Abstract: An improved ski binding reduces the risk of knee injuries. The binding measures the angle of the knee flex of the skier with a sensor and used this measurement in making the retention/release decision. When the skier is in a position susceptible to knee injury, the release of the ski boot from the ski is caused or facilitated.

Abstract: Starch hydrolysates having a D.P. of about 20 to 200 and a D.E. of about 0.5 to 5 are used as fat replacements in food. The starch hydrolysates are prepared by heating granular starch containing at least about 20 weight percent amylopectin in an acidic slurry of water and a water-miscable organic solvent such as ethanol. The slurry is heated under conditions which do not gelatinize the starch but cleave at least about 20 percent of the terminal amylose groups from the amylopectin molecules.

Abstract: A foam dispensing device mixes a foamable liquid with compressed ambient air and dispenses a foam having the desired liquid-to-air ratio at an early time during foam dispension. The device, which has a vertical liquid conduit and a restricted air passage leading to a mixing chamber, also has two one-way pressure-activated valves to delay the flow of air and to accelerate the flow of liquid to the mixing chamber when the compressed air is introduced. The first valve is located in the liquid conduit below the air passage to prevent liquid from flowing down the tube, thereby accelerating the flow of liquid when the compressed air is introduced. The second valve is located above the air passage to delay air flow.

Abstract: A razor for removing hair from the human body self-cleans when placed under a stream of flowing water. The razor contains a water inlet located along the handle more than half-way to the head portion which is adapted to receive a stream of flowing water. The razor also contains a water outlet located in the head portion behind and in close proximity to the leading edge of the blade. An internal channel connects the water inlet to the water outlet.

Abstract: A foam dispensing device mixes a foamable liquid with ambient air and dispenses a foam having a relatively constant ratio of liquid to air even during rapidly repeated foam dispension. The device contains a passage for foam return from a foam conduit to a liquid reservoir having one-way valve means to permit flow only in the direction from the foam conduit to the liquid reservoir during operation of the foamer, and a means of separating the inlet to the air passage from the outlet of the foam return passage to prevent flow of foam through the air passage during rapid, repeated foam dispension.

Abstract: A matched edge jointer is used with a router to produce matched edge surfaces on two workpieces. The guide contains an elongated guide bar, an elongated platform mounted and centered longitudinally under the guide bar, an elongated base adjustably mounted under the platform, and a means for adjusting the gap between the platform and the base. The platform has a width such that the distance from the edge of the guide bar to the edge of the platform is equal to or greater than the offset of the router, and is made of a material which is readily trimmed by the router before use. The device is customized for a particular router before being used with a workpiece. Two workpieces with matched edge mating surfaces are produced by alternately working the two workpieces using opposite sides of the jointer.

Abstract: Gel capsules having a size approximately equal to that of the seed being planted and which contain: (a) an earthworm cocoon having one or more viable eggs; and (b) a material to provide a density to the capsules approximately equal to that of the seed being planted; are mixed with and planted with the seed to introduce earthworms to a field.

Abstract: A security system for motor vehicles enables the ignition switch to be turned to the "off" position and the key to be removed without turning off the engine and accessories. Normal driving operation is restored by reinserting the key, turning the ignition switch to the "on" position, and preparing the vehicle for driving. If a person without the ignition key attempts to drive the vehicle, the engine turns off. The security system includes a solenoid, a switch means to energize and deenergize the solenoid, an ignition bypass line and switch, and a starter-override switch which prevents the flow of current to the starter should the ignition switch be inadvertently turned past the "on" position to the"start" position.

Abstract: The catalytic hydrogenation of a glycoside composition to reduce the color of the composition is disclosed.

Abstract: Saccharides having pendant ethylenically unsaturated groups covalently bonded thereto are employed as coupling agents in filled and/or reinforced polymer compositions. Said saccharide is applied to the surface of a particulate or fibrous filler and/or reinforcing material and the resulting saccharide-coated filler and/or reinforcing material is intimately mixed with the polymer material to be filled and/or reinforced thereby.

