Abstract: An improved racquet and return ball apparatus is disclosed, comprising a paddle portion including ball striking surfaces on each face thereof, and a handle secured toward one side of the paddle and including a pair of oppositely directed grasping portions, each portion extending beyond the perimeter of the paddle to enable grasping of each or both said portions by the user of the apparatus. A resilient ball is secured to one face of the paddle portion by an elastic tethering line to enable the user to displace the ball to and fro from the racquet by periodically impacting the ball on one or another of the striking surfaces. The paddle portion may be of generally rectangular configuration with the handle means being secured to the base of the generally rectangular form.

Abstract: A disposable hypodermic needle assembly is disclosed which includes a permanently attached but retractable covering means for the forward portions of the needle. The assembly comprises a hub portion adapted for attachment to the outlet end of a syringe, the hub portion including a central passageway for enabling liquid flow to or from the syringe. A hollow needle is connected to the hub with its inlet end communicating with the central passageway of the hub. An annular slide member surrounds and is longitudinally slideable with respect to the needle, the member being positionable to normally cover the forward portion of the needle. A plurality of elastically resilient arms extend between the hub portion and slide member. The said arms, which may e.g. comprise plastic strips, act to normally maintain the slide member in its position covering the forward portion of the needle.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling to a flotation support system as, for example, a water mattress or the like, for purposes of effecting periodic oscillations of said system. The apparatus comprises an expandable and collapsible air bladder, which is positioned beneath the system in force transmitting relationship therewith. An air pumping means is connected in a pneumatic circuit with the air bladder so as to pressurize the bladder and expand same against the overlying support system. Means are provided for periodically venting the pneumatic circuit and air bladder to atmosphere, in consequence of which the bladder collapses under the weight of the overlying system; and thereupon expands following the venting. The resultant expansions and contractions of the bladder thereby effect the desired oscillations of the system.

Abstract: A method for magnetically separating discoloring contaminants of low magnetic attractability from a crude kaolin clay containing said contaminants. A dispersed aqueous slurry of the clay is admixed with a finely divided magnetic particulate. The slurry is thereupon passed through a porous, ferromagnetic matrix in the presence of an applied magnetic field, whereby contaminants seeded by the particulate are separated from the slurry.

Abstract: An attachment for securing to a conventional ski boot to facilitate safe walking by a wearer. The device comprises a generally elastic member adapted to receive the bottom of the ski boot, the member including a first portion for receiving the toe of the boot and a second portion for receiving the heel of the boot, together with an intermediate portion extending between the toe and heel-receiving portions. The toe and heel portions each include a platform projecting below the intermediate portion. Such platforms contact the ground during the wearer's walking to enable movement of the foot and limb in a manner simulative of normal walking, without, however, requiring flexure of the boot. The platform at the heel portion is substantially thicker than that at the toe portion, typically being approximately twice the thickness of the toe platform. Both toe and heel platforms preferably comprise a resilient material such as sponge rubber.

Abstract: A flotation support system is disclosed, which includes a generally rectangular air frame, defined by a tubular air-filled member, which member surrounds an open region. A base sheet extends beneath the open region to define with the air-filled member a nesting receptacle for a fluid-containing envelope. Means are provided for spacing the envelope above the underlying base sheet, so that the space between the envelope and base sheet may define an accumulation space for fluid leaking from the envelope. Such spacing means may comprise a platform positioned in the nesting receptacle with an upper surface thereof underlying and supporting the envelope in spaced relationship from the base sheet. The platform may include passages to enable fluid flow to the accumulation space defined between the platform surface and base sheet, whereby leakage from the envelope may flow to the said space to prevent undesired collection of leaked fluid about the edges or above the envelope.