Abstract: An electronic pill box having a housing with a base and grid and into which a blister pack is selectively engaged. The blister pack includes a plurality of vials prefilled with medication and sealed with a cover imprinted with pertinent information. Each vial is received in a chamber in the base having an LED and a sensor for determining whether medication has been removed therefrom. The LED and sensor are operatively engaged with a microprocessor including programming for dispensing medication from the pill box. An alert is issued if medication is not removed from an illuminated vial after a predetermined time interval. When all medication has been dispensed therefrom, the blister pack is replaced with another prefilled blister pack A card with patient information thereon may be provided on the prefilled blister pack and is detached and stored in the housing prior to loading the blister pack therein.

Abstract: A toothpick assembly including a toothpick and case within which the toothpick is detachably engaged. The toothpick includes a tapered tip which is generally triangular in cross-section having opposed sides connected by a generally flat bottom and an apex. A bristle array is provided on each side and the bottom and apex are free of bristles. The bristle array is configured as a sinuous or serpentine wave. Bristles in each array are smallest closest to an end of the tip and progressively increase in size as you move away therefrom. The toothpick is movable within the case's bore between a fully retracted, a partially extended and a fully extended position. A locking mechanism selectively locks the toothpick in any of these positions. When the toothpick is to be changed, the locking mechanism is disengaged and the toothpick is slid out of the bore and is replaced with a new toothpick.

Abstract: A soap dispenser that is engaged to the aerator threads on a faucet. When the faucet is switched on, water flows through a first pathway in the dispenser and exits the dispenser through an opening on the lower front of the device. The dispenser includes a separate second pathway which holds a quantity of liquid soap. A roller assembly provided on the dispenser controls the flow of soap from the second pathway. A graphic image of a face aesthetically pleasing to children may be provided on the front of the housing. The graphic image is positioned so that the opening through which water flows forms the mouth of the face. A trough member in the first pathway smooths the water flow so that water flowing out of the opening takes on the appearance of a tongue sticking out of the mouth of the face.

Abstract: A brush head for an electric toothbrush having a support structure rotatably oscillated by a motor in the handle of the toothbrush. A plurality of bristle tufts are mounted on the support structure in three ring-like series concentrically about a center point of the support structure. The bristle tufts are arranged in a unique arrangement whereby no more than two of the bristle tufts in the intermediate series and innermost series lie on a diameter line passing through the center point. The outermost and intermediate series of bristle tufts may be arranged in oval-shaped rings and the bristle tufts of the inner series may have a circular arrangement. All of the tufts preferably have the same height and diameter.

Abstract: A clasp for engaging a pet leash to a pet collar and a method of using the same is disclosed. The clasp includes a first member having first and second ends; a second member having first and second ends; and a pivot pin securing the second ends together. A D-ring secures the leash to the second end of one of the members. The first ends are selectively movable toward and away from each other. The user will grasp the clasp between a thumb and index finger of one hand and position the clasp so that an aperture in a ring on the pet collar is aligned with opposing jaws on the first ends of the members. The user will then squeeze the first and second members together to move the jaws toward each other; and the ring will be secured between the members as they interlock.

Abstract: A kitchen utensil selectively usable as tongs or a spatula. The utensil has first and second arms each with first and second ends. The first ends are pivotally secured together and the arms are moveable between a position where they are adjacent each other and a position where they are at an angle relative to each other. The second arm telescopes and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. When retracted, the second ends are substantially adjacent and opposite each other. When extended, the second end of the second arm is positioned a distance outwardly beyond the second end of the first arm. The second end of the first arm is a shaped tong member and the second end of the second arm is a spatula member. The tong and spatula members are each positioned at an angle relative to the rest of the respective arm.

Abstract: A toothpick assembly including a toothpick and a case within which the toothpick is detachably engaged. The toothpick includes a tapered tip which is generally triangular in cross-section having opposed sides connected by a generally flat end and an apex. A bristle array is provided on each side and the end and apex are free of bristles. The bristle array is configured as a sinuous or serpentine wave. Bristles in each array are smallest closest to an end of the tip and progressively increase in size as you move away therefrom. The toothpick is movable within the case's bore between a fully retracted, a partially extended and a fully extended position. A locking mechanism selectively locks the toothpick in any of these positions. When the toothpick is to be changed, the locking mechanism is disengaged and the toothpick is slid out of the bore and is replaced with another toothpick.

