Abstract: An ear plug has a body member, an insert member and a shaft member. The body member has a central bore and the insert member projects into the central bore. A portion of the shaft member is threaded into the insert member and a portion of the shaft member bears against a portion of the bore. Rotation of the shaft relative to the insert causes an enlarged portion of the shaft to bear against the bore of the body member which is flexible and forces the body member to flex outwardly and to bear against the user's ear canal forming a seal against entry of water into the user's ear.

Abstract: A crib includes a pair of lower guides which are mounted on lower portions of the headboards. When it is desired to lower the side rail of the crib, the side rail must first be raised to allow a steel pin to leave a locking slot and the side rail must then be pushed inwardly relative to the crib to overcome an integrally formed cantilever spring which normally blocks access to a guide slot which is formed in the lower guide. When the cantilever spring is pushed inwardly, the steel pin gains access to the guide slot and the steel pin can then slide downwardly thereby moving the side rail down.

Abstract: A rapid isolation method permits the isolation of DNAs, RNAs and transcription factors simultaneously from a wide range of lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells, either from patients or in culture, without the loss of biological activity. A significant advantage of this method is that it entails minimal handling of samples from the patients with various disease states and pathogenic conditions such as AIDS, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases, which require substantial precautions during isolation of DNAs and proteins.

Abstract: A belt for carrying baby equipment has an insulated, generally cylindrical pocket for carrying a feeding bottle or a feeding cup and a generally rectangular pocket for carrying a telephone. The rear of the belt has an elongated rectangular pocket which has a top opening and a pair of side opening for storing a changing pad and clean diapers. The inside of the belt has a pair of pockets for storage of various items. The cylindrical pocket and the rectangular pocket are adjustably mounted on the belt. The upper edge of the rear pocket is elasticized to combine security with easy access.

Abstract: A headphone unit having left and right ear piece units and an input cord having two conductors an end of each of which projects into a housing. Within the housing, the input cord is connected to two equipment cords which terminate in a pair of input plugs. Each of the equipment cords has two lines. The input plugs each have portions for receiving left and right audio signals. The lines carrying left audio signals from the two input plugs are connected to the input cord conductor which leads to the left ear piece unit and the lines carrying right audio signals from the two input plugs is connected to the input cord conductor which leads to the right ear piece unit.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing which is mounted on the lower portion of the inside of a rear window of a vehicle. The housing extends across the width of the rear window. A pair of support arms are pivotally mounted, one each, on the sides of the housing. During storage, the support arms are generally parallel to and are attached to the front wall of the housing by a clip. The support arms can swing outwardly to provide support for an awning which is rolled onto a roller inside the housing. During use, when the rear window has been opened, the support arms are swung in an outward direction. The awning is which is pulled outwardly and the end of the awning is hooked onto the outer ends of the support arms. The awning, which is made of a waterproof material, includes a support member which extends between the outer ends of the support arms. When the awning is rolled back into the housing, the housing catches and collects moisture from the awning and prevents water damage to merchandise stored in the vehicle.

Abstract: A traction enhancing device for automobile tires includes a support ring and a plurality of cleat assemblies which are mounted on the support ring. The cleat assemblies include cleat members which extend over the tread portion of a tire and which include projections to enhance traction. The cleat members are able to slide inwardly in the cleat assemblies to accomodate flexing of the tire and the cleat members are attached to the cleat assemblies by latches which facilitate rapid installation and removal of the device without a need for tools of any type or for jacking up of the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable book cover includes a pair of panels which are joined togther to form a flat tubular member of extended length. A relatvely narrow adhesive layer is deposited proximate to each of the longitudinal edges of the panels. A narrow strip of release film is positioned on each of the adhesive layers. The tubular member, which may be stored as a roll or in flat form, is cut to an appropriate length sufficient to cover the width of the book plus an amount sufficient to securely engage the book cover. The tubular member is then folded along its longitudinal edges to accomodate the height of the book. The release layers are removed and the adhesive layer maintains the width of the tubular member. The ends of the book covers are inserted into the ends of the tubular member and the adjustable book cover is mounted on the book in a secure manner.

Abstract: An alarm includes a chain guard assembly in which a slide member is attached to a door jamb by a chain and is removeably engaged in a slot member which is mounted on the inside of a door. An alarm enclosure which is connected to the slot member includes an alarm and a battery. A normally open switch assembly is mounted on the slot member. Movement of the slide member caused by a forced opening of the door causes the slide member to bear against the switch assembly causing the switch assembly to close and complete an electrical circuit between the battery and the alarm thereby activating the alarm.

Abstract: A folding computer documentation stand is provided which is formed of hinged panels. The panels are maintained in an erect configuration by means of intergaging notched portions and form a support for the back of a document and a stop for the bottom of the document thereby enabling the apparatus to maintain the document in a position which is comfortable for a reader while using a computer keyboard. The apparatus may be folded to conform with the overall size of a conventional five and one-quarter inch floppy disk, thereby facilitating storage.

Abstract: A throttle and brake control apparatus is provided which enables an operator to control both the brake system and the throttle system of a vehicle by selectively rotating a single control member in a first and a second direction. The apparatus, according to the present invention, can be mounted on the handlebar of a motorcycle or a similar vehicle and replaces a conventional brake control system and a conventional throttle control system. The apparatus eliminates the need for conventional brake control levers.