Abstract: A cosmetic jar and storage device comprises a substantially cylindrical body having a first recess for holding cosmetic and a second recess for holding an applicator. The recesses are separated by a transverse member into individual compartments. A pin-hinged base maintains the applicator in the lower compartment. The base may be swung completely open to facilitate viewing with an internally mounted mirror. The base and in alternate embodiments the cap are hinged on one side of the device while a recessed portion on the other side facilitates opening of the force fit base and cap.

Abstract: A short motion swim fin used as a training device for the improvement of the fast flutter kick motions of speed swimming, and as such uses a short, rigid frame, that is worn on the underside of the forward portion of the foot where it functions as a lever to stretch the arch of the entire foot on every downward kick, as well as to strengthen the fast twitch leg muscles associated with a strong flutter kick.

Abstract: An essentially non-electric automatic fluid dispensing system is provided wherein a first induced pressure induces flow of a first fluid, which in the preferred embodiment is a liquid sanitizer. The system further divides the first fluid into a first divided fluid and second divided fluid, said first divided fluid inducing flow into a second fluid located in an airtight container for the second fluid, a regulator valve for varying the second divided fluid, a dispensing valve for displacing the second fluid from the said container under pressure and for varying the flow rate of the said displaced second fluid, and connector for impressing the displaced fluid into a receiving line which in the preferred embodiment is a water circulation circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control device for use in fluid systems. In one embodiment the fluid is a liquid. A substantially cylindrical housing has therein a symmetrical cavity. The cavity is divided in upper and lower chambers by a circular and planar diaphragm. The upper chamber housing wall has protruding therefrom a cylindrical boss having a port for admitting a liquid. The boss forms a valve seat. The diaphragm has a plurality of concentric corrugations surrounding a central planar integral valve member. A media port in the lower chamber housing admits media for putting pressure on the diaphragm. When the pressure exceeds a predetermined value, the valve member closes upon the seat and entraps liquid between the diaphragm and upper chamber housing. The liquid acts to cushion, conforming to the shape of the diaphragm, thereby preventing damage to the diaphragm.

Abstract: A brush and roller spinner and paint mixer comprises a hollow cylindrical body portion, a gripper at one end of the body portion to releasably hold a brush or roller and a handle at the other end of the body portion. The handle is affixed to one end of a helically shaped rod which extends axially through the cylindrical body and is mounted to the gripper member at its other end to cause rotational movement thereof as the handle is moved downwardly. The handle includes a recessed base which extends outwardly from the handle and includes downwardly extending walls having a recess which engages a protrusion on the cylinder cover to halt the motion thereof and lock the handle in place. A paint mixer comprising an elongated shaft with a spiral element at one end may be removably mounted at the other end to the gripper so that the mixer is rotated by movement of the handle.

Abstract: An adjustable work table for use with scaffolding comprises a substantially rectangular table top having a first pair of downwardly extending rails at one end which slidably mount on scaffolding. The rails are elongated generally U-shaped members which include an intermediate semicircular portion extending outwardly and having a spring loaded lock pin mounted therein to engage the scaffold through an aperture in the rail locking the table in place. A second pair of U-shaped elongated rails extend outwardly at a right angle to the first pair of rails beneath the ends of the table and a supporting member extends between the lower portion of the first pair of rails and an intermediate portion of the second pair of rails for support purposes. A drawer may be mounted at the open end beneath the table.

Abstract: A lamp and picture assembly comprises a frame, a series of frames or surfaces in the lamp base to display pictures or photographs. The lamp illuminates both the room and the pictures or photographs. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a hollow metal leg mounted at one end to a lamp frame support at the upper end of a U-shaped member. Elongated channels are mounted within the interior of the legs to support a glass/photo/backing assembly. An electrical wire is run within the hollow leg to a light bulb mounted on the support. A lamp support is also mounted on the frame. Alternate embodiments include various bases which cooperate with a lamp to provide illumination for the frames and at the same time general lighting for the room. Multiple picture frames may be incorporated in a design and magnets may be employed to hold the frames or pictures in place.

Abstract: A fire hydrant locking device comprises a clamp which engages the hydrant stem and includes apertured butterfly wings which are engaged by a forked rod locking the stem in a closed position. The rod extends through a donut to engage a tubular recess in the cap. Spring loaded curved pins engage the rod within the tubular recess and extend outwardly through the cap. A wrench having a circular recess with inward projections engages the cap pins to permit turning the threaded cap and permit access to the locked stem for actuation of the hydrant.

Abstract: A feeding device for a strapping machine comprises a feed guide mounted to a frame to receive a nylon strap from a feed coil. The feed guide comprises a housing having a triangular cross-section and an apertured transition member mounted therein which receives the strap feed and directs the strap onto a flat exit portion of the frame. The exit portion includes a pivotal cam lock which engages the flat strap to prevent recoil thereof. The feed guide includes a predetermined internal taper which directs the strap onto a flat portion of the frame despite the angle of the incoming feed strap thereby eliminating problems with shredding of the strap which occur in the strapping head.

Abstract: A system for displaying dynamic readings of a motor vehicle's tire pressure, temperature and tire ride efficiency comprises individual integrated units that are removably attached to each valve stem. Each unit comprises a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor coupled to a microcontroller which activates a transmitter/receiver set with a measured signal. The signal is received by a transmitter/receiver set in a passenger compartment mounted display which feeds a signal through a microcontroller to the display unit. In operation, theft prevention serial numbers of the remote sensors are entered in the display unit. Each individual sensor may then be queried sequentially with the appropriate serial number to provide a pressure and temperature reading for a particular tire as well as battery condition. The readings and warning signals are activated in the display unit.

