Abstract: A roll-on liquid applicator having an applicator ball disposed within a dispensing chamber and a spring element with a valve head portion. The spring element effects a distally-directed force to press the valve head against the valve opening to maintain a sealing closure of the valve opening against flow of the liquid from the feed chamber into the dispensing chamber. The valve head has a ball support structure which extends distally through the valve opening to contact with the applicator ball so that when the ball is inwardly displaced by force applied thereto, the valve head moves axially inward from the closed-valve position to the open-valve position, thereby moving the valve head from the closed-valve position in contact with the valve opening toward the open-valve position which allows liquid from the feed chamber to enter the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wheelchair for transporting a patient. The wheelchair comprises a support frame having a front, a rear, and opposing sides with the front and rear facing in respective forward and aft directions and the opposing sides facing in opposing lateral directions. The wheelchair further comprises at least two main wheels mounted on the support frame and a seat base disposed upon the support frame between the main wheels. The seat base is configured for selectively raising and lowering the patient between a first level and a second level with the aid of at least one security beam disposed adjacent one of the main wheels. The security beam may have a substantially vertical orientation and may be configured as a hand hold for steadying the patient when transferring onto and off of the seat base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wheelchair for a patient comprising a support frame, at least two main wheels mounted on sides of the support frame and a seat base disposed upon the support frame. Alternatively, a stretcher topping may be mounted upon a laterally slidable storage compartment that may be affixed to the support frame. The stretcher topping includes a seat base assembly having a removable seat panel stacked upon a potty panel with an aperture formed therethrough and opening into the storage compartment. The potty panel allows for evacuation of the patient while resting in the wheelchair. The seat base and the stretcher topping are configured for selectively raising and lowering the patient between first and second levels. At least one security beam is disposed on the wheelchair and may be configured as a hand hold for steadying the patient when transferring onto and off of the seat base.

Abstract: A liquid shield and a funnel in combination with the liquid shield is disclosed. The funnel includes at least one side wall defining a cavity within the funnel and it has a drain opening generally on the bottom surface of the funnel. A rim along the upper edge of the side wall defines a mouth of the funnel. A handle is provided on the funnel. Spaced apart receptacles are positioned on the side wall in relation to the handle. The liquid shield includes a body portion which extends over at least a portion of the cavity of the funnel and is positioned adjacent the handle. The shield includes attachment portions extending from the body which are engageable with the receptacles for removably retaining the shield on the funnel. A flange extends from a portion of the shield and abuts an inside surface of the side wall of the funnel generally blocking passage of material between the shield and the funnel.

Abstract: A beverage brewing filter structure used to retain a brewing filter and a quantity of beverage brewing substance. The brewing filter structure is designed to create a consistent bed depth and a plurality of wicking points in order to give a more even extraction of the beverage brewing substance and a better taste profile over other standard filter structures. The brewing filter structure is generally an integral filter and includes a base and a wall, which extends from the base to a top rim and defines a generally annular mouth and lip of the funnel. In the brewing filter structure, the wall operates as a sidewall of the brewing funnel and is generally continuous, without open spaces. The base of the brewing filter structure is formed from a plurality of flanges, which generally extend radially inwardly toward a center portion of the base, the tips of which terminate and create wicking points proximate to a drain aperture.

Abstract: Beverage brewing apparatus capable of discharging brewed beverage either into a carafe disposed directly beneath the brewing funnel or into a container substantially taller than a carafe and too tall to fit directly under the funnel. The apparatus comprises a beverage brewer of the type in which brewed beverage discharges from a brewing funnel into a carafe supported directly below and a kit for converting the beverage brewer so as to permit brewed beverage to discharge into either a carafe or a container, such as an air pot which is too tall to fit directly under the funnel. The kit comprises legs to support the beverage brewer in an elevated position, an elongated spigot, and means for readily attaching and detaching the spigot to a discharge fitting of the brewing funnel. The spigot extends laterally to one side of the brewer so as to discharge into a tall container disposed at one side of the brewer.

Abstract: A convertible beverage (coffee and tea) making machine which as manufactured is a manual cold water pour-in machine and which is readily convertible "in the field" to an automatic cold water inlet machine, with or without a separate hot water faucet, by installing the contents of a conversion kit. If desired, the machine can be re-converted from an automatic back to a manual cold water pour-in machine. Separate and apart from being convertible from pour-in to automatic, the beverage making machine incorporates structural features which readily permit the following optional changes: the brewing funnel support rails can be re-positioned to allow the brewing funnel to be inserted and withdrawn from either the right or left side instead of from the front; the electric switch "buttons" can be re-positioned from the front to either the right or left sides; and, a hot water faucet, when added, can be mounted on either the right or left sides.

Abstract: A pressure-responsive valve exhibiting unusual restoring force includes an elastically deformable diaphragm having a plurality of non-intersecting, non-meeting, separate arcuate slits, each slit having a base which is intersected by at least one other slit, and each slit being out of intersecting relation with its own base.

Abstract: A pressure-responsive valve exhibiting unusual restoring force includes an elastically deformable diaphragm having a plurality of non-intersecting, non-meeting, separate arcuate slits, each slit having a base which is intersected by at least one other slit, and each slit being out of intersecting relation with its own base.

Abstract: A coolant filter assembly for use in automotive cooling systems includes a filter cartridge having a perforated cartridge shell open at one end to admit coolant and filled with filter material to cleanse the coolant as it passes therethrough, the filter cartridge being removably mounted in an enlarged portion of the coolant path to the radiator inlet, thereby permitting coolant flow both through and around the filter cartridge. Perforations of the cartridge shell include openings in the end wall and openings in the cylindrical sidewall formed at an acute angle to enhance flow through the filter cartridge. Liners of fine filter material are located adjacent the inside wall of the cartridge shell, coarse fibrous filter material is provided in the central portion and magnetized particles are preferably deployed in the fibrous filter material. A filter cartridge housing is provided in two telescopically joined housing halves with the filter cartridge removably mounted therein.

Abstract: An envelope opener comprising first, second and third shear stations for shearing three edges of an envelope in sequence one edge at a time. Each shear station sequentially aligns the envelope by contacting the edge to be sheared, shears the contacted edge, and then releases the envelope. A microcomputer monitors the advance of the envelope through and between the shear stations and causes the shear stations to cyclically align, shear and release the envelope. A peel back station downstream of the shear station peels back a panel of the envelope to expose the contents thereof. If an envelope is jammed at or between any of the stations, the microcomputer actuates a display to indicate a jam condition. The microcomputer also shuts off power to the opener to prevent damage to the envelope.