Abstract: A card game is played on a felt covered semicircular table top with player stations along its arcuate edge. Pairs of cards of a deck are dealt face up until a pair consists of two cards of unequal rank. The two cards are respectively designated a B card and a P card. Cards of the deck are thereafter dealt face up until a conclusion card is dealt that is equal in rank to either the B card or the P card. A player makes a color wager on the color of a card that is dealt face up, a HI/LO wager on the rank of the card that is dealt face up and a P/B wager on the rank of the conclusion card.

Abstract: In a cata-dioptric optical system having a combination of a reflection system and a refraction system for reduction-projecting an object on a first plane onto a second plane, a polarization beam splitter and a quarter wavelength plate are provided to split the incident light and the reflected light. The light beam directed to the polarization beam splitter is converted to a substantially collimated light beam by a first group of lenses. A second group of lenses are arranged between the polarization beam splitter and a concave reflection mirror to diverge the light beam. The light reflected by the concave reflection mirror is directed back to the polarization beam splitter with a substantially collimated state by the second group of lenses. The light beam from the second group of lenses transmitted through the polarization beam splitter is focused by a third group of lenses having a positive refraction power to form a reduced image.

Abstract: A self-countersinking screw including an inverted-conical head portion formed at a top with a cavity adapted to receive a tip of a screwdriver and having a conical bottom, said conical bottom having a plurality of triangular recesses each having a lateral side extending inwardly to form a sharp edge and a space for receiving chips, a threaded portion, and a tapered portion having a large diameter connected with the head portion and a small diameter connected with the threaded portion, whereby the sharp edge will make a countersink on a workpiece when the countersunk head screw is turned therein.

Abstract: .[.Wood.]. .Iadd.A heat sensitive substrate .Iaddend.is .[.electrostatically.]. coated with a thermosetting powder coating system in which a mixture of a self-curing epoxy resin and a catalyst therefore is extruded and .Iadd.pulverized and .Iaddend.a low temperature curing agent .[.are both.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.pulverized and the powders are blended with conventional additives to make a coating powder which is deposited on .[.a wooden.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.substrate and heated to cure. The mixture of resin and catalyst does not cure within the extruder but it is made to cure at low temperatures by the separate addition of the curing agent. A small amount of the low temperature curing agent, insufficient to cause substantial curing during extrusion may be used in place of the catalyst.

Abstract: A burner for burning a combustible gas comprising fuel gas and air that has been mixed before being supplied to the burner. The burner has a flame holder .[.concavely.]. .Iadd.axially and radially .Iaddend.recessed into a flame outlet. The .[.concave.]. configuration of the flame holder focuses the individual flames on the combustion surface toward a central location where the individual flames interact with and reinforce one another in a direction axial to the burner. Thus very little heat is transmitted directly from the burner in a direction normal to the burner axis. This characteristic of the burner allows it to be used to fire a flue type heat exchangers where the walls of the heat exchanger are very close to the burner without excessive temperatures being produced in the heat exchanger walls adjacent the burner.

Abstract: Nasal administration of benzodiazepines is described as providing improved therapeutic effects as compared to conventional delivery techniques. The compositions comprise a benzodiazepine hypnotic in a pharmaceutically acceptable nasal carrier.

Abstract: A surgical collar for emergency rescues has mandibular and occipital supports that will each adjust vertically without affecting the other.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a protective device for the upper arm and forearm of a person, particularly of an athlete, with an upper arm part (3) and a forearm guard (2) in which to ensure the protection of the zone between the upper arm and the forearm without any impediment to the person, the upper arm part (3) and/or the forearm guard (2) possess(es) a tongue-like extension (31, 21).

Abstract: A garment for restraining a toddler from climbing out of a crib has a sack-like body with upper neck and arm openings, the neck opening being temporarily enlargeable to enable the toddler to be put in and taken out. The sack-like body is permanently closed except for the neck and arm openings. A crotch portion may be spaced intermediate an elasticated waist portion and the bottom of the sack-like body which may be made of tightly woven fabric. Leg loops may be provided inside the sack-like body.

