Abstract: A container for a magnet, in the form of a box, has an outer clear plastic shell and an inner box preferably of opaque molded material, sized to fit closely within the clear outer shell. A magnet fits closely within the inner box. Between the outer and inner boxes, at an outer face of the composite container, a sheet of decorative or graphic material can be retained, sandwiched between walls of the outer and inner boxes. The inner and outer box elements preferably are retained together by snap-in structure, which in one preferred embodiment comprises nipples molded on the inside surface of side walls of the outer box, to be engaged in dimples or recesses at corresponding positions on the outer surface of the inner box's side walls. Both the inner and outer box elements are open at one side, and the magnet can be retained in the inner box by adhesives, fasteners or other appropriate connection devices.

Abstract: A plastic modular conveyor belt of the type which is capable of traversing lateral curves, with module rows collapsing together at inner sides of curves, has a solid deck over a central portion, but leaving terminal ends of interdigited projections not covered by the deck structure. The solid decks on each module are above the level of the interdigited projections, such that upon traversing curves the projections toward the inside of the curve can slide under the deck of the adjacent module, and the dimensions of the solid decks allow the inner edges of the module rows to collapse substantially fully without limitation by the edges of the decks, which do not lap over one another. The gap between module rows in straight belt travel is mostly closed by the interdigited terminal portions of the projections. In some embodiments the edges of the decks include interdigiting finger structure to provide a more continuous load-supporting surface.

Abstract: Crampon and snowshoe combinations are disclosed, wherein the crampon or terrain-engaging cleat can be a traditional ice crampon used on a rigid and essentially unbending boot, or a soft boot cleat which engages only the front portion of the boot, forward of the heel, permitting boot flexing. The snowshoe has in a toe or ball area a registry plate configured to engage with the crampon, preferably between depending teeth or other structure of the crampon, and preferably with a self-centering feature as the crampon is lowered down onto the registry plate. Once the cleat or crampon is fully engaged down against the plate, it is substantially locked in position against relative shifting or rotation, and lifting of the boot off the back of the crampon is restricted by clips or straps, preferably flexible straps extending up from the registry plate and securable to brackets or hooks on the crampon device. Specific configurations of cleats or crampons are also disclosed, for use with or without snowshoes.

Abstract: Simvastatin, a known anti-cholesterol drug, is used in effective doses over a period of time to reduce and sometimes cure cases of advanced malignant solid tumor. Examples of treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and diffused metastatic colon carcinoma are described.

Abstract: A lock cylinder of standard size and configuration, interchangeable with conventional mechanical cylinders, includes electronic access control features as additional security or in some embodiments as the sole security feature. A microcontroller, memory, solenoid, battery, one wire bus connection and other electric and electronic elements are self contained within the cylinder, being positioned in the cylinder shell or the cylinder plug. The microprocessor can be programmed as to authorized users, entry times, etc. using a special programming key, which itself is programmed with a computer. User keys have a memory cell or ID chip which is read by the cylinder's microcontroller on insertion of the key; however, a system of locks can include locks which are mechanical/electronic, solely electronic and solely mechanical, and keys can also be electronic, mechanical or both.

Abstract: A kennel stroller affords safe, convenient and comfortable transport of small pets. The stroller is designed to receive both in-cabin kennels or ordinary baggage check-in kennels which are placed in areas specified for live animals on airlines. A foldable stroller of the type used for baby strollers is slightly modified to provide an internal open volume sufficient to receive the portable kennel. Retained to the stroller frame by a strap or other fastener, the kennel can be used as an open pet bed, without cover, or as a covered, complete kennel.

Abstract: A moveable gate for infants or dogs is used in doorways, hallways, stair landings and other household positions to provide a safe barrier for the child or dog. The gate, formed of a flexible material which pulls out of a housing in the manner of a window shade, has a jamb mounting at the housing end and a latch at the extended end of the curtain-like barrier. Both are releasable from a fixture which attaches to the door jamb, wall or stair rail post, so that the infant gate can be quickly released and moved to another location in the house where additional such jamb mountings are attached or to another house which has similar door jamb pieces installed. Important features are the manner in which the gate latches, a mechanism for tightening the curtain-like barrier into a nearly solid gate after it has been latched, and childproof devices for releasing tension in the gate when it is to be retracted.

