Abstract: A refillable free ink writing instrument including a body having a rear end, a front end and an ink reservoir disposed between the rear end and the front end, a writing tip mounted on the front end and a plug mounted on the rear end, wherein the plug is configured to close an opening in fluid communication with the ink reservoir, the plug being configured to be removable from the rear end to refill the ink reservoir with water and concentrated ink refill.

Abstract: An apparatus for removably retaining a single use cartridge and dispensing at least one compound from the single use cartridge. The apparatus includes a dispensing pen having a housing which includes a source of electricity, an electric motor, a gear assembly and a moving shaft with a multiplicity of teeth to cause an advancing shaft to move forwardly toward the front of the pen and interact with a piston to push a plunger at the rear of the cartridge so that it will dispense compounds from the cartridge. The cartridge can be a single chamber cartridge or a dual chamber cartridge or a dual chamber cartridge separated by a dividing wall. There can be any numerous compounds including teeth whitening compounds, nail polish, cosmetics, etc.

Abstract: A surgical marking pen may include a pen body, a first chamber within the pen body containing at least one powdered dye, a second chamber within the pen body and separated from the first chamber, and a tip in fluid communication with the first chamber or the second chamber. The second container contains a solvent, and the first chamber and the second chamber are selectively placeable into fluid communication with one another. The at least one powdered dye and the solvent, when mixed, form a dye solution which is disposable upon a skin or tissue surface and is able to be visualized simultaneously by a user in ambient light and with a fluorescence imager.

Abstract: A device and method for treating an ingrown nail condition is provided. The method prevents a phenol solution that is applied during a P & A procedure from coming into contact with the surrounding skin and nail bed. The device is essentially a plastic tube which comes in different lengths and widths and has a specially shaped aperture located at one end. A stick-shaped cotton applicator is inserted through the tube so as to ensure direct application of the phenol solution onto only the nail matrix. As a result, the phenol solution is prevented from coming into contact with the skin and nail bed, thereby reducing post-operative healing time, post-operative infection and post-operative pain.

Abstract: Device, method and kit are described herein for marking tissue involved in surgery and evaluated using fluorescing imaging systems are described. Generally the device, method, and kit comprises the components to visibly mark an area of interest such that the same area fluoresces and can be viewed simultaneously through a fluorescent imaging system.

Abstract: A portable dishwashing apparatus is easily transportable, requires a minimal amount of water, and allows for quick and easy cleansing of dishes and utensils. A base unit in communication with a water source encases both a water heater unit and a soap mixture tank. In one embodiment, the water source is a portable water holding tank. A hand unit in connection with the base unit includes a handle having a rinse extension bar and a cleaning head extension bar extending outwardly. A soap mixture exits the distal end of the cleaning head extension bar onto a cleaning head, which is used to scrub dishes. A trigger located on the hand unit controls the flow of water from the distal end of the rinse extension bar and the distal end of the cleaning head extension bar. A portable sink unit supports the base unit and water holding tank, and further includes a drain for transporting excess soap and water run-off to a used water holding tank.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for dispensing a mixture (6) of a first flowable material (4) and a second flowable material (5) has a container (12) having a first chamber (20) and a second chamber (30). The first chamber (20) is adapted to contain the first material (4) and the second chamber (30) is adapted to contain the second material (5). The dispenser (10) further comprises a first membrane (50a) separating the first and second chambers (20,30), and a second membrane (50b) connected to the container (12) proximate the second chamber (30). Pressure applied to the first membrane (50a) fractures the first membrane (50a) wherein the first flowable material (4) and the second flowable material (5) mix to form a mixture (6). Pressure applied to the second membrane (50b) fractures the second membrane (50b) to dispense the mixture (6).

Abstract: A packaging and applicator kit may include: a first receptacle containing a first substance; a second receptacle containing a second substance that is different from the first substance; and, an applicator to which both receptacles can be secured. The applicator may include at least an elongate portion that is capable of extending in one of the first and second receptacles and includes a through channel enabling the substance contained in one of the first and second receptacles to flow for mixing with the substance contained in the other of the first and second receptacles.

