Abstract: A cushioning device for use with a shoulder strap or the like to distribute the load on the shoulder of the user comprises essentially a planar member having at least a central pocket formed therein in which is disposed a cushioning member and a fluid filled member. The fluid filled member, which is preferably an air filled bubble-type sheet acts as a load distribution device for distributing the load ordinarily placed upon the shoulder of the user. The device is formed from a soft, pliant material which can be folded back upon itself and which is locked together through a hook and loop fastener or similar locking device. The device hereof is particularly advantageous for use with shoulder straps associated with suitcases, briefcases, valises and similar totes.

Abstract: A shoulder strap for a carrying device such as a suitcase or the like has a cushion incorporated therewith. The cushion is an inflatable member which is either integrally formed with the strap or removably secured thereto. The cushion minimizes the strain placed upon the shoulder of a user by distributing the load through the cushion.

Abstract: An automatic control apparatus and method for sprinkling water over a predetermined area includes a control apparatus having first and second sensors disposed underground within the predetermined area, with the first sensor being disposed in a horizontal orientation immediately below the plant root level and the second sensor being disposed in a horizontal position a predetermined distance below the first sensor. The predetermined distance between the first and second sensors is selected to provide a measurement of the wilt-point moisture content of the type of soil found within the predetermined area. The first and second sensors are provided to measure the impedance of the soil therebetween, with the impedance being proportional to the moisture content of the soil. The output of the first and second sensors is compared with a predetermined electrical reference value established for the wilt-point moisture content of the type of soil found within the predetermined area.

Abstract: By contacting a combustible fluid fuels with a metallic medium, such as metallized pellets, the fuel efficiency of the fuel can be increased. The metallic medium is maintained at a temperature sufficiently low so as to not alter the fluid phase of the fuel, e.g. if liquid, it remains liquid. The metallic medium is, preferably, a noble metal, such as platinum.

Abstract: A method for using alkanolamine-carboxylic acid salts as a coating for friction materials which during use contact, at least part of the time, rustable metals. The method comprises contacting the friction material with an aqueous solution comprising at least about 0.05 weight alkanolamine-carboxylic acid salts being the reaction product of:(i) alkanolamine; and(ii) C.sub.4 -C.sub.20 carboxylic acid;and thereafter evaporating water from the aqueous coating on the friction material so as to leave the friction material with a coating comprising alkanolamine-carboxylic acid salts. Friction materials coated by above method are also claimed.

Abstract: A method for using alkanolamine-carboxylic acid salts as a coating for friction materials which during use contact, at least part of the time, rustable metals. The method comprises contacting the friction material with an aqueous solution comprising at least about 0.05 weight alkanolamine-carboxylic acid salts being the reaction product of:(i) alkanolamine; and(ii) C.sub.4 -C.sub.20 carboxylic acid;and thereafter evaporating water from the aqueous coating on the friction material so as to leave the friction material with a coating comprising alkanolamine-carboxylic acid salts. Friction materials coated by above method are also claimed.

Abstract: Surgical ventilating apparatus for use in laser surgical techniques. The surgical ventilating apparatus comprises a hollow, flexible, tubular body formed of a heat-resistant material, such as an oxide of a metal, an expanded or foamed silica or quartz, and the like. The tubular body is formed so as to resist vibration when disposed within the trachea of a patient caused by the high velocity of air flowing therethrough. In one embodiment, at least one rod-like member is embedded within the tubular body to provide a degree of rigidity thereto. In another embodiment, the end of the tubular body is flared to reduce vibration of the tubular body. A connector adapted to be connected to one end of the tubular body enables the tubular body to be connected to ventilating equipment for controlling the respiration of the patient during surgery.

Abstract: A resistive controller suitable for sensing a variable electrical resistance indicative of a characteristic of a substance and for connecting an external electrical device to a source of electrical power when the measured electrical resistance reaches a predetermined level. The resistive controller includes a timer circuit which is activated when the measured electrical resistance reaches the predetermined value and which, in one embodiment, provides an adjustable time period, upon the expiration of which, the external electrical device is disconnected from the source of electrical power. In another embodiment, the timer circuit provides an adjustable time period, upon the expiration of which, the external electrical device is connected to the source of electrical power.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for breaking an oil-in-water emulsion. Briefly, the method of this invention includes the following general steps. A porous ferrous ion producing anode is established. A supply of the oil-in-water emulsion is located on one side of the anode and a fixed volume of the emulsion is flowed through a fixed cross sectional area of the anode per unit of time. Less than a passivating current is flowed through each unit area of the anode per unit of time thereby dissolving into the emulsion ferrous ion in sufficient quantity to break the emulsion. The flowing of the fixed volume of the emulsion through the electrode per unit of time and the dissolving of sufficient quantity of ferrous ions results in a homogeneous dispersion of the ferrous ions in the fixed volume of the emulsion. There is an in situ generation of hydroxyl ion at the cathode and tiny air bubbles are introduced near the electrodes to oxidize the ferrous ions to ferric ions.

Abstract: A method of protecting an aluminum braking surface is disclosed. A brake lining associated with the surface is formed of a brake lining material which includes as a part of the composition an additive of sodium fluoride or cryolite. When a brake system composed of the braking surface and the brake lining are subjected to repeated braking actions, the additive of the brake lining reacts with a surface layer of the aluminum braking surface to form a tenacious, wear resistant layer thereon. The additive, upon further braking actions serves to maintain the wear resistant layer as fresh aluminum is exposed during normal wear of the braking surface over its useful life.