Abstract: A personal air purifier employs tapered reticulated foam semi-cylinders sized to be closely received within a user's nostrils through slight expansion of the nostril. The semi-cylinders include a flat base and a spherical shaped surface at a distal end with flattened surfaces circumferentially spaced about the semi-cylinder for enhanced fit within the nostril. A lanyard is attached to tabs extending from the semi-cylinders to secure the personal air purifier when not inserted in the nostrils.

Abstract: A device combining internal nasal filtration and internal nasal dilation operating synchronously provides air filtration by retaining particulate in a single piece foam nasal filter during inhalation through the nose. Internal nasal dilation is provided by the effect of a resilient member adhesively affixed to the nasal foam filter and which when bent from a planar surface applies outward biasing forces to each nostril so that breathing is facilitated. The soft, gentle foam of the nasal filter distributes the biasing forces over a large area and protects the inside of the nose from irritation. An improved internal nasal dilator filter functions to provide increased air flow through dilation while removing various sizes of particulate through filtration.

Abstract: A personal air purifier employs tapered reticulated foam semi-cylinders sized to be closely received within a user's nostrils through slight expansion of the nostril. The semi-cylinders include a flat base and a spherical shaped surface at a distal end with flattened surfaces circumferentially spaced about the semi-cylinder for enhanced fit within the nostril. The flat base of the two semi-cylinders is connected by an integral flexible band which extends across the end of the septum of the user's nose to preclude over-insertion and aid in removal.

Abstract: A personal air purifier employs tapered reticulated foam semi-cylinders sized to be closely received within a user's nostrils through slight expansion of the nostril. The semi-cylinders include a flat base with flattened surfaces circumferentially spaced about the semi-cylinder for enhanced fit within the nostril. The flat base of the two semi-cylinders is connected by an integral flexible band with arcuate edges tangentially interfacing the bases which extends across the end of the septum of the user's nose to preclude over-insertion and aid in removal. Electrostatic charging of the dielectric foam further enhances performance of the personal air purifier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the existence of lead in tapwater. The apparatus comprises a kit having one vial filled with a reference solution exhibiting the appearance of clear, partially diluted sodium chromate. A second vial is partially filled with a saturated sodium or potassium chromate solution. Testing is accomplished by filling the second vial with the tap water, permitting any lead within the tap water to react with the sodium or potassium chromate and then visually comparing the resulting clarity of the test solution and the reference solution.

Abstract: An acoustically sealed earmold and a receiver adapter insertable into the ear of an individual with impaired hearing and used in conjunction with an external receiver to evaluate hearing. A unique method of coupling the receiver adapter to the earmold is also disclosed. The adapter is inserted into the molded portion of the earmold and provides a straight passageway for transmission of sound energy from the receiver to the occluded space of the external canal of the ear. The device substantially reduces the problem of acoustic feedback in high gain hearing aid fittings and provides more accurate transmission of acoustic signals to allow improved hearing evaluation. This invention enables an audiologist to fit the earmold and conduct hearing aid evaluations in a single office visit.