Abstract: A cigarette holder completely encloses the lit end of a cigarette providing purification for both sidestream smoke and mainstream smoke. It has two concentric tubes with the lit cigarette placed in the inner tube and purifying agent placed in the volume between the inner tube and the outer tube. A chimney effect is produced wherein air flows through an air port past the lit cigarette to keep it burning. The sidestream smoke passes through the purifying agent and is discharged into the environment. The filter tip of the lit cigarette extends through a mouthpiece and the smoker exhales smoke through openings in the same mouthpiece. The mainstream smoke passes through the same purifying agent, in a direction opposite to the flow of the sidestream smoke, and is then discharged into the environment.

Abstract: A safety syringe uses a flexible, compressed, elastomeric O-ring to frictionally hold a needle holder with a needle in place. After use, the safety syringe is placed in a receptacle in the lid of a needle discard container and the plunger further depressed to release the needle holder and needle, which are then ejected into a discard container for safe and effective discarding of used needles. The discard procedure is accomplished using one hand and the needle is separated from the rest of the syringe to prevent re-use.

Abstract: A safety body fluid collector keeps a needle, held by a needle holder, in place frictionally with the use of an elastomeric O-ring. After use, the body fluid collector is inverted and placed over a discard container. Downward pressure on finger grips on the collector causes a tube of a disposal member, attached to the lid of the container, to press against the O-ring, unseating the O-ring and freeing the needle holder with the needle from the frictional hold of the O-ring. The needle holder and needle then drop into the discard container and when the discard container is full, it is discarded.

Abstract: A unitary exercise device provides exercise of the upper and lower abdominal muscles and the lower back muscles over the full range of motion of the muscles. It is lightweight and portable and is used without any other equipment or devices. The exercise device is rectangular in shape with two end sections having inclined surfaces. The angle of the inclined surfaces determines the amount of strength required to perform the exercises as the exerciser lies on the device. Therefore, the device can accommodate individuals with stronger or weaker muscles by changing the angle of the inclined surfaces of the end sections of the device.

Abstract: A curved snap fastener opener has a wedged shape with a recess at one end. As the wedge end of the opener is slid between the snap fastener base and the snap fastener cap, the curved shape of the opener provides an upward pressure on the cap of the snap fastener which assists in separating the cap from the base of the snap fastener. The surfaces of the opener have no sharp discontinuities which can result in breakage if additional pressure is applied at the end of the opener opposite the wedge end to pry open unyielding snap fasteners. The opener is small and has an opening which allows it to be carried on key holders such as key chains and key rings.

Abstract: An automatic needle threader, which uses compressed air to thread the needles of sewing machines, has means for imparting a rotational or swirling motion to the air which smooths out the frayed ends of the thread for easier and more positive threading. The compressed air is directed into an air chamber in which a spiral shaped baffle is mounted to impart the swirling motion. The threader can be permanently mounted on a sewing machine with a hinge connection allowing the threader to be moved out of position when not in use and to be moved into position so that the exiting end of the air chamber is located adjacent and opposite the eye of the needle. Alternatively, the threader may be removably mounted to a sewing machine using straps connected to the hinge.

Abstract: A fiber-glass shear puck for connecting, and transferring load between abutting together is disclosed. The shear puck is in the shape of a cylindrical section with planar side walls and is easier to manufacture and has greater strength and load bearing capacity than existing fiber-glass shear pucks.