Abstract: Low to medium pressure, high temperature, all ceramic, air-to-air, indirect heat exchangers, novel ball joints; connecting slip ring collars for ceramic tubes, that are useful in such heat exchangers, systems comprising several heat exchangers or systems comprising heat exchangers that are fabricated such that they provide more efficient heat exchangers than has been possible heretofore.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein deals with a medical marking device which is useful for making lines and marks on soft and hard tissue of a mammal. The invention also deals with a pen containing a medical marking device and methods of using such pens to make lines and marks on soft and hard tissue of a mammal. The pen, which can be used for surgical or any other medical marking applications, is configured to be held freely in a person's hand like an ordinary writing instrument.

Abstract: Novel hollow silicone resin particles, having an average particle size of 0.1 to 100 &mgr;m are disclosed. The silicone resin particles comprise a skin formed from thermoplastic silicone resin configured in the shape of a hollow capsule. The hollow thermoplastic silicone resin particles are prepared by spraying a dispersion of water and thermoplastic silicone resin dissolved in solvent into hot gas. The hot gas evaporates the solvent and water and at the same time causes solidification of the thermoplastic silicone resin while it is in the spray state, so as to form a plurality of hollow particles therefrom.

Abstract: A control valve which is useful for controlling devices without the use of direct electrical power. The control valve is configured such that it allows for the control of flowable media, such as water, hydraulic fluids, and it can also be used with gases, including air, and the like.

Abstract: A method for preparing organosilicon compounds comprises: 1) converting the Si-bonded alkoxy in an Si-bonded alkoxy-functional organosilicon compound to the diorganosilyl group by reacting the Si-bonded alkoxy-functional organosilicon compound with organodisiloxane with the general formula HR.sub.2 Si--O--SiR.sub.2 H, where R is a monovalent hydrocarbyl group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, in alcohol-containing acidic aqueous solution; and subsequently 2) treating with a sulfonic acid catalyst and carboxylic acid. This method is able to convert all the alkoxy groups in the alkoxy-functional organosilicon compound to diorganosilyl. This method can be used to synthesize a high-purity carbosiloxane dendrimer having a narrow molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: This invention relates to a macromonomer and a method for its preparation. The macromonomer has silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms at one molecular chain terminal, and aliphatically unsaturated silicon-bonded organic groups at the other molecular chain terminal. This invention further related to a method of forming a hyperbranched polymer by polymerizing the macromonomer with a group VIII metal catalyst. The hyperbranched polymers can be used as surfactants, gelling agents, drug delivery systems, and polymeric absorbents.

Abstract: A process for producing polycrystalline silicon carbide includes heating an amorphous ceramic fiber that contains silicon and carbon in an environment containing boron oxide vapor. The boron oxide vapor is produced in situ by the reaction of a boron containing material such as boron carbide and an oxidizing agent such as carbon dioxide, and the amount of boron oxide vapor can be controlled by varying the amount and rate of addition of the oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A knee chap which is capable of providing protection from the abrasive nature of riding a horse or other such animal. The knee chap provides a pad for that part of the knee which is against the animal such that the abrasive effect of the saddle or the animal's movement is not transferred to the knee. The device is configured for a human knee when riding a horse.

Abstract: What is disclosed herein are new and novel hydrogel soaps and a process for obtaining them which comprises providing surface active agents in a pre-hydrogel mixture, and then forming the hydrogel. The process affords solid soaps which do not change significantly in size during use, have wide varying mechanical properties including high strengths in spite of the very high water content of the soaps, and moreover, unexpectedly provide uniform release of the surfactants and/or detergents slowly over a long period of time.

Abstract: A portable, powered grass whip and a novel free-moving bracket for mounting the same to riding equipment such as a lawn mower. In addition, the grass whip in combination with a portable electric power pack.

Abstract: A fume hood having a trimodal piston driven sash operator which have been improved by the addition of a travel interference system for the moveable sash to prevent accidents and the possible breakage of glassware and the like.

Abstract: The use of certain siloxane and silane materials for the conservation of organic and inorganic materials. More specifically, this invention deals with a method of impregnating organic and inorganic materials with siloxanes and silanes and ultimately curing such materials to provide preservation properties to such materials. An especially significant use of the method is to preserve and conserve ancient artifacts. The curable materials are represented by silanol containing polymers crosslinked with trialkoxysilanes.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method of localizing leaks in roof structures and novel penetrating devices utilized for that purpose. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing roof structures and methods of repairing roofs. The penetrating devices also have the capability of leak detection when used in conjunction with a barrier layer in a roof structure.

Abstract: A method of preserving waterlogged materials and more specifically, preserving artifacts that have been submerged in water for long periods of time. A method of treating waterlogged materials that have been subjected to preservation techniques using polyethylene glycol as the preservative, and a method of restoring such materials from the deleterious effects of the glycol.

Abstract: The disclosure herein deals with a series of devices for moving an invalid or handicapped person from a poolside into a pool, and back to the poolside, wherein the invalid or handicapped person may be responsible for the total movement without the aid of a second person. The devices have a novel feature, which is the fact that they can be moved and controlled by the occupant of the lift chair during that movement without the use of direct electrical power.

Abstract: What is disclosed herein deals with low to medium pressure, high temperature, all ceramic, air-to-air, indirect heat exchangers, novel ball joints; connecting slip ring collars for ceramic tubes, that are useful in such heat exchangers, systems comprising several heat exchangers or systems comprising heat exchangers that are fabricated such that they provide more efficient heat exchangers than has been possible heretofore.

Abstract: A stackable modular display rack that is easily assembled and disassembled and which is intended for the display of small or delicate articles. The rack described herein is readily disassembled without any tools and can be so disassembled and packed conveniently for shipment.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel devices which are fasteners for roofing assemblies, especially multi-layered roof assemblies. In addition, there is embodied in this invention a device that is not only a fastener, but is also capable of detecting leaks in roofing systems.

Abstract: A lock-out device for electrical cables and associated plugs that is intended to allow the workman to protect against the possibility of a re-connection of any plug in the device, while the workman is working on the electrical apparatus associated with such plug. The lock-out device is comprised essentially of a flexible containment chamber, a keeper bar, a perforated strap, a fastener for the strap, a locking device for the keeper bar, and a pocket, which has two openings.

Abstract: A two element toothbrush wherein the two elements are capable of being temporarily joined together to provide a standard sized toothbrush, but which are capable of being disassembled from the toothbrush configuration and re-assembled to provide storage capability for the toothbrush. One element of the toothbrush provides a covered storage area for retainer rings which are frequently used by those wearing dental retaining devices.