Abstract: A rescue apparatus includes at least one flexible support member and a plurality of handles and an attachment member extending outwardly therefrom. The support member includes a mesh portion formed with a plurality of openings that together form a open area that constitutes a major portion of the support area of the support member. The rescue apparatus is flexible, foldable, and collapsible, and may be stored during periods of non-use in a flexible container. The rescue apparatus is used by positioning it underneath a person such that the rescue apparatus underlies and at least partially wraps around the person being rescued. The handles are then lifted, allowing water or debris to drain or fall away from the person being rescued to reduce the lifting effort required.

Abstract: A string of lights hanging apparatus including a telescoping handle comprised of a lower section, an upper section, and an intermediate section therebetween. A clamping mechanism is secured to a free end of the upper section of the telescoping handle. The clamp mechanism includes a fixed arm. The fixed arm extends outwardly from the handle. The clamping mechanism includes a pivoting arm. An inner end of the pivoting arm is pivotally coupled with an inner end of the fixed arm. A spring extends between the pivoting arm and the fixed arm for biasing the pivoting arm outwardly from the fixed arm. A trigger mechanism is secured to the lower section of the telescoping handle. The trigger mechanism includes a cable extending outwardly therefrom. A free end of the cable is secured to the pivoting arm of the clamping mechanism whereby inward pressure of the trigger mechanism will cause the pivoting arm to compress the spring and engage the fixed arm.

Abstract: A method for screening for Lyme borreliosis and other infectious diseases early in the course of the disease are disclosed. It has been found that there is a dramatic difference in surface binding of cultured infectious agents to naturally occurring polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) (e.g., neutrophils) between infected and noninfected animals, which may be present early in the course of the disease, before measurable antibody response. This binding response can be rapidly and accurately distinguished and quantitated using various detection techniques. The method involves visualizing the surface binding of the cultured infectious agent to naturally-occurring PMN to detect the infection.

Abstract: A preparation for concealing crazing in antique composition dolls. The method of making a concealer from various pigments and other compounds is disclosed. A method of using the preparation for repairing crazing marks on antique dolls is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for connecting wall panels in abutting edgewise relation, wherein abutting edges of the panels are formed with semi-circular recesses in them, includes pairs of spaced slots formed in the corners defining transverse semi-circular edges of the panel frames. Two connectors are provided having conical recesses for engaging the edges of the slots. The connectors are each fastened by a screw to an end of an elongate bar which fits within the recesses of the corners. When the connectors are fastened tightly to the bar, the engagement of the conical recesses with the corner edges draws the panels tightly together. By this system, the panels may be connected either in-line or at an angle of between 90 and 180 degrees, without the need for any special corner hardware.