Abstract: Embodiments of a disposable toothbrush are described, which have a self-contained dentifrice package which is kept unopened until the moment of desired use. The toothbrush has a soft, flexible plastic head for breaking the dentifrice package and sharp, hollow tubes or needles for distributing the dentifrice to the bristles. The toothbrush is ergonomically designed to fit hand and mouth with smooth, comfortable edges and outer surfaces and to prevent choking hazards by positively fastening parts. It is further designed to look generally like a fountain pen so it can be more comfortably carried and, thus, more available and useful.

Abstract: A water filter is packaged in a way that permits longer dwell time and greater volume in a dwell passage of the water filter. In one embodiment the water filter includes an influent passage where a biocide is imparted to the water, a dwell passage where the water remains in contact with the biocide for at least a predetermined duration, and an effluent passage where the biocide is removed from the water. The water filter includes a replaceable cartridge mounted in a pressure vessel. By arranging the dwell passage to include a pan-shaped portion in the bottom of the vessel and an axial portion along the extremity of the cartridge, greater volume, greater mixing, and more effective disinfecting result. Another embodiment includes a series of baffles on the exterior surface of the cartridge that create further turbulence for mixing the biocide with the water.

Abstract: One of the routines required for maintaining the air worthiness of an aircraft is the frequent inspection of rudder and elevator cables. Given traditional aircraft design, for example the Cessna "335" and "340" aircraft, access to these cables has been achievable only by removing the tail-cone from the body of the aircraft. Composed as they have been of aluminum or ABS plastic, these tail-cones have been prone to breakage. Their replacements, also of ABS plastic, have consisted of two large halves bolted together, one of which must still be removed from the aircraft to allow cable inspection and for which breakage is still a concern. The invented generally one-piece tail-cone molded of fiberglass constitutes a durable replacement for a broken cone. Equipping the new fiberglass cone with relatively small doors to be used for cable inspection allows the tail-cone to remain in place on the aircraft during its conceivable considerably lengthened life span.

Abstract: A timepiece which simultaneously displays the time in several different time zones is disclosed. The timepiece may have a single clock unit, with several separate time displays being controlled by the single clock unit, in which case, the different times displayed in the different time zones result from a central display offset means. Or, the timepiece may have multiple clock units, the multiple units each having their own display, and being coordinated or set to display the time in the different time zones. In this case, the coordination or setting of the multiple clock units may be done by hand or automatically. Associated with each time display is a label to indicate the time zone or a location within the time zone for that display. Preferably, the labels are changeable so that the time zone or location indicated may be changed.

Abstract: This invention is a secure and long-lasting ground connection, or isolation terminal, for, for example, fiber optic cable installations. The isolation terminal has a proximal end with a hole in a conductive element for receiving a stud extending out from the terminal box, and a nut placed on the stud, or for receiving a bolt placed in the hole for being received by the terminal box. Surrounding and enclosing the conductive element with the hole is a walled structure which is adapted on its lower end to fit and cooperate with the external wall of the terminal box, helping to create a tight seal between the terminal box and the isolation terminal. The inside of the walled structure creates a cavity which is closeable by means of a close-fitting cap, for example. After tightly attaching the isolation terminal to the terminal, the cavity is filled with an insulator, like a dielectric gel, for example, and then the cap is closed to securely cover the cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pack system for bearing animals includes a large support panel for contacting a substantial area of the animal upon which it is placed. Preferably, the central longitudinal axis of the support panel is curved to contour to the animal's back. A plurality of bags or other carrying devices are connected to the support panel near four comers of the support panel, so that the weight of the load is widely-distributed on the animal, instead of on a small surface area of the animal behind the saddle as is the case in most conventional saddle bags. Fastening straps may be included to extend around the chest and the rear quarters of the animal to further stabilize the support panel with its bags, and the saddle which rests on the support system. Unlike conventional saddlebag systems, the invented system does not require attachment to or support from the saddle.

