Abstract: An improvement in methods and compositions for molding plastics in which the waxy release agent is treated with an indicator dye invisible under normal light but visible under UV illumination, so that completeness and adequacy of the initial application and remanence of the waxy release agent during repeated cycles can be monitored readily without adversely affecting part quality.

Abstract: This invention involves a bed covering incorporating a pouch for a child in which the pouch is part of a fun scene on the bed cover and the child becomes part of the scene while taking a nap. The pouch is of sufficient size to allow free movement of the child and large enough to prevent a child from being trapped in the event that the child becomes twisted around in the pouch. The pouch in this invention is relatively large and is part of the design of the bed cover. The pouch of this invention exhibits localized expansion of the pattern which causes the distortion of the design to be minimized whether or not the pouch is occupied. A unique process to produce localized expansion has been developed and used in this invention.

Abstract: A torsionally stiff flexure support for the slip plate in a vibration apparatus is provided permitting predetermined linear motion along the axis of vibration by longitudinal bending of the flexure, but by virtue of its torsional stiffness blocking pivoting movement about the center axis of the slip plate.

Abstract: Method is provided for improving performance alloy structures improved in corrosion and erosion and wear resistance characteristics by the incorporation of an interdispersed phase and a ternary or quaternhary alloy of platinum, rhodium or palladium, the alloy base metal and an alloying element such as aluminum in the structure surface with the use of relatively less of the precious metals for a given depth of case by virtue of the conjoint incorporation of the interdispersed phase.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is for use with a subject and a camera, including a lens and a shutter, for positive vignetting comprising a means adjacent the camera lens for at least partially obstructing subject light received by the camera lens in regions of the camera lens to be positive vignetted, a means for providing auxiliary light to the region adjacent the camera lens, and a means for directing a pattern of the auxiliary light to the camera lens in the regions of the camera lens to be positive vignetted. The method of the present invention is for use with a subject and a camera including a lens for providing positive vignetting comprising the steps of partially obstructing subject light from the camera lens in a region of the camera lens to be positive vignetted, and, introducing auxiliary light to the region to be positive vignetted.

Abstract: Cultured onyx, cultured marble, and like mineral-appearing products are provided, as well as intermediates and components and methods therefor through the combination of a locally discontinuous phase comprising a synthetic organic resin portion hardened to a predetermined hardness and a visually distinguishable continuous phase comprising a synthetic organic resin portion separately hardened to the predetermined hardness with the discontinuous phase intimately distributed therein, to form shaped structures having surfaces simulative of onyx, marble, or like naturally occurring mineral in appearance, which surfaces are uniformly polishable in phase undifferentiated relation.

Abstract: Vehicle fuel conditioning apparatus is provided for improved combustion of hydrocarbon fuel tending to acquire an electrostatic charge during vehicle tank storage which charge inhibits full atomization of the fuel when mixed with air for combustion, the apparatus comprising magnetic flux means, such as magnet means on the fuel supply line of the vehicle between the fuel storage tank and an air and fuel mixer and atomizer: a plurality of axially extended and preferably annular magnet means; and a bracket maintaining said magnet means paraxial and preferably coaxial with said fuel line, the magnet means defining an axially extended flux condition in hydrocarbon fuel within the fuel line, the flux condition being adapted to strip electrostatic charge from fuel passing therethrough in subsequent fuel atomization facilitating relation, whereby fuel combustion is improved.

Abstract: Rapidly water-disintegrable tablet is provided comprising an active ingredient such as a foodstuff or medicament, and distributed therewithin a small but effective amount of a tablet disintegrable system comprising an unreacted, intimate mixture of alginic acid and a water soluble metal carbonate in proportions reactive to form metal alginic acid salt and carbonic acid when the tablet is placed in water, the bulk of the salt acting to swell the tablet and the carbonic acid acting to simultaneously release carbon dioxide within the swelling tablet whereby rapid disintegration of the tablet is effected.

Abstract: Apparatus for the rapid twist-tying of a wire ceiling hanger onto a ceiling joist, comprising easily bendable wire of U-shape with a relatively longer leg and a relatively shorter leg having their respective axes in a common plane and radially spaced for straddling the joist, the apparatus comprising an axially rotatable handle slidably engaging the joist-straddling wire hanger by the longer of its legs and radially inward of the hanger shorter leg, and pivotally mounted on the handle a fork adapted to capture the shorter hanger leg for helical movement around and toward the hanger longer leg responsive to simultaneous rotation and axial displacement of the handle relative to the joist, whereby the captured shorter leg is wrapped around the hanger longer leg freely of the handle.