Abstract: A man's shirt is provided which is made of conventional woven non-stretch shirting material but which includes elastic elements woven therein at the shirt sides in the area of the torso. These elastic elements shape and sculpt the shirt in this area and prevent bunching and creasing of the shirt. A related method begins with a bolt of a basic shirting material with discrete sites at which the elastic elements are provided and uses computer-controlled cutting of the shirting material relative to these sites to provide component parts of the shirt which, when assembled together with other component parts, produce a shirt with designed-in shaping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a necktie made of leather, textiles or flexible material with a collar for fastening the tie around the neck and a front apron fitted to the collar, whereby the front apron (5) is made of at least three braided bands (2, 3, 4).

Abstract: A long-sleeved garment having a sleeve with a cuff attached thereto along an annular seam. A pocket connected to an inner side of the sleeve and cuff along a portion of the annular seam accommodates all fingers of a hand except for the thumb. A thumb compartment extends from the sleeve above the cuff for accommodating the thumb of the hand. Both the pocket and thumb compartment are retractable inside the sleeve such that they are unnoticeable when not in use.

Abstract: Protective glove of coat of mail material characterised in that the band for holding the glove (1) in position is constituted by a strip (6) which is rolled up on itself in such a manner as to constitute a spiral spring which is movable between, on the one hand, an open position and, on the other hand, a retracted position towards which it is returned if no external force is exerted on it, the spiral spring (6) being able to slide in the annular pocket (3) in order to move towards the open position under the action of the force exerted by the user when he puts the glove (1) on, before being automatically returned to the retracted position in order to hold the glove around the user's wrist

Abstract: An ornamental rotational hat is provided which includes a cap portion having an interior space for receiving a wearer's head, a motor mounted to the cap portion, and a screw-shaped ornament connected to the motor to rotate with respect to the cap while the cap remains stationary on the wearer's head. An additional feature of the rotational hat calls for an insert for the cap having a plurality of fingers with inherent resiliency to grip a head of the wearer, and to retain the cap to the wearer's head during rotation of the ornament.

Abstract: A headwear piece having a crown portion to extend at least partially around the head of a wearer to maintain the headwear piece in an operative position on a wearer's head and a bill projecting from the crown portion. The bill has a core element with a base layer made from expanded foam.

Abstract: A clothing arrangement is disclosed. The clothing arrangement includes a crotch area and a pant leg secured to the crotch area. The pant leg has (i) a lateral inner area and (ii) an interior lateral lower edge. The clothing arrangement also includes a stay member secured to the lateral inner area of the pant leg such that the stay member substantially prevents the interior lateral lower edge from moving toward the crotch area when the pant leg is worn by a person.

Abstract: A wearing apparel system including an item of wearing apparel has a torso portion with a pair of circular holes. The circular holes are laterally spaced along a horizontal line and have strengthening members around each hole. A flexible connector is formed of a plurality of hollow balls, including two end balls and a plurality of intermediate balls. Two small apertures extend through each ball in diametrically opposed relationship. A dumbbell shaped member is located between adjacent intermediate balls and between each end ball and its adjacent intermediate ball. The members include enlarged end sections located within adjacent balls and a reduced diameter central section extending through the apertures of adjacent balls.

Abstract: An undergarment having front and rear portions attached together so as to define a waist opening in the top of the undergarment and a pair of leg openings in the opposite sides of the undergarment. A medial portion extends from the waist opening to a location between the leg openings. The medial portion has side and bottom edges attached to the front portion so as to define a pocket between the medial and front portions with a pocket opening in the top of the undergarment adjacent the waist opening. A bifurcated waistband has a circular, outer part which is attached to the front portion and the rear portion adjacent the waist opening. The waistband also has an inner part attached to the medial portion and the outer part.

