Abstract: A systemic insect repellent composition is provided which affords essentially continuous protection of domesticated animals against fleas, ticks and other blood feeding pests. The systemic compositions of the invention comprise two essential ingredients: Vitamin B.sub.1 and allyl sulfide (garlic oil) dissolved in a soybean oil base. The composition is preferably consumed by the animal during its normal feeding. The dosage consumed by the animal is adjusted to provide a prescribed minimal blood level which insures continuous insect repellency. Unlike the more popular preparations, this composition is not inherently toxic, is not offensive to the animal and does not give the animal bad breath.

Abstract: Method comprises mounting at least one standard steel shipping container on a weight-bearing foundation at the ends thereof. Where two or more containers are used, the containers may be in spaced and/or abutting side-by-side relationship; and/or may be mounted one upon another. Where containers are mounted side-by-side, portions of the inner sidewalls are removed leaving at least narrow flanges extending inwardly from the edges thereof. A roof is installed over the top walls of the containers; a raised floor is installed over the bottom walls of the containers enclosing flanges that extend inwardly from the bottom walls; and a dropped ceiling is installed under the top walls of the containers enclosing flanges that extend inwardly from the top walls. At least one window opening and one door opening are provided in the side and end walls, and a window and a door are installed therein. The invention includes the novel product of the method.

Abstract: A device for subduing and then restraining a violent person comprising a relatively-stiff, bendable shield having opposed major surfaces. One of the major surfaces, designated the back surface, has attached thereto at least two handles, at least one strap, and means for releasably fastening the strap to the back surface.

Abstract: A novel fitted sheet and a novel rigid fixture for holding a corner of the novel sheet in place on a rectangular waterbed mattress. A fixture is positioned adjacent each corner of the mattress with a base portion under the mattress, an upstanding corner portion having a back side against the corner of the mattress and a face side having a fastener member attached thereto, and a spacing portion spacing the face side from the corner of the frame that holds the waterbed mattress. The novel fitted sheet has a mating fastener member on the inside surface of each of its corners. In combination, the novel sheet fits over the mattress and the corner portions of the four (4) fixtures with the fastener members fastened together, holding the novel sheet in place. Because the corners of the mattress are spaced away from the frame, the mattress does not have to be lifted or otherwise manipulated to position the sheet on, or remove the sheet from, the mattress.

Abstract: A vent for use in an orthopedic cast of a prescribed thickness comprises a plastic base tab having a substantially elliptical aperture therein and a wall around the periphery of the aperture that rises from one side of the tab to a height about equal to the prescribed cast thickness. The wall may be bowed inwardly. The novel vent may be available singly, or connected together by their tabs, or connected together with spacers therebetween.

Abstract: A solar energy system for the heating of water in a spa or the like. The system comprises a solar collector array for receiving water from the spa, for heating the received water, and for then directing the heated water back to the spa. The solar collector array is formed of a plurality of sets of tubes positionable on a supporting surface adjacent to the spa with webbing coupling the tubes of each set along the majority of their lengths. Inlet and outlet manifolds couple the ends of the tubes. A submersible pump is positioned within the spa for pumping water to the solar collector array for heating. An inlet hose is coupled between the pump and the inlet manifold to conduct water from the pump to the solar collector array while an outlet hose is coupled to the outlet manifold to conduct the heated water from the solar collector array back to the spa. Also discloses is the method of installing, using and storing the solar energy system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel system for exterminating insects in a building, and particularly, to such a system which may be installed after the building is completed. This system includes a tunnel device which provides access to the cavity between the interior and exterior walls of a building. The installation of this device in the interior wall of an existing building provides more effective access of fumigant to pests which may be living in the space between the interior and exterior walls. This tunnel device can be concealed from view or provided with a decorative cover plate. The other component of this system includes a reservoir of fumigant which can be matingly engaged with the tunnel device and dispense and effective dosage of pesticide into the cavity between the interior and exterior walls.

Abstract: An inflatable pillow usable outdoors and capable of resisting displacement by the wind or other force. The pillow has a pocket that may be filled with sand to weigh it down. The pillow also has an attached flap to keep the sand positioned in the pocket after the pillow is inflated. The pillow also has a pair of straps that can detachably fasten to the flap or pillow and form two loops, which loops can be used to attach the pillow to a beach or lawn chair.

Abstract: Hand luggage comprising a substantially rectangular shell including two opposed major walls and an open end therebetween. A single rectangular drawer is slidably mounted in the shell. The drawer includes a front wall having a marginal flange that overlaps and completely closes the open end when the drawer is slid to its closed position. A carrying handle is attached outside the luggage to the end wall. Also, there is a means for detachably latching the shell to the drawer when the drawer is in its closed position.

