Abstract: An instrument for generating a signal to activate or terminate electronic equipment from a remote location through a responsive sensor including an elongated rigid support formation with a switching device at one end and a signal emitting component mounted at the other end with the switching device and signal emitting component linked so that upon activation of the switching device a signal is generated in the direction established by the elongated support formation.

Abstract: A connector for towing cable or conduit in which one head includes a socket for the mating reception and separation of an aligned matching projection presented by the other head with the opposed aligned surfaces of socket and matching projection in sliding fit, a spring-loaded ball assembly presented by one head such that only a minor portion of the spring-loaded ball protrudes beyond its opposed aligned surface to register within a matching groove formation in the opposed aligned surface of the other head, and a set screw regulating the spring-loading of the ball so that displacement of the ball from the groove formation and separation occurs only when the tensile load applied to the mating heads exceeds the load imposed upon the ball; and with one head including a swivel shaft providing a connection to the other head and supported for rotation therewithin upon a combination of dual thrust bearings at both ends including one or more of a three (3) piece needle bearing, a flanged Permaglide™ bearing or

Abstract: An improved panty liner and crotch construction for panties or the like featuring, in the first embodiment, a moisture absorbent layer secured to a moisture impermeable layer to form a pad-like structure which is sandwiched between an external layer and internal moisture permeable layer of the crotch section of the panty. The moisture absorbent layer and moisture impermeable layer can be stitched along their respective edges, and any seam holes created in the moisture impermeable layer by such stitching is sealed using a seam sealer. In the second embodiment of the invention the moisture impermeable layer is releasably secured to both the moisture absorbent layer and the external layer of the panty so that the moisture absorbent layer can be disposed of once soiled, and the moisture impermeable layer can be re-used once the normal lifetime expectancy of the panty has been reached.

Abstract: This invention relates to face masks, and particularly respiratory face masks for administering a gas, such as oxygen or a mixture thereof, to a patient, and specifically when an operation is performed involving a local anaesthetic or when a patient is recuperating in an intensive care unit or post-anaesthetic care unit. The face mask includes a body adapted to cover at least the nose of a wearer, and having a peripheral edge for substantially sealing at least a portion of the body of the mask to the face of a wearer. Moreover, the peripheral edge is contoured to extend over the bridge of the nose and well below the level of the eyes of the patient or wearer. The face mask includes an inlet for directing a flow of gas to the interior of the mask, and a port for allowing the exhaled air stream by the patient to flow therethrough, and particularly to a tube for directing such flow to suitable monitoring apparatus for measuring the components thereof, such as a mass spectrometer or capnograph.

Abstract: An improved dispensing apparatus for metering out feed to animals such as pets, or small livestock, such device delivering feed at pre-determined times and in a pattern which is consistent day-to-day so that the pre-selected feeding schedule is maintained. The device comprising a timer having a slowly rotating axial component, a dispenser in the form of a distribution wheel anchored to such axial component and disposed outwardly from the timer for axial rotation upon rotation of the axial component, and such distribution wheel including a series of axially spaced compartments for receiving feed from an associated hopper. The timer preferably rotates the axial component so that one standard rotation is completed in a 24-hour period. Accordingly, within such time period one complete rotation of the distribution wheel occurs.

Abstract: An improved handle for assisting in boarding or disembarking a water vessel such as a boat or power boat, particularly when such vessel is docked. The handle is pivotally secured to the dock so as to preferably swing from a position substantially vertical to the dock to a position substantially horizontal thereto, and reversely. Further, the handle, in one embodiment, is releasably secured to the dock at the pivot point so that it can be removed for storage when not in use. In another embodiment the handle includes a shaft comprised of a plurality of sections which slide with respect to one another and which are releasably secured to one another so that the hand-gripping portion can be removed for storage when not in use. Yet another embodiment of the invention features a handle which is releasably locked in the substantially vertical position to provide support for a user boarding or disembarking the water vessel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for drying or purging droplets or films of liquid from the interior surfaces of hollow articles having an access passageway leading to a chamber, such as air rebreathing or resuscitator bags used in medical procedures that includes supporting the bag so as to dispose the access passageway lowermost and generating and directing a gaseous stream, preferably pressurized air, up through a portion of the passageway and releasing same for expansion into the chamber by means of an upstanding tubular formation terminating in a nozzle in the upper region thereof and withdrawing the expanded airstream downwardly through the remaining portion of the access passageway, whereby adhering liquid is impelled to coalesce to descend under gravity as well as taken up by entrainment and evaporation into the downwardly discharging airstream.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in retaining wall structures derived from a plurality of like structural blocks stacked end-to-end one upon the other in generally horizontally axially extending courses in overlapped wall defining relation. The blocks have a body portion with an axis terminating in opposed end surfaces, and are bounded by front and rear facings and by generally parallel upper and lower surfaces, with the upper and lower surfaces including therewithin respective opposed axially extending recess formations. More particularly, this invention relates to a connector for selectively positioning and interlocking against transverse displacement the blocks used in constructing the retaining wall structure.

Abstract: Improved equipment for supporting a length of flexible drainage hose or piping to extend along a substantially uniform gradient that includes the combination of an open ended flexible tubular element or sleeve for receiving and supporting therein the intermediate segment of a selected drainage hose or piping, with a length of cord or line aligned with and carrying the flexible tubular element or sleeve depending therefrom and therealong. The respective ends of the cord or line extend beyond the respective open ends of the tubular element or sleeve for securing the cord or line in sufficiently taut relation and in an orientation to establish a substantially uniform gradient for the supported length of flexible drainage hose or piping.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in the control and stabilization of earthen or soil embankments comprising a gravity facing wall tied to and anchored by a grid or mesh extending into the embankment. The gravity facing wall is comprised of facing wall units or blocks stacked in overlapping horizontal courses. In particular an improved facing wall unit or block is provided featuring a projection formation extending longitudinally of the block in the upper surface and, in the lower surface, an offset recess of matching extent and configuration to the projection formation. The projection formation further includes grid or mesh engaging projections which penetrate the mesh or grid when registered thereover. A further recess or depression is also included in the upper surface of the facing wall unit or block and is of such an extent and configuration so as to confine therewithin the grid or mesh engaging projections and the grid or mesh when registered thereover.