Abstract: A package for storing a plurality of strands of flaccid items, filaments and the like, especially, for the storage of strands of dental floss. First and second ends of the floss are securely sealed within the sealed edge of the package. However, the first and second ends are not permanently sealed within the sealed edges. As a result, when the floss is removed from the sealed package only a small hole, slightly larger than the diameter of the floss, is produced. Consequently, a single piece of floss can be removed from the package without destroying the integrity of the entire package.

Abstract: A powdered aluminum composition is mixed with lithium dispersed in an inert, non-water absorbent, liquid medium to produce a substantially homogenous admixture that is heated to melt the lithium and vaporize the liquid medium to thereby obtain a decovered powdered alloy comprising aluminum and lithium. The liquid medium has major and minor liquid constituents, wherein the major liquid constituent has a boiling point below the melting point of lithium and the minor liquid constituent has a boiling point above the melting point of lithium but below the melting point of the alloy being produced.

Abstract: A fastener device for use with shoes of the type having eyelets therein is disclosed which is a simple, inexpensive, aesthetically pleasing substitute for shoe laces. The improved fasteners of the present invention each include a segment of elastic tubing connected between pairs of opposing eyelets through which elastic tubing urges the two flaps of the shoes together in a manner allowing both easy installation of the shoes and comfortable wearing of the shoes without removing the fasteners. The fasteners include mounting apparatus which allows for simple installation into the eyelets through the use of mating fasteners which snap together in removable but sturdy fashion.

Abstract: A measuring tape device includes a housing having a base, a rearward end, a forward end, and opposite sides. A wound length of tape is disposed in the housing and is taken out in a direction in line with the base. A first mounting hole is disposed in the housing and mounts a scribing pen in a first, stowed position, and a second mounting hole is disposed in the base of the housing at the forward end and transverse the direction of tape take out, and mounts the scribing pin in a second, operative position. The scribing pin in the second operative position has a pointed end extending downwardly from the base.

Abstract: A tablet selector has a selector plate interposed between a tablet-carrying rotatable disk having a plurality of pairs of first and second openings, and a pair of discharged tubes which lead to a form, fill and seal packaging station. The selector plate is pivotally movable by solenoid actuators to selectively block one or the other of the first and second openings of the rotatable disk. A pneumatic cylinder has an expandable arm which drives the selector plate into a complete blocking position.

Abstract: An acidified and foamable fluoride gel composition, for use in dental therapy, is provided that contains water, dental fluoride, foaming agent, gelling agent and acidifying agent. An illustrative composition comprises water, sodium fluoride, Pluronic F108 nonionic surfactant and phosphoric acid. The foamable fluoride gel composition, which is packaged in a suitable container, is dispensed onto a toothbrush, or the like, for application to the teeth to be treated to thereby effect fluoride uptake by the dental enamel. The foamable fluoride gel provides substantially the same fluoride uptake as a tray fluoride gel but this result is achieved by a foamable fluoride gel with substantially less fluoride than that which is present in a tray fluoride.

Abstract: A foamable fluoride composition, for use in dental therapy, is provided that contains water, dental fluoride, foaming agent and acidifying agent. An illustrative composition comprises water, sodium fluoride, hydrofluoric acid, ethoxylated polyoxypropylene adduct of propylene glycol and phosphoric acid. The foamable fluoride composition, which is packaged in a nonmetallic, acid resistant, aerosol container in combination with an aerosol propellant, is dispensed into the trough of a dental tray as a dense, stable, non-flowable foam which is superimposed about and into engagement with the teeth to be treated to thereby effect fluoride uptake by the dental enamel. The fluoride foam provides substantially the same fluoride uptake as a fluoride gel but this result is achieved by the fluoride foam with substantially less fluoride in the tray than that which is present in a corresponding tray containing a like volume of fluoride gel.

Abstract: A potable water storage system includes a water container having a top and a bottom, an inlet flow line passing through the container and having one end terminating near the bottom and an opposite end being connectable to a main supply of water, an outlet flow line passing through the container and having one end terminating near the top and an opposite end connectable to an exchanger hose line, and a tap disposed in the container near the bottom for releasing water from the container.

Abstract: A dental paste dispensing apparatus includes a molded plastic cup having an open mouth defined by a rim and has an interior for containing dental paste material. A locking mechanism is disposed within the interior for preventing the dental paste material contained therein from rotating with a rotating applicator which is dipped into the paste to obtain an appropriate amount for professional application to the teeth.

Abstract: A sealed dispensing cup is prepared by forming a portion of a plastic sheet into a cup, adding dispensable material to the cup, placing a sealable closure over the open end of the cup and marginally beyond the periphery of the open end to provide an overlap area that includes a lateral rim section, sealing the closure to the lateral rim section, excising the lateral rim section, with its subtending cup, from the plastic sheet in a configuration that includes an elongated handle portion extending outwardly from the rim, and shaping the elongated handle portion into the form of a finger mount.

Abstract: A dental instrument mat includes a base portion having two opposite sides and two opposite ends and a pair of racks formed longitudinally along the two opposite sides. Each rack has a plurality of spaced apart teeth, and the teeth of each rack are laterally aligned with teeth of the other rack to form a plurality of laterally disposed holding slots. An elastic band is looped over protrusions formed at the opposite axial ends of the base portion so as to place the elastic band in tension and thereby hold dental instruments in the holding slots during autoclaving.

Abstract: A channel set ring is provided with a plurality of substantially equidistantly spaced depressions formed in the bottom of a U-shaped groove. Setting holes are formed centrally in each of the plurality of depressions. Once the gems to be set are placed with their pavilions in the setting holes, a piece of tape is used to hold the gems in place while the ring is rotated on a lathe. The upstanding rims formed by the groove are turned with a roller while the ring is rotated on the lathe. After turning the rims, the tape is removed.

Abstract: A gas actuated valve system includes a gas switch disposed in a primary gas circuit upstream of a gas driven actuator. The switch is movable to an open position when a pilot gas is supplied under pressure to the gas switch through a pilot circuit, and is movable to a closed position when the pilot pressure is released. A seismic valve coupled to the pilot circuit senses seismic activity and releases pilot gas pressure, thus moving the gas switch to the closed position, when seismic activity is detected.

Abstract: A composition comprising a polyvinyl acetate homopolymer emulsion, glyceryl triacetate, silicon, epoxidized oil, talc, fumed silica and dextrin exhibiting remarkable molding, coloring and printing properties for used as novelty items, activity toys and molding compounds. This composition is also for use as an artist's tool, transfer and printing medium, as an exercising device and for art therapy. The molded object, after exposure to air, becomes dry and will remain flexible and permanent, including fine detail and brilliant colors. The composition may contain suitable food dyes, which allows the color to be transferred from the compound to paper, canvas, fabric and wall. The color print dries instantly. Luster and pearlescent pigments brushed on the surface of the molded objects gives the appearance of cast precious metal.