Abstract: A writing instrument having a body, a main reservoir containing ink and housed in said body, a writing head projecting from the front part of said body, and a capillary connector for transferring ink from the main reservoir to the writing head. The instrument has an auxiliary reservoir containing an ink carrier liquid, and an actuator for releasing said liquid from the auxiliary reservoir so that said liquid flows into the main reservoir and expels the ink towards the connector. The carrier liquid contains the ink solvent, in particular water in the case of a water-based ink, and preferably contains all or any of the components of the ink in the main reservoir, whereby the original writing properties of the residual ink carried by the carrier liquid are preserved.

Abstract: A storage and dispensing apparatus designed to contain pre-measured amounts of a substance(s). The apparatus comprises at least one compartment, preferably at least two compartments, for storing the substance(s) that is partially enclosed by a frangible seal, an applicator or dispensing conduit, and an expandable chamber designed to accept and dissipate the hydraulic force created when pressure is applied to the at least one compartment rupturing the frangible seal, and expelling the substance(s) into the chamber. The applicator is attached to the chamber with an applicator bond area. The expandability of the chamber is conferred by expandability of the chamber walls and of the applicator, when present, and is varied in different embodiments by altering the ratio between the area of the applicator bond area and the area of the applicator. The frangible seal, in one of many embodiments, may be a chevron shape stress riser with a point of inflection oriented towards the compartment.

Abstract: A device and method for accurately and quickly mixing and dispensing compounds, particularly reactant compounds. The device and method comprises at least one enclosed inner chamber that contains a reactant. The at least one or more enclosed inner chambers are in fluid communication with at least one mixing chamber. The reactants are displaced into the at least one mixing chamber and agitated such that they react. Once combined the reactants are released into an attached applicator and applied as needed.

Abstract: A writing implement includes a cylindrical shaft member, a pen tip member which is fixed to one end of the shaft member and from which colored ink seeps out, liquid for ink which is stored in the shaft member and which comprises a major component of the colored ink seeping out from an end of the pen tip member, colorant to be added to the liquid for ink, and a valve member for isolating the colorant from the liquid for ink. In the writing implement, at least a part of a cylindrical side surface of the shaft member corresponding to a part where the liquid for ink is stored is formed to be transparent, the valve member is positioned between the storing part of the liquid for ink and the colorant, and the storing part of the liquid for ink is provided with a pressure-regulating part.

Abstract: A shock resistant applicator for non-evaporative liquid comprises an elongated tubular housing sealed on one end enclosing a first liquid near the sealed end separated from a second liquid by a viscous substance. The elongated tubular housing has an opening mechanism near the sealed end to release the enclosed liquids through the open end of the elongated tubular housing. A shock resistant plug is disposed near the open end of the elongated tubular housing and defines a small through hole from the liquid to the open end of the elongated tubular housing. The shock resistant plug will prevent the none-evaporative second liquid from being unintentionally released from the elongated tubular housing by dramatically increasing the surface tension of the second liquid near the open end of the elongated tubular housing.

Abstract: Liquid-for-ink (50) and a main part of colorant (60) for coloring the liquid-for-ink (50) are separately stored within a writing implement. The writing implement is so fabricated that the colorant (60) is added to the liquid-for-ink (50) while the liquid-for-ink (50) is introduced to a writing tip (70).

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for treating shoes, especially leather-containing shoes, such as athletic shoes, and methods and articles of manufacture employing same to treat the shoes prior to and/or during and/or after washing the shoes. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions applied to one or more shoes in need of treatment prior to and/or during and/or after washing the shoes for imparting a desired benefit to the shoes such as cleaning and/or conditioning and/or disinfecting and/or deodorizing.

Abstract: Liquid-for-ink 50 and a main part of colorant 60 for coloring the liquid-for-ink 50 are separately stored within a writing implement. The writing implement is so fabricated that the colorant 60 is added to the liquid-for-ink 50 while the liquid-for-ink 50 is introduced to a writing tip 70.

Abstract: A sudser unit having an entry port, discharge port, and a fluid conduit. The discharge port and fluid conduit extend along a common longitudinal axis, and the entry port extends along a longitudinal axis that intersects the longitudinal axis of the discharge port and fluid conduit at an oblique angle. A water supply, such as a hose, is operably connected to the entry port. A converging nozzle having an opening of smaller diameter than that of the entry port is attached to the discharge port, and a detergent reservoir is attached to the fluid conduit. A valve is disposed between the reservoir and fluid conduit. A valve is disposed between the reservoir and fluid conduit to permit selective mixing of the water and detergent, and selective metering of the mixed composition.

