Abstract: A small boat has left and right sponsons extending in a longitudinal direction and respectively attached to left and right side walls forming a boat body. The sponsons are provided with an attachment section contacting a left side wall, a gliding section extending substantially horizontally from a lower edge of the attachment section, an inclined section connecting to a side edge of the gliding section, an upper edge of the attachment section, and projecting sections extending from an upper edge to a lower edge of the inclined section. Water flowing along the inclined section is guided by the projection sections and removed or separated from the inclined section. Accordingly, a small boat that turns through a small arc turning locus is provided, e.g., a small boat that is capable of relatively tight turning.

Abstract: A submersible craft for water purification is provided. The submersible craft includes an annular hollow housing which contains a plurality of guide vanes for directing water flow through the housing when the submersible craft is submersed in a body of water and also a plurality of filters for filtering contaminants from the water. The craft includes a drive system and a navigation system for allowing a user control over thrust, depth and navigation through the body of water. Both the drive system and navigation system may be remote controlled by the user, or controlled by a pre-programmed guidance system mounted within the hollow housing. The submersible craft is powered by rechargeable batteries, which may be recharged by solar panels mounted on the craft, in order to minimize pollutants generated by the on-board systems of the craft.

Abstract: A kayak user braces his or her feet against footrests that project inward from the sides of the kayak. The positions of the footrests can be adjusted to accommodate users of different heights, and the footrests can be pivoted to control the position of the rudder of the kayak.

Abstract: A banner-carrying apparatus which reduces the folding and winding up of the banner or flag about the banner-carrying pole by using a tubular sleeve coaxially, annularly and rotatively mounted about a flag pole shaft. Low friction bearing surfaces allow the sleeve to freely rotate unwinding, through the force of gravity, a flag which has been wound upon it. Specialized clamps provide adjustable and releasable securing of the flag to the sleeve.

Abstract: A milk sampling apparatus for use with an automated milking system. The apparatus may include a cassette wherein milk sample collecting elements may be placed, and at least one filling member capable of being placed above a selected one of the milk sample collecting elements by a positioning system, and capable of bringing a milk sample, representatively taken from milk yielded during the milking of an animal by the automated milking system, in the selected one of the milk sample collecting elements. Further, the milk sampling apparatus may include an agitating device, such as a shaking table, for agitating the milk sample.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention refer to a milk sampling apparatus and method for use with an automated milking system. The apparatus comprises a cassette (7) wherein milk sample collecting elements (9) are placed, and at least one filling member (27) capable of being placed above a selected one of the milk sample collecting elements (9) by a positioning system, and capable of bringing a milk sample, representatively taken from milk yielded during the milking of an animal by the automated milking system, into the selected one of the milk sample collecting elements (9).

Abstract: A bird feeder having a rechargeable electrical power source and a solar energy system that collects solar energy, converts it into electrical energy, and uses the electrical energy to recharge the rechargeable electrical power source is disclosed. The rechargeable electrical power source can be used to power a wide variety of electrical devices, such as microphones, radio receivers or transmitters, cameras, audio recording and playback devices, video recording and playback devices, loud speakers, lighting elements, timing devices, remote controls, motors, etc.

Abstract: A leash assembly having a strap or leash that can be reeled or unreeled for walking animals. The assembly has a handle and a housing attached thereto in which the strap is arranged on a turnable roller device for being reeled or unreeled. The assembly also includes a brake key that can stop and prevent rotation of the roller device to restrict a part of the strap extending externally of the housing to a desired length. In addition, the assembly includes an exit opening through which the strap extends externally of the housing. Preferably, the exit opening is formed as a slit, and the slit has a central region along its longitudinal extension that has an enlarged opening porfion extending laterally from at least one side of the slit.

Abstract: The slipcover for dog collars is a fabric sleeve designed to slide onto the collar, covering the entire collar except the metal bracket and tongue of the buckle. A strip of fabric, slightly narrower than the sleeve and with an elastic loop at the end, is attached to and extends from the open end of the slipcover. The strip fits through the buckle and has a thin slot medially aligned for the tongue of the buckle to pass through. The loop at the end of the strip attaches to a button near the base of the strip on the open end of the slipcover, on the inner side. A plurality of openings are medially aligned near the closed end of the sleeve. The collar is fastened onto the dog's neck in the ordinary fashion, passing the tongue through any of the openings near the closed end of the slipcover.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and device for vaporizing LNG with a submerged combustion vaporizer. The submerged combustion LNG vaporizer uses spiral tube heat transfer circuits and a submerged combustion heat source for vaporizing LNG. The submerged combustion heat source has a unique low submergence heat and mass transfer arrangement for heating circulation water.

