Abstract: Coupling systems and methods enable adjustable utilization of counterweights and other components on vehicles, such as riding lawn mowers. A mounting bracket and pivoting locking plate are operable to releasably secure a component, such as a counterweight, to a vehicle without the use of tools. Responsive to insertion of the component into the mounting bracket, the locking plate pivots to secure the mounting bracket to the vehicle.

Abstract: Coupling systems and methods enable adjustable utilization of counterweights and other components on vehicles, such as riding lawn mowers. A mounting bracket and pivoting locking plate are operable to releasably secure a component, such as a counterweight, to a vehicle without the use of tools. Responsive to insertion of the component into the mounting bracket, the locking plate pivots to secure the mounting bracket to the vehicle.

Abstract: A folding floor mat that is formed from a plurality of panels formed from a resilient polymeric material and having a work surface and a grip surface. Flexible hinge assemblies foldably join at least two of the panels along a fold boundary, which preferably incorporates a plurality of channels that are integrally formed in the work and grip surfaces. More preferably, the channels are laterally spaced apart about the grip and or work sides. Even more preferably, the channel or channels formed in the work surface are staggered relative to the channel or channels formed in the grip surface. Also, each channel is ideally shaped to optimize relief internal material stresses of the polymeric material during and after it has been folded.

Abstract: A denture cleansing composition includes a monoperoxysulfate compound, an effective amount a sequestering agent, such as a citrate compound, for removal of calculus and to provide a pH to the composition in solution (water) of about 3 to 5, and an effective amount of an antimicrobial agent, such as a benzoate compound, to provide antimicrobial activity to the composition to effectively kill bacteria, or other microorganisms found on the dentures. Tests conducted show that the composition is particularly effective in killing microbial strains of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida albicans and Actinomyces viscosus within 20 minutes of contact.

Abstract: A pivotable brace for adjustably supporting a user's joint, such as a knee joint, at a variety of different angles as desired. The restraint imposed by this brace upon the joint can also be released thereby permitting the joint to further bend or flex as needed but which will return to its original setting by returning the joint back to its originally braced position. Preferably, a pair of such braces will be secured to opposite sides of the joint to be braced for maximum support and restraint.

Abstract: Stabilized anhydrous dental whitening gel compositions are provided which resist viscosity degradation during oral use. An illustrative anhydrous dental bleaching gel composition embodying this feature comprises propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerin in an amount not exceeding about 10 wt. %, neutralized carboxypolymethylene, hydroxypropylcellulose, xanthan gum and carbamide peroxide.

Abstract: An anhydrous dental bleaching gel composition is provided which has improved package stability, improved rheology and reduced sensitivity during use. An illustrative anhydrous dental bleaching gel composition embodying these features comprises propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerin in an amount not exceeding about 10 wt. %, neutralized carboxypolymethylene, hydroxypropylcellulose, and carbamide peroxide.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a shoulder restraint having a series of pockets therein that is wrapped around the user's shoulder to apply hot or cold packs to the affected area. This restraint comprises a main body portion and two extensions, one short and one long, extending from the same side of the main body portion. Each extension is secured to the main body portion (after being wrapped around the user's body part) by closure means that comprise the "hook" portion of a typical hook and loop closure system. The pockets are closed in a similar manner to retain the hot or cold packs therein, and to provide a means to remove and/or replace these packs without the need to remove the restraint.

Abstract: Powdered alginate compositions containing polyacrylamide in an amount from about 0.01 to about 0.25 wt. % and having a particle size less than about 300 mesh have enhanced smoothness characteristics, without visible signs of undissolved polymer, upon admixing with water to obtain orally settable, dental impression material.

Abstract: Aqueous reconstitutible, powder milk incorporates an enzyme system for providing a bacteriostatic effect upon aqueous reconstitution. The enzyme system contains (a) oxidoreductase enzyme that is hydro-interactable with and specific to oxidizable substrate in the powder milk for producing hydrogen peroxide and (b) peroxidatic peroxidase for interacting with the hydrogen peroxide and oxidizable anion from the powder milk to produce, in the reconstituted milk, oxidized anionic bacterial inhibitor. In an illustrative embodiment, powder milk incorporates (a) glucose oxidase that interacts with glucose in powder milk, upon aqueous dilution, to produce hydrogen peroxide and (b) lactoperoxidase for interacting with hydrogen peroxide and, for example the chloride ion from the powder milk to produce, in the reconstituted milk, the hypochlorite ion, a bacterial inhibitor.