Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing viscous liquids which dispenses from the bottom of the container and which has a self-closing, non-drip dispensing spout. The dispensing spout may be provided on the bottom of an upright container having a cap at the other extremity or as a part of a removable cap for the container having a flat upper surface for storing the container in an inverted position. A self-operating closure allows one-handed operation of the container. The self-operating closure has a pivotable dispensing tube and valve with an open position and a closed position which is operated by the pivoting action of the dispensing tube. The pivotable dispensing tube and the valve are biased into a closed position to make the closure self-operating. A detent may be provided for holding the pivotable dispensing tube in an open position against the bias.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a cannula or probe used to penetrate tissue to a target area to perform a medical procedure including biopsy and RF ablation of undesirable tissues or cells for treatment, or to prevent the spread of cancer cells during a biopsy procedure. The probe is preferably shape changeable. The probe may be hollow or solid having an exterior surface coated with a dielectric material, a preferably sharpened beveled tip at a distal end coated with a resistor material, and means for coupling the probe to an RF generator and control device. The RF generator provides current to the probe. The dielectric material provides a predominant impedance characteristic of the probe in contact with tissue, thus changes in impedance will vary primarily based on the area of the probe in contact with tissue.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument having one or two moving jaws. The jaws are pivotally attached to a housing and actuated by a central control wire attached to an actuation mechanism. Preferably, a portion of the housing forms a pin for each jaw around which the jaw pivots. The actuation mechanism moves back and forth along the body of the instrument. Engagement projections extend from opposing sides of the body of the actuation mechanism. The engagement projections engage openings in the jaws. As the actuation mechanism is moved toward the distal end of the instrument, the jaws are moved toward an open position. As the actuation mechanism is moved toward the proximal end of the instrument, the jaws are moved toward a closed position. Optionally, the jaws maybe configured to open to a predetermined, maximum angle.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for treatment of psoriasis is a mixture of garlic (Allium sativum) and seeds of the radish plant (Raphanus sativus) in dilute acetic acid, preferably in the form of white wine vinegar, which is pulverized and blended into a paste. For maximum potency, the composition is preferably prepared immediately before use from fresh ingredients in an amount sufficient for a single treatment. Alternatively, the composition may be prepared ahead of time and stored in a sealed, refrigerated container or otherwise preserved. In the method of treatment, the paste-like composition is applied topically directly to psoriatic plaques on the patient. The composition is allowed to dry on the patient's skin and is left in place for a period of approximately 24 to 72 hours, after which the composition is washed off. The composition is repeatedly applied at intervals of approximately one week over a three to six week period until the desired results are obtained.

Abstract: A device that incorporates magnetic componentry frictionally engage one or more sheets of paper therebetween is provided. The magnetic componentry of the invention is selected to exert sufficient magnetic force therebetween to retain the paper. The invention includes a magnetic backing member and a ferromagnetic retaining clip rotatably coupled thereto for frictionally engaging paper therebetween. The retaining clip may have an upturned end to facilitate disposing paper between the clip and backing member. The backing member and retaining clip are selected so that the backing member exerts just enough magnet force on the retaining clip to draw the clip against the backing member with enough pressure to retain up to several thin sheets of paper therebetween. The present invention is well suited for one-handed operation thereof.

Abstract: A fishing rod controlling device has four general sections: a leg pad, a curve section, a rod holder, and a belt. The fishing rod controller may be constructed by post-forming a section of plastic pipe. In the section of the controller that forms the leg pad, the pipe is split and spread apart far enough to allow the user's leg to rest within the curve. Above the leg pad and just below the curve, is a belt attachment. The controller is slit on both sides so belting material may be run through the slits. The belt is fit around the user's waist. Above the belt, the rod controller curves outward (away from the body of the user). The uppermost section of the rod controller is the rod holder. This section is a hollow cylindrical section of the pipe which is left unaltered in the basic version of the rod controller. It is within the cavity in the rod holder section that the rod is placed.

Abstract: An improved bicycle saddle is made of a dual density, closed-cell, polymeric foam laminate. The upper layer is a lower density (1.5 to 5 pcf), closed-cell, polymeric foam for comfort, absorbing minor impacts and distributing impact stress over a larger surface to reduce fatigue. The lower layer is a higher density (5 to 7.2 pcf), closed-cell, polymeric foam to absorb major impacts and add structural stability to the bicycle saddle. Cushioning pads may be added inside the bicycle saddle for customizing fit. The preferred material for the upper and lower layers of the laminated, dual density bicycle saddle is a nitrogen blown, cross-linked, closed-cell, polyethylene foam. The dual density, closed-cell, polymeric foam laminate of the bicycle saddle provides improved impact attenuation. The laminate also reduces the weight of the bicycle saddle, improves comfort and reduces neck fatigue for the user. The polyethylene foam laminate also exhibits improved recovery after an impact.