Abstract: This invention describes the crystallization of fructose from a mixture of saccharides through the use of a mixture of ethanol and isopropanol to provide a fructose to total alcohol weight ratio of between 4:1 and 1:4 with a weight ratio of ethanol to isopropanol being between 80:20 and 98:2 and recovering crystalline fructose from the dispersion alcohol mixture.

Abstract: An unsaturated poly (alpha-hydroxy acid) copolymer is prepared by reacting a cyclic diester of an alpha-hydroxy acid having 2 to 5 carbon atoms with an ethylenically-unsaturated epoxide. The reaction is conducted at a temperature of 50.degree. to 250.degree. C. in the presence of an effective amount of a ring-opening catalyst and an effective amount of a free-radical polymerization inhibitor.

Abstract: Products which are useful as detergent builders and which do not contain nitrogen or phosphorous atoms are described. Such detergent builders comprise one or more compounds of the Formula I-V below:[MOOCCH.sub.2 (MOOC)CHOCH.sub.2 ].sub.2 CHOCH(COOM)CH.sub.2 COOM (I)HOCH.sub.2 CH(OH)CH.sub.2 OCH(COOM)CH.sub.2 COOM; (II)HOCH.sub.2 CH[OCH(COOM)CH.sub.2 COOM]CH.sub.2 OCH(COOM)CH.sub.2 COOM; (III)MOOCCH.sub.2 (MOOC)CHOCH.sub.2 CH(OH)CH.sub.2 OCH(COOM)CH.sub.2 COOM; (IV)orHOCH.sub.2 CH[OCH(COOM)CH.sub.2 COOM]CH.sub.2 OH (V)wherein M is a salt-forming cation or hydrogen or mixtures thereof. Such compounds and/or mixtures thereof are produced by reacting glycerin with maleic acid (or a source thereof) in the presence of an alkaline earth metal hydroxide.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a cold water swelling starch composition which is comprised of a blend of at least two distinct starch components. One starch component is an essentially amylose free starch, while the other is a starch containing at least 20 percent amylose. The starch components are heat processed together under conditions that impart cold water swelling characteristics. The starch composition is useful in instant and convenience food formulations.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an enriched fructose syrup, which is characterized in that dextrose is crystallized from a relatively high solids feed syrup containing fructose and dextrose and then another relatively dilute (or lower solids) fructose containing diluent syrup is added to enhance separation of the dextrose crystals from the mother liquor.Process can be adjusted to yield dextrose monohydrate or anhydrous alpha dextrose crystalline product in addition to an enriched fructose syrup.

Abstract: Sizing agents are combined with a solid form with a size retention aid to more effectively deliver the size to a substrate.

Abstract: A soiled hard surface is cleaned by applying thereto and subsequently removing therefrom a cleaning composition comprising: (a) about 0.1 to 50 weight percent alkali metal hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide; (b) about 0.1 to 40 weight percent alkyl glycoside; and (c) about 10 to 95 weight percent water.

Abstract: Medium and long-chain alkyl glycosides are prepared by reacting a saccharide and a monohydric alcohol in the presence of at least 1 mole N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone per mole saccharide unit. The saccharide is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted saccharides, short-chain alkyl glycosides, and mixtures thereof. The monohydric alcohol is selected from the group consisting of medium-chain alcohols, long-chain alcohols, and mixtures thereof. The reaction is conducted at a temperature of about 80.degree. to 140.degree. C.

Abstract: An apparatus enhances the sense of touch when placed between the fingertips of the user and the object being touched. The apparatus comprises a liquid lubricant inside a sealed enclosure. The enclosure is formed of a pliable, elastic material having a wall thickness of about 0.005 to 0.020 inches. The liquid lubricant is present in an amount sufficient to fully coat the interior of the enclosure, but which also permits the enclosure to be flattened with at least about 75 percent of the surface area of one side in contact with the other side.