Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling usage times for at least one device, including the steps of: (a) identifying a device to be controlled; (b) utilizing the device by a user; (c) tracking a device usage value for the device as the user utilizes the device; and (d) initiating an action sequence based upon the device usage value. Also disclosed is an apparatus for controlling usage times for at least one device.

Abstract: A needle tip protective device for use with percutaneous entry needles. In one embodiment, the needle tip protective device includes a needle guard slidably mounted on a hypodermic needle, the latter having a needle tip located at the distal end thereof, and a change of profile formed medially there along. The needle guard is movable along the hypodermic needle and engageable with the change in profile formed thereon. The engagement with the change in profile is configured to correspond with the ability of the needle trap to entrap the needle tip once the needle trap has advanced the sufficient distance distally along the hypodermic needle. In further refinements, the needle trap may be biased toward the distal needle tip of the needle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying and deploying a protective cover about a percutaneous puncture site formed by a hypodermic needle. In the preferred embodiment, a marking agent or puncture site covering, the latter of which preferably takes the form of a bandage, is releasably secured upon either the needle hub of the hypodermic needle or on a sliding member or sleeve axially moveable along the length of said needle that forms a marking or detaches therefrom once compressed about the puncture site.

Abstract: Oral care devices are provided that are capable of ejecting an air-liquid combination. In some implementations, the oral care devices include an applicator including a passageway within the applicator for directing the air-liquid combination therethrough; a plurality of brushing elements extending from a base at a head of the applicator to free distal ends, the head being sized to fit in a user's mouth; and a flexible nozzle in communication with the passageway and extending outwardly beyond the base at the head, the flexible nozzle configured to direct liquid droplets of the air-liquid combination beyond free distal ends of the brushing elements during brushing.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head and a tooth cleaning element extending from a top surface of the head. The head is divided into at least two portions which can be moved independent of each other. The tooth cleaning element is rotatable relative to that portion of the head from which it extends. A vibrator vibrates the head and tooth cleaning element.

Abstract: A surge protector for the transmitter of an electronic dog fence, which protector includes a direct connection to ground on one side of the antenna loop, with the signal being applied to the other side of the antenna loop.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an appliance for the epilation of the human skin, having a housing to accommodate a motor and a drive mechanism for driving at least one clamping device (5; 43) by which the user's hairs can be extracted. Moreover, a stimulation mechanism is provided to reduce the sense of pain during epilation. This mechanism includes at least one element (16; 55) that is movable toward and away from the skin when the appliance is placed in epilating position on the user's skin. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the at least one element (16; 55) has a free end (56) and is arranged adjacent to the side of the rotary clamping device (5; 43). In consequence, the user perceives at least subjectively a reduced sense of pain during epilation. Still further, a method for epilation and a method for the use of the appliance of the present invention are described.

Abstract: A needle tip protective device for use with percutaneous entry needles. In one embodiment, the needle tip protective device includes a needle guard slidably mounted on a hypodermic needle, the latter having a needle tip located at the distal end thereof, and a change of profile formed medially there along. The needle guard is movable along the hypodermic needle and engageable with the change in profile formed thereon. The engagement with the change in profile is configured to correspond with the ability of the needle trap to entrap the needle tip once the needle trap has advanced the sufficient distance distally along the hypodermic needle. In further refinements, the needle trap may be biased toward the distal needle tip of the needle.

Abstract: A carrying case for carrying and organizing medication is disclosed. The carrying case comprises a first compartment and second compartment, with the first and second compartments relatively foldable along a common fold line between an open position and a closed position. The first and second compartments are disposed in face-to-face relationship when the first and second compartments are in the closed position. A plurality of slots are defined in at least one of the compartments, and a plurality of inserts are provided. Each of the inserts is sized for insertion into a corresponding one of the slots, with each of the inserts having at least one closeable chamber. A divider panel is provided, with the divider panel mounted for shiftable movement between a folded position in which the divider panel is disposed over at least one of the compartments and an unfolded position in which the divider panel permits access to the at least one compartment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an appliance for the epilation of the human skin, having a housing to accommodate a motor and a drive mechanism for driving at least one clamping device (43) by which the user's hairs can be extracted. Moreover, a stimulus mechanism is to reduce the sense of pain during epilation. This mechanism includes at least one element (55) that is movable toward and away from the skin when the appliance is placed in epilating position on the user's skin. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the at least one element (55) has a free end (56) and is arranged adjacent to the side of the rotary clamping device (43). In consequence, the user perceives at least subjectively a reduced sense of pain during epilation. Still further, a method for epilation and a method for the use of the appliance of the present invention are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for presenting a user with a substitute product of greater value while maintaining equal or better quality. When a user places an order for an item, the system alerts the user if a better Value Item is available. The information presented by the system may include the Value Item product number, manufacturer, description, and a reason or explanation as to why the item is a better value. The system then permits the user to accept or reject the Value Item while alerting the user as to the total savings achieved. The system does not rely on third parties for maintenance and access to required data.