Abstract: A hole plug and method of installing the hole plug to seal and repair a hole in a wall of a pipeline, tank or other physical structure is provided. The hole plug has a bolt with a bolt head and a threaded shank, where two or more adjacent notched washers, one or more sealing washers and an exterior washer are secured about the threaded shank and between the bolt head and a threaded nut. The present invention includes an internal sealing washer and/or an external sealing washer. The sealing washers and the exterior washer are selected to provide a surface area larger than the hole. The hole is prepared by establishing a solid, clean edge. The bolt head, a length of the threaded shank, the notched washers and an optional internal sealing washer, are passed from the exterior side of the wall and through the hole. Insertion of the notched washers is accomplished by tipping the washers at an angle to the wall and rotating the washer through the hole.

Abstract: An improved protective helmet is made of a dual density, closed-cell, polymeric foam laminate. The inner layer is a lower density (3.8 to 5 pcf), closed-cell, polymeric foam for comfort, absorbing minor impacts and distributing impact stress over a larger surface of the skull to reduce injury. The outer layer is a higher density (5 to 7.2 pcf), closed-cell, polymeric foam to absorb major impacts and add structural stability to the helmet. Ventilation holes provide airflow through the helmet. Cushioning pads may be added inside the helmet for customizing fit and improving ventilation. The preferred material for the inner and outer layers of the laminated, dual density protective helmet is a nitrogen blown, cross-linked, closed-cell, polyethylene foam. The dual density, closed-cell, polymeric foam laminate of the helmet provides improved impact attenuation. The laminate also reduces the weight of the helmet, which improves comfort and reduces neck fatigue for the wearer.

Abstract: The inflatable greenhouse is an approximately hemispherical dome-shaped inflatable structure which is entirely self-supporting when inflated. The greenhouse has a double-walled structure of plastic sheet material which gives the greenhouse structural rigidity when inflated and which increases the thermal protection provided by the greenhouse. The walls of the greenhouse are made of a transparent or translucent plastic material to allow optimal light transmission for photosynthetic plants or of a light filtering or opaque plastic material for light-sensitive plants and animals. The greenhouse has an access door through the wall to allow easy access to the interior of the structure. The door is placed such that it does not interrupt the structural integrity of the inflated dome-shaped structure, therefore no rigid structural members are needed to support the walls.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is an implantable device intended to reestablish or maintain the normal passage cross section of a bodily canal, of the type comprising an elongate framework which can expand radially between a first, contracted state of reduced diameter and a second, expanded state in which it has a diameter substantially equal to the natural diameter of said bodily canal and wherein said framework has, when contracted, at least one element consisting of a wire wound on itself, preferably with substantially constant pitch, along a substantially circular or helical directrix line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and polishing products, including fruits and vegetables, in which the product is placed in a specially constructed cleaning bag and oscillated. The rolling motion of the product cleans and polishes the surfaces of the product. The bag has a lining especially selected for the purpose and is designed for occasional replacement of the lining or temporary removal for cleaning purposes. In one embodiment, the bag features an elastic section that accommodates various sizes of loads.

Abstract: An interchangeable sound effect device (1) which incorporates and plays sound effects that have been digitally recorded on interchangeable sound cartridges (4). This device (1) is designed to be used with entertainment and educational type products such as toys, dolls, figurines, books and instructional guides. The sound effect device (1) employs an infrared receiver (28) housed within a durable encasement which straps around the user's waist or is embedded within the doll, figurine, toy, or book. The receiver unit (28) contains an infrared detector (44), an electronic diving means (60), an audio speaker (52), and a sound cartridge (4) that rests within a sound cartridge chamber (32). The sound cartridge (4) contains a sound enabler chip (12) that stores, in digital form, a number of prerecorded sound effects. In addition, the user can easily remove the sound cartridge (4) and insert one of many other sound cartridges each containing a different set of sound effects.

Abstract: A combined laser and ultrasonic device includes a combination laser and ultrasonic source, a control console and a combined laser and ultrasonic delivery handpiece. The system has three modes of operation: 1) laser energy only, 2) ultrasonic energy only and 3) combined laser and ultrasonic energy. All three modes of operation are controlled by a single foot-operated activation switch, which will operate the laser source, the ultrasonic source or both, depending on which mode the device is operating in according to a mode switch on the control console. The combined laser and ultrasonic delivery handpiece includes an ultrasonic transducer coupled to an ultrasonic vibrating tip, which is mounted in close proximity to a laser delivery wave guide, such as a flexible optical fiber. The combined laser and ultrasonic device can be used to perform a variety of surgical procedures, including an improved method of a laser excisional new attachment procedure (Laser E.N.A.P.

Abstract: A compact level having two spirit level vials visible through either planar face of a triangular body. The vials and triangular body are configured to produce angles including 0.degree., 15.degree., 30.degree., 45.degree., and 60.degree. and their 90.degree. increments. Each of the three edges of the triangle maybe grooved to aid in leveling or truing pipes or other cylindrical objects. Extending along these grooves are magnets. The magnets may be flat or grooved and are used to aid the user when working with magnetic objects.

Abstract: A gun sight mount is provided that enables the accurate and secure positioning of an optical sighting device onto a weapon or other equipment. The mount includes a base and a front and rear ring assemblies. The base is attached at at least two points to the weapon or equipment. The separate front and rear ring assemblies capture the weapon or equipment. The ring assemblies are secured to the base, whereby a secure mounting is acheived.