Abstract: An encapsulated magnet device which is made from bar stock having a hole drilled in, which receives a magnet, and thereafter the hole is plugged with a cap or plug of like material and subjected to a fusion process so that a magnetic device is obtained which is finely balanced and which is inert to the environment in which it is utilized. The method of fabricating the magnetic device of the invention comprises drilling out bar stock, inserting a magnet, closing the bore with a plug of like material, fusing the plug to the surrounding bar stock and thereafter milling or machining the encapsulated magnet member to the desired configuration.

Abstract: A disposable shaving implement is provided, which is adapted to incorporate a tube of shaving lotion in its handle. A tube squeezing means is provided to dispense shaving lotion as desired. In one embodiment, the shaving lotion is dispensed from the bottom of the handle, using a dispensing closure that rotates in one position to permit dispensing and in another position to prevent dispensing. In another embodiment, the shaving lotion is dispensed from the top of the handle, behind the shaving head.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for fabricating a biocompatible mesh screen structure for bonding to a prosthetic substrate. The process comprises providing from four to eight layers of a mesh comprising a titanium alloy and subjecting the layered structure to a temperature below the beta-transformation temperature of the alloy and a pressure of about 1300 to 1500 psi. The heating and pressing are carried out in a furnace maintained at a temperature of about 1600.degree. to 1725.degree. F., which is evacuated to a vacuum of less than about 10.sup.-4 torr. The process of the invention provides a product retaining the strength of the alloy and having a well-characterized pore structure. Further, the layered mesh composite may be bonded to a thin substrate and readily formed into complex shapes.

Abstract: A trash can hoop retainer is provided for retaining trash bags in trash cans. Specifically, the retainer of the invention provides a clamping action against the upper portion of the trash bags, which upper portion in draped over the outside edge or rim of the trash can.The retainer is provided with means for engaging in rotatable, hinged relationship with one handle of the trash can. Means are provided on the retainer opposite the hinge side for engaging the rim of the trash can in clamping relationship.

Abstract: A drum head retainer (20) is provided which indicates the extent of tension applied to a drum head of a drum (10). The retainer comprises a casing (22) having a vertical channel (23) and an apertured side (24) which communicates with the vertical channel. The vertical channel terminates in an upper opening (26) and a lower opening (28). Screws (30) are used to attach the retainer to the side wall (12) of the drum. A threaded bolt (32) passes downwardly into the vertical channel through the upper opening thereof. The bolt is threaded into a flanged nut (34) having a predetermined length. The upper end of the bolt is adapted to pass through means (18), such as a hoop or rim, for providing tension to the drum head. A spring (42) is maintained in the casing between the upper opening and the flange (38) of the nut. Indicating means (21) are provided on the apertured side and display a measure of tension applied to the drum head by means of the position of the top end (40) of the nut with respect thereto.

Abstract: At least one pulley member which is rotatably positioned in said casing member; a film member which is movably contacted with a heating surface of a thermal head and is movably guided by said pulley in said casing member; a plurality of small holes which is shaped to said film member; a recording ink which is stored in said casing member; said pulley and film members are immersed in said recording ink; said recording ink is housed in said small holes; said recording ink in said small holes of said film member is moved to a corresponded position to a heating surface of said thermal head by rotating said pulley member and moving said film member according to a rotation of said pulley member.

Abstract: An aquarium filter (10) is provided for filtering aquarium water and returning to the aquarium (16) a mixture of air and water. Water is taken from the aquarium by a demand flow syphon system (24) in which water flows into the aquarium filter of the invention as needed. The water is then forced to flow through filtering media, supported on a platform (38) and maintained in compartments (44, 46). The filtered water is introduced to the bottom (80) of a discharge tube (60) which includes a source of air (70). The air is used to pump the filtered water back to the aquarium. Prior to discharge into the aquarium, noise suppression means (94, 96) reduce the noise level of the air/water mixture. The aquarium filter of the invention is capable of operating at flow rates of 50 gal/hr and greater.

Abstract: A printing machine is provided, comprising a thin film having first and second surfaces connected by a plurality of hole or recess portions and movably positioned; an ink tank for supplying ink to the hole or recess portions; a thermal head member having a plurality of thermal head elements in contact with the first surface of the film; a driving circuit for selectively driving the thermal head elements; and a recording paper feeding mechanism to feed recording paper adjacent the second surface of the film. The ink fills the holes or recess portions, and the thermal head element is selectively driven by the driving circuit when one thermal head element corresponds to a plurality of holes or recesses of the film, whereby ink is sprouted or jetted from a plurality of the holes or recesses onto the recording paper by bubble pressure caused by heat from the thermal head element. Color printing is also possible with the apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: A novel method is provided for producing high technology decorative materials that incorporates both computer-aided design and semiconductor processing. The high technology decorative materials thereby produced also make use of microscopic diffraction gratings for generating a dynamic spectral pattern of changing colors when exposed to ambient light such as sunlight, incandescent light, and the like. The decorative materials comprise a semiconductor substrate (10), at least one patterned coating (14) formed on one major surface (12) of the substrate and a transparent layer (28) formed thereover. The patterned coating comprises a material that is capable of being patterned to the dimensions required to diffract incident visible light and includes a series of lines (26) having an arrangement, spacing and width such that incident light will be diffracted in a pleasing pattern. A suitable jewelry mount (44) is attached to individual pieces formed from the substrate.

Abstract: A handle for releasable attachment to a beverage can having a pull-tab is provided. The handle comprises an expansible, approximately C-shaped holder of resilient material having an upper portion, a downwardly depending shank portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a recess for receiving a free end of the pull-tab and a notch for gripping the edge of the top of the beverage can. A lower portion includes a notch for gripping an edge of the bottom of the beverage can.

Abstract: A toy, such as a bear, having movable appendages is provided with a huggable mechanism that, upon squeezing of the toy causes the appendages to simulate a hugging motion. The huggable mechanism comprises two spaced apart parallel plates maintained in position by a resilient material and hingedly positioned members extending from the plates.

Abstract: A refuse container is disclosed, which is suitable for ease in picking up leaves or other trash. The refuse container comprises a body defined by a front wall, two sidewalls and a rear wall, an open upper end and a lower portion. The front wall forms a scoop portion at its upper end. An accommodating lid, which includes a scoop means, is further provided. Finally, an elongated pivotally disposed handle on the rear wall is provided, which is suitable for pulling the refuse container while lying on its front wall. In such prone position, leaves or other debris may be easily scooped into the refuse container either directly or by means of the scoop portion formed in the lid.