Abstract: A track lighting system comprising an elongated track member including an upstanding web adapted to act as a support point for the system and to provide stiffness thereto. The track member defines a longitudinally extending recess having a throat portion communicating with the side opposite the web and generally exposed to the room in which the track member is to be installed. The system also includes a pair of insulated conductors each extending parallel to each other within the recess and on opposite sides of the throat and a lighting fixture adapted to be mechanically interlocked with the track member for physical support.

Abstract: Method for in situ release into a matrix of modifying reagent by exposure of selectively responsive means to electromagnetic radiation using a composition comprising a modifiable matrix and means selectively releasing aliquot portions of modifier distributively through the matrix, the means comprising microcapsules containing a matrix-modifying effective amount of the modifier portions out of matrix contact and releasably in electromagnetic radiation-responsive relation, whereby the matrix is modified by contact with the modifier upon composition exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved percussion musical bars for xylophones, marimbas, bar bells, orchestra bells, vibraphones etc. Traditionally, music played on a marimba, for example, is of one type in the lower octaves denoted by a longer sustained sound, and of a different type in the upper octaves, where a smooth sustained sound is difficult or nearly impossible to maintain due to the rapid decay of the sound emanated from the bars in that range. In this invention, vibraile musical bars made of dissimilar materials, such as wood and metal, wood and rubber, metal and plastic, metal and rubber etc., in the form either a composite or laminations to control the decay period of sounds originating from various bars and to obtain a nearly uniform decay period for all tonal elements in a multi-octave instrument. The proportionate thickness of each dissimilar material in the improved musical bars depends on the shape and cross-section of the bar, the tone-element of concern and the desired decay period.

Abstract: A solar energy concentrator/collector assembly employing an altitude-azimuth dual axis scanning mounting assembly including a base with a circular track for mounting the assembly for rotation about a vertical axis. The assembly includes a turret defining second pivotable axis normal to the vertical axis and intersecting the same. A boom, a concentrator and a collector act as a single rotational assembly during solar collection and fold together during non-operating periods to minimize the profile and wind loading. In one preferred embodiment the solar energy collector is fixed and located at the intersection of the two axes and a boom carries a secondary mirror reflecting solar energy from said primary mirror to the solar energy collector which may be a Stirling cycle engine or other heat engine. In an alternate embodiment the solar energy collector is located on the boom at the focus region of the solar concentrator.

Abstract: Erosion and abrasion resistant refractory metal carbide articles are provided having multiphase alloy of borides including titanium boride, binder metal boride, and titanium-binder metal-refractory metal borides by diffusion of titanium initially to convert the refractory metal carbide to its constituents which are then reacted with boron, forming a new added surface in replacement of the original article surface, and bridging the original surface locus.

Abstract: Machine dumpable, self-closing trash receptacle comprising an axially elongated, upwardly open, trash receiving body having an outwardly projecting flange at its upper rim, and a body cover, the body and cover being connected in hinged relation by cooperating body and cover portions defining a series of tabs and a mating series of slots, and fastening means connecting the tabs and slots for maintaining mating interfittment of the tabs and slots in normal covered, and inverted dumping condition of the receptacle.

Abstract: Hand held, remote driving tool for driving a rotatable working head such as a lag bolt and hanger wire insertion head, at a distance otherwise beyond the reach of the tool operator, the tool comprising a rigid axially elongated tubular driver member adapted for coupling to a power drill, and a rigid, axially elongated tubular driven member adapted to carry a rotatable working head at its remote end for driving by the drill, the driven member at its near end being interfittable with the driver member at a predetermined locus of coextension; cooperating axial sections on the driver and driven members at the predetermined locus, the cooperating sections being relatively configured to bind the members selectively within the locus in a predetermined axially aligned and interfitted condition of the members and in a manner normally tending to binding release pivoting of the members relative to each other in response to side loading forces on one or both of said members in the use of the tool, and skirt means attache

Abstract: Apparatus allowing a performer on stage using a microphone to communicate privately backstage during a performance with minimum or unobservable interruption to the audience. A miniature switch on an attachment to the microphone handle when actuated via the communications channel operates a relay or switching device to transfer communications from the performer's microphone to a backstage intercommunication system while temporarily disconnecting the microphone from the public address system. The attachment constituting a minor extension to the microphone handle enabling a self contained battery and resistance network to provide operating current to a switching relay. One or more visual indicators signal operation of the apparatus to backstage personnel alerting them to a forthcoming performer message.