Abstract: A compression ignition engine (10) has a control system (24) for processing data, one or more cylinders (16), a fueling system (18), and a variable valve actuation mechanism (20). Control system (24) develops both fueling data for fueling the engine and timing data representing time during the engine cycle for intake valve closure to a cylinder that will endow the cylinder with an effective compression ratio (ECR) appropriate to current engine operation for causing auto-ignition to occur near or at top dead center in the engine cycle. During a compression upstroke, the cylinder is fueled according to the fueling data and intake valve closure for the cylinder is performed according to the timing data. This creates an air-fuel mixture that is increasingly compressed to the point of auto-ignition near or at top dead center.

Abstract: A control valve suitable for forming part of a cooling circuit comprising a first branch which contains a radiator and a second branch that constitutes a bypass of a radiator is described. The control valve has a third branch, which, in a motor vehicle combustion engine cooling circuit, has at least one unit heater for heating the vehicle cabin.

Abstract: The system for managing the heat energy developed by a heat engine (10) of a motor vehicle comprises a main system (2) equipped with a main pump (12), a heat engine (10) and a main cooling radiator (18). The main system (2) furthermore comprises a short-circuit pipeline (20) and a heating pipeline (22) comprising an air heater (24), and a secondary loop (4) including a secondary radiator (60) and a secondary pump (58). The main system and the secondary loop can comprise equipments heated or cooled by equipment exchangers (34, 36, 38, 64, 66) included in the main system (2) and/or the secondary loop (4). The maim system (2) and the secondary loop (4) are connected by interconnecting means which make it possible to cause a same coolant fluid to circulate in a controlled manner between the main system and the secondary loop or to prohibit this circulation depending on the load state of the engine (10).

Abstract: A coolant temperature of coolant in a circulation line system is measured through a coolant temperature sensor and is controlled by controlling a flow rate control valve. The flow rate control valve is diagnosed to determine whether abnormality of the flow rate control valve exists based on behavior of the measured coolant temperature, which is measured through the coolant temperature sensor during a warm-up period of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A cooling system for enhanced variable cooling of internal combustion engine having a multi-speed water pump connected to an internal combustion engine for pumping conventional refrigerant. A radiator is connected to the multi-speed water pump and is in fluid communication with the multi-speed water pump. A first electronic expansion valve is connected to the radiator and is in fluid communication with the radiator. The electronic expansion valve is for metering the conventional refrigerant. A fresh air intake cooler is connected to the first electronic expansion valve and is in fluid communication with the first electronic expansion valve.

Abstract: A two-stroke engine having both a direct injector and an indirect injector. The direct injector injects fuel into the cylinder without passing through the crank case. The indirect injector is in fluid communication with the crank case. It provides fuel delivery through the crank case and through a transfer channel to the cylinder. A controller is coupled to the direct injector and to the indirect injector. The controller starts, stops, and varies the fuel delivery of each injector. The controller is programmed to increase the fuel delivery of the indirect injector at a predetermined engine speed. The controller maintains primary fuel flow through the direct injector below a predetermined engine speed. The controller varies the fuel delivery based on at least one of following: engine speed, throttle position, exhaust valve position, intake air temperature, exhaust temperature, barometric pressure, coolant water temperature, and piston position.

Abstract: An intake valve control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a first variable valve operating mechanism capable of varying an operation angle of an intake valve continuously, a second variable valve operating mechanism capable of varying a maximum lift phase of the intake valve continuously, and a controller that controls an intake air amount mainly by varying the operation angle and the maximum lift phase of the intake valve. The controller is configured to, when one of the first and second variable valve operating mechanisms is at a phase position different from a predetermined start stage phase position at engine start, correct a phase position of the other of the first and second variable valve operating mechanisms in accordance with a present phase position of the one of the first and second variable valve operating mechanisms. An intake valve control method is also provided.

