Abstract: There is disclosed novel methods and low caloric, edible products produced thereby comprising the steps of dry mixing, dry ultra pure cellulose and/or colloidal microfibrils dry blended with a combination of dry gums carageenan and guar gum and animal protein. The mixed powders so prepared are compacted under specific compression to provide a hardened but swellable tablet which quickly swells in the stomach juices into a firm gelatinous mass which imparts a feeling of fullness and reduces the appetite by a safe, local non-systemic, expandable bulking mechanism.

Abstract: A horseshoe molded of a new high impact, high temperature resistant polyphenylene sulfide resin that possesses the unique property of possessing a metallic sound indistinguishable from metal horeshoes. The metallic-sounding plastic horseshoes may be attached to a hoof either by nails or by means of a newer species of super-adhesives. The new metallic-sounding polymer horseshoes have a special advantages over regular metal horseshoes. The new horseshoes are about one-sixth the weight of equivalent size metal horseshoes. They can be adjusted in size and shape by means of heating at or about 450.degree. F. and adjusting of the size and shape to fit the hoof. They possess unique chemical, abrasion, and shock resistance. Their lightweight, metal appearance, and metallic sound make them most suitable for sportswear; also, children and the elderly may now enjoy this healthful sport.

Abstract: Liquid retaining absorbent structures consisting of a plurality of cells, each cell having an aperture to allow a liquid to enter the cell. The cell contains an expandable absorbent material and a valve member. As liquid enters the cell, the absorbent expands. When the amount of liquid is equivalent to the free volume of the cell the expanding absorbent causes the valve member to seal the aperture to isolate the liquid.

Abstract: Protein hydrogel structures formed from natural proteins having an average molecular weight of about 100,000 or less by dissolving the protein in an aqueous acidic solution, subjecting the protein to vapor phase crosslinking with at least two crosslinking agents, and air drying to a moisture content not exceeding 10 percent. The drying may be effected by treatment with a water-miscible organic solvent or by air drying. The structures may be in the form of soft contact lenses, films, fibers, and prosthetics.

Abstract: There is disclosed compositions comprising primarily mixtures of edible cellulose fibers and/or colloidal cellulose microfibrils, incorporated with low-molecular animal and/or vegetable proteins, crosslinked with edible non-covalent and/or covalent crosslinking agents. The compositions possess a water-expandable property such as to grow in volume in an aqueous acidic medium and serve as a firm gelatinous binder for the edible components. The above mixture is compressed in dry powder forms into tablets and/or granular compositions capable of swelling at the acid pH of the stomach into a firm gelatinous physical mass or masses that effectively serve to provide a temporary reduction of the appetite by mechanical rather than systemic action.

Abstract: A dentifrice comprising a non-toxic soap and/or detergent without an unpleasant taste at concentrations from at least about 25 percent to about 50 percent and water at a minimum alkaline pH of 7.5 and capable of producing high viscosity bodied foams capable of physically capturing mouth bacteria and food particles, and allowing them to be flushed away with the foam thereby protecting the teeth from excessive decay and the gums from accelerated deterioration.

Abstract: A method of preparing new compositions of stabilized suspensoids of hybrid fuel oils comprising varying mixtures of ultrafine coal, virus-size pure carbon particles, finely ground newsprint and sawdust. The resultant stabilized fuel slurries are mixed mechanically to produce pumpable new forms of fuels whereby conventionally available petroleum fuel oils can be extended.The slurry is injected through lances into a blast furnace; the lances may provide concentric streams of slurry and steam. The slurry may also be used in other fuel burning furnaces such as boilers, cement kilns, etc.

Abstract: Protein hydrogel structures formed from natural proteins having an average molecular weight of about 100,000 or less by dissolving the protein in an aqueous acidic solution, crosslinking the protein, and air drying to a moisture content not exceeding 10 percent. The thus dried structure may or may not be bleached with an aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent and thoroughly washed with water. The washed structure is dehydrated by treatment with a water-miscible organic solvent, washed with water, and redried to a moisture content of not more than 10 percent. The structures may be in the form of soft contact lenses, films, fibers, and prosthetics.

Abstract: Natural protein hydrogel structures formed from natural proteins having molecular weights not exceeding 100,000 by dissolving the protein in an aqueous acidic solution, crosslinking the protein, and air drying to a moisture content not exceeding 10 percent. The air dried structure may or may not be bleached with an aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent and thoroughly washed with water. The washed structure is dehydrated by treatment with a water-miscible organic solvent, washed with water, and redried to a moisture content of not more than 10 percent. The structures may be in the form of soft contact lenses, films, fibers, and prosthetics.

Abstract: A throw-away dental aid article includes a container body adapted to store a supply of a liquid mouthwash therein. The open neck of the container is threaded. A closure cap has a compartment therein for the storage of a supply of dental floss and is threaded so as to be releasably secured to the container. A toothpick is connected to the closure cap to depend therefrom and extend into the container when the closure cap is secured thereto. Access to the compartment in the closure cap is provided by an aperture in the top wall of the closure cap which is normally closed by a removable cap.

Abstract: Regenerated cellulose sponges of incresed absorbency and rate of absorption formed by impregnating the sponge material with a solution or dispersion containing from 0.005 to 0.25% of a water-soluble or water-dispersible, high molecular weight, hydrophylic, film-forming polymer, drying the impregnated sponge and compressing it. The presence of the film-forming polymer allows the cutting of desired shaped individual sponges from the treated sponge material with a minimal formation of lint particles on the cut surfaces.

Abstract: Regenerated cellulose sponges of increased absorbency and rate of absorption formed by impregnating the sponge material with a solution or dispersion containing from 0.005% to 0.25% of a water-soluble or water-dispersible, high molecular weight, hydrophylic, film-forming polymer, drying the impregnated sponge and compressing it. The presence of the film-forming polymer allows the cutting of desired shaped individual sponges from the treated sponge material with a minimal formation of lint particles on the cut surfaces.

Abstract: Colloidally dispersible microcrystalline polyesters are prepared by a hydrolytic removal of amorphous regions in synthetic, linear polyesters followed by a mechanical disintegration of the resulting aggregated microcrystals to produce discrete microcrystalline particles at least 5% by weight having a particle size not exceeding 1 micron. The microcrystalline polyesters exhibit a sharp X-ray diffraction pattern and distinctly modified thermal behavior as compared to the parent or precursor polyester resin.