Abstract: A process is provided for obtaining high quality high surface area zinc oxide from a roasted zinc sulphide concentrate by leaching with an ammoniacal ammonium carbonate solution. The process utilizes optional preliminary oxidation and water leaching steps to remove soluble impurities and an optional aqueous sulphur dioxide leaching step to selectively remove readily soluble zinc oxide. The process also includes an optional reduced pressure calcining step to produce zinc oxide with further increased surface area.

Abstract: An acoustic stringed musical instrument is provided having a neck which extends inwardly at least to the bridge, acoustically communicating with the top near the bridge. Means are provided to anchor the strings at the lower end of the neck as well as its upper end such that the compressive forces created by the tightened strings are carried substantially completely by the neck alone, leaving the top substantially free of such stresses. Bracing of the top can thus be minimized, and the top can be made of optimum thinness for acoustic quality.

Abstract: An interactive pump system capable of interacting with and responding to responses from a user, having a pump (105), a central processing unit (705) connected to the pump (105), and a display and input unit (1407) including a plurality of instruction displays and being connected to the pump and the central processing unit. The pump transmits transaction data concerning fluid pumped to the display and input unit which displays the transaction data, displays one instruction display, and transfers input responses from a user to the central processing unit. The central processing unit processes the input responses and controls the pump according to the response.

Abstract: A hand control device for operating the accelerator and brake of a motor vehicle includes brake and accelerator control rods for extending from the respective accelerator and brake pedals of a motor vehicle to below the vehicle steering wheel. Clamps connected to one end of each control rod secure the control rods to respective accelerator and brake pedals or pedal stalks and a handle member is pivotally connected to the other end of each control rod. Rotation of the handle member in a first direction, and with the connection between the handle member and the accelerator control rode acting as a fulcrum, causes longitudinal movement of the brake control rod, depression of the brake pedal, and operation of the brake.

Abstract: An office desk system or work station is based on a structural supporting frame or chassis made up of two spaced parallel end gables and a beam extending between the gables at the rear edge of a work top. Each gable is a welded assembly of steel channels and the beam is a steel generally box section member. Decorative cladding is attached to the frame to provide the desk with the required external appearance. The beam has two internal wiring channels so that electrical power and telecommunication services can be provided directly at the work surface of the desk. Disconnectable couplings are provided between the beam and gables and each gable is provided with several coupling points so that many different desk system or work station configurations can be assembled from the same basic components.

Abstract: A padded toilet seat lid is made by magnetically induction welding to the upper surface of a plastic lid shell, a plastic frame which surrounds a cushion providing the padding. The frame traps a peripheral margin of the cushion against the upper surface of the lid. The cushion is also secured to the lid by a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Welding of the frame to the lid is accomplished in a special fixture that supports the lid and cushion upside down.

Abstract: The temperature compensated reference circuit has a first common emitter BJT whose base is connected to a first JFET current source and through a JFET resistor to a voltage output. The JFET resistor is biased in the linear region and the JFET current source is biased in the saturation region in an operating condition. The voltage across the JFET resistor is selected to be approximately equal to the pinch-off voltage of the JFET current source. The temperature co-efficient of the first BJT and JFET resistor will cancel one another to produce a generally temperature invariant voltage at the output. The voltage regulator incorporates the reference circuit and has a second BJT current source driving the reference circuit. A feedback system includes a second JFET current source between the collector of the first BJT and the connection between the voltage output and the collector of the second BJT. The second JFET current source drives the base of a common emitter third BJT.

Abstract: A laser device includes a resonant cavity with a gain medium therein, and first and second reflectors at either end, to form a quasi-isotropic laser. A feedback section is formed between the second reflector and a third reflector. A polarizer and modifier are provided in the feedback section. The polarizer and modifier can modify a variety of parameters, for example the polarization, phase, intensity or frequency of the feedback. The light feedback into the resonant cavity has an intensity much less than that within the resonant cavity, but sufficient to overcome any residual anisotropies. Control of the modifier causes the device to be operated in one of two or more polarization modes.

Abstract: A process for production of high purity, sub-micron size, silicon carbide by reacting a mixture of silica powder and carbon powder in a mixing reactor. The reactor, initially pressurized with a non-reactive gas, is indirectly heated and when the charge reaches reaction temperature a vacuum is applied. The charge is kept under a high vacuum until the reaction is complete, and is agitated to encourage release of carbon monoxide. After removal of excess carbon by low temperature oxidation, the product typically contains in excess of 99.5% silicon carbide of the beta-phase, has a surface area greater than 10m.sup.2 /gm, is free of carbon and contains no detectable unreacted silica. The product requires no post production treatment such as grinding and acid leaching.

