Abstract: A benthic screen for controlling aquatic plant growth comprising a sheet of flexible material, a plurality of spaced-apart, elongated retaining members that are transversely positioned across the width of the sheet and attachment means for securing each retaining member to the sheet. The sheet of flexible material is typically a polymeric material having low light transmittance such as a woven geotextile polypropylene. The retaining members are preferably a plurality of parallel positioned metal rods. The attachment means is preferably a plurality of PVC pipes wherein each pipe has a slit that passes through the pipe and extends the length thereof. A portion of the sheet is inserted into a slit and looped around a retaining rod that is encased in the pipe. The structure of the screen renders it self anchoring and provides channels for removing plant decomposition gases that would otherwise accumulate under the screen.

Abstract: A toothbrush sanitizing assembly having a detachable toothbrush and receptacle. The receptacle is preferably cylindrically shaped with a closed base, an open top and a sidewall that extends from the base to the top. A receptacle cover is an integral part of the toothbrush and is attached to the neck of the toothbrush. Mateable threads, a snap fit mechanism or other type of detachable fastening means are positioned near the top of the receptacle sidewall and on the receptacle cover. A hook is positioned at the distal end of the toothbrush handle and/or on the receptacle sidewall for hanging the assembly in a vertical position. A flat receptacle base also allows the assembly to be free standing on a flat surface. In use, the brush head is immersed in a liquid antiseptic contained in the receptacle by fastening the cover to the receptacle with the detachable fastening means.

Abstract: A biosensor electrical toothbrush having a brush head with a test channel and a renewable biosensor system within the test channel for performing routine saliva tests. The brush head stimulates saliva production and collection in the test channel where measurement signals are produced by sensors. The signals are transmitted for storage and analysis to a microprocessor that provides readable data signals reflective of the presence or quantitative level of a specific component of saliva. The brush handle contains the micro-processor, a display means, a battery, a motor and a reservoir for storing a reagent which is supplied in controlled quantities to the channel during saliva testing. The toothbrush is used to detect fertility periods, pregnancy, labor onset, alcohol concentration, blood glucose concentration and indicators that signal a need for comprehensive HIV testing.

Abstract: A dentifrice dispensing electrical toothbrush having two replaceable oscillating brush elements. A motor, batteries and a cartridge that contains dentifrice material are housed in the toothbrush handle. A neck connects the brush head and the handle. A pair of brush elements is mounted on a pair of posts attached to the brush head in a manner that allows their free oscillation. The neck includes a flow channel for dentifrice material that is pumped from the cartridge to the spout opening at the base of one of the brush elements. The brush elements are detachably positioned on the brush head by a snap-on retention cradle and are replaceable by detachment of the retention cradle from the brush head. An oscillating motion is imparted to both brush elements by an oscillating means and a drive shaft that is positioned in the neck and connected to the motor.

Abstract: A shower curtain retainer assembly for retaining the bottom of a shower curtain against a shower enclosure wall is described. The assembly includes a first set of plastic disks, a second set of plastic disks and a set of magnetically responsive plates. A magnet is encased in each plastic disk. The magnetically responsive plates are attached to the inside wall of the shower enclosure that is adjacent to the bottom of the shower curtain. The first set of plastic disks are positioned on the front face of the shower curtain and are aligned with the positions of the magnetically responsive plates. The second set of plates are positioned on the back face of the curtain in juxtaposition with the first set of plastic disks. The first and second sets of plastic disks are held in place by magnetic attraction forces from the magnets encased in the disks. When the shower curtain is closed, the first set of plastic disks become magnetically attached to the magnetically responsive plates.

Abstract: A dentifrice dispensing toothbrush utilizes a refillable cartridge for storing dentifrice material and a compressible elastic button for pumping dentifrice material from the cartridge to a brush head. The refillable cartridge has special adaptive features for mounting to different sized openings of toothpaste tubes to facilitate cartridge refilling and venting entrapped air.The essential components of the dentifrice dispensing toothbrush include 1) a brush head having an outlet opening therethrough and a series of bristles; 2) a pump assembly which has a pump chamber, an elastic compressible button and a base having a flap check valve; 3) a housing for attaching a refillable cartridge; 4) a refillable cartridge having an adaptive annular lip on its top opening for mating with the opening of a toothpaste tube and a plurality of shallow grooves for venting entrapped air, and a two-way follower disc for packing the dentifrice material.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible chamber for asphyxiating trapped animals is described. The chamber is used in its canopy configuration and is transported and stored in its collapsed or folded configuration. When deployed in its canopy configuration, the chamber is placed over a trap that contains an animal in captivity. The animal is subjected to a lethal or immobilizing gas which is supplied to the chamber. The chamber includes front, back and end panels, each of which is hinged to an edge of a top panel. The panels are configured so that there gaps which function as gas vents between the end panels and the front and back panels. The front panel contains a gas inlet opening. The chamber optionally includes carrying handles, magnetic strips to help secure the chamber in its collapsed configuration and heat sensitive tape to sense the temperature of the chamber when gas is supplied to it.

Abstract: An educational card game is described which requires a player to identify an object shown in a dictionary-like illustration on the front side of a card. The spelling of the object is alphabetically sequenced between two other words that also appear on the front side. An answer word which identifies the object, together with its pronunciation and definition, are on the back side of the card. The game is played with a large but indefinite number of special cards which are included in a deck. A method for playing the game is also described.

