Abstract: A macroporous polymeric adsorbent is used to remove oil mist and oil vapors from compressed air produced by an oil-lubricated air compressor prior to feeding the compressed air to an air separation membrane system. The macroporous polymeric adsorbent, previously known only for its ability to extract low molecular weight volatile organic compounds from liquids and gases, retains its ability to extract the oil for extended periods of time and outperforms the commonly used activated carbon of the prior art.

Abstract: A device including an annular rotary tray (1) surrounding a central space (4) housing a waste infeed and discharge assembly (14). An adjustable flap (10) selectively urges the waste on the rotary tray (1) towards the edge or the center thereof. A loading belt (6) delivers the waste onto the rotary tray (1). As the rotary tray (1) rotates in one direction, the adjustable flap (10) gradually urges the waste towards personnel located at the periphery of the tray or towards a discharge chute. When the rotary tray (1) is rotated in the opposite direction, said adjustable flap (10) returns uncollected waste to the central space (4) for discharge.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting a container (1) consisting of a sealed flexible bag (3) to an external duct (2) that includes a tube (4) with a connecting opening (5). A rigid tubular coupling (6) is loosely arranged within the flexible container (1) and comprises a frusto-conical projection (7) sized in such a way that it may be force-fitted into the opening (5). A user grasps the coupling (6) and places it against the inner surface of the bag (3) while placing the opening (5) of the external duct (2) against the outer surface of the bag (3), then axially presses on the coupling (6) so that it perforates the bag (3) and sealingly engages the opening (5). The fluid in the container (1) can then flow through the coupling (6) into the external duct (2).

Abstract: A pool cleaner floats on the surface of a pool. The cleaner includes a pump and filter, the filter being connected downstream of the pump. A vacuum head, connected by a hose to the pump, is moved around the pool, to direct water from the pool through the pump and filter. Due to the absence of any filter on the upstream side of the pump, the cleaner maintains its efficiency for a longer time than comparable cleaners of the prior art. The cleaner may also include a rotary strainer, placed upstream of the pump, for removing large pieces of debris. The strainer includes a slidable, transparent access cover which allows visual monitoring of the condition of the strainer, and permits easy access to the interior of the strainer, for removal of debris. In another embodiment, the cleaner includes a filter unit having a continuous sheet of filter material which advances automatically when the filter material previously exposed to the water has become clogged.

Abstract: This invention is an information storage system which provides a self-contained environment for database management. Data are stored in the system not as conventional entries in memory locations, but instead as a group of connections between database sets. Procedures are also encoded as database set connections, and not in conventional form. Data and procedure cannot exist independently, in the present invention; instead, they are grouped together, into constructs called Contexts. Because the connections themselves are the data, the system is substantially independent of the particular hardware on which the system is implemented. The environment includes an editor which uses an icon-based syntax to create and manipulate data and procedure structures according to the invention. The present invention greatly reduces the time required to develop and maintain a database management system or other computer program. The system is not limited by the size of data variables.

Abstract: A hand-held diagnostic unit simplifies the process of monitoring the teeth for the presence of plaque, or other foreign matter, in the oral cavity. The unit includes a source of filtered light and a mirror, both contained within the same housing. The mirror is inclined relative to the front vertical wall of the housing, and a spring-loaded switch on the housing activates the light. The user coats the teeth with a substance which fluoresces when illuminated with light of the proper frequency, and which therefore enhances the visibility of plaque. The user holds the diagnostic unit opposite the teeth, activates the light, and points the unit so as to direct light towards the area of interest, while monitoring the teeth by looking at the mirror of the diagnostic unit. The inclination of the mirror makes it easy to view most areas of the mouth and to determine whether plaque is present. The diagnostic unit can therefore be operated with one hand, and can be easily transported from one location to another.

