Abstract: A sealing cap for a writing, drawing or painting instrument includes an axially extending tubular member open at one end to receive the instrument. An interior space extends axially within the tubular member from the open end and is closed at the opposite end. An axially extending air channel, open at both ends, is located within tubular member. One open end of the air channel opens to an at least partially laterally closed space which is open outwardly from the closed end of the interior space. The other open end of the air channel is open to the interior space. The air channel does not interfere with the sealing effect of the interior space when an instrument is inserted into the space. Accordingly, whether the cap is fitted on the instrument or is removed from it, there is a continuous open path for the flow of air through the air channel.

Abstract: A sealing device for a liquid applicator of the type having a liquid applicator tip, with open and sealed positions. The end of the applicator through which the tip extends is petallate, with the petals sloped toward each other to define a circular opening at their distal ends. The petals are enclosed with a highly resilient member of generally truncated conical shape having an integral end portion which covers the circular opening. In the sealed position, the end portion defines a closed elongate channel along the longitudinal axis of the applicator, hermetically sealing the tip within the applicator and sealing around any debris that may be within the channel. In the open position, the end portion defines an open elongate channel, resulting from a shoulder associated with the tip forcing the ends of the petals outward to stretch the end portion of the resilient member as the tip is moved to the open position, thereby to open the closed channel, without the tip contacting the end portion.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising a pair of hand-engageable spring-biased exercise units, each comprising: a thermoplastic base element in the form of a frustoconical dish; a thermoplastic cap element having a dome-shaped hand-engaging surface; said base element includes a non-skid surface adhered to the bottom thereof; a steel coil spring secured between said base member and said cap member; and a hand strap traversing said cap member and being secured to peripheral edges thereof whereby said exercise device will support the arms of an exerciser during exercising and will provide a bouncing force to said exerciser upon the periodic compression and return of said coil spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self locked mechanical femoral prosthesis and the method for implanting same. The shank (5) of the prosthesis (1) is separated into two parts (7) and (7'), and includes a slit (f) in which is introduced a rack (6). The profile of this latter cooperates with the internal profile of the mobile part (7) so that when the rack 6, under the action of a screw (8), undergoes a vertical movement, it causes a lateral movement of the mobile part (7) that widens the shank (5) of the prosthesis ensuring locking thereof in the bone.

Abstract: The invention includes a cigarette like device which enables the user to experience the taste and aroma as well as the tactile sensations of smoking a tobacco cigarette--but without the presence of smoke, without any combustion, and without inhalation of harmful carcinogenic substances (e.g. tars) into the user's lungs. The device consists of a plastic mouthpiece containing a plug of chewing tobacco connected to a plastic tube with an axial duct, extending to a sealed end, where there is located a pumping member in the form of a flexible accordion-like, or bellows-type configuration or a spring-loaded ball or position. In a further embodiment, the device consists of a conventional mouthtip filter, or a tubular body with a flexible collapsible side wall sealed at the far end, and a tobacco insert.

Abstract: Balancing board device formed of a roller, a treadle board normally resting on the roller and a connector releasably interconnecting the board and roller, the connector including a first part on the board and a second part on the roller, the parts being substantially rigid and inflexible and normally arranged in coactive connection at a location completely within the roller outline for maintaining the roller substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the board and permitting limited relative longitudinal movement between the board and roller and rocking movement of the board on the roller while preventing separation of the roller from the board, and a release mechanism permitting disconnection of the parts for separation of the roller from the board.

Abstract: An exercise mat assembly comprising an extension pad and a mat body is disclosed. Each comprises a flexible cover, preferably plastic, with flexible padding inside the cover. The mat body is foldable along its transverse axis into two segments. One of these segments has a pocket for storing the extension pad as well as other items such as shoes, containers, and towels. A loop strap sewn to the pocket segment of the mat body at the mid-point of its longitudinal edge thereof, encircles the extension pad loosely enough so that the extension pad may be inserted and removed from the pocket, but tightly enough to hold the extension pad in the appropriate relationship with the mat body during exercise. The extension pad may also be removed from the loop strap and used in spaced relationship with the mat body, thereby allowing the flexibility to adjust the configuration of the extension pad and mat body to conform to differing exercise heeds.

Abstract: A fall intervention garment adapted to secure a person to a tethered supporting structure is disclosed. The garment is generally in the form of a vest and includes an upper section and a lower section. The lower section is formed so as to be responsive to a load being placed on the upper section for generating an inwardly directed holding force about the person's torso area. Attachment ring are connected to the upper section for detachably connecting the vest to a support structure.

Abstract: A low cost smokeless ashtray includes an upper, generally cylindrical receptacle having a bottom panel with a pair of selectively closeable apertures. Extending downwardly from the center of the bottom panel is a unitary journal having a radially projecting key. The receptacle is rotatably mounted to a base with the journal extending through a keyed orifice. The base includes an upper planar bearing plate having a pair of butt receiving wells. The wells are accessed by rotating the receptacle relative to the base until the bottom panel apertures are registered with the wells. The receptacle and base are each preferably molded in one piece construction of a suitable thermosetting polymer such as an amino resin, for example, a melamine molding compound with an alpha cellulose filler.

Abstract: The tobacco stream which is formed at the underside of a foraminous conveyor and carries a surplus of tobacco particles is transported past a trimming device which removes the surplus to convert the stream into a filler which is thereupon wrapped into a web of cigarette paper. The mass flow of tobacco particles in the untrimmed stream is monitored by a detector which utilizes infrared light, and the signals from such detector are used to change the position of the conveyor relative to the trimming device so as to ensure that the mass flow of tobacco particles in the filler remains within a desired range. One or more additional detectors monitor the mass of flow tobacco particles in the filler upstream and/or downstream of the wrapping station, and the signals from such second detector or detectors are used to correct the position of the conveyor relative to the trimming device and/or to change the position of the trimming device relative to the conveyor.

Abstract: A tobacco stream, which contains a surplus of tobacco and is converted into a rod-like filler by a trimming device serving to remove the surplus from successive increments of the stream, is monitored ahead of the surplus removing station by a device which forms signals denoting fluctuations of the surplus in the stream. Such signals are used to regulate the quantity of surplus in the stream. The signals can denote the mass of tobacco per unit length or multiple unit length of the stream, the density of successive unit lengths or multiple unit lengths of the stream, or the so-called standard deviation of the height or another parameter of the stream from a median value.