Abstract: Protective head gear is described which is suitable for use in martial arts activities. The protective head gear has four main components which provide increased protection to vulnerable parts of the head and neck. The main components are 1) a head mask, 2) a face guard for protecting facial areas, 3) a neck guard for protecting the back of the neck and 4) a cap for protecting the top of the head.

Abstract: A dentifrice dispensing toothbrush is described which utilizes a compressible elastic button to pump a controlled quantity of dentifrice material from a replaceable cartridge to the brush head. The toothbrush locks itself to prevent further pumping of dentifrice material when its replaceable cartridge is nearly empty. The self locking mechanism eliminates the formation of voids in the dentifrice material and consequent pump failure when the spent cartridge is replaced. In one embodiment, a cover is provided which protects the brush head, bristles, pumping mechanism and other parts of the toothbrush. The cover also seals the conduit which supplies dentifrice material to the brush head to prevent it from becoming clogged with dried dentifrice material during periods of non use and to prevent accidental compression of the button.

Abstract: A collapsible bag assembly is described which provides a barrier for protecting an appliance item against flood water damage. The bag assembly includes a) a water impermeable flexible tube of plastic sheeting which is open at the top and closed at the bottom and b) a platform base attached to the bottom of the tube. The bag assembly is used by positioning the appliance item on the platform base. During passive periods, the bag assembly is in its collapsed position whereby the tube of plastic sheeting is folded and stored along the edge of the platform base in proximity to the lower part of the appliance item. When it is necessary to protect the appliance item against water contact, the bag assembly is deployed to its extended position by lifting the tube of plastic sheeting from its stored position and extending it toward the top of the appliance item where it is secured until such protection is no longer required.

Abstract: A dentifrice dispensing toothbrush is described which locks itself to prevent further pumping of dentifrice material when its replaceable supply cartridge is empty. The self locking mechanism eliminates the formation of voids in the material and consequent pump failure when the spent cartridge is replaced with a new one and material pumped therefrom. The toothbrush also includes a detachable brush head which is slidable to various positions to enhance cleaning after it is used.

Abstract: Window cleaning apparatus is described which has a cleaning head that is rotatable to any position when used on a window surface. The apparatus includes a rotatable sleeve coupling which is positioned between the cleaning head and the handle for the apparatus. A cleaning element, such as a wiper, cleaning pad, sponge or brush, is attached to the cleaning head. Because of the rotatablity of the cleaning head, the apparatus effectively cleans edges and corners of windows of any shape. The described apparatus optionally includes a fluid supply conduit for delivering a cleansing fluid from a pressurized source to a fluid distribution conduit positioned on the cleaning head. The fluid distribution conduit contains perforations which enable fluid to be sprayed onto a window surface.

Abstract: A dispenser for paste-like materials is described which has a cover that automatically seals the dispenser's spout when no material is pumped therefrom thereby protecting the spout and its immediate surroundings from ambient air. The cover automatically unseals the spout while material is being dispensed. The dispenser includes (1) a housing, (2) a reservoir or replaceable cartridge for storing paste-like material, (3) a pump for causing the flow of a controlled quantity of material from the reservoir or cartridge, through a channel and its discharge from the spout and (4) an integrated, rotatable cover containing a sealing cap for the spout and a plunger for activating the pump. The sealing cap and plunger move in concert with each other so that material is pumped from the spout after the sealing cap moves away from the spout.

Abstract: A multi port diverter valve is described which contains a series of compartments and a common valve stem which passes through each of the compartments. A series of blocking elements are mounted on the valve stem and block the flow of fluid between compartments when positioned in corresponding ports. The positive shut off of fluid prevents leakage around the blocking element.

Abstract: A dentifrice dispensing toothbrush is described which stores dentifrice material in its handle and deposits a controlled quantity of the stored material directly onto the top of the brush surface. The toothbrush comprises (1) a housing which includes a handle, (2) a reservoir situated within the housing for storing dentifrice material, (3) a brush having bristles which are attached to and supported by a brush head member, and (4) a pump which causes a controlled quantity of dentifrice material to be pumped from the reservoir through a channel and a movable applicator and thereafter, to be deposited onto the brush surface. The applicator can be positioned in either a depositing or non-depositing relationship with the brush surface. No dentifrice can be pumped from the reservoir when the applicator is in a non-depositing relationship with the brush surface thus preventing the accidental discharge of dentifrice.

Abstract: A dentifrice dispensing toothbrush is described which stores dentifrice material in its handle and deposits a controlled portion of the stored material directly onto the top of the brush surface. The toothbrush comprises (1) a housing which includes a handle, (2) a reservoir situated within the housing for storing dentifrice material, (3) a brush having bristles which are attached to and supported by a head member, (4) an applicator which is attached to the housing and which is used to deposit portions of the material directly onto the top of the brush surface, (5) a valve which controls the flow of dentifrice material from the reservoir to the applicator and (6) a pumping means for applying pressure to the stored dentifrice material so as to cause it to flow from the reservoir to the applicator. The dentrifrice material is stored either directly in the reservoir or in a removable cartridge which is inserted in the reservoir.

Abstract: A new variety of clematis plant named ‘Carnival’. The variety is characterized by its unique color combination, having a medium lavender blue tepal with a dark lavender bar. The bright yellow stamens further distinguish the flowers.

Abstract: A new variety of clematis plant named ‘Sprinkles’. The variety is characterized by wavy edged petals having sprinkles of light pink distributed throughout the tepal surface and a light pink bar that extends along the center longitudinal axis of each tepal.