Abstract: A cleaning device provided with a detergent control structure includes a tube, a connector, a control valve, and a handle. The tube is elongated and has a spray head and a cleaning element at a front end thereof. A rear end of the tube is connected to the handle provided with the control valve. The connector is internally divided into first and second channels and is coupled to a detergent box at a bottom end thereof. The control valve includes a securing block and a rotary block that are respectively provided with two round holes and a round hole. In use, the handle is connected to a water hose to allow input of water. By turning the handle to cause the round hole of the rotary block to align with the first round hole of the securing block and the first channel of the connector, clean water can be ejected from the spray head.

Abstract: A device for cleaning surfaces, especially curved or irregular surfaces. The cleaning device includes a base including a generally flat plate possessing a plurality of holes and a conical projection extending away from one side of the plate. The distal end of the conical projection is adapted to receive a longitudinal end of a hollow rod or pole. The device also includes a pillow filled with polystyrene pellets which is glued to the flat base, adjacent to the holes. A cleaning fluid may be delivered under pressure through the hollow rod, into the cavity of the conical projection, and through the holes of the plate to the pillow. Alternatively, a vacuum suction source may be applied to the interior of the hollow rod, whereby liquid in the pillow is sucked through the holes and into the cavity. Alternatively, a generally rectangular cover may selectively surround the pillow, with the corners of the cover being selectively crimped in serrated slits in the peripheral edge of the plate.

Abstract: A capillary writing medium colorant reservoir system for a writing instrument and process for producing the colorant reservoir. The main problem in such colorant reservoirs is the storage time. During this time, the writing capacity of new writing instruments declines since the walls of the writing instruments are, if only slightly, permeable to solvents. In the long run a stored writing instrument thus dries out and loses the major proportion of its original writing capacity. To this end, the invention has a colorant reservoir with an elongated reservoir body made of fibrous material. The reservoir body is surrounded by a sleeve which is permeable to liquids and gases and gives the reservoir body its shape. The reservoir stores colorant to produce liquid writing medium, the colorant being stored between the fibers of the fibrous material of the reservoir body in dry form. A single-part or multipart wick projects from either side of the reservoir body.

Abstract: A hair coloring system is provided including a first chamber for containing a first liquid therein. The first chamber includes an outboard face with a brush mounted thereon and an inboard face with a piercing tip. Also included is a second chamber for containing a second liquid. The second chamber includes an outboard face having a membrane secured therein for being pierced upon the engagement of the first chamber and the second chamber. This allows the mixing of the liquids and dispensing thereof via the brush.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a predetermined quantity of a multi-component composition in which the composition includes a first component and a second component in a predetermined weight to weight ratio, and in which the first component and said second component undergo an undesirable chemical reaction with each other when brought into contact with each other. The apparatus includes a receptacle for storing one of the first component or the second component that is adapted to receive the other of the first component or the second component from a separate source to form the predetermined quantity of multi-component composition having the first component and the second component in a predetermined weight to weight ratio.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coloring agent and process for preparing yeast cell ghosts having a light color and less flavor. The yeast cell ghosts are to be contained as a component of the coloring agent. Further, the yeast cell ghosts contain a proportion of intact yeast cell walls and one color source. The color source is selected based upon the desired color in the coloring agent and in any product in which the coloring agent is used, such as a pigment or dye. Also uses for the coloring agent are disclosed, such as their use in foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The coloring agents must be acceptable for food and pharmaceutical use. The steps for making the yeast cell ghosts are sequential and involve extracting yeast debris having a solids content not exceeding 20% by weight. An acid is used to perform the extraction and further treatment of the extracted debris with an alkali to obtain whole cells and cells having disrupted cell walls.

Abstract: An erasable ink composition comprising a waterborne polyurethane-urea containing dye moiety covalently bonded thereto. The ink is intended for use in any of a variety of marking instruments, in particular, a ball-point pen.

Abstract: A two or more part dispenser is provided having an elongated flexible housing which defines an interior chamber. A disc(s) is contained within the chamber and is movable from a closed to an open position. In its closed position, the disc(s) divides the chamber into two or more subchambers, each of which contains a different liquid. A collar is slidably mounted to the housing and coaxially disposed around each disc to maintain the disc in its closed position. Upon displacement of the collar away from the disc, a finger on the collar compresses the housing an displaces the disc to its open position thus allowing the two or more liquids in the subchambers to intermix together. A dispensing nozzle assembly having an outlet is fluidly connected by a fluid passageway to the housing chamber. A normally closed valve is positioned in series with this passageway so that, when the valve is moved to its open position, liquid within the housing chamber is dispensed out through the nozzle outlet.

