Abstract: A carrying case with interchangeable side panels includes a suitcase and a number of ornamental side panels releasably attachable to the outside of the suitcase. The interchangeable ornamental side panels substantially cover the underlying structural side panels of the suitcase, and can be changed out without opening the suitcase or disassembling. This means the contents need not be disturbed in changing over the look and appearance of the carrying case, nor is the integrity of the suitcase compromised in any way. The carrying case may further include flanged framework around the interchangeable ornamental side panels to hold down the edges thereof. The flanged framework may be configured such that the ornamental side panel edges are tucked under. The carrying case may also be arrived at by simply reworking or converting a conventional suitcase.

Abstract: A method for forming a mouth guard and apparatus for anatomically conforming the impression material to a user's mouth and teeth. Polyvinyl siloxane base putty is combined in equal parts with polyvinyl siloxane catalyst putty until a uniform amalgam is formed by kneading and mixing. The mass is then formed into a roll of about three inches in length having a thicker center and extended and tapering ends with a one-inch diameter at the center and approximately half-inch diameters at the ends. A bite bar having a lateral handle is pressed through the center of the mass to form grasping means by which the putty-mass-and-bite-bar, or mouth-guard, assembly may be easily handled. A shield (that may have prongs) on the bite bar serves to support and obstruct the passage of the putty mass. Curving the putty mass about the shield and optional prongs serves to conform the putty mass to the anatomical curvature of a user's teeth.

Abstract: A retrofit battery cabinet for telecommunications equipment. A 48 volt DC or other battery power supply is held in a retrofit battery cabinet to provide a retrofittable battery power supply to telecommunications cabinets. Dual and separately operable battery trays provide a weight-bearing capacity of more than 500 pounds each. The battery trays extend through an open front end of a housing be sealed by a removable door. The weight load exerted by the retrofit battery cabinet is supported by the concrete or other pad providing ultimate support to the entire configured assembly, and not by the associated telecommunications equipment cabinet. Outriggers, mounting brackets, and nesting of the housing beneath the telecommunications cabinet serve to secure the retrofit battery cabinet in place, ensuring the electrical connection between the batteries and the telecommunications equipment without direct attachment of the retrofit battery cabinet to the telecommunications cabinet support columns.

Abstract: A system for providing pierced-ear instruments. A sealed blister pack creates and maintains a sterile environment in which an earring cartridge with a pierced-ear earring stud may be transported and stored. An earring-cartridge stud gun provides a cradle into which the earring cartridge may fit. Upon removal of backing paper imperviously sealing the blister pack, the cradle provided by the earring-cartridge stud gun is accommodated by and fits within the blister pack to engage and remove the sterile earring cartridge from the blister pack. Upon sterilization of the ear tissue, the ear may be pierced. Once the ear has been pierced, the pierced-ear earring stud is easily disengaged from the earring cartridge. The blister pack may then re-engage the now-used earring cartridge to remove it from the stud gun cradle. The earring-cartridge stud gun is then available to receive another sterile earring cartridge to repeat the ear-piercing process on the same or other ear.

Abstract: A positioner or manipulator for an endoscope, laparoscope, or other surgical instrument, includes a flexible arm having a base attached to an operating table. A drape joint at the upper end of the arm has a tubular sterile drape which is pulled back over the arm, to provide a sterile field around the arm. A scope ring adapted to hold a scope or other instrument attaches to the drape joint. The attachments between the scope ring, drape joint and arm are preferably made with quick release fittings. The need to sterilize the arm is removed, decreases hospital operation costs, and increasing the level of sterility.

Abstract: A manual dilating trocar uses an automatically retracting stylet. The stylet is threaded through a dilating obturator which is, in turn, inserted into a trocar sheath. A spring near the handle of the stylet serves to urge the stylet cutting tip into a retracted position so that it can be held within the dilating tip of the dilating obturator. When a surgeon seeks to pierce a body cavity so as to perform laparoscopic surgery or the like, the handle is engaged to overcome the bias of the spring so that the stylet's cutting tip is exposed. Upon piercing of the exterior body-cavity layer, the stylet may be withdrawn to ensure that no underlying organs or tissue are damaged by the sharp stylet tip. Once the dilation of the initial stylet wound has been completed and the trocar sheath has been introduced into the body cavity, the dilating obturator may also be removed from within the trocar sheath in order to provide a channel into the body cavity.

Abstract: A camera mount for controlled rolling movement includes a base and a camera platform pivotally connected to the base at its aft end. The pivotal connection includes a hollow shaft to accommodate passage of power and video cables to the camera. The forward end of the camera platform is movably supported by a pair of overlapping arc-shaped rails. This forward support steadies the camera and prevents any up-and-down bouncing motion. The aft pivotal connection, arc-shaped rails, and optical axis of the camera are all preferably coaxial. A plurality of gears transmit the motion of a drive motor into the camera platform. A plurality of bearings provide tight but smoothly operating connections between the moving parts of the camera mount. The camera mount provides a 180-degree range of rolling motion. The camera mount further includes an adjustably positioned counterbalance weight for varying the center of gravity of the pivoting platform and camera.

Abstract: A wakeboard traction pad for a wakeboard providing greater traction and a variable traction-surface geometry for more technical wakeboard riding and increased fun. The wakeboard traction pad is provided to give a high-friction, high-surface area surface upon which a wakeboard rider's feet may constructively engage and control the attached wakeboard. Often used in pairs at opposite sides of the wakeboard, the wakeboard traction pad of the present invention may also be used alone in conjunction with a single binding oppositely opposed to it on the wakeboard. The wakeboard traction pad has a gently tapering foot bed area, a more significantly sloped kicktail, and a center arch support that helps to define two concave depressions between the sides of the wakeboard traction pad for engagement by the heel and/or ball of the foot. By providing a variable geometry, the wakeboard traction pad provides more contact surface area.

Abstract: A closure system for any nondiposable item or device requiring high shear strength, and acceptable peel strength, in all directions includes a first closure element having a backing sheet with mushroom-shaped elements fixed to and extending from one side thereof, and a second closure element having a backing sheet with loop elements fixed to and extending from one side thereof. The loops are uniformly, randomly or irregularly oriented for engaging the mushrooms in a variety of random orientations to provide high, comparable shear strength in all directions. The mushrooms are randomly or irregularly oriented depending upon desired shear and peel strength characteristics.

Abstract: A pocketknife with integral light includes a hollow handle and a cutting blade pivotally connected thereto. The hollow handle at its forward end includes an open compartment containing a battery, connected to an illumination pathway containing an LED electrically connected to the battery. A belt clip covers the open compartment and includes a push button adapted to switch the LED on and off. The open compartment and illumination pathway are sealed to resist moisture and dust from reaching the electrical components. The light from the LED is directed at the tip of a serrated edge of the cutting blade. The device provides the convenience of combining a pocketknife with a light, the light important for the safe use of the cutting blade.