Abstract: A corrosion-resistant door constituted by a one-piece integrated structure of high strength, free of assembly joints and seams. The door includes a rectangular core formed by a slab of rigid closed-cell foam plastic or other material having an array of holes therein extending between the opposing faces of the slab. The core is encapsulated within a rigid plastic shell formed by resin-impregnated fiberglass having a smooth, non-porous resin outer skin. The structure is reinforced by resin dowels which extend through the holes in the core to bridge the opposing faces of the shell. The door is fabricated by a resin transfer molding technique in which a core wrapped in dry fiberglass or other reinforcing material is placed in the mold and a liquid catalyzed resin is injected therein, which then cures to define the shell.

Abstract: A modular structure formed of components which when assembled define the basic chassis of a land, sea, or air vehicle, to which chassis is attachable a body which may be a fuselage or hull in a selected configuration to create the desired vehicle. The structure consists of substantially identical front and rear cradles joined to opposing ends of a floor tray. The use to which the cradles are put depends on the nature of the vehicle, so that in the case of a land vehicle, wheel suspension fixtures are bolted to the cradles to support the wheels depending on the nature of the vehicle. Overlying the floor tray and secured thereto is a safety capsule, the capsule acting as a truss for the chassis and functioning as the cockpit section of a body which, in the case of an automobile, is completed by a front body section secured to the front cradle and a rear body section secured to the rear cradle.

Abstract: A dual-function pillow which is transformable into a figurative form or character. In its normal mode the pillow serves as a comfortable head rest, while in its transformed mode it functions as a plaything. The pillow which has a soft and compressible body includes a rectangular bag or outer case whose face has applied thereto a two-dimensional figure or character. The bag or case is provided with one or more transversely-placed draw strings which when tightened act to constrict the pillow and to thereby impart contours thereto to define a main head portion and at least one secondary portion to create a three-dimensional form.

Abstract: A disposable nail polish-removing thimble capable of quickly dissolving and removing the enamel coating from the surface of a fingernail or toenail, the thimble having a sufficient capacity to remove the polish from a full set of an individual's nails. The thimble is constituted by a miniature plastic cup having a peel-off cover, the cup housing a flexible foam plastic sponge saturated with an enamel solvent. The sponge has a center slit therein into which one may insert a finger or toe, the thimble then being rotated relative to the inserted member to remove the nail polish.

Abstract: A non-rotating toggle bolt assembly which includes a collapsible toggle threadably received on the shank end of a bolt whose length is greater than the thickness of the wall for which the assembly is intended. When the toggle is collapsed, it assumes reduced dimensions to permit its passage through a hole drilled in the wall. On emerging from the hole at the shank end of the bolt, the toggle which is now displaced from the inner surface of the wall, resumes its normal dimensions. The assembly is provided with means which act to prevent rotation of the toggle when, in the course of installation, the operator turns the bolt to advance the toggle on the shank into engagement with the inner surface of the wall to fasten the assembly thereon.

Abstract: A non-invasive thermotherapy technique for relieving pain and obtaining other beneficial effects. In this technique, the skin surface of a patient overlying a problem region such as an arthritic joint is scanned by a corona discharge beam emanating from a discharge electrode to which is applied periodic bursts of radio-frequency energy whose repetition rate is at a sonic frequency and whose peak amplitude is such as to cause a corona discharge. This energy is derived from a radio-frequency carrier generator whose operating frequency is preferably in the range of 100 to 300 KHz. This carrier is overmodulated in amplitude at a sonic rate, whose frequency is preferably in the 3000 to 5000 Hz range, so that the carrier is interrupted periodically to produce the bursts.

