Abstract: A balloon sealing and display device comprises a disk-like body member that includes a first sealing slit formed therein, extending from an open mouth inwardly to a closed end. The disk-like body member also includes a second sealing slit formed therein extending from an open mouth inwardly to a closed end. The closed end of the first sealing slit and the closed end of the second sealing slit are spaced apart from one another to define a neck wrap portion of the body member. The disk-like body member also includes a ribbon wrap portion. The balloon sealing and display device also includes a ribbon, having a first end and a second end defining a length thereof, having the first end secured to the body member.

Abstract: A balloon inflator includes a tank containing a volume of pressurized gas and a regulator assembly removably secured to the tank for reducing the pressure of gas exiting the tank, the regulator assembly including a pressure regulator. A nozzle assembly is also provided and includes a valve for controlling dispensing of the pressurized gas. A flexible hose extends between the regulator assembly and the nozzle assembly, the hose being in fluid communication with the pressure regulator and the valve. The balloon inflator is small and lightweight, and therefore portable and concealable. The flexible nature of the hose allows for easy manipulation of the nozzle assembly, making use of the balloon inflator easier for performers.

Abstract: A valve and retainer assembly particularly useful for latex balloons includes a valve body and a band valve. The valve body has a radial shoulder where the neck and mouth of a latex balloon may be received to affix the balloon to the valve body. A hollow stem extends from a first open end to a second closed end, and a one-way valve allows gas to be introduced through a fill aperture in the stem and into the balloon affixed to the retainer portion. The stem includes a bell mouth at the open end to facilitate the creation of a hermetic seal with valves of gas storage tanks and to improve the efficiency of filling said balloons. The one-way valve includes a band valve positioned around the stem and covering the fill aperture. Fingers may be provided on a top surface of the radial shoulder to retain the band valve against movement under high pressure.

Abstract: A balloon inflator includes a nozzle adaptor configured to fit over an outlet of an inflation nozzle. A nozzle receipt is provided by the balloon inflator housing to selectively receive the nozzle adaptor and a switch is provided at the nozzle receipt. The nozzle adaptor is adapted to trigger the switch when received at the nozzle receipt. The switch controls the power supplied to the motor, such that different motor operating parameters are realized when the switch is triggered and when the switch is not triggered. In a particular embodiment, the nozzle adaptor includes vent channels that exhaust a portion of the air to the atmosphere when a balloon is fitted over the alternate outlet.

Abstract: A balloon display that simulates motions of a lighter-than-air balloon includes a balloon holder and an inflated balloon. The balloon holder includes a neck fastening assembly, and the inflated balloon is secured to the balloon holder by the neck fastening assembly. A compression spring balloon support extends upwardly relative to the neck fastening assembly to support a majority of the inflated balloon above the neck fastening assembly. The inflated balloon is secured to the neck fastening assembly and supported by the compression spring balloon support such that the balloon slightly loads the compression spring balloon support and the balloon tends to move up and down, side to side, and front to back as the compression spring balloon support reacts to the load of the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon inflator includes a housing, a motor within the housing, and a fan operable by the motor to drive air to an inflation nozzle. The inflation nozzle provides an outlet. A nozzle adaptor is configured to fit over the outlet of the inflation nozzle and provide an alternate outlet. A nozzle receipt is provided by the housing to selectively receive the nozzle adaptor and a switch is provided at the nozzle receipt. The nozzle adaptor is selectively received at the nozzle receipt so as to trigger the switch, and is selectively removed from the nozzle receipt so as to not trigger the switch. The switch controls the power supplied to the motor, such that different motor operating parameters are realized when the switch is triggered and when the switch is not triggered. In a particular embodiment, the nozzle adaptor includes vent channels that exhaust a portion of the air to the atmosphere when a balloon is fitted over the alternate outlet to receive air driven through the nozzle and the nozzle adaptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cyclonic vacuum cleaner and, more specifically, to a cyclonic vacuum cleaner having a cyclonic station that maintains a vertical position when the vacuum is maneuvered across a floor space. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A balloon display that simulates motions of a lighter-than-air balloon includes a balloon holder and an inflated balloon. The balloon holder includes a neck fastening assembly, and the inflated balloon is secured to the balloon holder by the neck fastening assembly. A compression spring balloon support extends upwardly relative to the neck fastening assembly to support a majority of the inflated balloon above the neck fastening assembly. The inflated balloon is secured to the neck fastening assembly and supported by the compression spring balloon support such that the balloon slightly loads the compression spring balloon support and the balloon tends to move up and down, side to side, and front to back as the compression spring balloon support reacts to the load of the balloon.

Abstract: A warning device of the type that is typically employed to warn pedestrians of a wet floor operates a floor dryer into its design so that, in addition to warning pedestrians of the wet floor, the device may be employed to dry the floor. An air director element produces a beneficial air flow providing increased drying efficacy.

Abstract: A one-way pneumatic delivery system includes a plurality of sending units in fluid communication with a receiving unit via a duct system. Each of the sending units and the receiving unit include a door that selectively prevents fluid communication into the duct system. When the carrier is inserted in one of the sending units, a power unit applies a vacuum to the duct system and the doors of the other sending units and of the receiving unit are sealed. The power unit both decelerates the carrier prior to its reception in the receiving unit and is configured to prevent the insertion of foreign objects into the vacuum source. A second embodiment is presented wherein the power unit is disposed in an upside-down configuration above a ceiling.

Abstract: A form for formable building material structures including a plurality of polymeric segments coupled to one another to define a cavity for receiving the formable building material therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a bitting pattern of a key comprising a housing used for optically outlining at least the profile of the blade of the key so as to form an image. The image is digitized and information created therefrom, including information about the width of the blade of the key at a plurality of selected longitudinal positions along the length to include the width of the blade at the location of at least one cut of the bitting pattern. The information about the bitting pattern of the key digitized can then be used to cut the bitting patten into a key blank. Alternatively, the information can be compared to stored information and the detected width of the blade adjusted at a location of at least one cut to be one of a plurality of predetermined widths from the manufacturer, thereby creating a regenerated bitting pattern of the key.

Abstract: A one-way pneumatic delivery system includes a plurality of sending units in fluid communication with a receiving unit via a duct system. Each of the sending units and the receiving unit include a door that selectively prevents fluid communication into the duct system. When the carrier is inserted in one of the sending units, a power unit applies a vacuum to the duct system and the doors of the other sending units and of the receiving unit are sealed. The power unit both decelerates the carrier prior to its reception in the receiving unit and is configured to prevent the insertion of foreign objects into the vacuum source. A second embodiment is presented wherein the power unit is disposed in an upside-down configuration above a ceiling.