Abstract: In combination, a frameless optical eye shield and a moisture-absorbent headband. The eye shield is a transparent sheet having one of a pair of loop-and-pile fasteners adhered to the upper margin of its outer surface. The headband has a pocket attached to its inner surface and also the other of said fasteners adhered to the lower margin of its inner surface. The eye shield may be stored in the pocket when it is not in use, and is attached to the headband with the fasteners when it is in use.

Abstract: The combination of a motor vehicle having a door that is hinged to open outwardly from a closely-fitting door opening and a finger guard comprising a first flexible strip attached to the distal edge of the door and overlapped over the adjacent edge of the door opening. A second flexible strip may be attached to the overlapped edge of the door opening under the first strip. The invention includes the finger guard itself which is adapted to be combined with a motor vehicle as described above.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel built-in centralized system for exterminating insects in a building, and particularly to such a system which may be installed during construction without modification, interruption or departure from traditional building design and/or techniques. This system includes a common reservoir as a source of fumigating agent, valve structure for controlling the flow of fumigant into a distribution network incorporated into the structure of the building and, preferably, structure for programming the system. This system may be used in both residential and industrial buildings.

Abstract: A test strip is disclosed which provides for transport and separation of heterogenous fluid samples. This test strip can be used for analysis of whole blood by reflectance measurement. This test strip, which can be especially adapted for use in a disposable blood sampling fixture, comprises two functional components: (1) a wicking element for reception of the whole blood sample and transport of the sample to a dry chemistry reagent system, and (2) a porous membrane which has been impregnated with a dry chemistry reagent system specific for analysis of an analyte within the whole blood sample. A barrier layer is provided between the wicking layer and the porous membrane to preclude contact therebetween. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, an aperture is cut or formed in the barrier layer to allow for the flow of sample for the wick to the surface of the porous membrane.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and transporting cassettes comprising a container formed of side panels and a rear panel coupled to form a box-like structure. The container also includes a plurality of spaced and parallel separation panels forming slots for individual cassettes to be inserted, stored and removed. The apparatus also includes a bracket formed as an inverted J-shaped member having a short downwardly extending part positionable between an internal door panel and its associated glass and a long downwardly extending part. A tongue is also provided on the container and pockets on the long part of the bracket to separably couple the container to the bracket. The separation panels may be oriented either generally horizontally or vertically.

Abstract: A dental treating composition and method are disclosed which reduces dental plaque and inhibits future formation of the same, when the dental treating composition is used on regular basis. Sodium alginate is used as a calcium ion chelating agent which weakens the bond between the plaque and the teeth thereby allowing easy removal by subsequent brushing. The use of benzalkonium chloride and zinc sulfate with the composition provides for desensitizing the teeth and elimination of halitosis.

Abstract: A cigarette substitute is provided which satisfies the smokers psychological and pharmacological need for a cigarette, without exposing him, or others, to the ill-effects associated with inhalation of smoke, tar and other combustion products. This cigarette substitute is a smokeless cigarette designed to satisfy the smokers physical and pharmacological needs of nicotine, without sujecting either the smoker, or others in his immediate vicinity, to exposure to cigarette smoke. It is also intended to satisfy the smoker's psychological needs of having something to occupy the hands and/or mouth and to simulate the act of puffing on a cigarette.

Abstract: Dry chemistry reagent system, kit and method for detection of an analyte such as glucose, cholesterol, urea, antigen or antibody. The reagent system is a porous membrane or bibulous film having a porosity gradient from one planar surface to the other. In the membrane are uniformly distributed an indicator, a flow control agent and a reagent cocktail. The membrane is also modified by a conditioning agent.

Abstract: A liquid level comprising a bottle for holding leveling liquid and means in its lower end for connecting to a length of hose. The bottle has a filler opening in its upper end and integral means for storing the hose around the bottle. The level may include a ventable bottle closure over the filler opening and a ventable hose closure detachably mounted on the extended end of the hose. The bottle may also include an integral clip on the outside surface of the bottle for receiving and holding an end portion of the hose. The bottle may have an integral handle on one side thereof and a mounting plate attached to the other side thereof.

Abstract: A device for releasably coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle comprising a support plate mountable on the towing vehicle, and a parallelogram-like arrangement of articulated mechanical members mounted on the support plate including a lifting bar movable between a raised position and a lowered position. A hitching ball that is matable with a socket on the trailer is mounted on the lifting bar. Mechanical means are provided for moving the lifting bar between its raised position and its lowered position. Also, means are provided for locking the device in its raised position.

Abstract: A tool having a pair of open-ended jaws with spaced confronting jaw faces and a support for the jaws, wherein each jaw comprises a continuous loop of chained links movably mounted on a plurality of rotatable rollers, said rollers being floatingly mounted on said support, each of said loops having a substantially straight segment that is spaced from and confronts the straight segment of the other of said loops, each link having a tread on the outer side of said loop, which tread aligns with the treads of the other links in said straight segments to constitute the confronting face of said jaw, and a ratchet means mounted on said support and adapted to push one of said loops to move in only one direction around its supporting rollers.