Abstract: A pair of goggles include a frame with an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion, arms extruded from extrusion positions on the upper and lower frame portions, and a strap being attached to the arms. The frame and arms are integrally made of soft elastic synthetic resin. The strap is attached to the arms at strap attaching positions at their distal end portions away from the extrusion positions. The arms are formed in a manner that the arms overlap with at least part of a front surface of said frame or that the arms extend in front of and generally along the front surface of the frame.

Abstract: The disinfecting toilet seat system comprises a toilet seat with at least one seat surface, disinfecting means for disinfecting said toilet seat, containing means to hold said disinfecting means, means to trigger disinfection, means mounting said toilet seat for pivoting movement and/or seat surface sequencing relative to said containing means, and means mounting said containing means for pivoting movement relative to said toilet seat and/or mounting said containing means between said toilet seat and a toilet bowl, wherein said containing means comprises at least one element generally matching said at least one seat surface, and maintains said toilet seat disinfecting means in orientation to facilitate application of disinfection to said toilet seat when said containing means and said toilet seat are within predetermined proximity of each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing measured lengths of toilet seat cover material onto a toilet seat and for collecting used cover materials includes an integrated system to improve performance. The apparatus includes sensors to determine the orientation of the seat to prevent dispensation when the seat is raised. Computer circuitry, programmable for different supply lengths of cover, displays the number of dispensations remaining and can provide warning signals as the remaining number decreases to a preset value. Communication with a remote control facility is provided to allow remote inquiry of the status of the apparatus, including the number of dispensations available.

Abstract: An independent flush tank lid with cleansing device concealing a device for wetting toilet tissues as well as means for cleansing a person's body parts which replaces the existing flush tank lid without any modification or any mounting to existing toilet or bathroom wall. The lid comprises a sink including a faucet assembly associated with hot and cold water supply, a water extension hose having a spray nozzle to enable a person to use the spray of water at the sink, at the toilet bowl, or at an adjacent bathroom sink. The flush tank lid with cleansing device is neat in appearance and constructed with a base container having a sink and a compartment for storing an extension hose therein in the bottom and a cover plate at the top.

Abstract: A toilet including a frame defining a chamber, a toilet bowl disposed within the chamber between an upper and a lower chamber region, and a tilting bowl in the lower chamber region of the frame. The toilet bowl in the lower discharge opening in communication between the upper and lower chamber regions. The tilting bowl defines a fluid-receiving volume, and is mounted for pivoting movement relative to the toilet bowl between a first position with the fluid-receiving volume at least partially overlapping the toilet bowl and containing the lower discharge opening, and a second position permitting flow of fluid from the toilet bowl, through the lower discharge opening, and from the fluid-receiving volume into the lower chamber region. At standby, the tilting bowl, in the first position, retains a first volume of fluid sufficient to engage the lower discharge opening and restrict flow of gas therethrough.

Abstract: A protective cover for inflatable swimming pools having a plurality of inflated, wall forming rings fabricated from polyvinylchloride or similar materials. The protective covering, preferably a tough, durable synthetic fabric such as nylon, includes a top wall, a side wall, and a bottom wall, with at least two reinforcement straps connecting opposing sides of the bottom wall for added strength.

Abstract: A shampoo sink system that includes an adjustable base assembly including an anti-tip wall attachment structure that includes an exterior sink structure having a liner structure with an emptying trough hingedly attached thereto. The liner structure is emptied by pivoting the liner at the hinge.

Abstract: A body treatment apparatus has two separate but contiguous tubs to provide selective treatment to the feet and the upper body. A person will sit in one tub, and the person's feet will be in the other tub. The knees will be over a dam separating the two tubs. Each tub has separate fluid inputs and separate drains, so each may receive different fluids, and at different times. The entire tub unit can be rotated between a position in which the person is in a sitting position, and a position in which the person is reclining, with the feet higher than the head. Covers are provided for use when desired, such as during steam treatment.

