Abstract: A drinking vessel comprises a hollow cup having an upper rim defining a mouth opening. A lid removably mounted on the cup extends across the mouth opening to prevent spilling of liquid from the cup. The lid includes a base so mounted on the cup and having a flange extending inwardly from the cup's rim partly across the mouth opening and defining a port aligned with an inner part of the mouth opening. The lid further includes a valve element in register with the port, a seal on the valve element underlying the flange, and an actuator adjoining the valve element and disposed laterally outwardly thereof, such that when the actuator is depressed by downward force of the user's thumb, the valve element pivots downwardly, separating the seal from the flange. A spring normally biases the valve element upwardly with the seal against the flange.

Abstract: A water filter assembly for use with a shower bath comprises a housing containing a filter and a bypass adapter which allows the filter to be displaced, e.g. downwardly, from the direct line leading from the water source to the shower head. The housing is also preferably adapted to hold containers for cosmetics or the like. Several forms of containers, particularly adapted for use in such a holder, are disclosed. Also disclosed are several preferred forms of filter adapted for this use, as well as improved quick disconnect type couplers allowing simultaneous operation of two adjacent such couplers.

Abstract: A tablet dispensing container comprehending a tubular sleeve, a reciprocating element and a locking mechanism. The tubular sleeve forms the container and has two opposing openings therein; a dispensing opening in the lower end and a reciprocating element opening in the upper end. The reciprocating element is attached to the tubular sleeve and is biased toward the upper end. A user manually depresses the reciprocating element which forces the end with the tablet accommodating mechanism through the dispensing opening thereby dispensing a tablet. A locking mechanism prevents the reciprocating element from reciprocating when in a locked position. The locking mechanism permits reciprocation of the reciprocating element when in the unlocked position. The locking mechanism is adapted to remain in either the locked or the unlocked position until manually moved to the other position. Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a visual signal which indicates when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: This disclosure describes collectors of solar and other types of radiant energy that are inexpensive and of simple design yet capable of capturing radiation with high levels of efficiency as the incident angle of radiation varies. In a preferred embodiment, a lens extending across the mouth of a bowl-like reflector and around its central axis causes rays entering the lens at an angle to the axis on the side of the lens closest to the energy source to refract and pass directly from the lens to the absorber and causes other similarly angled rays entering and departing the lens on the other side of the axis to refract in an upward direction as they pass to the reflector and then to the absorber, i.e., upward as compared to the extended traces of the incident rays.

Abstract: A novel combination fire grate and fireplace cooking apparatus is described wherein a modular design facilitating the use of any of a variety of sizes of fossil fuels, e.g. coal, charcoal or wood, may be efficiently burned, while at the same time providing a heat source for cooking food placed on a cooking grill or grills which track along adjacent fireplace grate members. A novel compression assembly of modular fireplace grate members facilitates the use of the present invention in fireplaces of any width, as well as the easy disassembly and assembly of the unit for shipping or to adjust the unit to accept various sizes of fuels. A lightweight handle with a novel coupling configuration is provided for repositioning the cooking grill with respect to the fire, and/or for removing the cooking grill and food from the fire. This coupling means is designed to quickly and positively engage the cooking grill when inserted from a direction approximately perpendicular to the cooking surface.