Abstract: An expandable vehicle sleeping compartment is mounted to an exterior side wall of a vehicle at an opening in the vehicle, extending and retracting horizontally therefrom when expanded. An inflatable air mattress and sleeping bag are disposed within the compartment upon expandable support structure and within a canopy. Access to the expanded compartment is through the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing reading skills whereby readers can improve both reading speed and comprehension. This novel teaching method and system associatively combines input to visual, tactile, and auditory senses. The reader is trained to conceptualize the meaning of words directly from symbols rather than from symbols and related sounds by causing the eyes to scan text more rapidly than both symbols and related sounds can be assimilated. The eyes are prompted to follow a rapidly moving finger induced to rhythmically move back-and-forth across the text at rapidly driven rates by an auditory beat. Different auditory inputs are provided to each ear, such that each hemisphere of the brain predominately receives signals which are related to its primary function. For example, rhythmic beats to induce higher reading rates are addressed to the left hemisphere of the brain which governs spatial relations, time, and rhythm.

Abstract: A novel extendable-retractable stairs apparatus which provides stairwise access to the top of a vehicle. The apparatus mounts to the exterior of a vehicle and retracts into a self-contained package for travel. When unpacked for use, one part of the package cover rotates downward to become the bottom step. The stairs extend upward, parallel the side of the vehicle on which the apparatus is mounted. The top stair attaches to a support affixed to the vehicle for stability. Grab bars can be mounted to the vehicle to assist the user to maintain balance while using the stairs.

Abstract: A transporter carriage upon which a jet ski is securely placed and related methods. The transporter carriage comprises rails forming part of a framework, the rails being shaped to compatibly receive the jet ski, and releasibly interchangeable support systems which provide carriage support and mobility.

Abstract: A game and sport device which can be used to repeatably mold and accurately throw snowballs as launched missiles. It comprises a hollow plastic shaft having a cup used for molding and holding a snowball at one or both ends. Snowballs are held in place by snow compacted into a series of 360.degree. grooves inside each end cup. They are launched into flight at about the zenith of the throwing motion when the force of the throw exceeds the shear force of the snow where it is compacted into the grooves. The widest cup diameter occurs at the cup mouth and the snowballs are discharged from the device as a single mass of material. Two cups each having a different groove pattern, sizes or the like can be provided at opposite ends of the device to allow opportunity for cup selection to compensate for various snow conditions.

Abstract: A novel aural medication administration device is disclosed which allows a patient to self-administer aural medication to an ear disposed in any plane. Further the aural medication administration device accepts, for later dispensing, drop by drop introduction of medication into a side port of an aural syringe dispenser, the accuracy and precision of each dose of medication being determined by counting drops as prescribed by a physician. By providing for introduction of medication through a side port, rather than through the effluent port, the aural medication administration device can repeatably accept and dispense medication without contaminating a source fluid by material which can collect on the effluent port of an aural dispensing device.

Abstract: A packaging system for one or more cassette tape recordings, providing for an improved and simplified point of sale display, shipment and storage, with clear identification of the contents exposed at all times. The system further comprising a printed external paperboard sleeve, dimensioned to force-fit receive one or more boxes each containing a cassette recording and a cushion insert. A transparent plastic shrink-wrap covering surrounds, protects and encloses the assembly.

Abstract: A biological specimen-containing and/or reagent mixing well used in centrifuge tubes, microtitre plates or trays and the like, and related methods, which comprises shelves or ledges within the specimen well each of which comprises a substantial nonvertical surface component, and functions to receive and temporarily store a desired quantity of reagent against premature delivery ot the bottom region of the well thereby accommodating dispensing of the reagent into the bottom region at precisely the desired and proper point in time.

Abstract: A novel ice or other temperature-imposing bag holder or retainer that is securely, adjustably, compressively and releasably placed around an injured joint. The presently preferred holders or retainers comprise stretchable material with good elastic memory comprising a pocket or pouch. During use, for example, a bag of ice or some other contained subambient cooling substance is placed within the pocket or pouch and against an injured joint and the entire retainer is stretch-wrapped around an injured joint under tension counter to the memory of the holder or retainer such that the cooled substance is gently and securely applied to the injury for prevention or minimization of swelling. Velcro fastening strips hold the retainer in its stretched wrapped condition upon the injured joint.