Abstract: A frame is provided having receptacles disposed thereon for receiving a variety of interchangeable bathing equipment panels which may be custom-installed on the frame to the needs and preferences of the unit's intended users. A conduit housing a water line, a control line, and an electrical line is mounted on the frame's outer surface. The conduit includes means for interfacing water, control, and electricity lines of the conduit with those of equipment panels requiring water, control, or electricity for operation. The frame may further have installed thereon a tub comprising rear, side, front, and door panels, the rear and side panels being mounted to receptacles at the tub region of said frame. In one embodiment, the tub includes a door that is pivotable between a first open position, a first closed position defining a full-sized bathtub, a second open position, and a second closed position defining a half-size bathtub.

Abstract: A playpen includes a looped lower frame, a looped upper frame, a plurality of couplers, and a plurality of posts. The lower looped frame includes a plurality of interconnected lower frame sections having adjoining ends. The looped upper frame is disposed above the looped lower frame, and includes a plurality of interconnected upper frame sections having adjoining ends. The couplers interconnect the adjoining ends of the upper and lower frame sections. Each of the couplers includes a tubular portion which has two opposite open ends for insertion of a pair of the adjoining ends of the upper and lower frame sections, and a socket portion which projects from the tubular portion between the open ends and which has a socket hole. The posts bridge the upper and lower frames and are connected to the couplers.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy system that is attachable to a medical transport cot. The collapsible canopy system includes a canopy assembly that is storable in a collapsed configuration and extendable when desired to partially or fully cover the head rest portion of the medical transport cot to partially or fully shield the face area of a patient being transported on the medical transport cot. The canopy assembly is adjustable in size to accommodate different sized patients. The canopy assembly also has a rapidly replaceable canopy member.

Abstract: A surgical stretcher includes a patient-support deck having a substantially planar back section coupled to a frame for pivoting movement about a transverse pivot axis. The back section includes a frame member having first and second corner portions. The first corner portion is transversely spaced apart from the second corner portion, and the first and second corner portions are longitudinally spaced apart from the transverse pivot axis. An actuator couples the back section to the frame. The actuator is lockable to prevent pivoting movement of the back section relative to the frame, and is releasable to allow pivoting movement of the back section relative to the frame. A release rod is coupled to the back section and movable to release the actuator.

Abstract: An articulated medical bed for supporting a person in articulated movement is disclosed. The bed comprises a main frame defining a base and an articulated support frame including an upper body section pivotally connected to the base, a seat section pivotally connected to the upper body section and a detachably mounted lower leg section pivotally connected to the seat section. An elongated link member pivotally connects the lower leg section to the base. A glide member is mounted on the seat section and supported for linear movement along the base whereby the seat section is supported for rocking movement about the glide member. A linear actuator is connected to the upper body section for simultaneously actuating the upper body section, seat section and lower leg section in articulated movement. A side rail is supported on the base and includes telescoping inner and outer horizontal rail members extending between vertical rail members.

Abstract: A mechanized foldable bed is disclosed. The foldable bed has a front frame assembly and a rear frame assembly pivotal with respect to the front frame assembly. A motor is securely mounted under the bed, a driving rod is driven by the motor, a first connecting rod is pivotally connected with the driving rod and a second connecting rod is pivotally connected with the first connecting rod. A tube securely mounted under the bed is for receiving the second connecting rod therethrough. Furthermore, due to a first connector securely connected with the front frame assembly and pivotally connected with the driving rod and a second connector pivotally between the rear frame assembly and the second connecting rod, the torso and legs of a patient are supported simultaneously.

Abstract: A combined seat cushion for use by fans at sporting events, includes a seat cushion having a resilient cushion member, a pliable cover enclosing the cushion member including a handle formed therein at an edge of the cushion, a sign container disposed at the edge of the cushion, a marker detachably connected to the cushion, an eraser pad for the marker retained in the pliable cover, and a panel container overlying a side of the cushion. The panel container holds a folded panel having an unfolded dimension greater than the area of the side of the seat cushion, and the sign container holds preprinted signs or blank signs on which desired messages may be imprinted with the marker, or erased with the eraser pad as desired.

