Abstract: A cigarette filter has a humectant, preferably sodium pyroglutamate, and optionally a surfactant. The humectant absorbs moisture from the tobacco smoke for wet-filtration of the tobacco smoke.

Abstract: An improved surgical cutting block for guiding bone saws in joint surgery and similar instruments. The cutting block is provided with one or more cutting guides having cutting guide surfaces positioned on exterior faces of the block or along channels within the block. The cutting guide surface is formed of a material having a Knoop hardness of 466 or greater (under a 500 gm load or greater), a chrome content of less than 10% and a nickel content of less than 4%. According to another aspect of the invention, a method of cutting bone tissue utilizing the improved surgical cutting device is disclosed wherein heat-generated damage to bone tissue is reduced and production of toxic residue is minimized.

Abstract: A labeled pipe fitting and a method for applying labels to the outer surface of a pipe fitting which is covered with a layer of oil that resists labelling with an adhesive backed label is provided. The label, which is imprinted with indicia relating to the pipe fitting, is secured onto the pipe fitting with a substantially transparent plastic tube which is shrunk with heat around the pipe fitting and the label.

Abstract: The invention relates to the heat treatment of continuously moving length of textile material in a treatment apparatus with at least two successive treatment zones by means of hot gas. After it has been heated, all of the exhaust gas from the first treatment zone is introduced into the second treatment zone as fresh gas. An exhaust gas branch stream drawn off at the end of the second treatment zone is afterburned. The exhaust gas branch stream which has been heated in this way first of all preheats the second exhaust gas branch stream coming from the second treatment zone, and before being discharged into the atmosphere the exhaust gas branch stream coming from the first treatment zone and the fresh air air heated. In this way extremely economic operation of the entire treatment apparatus is provided, with reliable purification and disposable of the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A support, carrier belt system (7) is provided which includes a support belt (9) having two tightening straps (13), and a carrier device (9) which includes a tool-carrying compartment having a pocket or tool-carrying loops. A support belt (9) has a first fastener (14) at each end (15), in which the first fastener (14) is an interlocking system with a second fastener (19) which is at a free end (17) of the tightening straps (13). A carrier device (11) is attachable to both the first fastener (14) of the support belt (9) by the use of a third fastener (27) and a fourth fastener (31) to provide more secure hold by the support belt (9).

Abstract: A method of blocking channels in a mammal which channels normally carry a material from one point to another is carried out by injecting a heated flowable polymer into the channel and allowing the polymer to cool and solidify, thus creating a plug or channel occluder. The plug can be later removed physically in its solid form or removed gradually by softening and/or fluidizing it by heating and/or chemical means. The channel occluder is preferably comprised of a main chain or side-chain crystallizable polymer but may be comprised of other polymers provided the polymers are formulated to have certain characteristics. The polymers must be solid and/or non-flowable at body temperature or lower and flowable when heated slightly above body temperature, i.e., 10 centigrade degrees or less above body temperature. The polymer is capable of changing quickly from a flowable state to a non-flowable state by moving through only a few centigrade degrees of temperature and is a non-immunogenic, biocompatible material.

Abstract: A bag pack (10) of handle bags (14) for suspension on a bag rack (12) comprises a plurality of stackable handle bags (14) having a front wall (24), a rear wall (26), a pair of laterally spaced handles (28), and an adhesive (16) positioned between the rear wall (26) of each bag (14) and the front wall (24) of each successive bag (14) in the bag pack (10). The front wall (24) is joined opposite to the rear wall (26) and defines an enclosure having an open top (30), opposed sides (31), and a bottom (33). The handles (28) extend upwardly above the open top (30). Each bag (14) also has a center mount (34) capable of releasably supporting the center of the stackable bag (14) on the bag rack (12).

Abstract: A combination radio (10) is provided for enabling the user to listen to two independent radio stations at one time. Alternatively, the combination radio (10) can be tuned into the same radio frequency to allow the user to combine the sound output from each individual radio. Moreover, additional radios can be added to the combination radio to increase the sound output of the system.

