Abstract: An article of manufacture comprises a substrate which defines the shape of the article and which comprises a sliding surface adapted for sliding over the surface of snow or over ice or over water, which sliding surface is coated with an oxidation-resistant hydrocarbon wax coating which is long lasting and renders the sliding surface near super-hydrophobic and thus lowers the sliding drag of the sliding surface on snow, ice or water over which the substrate is adapted to be slid.

Abstract: An iron-free transformer in which electrical energy is transferred from a primary winding to a secondary winding without any electrical connection or inductive coupling therebetween. The transformer includes an iron-free conductive closed loop having input and output sections. Coiled about the input section to form the primary winding is a solenoidal flux tube whose ends are the input terminals of the transformer. Coiled about the output section is a solenoidal flux tube whose ends are the output terminals of the transformer. When the input terminals are connected to an alternating current source, the lines of flux in the electromagnetic field created by the primary flux tube winding do not intercept the secondary flux tube winding, but induce alternating current in the input section which is continuously circulated in the loop and flows through the output section thereof.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a high-temperature ceramic superconductor having a Y-Ba-Cu-O or other copper-oxide composition of comparable properties so as to render the ceramic porous to define interlaced diffusion channels throughout the entire body of the ceramic. As a consequence, oxygen, an essential component thereof, will in the course of firing the ceramic, diffuse throughout the interior of the body and thereby interact and become integrated with the crystal structure of the ceramic to form a superconductor having superior properties. The resultant porous ceramic body may be used as a superconductive device, or it may be ground into particles and dispersed as a filler in a binder acting as a plastic agent that can be extruded, molded, or otherwise shaped to create a Meisner-effect shield, a cylindrical superconductive bearing or other superconductive structure.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a high-temperature ceramic superconductor having a Y-Ba-Cu-O or other copper-oxide composition of comparable properties so as to render the ceramic porous to define interlaced diffusion channels throughout the entire body of the ceramic. As a consequence, oxygen, an essential component thereof, will in the course of firing the ceramic, diffuse throughout the interior of the body and thereby interact and become integrated with the crystal structure of the ceramic to form a superconductor having superior properties. The resultant porous ceramic body may be used as a superconductive device, or it may be ground into particles and dispersed as a filler in a binder acting as a plastic agent that can be extruded, molded, or otherwise shaped to create a Meisner-effect shield, a cylindrical superconductive bearing or other superconductive structure.

Abstract: A detachable holder for immobilizing a flexible tubing at a site adjacent its point of connection to a medical device inserted in a patient to feed a therapeutic fluid into a vein or artery or to withdraw fluid from the patient. The holder is formed by a flexible plastic strip having upstanding end wings provided with snap-in key hole slots in axial alignment. These slots are adapted to receive a short section of the tubing which then bridges the wings and is held thereby. Attached to the underside of the strip is one component of a hook and loop fabric fastener whose other component is bonded to the outer face of an adhesive tape. By adhering the tape to the skin of the patient at a position adjacent the inserted medical device and then fastening the holder thereto, one is able to immobilize the tubing to prevent a tug thereon from displacing the inserted medical device.

Abstract: A disposable surgical clip-on light pipe illumination assembly constituted by a manually-operated clamp adapted to clip onto an abdominal or other tissue wall surrouding a surgical site. The clamp is provided with a holder to retain a short, flexible light pipe at a position at which the front section of the pipe which terminates in an optical outlet projects into the surgical site. The rear end of the pipe terminates in an optical inlet coupled to a light source whereby light transmitted through the pipe is discharged from its optical outlet into the site. The front section of the pipe is sheathed in a bendable sleeve having dead soft characteristics, thereby making it possible for the surgeon, by bending the sleeve, to orient the light outlet to direct the light emanating therefrom toward a desired region of the surgical site.

Abstract: A disposable medical instrument and light pipe illumination assembly fabricated of synthetic plastic material. When put to use, the instrument, such as a surgical retractor, assumes a position at which its operative section lies adjacent the field of medical interest, such as a body cavity or surgical site. Joined to the instrument is a short flexible light pipe whose optical inlet end is coupled to a light source and whose optical outlet end is next to the operative section to project light into the field. The outlet end of the light pipe is sheathed in a bendable tubular neck having dead-soft characteristics whereby by bending the neck, the user is able to orient the outlet to direct the projected light toward a desired region in the field of interest.

Abstract: An enhanced grease usable with high-speed bearings and in other applications involving severe operating conditions where standard greases normally give rise to overheating, excessive wear and failure of the parts being lubricated within a relatively short operating period. The enhanced grease has two major components--the first being a hybrid lubricant constituted by a stable suspension of sub-micronic PTFE particles in an oil carrier; the second component acting as a gelling agent for the first component and being in the form of a standard grease composed of a thickener dispersed in a lubricating oil. The ratio, by volume, of the two components is such that the resultant semi-solid gel has thixotropic properties and exceptional lubricating characteristics.

Abstract: A solar energy air-heating system readily installable on the exterior wall of a residence or other building, the system including a module constituted by a slab of rigid foam plastic thermal insulation material whose upper face is covered by a fibrous mat having a blackened surface to absorb solar energy. Each edge of the slab is secured to a molding also adapted to receive the corresponding edge of a flexible transparent panel whose width is greater than that of the slab, so that when the panel is bridged between the edge moldings, it forms an arched dome over the slab. By attaching a series of such modules in end-to-end relation vertically along the wall of the building, an air duct is created whose lower end is then coupled by an inlet fixture to a lower zone in the interior of the building and whose upper end is coupled by an outlet fixture to an upper zone in the interior, a flow loop being thereby formed between the duct and the interior.