Abstract: An L-shaped steel rail of a bed frame, having a top edge and a face surface; a protective member being disposed at least in part above the top edge of the steel rail, the protective member being designed of a compressible material suitable for spreading a force of impact, the member minimizing damage to an object impacting against the top edge of the steel rail, and the protective member minimizing damage to an object impacting against the face surface; and mechanism for attaching the protective member to the steel rail and a method of use including the steps of providing a steel rail of a bed frame, having a top edge and a face surface; and shielding the steel rail, minimizing a force of impact between an object and the steel rail.

Abstract: A portable, inflatable, massage support apparatus. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of an inflatable body supporting structure having a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface and the bottom surface define an enclosure therebetween when the inflatable body supporting structure is inflated. In the present invention, the inflatable body supporting structure has a head end and a foot end. Additionally, in the present invention, the inflatable body supporting structure has massage facilitating features formed into the inflatable body supporting structure. The massage facilitating features are adapted to enhance the massaging of a person when the person is disposed on the inflatable body supporting structure.

Abstract: Inflatable mattress assemblies are disclosed. Typically including separately inflatable upper and lower components sealed one to the other, the assemblies nevertheless can create appearances of having been formed merely by laying each upper component atop the corresponding lower component. By incorporating inflatable frames around the central sections of each of the two components, the components may be sealed (welded) together at locations other than their extreme outer edges.

Abstract: A loading apparatus and method for attaching and mounting a loading ramp to a hitch receiver of a pickup truck, van or similar vehicle. A attachment apparatus is comprised of a receiver bar, a support structure, a ramp and a clamping plate for clamping the support structure to the opened tailgate of the pickup truck. The apparatus provides an attachment and also provides for load sharing between the receiver and the tailgate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning surfaces of dust by the use of an alternating electrical field with a low power consumption. The amplitude of the electrical field is between 1,000 and 30,000 V/cm and its frequency is from 10 to 1000 Hz.

Abstract: A brush alignment apparatus and method of using the same for aligning a hollow cylindrical brush on a cylindrical roller member comprising first and second ends and an outer surface defining a internal cavity, provided with a plurality of orifices extending from the outer surface to the internal cavity, a first receptacle having a channel running therethrough in fluid communication with the first end of the roller member, a second receptacle, a spine member, a first support arm supporting the first end of the roller member and a second arm supporting the second end of the roller member.

Abstract: An apparatus according to the present invention removes printing material from a recording member on which an image is recorded by the printing material. The apparatus comprises a releasing member and heating member. The releasing member comes into pressure contact with the recording member, adheres to the printing material on the recording member, and then separates from the recording member to release the printing material from the recording member. The heating member heats at least any one of the contact surface of the recording member to the releasing member or the contact surface of the releasing member to the recording member.

Abstract: An improved power driven waste line clean out apparatus of the type that includes an elongated flexible coil spring that is selectively rotated by a novel operating mechanism in a manner to permit sections of the coiled spring to be sequentially fed into and retracted from the waste line to be cleaned as the operating mechanism reciprocates back and forth along a pair of generally horizontally extending guide members mounted on the base of the apparatus. In operation, the coiled spring is first gripped by the operating mechanism in a manner to cause rotation of the spring about its axis so that a feed mechanism will advance a section of the coil spring into the waste line. The coiled spring is then released so that the operating mechanism can be returned to its initial starting position to enable additional sections of the coil spring to be advanced into the clogged waste line.

Abstract: A locking system is employed to automatically secure the roller wringer of a mop in a locked, stored position on the mop. The mop itself has a cleaning head consisting of a plurality of fluid absorbent material strands connected to a handle. A wringer rod is connected at one end to a slideable, manually operated sleeve located around the handle. The rod is pivotally connected at its other end to the roller wringer which is of ringed or closed polygon configuration, taking its shape from a flexibly biased support member. As the sleeve is manually pushed down the handle, the roller wringer is forced over the mop head strands, causing the support member and rollers to expand around the strands. When the roller wringer has reached the end of the mop head strands, it pivots up. Manual movement of the sleeve back up the handle towards the user draws the roller wringer over the mop head and back to the lower end of the handle.

