Abstract: Administered anticraving compositions are disclosed for treating patients addicted to alcohol comprising an effective amount of at least one alpha-pyrone compound formulated into a physiologically acceptable carrier medium. Additionally, a method of oral administration of the anticraving compounds is disclosed where an effective amount of at least one alpha-pyrone compound is formulated into a wine, beer or distilled spirit where the alcohol has been removed and replaced by one or more kavapyrones.

Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel connectors therefore. The system and connectors of the present invention utilize metal framing members or wall studs that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls, and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls, and similarly configured framing tracks having a recessed channel along the sidewalls thereof. A variety structurally related connectors, comprising at least a connector body, lip and base flange are described. These connectors are capable of interconnecting metal framing members and tracks performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the member or track and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects of the stud.

Abstract: An above-knee prosthesis that allows the user to control the resistance of knee flexion or extension, and to voluntary lock and release the knee joint, at any and all bending angles, comprising a thigh frame assembly that receives a thigh stump; a leg frame assembly with foot attached; a hinge interconnecting the thigh frame and leg frame assemblies to form an artificial knee joint; a closed hydraulic system further interconnecting the thigh frame and leg frame assemblies to provide resistance to the bending of said artificial knee joint, a means to vary the resistance provided by said closed hydraulic system, and a means to translate the AP movement of said thigh stump into the degree of resistance provided by said closed hydraulic system. In its preferred embodiments, the AP movement of the thigh stump is communicated by means of a linkage, sliding or screw assembly, to a flow rate control valve.

Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel connectors therefore. The system and connectors of the present invention utilize known metal framing or wall studs that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls. A variety structurally related connectors, comprising at least a connector body, lip flange, and two lip receiving grooves, are described. These connectors are capable of interconnecting metal framing performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the stud and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects of the stud. The stud connectors demonstrate three dimensional rigidity and a box-like fit within the metal framing studs to form joints that are strong, durable and precise.

Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel tracks and connectors therefore. The system, tracks and connectors of the present invention utilize known metal framing or wall studs that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls. A variety structurally related connectors are described capable of interconnecting metal framing performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the stud or track and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects of the stud or track. The specially configured tracks are essentially studs modified to include recess channels through which fasteners may be applied to secure the track to track connectors.

Abstract: A combination disposable cup insulator/stabilizer and the process and method for making the same comprising the steps of selecting a first disposable cup demonstrating a frustoconical configuration, separating the upper portion of the first cup from its lower portion by slicing the cup about its mid-section, discarding the lower portion, and retaining the upper portion for use as a combination insulator/stabilizer. When used a cup liner/insulator, the upper portion of the first disposable cup is slid from below over the outside of a second disposable cup identical in size and shape to the first disposable cup. When used as a cup stabilizer, the upper portion of the first cup is inverted to receive the base of a second disposable cup identical in size and shape to the first disposable cup. The same combination insulator/stabilizer can be fabricated by modifying existing manufacturing facilities to produce top cup portions only.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing floor covering consisting of a rotary milling device housed in a frame. The frame is supported, laterally, by hydraulicly powered elevating legs. The lateral legs are lowered to engage the milling device with the floor surface during the cutting phase, and are raised to disengage the milling device from the floor covering and discontinue cutting. While milling, the apparatus is supported by legs fore and aft. The height of the fore and aft legs are manually adjusted, prior to cutting, to affect the depth of the floor removed. The apparatus is powered by an external power source and propelled forward by an energized vehicle through a swivel coupling assembly. The coupling assembly allows the apparatus to be lowered and raised while maintaining a constant orientation relative to the floor surface and to the direction of the propelling force acting upon it. The apparatus is particularly adopted for cutting hard floor surfaces in enclosed areas having narrow access.

Abstract: A compact, highly portable, multi-mode fluid injection system able to reach difficult to access places to efficiently service a variety of diameter pipes, tubing and related components. The system comprises a tank having a first port which allows access to the tank's upper contents and a second port which allows access to the tank's lower contents, a means for introducing liquid into the tank, a hand pump built into the tank to pressurize the tank and its contents, one or more applicators, and flexible hoses which connect the applicators to the first and/or second port to supply the applicators with the tank's contents. The system is capable of producing, alternatively, pressurized liquid or gas without an independently powered air compressor or consumable gas cartridges, and without having to empty and/or fill the tank.

Abstract: An improved kite control and quick release system useful in kitesurfing and other kite related sports, comprising a hollow control bar capped at each end by symmetrical, elongated end fittings. The end fittings project kiteward, away from the sailor, with kite leads secured to the distal aspect of each end fitting. Each end fitting includes one or more concave winding surfaces to accommodate the winding and stowage of kite leads and lines. The system also includes an improved quick release means which, according to one preferred embodiment, comprises an aperture formed within one of the end fittings, a stop, and a release tether with handle. One of the two kite leads is passed through the aperture before being secured to the release tether. The stop, attached to the lead between the end fitting and the tether, secures the lead to the control bar while the kite is underway.

Abstract: A polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") elbow connector for joining rail and post members of PVC gate structures, a customizable PVC gate structure incorporating said elbow connector, and a method of constructing PVC gate structures. The elbow connector comprises a molded body shaped to correspond to the gate post and rail members with legs projecting at a ninety degree angle and flanges extending from the inside wall of the end of each leg. The flanged elbow connectors permanently mate with the PVC post and rail members to provide a strong, durable and seamless connection, and facilitate the fabrication of customized gate structures in the field without the cost and delays associated with special order factory gates. According to one embodiment, the gate structure includes metal U-channel inserts positioned snugly within each rail member for added strength and support. The flanged elbow connectors are of one-piece molded construction and gate components are fabricated from virgin PVC impregnated with UV ray inhibitors.

Abstract: A stringed instrument having a solid body constructed of albizzia wood that is lightweight, durable, offers an aesthetically pleasing appearance and is capable of demonstrating good tonal quality over a broad range of pitches played acoustically or amplified. The body of said instrument is formed from a single piece of albizzia or from a plurality of pieces, arranged longitudinally, and joined using splines in conjunction with adhesive or by other known methods. Albizzia, having a high tensile strength and low specific gravity, allows for the production of light weight solid body instruments without the cost, complexity and degradation of sound quality of solid body instruments having composite body construction. A thin veneer can be added to cover the solid albizzia body for added strength and aesthetic variation.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Globba plant characterized by white bracts and divided, mostly transparent bracteoles with upper portion being streaked with red-purple and lower portion with yellow-green. The foliage displays reddish underleaves.