Abstract: An adjustable stepping structure for aerobic exercises comprising a platform upon which the participant places his or her feet, the platform being elevated above a support surface by means of one or more support elements which are capable of being detachably stacked upon each other until the platform is maintained at a selected distance above the support surface, depending upon the skill and physical characteristics of the participant.

Abstract: A rotating stacked tray apparatus is disclosed which comprises a base, a lower tray which rotates on the base which accepts a shaft coaxially mounted on the lower tray, which such shaft is used to support one or more upper trays or shelves. The upper trays have central openings which fit around the central shaft. The upper shelves are supported by horizontal support slits in the central shaft and matching extending portion of each shelf. The apparatus in its preferred embodiment, is designed to be packaged unassembled in a flat package and to be assembled without tools.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for high temperature heating, melting, refining and superheating of materials, such a steel scrap, metals, ceramics or glass. The invention provides an economizing method of hydrocarbon fluid fuel combustion in an ongoing flame in a liquid cooled combustion chamber by separately supplying streams of fuel and at least two oxidizing gases wherein a first oxidizing gas reacts with the fuel, and a second oxidizing gas is directed about the flame core to further react with the fuel, while controlling the flow of the fuel, the oxidizing gases and cooling liquid to provide the required heat input, combustion product chemistry, temperature, velocity, emissivity and combustion block temperature. Also disclosed are burners for carrying out the invention.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for high temperature heating, melting, refining and superheating of materials, such as steel scrap, metals, ceramics or glass. The invention provides an economizing method of hydrocarbon fluid fuel combustion in an ongoing flame in a liquid cooled combustion chamber by separately supplying streams of fuel and at least two oxidizing gases wherein a first oxidizing gas reacts with the fuel, and a second oxidizing gas is directed about the flame core to further react with the fuel, while controlling the flow of the fuel, the oxidizing gases and cooling liquid to provide the required heat input, combustion product chemistry, temperature, velocity, emissivity and combustion block temperature. Also disclosed are burners for carrying out the invention.

Abstract: An improved plastic container assembly is disclosed, for use such as a paint can, which comprises a bottom container portion, a ring portion which fits within the upper rim of the bottom container portion, and a lid which seals within said ring portion to close the container. The ring portion of the invention interlocks within the inner circumference of the bottom container portion to form a tight fit and a good seal to retain the contents of the container.

Abstract: An anhydrous composition comprising an anhydrous emollient and an effective amount of a water-soluble guanidine salt together with an effective amount of a water-soluble inorganic oxide. Upon the mixing of an effective amount of water with the composition, guanadine hydroxide is formed which is used to treat the hair.

Abstract: A convenient, spill-resistant and highly versatile pouring system for containerized liquids is disclosed. A primary funnel includes a container seating well having a built-in container piercing element. The primary funnel is inverted and placed over a liquid container or vice versa to carry out the piercing operation, following which the primary funnel and pierced container are in an upright position so that the reduced diameter pouring spout of the primary funnel can enter an aperture of a receiver of the liquid. Easily attachable secondary and tertiary pouring spout extensions allow pouring from the primary funnel into receivers having restricted openings and into receivers at relatively inaccessible locations. A convenient closure plug adapted to fit all pouring spouts of the system is provided. The secondary pouring spout can also be conveniently coupled with a standard size outlet of a bulk liquid storage container.

Abstract: An economical full capacity integrated heat pump water system which utilizes the basic components of conventional heat pump systems and a hot water heat exchanger incorporated in the system. The invention may be operated in three refrigerant flow configurations, with five associated operational modes. In one configuration, the refrigerant flow is from the compressor, through the hot water heat exchanger, through the outdoor heat exchanger, through an expansion device, through the indoor heat exchanger and back to the compressor. In a second configuration, the refrigerant flow is from the compressor, through the hot water heat exchanger, through the indoor heat exchanger, through an expansion device, through the outdoor heat exchanger, and back to the compressor.

Abstract: A disposable, spermicide-releasing intravaginal contraceptive barrier formed from a homogeneous blend mixture of a thermoplastic polymer, a water-soluble polymer and a spermicide which is released at a controlled rate sufficient to provide contraceptive action for a period of up to 48 hours and methods of making the same.