Abstract: A valve train device for an engine for driving a valve which opens and closes a valve opening of a combustion chamber comprises: a valve drive device comprising a drive member and driving force transmission mechanism. The drive force transmission mechanism is configured to transmit a driving force from the drive member to the valve. The drive force transmission mechanism comprises a transmission portion configured to transmit the driving force from the drive member to the valve and a variable portion configured to continuously change a state of the transmission portion to thereby continuously change an opening duration of the valve or the amount of valve lift. At least part of the variable portion is positioned within in the transmission portion.

Abstract: A variable valve apparatus is employed a configuration in which, at a high valve lift and high speed operation of an internal combustion engine, an oscillating fulcrum of a transmission arm and a rotation center of a control shaft are arranged between a direction of a component rotating a control shaft of a maximum load which occurs in the oscillating fulcrum of the transmission arm when an oscillating cam oscillates in a valve opening direction and a direction of a component rotating a control shaft of a maximum load opposite thereto which occurs when the oscillating cam oscillates in a valve closing direction.

Abstract: Apparatus includes left and right inline type cylinder heads essentially identical to one another and each having an intake side, the left and right cylinder heads being combined into a “V” configuration, so that the two intake sides face one another. A left-head overhead camshaft structure is located in the left head and a right-head overhead camshaft structure is located in the right cylinder head, the overhead camshaft structures being of an end-drive type. A crankshaft is located proximate an apex of the V, the crankshaft having a front-facing end and a rear-facing end, and an offset gear mechanism operates in cooperation with the rear-facing end of the crankshaft for driving the left-head overhead camshaft structure.

Abstract: An ignition spark enhancing system and devices which, in one aspect, establish the electrical path between a spark source (e.g. an ignition coil) and a spark plug, and in another aspect, between a power source (e.g. battery) and an ignition coil and, in a third aspect, between the ignition coil and the spark distributor of an internal combustion engine. The devices preferably include a coil of one or more turns or loops formed on and along a length of a small segment of hollow conductive tubing. A length of solid conductive wire is wound in tightly spaced fashion around a portion of the conductive tubing and is formed in intermittent segments which are preferably electrically coextensive with the conductive tubing. The tubing and the wire are preferably copper and also preferably form each entire spark plug and ignition coil wire. The device is also preferably coated with a non-conductive material to reduce any risk of electrical shock or short circuit.

Abstract: An operation unit is provided with an engine operation box storing a control operation portion controlling an opening degree of a throttle valve and a start switch terminal connected to a start motor; a throttle operating lever for controlling the opening degree from an idle position to a full-open position; and a start switch connecting and disconnecting the start switch terminal, wherein the throttle operating lever has a switch shielding portion which enables to operate the start switch without an interference between the throttle operating lever and an operating portion of the start switch when the throttle operating lever is at an idle position, and disables to operate the start switch by shielding at least a part of the operating portion of the start switch by means of a part of the throttle operating lever when the throttle operating lever is operated to be apart from the idle position.

Abstract: An upper level sensor or the like is used to detect an amount of lubricant in an oil pan of an engine. When the amount of lubricant exceeds a prescribed value (step ST1), that is, when lubrication of a sliding portion such as a bearing is insufficient due to dilution of the lubricant with fuel, control for lowering engine output such as control for lowering a maximum combustion pressure (step ST3) is carried out, so that combustion load applied to the sliding portion such as a bearing is suppressed when the maximum combustion pressure is attained and seizure of a connecting rod bearing or the like is prevented.

Abstract: A direct injection engine is provided with valve timing controllers in an intake side and an exhaust side. While the engine is running in a homogeneous combustion mode, a computer determines whether a valve overlap period exists, in which both the intake valve and the exhaust valve are opened. When the valve overlap period exists, the fuel injection timing is established within a valve overlap period to increase a temperature in a cylinder, so that an atomization of the injected fuel is expedited. When no valve overlap exists, the fuel injection timing is established at the vicinity of the valve opening timing of the intake valve, whereby the atomization of the injected fuel is expedited.

Abstract: An idle speed controller for an internal combustion engine provided with an intake variable valve timing mechanism for varying valve timing and a variable working angle for varying a valve working angle of an intake valve. The controller performs idle speed control. When an advancement failure occurs in the intake variable valve timing mechanism, the controller performs idle-up control to increase the target idle speed. When the valve working angle of the intake variable working angle mechanism is less than a predetermined value, the electronic control unit changes an increase amount of the target idle speed to a lower value if an advancement failure occurs when performing the idle-up as compared to when the valve working angle is greater than the predetermined value.

