Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in cooking bulbs of garlic are described. The apparatus (100) includes a bowl (102) and a top (104). An insert (122) that releases moisture during cooking is supported on a bottom (108) of the bowl (102). A holder (124), which is capable of holding garlic, is supported on the insert (122). A cooking chamber (118) is formed when the top (104) is positioned on the bowl (102). The escape of heat and vapor from the cooking chamber (118) are resisted by the engagement of a top rim (116) to a complementary bowl rim (112). A heating element (120) that is disposed near an outside surface of the bowl (102) provides the heat to cook garlic when the heating element (120) is connected to a power source by a cord (134).

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a pneumatic-operated toothbrush incorporates a pump that a user may utilize to pump are into and pressurize air in a reservoir. The reservoir is attached to a pneumatic motor, which utilizes the pressurized air inside the reservoir to rotate a drive shaft. Attached to the end of the drive shaft is a plurality of bristles that rotate when the drive shaft is rotating. The motor will continue to rotate the bristles as long as the pressure inside the reservoir is sufficient enough to force the air into the pneumatic motor. When the motor stops rotating the bristles, the user can pump air back inside the reservoir for continued use. It is important to note that the pneumatic toothbrush for the present invention is a self-contained device, meaning that the reservoir, motor and pump are incorporated into a single toothbrush. In addition the present invention does not use batteries or other electrical elements to power the motor.

Abstract: A yo-yo includes a pair of body halves connected to a hub assembly about an axis of rotation. Each body half includes an outer ring positioned between an outside plate and an inside plate, where the inside plate on each body half is positioned to face the hub assembly. The outer ring has an annular projection extending inwardly along an interior surface, and has a lip defined along one edge of the outer ring. The outside plate and inside plate includes grooves that when assembled inside the outer ring form an annular opening about the annular projection. The outside plate also includes a notch defined along one edge of the outside plate and positioned to receive the lip of the outer ring when the outside plate is positioned within the outer ring. The inside plate further has a recess positioned on a surface that faces the hub assembly.

Abstract: This invention is a toy projectile launcher that launches projectiles. The launcher includes a housing having an entrance and an exit in communication therewith to define a channel, a pair of flywheels supported by the housing and positioned about and in communication with the channel, and a pump handle for rotating the flywheels such that a projectile entering the channel may be engaged by the rotating flywheels and impelled through the channel and out through the exit.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a toy projectile launcher that launches projectiles. The launcher includes a housing having an entrance and an exit in communication therewith to define a channel, a pair of flywheels supported by said housing and positioned about and in communication with the channel, and a means for rotating the flywheels such that a projectile entering the channel may be engaged by the rotating flywheels and impelled through the channel and out through the exit.

Abstract: An adjustable wheel assembly is provided and includes two pairs of oppositely disposed rim sections. The wheel assembly is normally biased in a circular configuration by a resilient tire disposed over the rim sections. A device for movably mounting the rim sections is employed to move the rims from their circular configuration to an oval configuration. When positioned in the oval configuration the wheel assembly applies maintaining and releasing device to prevent and permit movement of the rim sections between the circular and oval position.

Abstract: A candy dispenser that provides a message when a piece of candy is dispensed is provided with a housing adapted to hold candy, an actuating member, a candy dispensing mechanism that releases a piece of candy from the housing when the actuating member is moved and a message mechanism having a plurality of different messages associated therewith. The message mechanism includes a spinner that spins from a first radial position to a second and apparently random radial position when the actuating member is moved. The spinner includes visual indicators corresponding to a characteristic of the piece of candy.