Abstract: A method for combusting fuel in an engine involving decreasing a first volume of a gas to a second volume while increasing a pressure and a temperature thereof, then increasing the second volume to a third volume at a constant pressure while adding heat until a predetermined temperature is obtained, and finally increasing the third volume to a fourth volume while adding more heat and decreasing the pressure thereof at the predetermined temperature. Also disclosed is a compound engine including an limited temperature cycle engine which produces exhaust that drives a Lenoir cycle apparatus.

Abstract: Method and system for enabling a first person to produce a customized gift for a second person, including: providing a computer-readable storage medium having a control program and non-customized information stored thereon; obtaining data from the first person which relates to the second person; using the data to generate a customization code; providing the gift and the customization code to the second person; causing the control program to request the customization code from the second person; and using the customization code to select information from the non-customized information to provide a customized display to the second person. The gift is preferably purchased and customized through an Internet website or other electronic system.

Abstract: A microplate cover seal applicator comprising a downwardly spring-biased roller mounted in a pivotal arm which pivots the roller into and out of operative contact with the top face of a microplate. The lower face of the microplate is seated in a well formed in a horizontally moveable platen which is supported on a table-top frame. The platen is manipulated by a rotary handle to repetitively translate the platen in a horizontal forwards and back direction. Suction cups are provided at the base of the frame for temporarily affixing the frame to a work surface, such as a table top surface.

Abstract: A novel wallboard composition is disclosed comprising a unique combination of synthetic binders selected for their ability to establish a strengthened permanent bond in the final dry state in combination with an expanded mineral such as Perlite which largely reduces the amount of gypsum over current gypsum wallboard formulations, thus reducing the weight while maintaining the strength of the wallboard structure. In a preferred embodiment, the lightweight, strengthened wallboard of the present invention also comprises a covering veneer that is applied to the top ply of the face paper to provide increased strength, moisture resistance, and fire retardency, and the back paper top ply is treated to provide increased flexural strength.

Abstract: A novel wallboard composition is disclosed comprising a unique combination of synthetic binders selected for their ability to establish a strengthened permanent bond in the final dry state in combination with an expanded mineral such as Perlite which largely reduces the amount of gypsum over current gypsum wallboard formulations, thus reducing the weight while maintaining the strength of the wallboard structure. In a preferred embodiment, the lightweight, strengthened wallboard of the present invention also comprises a covering veneer that is applied to the top ply of the face paper to provide increased strength, moisture resistance, and fire retardency, and the back paper top ply is treated to provide increased flexural strength.

Abstract: An improved disposable storage and dispensing carafe which allows the easy transport and dispensing of a bulk volume of a hot or cold liquid in a throw-away container. The carafe comprises a rigid frame having a dispensing outlet, a pliable or plastic bag for holding a hot or cold liquid having a rigid spout affixed thereto, means for detachably connecting the rigid spout to the dispensing outlet, and an insulating jacket detachably connected to the frame and enveloping the pliable or plastic bag.

Abstract: A card device including a front card portion and a back card portion hinged together in a manner which enables the card to be opened and closed. The back card portion includes spaced front, rear and side panels which define an interior space therebetween. The card further includes a tape cartridge, such as a VHS video or audio cassette tape, having a drive gear defining an open recess in the tape cartridge, and a carrier device including a carrier portion containing a novelty item, product sample, or other item of value or perceived value. The carrier device and the tape cartridge are positioned in nested relation within the interior space of the back card portion such that the carrier portion is received within the open recess in the tape cartridge. An alternative embodiment uses a compact disk case as the card and a recess in the disk carrier for receiving the novelty item, product sample, or other item.

Abstract: A novel wallboard composition is disclosed comprising a unique combination of synthetic binders selected for their ability to establish a strengthened permanent bond in the final dry state for use in a wallboard composition comprising primarily gypsum, and in a wallboard composition comprising an expanded mineral such as Perlite which largely reduces the amount of gypsum over current gypsum wallboard formulations, thus reducing the weight while maintaining the strength of the wallboard structure. In a preferred embodiment, the lightweight, strengthened wallboard of the present invention also comprises an optional covering veneer that is applied to the top ply of the face paper to provide increased strength, moisture resistance, and fire retardency, and the back paper top ply is treated to provide increased flexural strength.

Abstract: A novel wallboard composition is disclosed comprising a unique combination of synthetic binders selected for their ability to establish a strengthened permanent bond in the final dry state for use in a wallboard composition comprising primarily gypsum, and in a wallboard composition comprising an expanded mineral such as Perlite which largely reduces the amount of gypsum over current gypsum wallboard formulations, thus reducing the weight while maintaining the strength of the wallboard structure. In a preferred embodiment, the lightweight, strengthened wallboard of the present invention also comprises an optional covering veneer that is applied to the top ply of the face paper to provide increased strength, moisture resistance, and fire retardency, and the back paper top ply is treated to provide increased flexural strength.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three dimensional board game comprised of multiple parallel horizontal levels aligned one atop the other, each level comprising a “grid” of play areas. The game is played with a number of color coded game pieces, each color being associated with a single player, and a plurality of game pieces having a different color from all player's game pieces designated as “neutral” game pieces. The game begins with each one of a player's game pieces positioned in a single play area aligned along a vertical plane of the game board structure. In a two player gaming scenario, each player's game pieces are set up on the game board intermingled with neutral game pieces on two opposing ends of the game board structure. For gaming scenarios comprising more than two players, each player's game pieces are set up along an outer vertical plane of the game board structure without neutral game pieces.

Abstract: A card device including a front card portion and a back card portion hinged together in a manner which enables the card to be opened and closed. The back card portion includes spaced front, rear and side panels which define an interior space therebetween. The card further includes a tape cartridge, such as a VHS video or audio cassette tape, having a drive gear defining an open recess in the tape cartridge, and a carrier device including a carrier portion containing a novelty item, product sample, or other item of value or perceived value. The carrier device and the tape cartridge are positioned in nested relation within the interior space of the back card portion such that the carrier portion is received within the open recess in the tape cartridge. An alternative embodiment uses a compact disk case as the card and a recess in the disk carrier for receiving the novelty item, product sample, or other item.

Abstract: A novel wallboard composition is disclosed comprising a unique combination of synthetic binders selected for their ability to establish a strengthened permanent bond in the final dry state in combination with an expanded mineral such as Perlite which largely reduces the amount of gypsum over current gypsum wallboard formulations, thus reducing the weight while maintaining the strength of the wallboard structure. In a preferred embodiment, the lightweight, strengthened wallboard of the present invention also comprises a covering veneer that is applied to the top ply of the face paper to provide increased strength, moisture resistance, and fire retardency, and the back paper top ply is treated to provide increased flexural strength.