Abstract: An automatic dental flosser (10,11,37) includes a floss cartridge or attachment (14,15,17,19) detachably connectable to a power driver (12,13). The attachment comprises a plastic bifurcated member (16,82) supporting a dental floss span for flossing teeth. A rotatably supported floss supply spool (58) is connected to the bifurcated member for continuously replacing used floss spans with clean floss spans. A rotatably supported floss take-up spool (50,72) is connected to the bifurcated member for being driven by the driver to wind used floss drawn from the bifurcated member. Means for encapsulating the used floss and for distributing antimicrobial fluid (69) on the used floss are included to inhibit microbial activity. Means are provided to distribute used floss along a take-up spool for high-capacity used floss storage until disposal of the cartridge. In the unlikely event of a floss snag, such as on a dental appliance, a built-in floss cutter (88) can instantly detach the flosser.

Abstract: A cap phone (10) includes a wireless telephone (29) incorporated in a soft cap (12). Within the cap (12), a housing (30) that holds telephone electronics and a battery (32) is supported under a crown (14) by arcuate ribs (44, 48). Movably supported by a rib (44) and wired to the electronics is a retractable earphone (52) and a retractable microphone arm (61) attached to a microphone (60). Also wired to the electronics is a telephone keyboard (34) and an LCD display screen (36) mounted to a cap visor (24). In another preferred embodiment, a microphone (78) is mounted under a cap visor (79) and an earpiece (75) is detachably mounted to the visor (79).

Abstract: A portable squat support (10) for supporting a user in an advantaged posture to facilitate defecation while on a toilet. Included is an elongate, cushioned, horizontal upper body support (22) and upright members (12) for supporting the body support in front of the toilet so that the user's forward leaning upper body is supported on the body support. A footrest (24) is connected to the upright members and positioned below the body support for supporting the user's legs in an elevated bent position. A footrest height-adjusted for vertically adjusting the footrest is included. A height scale (36A) having graduated marks that represent heights of potential users is displayed on the squat support. The marks are arranged cooperatively with the height-adjuster for guiding a user to vertically adjust the footrest to a predetermined position that is particularly advantageous for the user according to the user's height. A device for adjusting the footrest at selective pitch angles is also provided.

Abstract: A cap lamp (5) includes a baseball-style cap (6) having a visor (16) with an underside substantially defined by a concave visor reflector (22). A light source (24) is pivotally supported under the visor for directing light at selectively adjustable angles. A first hood (36A) partially surrounds the light source for shading a user's face from light coming directly from the light source. The hood has an upward lateral opening (39) to emit light toward the visor reflector for flooding the immediate vicinity of the user with visor reflected light. A frontal opening (42) of the hood is provided for emitting a light beam forward of the visor. A concave hood reflector (40), within the hood, is provided for increasing the light directed to and reflected by the visor reflector. A second hood (36B) is supported to rotate about the first hood between open and closed positions for selectively inhibiting light communication with the visor reflector.

Abstract: A flosser includes a frame (2) having a pair of tines (42) mounted on it for supporting a span of floss (62). At least one of pair the tines is pivotally supported for moving toward and away from the other of the pair of tines. Gear-driven capstans (24, 26) are provided for reciprocating the span of floss longitudinally between the tines, while a cam (9) and cam follower (11) act on a lever (32) for reciprocating the tines vertically. A spring (48) urges the tines to move laterally apart to an open position. Each of a pair of engaged sector gears (46) is fixed to a respective tine so that lateral movement of the tines is symmetrical. The spring is adjustable so that when the moving floss span encounters tooth resistance, floss tension increases to overcome the spring force and move the tines toward a closed position. The bulbs (50), which contain rollers (54), are mounted to swivel so the floss span can move in any direction.

Abstract: A device for snatching arthropods and debris includes means for rotatably supporting a tape roll (20) having a sticky surface. First and second tape supports (8 and 33) support a span of the tape therebetween. Arthropods and debris are snatched on the sticky surfaced span wherein the tape can yield into space between the supports to avoid crushing the arthropods. A pivotally supported tape cutter (36) is provided for cutting off used tape portions. Guards (18) extending beyond the tape supports prevent the tape from contacting and sticking to smooth surfaces from which target arthropods may be snatched. A spring (29) urges the tape roll to rotate in a winding direction for yieldingly holding the tape span taut. A telescopically extendible handle (45) is connected for conveniently using the device in various applications. An adapter (50) having a resilient pad can be positioned so that the tape span is cushioned by the pad to conform to irregular surfaces of garments, upholstery, and carpets.

