Abstract: An oil-free, water-based sweeping compound containing sawdust, sand, and water has enhanced performance when an effective amount of a super-absorbent polymer, especially a cellulose/acrylate polymer, is incorporated. The resultant product is comparatively inexpensive, smells pleasant, maintains a desirable moist texture, and resists untimely moisture evaporation.

Abstract: A composite reusable sound attenuating or transmitting device, especially an ear plug, is formed from a core, about which is adhered a strip of slow recovery foam. After each use of the device, the strip of foam is generally removed and discarded; typically, a new strip is applied the next time the device is used.

Abstract: An improved sleeve for mounting on the distal portion of a hearing aid or other sound control device to provide circumferential contact to the ear canal of a person into which the device is inserted. A currently preferred embodiment of the sleeve comprises a foam cylinder having an axial hole therethrough, with a washer-like disc axially aligned with the hole in the cylinder, the inner diameter of the disc being approximately the same as that of the hole through the cylinder. A knob-terminated sound delivery tube on the device snaps into the disc. A plurality of these sleeves can be stored in a novel tray-like container that permits removal only when a snap fit has been achieved between the sound delivery tube and the plastic disc. Used sleeves can be removed and stored in a separate compartment of the container.

Abstract: A device for providing a seal between a sound-blocking or sound-transmitting device, especially an "in the ear" hearing aid, and the ear canal into which it is inserted. This device comprises a layer of polymeric foam, especially retarded recovery foam, that is applied to at least a portion of the canal-contacting surface of the hearing aid. A normally tacky and pressure-sensitive adhesive bonds the foam to the hearing aid, thereby rendering the device easily removable and replaceable by the user. In a preferred embodiment the hearing aid is sealed to the bony portion of the ear canal.

Abstract: A strip of adhesive-coated sheet material is made easier to apply, even with one hand, if one end of the strip is mounted on a sheet release liner and the other end is mounted on one wing of a folded release liner.

Abstract: A medium-sized portable container for holding and dispensing such fluids as aircraft engine oil is formed from durable, corrosion-resistant polymeric material such as high density polyethylene. The container, which has a generally rectangularly parallelepipedal shape, is positioned with its longest dimension parallel to the ground to enhance stability and permit stacking. The container is divided into two compartments, one holding the fluid to be dispensed and the other enclosing an electrically driven pump and other dispensing equipment. Controls are provided to shut off current flow automatically when the dispensing pump is not operating.

Abstract: A container and dispenser for fluids, especially hydraulic and engine oil fluids for aircraft. The container, which is preferably made of a recyclable polymer such as high density polyethylene, is rectangularly parallepipedal, with a crowned top to minimize contamination by water or particulate matter. A pump is mounted on the top of the container, and various filters, check valves, and quick disconnect couplings are provided to further minimize contamination. In use, the container is mounted on a 2-wheeled cart that is especially designed to accommodate it.

Abstract: A readily installed and replaced disposable wax guard that is affixed over the sound outlet port of an "in the ear" hearing aid and adhered to the adjacent sides of the aid. The portion that overlies the sound outlet port is porous to sound and receptive to cerumen.

Abstract: An improved air transport hose for use in aeration systems for rejuvenating eutrophic bodies of water, said hose having low internal friction, sufficient weight to remain submerged, and resistance to mechanical damage comprising a polymeric tube encased in a flexible metal sheath of the type commonly used in electrical installations.

Abstract: Floor sweeping compound of the type conventionally containing sawdust, sand, and petroleum oil is modified by substituting, for the petroleum oil, inexpensive acid oils (or their salts) obtained as byproducts during the process of refining plant-derived oil, thereby rendering the compound both biodegradable and less expensive.

Abstract: A simulated half log having a generally semi-cylindrical foam core and a decorative layer on the curved surface. Complementary nailable splines are inset in the flat surface, permitting adjacent half logs to interlock. One spline, which extends beyond the edge, provides a surface for nailing to a vertical substrate, and is concealed when the next adjacent half log is mounted thereover.

Abstract: An orthopedic bone probing device to locate cavities, holes, and crevices in bones. For instance, where holes are drilled in bones to accommodate fastening devices it is important to ascertain if there are any sites where the drilling penetrated the entire side wall of the bone resulting in an undesirable hole in the side wall of the bone. The device of this invention consists of a cannula containing a shaft of superelastic material that assumes a retractable position angular to the axis of the cannula upon being ejected from one end of the cannula and the other end of the cannula is retained by a plunger that limits the amount of shaft that can be ejected and necessitates the removal of the shaft if the cannula is to be removed.

Abstract: Fresh water springs in the ocean floor are located by moving an electrical conductivity probe along the floor until a minimum conductivity value is measured. Water from the spring may then be piped to an adjacent land mass in need of water.

Abstract: A lock box, or key safe, is provided with a light weight, flexible, shock-absorbing jacket to minimize or eliminate marking, denting, or other damage caused by the box's inadvertently contacting areas adjacent to where it is mounted. The presently preferred jacket material is crosslinked closed cell polyethylene foam.

Abstract: Normally tacky and pressure-sensitive adhesive, having excellent long-term adhesion to plasticized vinyl substrates, is prepared from a representative blend of dioctyl phthalate plasticizer and a copolymer of isoctyl acrylate, N-vinyl pryrrolidone, and acrylic acid; alternatives for each component are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adhesive is coated in a thin layer on a sheet backing material to form a normally tacky and pressure-sensitive adhesive tape.

Abstract: Adhesive tape, the adhesive layer of which comprises a copolymer of (a) acrylonitrile and (b) butadiene and/or isoprene. Even though such an adhesive copolymer layer is usually substantially nontacky, it forms under moderate pressure bonds to many substrates which become stronger than the substrates. The bonds become strong more quickly when heated while the pressure is being applied. For a usefully long period of time after initiating a bond, the tape usually is repositionable.

Abstract: Normally tacky and pressure-sensitive adhesive, having excellent long-term adhesion to plasticized vinyl substrates, is prepared from a representative blend of dioctyl phthalate plasticizer and a copolymer of isooctyl acrylate, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, and acrylic acid; alternatives for each component are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adhesive is coated in a thin layer on a sheet backing material to form a normally tacky and pressure-sensitive adhesive tape.

Abstract: A reusable bingo card comprising an exposed microporous layer having bingo numbers permanently imprinted thereon, and a liquid impervious support sheet bonded to the exposed layer. The support sheet is substantially darker than the background area of the exposed layer. To mark a number on the card a colorless volatile liquid is applied to the exposed layer making the applied area transparent and exposing the support sheet below producing a contrasting indicia that is darker than the background area but lighter than the numbers. Evaporation of the marking liquid restores the bingo card to its original appearance for reuse.