Abstract: A mouse paid (10) is disclosed which can be attached conveniently to a portable computer (12). The pad has a lip (30) which fits over the border (18) of the keyboard on a personal computer and a spring loaded clamp slide (42) which engages the outer surface (24) of the keyboard to secure the pad on the portable computer. A pad (72) can be provided with keys (74).

Abstract: A holder for an aerosol canister. The holder has a housing and a cap. The cap receives the valve stem of the canister and when depressed will discharge the contents of the canister at a discharge nozzle in the cap. An annular locking ring has a projection which in one position prevents the cup from being pressed downwardly relative to the housing.

Abstract: A holder for an aerosol canister. The holder has a housing and a cap. The cap receives the valve stem of the canister and when depressed will discharge the contents of the canister at a discharge nozzle in the cap. An annular locking ring has a projection which in one position prevents the cup from being pressed downwardly relative to the housing.

Abstract: A computer disk drive slot blocking device for permanent mounting on the computer featuring a rotatable blocking element associated with a base for attachment to be the computer and a housing containing a lock plug where insertion of the key into the lock plug allows the blocking element to be rotated between a slot blocking and slot unblocking positions.

Abstract: A permanent locking device is provided for securing a computer disk drive unit which features a disk drive bezel incorporating a rotatable lock having a shaft extending behind the bezel and a blocking bar connected to the shaft to rotate between a locked position where the bar blocks the slot and engages the computer body to an unlocked position to allow access to the diskette slot.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods involving an attachable and lockable, vented security cover enclosure for the back of a personal computer dimensioned to conform to the computer configuration, cover cabling and cable connectors, and deter unauthorized access to the system components, power switch, and the back of a computer.

Abstract: A scale small enough and light enough to be carried in a person's pocket by virtue of the fact that most of its components are formed of lightweight molded plastic material. The fulcrum for the beam of the scale is provided by a pair of pointed, metal fulcrum posts adapted to cooperate with a pair of metal bearing inserts in the beam. A sliding weight which is movable along the beam has a metal insert to increase its weight and the metal insert is positioned in the plane of the fulcrum when the sliding weight is in its zero position.

Abstract: A foldable cane constructed in three sections each joined by pairs of hinge links having laterally displaced hinge pins which permit adjoining sections to be swung through 180.degree. relative to each other so that in the folded configuration of the cane the three sections are disposed along side each other in essentially parallel relationship to occupy a minimum amount of space. The pairs of hinge links are equipped with spring urged slidable locking sleeves for locking the hinge links in axial alignment when the cane is in use.

Abstract: A foraminous basket-like device for holding baby bottle nipples to permit them to be washed in a household automatic dishwasher. U-shaped longitudinal and transverse members intersect in a generally flat, intermediate region forming one face of the device. Protruding inwardly of the device from this face are a plurality of sets of four protuberances spaced to loosely receive the heads of nipples. A foraminous closure provides the opposite face of the device and holds the nipples in place in the sets of protuberances. The closure is flat and serves as a base for the device when it is placed on the rack of a dishwasher. The device, with the exception of the separate closure, is molded of plastic material as an integral unit. The closure also is molded of plastic material.

Abstract: An improved firearm. The width of the firearm does not exceed the minimum barrel size which will safely contain the chamber pressure of its designated caliber of ammunition. The firearm is further shaped, contoured and constructed for ready concealment on the person of a law enforcement officer. The side surfaces of the firearm are formed so that the purchase or "frictional forces" between the side surfaces and the body or clothing of a law enforcement officer tend to maintain the firearm in the desired position on the person of the officer. A special trigger-hammer mechanism prevents the gun from discharging if accidentally impacted or dropped and said trigger-hammer mechanism also requires that the hammer-firing pin be poised for firing by pulling the trigger, thus not allowing the firearm to be "cocked", further preventing an accidental discharge if the weapon is jostled while unattended.

Abstract: A rotating rack for baby food jars and the like includes a base member, a plurality of disk-like shelf units, and a plurality of vertical support members. Any of the shelf units may be secured to the base member and supported thereon in freely rotating fashion. Each of the shelf units include slots therein to engage the vertical support members. The lower ends of the vertical members are releasably secured in the slots of the rotatably supported shelf unit. The vertical members also include a plurality of detents spaced vertically therealong to secure the remaining shelves at selected spacing intervals. Each shelf includes a plurality of generally circular depressions formed therein and spaced thereabout to engage the bottom portions of jars of comestible substances. The shelf spacing may be selectively altered to accommodate containers of differing heights.

Abstract: A metering apparatus and system for controlling the administration of intravenous fluids (IV) having a flow passage within a housing connectable to a source of IV fluid and to a delivery tube terminating at an administration needle. In the metering apparatus, a metering pin is axially moveable within the passage and relative to a valve seat and defines a flow passageway and a variable area flow notch which are positionable relative to the valve seat to regulate flow from a purge to a flow blocking position. In the preferred embodiment, positioning of the metering pin is accomplished by a cam engaging a portion of the pin forming a cam follower. The cam is manually adjustable by a dial on the device to accomplish accurate, repeatable and continuous flow adjustment over the full range. The system incorporates the metering apparatus, a source of IV fluid, a drip chamber and administration means.

Abstract: An improved hand grenade incorporating safety features including a normally uncocked striker arm and a protective shield over the primer. Because the striker spring is normally unstressed, the major working parts of the grenade may be inexpensively made from plastics.