Abstract: A cooking aid and methods of manufacturing and using the same are disclosed. The cooking aid includes a piece of foil for wrapping around a turkey or other fowl or food to serve as a cooking blanket to retain heat and moisture, and also serve as a lifter for lifting the fowl out of a roasting pan. The foil typically includes one or more pleated sections having panels folded along longitudinal folds which may be unfolded to expand the piece of foil. The foil may include left and right pleated sections with a central section of the foil therebetween. Drain holes are typically formed in the central section, which may also be embossed with logos or the like. Axial sections of the foil may be folded at an axial fold to overlay one another. Portions of the foil may be formed into rolled handles to help lift the fowl.

Abstract: A brush head for an electric toothbrush having a support structure rotatably oscillated by a motor in the handle of the toothbrush. A plurality of bristle tufts are mounted on the support structure in three ring-like series concentrically about a center point of the support structure. The bristle tufts are arranged in a unique arrangement whereby no more than two of the bristle tufts in the intermediate series and innermost series lie on a diameter line passing through the center point. The outermost and intermediate series of bristle tufts may be arranged in oval-shaped rings and the bristle tufts of the inner series may have a circular arrangement. All of the tufts preferably have the same height and diameter.

Abstract: A protective insert for a ball cap and a cap incorporating the same. The insert includes a rigid shell and a complementary impact-absorbent liner that covers and protects only the forehead and portions of the sides of the user's head. Bottom edges of the shell, liner and cap are generally aligned along the same horizontal plane. Alternatively, the shell and liner terminate a distance inwardly from the bottom edge of the cap. An adjustable band is secured to the ends of the shell and the band and shell encircle the circumference of the user's head. One or more engagement members may secure the insert to the cap. The material of the liner is thicker in a front central region and thinner toward the side regions of the insert. The liner material extends beyond the top edge of the shell so that the shell does not directly contact the user's head.

Abstract: A control system and method are provided for control of a steerable catheter, the catheter including at least two control wires, a distal end of each of the control wires being coupled to the catheter at a distal region thereof, the control system comprising: a housing coupled to the catheter; a slide assembly positioned within the housing and operable to translate linearly therein; a proximal portion of each of the at least two control wires being positioned through the slide assembly; and a control knob rotatably coupled to the housing for linearly translating the slide assembly, thereby enabling the slide assembly to separately manipulate each of said at least two control wires to effect a change in a deflection of said catheter.

Abstract: An indoor plant growing system and a method of using the same. The system includes a base defining an interior compartment, a mast extending upwardly from the base, a first arm extending outwardly from the mast, a cable hanging downwardly from the first arm, one or more pots engaged on the cable, and a water delivery system connecting a water supply and the uppermost pot. The water supply preferably is a reservoir disposed inside the base's compartment. A pump pushes water from the reservoir, through pipes and thereby delivers the same to the uppermost pot. Water drains from the uppermost pot through a hose to a pot disposed there below and so on down the group of pots. In each pot the plant is retained in a plant basket which is suspended within a shell in such a way the plant's roots are retained within water accumulated within the pot.

Abstract: A brush head including a housing, detachably securable to a handle of a powered toothbrush. A camshaft extends through a cavity defined in the brush head. The camshaft is operatively engaged with a motorized drive shaft in the handle and causes independent movement in tuft blocks provided on a head region of the brush head. Bristle tufts extend outwardly from each tuft block and through an opening defined in the head region. The rotating camshaft causes a first tuft block to reciprocate linearly in a plane disposed at right angles to the longitudinal axis and causes the second tuft block to oscillate about an axis parallel to the housing's longitudinal axis. The bristles on the first block chisel particulate material from the surfaces of the teeth being cleaned; and the bristles on the second block sweep particulate material from those surfaces.

