Abstract: A joint compound including calcium sulfate hemihydrate and/or at least one filler, wherein a total amount of the at least one filler and/or calcium sulfate hemihydrate is at least about 50 wt % of the joint compound on a dry (water-free) basis, preferably the filler comprises calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate dihydrate, or calcium sulfate anhydrite, or a mixture thereof; binder at up to about 15 wt % of the joint compound on a dry basis; polymer thickener at up to about 3 wt % of the joint compound on a dry basis; plasticizer dedusting agent at about 0.01 to about 3 wt % of the joint compound on a dry (water free) basis; and an additive up to about 10 wt % of the joint compound on a dry basis.

Abstract: A ladder retaining assembly for securing a ladder or multiple ladders to a vehicle rack, the assembly includes a rail formed as a channel to receive a ladder or multiple ladders, a sleeve attached to the rail that can be easily attached and removed from a vehicle rack, and a means to secure the ladder retaining assembly and the ladder or ladders to a vehicle rack.

Abstract: Process using low to medium temperature thermoset epoxy composite materials and an expandable epoxy matrix material to efficiently form high strength composite parts of divers shapes in a single-one-step process. The composite material is placed within the periphery of a mold and expandable epoxy matrix material is placed between the layers of the composite material either before or after closing the mold and, then, subjecting the mold and its contents to heat which activates the epoxy resins in both the composite material and the matrix material causing the matrix material to expand thereby compressing the composite material in order to produce a competent composite part.

Abstract: Low silica ceramic fiber compositions comprising from 46-49% alumina, 23-25% silica and 27-29% zirconia.

Abstract: A testable backflow prevention assembly provided with a means for preventing unauthorized access to water within the assembly throughout the differential pressure gradient of the assembly; comprising: a means for locking the valves of the test cocks, a means for lockably securing the test cocks to the backflow prevention assembly body, and a means for preventing cessation of water pressure within the backflow prevention assembly.

Abstract: A water access preventer for testable water backflow prevention assemblies wherein a means is provided to quickly, inconspicuously, and inexpensively prevent unauthorized access to potable water travelling within these assemblies throughout the differential pressure gradient of these assemblies, comprising, in part: a means for locking the valves which provide access to the potable water, and a means for preventing the shut-off of linepressure throughout the differential pressure gradient of the device.

Abstract: A button arrangement which permits the temporary or permanent replacement of a lost button. The button arrangement includes a pointed shaft attached to a flat backing and a front portion which includes a button and a hollow tube which fits over the shaft. The shaft is fitted through the backside of the garment such that the flat portion abuts the garment, and the tube is fitted over the shaft and secured thereon. The flat portion can be separated from the shaft, so that the button can be removed at a later date if necessary.

Abstract: A toilet seat and lid combination, of generally customary shape and dimension, self-disinfected by means of germicidal U.V. light, and its by-product Ozone, generated by a tubular lamp, housed within a module, and mounted in the rear of the toilet seat lid proximal to and parallel with the axis of rotation of the toilet seat and lid. The electrical wires for the lamp are concealed within a conduit that runs through an attachment shank. Motion of the toilet seat and lid are dampened by means of detachable flat springs and a bias force under the toilet surface that communicates through a shank used to mount the toilet seat and lid to a toilet.

Abstract: An external ear cleaning device which is specially adapted for reaching the surfaces of the curved portions of the external ear. A substantially inflexible shaft has attached thereon at least one end piece constructed of a flexible material capable of absorbing water. The flexible material is deformable when pressure is applied to the shaft, such that the end piece can contact normally inaccessible portions of the external ear. The end piece also has a portion which extends radially outward from the shaft and which prevents harmful insertion of the device into the ear opening.

Abstract: The time indicator cartridge is attachable and detachable to the main timing mechanism through an engaging stem which connects the time indicia to the timing mechanism. A set of locking lugs squeezes the bezel within the casing of the time keeping mechanism which is secured by a rear insert camming device, thereby limiting the release of the cartridge to occur only on removal of the rear casing.

Abstract: This mechanical toothbrush produces a micro-stroke `shimmy` motion to a narrow-row soft bristle brush member. The handle part acts as a housing that holds the toothbrush stem and has two internal chambers; one of which holds a spring, the other inducts water into the hollow tubular stem of the toothbrush wherein said water will pass through to and wet the bristle brush member. The housing at the toothbrush stem end is contoured to prevent rotational motion of the toothbrush stem. The other end of the housing has a detatchable coupling to connect with a pulsed water driving source.

Abstract: A toilet tissue dispenser for dispensing interfolded toilet tissue. The dispenser includes a casing having a narrow dispensing slot in the bottom surface. Connected to the slot is a finger hole or recess which extends forwardly of the slot and terminates in the front surface of the casing. The combination of the narrow slot and the finger hole provides easy starting of dispensing and prevents extraction of excessive quantities of tissue.