Abstract: A new and innovative game for the amusement industry comprises a gun which players use to guide a stream of balls to an intended target or objective. A revolving turntable feeds a plurality of balls one at a time into a tube where a motorized pinch wheel forces the balls up and through a tube to the gun. A blower is coupled to the tube to force the balls out of the tube end which is surrounded by a gun facade. The balls exit the tube end in a rapid stream which is directed at a target. A solenoid with a plunger mounted to the tube wall and movable within the tube is used to turn the gun on and off by halting the flow of balls.

Abstract: The invention comprises an elongated cylindrical instrument and a method for extracorporeal knot tying in endoscopic surgery. The Christoudias knot-transfer instrument includes a solid stem of substantially cylindrical cross section with two diametrically opposite longitudinal grooves along its outer surface. These grooves converge at an angle of 100 degrees towards the axis of the cylinder at the head of the instrument, and at an angle of 150 degrees towards the axis of the cylinder at the tail of the instrument. In accordance with the method herein, this instrument pushes a knot which is tied extracorporeally with its head, through a port and into the tissues to be ligated or on top of another knot. The ends of the surgical thread slide along the grooves. Many knots can be tied and delivered to said tissues in an extremely expeditious manner.

Abstract: A personal toothpick comprises a curved handle with a thin wire hollow form at each end, designed to enter the smallest space between teeth to extract impacted food particles in between teeth and gums. The handle is of a modified s-shaped configuration with thin wire forms extending outwardly therefrom at each extremity in a set shape and being mounted to the handle at their ends.

Abstract: An adjustable air freshener involves a container for a scented gel which includes a heater which is integrally molded within the base of the container with a connecting plug extending outwardly for coupling to an electrical outlet. The front portion of the container includes a rotary cover with a circular configuration having a solid dividing wall on half of the circle extending downwardly to block the flow of hot air from affecting the gel which is positioned between the base and cover within the container. The other half of the cover includes a plurality of spaced apertures which are positioned opposite the heated gel to provide a predetermined scent to the room. The cover and gel may be rotated with respect to the base in predetermined increments to provide the desired scent.

Abstract: A tick trap comprises a raised base having inclined walls at each end, an upper portion having sticky tick trapping surface and an upwardly extending box-like portion having a plurality of holes around the lower surface thereof, a rectangular rain guard extending outwardly from the box at a spaced distance from the surface of the base and a hinged lid over the open end of the box. The box includes a carbon dioxide cannister which is periodically activated by batteries to emit CO.sub.2 from the portholes about the box to attract ticks onto the sticky surface where they are destroyed.

Abstract: A spongestick for endoscopic procedures including a hollow stem of substantially cylindrical cross-section with a longitudinal groove along its outer surface and having a handle at one end and a balloon receptor portion at the other end. The stem is surrounded by a retractable sheath having a handle at the end adjacent the stem handle. A balloon system is included having a Leur lock tip at its upper end for coupling to inflation means and an elongated tube portion which extends within the longitudinal groove in the stem to a tubular balloon which fits over the receptor portion. Circumferential grooves are provided on the upper and lower sections of the receptor portion to accommodate rubber bands which secure a tubular gauze member over the balloon. The gauze member is expanded by inflation of the balloon. The hollow interior of the stem provides a passage for endoscopic instruments such as forceps, dissectors, etc.

Abstract: This invention comprises an apparatus for storing and dispensing socks which includes an elongated tubular member of a predetermined diameter having a slot extending axially therealong and connecting to an enlarged opening at one end of the member where a base is transversely mounted thereto. Rolled socks are deposited into the open end of the tube which is slightly larger than the diameter of the socks and drop downwardly to be supported by the base. The socks are accessible through the opening as needed with the slot used to force the rolled socks downwardly, if stuck, and to provide a viewing of the socks in the tube.

