Abstract: A reusable dispensing container assembly including a canister having a first end and a second end, the canister having an upper chamber to hold dispensable substance, an actuator arranged proximate the first end of the canister, in communication with the chamber, the actuator having a nozzle arranged to eject the dispensable substance, and a deformable piston arranged within the canister below the upper chamber, the deformable piston having a reinforcement apparatus embedded therein, the piston further arranged to sealingly engage an inner surface of the canister, the piston arranged for upward movement within the canister when the actuator is actuated, the deformable piston forming a lower chamber arranged to hold pressurized gas.

Abstract: A reusable dispensing container assembly, having a canister having a first end and a second end, the canister having an upper chamber to hold dispensable substance, an actuator arranged proximate the first end of the canister, in communication with the chamber, the actuator having a nozzle arranged to eject the dispensable substance, and, a deformable piston arranged within the canister below the upper chamber, the piston further arranged to sealingly engage an inner surface of the canister, the piston arranged for upward movement within the canister when the actuator is actuated, the deformable piston forming a lower chamber arranged to hold pressurized gas, the deformable piston comprising at least one integral external O-ring about its circumference arranged to sealingly engage the inner surface of the canister and maintain separation of the dispensable substance and the pressurized gas.

Abstract: A reusable dispensing container assembly, having a canister having a first end and a second end, the canister having an upper chamber to hold dispensable substance, an actuator arranged proximate the first end of the canister, in communication with the chamber, the actuator having a nozzle arranged to eject the dispensable substance, and, a deformable piston arranged within the canister below the upper chamber, the piston further arranged to sealingly engage an inner surface of the canister, the piston arranged for upward movement within the canister when the actuator is actuated, the deformable piston forming a lower chamber arranged to hold pressurized gas, the deformable piston comprising at least one integral external O-ring about its circumference arranged to sealingly engage the inner surface of the canister and maintain separation of the dispensable substance and the pressurized gas.

Abstract: A food serving utensil is provided for grasping food. The utensil includes two concave, bowl-shaped members oriented relative to each other to define a cavity. The bowl-shaped members are rotatably coupled at a hinge to allow opening and closing of the cavity using a single hand. The hinge is preferably made of a resilient material and extends over the bowl-shaped members to provide a gripping surface for operation. A lock is provided to lock the bowl-shaped members in a partially closed position. The locked position enables the food serving utensil to be easily stored in limited spaces such as a kitchen drawer. The lock is also preferably designed such that utensil will not open inadvertently while stored. The lock is released by pushing the bowl-shaped members toward each other, preferably in a specific location on the bow-shaped members. A method for making the utensil is provided.

Abstract: A food serving utensil is provided for grasping food. The utensil includes two concave, bowl-shaped members oriented relative to each other to define a cavity. The bowl-shaped members are rotatably coupled at a hinge to allow opening and closing of the cavity using a single hand. The hinge is preferably made of a resilient material and extends over the bowl-shaped members to provide a gripping surface for operation. A lock is provided to lock the bowl-shaped members in a partially closed position. The locked position enables the food serving utensil to be easily stored in limited spaces such as a kitchen drawer. The lock is also preferably designed such that utensil will not open inadvertently while stored. The lock is released by pushing the bowl-shaped members toward each other, preferably in a specific location on the bow-shaped members. A method for making the utensil is provided.

Abstract: A refillable container includes a filling valve, and a pressurization station having housing at which a needle is coupled to a compressor. The needle includes an enlarged frustoconical head, a reduced diameter neck, and a larger diameter base. The filling valve has an upper split portion, a frustoconical section expanding downward and terminating in a barb, and a lower flared flange, and defines an interior space having a first portion sized to accommodate the head of the needle, a reduced diameter neck portion, and a flared third portion providing an entrance for the needle. Upon compressor actuation, air is forced into the valve and causes the bills of the valve to flutter open to pressurize the container. As pressure within the container increases, force against the valve from within the container increases, locking the container on the needle. The container may be guided onto the needle with minimal effort.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy bed includes a substantially water-tight enclosure having an open top. The top of the enclosure is covered by an upper and lower layer of thin rubber having an intermediate layer of thixotropic gel approximately one half inch thick. The rubber layers are mounted in a peripheral groove using a strip of T-shaped molding and a supporting net is mounted beneath the lower rubber layer in another peripheral groove by attaching edge loops of the net to a plastic coated half hinge which is inserted into the peripheral groove. A pair of parallel tracks is mounted inside the enclosure and an array of upwardly directed water jets is carried on a cross member which is movable along the tracks. The cross member is coupled to an endless cable wound around pulleys mounted at ends of the tracks. One of the pulleys is coupled to a motor which drives the cross member along the tracks. The cable is kept from crossing over itself on the drive pulley by threading it through a TEFLON.RTM.