Abstract: A modified halocarbon oil composition suitable for use as a lubricant or hydraulic fluid in those applications in which conventional hydrocarbon oils constitute a fire hazard or a contaminant because of their reactive properties. The composition is formed by a chemically inert halocarbon oil having intermingled therewith an oil soluble organic molybdenum compound in an amount sufficient to afford to the composition exceptional low friction characteristics.

Abstract: A manually-operated surgical evacuator for draining fluids from the human body. The evacuator is constituted by a cup of rigid material covered by an elastic membrane to define a sump chamber, the cup being provided with an inlet fixture and an exhaust fixture communicating with the chamber. The inlet fixture is coupled by a suitable tube to the wound to be drained, and the exhaust fixture is provided with a removable plug or other means to open and shut the exhaust. Attached to the membrane is a rigid disc functioning as an actuator, such that when the plug is removed and the disc pressed into the cup, the membrane is stretched inwardly and acts to displace the atmosphere through the open exhaust fixture. After the exhaust fixture is shut and the disc released, the membrane proceeds to return to its original form, thereby creating a negative pressure which acts to draw fluid from the wound through the tube and into the sump chamber.

Abstract: A hybrid lubricant in which microfine PTFE particles are uniformly dispersed in an oil carrier that includes a small but effective amount of an oil-soluble organic molybdenum compound, the hybrid lubricant being diluted with a major amount of a conventional lubricating oil. In operation, a thin film of the molybdenum compound is developed on the rubbing metal surfaces of the lubricated engine, the film reacting in the high-temperature, high-pressure environment of the rubbing surfaces to form a fluoride to which the PTFE particles bond to impart thereto an extremely low coefficient of friction to afford the benefits of both solid and fluid lubrication. The hybrid lubricant minimizes friction under all operating conditions regardless of their severity, and it reduces wear on the engine.

Abstract: A lubricant especially adapted to meet the requirements of firearms, the lubricant being constituted by a dispersion of microfine PTFE particles in an oil carrier diluted with a major amount of synthetic lubricant having a low viscosity and a high viscosity index, whereby the resultant hybrid lubricant not only reduces wear and friction, but also affords a protective coating for the treated metal surfaces which resists the adhesion thereto of grime, powder, lead and all other contaminants that otherwise make it necessary to frequently clean the weapon to maintain it in proper working order.

Abstract: A hybrid lubricant in which a colloidal dispersion of solid lubricant particles (PTFE) is uniformly dispersed in a fluid lubricant carrier that includes a small but effective amount of a nonionic fluorochemical surfactant acting to stabilize the dispersion. When the hybrid lubricant is diluted with a major amount of a conventional fluid lubricant, it functions in the environment of rubbing surfaces to afford the benefit of both solid and fluid lubrication, thereby minimizing friction under all operating conditions regardless of their severity.

Abstract: A halocarbon oil composition suitable for use as a hydraulic fluid and lubricant in those applications in which hydrocarbon oils constitute a fire hazard or a contaminant because of their reactive properties. The composition is formed by a chemically-inert halocarbon oil having PTFE solid lubricant particles dispersed therein, the particles being in the micron range. Also included is a fluorochemical surfactant having foam-producing properties in an amount insufficient to generate foam in the context of the inherent non-foaming characteristics of the particles, the surfactant acting to enhance the lubricity of the oil and to stabilize the PTFE dispersion therein.

Abstract: A lubricating oil containing polytetrafluoroethylene particles and a fluorochemical surfactant which stabilizes the dispersion and creates a molecular surface tension skin on the surface of the oil to reduce volatilization losses during use in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A toy, game or other play device wherein a trackway, slide, maze or other play surface is coated with superhydrophobic material that is highly water repellent, whereby a drop of water applied thereto forms into a ball that can then be manipulated by a player to carry out predetermined play activities. Alternatively, a tiny vehicle or other toy body having a hydrophilic coating thereon may be wetted with water and placed on the super-hydrophobic surface whereby the slightest force applied thereto causes the body to skim at high speed over the surface. The toy body may be in the shape of an arrow which can be caused to move along the playing surface, when tilted, and come to rest at a particular number, word or symbol provided on the playing surface.

Abstract: A toy, game or other play device wherein a trackway, slide, maze or other play surface is coated with super-hydrophobic material that is highly water repellent, whereby a drop of water applied thereto forms into a ball that can then be manipulated by a player to carry out predetermined play activities. Alternatively, a tiny vehicle or other toy body having a hydrophilic coating thereon may be wetted with water and placed on the super-hydrophobic surface whereby the slightest force applied thereto causes the body to skim at high speed over the surface.

Abstract: A hybrid lubricant in which a stabilized, colloidal dispersion of solid lubricant particles (PTFE) is uniformly dispersed in a fluid lubricant carrier including a small amount of halocarbon oil. When the hybrid lubricant is diluted with a major amount of a conventional fluid lubricant, it functions in the environment of rubbing surfaces and reacts therewith to develop a layer of solid lubricant on these surfaces whereby the surfaces then have the benefit of both solid and fluid lubrication, thereby minimizing friction under all operating conditions regardless of their severity.

Abstract: An adapter making it possible for the pilot of an aircraft equipped with a navigation-communication system whose audio output is permanently connected to a loudspeaker to hear well with ordinary earphones without interfering with the concurrent operation of the loudspeaker. The adapter is constituted by a battery-operated Darlington amplifier whose high-impedance input is connected across the relatively low impedance audio output of the system whereby virtually no load is imposed thereon. The low-impedance output of the amplifier is connected to the earphones in series with a volume control resistor whereby a reduction in volume results in a diminished current drain, thereby prolonging battery life. A redundant power supply is provided constituted by two cells and a switch adapted to connect either of the cells individually or both cells in series to the amplifier so that even after both cells are close to exhaustion, they are still capable of powering the amplifier.