Abstract: Fiber-reinforced geopolymeric resin having a mole ratio of SiO.sub.2 :Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 of at least equal to 6, and preferably at least equal to 10, adheres well to both concrete and steel, and is used to protectively cover infrastructures formed of steel-reinforced concrete and the like.

Abstract: Microcellular carbon filaments having a specific gravity about 20-30% less than conventional carbon fibers made of the same precursor resin are formed by foaming the precursor resin during spinning. These low density microcellular carbon filaments, which may also be hollow, have improved insulation properties compared with conventional carbon fibers, they have a higher than expected strength to weight ratio and adhere in a superior fashion to a variety of matrix materials.

Abstract: Hollow carbon and graphite filaments having a specific gravity of about 20-50% less than conventional solid carbon fibers made of the same precursor resin are formed by spinning hollow precursor resin filaments. These low density hollow carbon filaments have improved insulating properties compared with conventional solid carbon fibers and have an excellent bending strength to weight ratio.

Abstract: Tenderized meat of good quality and uniformity is obtained by supporting meat in a tank along a hemispherical wall equidistant from an explosive charge, and detonating the explosive. The shock wave produced is propagated through the water within the tank, couples with the meat to compress the meat as the shock wave strikes the meat, and then is reflected by the tank wall to effect a substantial doubling of the shock wave effect.

Abstract: A game racket comprises a head, a shaft and a handle. The head is provided with a ball-striking surface comprising at least an elastic covering area which forms respectively on both sides of the ball-striking surface a covering plane serving to enhance the ball controllability of the ball-striking surface. The elastic covering area also serves to prevent the strings, which make up the ball-striking surface, from moving aside by a force of a ball impacting the ball-striking surface. The elastic covering area further serves the purpose of absorbing the shock wave generated by the impact of a ball on the ball-striking surface.

Abstract: An independent unit heat exchanger is provided downstream of a machine for cleaning upholstery and/or carpets so that unheated detergent water from the cleaning machine passes through a hose and then through the heat exchanger where it is heated to an elevated temperature, and then to the cleaning nozzle where it is discharged. The heat exchanger is provided with an electric heating core about which pipe carrying the detergent water is coiled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to foodstuffs which are prepared by adding konjak paste having a pH value of 9.0 to 10.3 and relates to the process for preparing the same.

Abstract: A theft deterrent device, intended to be attached to a theft-attractive article so that it can be removed from the article with the aid of a deterrent release device in the possession of an authorized person, and such that any other form of removal will result in damage to the article concerned, includes a first element (10) having a connecting pin (12) which is intended to be inserted through the article to be protected, and a second element (13) which is intended for attachment to the connecting pin. The first element 10 includes a fragile ampule (17) which contains a staining liquid and which becomes fractured upon manipulation of the connecting pin 12. The ampule is positioned in such a way so that by applying a pulling force on the connecting pin in a direction away from the first element (10), the ampule will flex and break.

Abstract: A static dissipative laminate consistently having an internal resistance less than 2.times.10.sup.6 and a resistance to ground measurement of about 5.times.10.sup.6 and a surface resistance in the static dissipative range even at a very low humidities is produced by the use of an ionic salt and an humectant in the overlay and further by the use of a special top core sheet containing 0.6-1.0% by weight of carbon fibers.

Abstract: Tenderized meat of good quality and uniformity is obtained by supporting meat in a tank along a hemispherical wall equidistant from an explosive charge, and detonating the explosive. The shock wave produced is propagated through the water within the tank, couples with the meat to compress the meat as the shock wave strikes the meat, and then is reflected by the tank wall to effect a substantial doubling of the shock wave effect.

Abstract: An improved optical fiber for transmitting mid-infrared wavelength laser light in surgical instruments, includes, a heavy-metal oxide component, preferably GeO.sub.2 doped with heavier cations and anions, is capable of delivering of at least three watts of laser power continuously for more than ten minutes, without failure. This glass fiber has an .alpha.(dB/m) at 2.94.mu.m of 10, preferably less, and can transmit at least 27% of the IR through a thickness of one foot.

