Abstract: The invention discloses a cup apparatus that comprises a child's training cup that is modified to clean a child's baby teeth and gums with comfortable, cleaning elements are perpendicular to each other. To use the device and methods of this invention for cleaning the upper four front baby teeth, the child's lips surround the mouthpiece holes so that when he sips liquid from the cup apparatus, his four front teeth come in contact with the tooth cleaning members. The device is designed for children from about 6 months to about three years old. It removes plaque-like and decay-producing substances decay painlessly and effortlessly as well as reducing parental involvement in the child dental health.

Abstract: This invention comprises a kit of materials necessary for a patient to clean and maintain a dental appliance made of plastic resin. More specifically, the kit contains a special brush, a polishing paste, a gel for use under the appliance when worn, an oral care rinse to use with the appliance, a powdered material that is dissolved in water that becomes a solution that cleans and disinfects the appliance, and a plurality of protective cases.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an efficient and inexpensive way to form dental clasps and fixed single unit temporary prostheses from molten thermoplastic resin. The apparatus and method allow a dental laboratory to make non-metallic clasps using an inexpensive handheld thermoplastic injection unit/gun that injects molten resin into a model of the clasp made from wax. A silicone putty matrix allows the resin to flow into a vacated wax model of the clasp. The time and money needed for this is much less than is needed to create such clasps using hot press equipment.

Abstract: Embedder compositions effective for detecting or killing cells in acidic areas of tumors are described. Each composition includes an embedder peptide which at pH 7.2 and above is poly-anionic and so repels from cells in normal tissues, but at lower pH in hypoxic areas of tumors the embedder peptide converts to a non-ionic lipophilic form effective to embed into membranes of cells. Each composition also includes a cargo component which cannot be pulled across cell membranes by the embedder peptide and which is effective for detecting or killing cells in whose membranes the embedder peptide has embedded.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methods for a plurality of users to work and/or play underwater with a supply of breathable air. The breathable air is taken from the atmosphere above the surface of the water. The air is sent to one or two submerged users. The apparatus and its components are enclosed in a water resistant enclosure encapsulated by an inner tube which floats on the surface of the water. The apparatus provides breathable air to one or two users from a flexible air supply line, which runs from the apparatus to each submerged user. The air pumps of the apparatus push a constant flow of breathable air to each user. Each user inhales air from the apparatus with a mouth piece that is connected to the air supply line which is connected to the air pumps. Equipment such as regulators, tanks or reservoirs are not needed. The apparatus is powered by a dry cell battery and does not require fuel to operate.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus, materials, devices and methods for the use of a variety of thermoplastic resins in fabricating dental prostheses without the use of expensive hot-press equipment unavailable to most dental laboratories. The prostheses made by the process and materials disclosed herein provide more attractive and longer lasting prostheses with significant savings in both costs and materials. Among the aims of the technology disclosed is to save time and money for the dental industry (dentists, dental labs) and the dental consumer/patient.

Abstract: Improved transporter compositions effective for detecting or killing cells in acidic areas of tumors are described. Each composition includes a transporter peptide which at pH 7.2 and above is poly-anionic and so repels from cells in normal tissues, but at lower pH in hypoxic areas of tumors the transporter peptide converts to a non-ionic lipophilic form which transports across membranes of cells. Each composition also includes a cargo component which can be pulled across cell membranes by the transporter peptide and which is effective for detecting or killing cells into which the transporter composition has entered.

Abstract: The invention discloses the discovery of naturally occurring peptides that contain fatty acyl and prenyl moieties which permit the transfer of nucleotides, oligonucleotides, and polynucleotides into the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells. Their intrinsic properties cause them to tightly bind to nucleotides. This indicates that they might serve as nucleotide transporters. Experiments demonstrated that they permitted the transfer of nucleotides and polynucleotides into the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells. The peptides, due to their ability to transport ribonucleic acids into cells, can be employed in gene silencing by RNAi (ribonucleic acid interference) and antisense therapy. Among the ailments thought to benefit are: atherosclerosis by regulating cholesterol metabolism, cancer and similar diseases by delivering nucleic acids in chemotherapy. The peptides, due to their ability to transport ribonucleic acids into cells, can be employed in gene silencing.

Abstract: Weak-base amphiphilic delivery peptide compositions are described for use in delivering large polar substances (cargo) into the cytosol of animal cells via an indirect endocytosis-mediated delivery process. The delivery peptides, which are predominantly non-ionic at neutral pH, bind but do not permeabilize cell membranes. After endocytosis of both delivery peptides and cargo, acidification of the endosome converts the delivery peptides to their polycationic form, whereupon they permeabilize the endosomal membrane and allow co-endocytosed cargo to pass from the endosome to the cytosol of the cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are several preferred embodiments of hydrogen peroxide which are packaged with ease of use and extended shelf-life in mind. The embodiments include foam, mist, gel, and disposable towelette forms of H2O2. Optional ingredients of topical pain relievers and skin protectants are also disclosed, as are their methods of use.