Abstract: A technique for applying therapeutic heat to a skin surface area of a patient whose threshold of sensitivity is determined by that temperature level of the heating medium to which the patient is continuously exposed, above which the patient experiences discomfort. In this technique, the skin surface area is exposed to a heating medium whose temperature is at a base level that is well above ambient but no higher than the temperature sensitivity threshold, the temperature of the medium being periodically raised above the base level to create high heat energy pulses whose peaks are much higher than the threshold. The duty cycle of the pulses is such as to allow for internal heat transfer to take place in the region below the exposed area of the patient in the intervals between pulses to an extent preventing an excessive rise in temperature at the skin surface whereby the patient gains the benefit of high heat energy treatment without discomfort or injury.

Abstract: A disposable finger applicator adapted to facilitate the application of a two-component therapeutic agent to gum tissues for treating periodontal disease. The applicator includes a collapsible thimble which when in use fits on the index finger of the user, the thimble being bonded to the rear wall of a small envelope formed of opaque, non-stretchable film material containing a charge of hydrogen peroxide in an aqueous solution. Marginally secured to the front wall of the envelope and otherwise spaced therefrom to define an internal cavity is an outer layer of porous, sponge-like material, the cavity being filled with dry sodium bicarbonate powder. The front wall of the envelope is provided with a weakened zone, such that when the finger applicator is pressed by the user against gum tissue, the hydrogen peroxide solution trapped in the envelope then ruptures the weakened zone, thereby causing the solution to leak into the cavity and to intermingle with the sodium bicarbonate powder.

Abstract: Disclosed are two interrelated sets of adult skill-oriented games derived from Vectorial and Mancala-like intelligence. In respect to their structural elements and behavioral dimensions these games evidence numerous improvements over the state of the art. The essential, linking feature common to all games of the invention is the rapid qualitative and quantitative transference of pieces, as defined, within a restricted, vectorial field or matrix with a view toward establishing certain winning formations, values or results. Speed--the Mach Factor--accounts for up to 50% of the total values in the games. Part I of the games of the invention declares what I call Vectorial games and game-systems. This group is divided into three categories: miniature Mancala-like games, pyramidic games and tangramatic games. Part II relates to games which evidence new and improved formats, apparatus and methods for making and playing traditional Mancala type games.

Abstract: A metal watch case and metal bracelet assembly in which the tail ends of the bracelet components are attachable to the complementary ends of the case in a manner simulating a "soldered look," yet these components may readily be detached to replace the bracelet. The case which is adapted to accommodate the watch movement has straight ends each provided with a longitudinal keyway defined by parallel ridges, one of which has a midpoint gap therein occupied by a projecting tab. Each bracelet component terminates in a split tail pin which is slidable into the keyway at the complementary end of the case and is locked therein by the tab which when bent down extends into the mid space between the half pieces of the pin.

Abstract: An accessory for a baby doll constituted by a seater module that is combinable with a carriage module. The seater module includes a strap-in rockable cradle for the doll and a bail-type handle therefor which can be set at any desired angle relative to the cradle or disconnected therefrom. The seat module is selectively operable in the following modes: a hand carrier mode in which the handle is upright, making it possible for a child to carry the cradled doll; a car seater mode in which the handle is at an easel angle relative to the cradle so that the module may be rested on a car seat; a table seater mode in which the handle rests on a table surface and the cradled doll is seated adjacent thereto; and a rocker mode in which the handle is removed. When the seater module is combined with the carriage module, the accessory is then capable of functioning in a baby carriage mode or in a stroller mode.

Abstract: A lightning protector for overhead electric lines comprises at least one of the following elements: a spark-arrester (111,112) a ground lead and a device for the connection of electric cables. Measures for reducing the impedance of the elements forming the circuit for the discharge to the ground of the shock wave due to atmospheric charges are proposed.

Abstract: A magnetic flowmeter which includes a spool formed by a metallizable ceramic whose dielectric constant is at least 25 through which the fluid to be metered is conducted. The outer surface of the spool is metallized in its central region to define a pair of capacitative metering electrodes at diametrically-opposed positions, an electromagnetic field being established within the spool whereby when the flowing fluid intercepts this field, an emf is induced therein to produce a signal at the metering electrodes which is a function of flow rate. Overlying each metering electrode and projecting from the spool is a ceramic block whose outer surface is metallized to define a shield electrode which covers the metering electrode.

