Abstract: A support pad for relief of osteoarthritis of the hip joint, which connects the trochanter to the pelvis. The support pad has cushioning means for comfortable placement against the user's pelvis. The cushion has sufficient thickness so that when the user is lying on his side, it shifts body weight bearing pressure from the trochanter to the pelvis to reduce pressure on the hip joint, and thereby reduce pain in the joint. The support pad may have adjustable thickness to accommodate the anatomical geometry and weight of different users. A leg cushion may be used between the inner thighs to further reduce pressure in the hip joints.

Abstract: An improved optical device in combination with means for holding the device in position before the eye including an optical device formed of an opaque mask for mounting before the eye, a horizontal transparent area extending substantially across the mask centrally thereof, an array of discrete circular transparent areas on the mask, the array being disposed below the horizontal transparent area and each circular area having equal diameters of between 0.5 and 1.2 mm. is characterized by an increase in the total aperture of the transparent areas on those portions of the opaque mask where the eye-to-mask distance increases thereby permitting a greater field of vision while limiting the influx of light.

Abstract: A heat storage device having a tubular configuration suitably adapted to warm the feet of a user, including use, especially in bed, to induce sleep. In a preferred embodiment, the heat storage device contains water as the principal heat storage source, and the tubular configuration is flexible for convenient application to a user's feet. The heat storage device effectively supplies heat to both upper and lower portions of the feet while having means which easily adjust to foot size and for variation of heat capacity with ventilation in a simple, economical manner.

Abstract: A portable body warming device is disclosed having a housing which encloses separately a water compartment and a salt compartment. The salt compartment has segmented chambers, each of which contains salt which reacts exothermically with water supplied by means of interconnecting tubes. Addition of the water to the salt is controlled such that the exothermic reaction is effected over a period of time and usefully serves to warm the body of a user. For use in emergency water immersion situations, an automatic double starting valve is disclosed.

Abstract: A process comprising passing a first stream comprising residual oil and hydrogen downwardly through a zone containing hydrodesulfurization catalyst under hydrodesulfurization conditions until said catalyst is deactivated. Subsequently, passing a second stream of residual oil and hydrogen upwardly through the deactivated hydrodesulfurization catalyst under thermal cracking conditions, including a temperature above the hydrodesulfurization temperature.

Abstract: An optical device especially constructed for preoperative cataract patients comprising an opaque mask attached to spectacle frames or other means for mounting before the eyes. The mask includes a horizontally extending open ended slot providing a transparent area through which the patient's vision is unobstructed. The mask further includes an array of separate transparent areas disposed below the slotted opening. The size and positioning of these areas are interrelated with the slotted opening to provide an increased vertical field of vision while restricting the light striking the patient's eye to a minimum.

Abstract: An optical device for post-operative cataract patients comprising an opaque mask attached in spectacle frames or other means for mounting before the eyes. The mask includes an array of transparent areas, the size and positioning of which are interrelated to provide the eye with protection against excessive light and to increase the imaging and focusing capability of the eye.