Abstract: A versatile endoscopic retrieval bag system comprises a collapsible bag and a cooperating manipulating instrument or grasper. The two layer bag comprises an outer layer waterproof plastic bag and an inner layer mesh plastic bag which is rolled between two sides of a firm plastic rim which includes a hinge or discontinuity at the center and each end of each rim to permit bending of the rim at four points. The limbs of the manipulating instrument fit snugly onto the rim at one end up to the discontinuity. In use, the manipulating instrument is activated causing the rim to assume a substantially square, open configuration with the collapsible bag extending outwardly therefrom within a body cavity to receive various body organs or tissues.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically washing, sanitizing and drying a toilet seat. The apparatus comprises a toilet seat cover having independent fluid and gas conduits, a toilet seat and a runoff pan means, a control unit box and means for connecting the fluid and gas supply lines from the control unit box to said toilet seat cover. The toilet seat and the toilet seat cover and the runoff pan are pivotally connected by a hinge means and can independently move to an up or down position. Upon closing, toilet seat cover means are provided for automatically initiating the washing and drying cycles after each use. The control box unit further comprises an electric process unit including means to control and adjust the starting and finishing time of washing and drying cycles. The toilet system is sealed during the washing cycle to avoid splashing the fluid out of the toilet system.

Abstract: An animal separator particularly for waiting rooms in animal hospitals comprises an enclosed pet resting area for isolating pets and an integral chair for the owner. The resting area comprises a base having a raised side portion and end portions at the front and rear extending upwardly therefrom substantially at right angles. A pull out drawer is located beneath the base for ease of cleaning while a forward hinged door is located in the base of the unit to permit the base to move upwardly from the rear to deposit waste through the door into the drawer. The sides and end portions include a plurality of spaced apertures to permit an open feeling for the pet. The front end portion includes a slight lip to encourage the pet such as a dog to remain on the base which is grooved to permit ease of movement. A chair may be integrally molded to a one side of the separator adjacent the entrance side or the legs thereof may be inserted in a pair of elongated slots positioned adjacent the wall on the entrance side.

Abstract: The layout instrument or tool of this invention includes a pair of members arranged together to form an "L" at a right angle. The unique feature of this arrangement is that the two opposing ends of the "L" are also affixed to another member changing the shape from an "L" to the shape of a 3-4-5 triangle. All members of the instrument are permanently attached, therefore, misalignment is avoided and accuracy is assured and maintained. The two members are configured to slide with respect to one another at the pivot point of the "L" and simply pivot at their opposite ends about their pivot points connecting the third member and creating an enclosed triangle. A spring loaded rivet mounted in one of "L" members slides in a skewed slot in the adjacent member to open the triangle from a closed position where the three sides or members of the triangle are substantially parallel to one another.

Abstract: This invention comprises footwear having a power source and switching mechanism mounted in the heel under padding and an electroluminescent wire mounted in a predetermined position on the footwear to provide illumination. The electroluminescent wire comprises a thin linear light source wherein light is produced by activating an electroluminescent phosphor with high alternating electric current. The phosphor is located between two electrically conductive wires, one in the core or center of the phosphor layer and one on the outside of the phosphor layer with spirals about the wire. The electroluminescent wire is connected to a control circuit for converting the battery power to alternating current. When an individual applies force to the bottom of the footwear or motion, a vibration sensitive switch activates the circuit causing the electroluminescent phosphor to become lighted. The wire may be positioned along the out sole inside and outside or along the tongue or other position on the footwear.

Abstract: A flat end beverage can lid comprises a soda can lid wherein the inner platform is connected with the rim groove. The intent is to facilitate cleaning of the groove and nearby opening hole. The pull tab is located on the inner platform so that it can be readily cleaned by finger. The inner platform extends to the can edge and can be lower than or equal to the rim groove. With this design, it is also possible to use the existing crimping head on the filling line which represents a large cost savings for the filler.

Abstract: The set of blocks in this invention comprise "slot blocks" and "key blocks." A slot block is a cube having two slots on each face. Each slot crosses the entire face and bisects a pair of opposite edges. The cross section of each slot is a square whose width and depth are one-fifth the length of the edge of the cube. A key block is a rectilinear polygon whose thickness is equal to the slot width and depth. Each side of each polygon has a length that is a whole number multiple of the slot width and depth. The shapes of the key blocks are such that they can completely fill all the slots, internal and external, of an aligned stack of slot blocks, with the external key blocks forming continuous intersecting ridges whose width and height are equal to the slot width and depth. The key blocks, with or without the slot blocks, also lend themselves to the construction of other attractive forms that would be rarely, if ever, realized with other block sets.

Abstract: Racing car transmission in which the reverse gear does not rotate when the car is travelling in the forward direction. The main shaft in this transmission has shortened splines that do not engage the reverse idler gear except when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Provision is made for a spring biased pin on the gear shift yoke to engage the detent on the reverse idler gear hub to stop it from spinning when this gear is not in the engaged position. This improvement eliminates unnecessary rotational inertia when the vehicle is travelling in the forward direction thus eliminating unwanted inertia which saps power and speed from the engine. The improvement adds significantly to the available power of the engine.

Abstract: A suntanning apparatus comprises a plurality of chairs preferably of the lounge type which are mounted on a rotating platform which follows the sun's path. The platform rotates in accordance with a predetermined program and can vary in size to accommodate a predetermined plurality of lounge chairs. The platform is driven by a motor which is coupled to the platform to rotate the platform about a central axis. The motor is coupled to a computer which determines the movement of the platform so that the chairs are always facing towards the sun. In an alternate embodiment, a pair of lounge chairs are mounted on a rotatable platform with controls mounted therebetween for individuals to operate the drive motor to rotate the platform in accordance with the sun's rays.