Abstract: A device for a stringed instrument to maintain the tone emitted from the instrument which is otherwise dampened by the user's body. The device includes a plate having an outer contour approximately matching that of a back surface of the instrument and at least one space. The plate remains in place against the back surface of the instrument while the instrument is being played. The device may also include a plurality of pads that space the plate from the back surface of the instrument.

Abstract: A visible range synthetic light polarizing element is provided, the optical and polarizing properties thereof having been selectively effected by regulated exposure of said polarizing element to ultraviolet irradiation. The ultraviolet irradiation can be either polarized or non-polarized, but in either case, is at intensities greater than that produced incidentally or by ambient ultraviolet irradiation sources. The resultant light-polarizing element is characterized by its heightened luminous transmittance, an improvement accomplished without departure from good polarization efficiency (i.e., greater than 99.9%).

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and supporting the foundation of a structure employs a pier anchored into the ground adjacent to the foundation, a support assembly attached to the upper end of the pier, and a lifting assembly that can be removably seated over the base of the support assembly. The support assembly includes a support bracket for engaging the foundation, and at least two threaded rods with nuts for adjustably controlling the vertical distance between the base and the support bracket on the rods. The lifting assembly is removably seated over the base of the support assembly between the rods, and has side members extending laterally outward beyond the support bracket for supporting jacks to lift the foundation.

Abstract: Metallocene compounds of a Group 4 or 5 metal having two fluorenyl ligands bridged with a single silicon or germanium atom, said atom having two substituent groups containing a total of at least four carbon atoms, are useful as catalyst components for the polymerization of olefins. Particularly, it is possible to prepare high molecular weight atactic polypropylene with improved yields with respect to the known catalysts.

Abstract: A composite structure includes a self-supporting substrate and a thermal barrier coating of zirconia stabilized with scandia and yttria. A method of protecting the surface of a self-supporting substrate from degradation caused by exposure to temperatures above 1200.degree. C. includes the step of applying to the surface a coating of zirconia stabilized with scandia and yttria.

Abstract: There is described a novel thermographic recording film, and more specifically, a novel image-forming system incorporated therein comprising at least one layer and including and a Lewis acid material, a di- or triarylmethane thiolactone dye precursor, an acidic organic material, a binder and a thermal stabilizer.Thermographic recording films comprising the novel image-forming system of the present invention exhibit excellent thermal stability, and desirable minimum optical densities, indicative of substantially less premature image development at elevated environmental temperatures.Embodiments of the invention wherein the thermographic recording films further include a light insensitive organic silver salt, a reducing agent, a binder and, preferably, a toning agent, show substantially enhanced image density.

Abstract: There is described a novel thermographic recording film, and more specifically, a novel image-forming system incorporated therein which employs both thiolactone and silver reduction chemistries.Thermographic recording films comprising the novel image-forming system of the present invention exhibit excellent thermal sensitivity and visual color saturation, enhanced image density, and desirable visual minimum optical densities.

Abstract: A coating of india-stabilized zirconia protects a self-supporting substrate rom high temperatures, as well as vanadate and sulfate corrosion. In one method of making such a protected substrate, a coating of india-stabilized zirconia is applied to the substrate. The substrate can be a metal or ceramic surface of a gas turbine or other type of engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a bagel is provided which is aesthetically pleasing, sanitary and requires a minimal amount of area. Specifically described is a dispenser comprising: a base comprising a front, a top, a right side and a left side and a pair of matching parallel slots along each right side and left side; a pusher assembly on top of the base comprising; a contact face; an inclined plate; a pair of support members attached to the inclined plate and extending downward wherein each support member further comprises a hole aligned with one slot; a rod, and associated handle, protruding through the front of the base; a connector attached to the rod comprising; a pair of fingers wherein each finger extends through one of the matching parallel slots of the base and into the hole of the support member; a storage column comprising; a front exit slot; a rear entrance slot.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermographic recording films including both a topcoat and a washcoat. The washcoat comprises at least one quaternary ammonium salt including at least one hydroxyl functional group, and a compound containing at least two epoxide moieties. The subject washcoat, in conjunction with the topcoat, reduces printer head build-up and streaking of the printed image film while simultaneously increases the anti-stat and slip properties of the film.