Abstract: A toothpick assembly including a toothpick and a case within which the toothpick is detachably engaged. The toothpick includes a tapered tip which is generally triangular in cross-section having opposed sides connected by a generally flat end and an apex. A bristle array is provided on each side and the end and apex are free of bristles. The bristle array is configured as a sinuous or serpentine wave. Bristles in each array are smallest closest to an end of the tip and progressively increase in size as you move away therefrom. The toothpick is movable within the case's bore between a fully retracted, a partially extended and a fully extended position. A locking mechanism selectively locks the toothpick in any of these positions. When the toothpick is to be changed, the locking mechanism is disengaged and the toothpick is slid out of the bore and is replaced with another toothpick.

Abstract: A medication reminder and compliance system including a pill box, a pill box and electronic device; or a pill box, electronic device and remote server. The pill box includes several detachable dosettes, each divided into several chambers having a door. A two-color LED is disposed beneath each chamber and is activated when a specific reminder time is reached. The LED initially illuminates the associated chamber with a green light but changes to a flashing red light if the door is not opened within a preset time. A switch engaged with the door deactivates the LED when the door is opened. The electronic device communicates with the pill box and alerts the patient when it is time to take medication. A remote server which communicates with both the pill box and electronic device can be programmed to control the reminder schedule and monitor the patient's compliance with a prescribed medication regimen.

Abstract: A medication reminder and compliance system including a pill box, a pill box and electronic device; or a pill box, electronic device and remote server. The pill box includes several detachable dosettes, each divided into several chambers having a door. A two-color LED is disposed beneath each chamber and is activated when a specific reminder time is reached. The LED initially illuminates the associated chamber with a green light but changes to a flashing red light if the door is not opened within a preset time. A switch engaged with the door deactivates the LED when the door is opened. The electronic device communicates with the pill box and alerts the patient when it is time to take medication. A remote server which communicates with both the pill box and electronic device can be programmed to control the reminder schedule and monitor the patient's compliance with a prescribed medication regimen.

Abstract: A protective insert for a ball cap and a cap incorporating the same. The insert includes a rigid, U-shaped outer shell and a complementary impact absorbent liner. The insert covers and protects only the forehead, temples and portions of the sides of the user's head. The shell and liner have bottom edges disposed inwardly relative to a bottom edge of the cap. Projections provided on the shell and liner extend downwardly beyond the cap's bottom edge and cover the user's temples. Adjustable bands and straps secured to the shell retain the insert on the user's head. One or more engagement members secure the insert to the cap. The material of the liner is thicker in a front central region and thinner toward the side regions of the insert. The liner material extends beyond the peripheral edges of the shell so that the shell does not directly contact the user's head.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of operating an electronic device having a touchscreen. The device and touchscreen are configured to sense one or more physical gestures made by a user impacting the touchscreen. The gestures are sensed without regard to the location of the gesture input or orientation of the touchscreen. A signal converter converts the impacting physical gesture or combination of gestures into an input signal. If the device recognizes the input signal, the device initiates a function or executes and operation. The user may define a particular gesture combination as well as link gesture combinations with specific functions or operations to execute when the gesture combination is recognized by the device.

Abstract: A snowboard without foot bindings enables a rider to perform skateboard tricks while sliding on snow. A pair of runner boards is connected in a spaced longitudinal relationship by a strut. A pole is attached to the strut by a universal joint enabling a rider to perform maneuvers while holding onto a handle at the end of the pole. The universal joint enables the runner boards to rotate 360° about a longitudinal axis extending along the board and rotate 360° about a vertical axis and other angles therebetween providing the same freedom of movement to the runner boards that a skateboard provides for its rider. The pole is pivotally mounted to the connector enabling the pole to pivot through an arc of at least 180°.

Abstract: A snowboard without foot bindings enables a rider to perform skateboard tricks while sliding on snow. A pair of runner boards is connected in a spaced longitudinal relationship by a strut. A pole is attached to the strut by a universal joint enabling a rider to perform maneuvers while holding onto a handle at the end of the pole. The universal joint enables the runner boards to rotate 360° about a longitudinal axis extending along the board and rotate 360° about a vertical axis and other angles therebetween providing the same freedom of movement to the runner boards that a skateboard provides for its rider. The pole is pivotally mounted to the connector enabling the pole to pivot through an arc of at least 180°.