Abstract: A gaming arrangement includes a betting table, a random selection device for selecting the "Dealer's Spot" or hand and playing cards. The betting table is layed out in a system facilitating the betting rules of a new game known as Action Poker.TM. which automatically permits a player to know where he stands from an odd or no-pay standpoint after each card. The random selection device for selecting the Dealer's Spot comprises a clear plastic cylinder, having a ball located therein, a ball release mechanism and a plurality of various designated slots at the lower end of the cylinder to receive the ball when released and thus determines the dealer's hand.

Abstract: An assembly to facilitate endoscopic surgery comprises an endoscopic dual head needle holder, a needle transporter, a needle guide forceps and an endoscopic suture with a terminal loop. The assembly is utilized in a unique process wherein the tissue to be sutured is grasped by the needle guide forceps and the needle inserted into and through the tissue with the assembly. The needle is inserted into a body cavity with a transporter, a first needle holder is advanced to the appropriate level and the needle transferred to the first needle holder. The needle is then passed through the tissue to a second needle holder and then back to the first needle holder. The needle is then passed through the suture loop securing the thread on the tissues. Continuous suturing is then achieved by successive passage of the needle by the first needle holder through the tissues by the first needle holder, retrieval of the needle by the second needle holder and passage of it back to the first needle holder.

Abstract: A method of diagnosis utilizing a diagnostic locator for detecting sources of electronic circuit malfunction caused by fractured solder connections or other kinetically locatable electronic circuit malfunctions comprises a diagnostic locator using kinetic energy at sonic frequencies which is discriminately applied to particular circuit areas to reveal mechanical intermittance on an accurate basis. The locator includes an elongated non-conductive test probe which is mounted within a housing at one end containing a transducer for kinetically activating the probe. An operator may adjust the kinetic energy being released at the probe tip for greater or lesser propagation upon electronic circuitry being diagnosed. This diagnosis of mechanically malfunctioning electronic circuitry is accomplished while monitoring the output of the circuitry in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A pinball machine which may be played by a single player for a pair of players either playing against one another or as a team. The invention comprises a pair of pinball playing fields joined together at one end and having a common scoreboard, typically protruding vertically upward therefrom. The machine may be played by a single player in a mode wherein a divider separates the two playing fields, which can be mirror images of one another, or can be completely different in design or theme. In a dual player mode, the divider is retracted and the player may play on his own field as well as the other field. The flippers on the opposite field may also be controlled by a player. In this manner, the opposing player gains some degree of control over the opposite playing fields to enhance the chances of scoring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the collectability of dust particles is disclosed herein. The concept of collectability and collectivity are employed to establish fundamental equations which are solved by the use of data obtained by passing a dust laden gas through a sampling train having a plurality of impingers. The weight of material collected in each separate impinger is determined and using these individual weights a mathematical matrix is set up from which the collectability of the dust particles is obtained. The collectability of a given dust particle is defined as its impinger efficiency when the impinger is operated in strict accordance with design specifications. Collectivity is defined as the collectability distribution of a mixture of dust particles having different collectabilities.

Abstract: This invention comprises a device for transducing the speech of a conference group gathered about a table. It is capable of wireless operation for use with hearing impaired amplification systems and remote conference recording. The device combines an acoustically controlled microphone and antenna system in a single unit with no visible wires, antenna, or electronics. Specifically, a single condenser microphone is mounted at the end of the frustoconical member which is suspended above and perpendicular to a horizontal reflector plate. The diaphragm of the microphone is parallel to the table top. The reflector plate also functions as an antenna in radio versions of the device. An opening at a predetermined specific angle between the cone and reflector plate deflects the sound waves eminating from any conversations about the table directly into the microphone causing it to produce a higher electrical output for those frequencies produced by the human voice.

Abstract: A paint valve for use with an automatic roller apparatus comprises a valve body connected at one end to the roller to provide paint thereto and at the other end to a paint reservoir in the handle. A valve stem is mounted within a cavity in a portion projecting outwardly at an angle from the body. The valve stem is designed to engage a fill tube mounted on a paint can. Pushing down on the fill tube forces the stem upwardly opening the valve cavity and paint reservoir tube and closing the cavity to the roller head. A pump shaft creates a suction drawing paint through the fill tube, valve stem and out two holes in the stem into a paint reservoir. When the valve body is removed from the end of the fill tube, the valve closes off the intake and opens the cavity leading to the roller head.