Abstract: A pool cleaner floats on the surface of a pool. The cleaner includes a pump and filter, the filter being connected downstream of the pump. A vacuum head, connected by a hose to the pump, is moved around the pool, to direct water from the pool through the pump and filter. Due to the absence of any filter on the upstream side of the pump, the cleaner maintains its efficiency for a longer time than comparable cleaners of the prior art. The cleaner may also include a rotary strainer, placed upstream of the pump, for removing large pieces of debris. The strainer includes a slidable, transparent access cover which allows visual monitoring of the condition of the strainer, and permits easy access to the interior of the strainer, for removal of debris. In another embodiment, the cleaner includes a filter unit having a continuous sheet of filter material which advances automatically when the filter material previously exposed to the water has become clogged.

Abstract: A growth medium consisting of a bag (1) containing a growth substrate (10). The bag (1) includes a bottom wall (11) made of an air and water-permeable material for retaining the growth substrate (10) during handling and transport. The upper wall (12) is secured to the bottom wall (11) around the edge (2) of the bag and consists of at least two superimposed sheets including a first sheet (13) made of a coarse mesh material enabling a decorative layer arranged on the medium at a later stage to be firmly attached thereto, and a second sheet (14) made of a material that is rapidly biodegradable on exposure to water and can temporarily retain the growth substrate (10) during handling and transport. A prefabricated modular medium with good decorative sheet retaining properties may thus be achieved.

Abstract: A conical tension membrane structure capable of resisting high winds in which the fabric is tensioned both radially and tangentially by radial support arms operable to provide tension peripherally by radial support arms, operable to provide tension peripherally of the fabric and being foldable to a closed position, with cover supported by radial cables, and arms held down by hold-down cables.

Abstract: A shaking water bath suitable for laboratory use comprises a wheeled trolley 12 driven with a reciprocating movement along a linear path between guides 30, 30 by a drive mechanism which includes an eccentric rotary drive member 34 and connecting arm 36. The apparatus is contained in a water tank 16 and the trolley 12 supports a removable tray 14 for carrying receptacles containing the material to be agitated. In one position of the tray 14 complementary abutment elements 50, 52 located respectively on the tray and on the trolley interengage to prevent lateral displacement of the tray. Upon turning the tray 14 through 180.degree. and refitting on the trolley these abutment elements 50, 52 no longer interengage to prevent lateral movement, but a drive pin 56 on the tray then engages with a drive socket 58 in the drive mechanism to cause the tray 14 to be driven with an additional component of motion at right angles to the longitudinal direction of reciprocating movement of the trolley 12.

Abstract: An artificial nail tip facilitates the creation of "French" nails. The nail tip includes a dam which divides the surface of the nail into two regions. By applying acrylic materials of different colors to the two regions, filling the regions up against the dam, one creates a nail having more than one color, and having a well-defined boundary between regions of different color. In another embodiment, the dam is affixed directly to the fingernail, and some of the acrylic material is applied to a temporary form that is attached to the fingernail. As in the first embodiment, two differently-colored acrylic materials are applied to different regions, up to the dam, to create a "French" nail. The present invention makes it possible to create "French" nails without the need for extensive training or talent, since the dam provides a guide for the application of the differently-colored acrylics.

Abstract: A nail clipper includes a gauge which determines the length of the nail being cut. The gauge is held by friction against one of the jaws of the clipper, and can slide back and forth to a desired position. The gauge includes a flange against which the fingertip is brought into abutment. In another embodiment, the flange includes a recess which mates with a fingertip. The latter embodiment prevents accidental cutting of the fingertip, and is especially suitable for use in cutting children's fingernails. In still another embodiment, the nail clipper resembles a guillotine, and a U-shaped gauge member slides back and forth in a holding device to determine the length of the nail to be cut. A finger holder connected to the gauge member provides secure contact between the fingertip and the gauge member. The invention substantially improves the efficiency with which artificial nails can be cut precisely to a desired length.