Abstract: A home and office health and fitness chair includes universally movable armrests (34) for supporting a user's arms and upper body weight while the user works. The armrests are mechanically supported to slide forward and rearward, move side-to-side, swivel about a vertical axis, tilt about two horizontal axes, and adjust laterally and vertically. They effortlessly follow the movement of a user's arms while typing on a keyboard or working a computer mouse. Each armrest comprises spaced hand grips (36); the combination being connectable to self-adjusting resistance devices (54, 100) for doing strength and fitness exercises. Having universal motion and orientation capabilities, the armrests/hand grips can be utilized for doing several different types of resistance workouts. The primary source of resistance is a fluid resistance reel (54) which includes an impeller (62) rotatably supported in a viscous liquid and surrounded by stators (70).

Abstract: A bite device for dental flossers having a fork which supports a floss span between tines of the fork. The bite device includes a bite member (10) having a bite surface (21) on one side and a stop guard (24) on an opposite side. The bite member is movably supported between the fork tines such that the member and the fork can move up and down relative to each other. The member is connected to the fork such that a user biting on the bite surface can drive the floss span through a tight interdental gap wherein the stop guard engages a user tooth adjacent the floss span to prevent over-travel of the span thereby preventing floss impact against user gums. When the bite is released, the bite member moves to a neutral position to allow a full range of flossing motion.

Abstract: A portable garment finishing machine (30) includes a hollow gripper (102) for gripping an edge portion of a suspended garment such that the gripper closes the edge portion upon itself in a spread condition. Treating fluid forced through the hollow gripper treats the gripper clamped garment portion while a longitudinally extendible conduit (32) conducts treating fluid interiorly of the garment. One of several embodiments of a fluid distributor (31, 316, 600), connected to the conduit, vertically traverses the garment interiorly and directs the fluid at interior garment surfaces. The treating fluid includes steam produced by vaporizing a water mist generated by ultrasonic means (450). A shoulder-shaped form (330) is provided to serve several functions including prevention of fluid escape through garment neck openings. The form is upwardly openable for receiving a garment hanger (344) such that the form can close over the hanger to avoid fluid loss.

Abstract: A back treatment device and method of using is disclosed. The back treatment device includes a chair-like seat, body support members including a pair of movably supported crutches, a pair of movably supported forearm rests and a pair of adjustable exercise handles. Each pair is arranged to relieve upper body weight from the lumbar spine. The movable forearm rests allow arm mobility and hand interaction for doing desk work during the treatment period. Feedback from a spring scale allows the user to accurately control gravity traction. A treatment system provides heat or cold treatments adjustably positioned on a back rest. In an alternative embodiment, a diagnosis system positioned on a back rest can provide information regarding a patient's back.

Abstract: An automated dental flosser (10) comprises a pair of pivotally supported tines (18) which support a movable floss span (17). A pair of rotatably supported subcapstans (38, 40) are floss-connected to each end of the floss span, respectively, and are alternately driven to reciprocate the span longitudinally. A floss dispensing spool (50) and a floss take-up spool (56), floss-connected to respective subcapstans, dispense and take up floss. A floss-engaging portion of each subcapstan differs from the other in diameter to result in a net transfer of the floss from one spool to the other. Means for reciprocating the tines moves the span up and down. A pair of stationary shield tines (16) shield the user's teeth from the reciprocating tines. A second embodiment (90) includes an astable pulse generator (106) that generates a train of pulses of alternately reversing electric charge. Pulses of one charge are of longer duration than those of the other charge.

Abstract: A line control device for axial delivery casting reels of the type that include a spool and a line pick-up (44) having a bail and a line guide or roller (42). The device comprises a mechanical finger (16) pivotally supported and having a pivotal axis approximately parallel with the reel spool axis. The finger is positioned to move in front of the line guide. Thus, the finger catches and holds casting line (50) extending from the guide as the finger moves to a line engaged position. Included are means operated by the thumb of the user for moving the finger to the line engaged position. A spring (40) urges the finger toward a line disengaged position so that the line can be instantly released for a cast. The device can also serve with open face driven spool reels (52) in a dual role; as a line pickup for winding and as a line release finger for casting.

Abstract: A versatile heater/cooler (2) comprising a chest (4) having insulated walls (6, 8, 10, 12, 14) including a lid (10). Contained within the chest is a removable heating and cooling source (46) which is submersible in a liquid for heating or cooling the latter. The source comprises first and second vertical conduits (48, 50) having lower portions connected for fluid communication with a transverse body (52) which forms a combustion chamber. The chamber serves for burning fuel (80) or for containing a refrigerant introduced by way of the conduits. Included in the chest lid is a vent port (110) for venting the chest contents including the source, and two limb ports (18, 20) for inserting the limbs of a user through the ports and into the interior of the chest. A self-adjusting shield (22, 24) connected to an edge portion of each limb port, yieldingly surrounds each limb for preventing hot or cold air losses from the chest.