Abstract: Rod retention systems are disclosed for modular plastic conveyor belts. In one embodiment the connecting rods, which pass through interdigited link ends of successive modules, each include a circumferential groove at one location, receiving a retaining clip at a position between adjacent interdigited link ends, snapped into position in the groove. The retaining clip provides easy assembly using existing tools, and a rod can easily be removed from the belt by applying sharp force on the end of the rod. In a second embodiment a rod retention system has blocking members at both ends of each module row, forming edges of the belt. A space about two or three link ends wide extends laterally from the blocking member to the first rod-encircling link end in board of the blocking member; within the space the module is devoid of link end structure which would confine the rod from the bottom of the belt.

Abstract: An optical device for aiming at a target wherein an optical element of the optical device has a surface that reflects a source of light to create a sighting image for alignment with the target. The optical element has aspherical surface to minimize aberrations of the target.

Abstract: A system which is preferably employed in a laser alignment instrument produces up to five orthogonal beams from a single laser diode beam. In one embodiment the optics take advantage of the elliptical shape of the beam from a laser diode which when collimated produces a plurality of orthogonal beams by reflection off a plurality of 45°-angled reflective surfaces intercepting outer portions of the beam. In one preferred embodiment a solid reflective element was four 45°-angled facets to produce four beams from outer portions of a preferably non-elliptical beam, and a fifth orthogonal beam is produced by transmission of a central portion of the beam through the element. The element can be solid glass, or it can be glass or other material with a central hole.

Abstract: A vascular X-ray probe is formed of an optical fiber cable with a high voltage conductor embedded in the optical fiber and an external ground coating, feeding power to a small X-ray tube at the end of the cable. The optical fiber provides a conduit for optical radiation, preferably a laser beam, fed to a thermionic cathode mounted at the end of the light path, so that the laser beam heats the cathode causing it to emit electrons. An anode/X-ray target is opposite the cathode within the evacuated X-ray tube, and the ground lead is fed to the anode via an external ground coating over the tube. The X-ray tube is in preferred embodiments is less than 3 mm in diameter, and more preferably about 1.5 mm. In one embodiment the tube is formed directly in the end of the optical fiber cable, with the anode mounted on an exit window.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing beansprouts, comprising a plurality of containers (1, 2) for growing the sprouts therein mounted vertically one above the other extended above one end of a water tank (4) whereby the containers comprise movable plates (9, 10) to stabilize the seed bed, and movable bases (5, 6, 7, 8) at the bottom of each container, enabling its movable base to move from a position of closing the bottom to a position of opening the bottom, thereby allowing sprouts grown within the container to fall into the tank: where the tank having a means to convey the sprouts received from the containers end of the tank to the other end of the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for aiding the layout and editing of items of sheet material, comprising a portable case (12) composed of a plurality of panel units (14,15,16) hingedly coupled to one another such as to form, when folded together, a closed container. The closed case (12) contains a plurality of tabular elements (24,25,26), at least one of which is co-operable with a panel unit (14,15) such as to be erectable into an easel-like state when the case (12) is open with a panel unit (14,15) providing support for the tabular element (24,25) in an inclined position. This or another one of the tabular elements (25) may be provided with a repeatably adherent adhesive substance (54) of low adhesion to permit peeling off therefrom of items of sheet material temporarily mounted thereon. Another one of the tabular elements (26) supports, when the case is open, a cutting device (62) for trimming the items of sheet material to desired sizes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a functional brassiere that provides an adjustable engaging strap on the upper periphery of a human body engineered silicone rubber padding. The strap suspends the silicone rubber padding directly by engaging the adjustable engaging strap onto a shoulder strap so that the weight of the lower portion can be shared as well as assuring that the padding will not dislocate and fall due to swaying. The functional brassiere includes a silicone rubber body, a PU film, a seaming cloth, and an adjustable engaging strap, the silicone rubber body being a flexible and elastic body designed according to human body engineering to be a falsie of a “thinner upper portion and thicker lower portion” share suitable for a woman who has had a mammectomy to wear comfortably and fittably so that it will not dislocate and fall due to swaying and can restore the original plump breast and natural arc shape.

