Abstract: A computer-generated jigsaw puzzle game including a method of generating a jigsaw puzzle game on an electronic display and controlling the play of the game in response to play operations. The method includes the steps of displaying a jigsaw puzzle comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces on the electronic display, where each puzzle piece comprises a video image region on the display. A plurality of video image blocks is sequentially displayed in the video image region of each puzzle piece to generate a moving video image in the video image region of each puzzle piece. Pieces of the puzzle are moved on the display in response to play operations to solve the jigsaw puzzle.

Abstract: A method of performing surgery incorporating the advantages of manual palpation manipulation and dissection with the advantages of laparoscopy. The method comprises making a first opening in a body cavity wall to permit entry of a surgeon's gloved hand. Next, the surgeon's gloved hand is placed into the body cavity through the opening and a gas infused into the body cavity through the first opening or through a second opening. The surgical procedure is performed and the surgeon's hand is removed from the body cavity. The surgeon's gloved hand can be provided with a sealant for engaging the sides or surrounding tissue of the first opening, thereby creating a substantially gas-tight seal. The sealant can comprise an inflatable member circumferentially disposed around the forearm portion of the surgeon's glove or can comprise a disk having an adhesive on the distal surface for sealingly engaging the surrounding tissue of an opening in a body cavity wall.

Abstract: A method for treating the surface of aluminum alloys hang a relatively high copper content is provided which includes the steps of removing substantially all of the copper from the surface, contacting the surface with a first solution containing cerium, electrically charging the surface while contacting the surface in an aqueous molybdate solution, and contacting the surface with a second solution containing cerium. The copper is substantially removed from the surface in the first step either by (i) contacting the surface with an acidic chromate solution or by (ii) contacting the surface with an acidic nitrate solution while subjecting the surface to an electric potential. The corrosion-resistant surface resulting from the invention is excellent, consistent and uniform throughout the surface. Surfaces treated by the invention may often be certified for use in salt-water services.

Abstract: A bag pack comprises a plurality of easy open handle bags. The bags are easy to open because the exterior surfaces of the bags are cold-welded together so that when one bag is pulled from the pack, the adjacent next bag is at least partly open. The external surfaces of the bags are not welded to the internal surfaces of the bags during the pressure welding process, because the material that forms the external surface of the bag is treated with a corona discharge, which renders the external surface more susceptible to cold weldings. Optionally a static charge is induced on the bags so that each bag is at a different voltage than the adjacent bags so the bags attract each other, and the panels of each individual bag repel each other, to contribute to the easy open feature.

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding a disc brake disc having opposite surfaces, the apparatus comprising: a free-standing support; a pair of rotors, at least one of which is a grinding rotor, the rotors attached to the support to extend in spaced relation at opposite sides of a disc for grinding at least one face of the disc, wherein at least one rotor is pivotally attached to the support and can be moved toward and away from the disc independent of the other rotors; adjustment means attached to the support to allow adjustment of the angle of at least one rotor in relation to a face of the disc; and drive means to rotate at least one of the rotors.

Abstract: A solid, porous catalyst for the selective oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to sulfur has the atomic proportions covered by the formula Fe.sub.A Mg.sub.B Zn.sub.C Cr.sub.D wherein A has a value of 0.5 to 10, B has a value of 0.1 to 1, C has a value of 0 to 1, and D has a value of 0 to 1, where B+C=1. The catalyst is used by passing a gas stream comprising hydrogen sulfide and oxygen over the catalyst at a temperature above the dew point of sulfur and up to no more than 300.degree. C.

Abstract: Medical devices which are currently proposed to use elements made form shape memory alloys may be improved by the use of stress-induced martensite alloy elements instead. The use of stress-induced martensite decreases the temperature sensitivity of the devices, thereby making them easier to install and/or remove.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting an analyte from a liquid sample, comprises a microcolumn having a microparticulate media therein, the media being sandwiched between two compression layers. Preferably, the compression layers comprise a binder-free glass fiber, held in the microcolumn by upper and lower polypropylene mesh.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic composition therapeutic in the treatment of dry eye syndrome is disclosed. The composition is comprised of a minimally soluble salt of calcium that has been finely divided into particles having a mean diameter of 10 to 60 microns. The calcium salt particles are suspended within a pharmacologically acceptable carrier such as petrolatum or physiological saline. The composition is delivered to the ocular surface in an amount and for a time sufficient to alleviate the symptoms of dry eye.

Abstract: A portable booth is provided which includes a plurality of vertical sides, a top panel, and a bottom panel attached together to form an enclosure which can be twisted into a compact assembly unit. A first stiffener and second stiffener can be added to the enclosure to provide additional stability to the portable booth. The first and second stiffeners can each be twisted into a compact stiffener unit. Since the side panels can be easily twisted to form a compact assembly unit and the first and second stiffeners can each be twisted to form a compact stiffener unit, the portable booth is easy to assemble and disassemble, and easy to transport.

Abstract: A tool is provided which facilitates the installation of a standard garbage disposal unit. The tool allows the installer to set the hanger frame around the sink opening sleeve without having to hold down the sink opening sleeve while attaching the circular spring to the lower end of the sink opening sleeve. The tool of the invention has a lower portion with frustoconical side to facilitate the expansion of the circular spring. The tool also has an upper portion which is generally cylindrical and which fits up into the lowermost end of the sink opening sleeve. Snap-on devices, such as spring-and-ball detents, are disposed around the upper portion of the tool to engage the tool to the annular lip at the lowermost end of the sink opening sleeve.

Abstract: A strengthened pipe fitting for connecting to an externally threaded surface and a method for making a strengthened pipe fitting for connecting to an externally threaded surface is provided. The strengthened pipe fitting comprises a pipe fitting having an internally threaded surface initiating from the attachment end and a compression band fitted onto the attachment end of the pipe fitting. The pipe fitting is initially manufactured, in absence of the compression band, to have an internally threaded surface with a pitch diameter larger than that specified for mating with the externally threaded surface. The compression band is then fitted onto the attachment end of the pipe fitting. The compression band is uniquely sized to compress the internally threaded surface sufficiently so that the internally threaded surface of the strengthened pipe fitting mates with the externally threaded member.

Abstract: A method for treating the surface of aluminum alloys having a relatively high copper content is provided which includes the steps of removing substantially all of the copper from the surface, contacting the surface with a first solution containing cerium, electrically charging the surface while contacting the surface in an aqueous molybdate solution, and contacting the surface with a second solution containing cerium. The copper is substantially removed from the surface in the first step either by (i) contacting the surface with an acidic chromate solution or by (ii) contacting the surface with an acidic nitrate solution while subjecting the surface to an electric potential. The corrosion-resistant surface resulting from the invention is excellent, consistent and uniform throughout the surface. Surfaces treated by the invention may often be certified for use in salt-water services.

Abstract: A beta titanium-fiber reinforced composite laminate comprising at least one layer of beta titanium alloy and at least one layer of fiber reinforced composite, wherein the layer of beta titanium alloy has a yield strength to modulus of elasticity ratio that is substantially similar to the strength to modulus of elasticity ratio of the first layer of fiber reinforced composite.

Abstract: A kit for constructing an expandable pet climbing device is provided. The kit has a set of linear beams, corner members and end caps. The linear beams and the end caps are generally padded with a carpet-like material. The corner members have a body and outwardly-directed prongs disposed at right angles to adjacent prongs. Using the kit of the invention, a pet owner can custom assemble a pet climbing device of any of an infinite variety of shapes and sizes.