Abstract: The current invention relates to an environmentally friendly and inexpensive way to dispose of solid animal waste that is installed in conjunction with a household sanitary sewer. The system includes a basin covered with a lid that is installed near a building's sewer cleanout. A wye filling is added to the cleanout so that waste that is deposited into the basin is washed into the household sanitary sewer by pouring a bucket of water in the basin after the waste is deposited to carry it into the household sanitary sewer. The invention provides a solution to the need for the safe and clean disposal of dog solid waste without the need for any sort of scoopers, diapers or bagging devices.

Abstract: A saw blade for a reciprocating saw apparatus having first and second longitudinal edges and first and second opposite ends. The saw blade is provided at its first end with an attachment element for attaching the blade to a power unit. The first and second longitudinal edges of the blade are toothed, the teeth of the first and second longitudinal edges being raked towards the first end of the saw blade. The second end of the blade is toothed and is rounded.

Abstract: A device for anchoring and safely transporting equipment in land or water vehicles is described. The device comprises a metal hanger that is welded on one side to a flat steel bar that is bent into an offset U-shape whose top extends further than its bottom and allows the top to support a load. The device includes a metal bolt that clamps and anchors the material being transported. Other parts of the device include a metal bolt as clamping means, a movable metal rod in a T configuration on the bottom of the bolt, elastomeric fastening means, and a swivel head crimped to the top of the bolt such that the bolt and rod securely attach the hanger to a rail of a vehicle to secure the device in place. Elastomeric fastening means attach to the hanger device which a user laterally stretches across an item being transported to securely hold it in place during transport.

Abstract: The invention related to a shoe fastening device and methods for its use. The device comprises a double ended clip hook with a flattened, contoured c-shape hook at both its two ends. An elastomeric fastener is grasped at one hook end of the double ended clip hook which is inserted manually into one of a pair of eyelets over the tongue of the shoe and then the elastic is stretched to the second eyelet of the pair to be securely held by the other hook end. Identifying tags or decorations can be a part of the fastener to be used with children's shoes or to identify an elderly or infirm wearer. Shoes that may utilize the device of this invention include oxfords, walking shoes, sneakers, athletic shoes, and boots designed for lacing.

Abstract: A device that is ergonomically designed for steering a variety of industrial vehicles is disclosed. The driver may steer the vehicle while keeping his hand flat on the device, which is custom fitted to a particular industrial vehicle. The hand that steers the vehicle is kept flat on the device, allowing the driver of the vehicle to steer it without grasping the steering wheel.

Abstract: The invention discloses a lineal log peeler and debarker that debarks logs for use in home construction automatically by, an operator in a protected control booth. The machine is electronically controlled and replaces the difficult, dangerous and time-consuming operation of hand-peeling such logs with a drawknife. The logs debarked by the machine of this invention can range in length from about 6 to over 50 feet. They can range from about 7 to about 21 inches in diameter and weigh up to about 3000 pounds.

Abstract: The invention discloses a natural treatment for ecto-parasitic infestation, particularly effective against lice be it head, body or pubic. A preferred gel composition includes a salt, a plant essence, and a pharmaceutically acceptable gelling agent. Besides gel, the composition designed for use on scalp hair may be formulated as a shampoo, a detangling spray conditioner, mousse, hair spray, or hair styling emulsion. The composition may be formulated as an ointment or lotion for topical use in areas with sparse hair. The invention also discloses a method of use of the composition, which is especially suited for treatment of the hair of infested children. The composition and method benefit from the soothing effects of aroma therapy. An additional benefit is that ecto-parasites do not develop resistance to the composition, which may be used repeatedly with no ill effects to the host.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system, device, and method for covert, wireless communication between a human handler and a trained animal. A small receiving unit is placed in a cured material which has conformed to the contours of a trained animal's inner ear thereby eliminating the need for an invasive method for implanting anything into the animals ear. The receiving unit has no external communication features such as wires or external antennae and thus it is covert. The transmitting unit may be hand-held by the animal's handler or used with a headset and attached microphone. Neither the transmitting or receiving units have any wires or external antennae that may be dangerously snagged while the animal is performing service or be noticed by any onlookers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a instrument for use in an air abrasion dental instrument that allows direct contact between a nozzle which delivers a stream of abrasive particles directly through a primary opening to a tooth surface. As the primary opening if the nozzles of this invention are in continuous close contact with a tooth surface, exhaust amounts of abrasive-laden fluid escape secondary openings at a direction lateral to the tooth surface. The invention also embodies removable nozzle covers having both primary and secondary openings that enable prior art nozzles to be easily converted to contact nozzles. Both the nozzles and removable nozzle covers of this invention define areas for dental restoration that remove a minimal amount of healthy tooth structure. The invention allows the comfort of air abrasion dentistry to the patient as well as both visual and tactile feedback to the dentist, the latter filling a long felt need of the practicing dental community.