Abstract: A packaging system for holding an object is provided. An outer container comprising a top, a bottom, and a plurality of sides is provided. An inner container comprising a top, a bottom, and a plurality of sides is provided. A top floater is attached to the top of the outer container. The top of the inner container is attached to the top floater. A bottom floater is attached to the bottom of the outer container. The bottom of the inner container is attached to the bottom floater. An internal support is attached to the inner container.

Abstract: A method of differential surface composition analysis which allows non-destructive compositional analysis with depths below a solid surface is used to analyze respirable dust particles to determine the presence of hazardous components in the surface of the dust particles. A method of incubating respirable particles in a surrogate pulmonary surfactant system used in combination with the differential surface composition analysis allows determination of surface components which survive or are exposed on the respiratory particles after incubation in the surrogate pulmonary surfactant, representing modification of the partical surface upon deposition in the lung.

Abstract: A ternary alloy comprised of cerium, nickel and manganese is characterized in having CaCu.sub.5 hexagonal crystal structure and stoichiometry. Members of a preferred class of compounds, represented by the empirical formula CeNi.sub.5-x Mn.sub.x wherein "x" has a value between 0.1 and about 1.0. These alloys react with hydrogen readily and can absorb a large amount of hydrogen at moderate pressure and temperature and are particularly suitable for use as hydrogen storage materials.

Abstract: Hydrogen storage materials are provided by a quaternary alloy of the formula:Zr.sub.1-x Ti.sub.x CrFe.sub.ywherein x has a value in a range from 0.1 to 0.3, and y has a value in a range from 1.2 to 1.4, and their hydrides.

Abstract: Hydrogen storage materials are provided of a ternary alloy of the formula:ZrMnFe.sub.xwherein x has a value from 1.2 to 1.3, and their hydrides.

Abstract: An alloy consisting of zirconium, chromium, iron and optionally titanium is characterized in having C14 hexagonal crystal structure and ZrCr.sub.2 stoichiometry. Members of a preferred class of compounds, represented by the empirical formula Zr.sub.1-x Ti.sub.x Cr.sub.2-y Fe.sub.y wherein "x" has a value between 0.0 and 0.9 and "y" has a value of 0.1 to 1.5, are particularly suitable for use as hydrogen storage materials.

Abstract: Quaternary hyperstoichiometric alloys of the formula: ZrCrFeT.sub.x and their hydrides are provided, characterized as having MgZn.sub.2 hexagonal crystal structure wherein T is selected from Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu, and X is a number from 0.1 to 1.0. These alloys readily form hydrides at low hydrogen pressure and are suitable for use as hydrogen storage materials.

Abstract: A quaternary alloy consisting of zirconium, titanium, manganese and iron is characterized in having C14 hexagonal crystal structure and ZrMn.sub.2 stoichiometry. Members of a preferred class of compounds, represented by the empirical formula Zr.sub.1-x Ti.sub.x Mn.sub.2-y Fe.sub.y wherein "x" has a value between 0.05 and 0.3 and "y" has a value between 0.1 and 1, are particularly suitable for use as hydrogen storage materials.

Abstract: A ternary alloy comprised of zirconium, manganese and a third element selected from cerium, praseodymium and neodymium is characterized in having AB.sub.2 hexagonal crystal structure and stoichiometry. Members of a preferred class of compounds, represented by the empirical formula Zr.sub.x-1 M.sub.x Mn.sub.2 wherein "x" has a value between zero and about 0.3 and M is one of the selected metals, are particularly suitable for use as hydrogen storage materials.

Abstract: A pocket sized disposable rain protector including a thin flexible plastic canopy with a window or viewing port, wherein the plastic canopy is dimensioned and configured to at least partially surround the head, shoulders and entire human torso down to about the knees. The plastic sheet from which the canopy is made is treated with a cohesion inhibitor in the form of an electrostatic charge placed on opposite surfaces of the plastic sheet to permit easy opening of the protector. The protector is fitted over the top of and partially supported by the user's head and upon being folded will slip into a pocket size envelope.

Abstract: A pocket-sized inflatable umbrella of the type primarily intended for disposal after a single use including a thin flexible plastic sheet having air passages formed therein, wherein the sheet is dimensioned and configured to substantially define a hemisphere surrounding the head and/or shoulders of the user when inflated. The sheet is fixedly attached to a telescoping sleeve, both of which fit into a housing of a suitable size and configuration for carrying in a pocket or purse. When the sleeve is extended from the housing, the plastic sheet is inflated, and the housing serves as a handle for the umbrella.