Abstract: A sealed roller assembly (10) for hingeably connecting pairs of link plates (34) to form a chain (11), comprises a roller (12), a bushing (14) rotably mounted inside the roller (12), and a pin (16) rotably mounted inside the bushing (14). One pair of link plates (34) are mounted to the bushing (14), and another pair of link plates (34) are mounted to the pin (16). Seals are positioned between the adjoining surfaces of the roller (12) and the bushing (14) and the adjoining surfaces of the bushing (14) and the pin (16) to prevent contamination of the adjoining surfaces. Additionally, the roller assembly (10) can utilize a reservoir (28) containing a pressurized, fluid lubricant and a pressure accumulator (30) to continuously supply lubricant to the adjoining surfaces of the roller assembly (10).

Abstract: A slider assembly useful for attaching a brake caliper having at least one caliper aperture to an automotive-chassis is provided. The slider assembly provides a bearing interface which allows for a smooth and reliable transverse movement of the brake caliper for an extended period of time. The slider assembly includes a sleeve insert which is fitted into the caliper aperture, a slide pin which slides inside the sleeve insert, and a mount for moving the slide pin to the automotive chassis. The sliding which occurs between the sleeve insert and the slide pin provides the bearing interface.

Abstract: Electrical shocking apparatus includes an electrical conductive means having an outer face which can be selectively electrically energized. There is an elongated housing attached to the electrical conductive means. The elongated housing extends for at least about twice as long as the electrical conductive means. The conductive means includes a series of spaced arms radiating from the center to which the elongated housing is also connected with the conductive means. The housing has insulation means so that it is isolated from the conductive means. The conductive means with multiple radiating arms can be used as a physical prod, a physical hook and also to impart electrical shock to a person in contact with a conductive means. This can subdue and immobilize for arrest or defense. The arms are mounted so that sparking is effected between the conductive means and across the arms.

Abstract: A bicycle frame for bicycles with an upper cross bar is provided wherein the upper cross bar does not injure the rider as the rider straddles the cross bar after a stop. The bicycle frame also has an upper cross bar comprising an inner moiety slidably disposed within an outer moiety such that the first end of the inner moiety is outside the outer moiety. A spring is disposed within the upper cross bar to urge the second end of the inner moiety away from the outer moiety. The front end of the upper cross bar is hinged to the head post and the rear end of the upper cross bar is slidably attached to the seat post. A second spring is attached to the frame and adapted to urge the upper cross bar upwards. The springs are chosen so that no discomfort is caused to a rider of a bicycle having the bicycle frame when the rider dismounts the bicycle, straddles the upper cross bar and, by the weight of the rider's body, pivots the rear end of the upper cross bar downward until both feet of the rider touch the ground.

Abstract: A cap and container combination wherein the cap fits about the container in at least two closure positions. Two circumferential bands are provided around the skirt of the cap and there is an internal thread which engages an external thread about the container neck. In the first position, one band of the cap engages a circumferential slot about the container. The internal thread seals with the top of the container. The first band is removed and the container opened by removing the cap. In the second position, the second band engages the slot and the threads engage each other. In the second position, the second band is located about the container. It remains in position when and after the cap is removed. Tampering of the container and cap can be visually detected with this configuration. A bead about the container is formed of a reduced cross-section in portions circumferentially around the cap. This facilitates assembly and disassembly of cap and container.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of strawberry named `Catalina` is described. `Catalina` is a short day cultivar with a tendency to be everbearing in more northern regions. Catalina produces a significant amount of fruit in a short period without the substantial periodic decreases characteristic of existing commercial cultivars. Additionally, `Catalina` produces abudant primary, secondary and tertiary flowers which in turn produce a high yield of well shaped, unblemished fruit as compared to commercial varieties. `Catalina` is further superior to existing cultivars in that it is adapted to grow in the soils and under the climatic conditions of all commercial strawberry growing regions in California.