Abstract: Apparatus for respiratory therapy, which is particularly useful in a neonatal context, and related methods, the apparatus comprising an adaptor for connection to the exposed fitting of an indwelling endotracheal tube of any one of several types to an aspirating apparatus which may include ventilating capacity. The adaptor includes an appendage by which a lavage solution can be selectively introduced into the lungs of a patient through the indwelling endotracheal tube to loosen secretions without necessarily interrupting the ventilation cycle or requiring that the ventilating circuit be broken. The apparatus also comprises a fitting at one end of an aspirating/ventilating apparatus which has low dead space, alleviating the incidence of inadvertent disconnection and trauma induced by unintended displacement of the end fitting and accommodating not only aspiration and ventilation but also monitoring of certain vital indicators to allow prompt medical response to contraindications.

Abstract: An adapter, and related method, by which a specialized commercially available pipetter heretofore requiring an expensive custom pipette tip may be used with a standard pipette tip which is ejected from the pipetter by actuation of the adapter.

Abstract: A foamer, and related method, wherein the foamer comprises a container in which a large supply of foamable liquid is disposed. A predetermined amount of foamable liquid is displaced from time to time from the large container to a relatively small capacity pump chamber, under force of manually-created negative pressure. Manually-created positive air pressure displaces a fixed quantity of foamable liquid from the pump chamber as a stream to a foam-creating mixing chamber where a controlled amount of the air under positive pressure is introduced into the stream of foamable liquid to produce effluent foam.

Abstract: Fail safe releasible locks for capped centrifuge containers to insure closure integrity against specimen loss in whole or in part, the containers with cap being suitable for use in centrifuging and/or boiling liquid specimens and, if desired, for removal of processed specimens without removal of the lock and without opening of the cap.

Abstract: Fail safe externally-applied releasible locks and internally-disposed seals for capped centrifuge containers, cryogenic vials and the like to insure closure integrity against specimen loss in whole or in part and contamination, the containers with cap being suitable for use in centrifuging, boiling and freezing of liquid specimens and during shipping.

Abstract: A ventilating/aspirating apparatus, and related methods, the apparatus comprising a catheter tube for evacuation of lung secretions wherein the distal end portion of the catheter tube is disposed at a substantial angle in respect to the remainder of the catheter tube whereby entry into the left lung of a patient may be predictably and accurately tended to without appreciable trauma to the patient. A removable angle retainer is provided for maintaining the configuration of the distal end portion of the catheter tube during storage, prior to use. Radiopaque indicia, selectively located within the wall of the catheter tube, is provided by which the entry of the distal end portion of the catheter tube into the lungs and particularly the left lung of the medical patient can be insured through accurate monitoring visually or by using available radiological techniques.

Abstract: A pallet comprising a protective body of elastomeric material defining an array of recesses, each temporarily and protectively receiving the lower end of a pipe section, drainage structure being provided to accommodate removal of undesired liquid from recesses.

Abstract: Rotor body assemblies for use in a cold temperature cylinder to produce frozen confectionary made from fruit juices or similar liquids. Each assembly comprises a shaft on which are mounted hard plastic blades. The blades may be force fitted within a slot in the shaft, the slot being diagonally oriented from top to bottom with respect to the vertical orientation of each shaft surface. The blades may be formed as one piece with the shaft. Also mounted on the shaft are a conically-shaped top liquid distributor, also of hard food-grade plastic and a bottom ejector of the same material.

Abstract: This foam dispensing device includes an outer container for holding foamable liquid, and a foam producing unit mounted in the discharge port of the outer container. The foam producing unit includes an inner container of substantial smaller cross section than the outer container, and a closure cap having a pressurized an inlet and foam outlet. A one-way valve is provided between the inner and outer containers which opens to replenish the foamable liquid supply in the inner container but remains closed during the foam forming process.