Abstract: A preferably self-contained food conservator system includes a vacuum compartment appropriate for storing baked goods, in which a negative pressure of about 10" Hg in maintained, preferably at about 60% relative humidity. The environment of the compartment preferably is feed-back-controlled by a microprocessor control. The microprocessor preferably can control vacuum, relative humidity, temperature, the amount of ozone introduced into the compartment to retard bacterial growth, as well as outgassing time cycles. A pushbutton type menu allows a user to input data used to control the microprocessor, and permit optimization of the compartment environment for the particular foodstuffs presently being stored.

Abstract: A pulse action facial massager apparatus including a headset assembly for mounting to a user's head. A pair of flexible extension fingers extending from opposite sides of the headset assembly each of which is operably coupled to a vibrating device each generating an independent vibrating action. A tip portion of each extension finger is manually movable for selected contact at independent portions of the user's head. Hence, the respective vibrating device transmits the vibrating action thereof along the extension finger to the respective tip portion. Each vibrating device includes a motor that is controlled by an electronic controller mounted on the headset assembly. The controller permits user-variation of the repetition rate and duty cycle of the motors. This permits the user to vary the vibrational patterns produced by the present invention. In an automatic mode, duty cycle is automatically varied by a sawtooth waveform to produce a dynamically changing pattern of massage intensity.

Abstract: A method for converting methane to methanol is provided comprising subjecting the methane to visible light in the presence of a catalyst and an electron transfer agent. Another embodiment of the invention provides for a method for reacting methane and water to produce methanol and hydrogen comprising preparing a fluid containing methane, an electron transfer agent and a photolysis catalyst, and subjecting said fluid to visible light for an effective period of time.

Abstract: A hand-held digital recorder apparatus (10) including a digital memory unit (11) formed to store independent data records, and retrieve selected ones of the data records. An electronic unit (12), coupled to the digital memory unit (11), is included which determines the storage location and data length of a respective data record in the digital memory (11). A graphical display device (13), coupled to the electronic unit (12), graphically represents the length and location of the data records in the digital memory unit (11) by corresponding record icons (14) to visually facilitate retrieval of the selected ones of the data records. A method for accessing stored data records from a digital memory unit (11) of a hand-held digital recorder apparatus (10) is also included.

Abstract: An apparatus for organizing articles of clothing is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having first and second drums rotatably mounted thereto. A belt is engaged around the first and second drums that has a plurality of first hook members for hanging articles thereon. A drive system is used for rotating one of the first and second drums, and an automatic control system activates the drive system for a period of time approximately equal to a motor delay time period. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes an electric motor and a pulley and gear system for rotating one of the first and second drums. An electric switch is mounted to the housing and coupled to the electric motor. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a light bulb mounted to the housing for illuminating articles hanging on the first hook members and an automatic lighting means for providing electricity to the light bulb for approximately a lamp delay time period.

Abstract: A pulse action facial massager apparatus including a headset assembly for mounting to a user's head. A pair of flexible extension fingers extending from opposite sides of the headset assembly each of which is operably coupled to a vibrating device each generating an independent vibrating action. A tip portion of each extension finger is manually movable for selected contact at independent portions of the user's head. Hence, the respective vibrating device transmits the vibrating action thereof along the extension finger to the respective tip portion. Each vibrating device includes a motor that is controlled by an electronic controller mounted on the headset assembly. The controller permits user-variation of the repetition rate and duty cycle of the motors. This permits the user to vary the vibrational patterns produced by the present invention. In an automatic mode, duty cycle is automatically varied by a sawtooth waveform to produce a dynamically changing pattern of massage intensity.

Abstract: An apparatus for organizing articles of clothing is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having first and second drums rotatably mounted thereto. A belt is engaged around the first and second drums that has a plurality of first hook members for hanging articles thereon. A drive system is used for rotating one of the first and second drums, and an automatic control system activates the drive system for a period of time approximately equal to a motor delay time period. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes an electric motor and a pulley and gear system for rotating one of the first and second drums. An electric switch is mounted to the housing and coupled to the electric motor. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a light bulb mounted to the housing for illuminating articles hanging on the first hook members and an automatic lighting means for providing electricity to the light bulb for approximately a lamp delay time period.

Abstract: An anti-snore apparatus and method of stopping a person from snoring are disclosed. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes a housing that is wearable on a person's limb and a strap for securing the housing to a person's limb. Means are contained within the housing for receiving a power supply. A motor is secured to and contained within the housing. A weight is secured to an output shaft of the motor. The output shaft extends through the weight at a point outside of a center of gravity of the weight so that rotation of the weight by the output shaft produces a vibratory motion in the housing. A microphone is contained within the housing for detecting audible snoring and for producing a microphone output signal in response to such detected snoring. An audio amplifier amplifies the microphone output signal to produce an amplified microphone output signal. A comparator produces a comparator output signal in response to the amplified microphone output signal exceeding a predetermined level.

