upper portion of the housing when the latching means is moved past a preset release position. The movement of the mandrel responsive to tensional force of the operating string allows for sudden release of the release spring and causes sudden upward movement of the mandrel resulting in impact of the mandrel against the upper portion of the housing and in immediate reposition of the latching means to reconnect the mandrel and a bottom portion of the upper housing body.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and composition for reducing blood sugar levels in diabetic human subjects. Practice of the invention requires ingestion of bilberry fruit and valerian root in timed relation to meals. Neither bilberry fruit nor valerian root alone achieve the lowering and regulation of blood sugar levels achieved by the combination. Practice of the invention requires ingestion of bilberry fruit with valerian root.

Abstract: The invention comprises a foot-operated control for controlling operation of a computer by providing an input to the computer, such as controlling the position and movement of the computer's cursor in response to movement of one or more of an operator's feet.

Abstract: The following invention describes padding for a long spinal board. The padding consists of a polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride foam core that has a waterproof covering. The shape of the pad allows it to fit onto any adult size long spinal board currently on the market. Additional padding at one end of the board elevates the head of the patient to an anatomically neutral position. Slots within the padding running longitudinally and transversely permit straps to slide freely inside the padding. These straps secure the pad to the board and the patient to the pad.