Abstract: An engine control strategy that ensures that NOx emissions from the engine will be maintained at an acceptable level. The control strategy is based on a two-dimensional fuel-air curve, in which air manifold pressure (AMP) is a function of fuel header pressure and engine speed. The control strategy provides for closed loop NOx adjustment to a base AMP value derived from the fuel-air curve.

Abstract: An injection nozzle for an internal combustion engine has a valve member moveable within a bore of a nozzle body, and a seating surface defining a seat cone angle the valve member including a first frustoconical valve region, a second frustoconical valve region, and an annular groove defining, in part, a delivery chamber in communication with at least one nozzle outlet. The annular groove is disposed intermediate the first and second valve regions such that a first seating line is defined at the mutual interface between the first valve region and the annular groove and is engageable with the seating surface to control delivery of fuel from a first supply chamber to the deliver chamber, and a second seating line is defined at the mutual interface between the second valve region and the annular groove and is engageable with the seating surface to control delivery from a second supply chamber to the delivery chamber.

Abstract: A fuel injector control apparatus for a cylinder injection type engine includes driving circuits each shared by plural fuel injectors classified groupwise and having one ends connected in common to a potential source, switching means (13, 17, 19) connected to the potential source for turning on/off driving currents supplied to the injectors of a same group, a fuel quantity/injection timing arithmetic means (2) for determining a fuel supply quantity and a fuel injection timing on the basis of outputs from various sensors (1), driving circuits (10, 20) for firing the switching means in response to output of the fuel quantity/injection timing arithmetic means (2), and a ground fault identifying/discriminating means (2) for specifying a fault location upon occurrence of a ground fault. When the fault location is specified, fuel injection from other injector of the injector group to which the fault suffering injector belongs is stopped.

Abstract: In a fuel supply system, liquid fuel is supplied to a marine engine from a fuel tank (10). The fuel first passes through a water filter (14), a lift pump (18) and is temporarily deposited in a vapor separator (20) where vapors given off from the fuel are collected and vented. A high pressure pump (30) withdraws liquid fuel from the vapor separator (200 and delivers it under pressure to an engine injector system (36) via a fuel delivery line (34). The fuel pressure between the high pressure pump (30) and the engine injector system (36) is monitored to determine whether the engine injector system (36) is being presented with more fuel than is required for efficient engine operation. If more fuel than needed is being supplied by the high pressure pump (30), the unneeded fuel is returned to the vapor separator (20) through a bypass line (40).

Abstract: A vehicle chassis with at least two fuel tanks with each of the fuel tanks having fuel level detector or sender. The level senders are engaged to an electronic controller. The individual tank draw lines from each tank come together at a control valve that has a single outlet that leads to an engine. The control valve can be open from one of the tanks at a time to the engine. An electronic controller takes the inputs from the fuel senders and compares levels between the tanks to control the valve. The system defaults or starts drawing from a primary tank and upon the level in the primary tank falling to a pre-specified amount below the level in a secondary tank, the electronic controller shifts the control valve to draw from the secondary tank or vice versa on a secondary tank level drop.

Abstract: A fuel pump module has a flange located proximate to the top of the fuel tank, a first strut rod, a second strut rod, a fuel inlet tube and a fuel outlet tube, each extending through the flange from a first side of the flange to a second side of the flange. A multi-point grounding plate is located on a side of the flange to contact and ground the strut rods, fuel tubes and adjacent parts. The grounding plate is generally disposed about a periphery of the flange, and a grounding wire, a first end of which is disposed on the grounding plate and a second end of which is disposed on a vehicle ground location, provides the necessary grounding path for the grounding plate.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a hydrocarbon trapping device is provided, including a conduit and an adsorbing element positioned within the conduit. The conduit includes a wall having a wall thickness and the adsorbing element has an adsorbing element thickness that is generally equal to or less than the wall thickness. Furthermore, the adsorbing element defines a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a flow path extending between the leading and trailing edges in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the conduit.