Abstract: A hand held tool removes cerumen and other debris through an existing aperture in a hearing aid by evacuating a tip placed in or over the aperture. In one embodiment, the tip is evacuated when a spring-loaded piston in a cylinder coupled to the tip is released to move quickly away from the aperture.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a quick connect connector in a port that receives a tube that carries the water. The tube is received along the axis of the port in a first reference direction along the axis. The connector is assembled by inserting, in sequence, a support ring, an O-ring, and a plug into the port along the axis, but in a direction opposite the first direction. The plug is held in place by adhesive or conventional welding. To complete the assembly, a collet is inserted into the port along the axis and in the first direction. A tube is then connected to the water purifier by urging the tube through the collet, along the axis, and in the first direction. The tube is gripped by the collet, supported by the support ring, sealed by the O-ring, and stopped against the plug.

Abstract: A front-end big bale loader is shown and described. A tined pick-up mechanism is pivotally connected to near the front end of a transporting vehicle frame. The tines of the pick-up mechanism are first inserted into the front side of a large bale, and then, the hydraulic system for the pick-up mechanism is actuated to rotate and lift the mechanism up and over the front of the transporting vehicle, to a bed that receives the bale. After the first big bale is rotated and lifted all the way back to the bed, the bale is removed from the tines by a backward shift mechanism that shifts the bale backwards on the bed, away from the temporarily stationary tines. Then, the pick-up mechanism is rotated forward and down in front of the vehicle to be ready to pick up a second big bale. At about the same time, a forward shift mechanism moves the first big hay bale forward again so that the second bale, when it is lifted up and back by the pick-up mechanism, comes to rest on top of the first bale.

Abstract: A device for aligning the tongue and hitch first portion on a trailer (trailer hitch) with the receiver and hitch second portion (ball) on a towing vehicle, and for lifting the trailer hitch on and off the ball. The device comprises a vertical post on the towing vehicle in front of and in close proximity to the ball. The post has a pivotal arm which can rotate from a vertical position to a rearwardly inclined position. The post has a cable guide at or near its top surface. The pivotal arm also has a cable guide at or near its top surface. The cable guides are for receiving and guiding a cable connected to a winch on the tongue of the trailer. The tongue of the trailer also has a cable guide in front of the winch near the front end of the tongue. The invention has two (2) modes of operation (please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2): 1) on-loading the trailer hitch onto the ball; and, 2) off-loading the trailer hitch from the ball.

Abstract: The invention is a cutter bar for a chain saw which permits quick and convenient trimming of hedges and shrubbery. The cutter bar is of conventional design, being relatively thin and elongated, and supporting a cutting chain which extends around its periphery. Additionally, the cutter bar of this invention has a plurality of spaced-apart tines which extend transversely out from the top and/or bottom of the cutter blade. The tines are fastened to or extend from a side or edge of the cutter blade, optionally by rivets passing through a shim or spacer--the tines are not connected to each other by a web or common casting other than the cutter blade. This way, the web or common casting does not add to the size, bulk, or weight of the cutter blade, allowing it to remain less burdensome and less interfering during cutting. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing on the cutter bar between tines varies so that branches or limbs of varying diameter may be accommodated by the cutter blade while cutting.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a port having a collet, an O-ring seal, and a support between the collet and the seal. The collet axially receives a tube for water passage. The support limits radial movement of the tube off the axis. The support has an L-shaped cross section having a radial leg that seats the O-ring, and an axial leg. Water purifiers are often installed in confined spaces near mechanical equipment. Conventional water purifiers installed with sharp bends in influent and effluent water tubes and exposed to equipment vibration conducted by the tubes often exhibit weeping at the port. In an embodiment of the present invention, weeping is eliminated by maintaining axial relation between the tube, the seal, and the collet.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle has features that facilitate loading and unloading. The vehicle includes a truck and a trailer. The truck is loaded from the rear, as in the case of a pickup truck with an endgate or tailgate. The trailer is coupled to the truck by a tongue on the undercarriage of the trailer. The trailer includes a bed and a front section. The bed, when released from the tongue pivots toward the ground so that a load can be rolled from the ground onto the bed. The front section is hinged to the bed. When the front section is unlocked from an upright position, it extends over the tongue to be supported in part by the tailgate. A hinged riser on the tongue supports the bed and the section as the load is rolled from the bed into the truck. When unloading, the bed tips toward the ground as the load is rolled off the bed. The articulated vehicle loads and unloads without a separate ramp, dock, or tailgate lift.