Abstract: Lysosomal enzymes and superoxide radicals (O.sub.2.sup.-) are potent mediators of rheumatoid inflammation. It is known that gold sodium thiosulphate (GTS), an injectable gold compound, inhibits lysosomal enzymes activity without however affecting its release, whereas auranofin (AF), an oral gold compound, inhibits such release but not enzyme activity. And while AF inhibits the generation of O.sub.2.sup.-, GTS is without significant effect. It has been discovered, using O.sub.2.sup.- production as an indicator of respiratory burst, that subtherapeutic concentrations of the oral gold having only partial inhibitory activity on O.sub.2.sup.- production, give rise to greatly enhanced inhibitory activity in such production when the oral gold is functionally combined with the otherwise inactive injectable gold. The effect of this combination of drugs is synergistic in that it far exceeds the sum of the individual inhibitory activities of the oral and injectable gold compounds. A further increase in O.sub.2.sup.

Abstract: A botanical seed starter assembly for ornamental flowers in which the dormant seeds for a given type of flower or an assortment thereof are dispersed in a matrix of inert particulates in a small box having a removable seal. Printed on the box is a picture of the flower or the assortment thereof to be derived from the seeds. The particulates in the matrix include particles formed of absorbent material which are impregnated with a perfume whose fragrance corresponds to the natural fragrance of the flowers to be grown. When the seal is removed and the matrix is watered, the seeds therein will in due course proceed to sprout. In the more or less prolonged period during which germination is in progress and no sprouts are yet visible, the user during this period will not only experience the fragrance of the perfume, but will relate this fragrance to the flower picture associated therewith, and not have to wait for the flowers to come into being to enjoy them.

Abstract: An analog current-to-frequency converter which produces output pulses whose repetition rate depends on the current value. Included in the converter is an operational amplifier having an inverting input to which is applied a negative input voltage whose magnitude is proportional to the current value. The amplifier functions as an integrator which yields a positive output only when the voltage at its inverting input is negative. The integrator output is so coupled to the input of a one-shot as to cause the one-shot to generate an output pulse each time the integrator output crosses over from negative to positive. A NOR gate coupled to the one-shot acts to activate a switch only when the integrator output goes positive, the activated switch applying a positive reference voltage to the inverting input of the integrator through a balance resistor, thereby initiating a swing from negative to positive until a point is reached at which the integrator output goes from positive to negative.

Abstract: A physiological pressure measuring system usable in conjunction with an intravascular infusion line leading to a patient whose pressure is to be monitored. The system includes a detector having a transparent chamber interposed in the line and a flexible bulb mounted therein whose exterior is subjected to the fluid pressure in the chamber, the bulb interior communicating with a flexible pipe terminating in a hollow plug vented to the atmosphere whereby the bulb is caused to collapse when the infusion fluid pressure which reflects the physiologial pressure is greater than atmospheric. Associated with the detector is a fluid pressure transducer yielding a signal as a function of the applied pressure, the transducer input port being in the form of a tubular jack adapted to telescopically receive the plug. When the plug is inserted in the jack, a seal is effected to create a closed air column which exerts pressure on the transducer.

Abstract: A scale selectively operative in a weighing mode to measure body weight and in a strength mode to measure muscular strength. The scale includes a base which rests on the ground, above which is a depressible platform to compress a spring interposed between the platform and the base. The degree to which the spring is compressed, either by the platform or by the base, is converted into an analog or digital readout. Anchored on the base and extending through an opening in the platform is an upright post terminating in a handle that is elevated relative to the platform. Also provided is an adjustable stop which is coupled to the platform. When actuated, the stop engages the ground to prevent depression of the platform. In the weighing mode, the stop is disabled, and when an individual steps on the platform, the resultant readout indicates his body weight.