Abstract: A versatile heater/cooler (2) comprising a chest (4) having insulated walls (6, 8, 10, 12, 14) including a lid (10). Contained within the chest is a removable heating and cooling source (46) which is submersible in a liquid for heating or cooling the latter. The source comprises first and second vertical conduits (48, 50) having lower portions connected for fluid communication with a transverse body (52) which forms a combustion chamber. The chamber serves for burning fuel (80) or for containing a refrigerant introduced by way of the conduits. Included in the chest lid is a vent port (110) for venting the chest contents including the source, and two limb ports (18, 20) for inserting the limbs of a user through the ports and into the interior of the chest. A self-adjusting shield (22, 24) connected to an edge portion of each limb port, yieldingly surrounds each limb for preventing hot or cold air losses from the chest.

Abstract: A portable heating system operable in three modes; an under-blanket heating mode, a tent heating mode, and a food heating mode. In the under-blanket heating mode, one or more users cover themselves and the basic heater (2) with a light foil-type blanket (68). Air, warmed by the heater, spreads under the blanket thereby enveloping the users so that they are comfortably warm. An adjustable canopy frame (40), in concert with a heat guard (4) enclosing a heat source (6), promotes gaseous circulation under the blanket without hazard. A thermostat (17) automatically maintains the temperature at a safe level. In a tent heating mode, the invention includes an exhaust guide for guiding combustion gases to the outside of a tent via the tent entry. Means are provided for drawing air from outside the tent into the heater for supporting combustion. Means are also provided for the system to adapt to rough or uneven terrain for high stability.

Abstract: A casting rod combined with an open face reel such that during a cast swing, a main portion of the rod moves in front of the reel to avoid colliding with casting line peeling off at the reel spool. The line is guided by a rod tip guide positioned at a tip portion of the rod. The combination is arranged such that nothing other than the mentioned guide contacts the line during the cast, thereby producing very little friction. During line retrieval, a retrieval guide positioned between the reel and the rod tip guide, guides the line onto the grooved rim of a roller as the rod bends under load. Several embodiments of the invention include various mechanisms for releasing the line during the cast swing. The rod can cast heavy lines without backlash and has applications that are not limited to fishing.

Abstract: A portable heater comprising a double-wall vessel which forms a combustion chamber and encloses a suitable fuel. Air passages provide an airflow through the vessel for supporting combustion. Also included are endless conduits which entrap displaced fuel to prevent it from escaping from the heater through the air passages. Thus, fuel is prevented from escaping from the heater in all positions of the same in the event that the heater is dropped or otherwise upset. A set of cooling fins, encircling a fuel holder, cool the fuel to help maintain an even burn rate. The heater further includes an adjustable flame attenuator for selective heat control. At a low heat setting the invention may be used as a personal or close contact heater wherein an outer wall serves as a guard for preventing contact burns. A modified embodiment of the heater, for use in a tent, includes an air intake tube and a fuel for exchanging gases with the outside of the tent.

Abstract: A line casting apparatus including a line traversing cam encircling an open-ended spool. A hand crank and gear train drive the spool and the line cam to rotate them at a different rate relative to each other. This produces a high number of even-wound turns of line, per layer, upon the spool and results in a very orderly peeling of the line during a cast. A motor is drivingly connected to the spool to rotate the same during the cast so that centrifugal force overcomes line peel resistance to result in casts of greater distance. Upon rotation of the hand crank, a nonspinning bail is smoothly and automatically tripped to pivot to a line retrieval position for line pick-up and winding. The nonspinning bail holds the line within reach of the index finger of the hand normally holding the casting apparatus. During winding, a clutch connects the spool with the gear train, line traversing cam, and hand crank.

Abstract: An interdental cleaning and polishing tool comprising a housing and a pair of tines pivotally supported on the housing wherein the tines receive teeth to be cleaned therebetween. Each tine having guides for guiding the transfer of dental floss from one tine to the other tine wherein the floss forms a movable span therebetween. A dispensing spool dispenses floss to one tine while a take-up spool retrieves floss from the other tine. Means are provided for oscillating the tines up and down relative to the teeth and for simultaneously producing continuous slow rotation of the take-up spool. Stationary shield tines individually enclose the oscillating tines to prevent the latter from contacting oral tissues. Means are provided for locking and unlocking the floss span so that when locked the span is immovably taut so that the same can be forced through tight spaces between adjacent teeth.

Abstract: A portable heater comprising a double-wall vessel which forms a combustion chamber and encloses a suitable fuel. Air passages provide an airflow through the vessel for supporting combustion. Also included are endless conduits which entrap displaced fuel to prevent it from escaping from the heater through the air passages. Thus, fuel is prevented from escaping from the heater in all positions of the same in the event that the heater is dropped or otherwise upset. A set of cooling fins, encircling a fuel holder, cool the fuel to help maintain an even burn rate. The heater further includes an adjustable flame attenuator for selective heat control. At a low heat setting the invention may be used as a personal or close contact heater wherein an outer wall serves as a guard for preventing contact burns.