Abstract: An improved catalyst and method for the oxyhydrochlorination of methane is disclosed. The catalyst includes a pyrogenic porous support on which is layered as active material, cobalt chloride in major proportion, and minor proportions of an alkali metal chloride and of a rare earth chloride. On contact of the catalyst with a gas flow of methane, HCl and oxygen, more than 60% of the methane is converted and of that converted more than 40% occurs as monochloromethane. Advantageously, the monochloromethane can be used to produce gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons with the recycle of HCl for further reaction. This catalyst is also of value for the production of formic acid as are analogous catalysts with lead, silver or nickel chlorides substituted for the cobalt chloride.

Abstract: A device for centering a coil of heavy material onto a transporting skid or pallet having intersecting supports, said device comprising a body with top and base portions, the top portion having downwardly diverging sides and a lower section adapted for seating in the core of a coil loaded onto said device. The base portion has a first pair of diametrically opposed notches for receiving a first skid support while a second pair of diametrically opposed notches receives a second skid support angularly disposed from the first support. In one embodiment, the first notch pairs protrude from outwardly extending flanges and more deeply into the base portion than the second notch pair to accommodate platforms having first skid supports which extend over their second skid supports.

Abstract: An improved catlayst and method for the oxyhydrochlorination of methane is disclosed. The catalyst includes a pyrogenic porous support on which is layered as active material, cobalt chloride in major proportion, and minor proportions of an alkali metal chloride and of a rare earth chloride. On contact of the catalyst with a gas flow of methane, HC1 and oxygen, more than 60% of the methane is converted and of that converted more than 40% occurs as monochloromethane. Advantageously, the monochloromethane can be used to produce gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons with the recycle of HCl for further reaction. This catalyst is also of value for the production of formic acid as are analogous catalysts with lead, silver or nickel chlorides substituted for the cobalt chloride.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of aromatic-rich, gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons from the lower alkanes, particularly from methane. The process is carried out in two stages. In the first, alkane is reacted with oxygen and hydrogen chloride over an oxyhydrochlorination catalyst such as copper chloride with minor proportions of potassium chloride and rare earth chloride. This produces an intermediate gaseous mixture containing water and chlorinated alkanes. The chlorinated alkanes are contacted with a crystalline aluminosilicate catalyst in the hydrogen or metal promoted form to produce gasoline range hydrocarbons with a high proportion of aromatics and a small percentage of light hydrocarbons (C.sub.2 -C.sub.4). The light hydrocarbons can be recycled for further processing over the oxyhydrochlorination catalyst.

Abstract: A combination shipping carton for photographic enlarger and print developing tray assembly wherein the shipping carton can be utilized to load the developing tray assembly in a light-tight environment after removal of the enlarger and developing tray from the shipping carton. The shipping carton includes a pair of telescopingly positioned open ended boxes forming an inner box and an outer box. The inner box includes, through the sidewall thereof, an access opening assembly which is connected to a light-tight sleeve assembly through which is to be conducted the user's hands in gaining access to the interior chamber of the inner box. The outer box includes a cut-out section which can be oriented with respect to the access opening assembly to gain access to the access opening assembly. The outer box can also be located in a different position on the inner box to cover the access opening assembly, which is the normal position during shipping.

Abstract: A photographic print and developing tray which is to removably connect to the bottom of the base of a photographic enlarger. The photographic enlarger is to utilize a photographic transparency which is to be projected onto an unexposed photographic paper mounted within the photographic print and developing tray. The photographic print and developing tray includes a removable cover which is removed during exposure of the photographic paper. The tray is to accommodate photographic print developing liquid. The liquid is to be supplied to the tray through a dispenser. The dispenser includes a spout which to tightly engage with the tray. The dispenser also includes a manually operable valve which is to be movable from a closed position to an open position to permit moving of liquid between the tray and the dispenser.

Abstract: A light-tight, elongated, hollow tapered wall base to which a slide housing is movably connected. The slide housing includes a light source which produces a light beam which passes through a filter assembly and a lens assembly to the bottom of the base. A photographic transparency is to be mounted within a slide holder which in turn is movably located in a close fitting relationship within a slide receiving station. The slide receiving station is formed within the slide housing between the filter assembly and the lens assembly. Removably connected to the bottom of the base is a photographic print tray assembly. The photographic print tray assembly includes a focusing target. The image projected from the photographic transparency is to be observed on the focusing target by a view port which is formed within the base.

Abstract: A reel for an anchor rope or line on a boat having springs to rewind the rope or the like. One or more springs may be used, although several small springs are preferred. Any particular size of reel may require a different number of springs for various sizes and weights of ropes which may be wound. When less than the maximum number of springs is required, a spacer is used to replace the unnecessary spring or springs without any other change in the reel construction.

Abstract: A generally flat instrument provides electrical interfacing between an electro-surgical signal generator and an exposed surgical electrode. Dome-shaped momentary contact switches are sealed within the instrument housing at points convenient for manual usage. Low profile switches which resist seal degradation are employed and the device is readily adaptable for accepting replaceable chucks containing a preselected surgical electrode. The relatively narrow elongated housing imparts the feel of a non-electrical surgical instrument. Inclusion of one or more nubs or other raised portions on the switch domes facilitates identification of switch function without requiring direct observation by the user.