Abstract: The inventive fiber manufacturing process is particularly adapted for demanding applications such as sports racquets, including tennis racquets, badminton racquets and other sports applications. Because of the improved strength to weight ratio of components formed using the inventive method, a wide range of flexibility is achieved, allowing use of the inventive process to manufacture, for example, a fiber reinforced (for example, graphite) modular sports racquet, optionally provided with user-selectable weights and/or handle replacements. From the standpoint of the player, this allows a racquet frame featuring self customization. From the standpoint of a retailer, the benefit provided is reduction of inventory. The inventive fiber, for example graphite fiber) racquet frame is filled with a plastic foam and is formed using, for example, microencapsulation technology to time, generate and apply the pressure used to form the graphite composite material of which the racquet is comprised.

Abstract: An anchoring member comprises a support structure and at least one anchor secured to the anchoring member. An anchor deflection member supports the anchoring member for sliding longitudinal movement in directions which result in advancement and retraction of a point on the anchor. A deflection lip is positioned relatively inwardly with respect to the guide surface. The deflection lip is positioned to outwardly deflect the point of the anchor as the anchor is advanced from a position removed from the deflection lip toward the deflection lip into contact with the deflection lip and beyond the deflection lip.

Abstract: The inventive ablation element comprises an elongated cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula defines an internal lumen within the cannula and a cannula axis. A plurality of conductors contained within the lumen, each of the conductors has a proximal end proximate the proximal end of the cannula, and a distal end proximate the distal end of the cannula. A plurality of ablation stylets each has a proximal end and a distal end, and each coupled at the respective proximal end of the stylet to the distal end of a respective conductor, the stylets comprise a deflectable material, the conductors together with their respective stylets being mounted for axial movement. A trocar point defined proximate the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: Consumer incentives are delivered by maintaining a database of consumer-customer club members and identification data. The retailing transaction is conducted by receiving a consumer-customer for a retail sales transaction at a first retail establishment. An identification input associated with said consumer-customer is received at the first retail establishment. The identification input is compared to the identification data to determine whether the identification input is associated with a consumer-customer club member. In response to a determination that an identification input which is associated with a consumer-customer club member, an incentive generating rule is applied to the retail sales transaction. In response to a determination that the identification input is not associated with a consumer-customer club member, a club membership is offered to the consumer-customer.

Abstract: A self aligning folding guitar comprises a neck portion, and a body portion. They hinge it is mounted to the neck portion and the body portion. A first alignment member is secured to the neck portion. The second alignment member is secured to the body portion, the second alignment member meeting with the first alignment member at a substantially fixed position. A securement member secures the first alignment member to the second alignment member.

Abstract: A folding guitar comprising a guitar body and guitar neck is disclosed. A hinge connects the guitar body to the guitar neck. The hinge is disposed on one side of the guitar body and guitar neck. A latch plate is secured to the other side of one of the guitar body or guitar neck. A catch member is secured to the other side of the other one of the guitar body or guitar neck. The catch member defines a catch member catch surface. A latch arm is pivotally mounted to the latch plate. A hitch arm is pivotally mounted to the latch arm. A securement member mounted on the hitch arm, the securement member think configured to engage the catch member catch surface. The latch arm, hitch arm and latch plate are configured to vary the distance between the securement member and the catch member catch surface.

Abstract: A central server having a computer readable storage media for storing multimedia material, such as motion pictures and television programming, in digital format is connected to a communications network such as the Internet. Exhibitors, such as theaters and television stations, can access the central server, preview available programming, verify the ownership of such material, review contract provisions for obtaining and paying for the desired programming, and download the programming along with marketing materials for the program or movie. The central server loads material onto the storage media as its received from producers and owners of such material. In addition, central server retains data retains data regarding requests for material, such as titles requested, who requested such, and where the requesters are located geographically. This information can be used to help producers market their material more economically.

Abstract: The inventive ablation element comprises an elongated cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula defines an internal lumen within the cannula and a cannula axis. A plurality of conductors contained within the lumen, each of the conductors has a proximal end proximate the proximal end of the cannula, and a distal end proximate the distal end of the cannula. A plurality of ablation stylets each has a proximal end and a distal end, and each coupled at the respective proximal end of the stylet to the distal end of a respective conductor, the stylets comprise a deflectable material, the conductors together with their respective stylets being mounted for axial movement. A trocar point defined proximate the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention apparatus is provided for monitoring the activity of a surgeon. The apparatus comprises a plurality of wireless sensing units for producing an output indicative of nerve stimulation. A receiver takes the output of the receiver units and produces at its output a plurality of signals each corresponding to the output of one of the plurality of wireless sensing units. An analyzer unit receives the plurality of signals each corresponding to the output of one of the plurality of wireless sensing units from the receiver. An indicator responds to the output of the analyzer unit.

Abstract: Gel particles or beads can be prepared by forming a hot aqueous solution of a gelling agent, and discharging the hot gelling agent solution through a discharge orifice into a cold moving stream of hydrophobic liquid so that the gelling agent solution cools rapidly and good quality gel particles coalesce in the cold hydrophobic liquid stream. The cold hydrophobic liquid stream can be contained in a conduit so that the cold hydrophobic liquid stream moves past the discharge orifice and exerts a force on hot solution in the discharge orifice, the force acting to withdraw the hot solution from the discharge orifice. Optionally, the gel particles can be crushable gel beads 10 formed of an agar complex providing cosmetic, pharmaceutical, etc. delivery vehicles for topical delivery of biologically or cosmetically active agents. Preferred agar beads 10 are complexes of a continuous phase of agar gel 12 in a self-supporting solid or semi-solid form with a restraining polymer 14.