Abstract: A portion of the engine cooling water flowing from the cooling water pump through the engine and the radiator back to the cooling water pump is introduced into the carburetor through piping to heat the carburetor. The downstream side of the carburetor piping is connected to by-pass piping connecting a thermostat valve provided in the radiator piping at a position downstream of the engine and the intake port of the cooling water pump. Accordingly, engine cooling water flows mainly into the by-pass piping when the thermostat valve is closed, and flows mainly into the radiator piping when the thermostat valve is opened. The carburetor is therefore heated even before the thermostat valve is opened immediately after actuation of an engine. In addition, excessive heating of the carburetor after the engine is appropriately heated is prevented without using a special switching valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas heat exchanger comprising a bundle of pipes consisting of exhaust gas pipes and a bypass channel in a common housing. The pipe bundle is arranged in a first chamber that is crossflown by a liquid coolant and the bypass channel is arranged in a second, separate chamber. The pipe bundle and the by pass channel lead into a common exhaust gas inlet area and a common exhaust gas outlet area in which an exhaust gas valve actuated by a servo-drive is arranged, said valve guiding the exhaust gas flow through the pipe bundle or the bypass channel. According to the invention, the exhaust gas valve has a movable closing organ that is resistant to bending, said organ being preferably embodied as a pivoting semi-flap that is fixed with a longitudinal side to a drive shaft that is arranged crosswise relative to the exhaust gas flow.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber with a piston, comprising: inducting at least air and fuel vapors from a fuel vapor system; and adjusting an operating condition of the engine so that a mixture of air and fuel in the combustion chamber, including said fuel vapor, approaches, but does not achieve, said autoignition temperature; and performing a spark from the spark plug so that said mixture substantially auto-ignites.

Abstract: A combustion engine for a vehicle, comprising a compressor to which charged air is to be supplied for supercharging, wherein the engine is provided with a device for venting exhaust gases from the crankcase of the engine to the compressor, and the venting device comprises a throttle element for securing a desired pressure level in the crankcase. The throttle element is arranged in thermal cooperation with the compressor.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine can avoid overcorrection at a lean side of air fuel ratio learning correction by unburnt fuel in a blowby gas, and prevent rotational speed reduction and engine stall during air fuel ratio open-loop control after restarting of the engine. A temperature detecting section detects the temperature of the engine based on signals of various sensors, and an air fuel ratio learning correction value changing section updates an air fuel ratio learning correction value in accordance with the engine operating condition. When the engine is stopped with its temperature having not yet reached a predetermined value after started from a cold state thereof, an amount of update of the air fuel ratio learning correction value at a lean side is set in such a manner that the lower a temperature parameter immediately before engine starting, the smaller does the amount of update become.

Abstract: In a multipurpose engine with a reduced or limited displacement adapted for use in a portable work machine or the like, the engine includes a detecting element of a gas sensor for controlling an air-fuel ratio. Damage or degradation of the detecting element due to vibration from the engine is reduced or eliminated. To achieve this, a supporting device having a vibration-damping-function is provided for supporting the gas sensor or the gas sensor unit containing the gas sensor. The supporting device permits the gas sensor or the gas sensor unit to move by an amount equal to or less than a predetermined extent of movement of the engine, so that the transmission of vibration from the engine directly to the gas sensor is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A projectile launching device having at least first and second elastic members that are attached to a projectile pocket where a tong member is adapted to grasp the projectile pocket with the projectile therein and reposition the projectile pocket rearwardly to store energy within the first and second elastic members. The tong member is adapted to be mounted to the base frame of the projectile launching device where the projectile is positioned in a substantially consistent manner from shot to shot and active involvement is required by the shooter to maintain the projectile launching device in a stored energy state.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus, which is provided with a cover having an air ventilation structure that ventilates air into and out of a cooking space to maintain a desirable temperature of the cooking space. Accordingly, the cooking apparatus has at least one heating unit, a grill unit, such that food laid thereon is cooked by heat from the heating unit, and the cover, covering the food, defining a cooking space thereunder, and having the air ventilation structure to ventilate air into and out of the cooking space during cooking. Food and oil are prevented from being burned, so that carcinogenic substances and smoke are not generated, and convenience of use is increased.

Abstract: A portable gas stove assembly includes a gas stove and a stove stand, wherein the gas stove has a fuel tank for storing fuel, a flow regulating valve for regulating the flow of the fuel, a fuel nozzle for guiding the fuel flowing from the flow regulating valve, a burner at the top of the fuel nozzle, an adjusting rod on one side of the flow regulating valve for controlling the fuel passing through the flow regulating valve and a first connecting device proximate to the burner; and the stove stand includes a placing section for placing a cooking utensil and a second connecting device disposed on the placing section corresponding to the first connecting device for integrally coupling the stove stand with the first connecting device.