Abstract: A coating of india-stabilized zirconia protects a self-supporting substrate rom high temperatures, as well as vanadate and sulfate corrosion. In one method of making such a protected substrate, a coating of india-stabilized zirconia is applied to the substrate. The substrate can be a metal or ceramic surface of a gas turbine or other type of engine.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the use of tin oxide as a corrosion resistant erial for preventing or inhibiting high temperature corrosion by molten sulfate-vanadate deposits and gaseous sulfur trioxide formed in engines or other high temperature apparatus which burn materials containing sodium, sulfur, and vanadium.

Abstract: A coating of india-stabilized zirconia protects a self-supporting substrate from high temperatures, as well as vanadate and sulfate corrosion. In one method of making such a protected substrate, a coating of india-stabilized zirconia is applied to the substrate. The substrate can be a metal or ceramic surface of a gas turbine or other type of engine.

Abstract: A counterbalanced, one-piece, non-slip, lever action handle for retrofit adaption to existing door knobs is disclosed wherein a conforming, contoured lever handle is provided with self-tapping anchor screws for permanent attachment of the lever handle to a target door knob. Once attached, the lever handle becomes an extension of the existing door knob thereby facilitating greater access to individuals with disabilities.

Abstract: A hand brake for deforming a metal work piece, which includes a mechanism for clamping the work piece into a fixed position, such as a gripping mechanism or clamp, and a mechanism connected to the clamp for bending at least a portion of the work piece. The bending mechanism includes a bending member and a mechanism for rotating the bending member about its longitudinal axis to make contact with the work piece and angularly displace at least a portion of the work piece. The bending member is pivotally connected to the clamping mechanism and is disposable beneath at least a portion of the work piece.

Abstract: An occupant restraint module includes a subassembly of a support member and a folded cushion secured to the support member. The cushion is compressible. A cover assembly receives the subassembly. Cooperating fingers on the support member are engaged with cooperating slots on the cover assembly when the subassembly inserted into the cover assembly.

Abstract: The invention pertains generally to ultrasonic imaging systems and is more particularly directed to use of such systems for nondestructive testing to measure the thickness of parts, or to examine parts suspected of having internal flaws but where access is often limited to the external surfaces. The invention makes thickness and flaw determinations of substantial accuracy without resulting to use of an expensive ultra high frequency clock to measure time.

Abstract: Bicyclo prostaglandin analogues have been prepared.

Abstract: Novel compounds have the formula (I) ##STR1## where ##STR2## represents one of the divalent cyclic groups ##STR3## the letters a and b indicating in each case the points of attachment of the substituents R.sup.1 and CV(R.sup.2)-NV'R, respectively; R.sup.1 is a group --(CH.sub.2).sub.b --(A).sub.a --(CH.sub.2).sub.c --B--CH.sub.2 --CO.sub.2 R' in which A and B are each separately oxygen or sulphur, a is 0, b is 0 and c is an integer from 3 to 10, or a is 1, b is 0 or an integer from 1 to 7 and c is an integer from 2 to 9 with the sum of b and c being from 2 to 9, and CO.sub.2 R' is a carboxy group or an amide, ester or salt derivative thereof; V and V' either each separately is hydrogen or together are the second bond of a carbon-nitrogen double bond; R.sup.2 is hydrogen, an aliphatic hydrocarbon group or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group substituted by an aromatic group directly or through an oxygen or sulphur atom; and R is a group --OR.sup.3, --OR.sup.4, --D--R.sup.3, --N.dbd. R.sup.5 or --NW.G.

Abstract: Bicyclooctane and bicycloheptane prostaglandin intermediates have been synthesized.