Abstract: An anoxic treatment process which eliminates organisms such as insects, fungi and/or microbes from fine art objects such as paintings includes filling an enclosure placed around the object, flushing the enclosure of oxygen by applying an inert gas such as argon, and/or helium separately or in combination, and maintaining selected conditions of pressure, temperature, humidity and ph (acidity) for a selected period of time, typically on the order of several weeks. In one practice of the invention, infrared spectra are monitored to determine when all live organisms have been eliminated from the object, by measuring respiratory by-products from the organisms to determine when all have been eliminated. The by-product measurement system may utilize a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy system (FTIR) to monitor carbon dioxide and/or methane.

Abstract: A device for retaining an electrical plug and extension cord to another plug and extension cord employs fastener strip elements secured to the cord adjacent to the plug by a circumferential clamping element. When the electrical plug is engaged with a corresponding socket, the mechanical fastener elements secured to the plug engage cooperating fastening elements affixed to the corresponding socket to retain the assembly in its connected state. The fastener elements may be mushroom-type fastener elements such as those available under the name Dual Lock.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically determining the weight of a plurality of articles, each of the articles having a surface portion with a unique element thereon, comprises a plurality of assemblies and a computer. Each assembly includes a surface for supporting an article, a transducer in operative contact with the supporting surface for producing an output signal indicative of the weight of an article placed on the supporting surface, and a sensor in operative relationship with an article on the supporting surface for producing an output signal indicative of the unique element on the surface portion of the article. A computer receives the transducer output signals and the sensor output signals and, for each article on the supporting surfaces, computes the weight of the article based on the transducer output signal and identifies the article based on the sensor output signal. The apparatus is especially useful as an inventory control system for a bar.

Abstract: An illuminated coaster having a minimum number of parts for facilitating assembly and reducing manufacturing costs includes an integral base defining structure for receiving a light, at least one battery, battery contacts, and a switch means for lighting the light when a drinking vessel is disposed in the coaster.