Abstract: A system for extracting oil from aqueous solutions or for extracting aqueous solutions from oil. The system imparts magnetic properties to the medium being extracted, using a multi-layer surfactant magnetic colloid. The system uses magnetic traps designed to efficiently extract the magnetic medium and remove it to a storage area.

Abstract: A synthetic antibody mimic comprising multiple peptide loops built on an organic or molecular scaffold. In a highly preferred embodiment of the invention, a calixarene unit comprises the organic scaffold to which is attached a plurality of peptide loops. The antibody mimics allow for the generation of large libraries of artificial antibodies that can be screened for binding to target antigens.

Abstract: A switching power supply system which is able to connect two or more different power sources with different voltage levels, and can provide uninterrupted power even when the primary power source is low or absent. The output voltage is much more steady than that in a conventional switching power supply and the efficiency loss is smaller as well. As a result, the backup supply time is longer than a conventional UPS system. Finally, when used in, for example, a notebook computer, there is no need to use an AC to DC adaptor when connecting to commercial AC power since the switching power supply can be directly connected to the commercial AC power for operation.

Abstract: A heating unit assembly for vaporizers having a cover member, a heating unit housing, a heating unit holder and a locking mechanism which prevents the removal of both the cover member and the heating element while the vaporizer is operational. Preferably, the locking mechanism is the combination of at least one flexible locking finger and a post member and is provided with a key member. The key member is the prong of an electrical power cord plug which is inserted into the cover. The heating unit assembly also provides a connecting member which locks the cover member to the heating unit housing.

Abstract: An electric grill which vaporizes grease and juices and sears the food being cooked. The grill has two sets of heating elements, one located directly beneath the cooking surface and the second located proximate a smoker box. The grease and juices fall from the food located on the cooking surface onto the bottom of the grill which channels the grease and juices into the smoker box. The bottom of the grill also functions as a reflector plate to redirect heat towards the cooking surface. The grease, juices, and, optionally, wood chips may vaporized and smoked by the heating element located proximate the smoker box. A printed circuit board regulates the current passing through the heating elements.

Abstract: A gas burner, specifically a gas burner for cooking grills. The burner comprises and elongated conduit member having an upper portion of a generally inverted V-shape, a lower portion defining burner ports angled such that the flame caused by burning gases escaping from the burner port does not impinge upon the lower portion. The cross-section of the elongated conduit member burner provides an increased volumetric flow rate which does not require gas pressure equalization means to provide uniform heat generation across the length of the burner.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting at least two leg members to form a table leg assembly, comprising: a tab bracket disposed on each of said leg members; at least two ganging brackets matingly engageable with said tab brackets; and connecting means for removably connecting said ganging brackets with said tab brackets.

Abstract: An improved gauge, such as a floor scale. The gauge includes a vertically suspended mainspring having a bracket for hanging and providing support to the mainspring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid electrolyte consisting essentially of cerium oxide for a fuel cell. In addition, this solid electrolyte is prevented from becoming reduced under the effect of a fuel gas of a fuel cell. The present invention also relates to a method for producing this solid electrolyte and to a high-temperature-type fuel cell utilizing this solid electrolyte. This solid electrolyte for a fuel cell comprises:(a) a specifically-shaped solid electrolyte consisting essentially of cerium oxide; the solid electrolyte having a fluorite-type structure and oxide-ionic conduction; and(b) a perovskite-type oxide having an ABO.sub.3 -type composition, which is a solid electrolyte of proton/oxide-ionic mixed conduction and is bonded as a membrane on a part of the surface of the solid electrolyte consisting essentially of cerium oxide, in which(i) A of the "ABO.sub.3 " represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metals; and(ii) B of the "ABO.sub.