Abstract: An inflatable lifting device is disclosed for lifting the rectal area of a patient laying on a mattress. The inflatable lifting device is an inflatable U-shaped bladder with an air port to supply air into the bladder and a tether to maintain the U-shape of the bladder. The inflated bladder creates a cavity sized for the easy insertion and removal of a bedpan under the patient. The inflatable lifting device may be positioned on top of an upper surface of the mattress or within the mattress just below the upper surface.

Abstract: A portable urinal has a lid or projecting member from the housing with a mirror attached to allow the urinal user to properly aim his or her urine stream. The mirror helps users prevent embarrassing accidents and spills when the portable urinal is used in situations such as by bed-ridden patients in hospitals. The portable urinal is filled in a generally horizontal position but is designed to sit vertically on a table or be hung by a handle on a hospital bed rail. The mirror lid or projection can be permanently or removably coupled to the portable urinal to allow for easy urine disposal, cleaning, and sterilization.

Abstract: A serving tray for stably holding wine glasses and food items simultaneously while suspended by a use or set on a horizontal surface. The tray includes a slot for supporting the stem of a wine glass and a corresponding channel on the underside of the tray for accepting the base of the wine glass in the event that the tray is set down. The underside of the tray may also include a number of supports that assist in spacing the tray apart from a horizontal surface and encouraging the base of the wince glass to remain in the channel formed in the underside of the tray. As a result, when the tray is set down, the wine glasses will not become unstable and the tray will remain balanced.

Abstract: A system for routinely monitoring germ contamination in areas where human interaction takes place, and a method for using the same. A germ detection agent is placed either onto a roll of toilet paper or inside a pair of gloves. After handling the toilet paper, or removing the gloves, the detection agent will be present on the individual's hands. This individual is then directed by proper personal hygiene and health codes to wash his or her hands with soap and water, and then place the hands under an ultraviolet light source in order to visualize any germ detection agent still remaining on the hands. If no detection agent is seen, the individual has been properly sanitized of contamination. If, however, detection agent is still visualized on the hands after washing, then that individual must repeat the hand washing, this time more thoroughly to completely remove remaining germ detection agent, before entering an area where contamination may be spread.

Abstract: A system for automatically rapidly chilling liquids and semisolids which includes a frame which supports a drive motor which contains a substantially vertical drive shaft having a connecting member at one end. A sealed, hollow chilling utensil which contains a refrigerant, and which has a neck portion which contains a connecting member which is adapted for fixed engagement with the connecting member of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A system for cooling comestibles is provided in multiple tiers of relatively shallow trays or receptacles vertically spaced apart at close intervals and mounted in a rack, in combination with one or more hollow wands containing refrigerant. Each wand is configured to have a longitudinally grooved immersible section which is insertible through narrow spaces between trays into material to be chilled. A reservoir for refrigerant extends from one end of the wand to the other. The wand can be periodically or continuously manipulated in twirling, revolving and translating motions which simultaneously mix the food and agitate the refrigerant so that the refrigerant circulates within the interior of the wand and quickly cools the food.