Abstract: Stable and uniform distribution of gel beads or other particulate material, dispersed in a liquid medium can be obtained by including a density-reducing agent within the gel beads to provide the particle with a desired bulk density, for example a density close to that of the disperse liquid medium. Suitable density control can prevent migration due to gravity leading to settling in storage. Gel beads formulated with agar are suitable for use in cosmetics and for inclusion in cosmetics formulating processes which may employ modestly elevated temperatures. Attractive and novel cosmetics bead suspensions are described. Additional to cosmetics, pharmaceutical, foodstuff and other applications are disclosed. Examples of suitable density-reducing agents include very low density hollow polymeric microspheres and temperature-sensitive expandable thermoplastic microspheres.

Abstract: Through putting the coils of a tattoo machine in an angle and mounting an equivalently bent hammer on a, although in a (little more than the before mentioned ones), angle fixed spring mount we obtain a machine that is stronger than other machines compared in size and lighter and shorter than other machines that are comparable in power. A marking device with an oscillating needle. The needle is attached through a needle bar on an armature bar which is attracted by an electromagnetic assembly. A from rear to front ascending angled stair-like milled yoke supports the electromagnetic assembly, which consists of one lower and one higher coil. A spring mount with an adequate angle is mounted to the side plates. An inversely proportional bent armature bar levels that before mentioned angle. The armature bar is attached through a spring to the spring mount. The angle of the set-up procures the oscillating armature bar with a both forth and downward motion, following a so called arc principle.

Abstract: The inventive hinge includes a first hinge butt defining a pair of first and second races for receiving a first Soss sliding hinge pin. A second hinge butt defines a pair of third and fourth races for receiving a second Soss sliding hinge pin. The first hinge butt includes a first screw hole and the second hinge butt includes a second screw hole. A first Soss link assembly is mounted between and in the first and third races. A second Soss link assembly is mounted between and in the second and fourth races, the second Soss link assembly being positioned adjacent and spaced apart from, as well as extending in the same direction as the first Soss link assembly.

Abstract: A method of advertising a product, comprising assigning a respective telephone number to a plurality of advertising media elements is disclosed. Telephone numbers are assigned and calls are forwarded to be answered by a sales person or persons. The assignment of the telephone numbers to the sales person or persons is communicated to a computer based telephone services provider. The associated telephone number assignments are imprinted, audibly communicated or otherwise included in their respective advertising media elements. Response information such as the number of calls received by the telephone numbers in response to the advertising is recorded.

Abstract: A method and system for customizing a data logging and analysis program. The method includes connecting environmental sensors to a computer or other data collecting device and accessing a workflow customization interface that allows a user to select a customized workflow or optionally to customize a data collection program by selecting at least one action. The method also includes accessing a user interface to run a customized program.

Abstract: A string instrument comprising a neck extension primary member, having a neck extension securement end and a tuning assembly support head end, an extension top and a length extending between the ends, is disclosed. The neck extension primary member defines a neck extension cutaway volume configured to receive a hinge butt. The neck extension cutaway volume extends to be open at the neck extension securement end and open at the top of the neck extension primary member. A neck base primary member has a neck base securement end, a base top and an opposite end. The neck base primary member is made to define a neck base cutaway volume configured to receive a hinge butt. The neck base cutaway volume extends to be open at the neck base securement end and open at the top of the neck base primary member. A hinge has a first hinge butt positioned in the neck extension cutaway volume and a second hinge butt positioned in the neck base cutaway volume.

Abstract: An exercising device for the hand is disclosed. A securement is secured to an anchoring member comprising a band with a pair of ends configured to extend around and be secured to the hand of the user and configured to support the anchoring member in a position overlying the palm of the hand of a user and is coupled to the hand of the user. A plurality of fingertip engaging members are each configured and dimensioned to be secured to a respective fingertip a plurality of fingertip anchorings. Each of the fingertip anchorings is secured to a respective fingertip engaging member. A plurality of respective palm anchorings are secured to the anchoring member. A plurality of respective elastic members each have first and second ends. The first end of each of the elastic members is secured to the fingertip anchorings. The second end of each of the elastic members is secured to the palm anchorings. Alternatively, the securement and the anchoring member comprise a closed loop elastic strap.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the electrothermal field and in particular to the resistive heating elements on the basis of the glass-fibre textile with the pyrocarbon coating and may be used for the production of the heating elements in heaters for both industrial and domestic applications. For obtaining the electrically conducting textile with the wide range of resistance and for broadening its sphere of application, as well as lowering the deposition temperature and retaining low scattering of the resistance along the whole field of the textile, the said textile contains 0.2-15% weight of pyrocarbon of turbostrate structure with hydrogen content up to 2% weight and with density of 0.8-1.5 g/cm3, and 86.0-99.8% weight of glass-fibre textile with the softening temperature at least 650° C. The raw hydrocarbon materials used for pyrocarbon production are hydrocarbon oils with the viscosity of 8 to 23 sSt, which are preliminarily heated to 350-450° C.