Abstract: An adjustable brush for cleaning grout includes a group of brush mounting constructions slidably disposed on a rigid support track. Each mounting construction is movable, yet selectively held in place along the longitudinal axis of the support track. A brush assembly is removably attached to each brush mounting construction. Each brush assembly includes bristles secured within a bristle holding member, and the brush assemblies are selectively held in place during use.

Abstract: An athletic shoe cleaner for cleaning a shoe bottom, especially the bottom of a shoe having non-metal spikes. The athletic shoe cleaner includes a cleaning surface having a plurality of spaced apart rods, wherein each of the plurality of spaced apart rods is formed from a semi-rigid material. In the preferred embodiment, the cleaner includes a flexible base for supporting the rods and permitting the cleaner to be mounted to a surface such as a fender of a golf cart. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the base is generally round and the plurality of spaced apart rods are arranged in an overlapping and radially symmetrical fashion with respect to the center of the cleaner with the height of each of the plurality of spaced apart rods increasing from the outer edge to the center.

Abstract: A self-standing toothbrush having a cup-shaped member disposed of on its base is disclosed. The cup-shaped member substantially enhances the stability of the toothbrush when it is disposed in an upright position relative to a support surface.

Abstract: A golf ball cleaning device which includes a sheet material casing which has attached thereto a short length of towel. The casing is to be capable of being movable between a folded position and a stretched-out position. Within the folded position, the casing is to be readily attachable to the clothing of a human. When in the folded position, a handle can be grabbed by the user and move the golf ball cleaning device to the stretched-out position which will expose the towel to then be used for cleaning of a golf ball.

Abstract: A number of forms of painting trays and accessories are disclosed. These include a paint tray having an upper or intermediate foam pad across the top thereof to prevent spillage. The paint will only flow through the foam at a very slow speed. One embodiment is disclosed wherein the paint tray includes a cover and has a plurality of variable porosity pads. Another unit includes a round tray, a round pad, and a round applicator unit. Several painting accessories are described, including a painting pad having a plurality of wells therein as well as being made from a porous, sponge-like material.

Abstract: A controlled self operating vacuum cleaning system which comprises a stationary housing for the storage of a mobile vacuum cleaner apparatus and where the housing is provided with an automatically openable and closable closure allowing exit and entry of the mobile vacuum cleaner unit. The mobile unit is driven by an internal drive motor which is powered by one or more batteries carried by the mobile vacuum cleaner unit. At preestablished times and preestablished time intervals, the closure of the housing will automatically open providing for ingress and egress and the mobile vacuum cleaner unit will exit and randomly clean the carpet of a certain specified area for a predetermined time period. The mobile vacuum cleaner unit is provided with obstacle detectors for causing the mobile unit to move beyond an obstacle, if it contacts an obstacle, as well as detectors for detecting the edge of a staircase and the edge of a carpet to cause the mobile unit to remain on the carpeted area.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical surface treatment device which is provided with an acoustic surface type detector with which a type of a surface to be treated can be detected during operation. According to the invention, the surface type detector delivers an output signal (u.sub.FT) during operation which is characteristic of the type of surface to be treated and which is determined by a value of a physical quantity of air vibrations reflected by the surface to be treated, which value is measured by a vibration detector of the surface type detector. In a special embodiment, the physical quantity is an amplitude, and the surface type detector is a vibration generator for generating air vibrations having a predetermined amplitude. The generated air vibrations preferably have a frequency of at least 15,000 Hz which varies within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A floor cleaner is provided including a housing having a grip extending from a top portion thereof for gripping purposes. Also included is a scrub assembly mounted on a bottom portion of the housing for cleaning a floor. Next provided is a vacuum port mounted on the bottom portion of the housing and connected to a recovery tank for suctioning water from the floor.