Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for opening condiment packets, having a base and a support that define an opening to receive a condiment packet. A cutter subassembly connected to the support is used to cut the packet received in the opening. The cutter subassembly includes an upper body portion that releasably connects to the support, a lower body portion, a rod that extends through the upper and lower body portions, a handle connected to a top end of the rod, a cutter connected to a lower end of the rod, and a spring system that controls movement of the cutter and lower body portion relative to the upper body portion. The spring system causes the lower body portion to contact a received packet before the cutter cuts the packet, so that the contents of the packet can be urged away from the area to be cut before the cutting. In one example, the spring system includes springs having different spring constants to cause the lower body portion strikes the packet first.

Abstract: A collapsible apparatus is disclosed for lifting and transporting objects, such as toilets and similar plumbing fixtures. The toilet lifter has a support structure and a strap system attached thereto. The support structure has three vertical legs with wheels on the bottoms and horizontal support structures connecting the legs at the tops. The strap system includes a loop strap that engages a bowl of the toilet and rear straps that engage a back or middle portion of the toilet. The strap system is supported by the support structure above the toilet in use and passes across a pivot point on the support structure to raise and lower the toilet. The straps are connected to a toilet, and the strap system is retracted to lift the toilet. The support structure may be locked into a folded position for transportation.

Abstract: A nasal cannula headband apparatus is disclosed having a headband portion and a nasal cannula system connected thereto. The headband portion has a soft, lightweight, non-elastic, water-resistant headband that wraps around a user's head. The headband is held in place using a headband connecting portion. The headband has an inner side that helps hold the headband apparatus to the user's head by friction and an outer side that is smoother than the inner side and allows the headband to slide against pillows, sheets, bedding, and other materials without becoming dislodged from the patient's head. The cannula system connects to a supply of breathable gas and delivers the gas to the patient's nostrils and has a pair of cannula tubes fixedly attached to the outer side of the headband by fasteners that keep the cannula tubes in place relative to the headband and direct the cannula tubes behind the patient's ears.

Abstract: A timed tube induction system according to the present invention is located at the downstream side of the carburetor in fluid communication with an induction hose between the carburetor and the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine having an intake valve. A gas capture end of the tube is located adjacent the intake valve and attached to the intake manifold to capture the backflow combustion mixture gases when the intake valve closes. The backflow gases flow through the tube and are injected into the fuel-air mixture exiting the carburetor at an injector end of the tube. The injector end of the tube is mounted to the induction hose to provide an acute angle between gas flowing along the centerline of the tube and gas flowing along the centerline of the induction hose to increase the velocity of gas flowing toward the intake manifold. The tube is adjustable in length so that the pulsating air flow in the tube can be timed with the opening of the intake valve over a broad range of engine rpm.