Abstract: A needle tip protective device for use with percutaneous entry needles. In one embodiment, the needle tip protective device includes a needle guard slidably mounted on a hypodermic needle, the latter having a needle tip located at the distal end thereof, and a change of profile formed medially there along. The needle guard is movable along the hypodermic needle and engageable with the change in profile formed thereon. The engagement with the change in profile is configured to correspond with the ability of the needle trap to entrap the needle tip once the needle trap has advanced the sufficient distance distally along the hypodermic needle. In further refinements, the needle trap may be biased toward the distal needle tip of the needle.

Abstract: A needle tip protective device for use with percutaneous entry needles. In one embodiment, the needle tip protective device includes a needle guard slidably mounted on a hypodermic needle, the latter having a needle tip located at the distal end thereof, and a change of profile formed medially there along. The needle guard is movable along the hypodermic needle and engageable with the change in profile formed thereon. The engagement with the change in profile is configured to correspond with the ability of the needle trap to entrap the needle tip once the needle trap has advanced the sufficient distance distally along the hypodermic needle. In further refinements, the needle trap may be biased toward the distal needle tip of the needle.

Abstract: This invention improves upon the existing art by providing a combination implement for use with candles, thereby providing a convenient tool with multiple functions. Broadly, the implement includes an elongated handle having a first end with a candle wick trimmer and a second end with a candle snuffer. In the preferred embodiment, the candle snuffer is the form of a bent wire configured to perform a smokeless, wick-dipping action. In an alternative embodiment, the wick trimmer comprises a pair of miniature shears. An option sleeve may be provided to cover at least the shears, and the elongated handle may have one or more flat sides suitable for carrying messages.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying and deploying a protective cover about a percutaneous puncture site formed by a hypodermic needle. In the preferred embodiment, a marking agent or puncture site covering, the latter of which preferably takes the form of a bandage, is releasably secured upon either the needle hub of the hypodermic needle or on a sliding member or sleeve axially moveable along the length of said needle that forms a marking or detaches therefrom once compressed about the puncture site.

Abstract: A carrying case for carrying and organizing medication is disclosed. The carrying case comprises a first compartment and second compartment, with the first and second compartments relatively foldable along a common fold line between an open position and a closed position. The first and second compartments are disposed in face-to-face relationship when the first and second compartments are in the closed position. A plurality of slots are defined in at least one of the compartments, and a plurality of inserts are provided. Each of the inserts is sized for insertion into a corresponding one of the slots, with each of the inserts having at least one closeable chamber. A divider panel is provided, with the divider panel mounted for shiftable movement between a folded position in which the divider panel is disposed over at least one of the compartments and an unfolded position in which the divider panel permits access to the at least one compartment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an appliance for the epilation of the human skin, having a housing to accommodate a motor and a drive mechanism for driving at least one clamping device (43) by means of which the user's hairs can be extracted. Moreover, means are provided to reduce the sense of pain during epilation. These means include at least one element (55) that is movable toward and away from the skin when the appliance is placed in epilating position on the user's skin. According to the present invention, the at least one element (55) has a free end (56) and is arranged adjacent to the side of the rotary clamping device (43). In consequence, the user perceives at least subjectively a reduced sense of pain during epilation. Still further, a method for epilation and a method for the use of the appliance of the present invention are described.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an appliance for the epilation of the human skin, having a housing to accommodate a motor and a drive mechanism for driving at least one clamping device (43) by means of which the user's hairs can be extracted. Moreover, means are provided to reduce the sense of pain during epilation. These means include at least one element (55) that is movable toward and away from the skin when the appliance is placed in epilating position on the user's skin. According to the present invention, the at least one element (55) has a free end (56) and is arranged adjacent to the side of the rotary clamping device (43). In consequence, the user perceives at least subjectively a reduced sense of pain during epilation. Still further, a method for epilation and a method for the use of the appliance of the present invention are described.

Abstract: A needle tip protective device. In one embodiment the needle tip protective device includes a needle guard that is slidably mounted on a hypodermic needle having a needle tip located at the distal end of the needle. The needle guard contains a movable needle trap that is biased against or toward the hypodermic needle. The needle trap advances over the tip of the needle, entrapping the needle tip as the needle guard is urged forward near the sharpened distal end of the hypodermic needle. A tether, or other limiting means, limits the forward movement of the needle guard along the needle. In one embodiment, the needle guard is manually urged forward along the shaft of the needle by the user. In yet another embodiment, a spring, or other biasing means, is used to move the needle guard along the shaft of the needle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an appliance for the epilation of the human skin, having a housing to accommodate a motor and a drive mechanism for driving at least one clamping device (43) by means of which the user's hairs can be extracted. Moreover, means are provided to reduce the sense of pain during epilation. These means include at least one element (55) that is movable toward and away from the skin when the appliance is placed in epilating position on the user's skin. According to the present invention, the at least one element (55) has a free end (56) and is arranged adjacent to the side of the rotary clamping device (43). In consequence, the user perceives at least subjectively a reduced sense of pain during epilation. Still further, a method for epilation and a method for the use of the appliance of the present invention are described.