Abstract: An A.C. power supply controller for a capacitive load such as an array of electroluminescent panels (1) having circuit elements (10 to 15) for producing a pulsed switching waveform (p) centered on the zero-crossing points (z) of an applied alternating voltage waveform, powerswitch (17) for connecting the applied voltage waveform or another voltage waveform to the load in response to the pulsed switching waveform (p), and control elements (5) for widening the pulse width of the switching waveform (p) symmetrically about the zero-crossing points (z) to vary the power applied to the load. The circuit elements (10 to 15) includes a rectifier (10) that rectifies the applied alternating voltage waveform, and a comparator (13) that compares the rectified waveform with a control D.C. input level (15) to produce an output level between adjacent crossing points of the two signals about the zero-crossing points (z). A linear potentiometer varies the D.C. input level (15).

Abstract: An audible turn signal canister unit for automobiles incorporates an audible alarm in the form of a unitary, self-contained module which can be plugged into the existing socket in the automobile in place of a standard flasher unit. The alarm is a pure tone in the mid-speech frequency range (e.g. 1000 to 2500 Hz) in order to be more readily heard over background noise or by hearing impaired individuals. Optionally, the unit can be provided with a time delay circuit in the form of an electronic counter that is reset each time that the turn signal switch is turned on or closed in order to establish the beginning count for the activation of the alarm a predetermined time interval after the turn signal unit is activated.

Abstract: A system for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea packaged in a collar which can be worn by a patient without any special preparation. The collar is adjustable using a fastener such as hook and latch, to accommodate variations in neck size. The collar is properly oriented using variations in physical shape and/or color. An optional feedback system permits the patient to readily verify proper orientation.The collar contains at least one sensor to monitor functioning of the respiratory system of the patient.The output of the sensor(s) is processed by battery powered electronics located within or in proximity to the collar. When an apnea episode is detected, the electronics module generates bursts of pulsatile current which are conducted to electrodes located on and positioned by the collar or in proximity to the collar.

Abstract: A shower spray system includes a shower head which is positionally adjustable on a vertical rod. The shower head interconnects with a source of water under pressure and a source of air under pressure. The shower head includes a plurality of nozzles, certain of which communicate with the water source to emit water, and others of which communicate with the air source to emit air. In operation, the shower head emits a mist of water from the water nozzles, and a plurality of air streams from the air nozzles. The result is the sensation of greater water flow than actually achieved by the shower head and increased rinsing of the body with decreased water flow.

Abstract: A device is provided to facilitate the dispensing of ice cubes from a flexible plastic ice cube tray having long edge lips. The device, of monolithic construction, has a small chamber for receiving and dispensing ice cubes from separate rows of the ice cube tray, and an adjacent large chamber for receiving and dispensing ice cubes from the entire ice cube tray. The device is provided with engagement rails that slideably engage the large edge lips of the ice cube tray.

Abstract: A process for preparing an alkoxylation catalyst in which the catalyst pre-mix is formed by admixing an alkoxylated alcohol with a calcium containing compound which is dispersible in the alkoxylated alcohol, an inorganic acid and an aluminum trialkoxide, the pre-mix being heated to a temperature and for a time sufficient to effect at least partial exchange reaction betweeen the alkoxide groups of the aluminum alkoxide and the hydroxyl groups of the alkoxylated alcohol. There is also disclosed and claimed an alkoxylation process utilizing the catalysts formed as described above.

Abstract: A process for preparing an alkoxylation catalyst in which the catalyst pre-mix is formed by admixing an alkoxylated alcohol with a calcium containing compound which is dispersible in the alkoxylated alcohol, an inorganic acid and an aluminum trialkoxide, the pre-mix being heated to a temperature and for a time sufficient to effect at least partial exchange reaction between the alkoxide groups of the aluminum alkoxide and the hydroxyl groups of the alkoxylated alcohol. There is also disclosed and claimed an alkoxylation process utilizing the catalysts formed as described above.

Abstract: A dual suction unit and method of operation uses a main tube with a Venturi assembly having a primary suction inlet positioned in the inlet of the main tube and a branch tube joined at its outlet to the mid-portion of the main tube and having a secondary suction inlet at its opposite end. Compressed air flowing through the Venturi assembly induces a primary suction at its suction inlet and a significantly stronger secondary suction at the inlet of the branch tube than known in the prior art. Waste or other matter may be conveyed from separate sources to the respective primary and secondary suction inlets.

Abstract: A paint scraper having a pointed scraper head defined by angled edges of an elongated member which are chamfered at their point of interception. The elongated member is rotatably received by a sheath which functions as a handle in operation, and a means for storing the scraper head when not in operation.

