Abstract: Low explosive compositions which are more energetic than black powder while at the same time having LOVA characteristics are provided. These compositions contain about 45% to about 66% by weight of a metallic nitrate, the balance being cellulose acetate.

Abstract: Vise jaw pads are disclosed which cushion the jaws of a vise and protect the surface of a workpiece gripped in the vise. Each of the pads is formed from a piece of flexible material such as flexible PVC, has an L-shaped cross section, and a length about equal to the width of the vise jaw. The pads each have magnets attached to the back, concave surface to secure the pads to the vise jaw. The front, convex surface of the pads is adapted to increase the gripping ability of the pads with respect to a workpiece held in the vise.

Abstract: An electroluminescent panel is provided for displaying a simulation of a speedometer for a vehicle. The simulation includes a rotating needle for indicating the speed of the vehicle and a drum type odometer for keeping track of the total mileage of travel of the vehicle. The electroluminescent panel has a microcomputer and a video ram associated therewith. On successive (Direct Memory Access) DMA periods of a millisecond operating cycle, the microcomputer is programmed to read columns of data out of the video ram to be displayed as corresponding columns of pixels on the electroluminescent panel. Between the successive Direct Memory Access periods of the millisecond operating cycle, the microcomputer is programmed to execute needle control and odometer control routines to update the data in the video ram in response to an input fed to the microcomputer indicative of the speed of the vehicle upon which the electroluminescent panel is mounted.

Abstract: Disclosed are derivatives of 3-aryl-5,6-dihydro-1,4,2-oxathiazines and their oxides for use as herbicides, fungicides, plant dessicants and defoliants in agricultural and biocidal applications. Also disclosed are methods of making these compounds.

Abstract: The invention addresses problems with liquid absorbent pads having at least about 50% of their absorption capacity represented by water absorbent (including water-swellable) material capable of absorbing at least about 5 times its own dry weight of aqueous liquid. By openings of specified area, present in undulating layer(s) of such absorbent material in specified numbers and total area per unit area of said layer(s), and/or through forming such openings as hinges and displaced flap members for locking the layers of a moving composite together for bending into said undulating configuration, and/or through use of sheath members of material which substantially retain their structural integrity in contact with aqueous liquids, and have open or openable portion(s), pads are formed with both high absorption rate and capacity and/or ready disposability and/or rapid production characteristics, ideally suited for urinary incontinence care and other uses.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus is provided capable of obtaining image area information from both photograhic films and printing plates. The apparatus includes a scanner assembly carrying two independent light sources for use in the respective plate and film scan operations. The scanner assembly is mounted for movement over a film/plate support surface and carries a columnar sensor array positioned to receive light transmitted through films being scanned. The same sensor array is utilized for receiving light reflected from plates when in the plate scan mode. Optical baffle members are operated by a manual control knob which also controls energization of the appropriate light sources.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure transducer is comprised of a deflectable diaphragm and a substantially planar reference plate, both preferably molded of ceramic. The diaphragm includes a sensor electrode ring disposed about a central region thereof and a concentric reference electrode ring substantially encompassing the sensor electrode, with a guard ring between the electrodes to electrically isolate the reference electrode from the sensor electrode. The reference plate is disposed in facing relation to the deformable flat surface of the diaphragm and includes a sensor electrode ring disposed and in opposition to the sensor electrode on the diaphragm to form a sensing capacitor therewith. Spacer means disposed in the central region between the diaphragm and the reference plate intercouple the two elements and maintain a substantially fixed dimension in the central region therebetween while permitting deformation of the diaphragm in response to pressure variations.

Abstract: A backpack with a frame to carry a load. The frame has a pair of upright rails, one at each side of the hiker. An encircling belt is attached to each of the upright rails, and a pair of shoulder rests fit over each of the shoulders. Front and rear risers connect to the front and rear legs of the shoulder rests. The rear risers rise from the back of the belt, and the front risers connect to the upright rails. Balance rods extend forwardly from the frame and are vertically pivotable. They can lift and lower the shoulder rests. Forward load-attachment devices on the balance rods can carry a forwardly mounted load.

Abstract: Mandrel-cured, curved elastomeric hose is provided with an indexing mark that is formed prior to or during curing of the hose on the mandrel. The rigid curved mandrel has an exterior hose-bearing surface and an interior cavity. The cavity and exterior surface are connected by a small passageway or hole which is located where the index mark is to be made on the hose. A sleeve having a wall of uncured elastomeric material is mounted on the mandrel such that a portion of the sleeve covers the passageway. The mandrel having the sleeve mounted thereon is placed in an autoclave and subjected to steam pressure. The steam pressure forces elastomer material into the passageway and thereafter cures the elastomer sleeve into a hose. The pressure inside the cavity is approximately atmospheric at the introduction of the steam pressure. The cavity within the mandrel may be sealed except for the passageway or the cavity and the passageway may be vented to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A color coordinator device for use in the selection of personal cosmetic colors and the like having predetermined relation to the skin and eye colors of the user. The device includes a shield member defining a pocket and having a generally radial viewing opening formed therein, and a color coordinator disc rotatable within the pocket and having quadrant shaped groupings of color samples thereon representing different shades or tones of primary skin colors which may be brought into view through the viewing opening. The color coordinator disc has arcuate bands of color sample segments representing colors compatible with the corresponding skin tone colors and exposed with the skin tone colors for suggested cosmetic purposes such as eye shadow, blush, hair tint, lips and nail polish. Arcuate segmental portions of the color coordinator disc are adapted for removal from the disc, and a light filter may be provided to overlie the exposed color samples.

Abstract: A plurality of memory sections is provided each storing binary data to be employed for refreshing picture elements of a thin-film EL matrix display panel on successive frame time periods constituting an integration time period. The number of frame time periods in an integration time period corresponds to the number of different shades to be displayed on the panel. The binary data stored in each of the memory sections differs. Thus, when the binary data in the memory sections are read out on successive frame time periods, some of the picture elements on the panel are refreshed more than others during the integration time period. Accordingly, the eye of the viewer receives more light from some picture elements than others during each integration time period which results in the relative brightness levels and, therefore, the shades of the picture elements to vary.

Abstract: A salt substitute composition is disclosed which includes coated particles, each particle comprising:(a) a core comprising potassium chloride and(b) a coating on the core, the coating including a mixture containing:(i) maltodextrin and(ii) sodium chloride.Also disclosed is a process for preparing a salt substitute composition which includes spraying an aqueous solution containing sodium chloride and maltodextrin onto an agitated and heated bed of particles including potassium chloride.