Abstract: A floating decanter for removing supernatant from sequential batch reactors, clarifiers, or other similar devices. Sealed tanks support a central sump which has two peripheral openings which allow liquid to enter the sump and a cover to prevent splash over. A drain opening in the bottom of the sump allows liquid to drain out of the sump. Each of the peripheral openings has a hinged floating weir. Skirts around the drain opening in the bottom define the height of liquid in the sump upon which the floating weir rides. A barrier generally in front of and above the floating weir, prevents the surface of the liquid from entering the sump of the decanter. A horizontal plate positioned at the bottom of the sump provides a spoiler which discourages liquid from below the level of the sump from entering the sump. A plate, hinged where it joins the barrier above the weir, extends down to the lower lip of the sump.

Abstract: A clarifier in a sewage treatment process includes efficient scum removal within the influent well, with discharge of the scum and other floatables as a dedicated waste stream separate from return activated sludge and biological scum collected in the clarifier. Foam contained within the influent well may be treated with bacteria-killing agents or with anti-foaming agents. In one embodiment the scum removal system has an inclined scum ramp at the leading edge of each of two scum removal troughs, with a forward edge below the liquid surface. The scum troughs pass through an arc of rotation, building up scum, which accumulates and is pushed forward by the scum ramp. At least once per revolution, the moving scum ramp approaches a stationary scum surface blade that extends partially under the liquid surface and provides a barrier to the forwardly pushed scum. This blade contacts and slides up the ramp, sweeping the is scum up the ramp and into the scum trough.

Abstract: A sponge storage and disinfecting device encloses a kitchen or bathroom sponge when not in use. The device has a housing with a hinged lid to cover the sponge container tray, and with a liquid reservoir behind the tray for dispensing a cleaning and disinfecting solution into the sponge when the sponge is pushed down in the tray. In a preferred embodiment the sponge rests on a platform supported resiliently in the tray, and pushing down of the sponge and tray opens a valve door to admit disinfecting liquid from the storage reservoir into the tray.

Abstract: Dual layered hand grip coverings made of synthetic rubber by ejection molding and a link universally applicable to all hand tools are disclosed. The inner coverings are made of a hard material, while the outer coverings are made of a soft materials. The inner coverings are clad in the outer coverings directly at the time ejection molding process is carried out. A link is provided for the hand tool with its one end hinged to the inner covering of one hand grip, and the other end hinged to the inner covering of the opposite hand grip so that the hand tool may be conveniently put aside when not in use. Moreover, the two coverings are formed of differently colored materials so that purposely exposed portions of the inner coverings exhibit a strong color contrast with the outer coverings and a distinct identification marking.

Abstract: Crampon and snowshoe combinations are disclosed, wherein the crampon or terrain-engaging cleat can be a traditional ice crampon used on a rigid and essentially unbending boot, or a soft boot cleat which engages only the front portion of the boot, forward of the heel, permitting boot flexing. The snowshoe has in a toe or ball area a registry plate configured to engage with the crampon, preferably between depending teeth or other structure of the crampon, and preferably with a self-centering feature as the crampon is lowered down onto the registry plate. Once the cleat or crampon is fully engaged down against the plate, it is substantially locked in position against relative shifting or rotation, and lifting of the boot off the back of the crampon is restricted by clips or straps, preferably flexible straps extending up from the registry plate and securable to brackets or hooks on the crampon device. Specific configurations of cleats or crampons are also disclosed, for use with or without snowshoes.