Abstract: A bracket is provided for securing an inflatable dinghy having opposing pontoon portions to a yacht. The bracket comprises a member adatped to fit over one of the pontoon portions, and having at one end thereof an element for removably securing the member to the yacht, and also comprises a mounting assembly for mounting the member to the dinghy such that the member is directly or indirectly held by and between the under parts of the inner sides of the opposing pontoon portions.

Abstract: A membrane that is prepared in an oil in water system and comprises a hydrophilic polymer film having controlled porosity. Such membranes are particularly well suited as filters for cigarettes and like products.

Abstract: A process of refining zinc oxide from roasted zinc sulphide bearing concentrates comprises leaching the concentrate in an aqueous sulphur dioxide solution under controlled conditions providing selective separation of zinc from other elements contained in the concentrate. The zinc bisulphite solution so obtained is separated from the remaining solids and is heat treated, preferably with steam, to precipitate zinc monosulphite crystals, possibly after first adding zinc dust to the solution to cement out residual copper and cadmium. The zinc monosulphite is then separated from the solution, possibly washed with water, and calcined to yield purified zinc oxide.

Abstract: A clamp is disclosed for securing pipe to a surface. The clamp comprises a body for retaining the pipe therein. The body has at least two ends and at least one of the ends is securable to the surface by a fastener. In one embodiment, the ends are in the form of outwardly extending flanges with preformed holes for fastening. The body also includes a clasp which is adapted to releasably secure an electrical wire to the clamp. In one embodiment the clasp is a resilient cantilever having a rest position and being biased towards said rest position upon being displaced therefrom.

Abstract: A distributor for distributing sulphuric acid on a packed tower. The distributor has an array of horizontal parallel distributing pipes in a single horizontal plane spanning a tower containing a packing and located above the packing. The pipes extend through the tower shell at one end and are accessible through a clean-out port at the other end. Feed enters the pipes at one end and the clean-out port at the other end permits cleaning without entering the tower. There are holes in the pipes arranged in a number of rows each angled downwardly. Each hole has a simple corrosion resistant insert to protect against hole erosion.

Abstract: A baby carrier is provided having a harness, and being adapted to support a baby in the prone position. The baby carrier of the invention comprises an elongate pouch to accommodate the baby, the pouch being located by the harness with respect to a person carrying the baby so that either elongate side of the pouch is adjacent the breast of the person. Openable flaps are provided in each pouch side to access the person's breast so that the baby may nurse. The flaps may be located so that the flap of one side accesses one breast and the flap of the other side accesses the other breast. The sides may be high enough to provide privacy shielding.

Abstract: A crimpless coaxial cable connector is provided which can be secured to a cable simply by pushing the cable into the connector and subsequently pulling it back. The body of the connector has a bushing mounted within it near the cable receiving end having a diameter to closely receive the cable. The body of the connector also has within it an annular mandrel having a bore to receive the stripped core of the cable, and having a sleeve adapted to engage the cable beneath the jacket by pushing the cable and the mandrel together. This stretches the jacket of the cable to a diameter greater than the internal diameter of the bushing. The mandrel is movable from a position in which the sleeve is ot surrounded by the bushing in which the sleeve may be engaged to the cable, to a position in which the sleeve is at least partially within the bushing in which the jacket is frictionally engaged by the bushing, by pulling the cable away from the connector after it has been pushed onto the mandrel sleeve.

Abstract: A spill container advantageously adapted for use in conjunction with a conventional aquarium is provided. The spill container comprises a receptacle for receiving leaking fluid, and a flexible water-proof compartment for receiving a flow of fluid from the receptacle. The receptacle comprises a containing wall defining a hollow fluid-trapping vessel, an inlet opening for receiving the leaking fluid, and an outlet opening connecting the receptacle to the flexible water-proof compartment.

Abstract: A modular hearing aid to fit in the user's ear, having a shell, a faceplate fixed to the shell, and an electronic module removably snapped into the faceplate. The module includes an open-topped battery compartment which is closed by a lid hinged to the faceplate rather than to the module. This eliminates a bulky hinge on the module and allows a smaller snap fastener between the module and faceplate. The volume control on the module projects through an opening in the closed lid.

Abstract: A pressure vessel having a removable lid for storing objects under pressure is disclosed. The pressure vessel includes a pressure chamber having a smooth walled opening of uniform size against which the removable lid seals with an interference fit. A stop is secured to the pressure vessel and restrains one end of the removable lid from sliding along the smooth wall. At the other end of the lid there is pivotally mounted a locking member which engages under a locking projection fixed to the pressure vessel. A lever arm, pivotally attached to the locking member, uses a levering projection (fixed to the pressure vessel) as a fulcrum to assist in fitting the lid to and removing the lid from the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is provided with a valve for manually dumping pressure from the pressure chamber and is also provided with a source of pressurized fluid for pressurizing the chamber to a predetermined amount of pressure.