Abstract: Embodiments of a filter cartridge for a sports bottle are shown and described. Each embodiment has a member for containing or attaching to a filter media and having a means of securing the cartridge inside the bottle neck without requiring modification of the bottle or bottle cap. The preferred cartridge includes a generally cylindrical cup or ring for holding media, and an extension that fits between the cap and the bottle neck to secure the cartridge in place while preserving a water-tight seal. The extension has a slanted inner surface that diverts the cap's knife edge inward slightly and then seals with the outside surface of the knife blade. As the cap is installed and the knife presses down against the extension, the knife forces the expandable or flexible extension outward slightly to seal against the neck.

Abstract: A dispensing bin and cover cooperate to support many times the bin's capacity stacked on the cover. With the cover removed, empty bins nest for storage. Vertical stacking capacity is enhanced by surrounding the top opening of the bin with a reinforcement that maintains the horizontal shape of the top opening. A vertical component of the weight of identical bins stacked on top of the cover is opposed by a horizontal reaction force provided by the reinforcement and communicated to tapered sides. The dispensing aperture has a gate that automatically latches closed and permits sealing by conventional loop tag or tie. The cover has superior strength yet is light in weight so that handling of the cover is feasible by one man without machine assistance. Snap bails are held in place by intrinsic spring tension when stowed against bin sides or snapped onto the cover for retaining the cover to the bin. Snap bails are also used for lifting the full bin.

Abstract: A system of the present invention includes a sound source for providing sound in the oral-nasal cavity, a microphone to receive sound modulated by the user's mouth, tongue, teeth, and lips as he or she speaks or attempts vocalization, and a circuit. The circuit, coupled to the microphone, generates an output simulating a male or female voice that conveys the modulation as intelligible speech. In one embodiment, the sound source provides subaudible sound. In another embodiment, the circuit includes a sampling circuit for digital signal processing. In yet another embodiment, the circuit with a transducer constitute the sound source for providing overtones and diagnostic waveforms in the mouth. According to a method of the present invention, a modulated sound signal with a first period is received from an oral-nasal cavity and used to form a second signal having a longer period for conveying the first signal's modulation at a lower fundamental frequency.

Abstract: A Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying modulator that provides direct modulation of a carrier signal, produced by a single microwave high power voltage controlled oscillator. A continuous phase frequency shift keyed modulated signal with a modulation index of 0.5 is produced at the desired output frequency using a full 360 degree linear continuous phase modulator, controlled by a linear baseband signal that is the integral of the binary baseband information signal. This modulated signal is used as the reference signal for a phase locked high power voltage controlled oscillator. The phase locked loop provides frequency tracking and Gaussian spectral shaping to the modulated output signal.

Abstract: A carpet layer's aid for protecting floor baseboards or walls during carpet installation, the aid including an elongated strip which can be separated into two portions. The elongated strip is separated into an edge portion, which is used to anchor the elongated strip, and a central portion, which is used to shield the baseboard or wall. Preferably, the elongated strip has perforations which allow the central portion to be detached from the edge portion of the elongated strip upon completing the carpet installation. The edge portion of the elongated strip is left behind under the tack strip and carpet.

Abstract: Apparatus for augmenting the grip of a user when gripping an object subjected to a pulling force including an elongated flat rolling strap with a friction or gripping section adapted to be positioned along the palm of the user and having a novel wrist cinching strap system operative to transmit the pulling force on the object through the user's forearms to the upper arms and shoulders of the use.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a plastic blister system are shown and described. The blister system is comprised of a blister to which a lid or backing of the same material may be tightly fitted and sealed by virtue of one or more cooperating "steps" near the outer perimeters of the blister and or lid, and by virtue of the outer perimeters of the blister and lid being continuously sealed to the cardboard or other planar sheet of backing. When the blister pack is thus sealed and attached to the cardboard, any odors or vapors which may possibly emit from the product, which is encased within the sealed blister, are also totally sealed in and cannot escape. Also, the sealed blister prevents outside moisture and gasses from contacting the product until the blister is opened.