Abstract: A large collection of data is represented as a hierarchy of two-dimensional maps displayed on a computer monitor. The collection of data is used to generate an incidence matrix, representing interrelationships among elements of the data. The incidence matrix is then used to construct a hierarchy of planar graphs. Each graph is converted into a two-dimensional map which shows conventional geographical features, these geographical features being used to represent symbolically various aspects of the data. The user of the system sees a large-scale map, preferably having the form of a globe, which represents the entire data collection. By expanding more detailed portions of the large-scale map, the user gains access to a plurality of lower-level maps which represent more detailed information about the collection of data.

Abstract: A debarking knife includes a plate having at least one sharp debarking edge delimited by a leading face and a trailing face. The leading face is reinforced by an anti-abrasion hard surface coating having better anti-abrasion qualities than the substrate forming the plate. The anti-abrasion hard surface coating is preferably a mixture of grains of fused tungsten carbide bound by an Ni/Cr/B/Si alloy, the whole being brazed to the substrate using a laser beam.

Abstract: An adjustable chair facilitates the transfer of a patient from or to a hospital bed. The chair includes at least two segments which are movable relative to each other. The segments include rollers which are normally hidden from view, but which can be exposed when needed. To transfer the patient, the segments are moved so as to define a substantially flat surface. The chair is moved adjacent to the bed, and its height is adjusted so that the flat surface becomes level with the bed. A board is inserted between the patient and the bed. One then slides the board, with the patient on it, onto the flat surface. The board engages the rollers while sliding, thus making it possible for the transfer to be performed by only one person. When the board, with the patient, is located on the flat surface, the board can be removed, leaving the patient on the chair. The segments of the chair can then be arranged to form a normal chair configuration.

Abstract: Picture hangers having prongs become automatically inserted into a picture backing material. An insertion apparatus feeds a strip of preformed blanks to an anvil which severs the blanks and presses them into the backing material. At the same time that the apparatus severs the first blank of the strip, a prong forming tool, attached to the anvil, bends the prongs of the next blank. A feed rod advances the strip of blanks through the apparatus, one blank at a time. A pair of paws, attached to the anvil, carry the severed hanger to the picture backing, and releases the hanger as the hanger becomes inserted into the backing. The apparatus includes a resilient structure which enables the device to operate efficiently with picture backings having varying thicknesses. One can also use the invention to insert hangers into picture frames, mirrors, plaques, signs, or the like.

Abstract: An automatic device prepares blood films or smears on microscope slides. The device has essentially one moving part, namely a carriage which holds the slide, and which is movable back and forth along a frame. The slide is dispensed from a magazine, onto the carriage, and the carriage moves to a position where a drop of blood is conveniently placed onto the slide. The carriage then moves to a position permitting contact between the blood and a spreading blade mounted on a flexible member. The carriage is moved in a forward direction, causing the blade to move relative to the slide, creating the blood smear. The slide is then lifted from the carriage and moved onto a storage platform. Meanwhile, the blade is cleaned as it passes over a cleaning pad on the carriage. Movement of the carriage in both directions insures that both sides and the end of the blade are cleaned.

Abstract: An abseil device including an integral main body (1) with two generally parallel main flanges (3, 4) joined together via a longitudinal connecting flange (6) and provided with two apertures (13, 14) engaged by a hook ring (2). The apertures (13, 14) include slanted edges (12) along which the hook ring (2) is slidable for wedging an intermediate portion (17) of a rope (5) and thereby locking the abseil device thereon. The device can be released by pivoting the main body (1). A self-locking abseil device suitable for mountaineering, caving, rock climbing or work in places high above the ground is thus provided.

Abstract: A hairstyling device includes, according to the invention, two jaws hinged together by hinge means including a hinge pin and a coil spring wound in a spiral around the pin. The spring is contained in an opaque casing attached to the first jaw, and incorporating a slot through which the second end of the spring passes to bear against the second jaw. This facilitates assembly of the hairstyling device, and enhances its esthetic appearance.