Abstract: The present invention relates to an article having improved physical properties as compared to the individual components, which article comprises:a laminated ceramic fiber composite of alternating layers of discrete thin solid sheets of ceramic A having a substantially large upper and lower surface bonded to discrete thin sheets B comprising fibers and having large upper and lower surfaces using a suitable bonding agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tetraketone of the structure ##STR1##wherein M is a metal atom and R is selected from phenyl, alkyl substituted phenyl or halogen substituted phenyl. The process to prepare this tetraketone is disclosed. The present invention also relates to a process to produce the tetraketone structure(I). The present invention also relates to the novel polymer of the structure: ##STR2##and to the process to produce this novel polymer. R is as defined hereinabove, and Ar is a tetraamine substituted organic moiety having at least one aromatic ring. These polymers are useful as liquid crystals and in non-linear optical devices.

Abstract: A continuous mixer having a series of end-to-end mixing compartments each with two parallel shaft-driven agitator ribbons arranged for folding a product into the middle and for end-to-end mixing, as in a batch mixer. As the product is being mixed in each compartment it is gradually and continuously transferred at a controlled rate to the next compartment for further mixing. The completely mixed product in the last compartment is discharged continuously at a rate substantially equal to the rate of transfer between compartments. The mixer has steam jackets for heating each of the compartments so that the mixer may be used for cooking. By adjusting the steam pressure, the amount of heat going into each compartment can be controlled to suit the heating requirements of a variety of products. For example, the compartments may be heated to progressively higher temperatures to prevent burn on.

Abstract: A mobile aerial lift platform vehicle of the type having an upstanding pedestal and an elevating assembly mounted on the pedestal to raise and lower the work platform while maintaining the center of gravity of the platform within the base area defined by the wheels of the vehicle. The improvement is that the pedestal is pivotally mounted to the chassis of the vehicle for pivotal movement about a first axis extending fore and aft of the chassis and about a second axis extending from side to side of the chassis. Two hydraulic rams for provided, each of which will pivot the pedestal about one only of the axes, so that the pedestal may be leveled even through the vehicle is on unlevel ground.

Abstract: A screw-cap type container comprises a container or bottle having a screw thread and an annular flange formed on a neck thereof. The flange is discontinuous to define a locking slot between its opposite ends. A closure cap has an internal screw thread for engaging the screw thread of the container to releasably secure the closure cap thereon. A lock tab, secured to the closure cap, normally engages within the locking slot to prevent relative rotation between the closure cap and container, when they are threadably secured together. When appropriate finger pressure is applied to the lock tab, it will disengage the locking slot for permitting the closure cap to be unscrewed and removed from the container. The closure cap may be of the "reminder" type for visually displaying information to a user relating to periodic use of the contents of the container.

Abstract: A shoe organizational system includes a slider assembly adapted to be mounted in a closet and a panel secured to a slide member of the slider assembly for movement between a retracted or storage position within the closet or an extended position for viewing shoe selection purposes. A plurality of horizontally disposed and vertically spaced shoe rack units are secured on one or both sides of the panel to extend thereacross. A plurality of pairs of laterally spaced shoe supports are secured on each of the shoe rack units to accommodate the storage of shoes thereon. A plurality of the systems can be mounted in side-to-side relationship in a closet, should the need arise.

Abstract: An improved gas-liquid contact apparatus comprises a housing having a reservoir for retaining a liquid therein. A combined mixing and separation system functions to draw a gas over the surface of the liquid to form a mixture and then scrubs and separates pre-selected elements from the mixture. The separated elements are recycled, shiphoned-off for use as an end product or drained back into the reservoir. The apparatus is particularly useful for removing pre-selected elements from contamined air or from exhaust gases discharged from an internal combustion engine. In one described embodiment, the apparatus is vertically disposed and the mixing and separation system includes a rotor having a conically shaped lower end emersed in the liquid to draw-up and spray the liquid into the gas stream. A blower creates a differential pressure across the system and provides the motive force for the scrubbing and separation functions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adsorbent polymer having improved selectivity for cadmium ion, comprising a water-insoluble polymeric material having available surface pendant chelating groups having a multiplicity of thiol (--SH) groups, wherein pairs of thiol groups are connected by a chain R having between about 10 and 16 atoms of the structure: ##STR1## which thiol terminated chains are capable of chelating cadmium ion in rings of between about 11 and 17 atoms, andA is selected from alkylene having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene, aryl or arylalkylene. Preferably the adsorbent polymer having improved selectivity for cadmium of claim 1, wherein the pendant chelating groups having a thiol structure: ##STR2##BACKGROUND OF INVENTION1. Origin of the InventionPortions of the research leading to this invention were funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Cooperative Agreement No. CR 811984-01-0) and the University of California (Berkeley) Chancellor's Patent Fund (No. 401220-09520).

Abstract: A chaise lounge, usable for sunbathing and other recreational purposes, comprises a stationary base having a normally upright hood-like canopy pivotally mounted rearwardly thereon. The canopy is adapted to be pivoted between a normal upright position to form a seating arrangement and a lowered position placing a back of the canopy in alignment with a top of the base. A combined moving, holding and locking control system includes an electric motor and an actuating mechanism for releasably holding and locking the canopy in a selected position between its upright and lowered positions in response to selective activation of the motor.

Abstract: A pair of superimposed panels are heat sealed together to define a reservoir in a dispenser pouch, adapted to contain a liquid therein. A tapered-down neck is defined on a lower end of the pouch and communicates with the reservoir to retain a pre-measured charge of the liquid therein. Narrow overlying and unsealed panel portions at the termination of the neck form a normally closed valve that opens when a predetermined external pressure is applied to the pouch.

Abstract: This invention relates to a router table comprising a horizontal platen having a central opening formed therethrough to receive a router bit. A fence is pivotally mounted on the platen to guide movements of a workpiece therealong for engagement with the router bit. The fence is thus adapted to be pivoted to a selected position on the platen. A scale is mounted along one edge of the platen to underlie an end of the fence. The operator can thus visually note the precise distance between the router bit and the fence when the fence is pivoted to a selected position on the platen. The fence and attendant components of this invention can be sold as an adapter kit to modify a conventional router table or work bench for use with the pivoted fence, and/or scale a micro-adjustment mounting block. A method for making a router table or adapting an existing router table to accommodate the pivoted fence is also described herein.

Abstract: The tank of a water closet has an overflow control apparatus operatively associated therewith for selectively applying a closing force to a flush valve, adapted for movement between an open position communicating water from the tank to a bowl of the water closet and a closed position stopping such communication. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the overflow control apparatus comprises a weighted plunger reciprocally mounted in the tank, above the flush valve, for being selectively released by a reciprocal trip member to apply the closing force to the flush valve. Release is effected automatically in response to the water in the bowl exceeding a predetermined level and pivoting of a float mounted in the bowl.