Abstract: An air filtration and sterilization system for removing airborne contaminants from air circulated through an air plenum system of a fireplace. Air filtration systems may include particulate, chemical, and ion filtration systems to filter the air. Air sterilization may include ultraviolet, ozone, germicidal coating, and channeled system of ducts systems to sterilize the air. Systems may be used individually or in combination. In addition, optional components, including a warning sensor for indicating when to replace a filter, an automatic initiation sensor for activating and stopping filtration and sterilization, and an air enhancement system for introducing desirable materials into the air, may be provided.

Abstract: An air transfer apparatus for transferring air from a replenishment air cylinder to another air cylinder is provided. The air transfer apparatus comprises a first valve adapted to engage a replenishment air cylinder and a second valve having quick connect fittings adapted to engage one or more air cylinder fittings mounted on one or more air cylinders. A high pressure hose provides gaseous communication between the first valve and the second valve. A regulator is positioned between the first valve and the second valve. The regulator is adapted to control the air pressure in the high pressure hose between the first valve and the second valve to match the air pressure needed in one of the one or more air cylinders.

Abstract: A pressure support system and method of treating disordered breathing that optimizes the pressure delivered to the patient to treat the disordered breathing while minimizing the delivered pressure for patient comfort. The controller in the pressure support system operates as a set of prioritized control layers, wherein each control layer competes for control of the pressure generating system to implement a unique pressure control process. The pressure support system also controls the pressure provided to the patient based on the variability of the monitored data and a trend analysis of this data, including an indication of the skewness of the patient's inspiratory waveform.

Abstract: Machine for making tobacco-processing industry products includes a plurality of lamps arranged on components of the machine. Each lamp includes at least one visible light-emitting power semiconductor light source. An electronic mode control unit is electrically connected to and controlling the lamps. The electronic mode control unit is structured and arranged to control the lamps so as to provide uniform continuous light for illuminating at least one of the components and the tobacco-processing industry products, and is structured and arranged to control the lamps so as to provide periodically interrupted light for illuminating at least one of the components and the tobacco-processing industry products. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Cut filler compositions, cigarettes, methods for making cigarettes and methods for smoking cigarettes which involve the use of partially reduced nanoparticle additives capable of acting as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide are provided. The compositions, articles and methods of the invention can be used to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide and/or nitric oxide present in mainstream smoke. The partially reduced additive can be formed by partially reducing Fe2O3, to produce a mixture of various reduced forms such as Fe3O4, FeO and/or Fe, along with unreduced Fe2O3.

Abstract: A hairpiece having a barrette having a plurality of elongated hair strands extending therefrom, for enhancing and augmenting the appearance of the existing hair of a wearer. The plurality of hairs which comprise the hairpiece extend from both the horizontal portions and a diagonal portion of a z-shaped track, thereby providing a hairpiece having a more realistic, contoured look. The hairpiece is particularly well suited for use by individuals who have experienced extreme hair loss from chemotherapy. The plurality of hairs of the hairpiece may be flat ironed, crimped, braided, or worn in a ponytail or other styles according to the aesthetic preferences of the wearer. The hairs of the hairpiece are human hairs, and may be shampooed, styled, and conditioned in the same manner as the wearer's own hair.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a dispensing device are disclosed. The device may include a receptacle having a first face and at least one outlet orifice for dispensing a substance contained in the receptacle. The receptacle may be configured to be rested on a horizontal plane surface with the first face being in contact with the horizontal plane surface. The first face may be configured such that while the receptacle is rested on the horizontal plane surface with the first face being in contact with the horizontal plane surface, a decrease in the quantity of substance in the receptacle causes the receptacle to tilt without causing the substance to run out through said at least one outlet orifice.

Abstract: A hair retaining device for placement on a head comprises an annular, elasticized portion for adjusting to heads of varying sizes and for encircling a wearer's head, said headband having an upper edge and a hair retainer gathered at and extending upwardly from said upper edge of said elasticized portion and terminating at a generally circular retaining lip.

Abstract: A dispenser for material including an applicator, an elongated housing member with a well at one end thereof for receiving the applicator to shield the applicator, a laterally opening receptacle carried by the housing member for holding a coherent body of the material to be dispensed and applied, and structure carried by or forming a part of the housing member for closing the receptacle to shield the material.