Abstract: A method, workpiece and the product thereof for making simulated stained glass works of art includes a transparent substrate covered on one side by an opaque scratch-removable coating and on the other side by transparent-ink patterns or solid colors. Portions of the opaque coating are removed to reveal through the transparent substrate, underlying transparent-ink patterns. The partially scratched product "drawing" produces an excellent visual appearance simulative of stained glass when held up to light. The finished product can be affixed to a window for continued enjoyment.

Abstract: Lactic acid and its derivatives such as D-lactic acid, L-lactic acid, DL-lactic acid, and their nonmetallic derivatives and lactates of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal exhibit a strong skin-whitening effect at a concentration of 5 w/w % or higher in pigment cell. The skin-whitening effect is augmented by unsaturated fatty acids having a carbon number of 12-22.

Abstract: The present invention is optically active epoxides and its production characterized in that the process comprises reacting alkenyl ethylene glycols with 0.5 to 2.0 equivalents of a titanium-tetraalkoxyde, a peroxide and an L-(+)- or D-(-)-dialkyl tartrate at a temperature of -78.degree. to 50.degree. C. to asymmetrically oxidize the alkenyl ethylene glycols. The production of the present invention is an excellent method for producing chiral epoxides in which steric configuration of three asymmetric points can be perfectly controlled, the reaction is performed by mild conditions and the chemical yield and the optical yield are extremely high. The optically active epoxides which can be efficiently produced by the production of the present invention are useful as stating materials of several kinds of compounds.

Abstract: 5-O-.alpha.-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid is a novel derivative of L-ascorbic acid which has a direct reducing activity and a satisfiable stability, as well as being readily hydrolyzed in vivo to form L-ascorbic acid. The 5-O-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid is prepared by allowing a saccharide-transferring enzyme together with or without .alpha.-glucosidase to a solution containing an .alpha.-glucosyl saccharide and L-ascorbic acid, and suitably used in food products, agents of anti-susceptive diseases and cosmetics containing thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gauge for use with x-ray machines to calibrate correct technic values (exposure, kilovoltage, processing conditions, etc.) for x-ray film to yield anatomically correct film densities over the visible density range. The gauge accomplishes this by including only four sections. In particular, a first portion for achieving correct film densities at the low end of the visible density range and a second portion for achieving correct film densities at the high end of the visible density range. The gauge also includes at least one region for achieving a slight variation in film density in each of the first and second above-named portions. The gauge may be encased by being cast in plastic of a particular thickness and absorption of x-rays. With this gauge, the radiographer examines film densities at the upper and lower limits of the visible density range to distinguish overexposure, upper limits of correct exposure, correct exposure, lower limit of correct exposure and underexposure.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake system for vehicles, particularly light rail vehicles, includes at least one brake actuator for engaging the brake by means of a group of springs and disengaging the brake by hydraulic pressure. The system comprises an electric drive motor and pump for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuator, and a safety valve and solenoid valves for controlling the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the actuator. An accumulator is connected to the electric drive motor and pump for delivering the pressurized hydraulic fluid via valves and restriction for adjusting the pressure in the accumulator to a value substantially inversely proportional to the load of the vehicle. It is connected to the actuator by shuttle valves controlled by the pressure of the accumulator when the control safety valve and solenoid valves are actuated to relieve hydraulic fluid from the actuator.

Abstract: A device to control and protect the operating mechanisms of vertical slats for window blinds, contained in a box (1) in which there is a pinion consisting of outer (4) and inner (3) members. The outer member (4) has a partial set of vertical gear teeth and is limited in its rotation at the bottom end of the box. The inner member (3) supports the slat and goes through the outer member, extending above into an orifice (14) in the cover (9) of box (1). It is provided with a projection (3') that limits its rotation inside cover (9) by interacting with projection (23). The two members of the pinion are connected at the top by a tab that corresponds to a notch. The cover 9 can have play with reference to a flexible intermediate wall (24) inside the box.