Abstract: An apparatus for launching streamers is disclosed in which the streamers remain connected to the user's hand during and after launch.

Abstract: A particulate matter propulsion apparatus (10) for propelling confetti (94) or similar from a greeting card (12). The propulsion device includes a particulate matter receptacle (14) attached to a supporting means (16), the supporting means (16) being store energy such that when the card (12) is opened the particulate matter (94) is propelled from the card (12).

Abstract: A particulate matter propulsion apparatus (10) for propelling confetti (94) or similar from a greeting card (12). The propulsion device includes a particulate matter receptacle (14) attached to a supporting means (16), the supporting means (16) being store energy such that when the card (12) is opened the particulate matter (94) is propelled from the card (12).

Abstract: An amusement device for selectively discharging a pressurized medium from a user's palm, in effect, enabling a person to mimic Spider Man. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a hand strap which is adapted to be positioned about the palm area of a user, a canister holder which is connected to the hand strap, and a canister of a stringy web like material. With the present invention a user can dispense the web like material from their palm.

Abstract: A water-pistol and puppet assembly in which the pistol is concealed within the puppet, yet is fully operable. The pistol includes a hand grip provided with a trigger, a liquid reservoir and a pump which when the trigger is pulled then draws liquid from the reservoir and pumps it into the barrel of the pistol from whose outlet nozzle the liquid is ejected. The puppet includes a head having an open mouth that simulates that of a human or animal-like figure and a costume shroud simulating the body of the figure associated with the head. The shroud is provided with open top end defining a neck that is attached to the head and an open bottom end affording access to the interior of the shroud in which the pistol is housed. The barrel of the pistol is socketed in the head of the puppet with its outlet nozzle in alignment with the open mouth. When a player extends his hand through the open bottom end of the shroud to grasp the grip of the pistol, he then appears to be holding the puppet.

Abstract: A system for detecting trace concentrations of an analyte in air includes a preconcentrator for the analyte and an analyte detector. The preconcentrator includes an elongated tubular container comprising a wettable material. The wettable material is continuously wetted with an analyte-sorbing liquid which flows from one part of the container to a lower end. Sampled air flows through the container in contact with the wetted material with a swirling motion which results in efficient transfer of analyte vapors or aerosol particles to the sorbing liquid and preconcentration of traces of analyte in the liquid. The preconcentrated traces of analyte may be either detected within the container or removed therefrom for injection into a separate detection means or for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A novelty knife for use for simulating impact includes a resilient blade formed of shape retentive material having a bottom edge and a fluid reservoir bulb mounted as a handle, wherein the fluid reservoir bulb includes fluid communication through a plurality of conduits directed through the blade and exiting along the blade's lower edge adjacent the blade's tip, with a fluid dye contained within the reservoir for ease of replenishment.

Abstract: An exercise step/bench for aerobic climbing and dance includes a base in the form of a horizontal platform having a downwardly and outwardly extending apron disposed at an angle greater than 0.degree. and less than 90.degree.. A leg is mounted against the apron at each corner of the platform. The leg is movable from an active position where it extends downwardly beyond the apron to a stored condition where it is mounted against or in the base within the periphery of the apron.