Abstract: A ball pitching device that, prior to release and delivery of the ball to a receiver, propels the ball through a circular loop or semi-circular arc in a manner that is visible to the receiver to simulate the path of a person's hand in the act of throwing. The invention enable a more realistic simulation of an overhand or side arm throwing motion as are commonly used for pitching baseballs and to also simulate the underhand throwing motion used in softball.

Abstract: A process for refining the results of a query to an internet search engine database by the use of user feedback is disclosed. It is a method to allow a user to rate the relevancy of URLs returned for a specific query. The relevancy ratings for a specific query are combined by the internet search engine with data from a user profile of personal information defined by the user. The internet search engine can determine which items of data in the profile are common between users who have rated a query result highly. The search engine can then modify the search algorithm to return those URLs rated highly by users with common profile attributes. The benefit to the internet is more efficient searching and retrieval of information for users.

Abstract: A radio controlled toy vehicle having a frame comprised of a first frame portion and a transmission assembly portion. The transmission assembly portion having two wheels connected to an axle to support the transmission assembly and an electric motor and gear system for moving the toy vehicle in a forward or reverse direction. The toy vehicle has a gear box with an electric motor a first and second rotatable cam. A rod connected to the transmission assembly and rotatably mounted on a pin and engaging a rod from on of the first rotatable cam to act as a cam follower moving the rod in an up and down direction when the first rotatable cam rotates thereby extending the transmission assembly. A second rod connected to a third wheel and engaging a rod located on the second rotatable cam distal to the wheel and acting as a cam follower wherein the rod moves in an up and down direction when the second rotatable cam rotates, thereby extending the wheel attached at the distal end of the rod.

Abstract: In a hypodermic needle having an end that attaches to a syringe, an elongated hollow shaft for passing fluid terminated at a sharpened point; the improvement comprising an electrically insulating layer positioned on the shaft and at least one electrically conductive area positioned on the insulating layer. The electrically conductive area being adapted to be connected to an electrical source. A method of determining when a hypodermic needle penetrates into tissue, vein, or lumen by providing an electrical source; connecting the electrical source electrically to a hypodermic needle designed to provide two electrically conducting portions, spaced apart from each other, and near a point on the hypodermic needle.

Abstract: A batting tee in which the mount for the ball is positioned lower than the other components of the batting tee to encourage a level swing at the ball and to protect the mount from damage from the impact of a bat. The batting tee includes a base, an upright, and a swing arm, the mount for the ball being integral with the end of the swing arm opposite the end mounted to the upright. The swing arm is preferably pivotally and telescopically received in the upright so that the position of the ball can be varied.

Abstract: A low insertion force connector contact assembly (122) has two contacts (136, 144) which are separated by insulation (143) from one another to provide separate circuit paths for separately engaging a mating contact (166) of a mating connector (22) in a Kelvin test configuration. The contact (144) engages the mating contact (166) of the mating connector (22) for applying current and voltage to the mating contact (166). The contact (136) engages the mating contact (166) for measuring the voltages of the mating contact (166). Preferably, the contact (144) is a spring biased plunger which is urged from a retracted position to an extended position. In the extended position, the contact (144) pushes the contact (136) aside of a position for engaging the mating contact (166).

Abstract: A memory system for use in a computer system, includes a plurality of volatile solid state memory devices that retain information when an electrical power source is applied to the memory devices within a predetermined voltage range, and are capable of being placed in a self refresh mode. The memory devices have respective address and control lines, and a control device for selectively electrically isolating the memory devices from respective address lines and respective control lines so that when the memory devices are electrically isolated, any signals received on the respective address lines and respective control lines do not reach the memory devices.

Abstract: A system for displaying products generally forming a queue having a rear product on a display surface having a rear portion and a front portion, comprising an arranging mechanism operable for moving the products selectively and manually from the rear portion of the display surface towards the front portion of the display surface. The arranging mechanism comprises a positioning element having a vertical portion adapted to engage the rear product in the queue from a rear side of the rear product towards the front portion of the display surface and having a horizontal portion extending generally parallel to the display surface. The system further has a supporting mechanism on each of the products that defines an open pathway from one side of one of the products to a substantially opposite side of the one of the products. The open pathway is adapted to receive the horizontal portion of the arranging mechanism.

Abstract: A system for displaying products generally forming a queue on a display surface comprising a receiving apparatus operable for receiving products to be displayed. The receiving apparatus includes a surface for receiving the products in a queue. The surface has front and rear portions and is magnetically attracted to a magnet. The system also has an arranging mechanism operable for moving the products selectively and manually from the rear portion of the surface towards the front portion of the surface. The arranging mechanism comprises a positioning element having a vertical portion adapted to engage the rear product in the queue from the rear side of the product and has a horizontal portion extending parallel to the surface towards the front portion of the surface. The first and second elements each have a base with an upper and lower portion. The first and second elements are spaced apart and define a channel to receive and to support the products on the upper portions.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for securing and controlling dental floss while in the process of flossing one's teeth. The apparatus comprises a set of prostheses, one for each hand, to reside on a particular digit. Each finger prosthesis has a mechanical attachment point for dental floss. A section of dental floss has each end terminated on the mechanical attachment point. Each finger prosthesis is secured to the user by a mechanical device. The finger prosthesis comprises an adjustable member which extends the floss attachment point beyond the user's finger and or finger nail. The finger prosthesis distributes the mechanical loads encountered during flossing in a comfortable and painless manner over the user's extremities, thus promoting a positive experience and encouraging frequent flossing of one's teeth, all of which leads to better dental and overall health.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve cover system in which the valve cover has a distinctive shape of a regular octagon and indicia identifying its function and relationship to the system it controls. In addition, the invention relates to a valve cover system which has a set of extensions on a valve cover socket so that the valve cover can follow ground movement and remain relatively level with the ground. Other improvements include a locking mechanism that inhibits removal of the valve cover thereby discouraging vandalism and a low friction telescopic extension to allow movement of the valve cover without damaging the conduit between the valve and the valve cover.