Abstract: The stability of bicarbonate dialysate is maintained over a prolonged period by maintaining a blanket of CO.sub.2 at atmospheric pressure over the solution in an air-tight storage tank having a non-leaching interior. The CO.sub.2 blanket is kept at atmospheric pressure in the storage tank by use of a negative pressure regulator connected to the CO.sub.2 gas cylinder. HCO.sub.3 in the stored dialysate remained stable for as long as thirty days.

Abstract: A threaded elongated flexible pouring spout is detachably connectable with the threaded outlets of variously sized liquid containers by means of a multi-threaded adapter having threaded sleeve portions of different diameters, one of which at each end of the adapter is engageable with the threads of the flexible spout. A threaded extension cap for the flexible spout enables the servicing of small openings requiring liquids. The extension cap can also be threadedly engaged with the outlets of certain containers.

Abstract: The use of phenothiazine 5-oxide drugs as vaginal contraceptives is disclosed. The invention may be implemented by incorporating an effective amount of a phenothiazine 5-oxide drug in a known method such as jelly, foam, or suppository introduction means for use prior to intercourse.

Abstract: A structural system including a panel having a pair of parallel planar outer walls, reinforcing ribs joining the outer walls with reinforced shoulders at the intersection of the ribs with the walls, and a panel connecting member for joining the panel to an adjacent panel by slidably engaging an interlocking panel joining member. The panel connecting member includes a head portion and a neck portion which form a pair of opposed keyways and permits interlocking with the interlocking lips of variously configured panel joining members. A variety of interlocking panel joining members allow assembly of the structural panels in end-to-end configurations, T-intersections, cross-intersections and other configurations to form structural systems. Also disclosed are interlocking end trim members, bolted interlock members and edge insert members which may be used to assemble a complete structure.

Abstract: Birds transported by an overhead poultry shackle line suspended by their hocks are led into engagement with bird orientation devices moving with a horizontal endless conveyor element below and parallel to the path of movement of the overhead shackle line. The orientation devices, which are under influence of an endless camming mechanism, engage the birds through openings between their legs and pull the birds to positions of stability under tension as the birds are transported through a relatively stationary severing blade along their path of movement to achieve clean halving of each bird in succession across the backbone between the breast and hind quarters. The machine is adjustable to process birds of varying sizes.

Abstract: A method of improving the separatory properties of membranes by the deposition of a fluorinated amphiphilic compound in an oriented Langmuir-Blodgett layer on the membrane surface so as to increase membrane selectivity and counteract membrane surface properties leading to fouling during liquid-liquid separations and enhance gas selectivities of membranes used for gas-gas separations. The use of a fluorinated long-chain pyridinium bromide is specifically disclosed.

Abstract: A method of decreasing the permeability of dental cavity preparations comprising the steps of first applying from 1 to 30% w/v neutral oxalate salt solution, such as dipotassium oxalate to the smear layer and then applying 0.5 to 3% w/v of an acidic oxalate salt solution, such as a monopotassium monohydrogen oxalate, to the layer. The resultant layer of microscopic calcium oxalate crystals makes the dentin surface more resistant to acid attack.

Abstract: A method for determining the relationship of chemical structure to biological activity based on the topology and physiochemical properties of "cavities" or "artificial constructs" constructed from molecular models of nucleic acids, including, double-stranded DNA, double-stranded RNA and double-stranded DNA-RNA complexes. With DNA models, the second codon base is removed from each of the sixty-four possible codon-anticodon complexes in the configuration of DNA to form the cavities. Cavities were also formed between the base pairs of partially uncoiled DNA. Using the conventional physiochemical principles of hydrogen bonding and steric constraints, molecules having varying types of biological activity will fit stereochemically into certain cavities while, conversely, molecules which do not form complementary fits into a given cavity will not possess the respective biological activity. Also, the method can be utilized to determine the degree of biological activity of compounds.

Abstract: A mixed gamma emitting gas standard in the form of a multiple isotope standard in a glass sphere which can be used to calibrate a gamma spectrometer system for gas counting in a wide energy range and without the need for any additional standards. Total and partial transfers of gas standard material to counting containers without leakage is enabled. The mixed gas standard is contained in a spherical vial equipped with ground glass stopcocks and a septum port in one tubular arm separated from the spherical vial by one stopcock. A gas transfer syringe, venting needle, assorted septa, and a length of hose are included with the spherical vial assembly to enable accurate volumetric transfers to several different gas counting geometries.