Abstract: A pair of folding eyeglasses and watch carrying case comprises a pair of frame members hinged together at an intermediate bridge point and slidable within a pair of upper and lower sleeves which contain a lens mounted therebetween. A temple bar having an intermediate spring portion extends from the other end of each upper sleeve and terminates in an ear piece. The eyeglasses may be readily folded with the upper sleeves in a juxtaposed position by merely unlocking the hinge and rotating the lenses 90 degrees. The eyeglasses are stored in a carrying case beneath a pivotal watch movement having apertures at opposing sides through which the temple bars protrude at one end and the hinge protrudes at the other end. A strap is fixedly mounted to the case at one end and includes intermediate locking means for the temple bars and a removable coupling at the other end for connection to a mating coupling on the watch case.

Abstract: A tape cassette arrangement comprises a supply reel and a take up reel and control means acting upon the take up reel to prevent unauthorized rewinding of the tape. The control means comprises a pawl which engages the take up reel in the tape unwinding direction and a slidable mechanism which releases the pawl from the toothed periphery of the reel. To permit authorized rewinding of the cassette, the ratchet may be dissengaged by moving the controlling mechanism with a tool inserted into an aperture in the cassette housing. To prevent a knowledgable user from inserting a tool into the aperture and playing, rewinding and playing, the cassette over and over again, a second pawl is mounted to engage the supply reel stopping its rotations in the tape playing direction. The second pawl is engaged when a rewinding tool is inserted into an aperture in the cassette housing. A counter is connected to the control mechanism to record the number of times the tape is played.

Abstract: A urinal comprises a flattened urinal mounted within a toilet seat cover and a geared lever extending along the periphery of the cover which is coupled to the flatenned urinal. The geared lever engages a gearing arrangement which moves the urinal outwardly from the forward position of the cover while locking the cover in a raised position when the lever has been pulled through an angle of 180 degrees. The urinal opening comprises a funnel-shaped aperture which projects outwardly from the cover and is moved along a track by the gearing arrangement. When the lever is moved back to the closed position, an interconnected flushing valve is activated which sprays a jet of water on the entire inside of the urinal. The urinal retracts into the cover and the cover can be moved up or down.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a fastener for securely joining two or more abutting flat panels together along their edges without the necessity of piercing any of the panels or disassembling the connection assembly. The fastener comprises first and second directionally oriented compressible parts of resilient material which are pressed against opposing sides of the panels and means for applying a mechanical force to produce said pressing action causing a partial shape change of the opposing frustoconical compressible parts. The force applying means comprises an elongated threaded member and a body portion extending through an aperture in each compressible part with a wing nut mounted on the extending ends thereof to anchor the parts together.

Abstract: A multipurpose tamponade and thrombosclerotherapy tube for the endoscopic thrombosclerosis of esophageal varices and which permits effective gastric lavage at the same time that controlled esophageal tamponade is taking place. The invention comprises a tube-balloon assembly which includes a transparent polyvinyl tube of predetermined dimensions having a pair of opposing windows located at a spaced distance from its distal end. A latex balloon is mounted over the tube at an intermediate position and connected to a manometer by means of a polyvinyl catheter. The proximal end of the outer tube is connected to an irrigating system and a large siphon for gastric drainage. A metal cap fits snugly into the proximal outer tube and comprises a copper member having a latex nipple diaphragm mounted thereover which provides a seal and yet includes a small opening allowing passage of an endoscope.

Abstract: A device for conveniently collecting pet fecal waste matter and disposing of it. Fecal matter is forced through a rib grid wherein the faces of the ribs have knife edges which taper outwardly to wider flat tops. Fecal matter forced through the grid is retained in a plastic bag that, mounted together with the grid, is then ejected from an open cylindrical container on the handle of the device. Alternatively, the grid is mounted on a disposable metal can container.