Abstract: A waste water disposal system, comprising a frame including a relatively rigid outer portions and a flexible portion generally extending between the outer portions; a pair of wheels rotatably mounted on the frame and operable for moving the frame by rolling the frame on the wheels; and a flexible and collapsible container positioned on the flexible portion and having an opening for receiving waste water; and a hose connected to the opening of the container for receiving the waste water. The flexible and collapsible container expands as waste water fills the container. The system includes an attaching mechanism operable for connecting the wheels detachably to the frame in an arrangement in which the center of gravity of the frame and flexible portion combined is positioned lower than a coaxial line defined by the centers of the wheels. The frame comprising rotatable sections enabling the frame to be folded to minimize the space it would occupy allowing the system to be folded and stored conveniently.

Abstract: A surgical scrub brush-sponge has an extension in providing additional surface area for cleansing and retaining solvents and solutions used during the cleansing process. Where a portion of the sponge-like element of the brush extends beyond the base of the brush and conforms to an end of the base. Additionally, the portion may be made to extend beyond the base covering the brush bristles on that end of the brush-sponge.

Abstract: An automobile window insert is used in conjunction with an automobile window frame that includes a slot and a bottom portion and has a moveable window within the window frame slot that can be moved downward into the window frame slot. The window insert has a mechanism that inhibits the insert from moving into the window frame slot beyond a predetermined depth and is shaped to be inserted into said window frame slot when the window is moved downward into the window frame slot so that the inhibiting mechanism rests on the bottom portion of the window frame. The window frame and the window insert in conjunction define an opening suitable for use by a driver to allow the driver to conveniently rest an arm or an elbow on the bottom portion of the window frame while seated in the automobile.

Abstract: A crossbow for shooting projectiles includes a frame with flexible bow arms and a bowstring connecting the arms, a trigger assembly for retaining the bowstring in a cocked position and releasing to propel the projectile, and a hollow barrel with interior rifling into which projectiles are loaded and through which they are expelled. A firing bolt is connected to the bowstring and located in the barrel to transfer force from the bowstring to the projectile. In the prior art, such firing bolts contact the barrel interior, resulting in friction and wear of the rifling. In this invention, the barrel includes an elongated slot (317) therealong. The firing bolt (324) is slidably supported on rails (329) on the exterior of the barrel. The firing bolt includes a driving member (338, 327) which extends through the slot to contact the projectile, but does not contact the barrel interior walls, thus propelling the projectile without causing friction and wear within the barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus operable for monitoring physiological vital signs of a human body without physically contacting the body is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor operable to transform a movement and/or acoustical wave produced by the body into an electrical signal, a signal processor coupled to the sensor and operable to receive the electrical signal from the sensor and to process the electrical signal adaptively using wavelet correlator analysis. The signal processor provides an output signal indicative of the movement and/or acoustical wave producing the electrical signal. Typically, the apparatus can be used to monitor heart rate, respiration rate and related sounds, digestive system sounds as well as other physiological vital signs considered both essential and desirable for the evaluation of the health of a person.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for manufacturing semiconductor devices from silicon semiconductor wafers, comprising forming device operable forming a silicon semiconductor wafer, oxidizing device operable for forming an oxidation gate on the silicon semiconductor wafer and thereafter, a testing arrangement for testing the silicon semiconductor wafer for contaminants using a test drop; wherein the improvement comprises, rotating device operable for receiving the wafer and for rotating in one direction and the opposite direction at predetermined rates in response to first electrical signals; carrier device operable for being positioned on the silicon semiconductor wafer and for retaining at least a portion of the test drop in contact with the wafer during relative movements of the carrier device over the surface of the wafer while substantially eliminating direct contact between the carrier device and the wafer; radial moving device operable for moving the carrier device along a predetermined radial path re

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing a cooled liquid, comprising a receptacle defining a compartment and having a wall with a hole defined in it; a thermoelectric device operable for producing a first surface having a relatively cool temperature and a second surface having a relatively elevated temperature, and a heat sink means adjacent to the second surface and operable for removing heat from the second surface to reduce its temperature. A thermally conductive probe is in direct physical contact with the first surface of the thermoelectric device and extends through the hole in the wall. The first surface has substantially complete physical contact with the probe. A connecting arrangement urges and maintains direct physical contact between the probe and the first surface. A sealing arrangement maintains the probe positioned through the hole in the wall while inhibiting any leaking of the liquid through the hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for removing an organic compound capable of forming a negative azeotrope mixture with water from a vapor stream using condensation, comprising a conducting system for providing a path for communicating the vapor stream into a condensation region; first sensing apparatus positioned in the path and operable for detecting and for evaluating the mass rate flow of the organic compound in the vapor stream flowing towards the condensation region; a second sensing apparatus positioned in the path operable for sensing the temperature in the condensation region; first supplying apparatus operable for supplying water in the form of a mist or vapor into the vapor stream; second supplying apparatus operable for supplying a hydrophobic agent into the vapor stream; third supplying apparatus operable for supplying air at a predetermined temperature into the vapor stream so that the temperature of the vapor stream is at a temperature at least above the lowest boiling point of the mixture of t