Abstract: A heating unit assembly for vaporizers having a cover member, a heating unit housing, a heating unit holder and a locking mechanism which prevents the removal of both the cover member and the heating element while the vaporizer is operational. Preferably, the locking mechanism is the combination of at least one flexible locking finger and a post member and is provided with a key member. The key member is the prong of an electrical power cord plug which is inserted into the cover. The heating unit assembly also provides a connecting member which locks the cover member to the heating unit housing.

Abstract: A portable and compact room air purifier having an internal filter element through which air is drawn by a centrifugal fan and wherein the air is discharged generally uniformly and radially by passing between at least one generally arcuate scroll and a surrounding deflector. The purifier is automatically deactivated in the event of destruction or removal of the filter housing.

Abstract: A biopsy forceps device is presented herein which employs a forceps assembly having a pair of forceps connected to the distal end of a control wire having its proximal end extending into a hub. A control wire actuator is connected to the proximal end of the control wire and the actuator is slidably mounted to the hub for slidable movement relative thereto between proximal and distal positions for respectively causing the forceps to be in a closed condition and in an open condition. A releasable locking mechanism normally blocks forward slidable movement of the actuator to prevent the forceps from being actuated to an open condition. A release mechanism releases the locking means from blocking forward movement of the actuator to thereby permit forward movement of the actuator causing the forceps to be actuated to an open condition.

Abstract: A biopsy forceps device is presented herein wherein an elongated flexible hollow body portion having a lumen extending therethrough is provided with proximal and distal ends. A forceps assembly is coupled to the distal end of the body portion and the assembly includes a pair of forceps. A control wire having proximal and distal ends extends through the lumen of the body portion and is coupled at its proximal end to a handle and at its distal end to a forceps assembly. A trigger is mounted to the handle for slidable movement relative thereto between a proximal position and a distal position. A gripping device grips the proximal end of the control wire and is movable between first and second positions for respectively moving the control wire between a forceps open condition and a forceps closed condition. The gripping device is resiliently biased toward its first position. The lever arm engages and moves the gripping device from its first position to its second position against the resilient forces.

Abstract: A peeler attachment for an electric appliance includes a frame having a central slot therein and a blade disposed centrally of the slot. The blade includes first and second cutting edges at opposed sides thereof. The cutting edges are spaced from the central slot to form first and second entry channels into the slot. The blade includes first and second surfaces facing the slot shaped to provide continuously increasing exit channels whereby any tendency for peelings to become wedged in the exit channels is avoided. A shank for locking the peeler attachment into the electric appliance is preferably unitary with the blade. First and second locking notches in the shank permit installation of the peeler attachment in first and second rotational positions angularly separated by 180 degrees, whereby both right-handed and left-handed user are accommodated.