Abstract: An improved net height adjustment device (20) or (70) includes an elongated stick member (22) for raising the top edge of an athletic net (10) from its otherwise undisturbed orientation to convert a tennis net from doubles to regulation singles play. The device (20) or (70) includes a support member (42) for pivotally connecting the stick member (22) to one of the end posts (14) that support the net (10). Support member (42) also includes an extensible connection that allows stick member (22) to be pulled out away from a storage position adjacent post (14) to a use position spaced from the post.

Abstract: An improved weightlifting exercise bar is described particularly useful for use by body builders and power lifters in physical development. The unique bar shape features a center section with a pair of handles extending therefrom at substantially 90 degrees. The handle sections terminate in ends which are angled with respect to the handles at an angle less than 90 degrees such that the ends are angled toward the longitudinal axis of the center section. The entire bar preferably is bent such that it lies in a single plane. This configuration provides a combined bar with weight plates that enables a user to grasp the handles without a resultant torque being imposed on the user's wrists. The bar is described in connection with a number of exercises which can be conducted with greater effect due to the orientation of the handle portions of the bar and the clearance which the bar provides with the user's body.

Abstract: A process for preparing aromatic-moiety-containing polymers having modified physical properties is disclosed. Briefly, the process comprises reacting in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst: (a) a suitable aromatic-moiety containing polymer resin and (b) a homopolymer of .omega.-halo-.alpha.-olefins, or co- or terpolymer of .omega.-halo-.alpha.-olefins with other .alpha.-olefins and/or ethylene.

Abstract: High activity catalysts for the polymerization of ethylene and other .alpha.-olefins are made by contacting a soluble magnesium compound of the general formula Mg(OSiR.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3).sub.2, wherein each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 is, independently, alkyl, alkoxy or aryl with a metal alkoxide, or a mixture of a titanium tetraalkoxide with an alkoxide of another transition metal, in a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon solution, followed by chlorination and precipitation by a suitable chlorinating agent. These catalysts show high activity for the polymerization of ethylene, especially under slurry polymerization conditions.

Abstract: A water-based drilling fluid preparation system having an enclosed mixing chamber, a salt barrel, and piping means for selectively directing fluids exiting the mixing chamber means through the salt supply and to and from a suction pit. The mixing chamber has a first inlet for supplying a first fluid, such as drilling muds, into the mixing chamber, a second inlet for supplying water into the mixing chamber, and a third inlet means for supplying a heated fluid into the mixing chamber, wherein the drilling fluids are mixed in a selectively heated environment.

Abstract: The heat pipe has a condensing area at one end and an evaporating area at the other end. An ion drag pump is within the condensing area to receive dielectric refrigerant condensate in its inlet. There is a liquid carrying tube having one end connected to the pump outlet and having its other end terminating adjacent the evaporating area to discharge refrigerant condensate therein. The evaporating area has heat receiving flow paths into which the condensate is adapted to flow and be vaporized, there being a vapor flow path from the evaporating area through which the vaporized refrigerant returns to the condensing area.The method includes cooling one end of the heat pipe to liquefy refrigerant therein to form a condensate, flowing the condensate into an ion drag pump and applying a sufficiently high voltage across a cathode and anode of the pump to produce ions in the refrigerant condensate, the ions then being accelerated toward the anode so as to create fluid motion and pumping action through the pump inlet.

Abstract: High activity catalysts for the polymerization of ethylene and other .alpha.-olefins are made by contacting a soluble magnesium compound of the general formula Mg(OSiR.sub.3).sub.2, wherein each R is, independently, alkyl, alkoxy or aryl, with a titanium tetralkoxide (titanate) in a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon solution, followed by chlorination and precipitation by a suitable chlorinating agent. These catalysts show high activity for the polymerization of ethylene under slurry polymerization conditions.

Abstract: A process for preparing aromatic-moiety-containing polymers having modified physical properties is disclosed. Briefly, the process comprises reacting in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst: (a) a suitable aromatic-moiety containing polymer resin and (b) a homopolymer of .omega.-halo-.alpha.-olefins, or co- or terpolymer of .omega.-halo-.alpha.-olefins with other .alpha.-olefins and/or ethylene.

Abstract: An improved heat pipe (115) of increased heat transport capacity comprising a vapor tube (120) and a liquid-condensate return tube (130). An outwardly extending conduit (125), disposed in both the evaporator section (135) and evaporator section (140) of the heat pipe (115), provides fluid communication between the vapor tube (120) and the return tube (130). Circumferential v-shaped grooves (145) terminate at a slot-like opening (165) formed in each of the conduits (125). A cap member (170) traverses each opening (165) and coacts with the grooves (145) to form a plurality of fluid passageways (175).

Abstract: A shelf stable pizza composite comprising a baked crust component having a pH of not more than about 5.0, a tomato based sauce component having a pH not above about 4.6 and a cheese component having a pH not above about 5.5 and method of preparing same.