Abstract: A folding apparatus controls the irregular corners and over all shape of a fitted bed sheet thus, enabling a fitted bed sheet to be neatly folded. The folding apparatus converts the irregular shape of a fitted sheet by providing a tool-template that controls each irregular corner section of the fitted sheet and by spooning each rounded corner of a fitted sheet onto one another.

Abstract: A container using a flexible membrane integrated into the throat or egress passageway of a bottle. The membrane forms a portion of the passageway's sidewall. The membrane flexes inward when an external force is applied causing the inner walls of the passageway to frictionally mate together and restrict the flow of a fluid or non-fluid through the passageway and flexes outward when the force is removed allowing the inner walls of the passageway to move away from one another and allow the flow of the fluid through the passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a specimen. The apparatus having means for withdrawing a small sample of the specimen thereby preventing the potential contamination of the majority of the specimen.

Abstract: A multiple-chamber container for sampling, storing and preserving for later testing a sample. A swab having a foam tip is used to collect a sample (the sample must have some liquid component, e.g., saliva, urine, blood, etc.). After the foam tip is used to collect a specimen, the swab is inserted into the container where the foam tip is compressed and a portion of the specimen that was sampled is diverted into each chamber. The swab is locked into the container thereby sealing the specimen inside. At least one test strip is positioned inside one of the chambers to test the sample. The sample in the other chamber(s) are separated and can be stored for a period of time. A preservative may be used to help keep the specimen during storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a specimen. The apparatus having means for withdrawing a small sample of the specimen thereby preventing the potential contamination of the majority of the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a safety apparatus that monitors sounds in the ambient space and automatically adjusts and controls the sound output of an audio device to a predetermined level. Alternatively, the safety apparatus can provide a visual or tactile warning to the user depending on the type of input/sound detected.

Abstract: An inhaler (drug delivery system) that incorporates more than one drug storage chamber and provides the means to dispense a controlled dose of more than a single drug during or/in a single inhalation activity/event. The present invention also provides an improved drug dosing control mechanism and air flow evacuation system that has the means to isolate each individual drug during delivery and is user-friendly.

Abstract: A device for applying a substance, for example an antiseptic, to the skin of a person. The device includes a a container having an open end for storing a liquid; an applicator head that has a delivery means at one end and a piercing element at the opposite end; the applicator head communicates with said container for delivering the liquid to the delivery means; a barrier positioned proximate said open end of the container for preventing the liquid from escaping said container until such time as the cap is manipulated (e.g., twisted) with respect to the container thereby allowing the piercing element to penetrate or break the barrier.

Abstract: A multiple-chamber container for sampling, storing and preserving for later testing a sample. A swab having a foam tip is used to collect a sample (the sample must have some liquid component, e.g., saliva, urine, blood, etc.). After the foam tip is used to collect a specimen, the swab is inserted into the container where the foam tip is compressed and a portion of the specimen that was sampled is diverted into each chamber. The swab is locked into the container thereby sealing the specimen inside. At least one test strip is positioned inside one of the chambers to test the sample. The sample in the other chamber(s) are separated and can be stored for a period of time. A preservative may be used to help keep the specimen during storage.

Abstract: A multi-compartment biological specimen cassette. The perforations in one compartment of the cassette may have a different size and/or shape than the perforations in the other compartment or compartments.

Abstract: A multi-compartment biological specimen cassette. The perforations in one compartment of the cassette may have a different size and/or shape than the perforations in the other compartment or compartments.

Abstract: A method is taught for communicating information between a bladder disposed within an individual and the exterior of the individual. The method includes providing an implantable medical device having an operating component for performing operations within the bladder, a communication device for providing a communication regarding the operation between the implantable medical device and the exterior of the individual, and an energy source for applying energy to the implantable medical device. The method also includes inserting at least a portion of the implantable medical device into the bladder of the individual by way of the urinary tract of the individual. The step of performing the operation and communicating the information regarding the operation from within the bladder to the exterior of the individual by the implantable medical device is also set forth.

Abstract: A novel fluid container system comprises a container having a port at an upper end through which port fluid is permitted to pass for emptying the container. A restricter is provided within the container for momentarily restricting fluid flow out of the port when the container is inverted, the restricter having a construction such that a restricted fluid flow is permitted through the port for a period of time when the container is inverted, after which period of time a substantially less restricted fluid flow is permitted through the port. A retainer retains the restricter in the vicinity of the port. The retainer is disposed on an inner surface of the upper end of the container and extends inwardly from the inner surface. The retainer can include a substantially horizontal arcuate member or a circular member.

Abstract: A sanitary cover for a liquid dispenser, such as a typical soft drink dispenser is provided. A typical soft drink dispenser includes a nozzle assembly and an adjacent actuator where a diluent such as carbonated water is mixed with a beverage concentrate or syrup to produce a soft drink. The present invention provides a cover for the dispensing area of a conventional beverage dispenser which allows a user or consumer to manipulate, through a hand slot, a cup behind the cover in order to fill the cup at the beverage dispenser. The sanitary cover includes a cup inlet which discourages the insertion of a full or partially full cup. The outlet of the cover allows a full cup to be removed from the casing but discourages insertion of a full or partially full cup. The cover, thus, prevents a soiled cup from contacting the beverage dispensing nozzle or actuator assembly. The cover also provides shielding of the actuator and dispensing nozzle area of a beverage dispenser for sanitary reasons.

Abstract: A buoyant ball as provided within a water bottle to provide a momentary gate for restricting water flow out of the bottle as it is inverted. When filling the bottle with water, the ball floats on the surface and eventually comes to rest at the base of the bottleneck. Due to irregularities in the bottle, water flow past the ball is not prevented, but is restricted. As the bottle is inverted to permit water to escape therefrom, some water leaks past the ball through the neck and out of the bottle, but the ball remains positioned at the base of the bottleneck. The ball can be dislodged from the neck by an exterior blow to the bottle, or it will dislodge itself with the passage of time.