Abstract: A coupling device comprises a generally u-shaped member with a base 11 and two arms 12, 13, and retaining means at each arm for accommodating and retaining a respective cylindrical pin 30. One of the retaining means comprises an integral hook 14 extending from the inside of the arm 12 towards the other arm 11 and has a tip 15 which projects towards the base 11. The hook is sufficiently resilient to permit the tip 15 to be manually deflected away from the base 11 to permit a pin 30 of greater diameter than the distance between the tip and the base in the undeflected state of the hook to be inserted under the hook. The pin is retained between the hook and the base by releasing the hook and permitting it to assume its undeflected state.

Abstract: The expense of provide pelletized metallic lithium for use in a heat exchanger for a thermal power source is eliminated by a construction including a closeable chamber (10, 12, 20, 22) with an ignition device (28) within the chamber (10, 12, 20, 22), and a reactant inlet (29) to the chamber (10, 12, 20, 22) by disposing a body of fuel (24) in the chamber (10, 12, 20, 22) which is made up of alternating layer of metallic lithium sheet (42, 44) and solid perhalogenated polymer sheet (40, 46).

Abstract: Photothermographic imaging elements are provided with strippable layers which have electrical conductivity in the range of 60 to 1,500 ohms/square. The elements may be exposed to radiation and then thermally developed by applying a voltage across the strippable layer which becomes resistively heated. After development, the strippable layer may be removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides washing compositions in which all or part of the detergent builder salt is provided by a mixture of zeolites 13X and 4A. Preferably the weight ratio of 13X to 4A is in the range of 50:50 to 85:15 and especially from 65:35 to 85:15. Especially in the preferred ranges of weight ratios the mixtures are generally more effective at total hardness removal from the wash water than would be expected from the hardness removing capabilities of the zeolites 13X and 4A by themselves, leading to improved washing performance of the composition. In some particularly desirable embodiments part of the builder salt comprises STPP, and in others a minor part of the builder salt comprises a glassy phosphate, preferably together with an ethyleneamine (methylenephosphonic acid) complexing builder salt.The compositions of the present invention are suitable for cleaning, in particular, fabrics or hard surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a rectilinear sliding panel display used for displaying pictures and/or messages. A plurality of plate assemblies, each comprising a plurality of plates positioned on top of each other, are provided, wherein the assemblies are positioned adjacent to each other. The adjacent visible plates of the assemblies form the picture and/or message. Also provided are a plurality of links corresponding in number to the plurality of plates. The links are positioned behind the rear face of the plate assemblies, wherein each of the links is coupled to one corresponding plate in each of the plate assemblies. A drive means is provided for sequentially operating the links. The drive means comprises a plurality of stacked rings, each of the rings being coupled to one of the links. A shaft means is provided for sequentially engaging each of the rings and for rotating the ring in response to the rotation of the shaft means.