Abstract: A compact, single-use stylus applicator is disclosed having a dry medication (e.g. a dehydrated topical astringent disinfectant that is adapted to treat acne and has been reduced to crystalline form by lyophilization) stored in a first chamber. A liquid diluent is stored in a second chamber. Fluid communication between the first and second chambers is blocked by a barrier. By compressing the second chamber, a corresponding hydraulic pressure is generated in the diluent which defeats the fluid blocking integrity of the barrier. Accordingly, the diluent in the second chamber is introduced under pressure to the dry medication in the first chamber to rehydrate and activate the acne medication. The reconstituted multi-constituent liquid medication is absorbed by a stylus-shaped swab so as to be applied directly to a tissue area as a topical treatment for acne or other skin disorders.

Abstract: A felt tip pen, marker or liner having a casing, in which a reservoir containing a dry or pasty colored pigment is arranged such that it can be soaked with a liquid dissolving and absorbing the colored pigment. A wick like connecting element capable of capillary action penetrates both ends of the reservoir and is in contact with the dry or pasty colored pigment. The rear end of the wick like connecting element is in contact with a supply of liquid. The liquid is drawn through the wick like element by capillary action and the dry or pasty colored pigment is dissolved and mixed with the liquid as the liquid is drawn through the wick like element. The resulting writing material is drawn to the front end of the wick like connecting element and is deposited in a writing material reservoir. A writing tip capable of capillary action is arranged such that it is in contact with the writing material supply. The writing material is drawn though the writing tip by capillary action.

Abstract: The storage and dispensing unit comprises a container, a stoppering device and an applicator device. The stoppering device comprises a sleeve wherewith it is fitted on to the container and which carries the applicator device, and a closing cap comprising an external skirt surrounding the sleeve and an internal skirt delimiting with a top a compartment for an additional product intended to be added to that contained in the container.The cap is capable of displacement in relation to the sleeve, a bead of the skirt being disengaged from a groove of the sleeve for catch engagement in another groove, the skirt sliding in a leakproof manner around a skirt of the device, and a perforator of the cap coming during this action to pierce a foil which is carried by the device and closes the compartment, for the additional product to drop to allow the additional product into the container through the openings of the applicator device. The device is usable for the storage of nail varnish.

Abstract: An improved hose end sprayer is provided in which chemical concentrate from a reservoir circumscribing a tube secured to the end of the hose is gradually fed into a liquid stream passing through the tube. A back pressure baffle is fitted within the tube between a pair of holes spaced in the tube in the portion thereof circumscribed by the reservoir walls. A first of the holes permits gradually release of liquid concentrate within the reservoir when under pressure into the tube. This hole is positioned downstream of the baffle. A partition within the chamber is fitted over the tube, at least a portion thereof being movable under pressure from liquid within the tube passing through the second hole upstream of the baffle into the reservoir. This action causes sufficient pressure on the concentrate to cause its gradual release through the first hole into the tube.

Abstract: A shaft has a plunger forming a piston slidingly movable in a distal end of the shaft and constrained by a spring acting against a constriction formed in the shaftway of the shaft, a disk mounted in the shaft connected by an aperture to a narrow shaft the other end of which is attached to another disk mounted in the shaft, the chamber between the disk and the plunger containing a medium the chamber between the disks containing a pigment, apertures in the walls of the narrow shaft permitting mixing of the medium and the pigment, apertures in the other disk permitting dispensing of the pigment and medium into a dispensing chamber, a variety of tips attachable to a proximal end of the shaft including bristle brush tips, felt tips and fiber tips.

Abstract: A cleaner for carpets, rugs and the like has a roller or brush or the like by means of which cleaning foam is to be applied to the particular textile. It is further provided with two or more chambers, each adapted to contain a chemical component. The chemical components in the several chambers are of the type which, upon contact with one another, will spontaneously react and produce foam for cleaning purposes. An arrangement is provided for permitting the controlled contacting of these components with one another so as to produce the requisite foam which is supplied to the roller or brush.