Abstract: A method for creating a composite work of fine art, that is the combination of two works of fine art. Generally, the first work of fine art will provide the setting and will include a figure (e.g., a person,, an animal, or an inanimate object) to correspond to all or a portion of a figure in the second work. After the first and second works are created as works of fine art, typically hand-created paintings, they are digitized and imported into image editing software. There, the works are conformed and the second image is pasted into the first. The final product is then printed as a work of fine art; as a lithograph, print, or as having the appearance of a hand-created painting.

Abstract: A multi-use motorcycle apparatus and method therefor capable of being easily transported and configured into any of three different apparatuses usable for motorcycles: (a) a towing trailer for a motorcycle where the trailer is dimensioned to be coupled to a vehicle receiver hitch; (b) a frame lift for lifting and supporting the frame of a motorcycle; and (c) a motorcycle lock.

Abstract: A bingo game in which bingo numbers are assigned to at least five different groups. The groups are preferably identified by color, and the size of the groups preferably vary, with the result that a bingo consisting of a combination of numbers from the smallest group will be harder to achieve than a bingo consisting of a combination of numbers from a larger group. The jackpot sizes will vary in relation to the difficulty of achieving a particular bingo. The group sizes are within certain preferred ranges, designed to minimize the risk of premature bingos and thus to increase jackpot size and player excitement. Preferably, image type indicia are also added to certain of the numbers, creating additional bingo combinations and jackpot opportunities.

Abstract: A three-wheeled roller skate and method therefore, comprising a substantially shoe-shaped foot receptacle, two heel end wheels rotatably coupled to an axis, and a toe end wheel smaller in diameter than the two heel end wheels and positioned in front of and spaced apart from the toe end of the skater's foot, allowing a user to maximize both stability as well as speed.

Abstract: A modular system and method for increasing the functionality of a vehicle bed, consisting of a rectangular panel having substantially the width of a vehicle bed and mounting plates on the interior of the vehicle bed. The mounting plates are positioned so as to permit installation of a rectangular panel alternatively in a parallel and vertical orientation relative to the bed of the vehicle. Preferably, at least two rectangular panels are provided so that at least three of the following can be provided: a bed expander, storage unit, work shelf, rack system, ramp, seat, wind-deflector, and divider.

Abstract: A combination earrings and nape chain and method therefor comprising a set of earrings and a chain coupled thereto. One embodiment of the combination earrings and nape chain comprises a chain dimensioned to restrict the movement of hair proximate the nape. Another embodiment of the combination earrings and nape chain comprises a chain dimensioned to adorn the nape. In all embodiments, the length of the chain varies in proportion to the size of the nape, the amount and type of hair, and the personal preference of the wearer.

Abstract: A system and method for preserving stored foods. The system and method utilizes an apparatus for generating ozone and other atoms and molecules resulting from the bombardment of a feed gas with electrons having, preferably, a first electrode positioned within a channel in a second electrode. The first electrode is a substantially sealed tube made of dielectric material, having at least one electron gun positioned proximate an end for firing electrons into the first electrode. In electrical communication with the electron gun is a rod, maintained in a tube also made of dielectric material, which acts to maintain a constant energy level through the length of the rod and thus the length of the electrode. Within the first electrode is an inert gas which, upon the firing of the electron gun, is formed into a plasma.

Abstract: A retention device and method for retaining a gas delivery system provide improved safety and comfort for the recipient of oxygen or other gaseous mixture. The retention device includes a tube holder for maintaining a tension on a supply tube of a gas delivery system and an ear stop for transferring the tension of the supply tube to the back of an ear of the recipient. The device is generally molded from a flexible plastic material and includes a tube holder portion defining a cylindrical cavity therethrough for receiving and applying tension to a supply tube and an ear stop portion extending downwards from and end of said tube holder portion so that the tube holder portion may be placed over the recipient's ear and the ear stop placed behind the recipient's ear. A pair of the retention devices will generally be used, one for each ear.

Abstract: A system and method for treating water to be used for irrigation. The system and method utilizes an apparatus for generating ozone and other atoms and molecules resulting from the bombardment of a feed gas with electrons has, preferably, a first electrode positioned within a channel in a second electrode. The first electrode is a substantially sealed tube made of dielectric material, having at least one electron gun positioned proximate an end thereof for firing electrons into the first electrode. In electrical communication with the electron gun is a rod, maintained in a tube also made of dielectric material, which acts to maintain a constant energy level through the length of the rod and thus the length of the electrode. Within the first electrode is an inert gas which, upon the firing of the electron gun, is formed into a plasma.

Abstract: A method for treating circulatory disorders by exposing the sufferer to acoustic waves from a transducer immersed in liquid. The person is preferably placed between one and twenty feet from the wave source, and is preferably exposed to waves at a frequency of about 600 Hertz for approximately twenty five minutes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for diagnosing mechanical problems in turbocharged engines. In its preferred embodiment, the apparatus consists of a boot that is coupled to a turbocharge system—preferably at the air inlet thereof. The, apparatus further includes a source of air pressure that may be delivered to the turbocharge system, a first pressure gauge to measure the pressure of the air that is being delivered, and a second pressure gauge to measure the pressure of the air within the turbocharge system. Under pressure, and with the engine off, the turbocharge system can be inspected for leaks. In addition, under pressure, the operation of turbocharge system components—such as the wastegate valve/diaphragm and the boost sensor—can also be inspected.

Abstract: A cartilage fragment removal device and method permits the removal of articular cartilage fragments, without undue risk of harm to the healthy cartilage surface. The device consists of a brush attachment located at the end of a shaft, which shaft is in turn coupled to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism imparts a desired brushing motion to the brush attachment, the bristles of which are brought into contact with the articular cartilage fragment during an arthroscopic procedure so as to cause the fragment's removal. The removed fragment is then suctioned from the joint cavity, preferably using a suction tube that is integral to the cartilage fragment removal device.

Abstract: A portable wipe product for use in cleaning objects, such as pacifiers, bottles, teething objects, and cups that are to be placed in a child's mouth. The wipes are dispensed from a portable dispenser. The wipes are covered with an aqueous mixture that, in its basic form, includes purified water, one of an emulsifier and a surfactant, a moisture preserving agent, a chelator, a preservative, and an acidulant. Flavoring and an anti-oxidant may also be added.

Abstract: An improved travelling valve has a ball which is positioned on a seal stem, so that the ball is reliably centered when seated on the valve seat, reducing damage to the ball and seat from improper seating and providing increased efficiency for deviated or non-vertical pumping operations and the pumping of highly viscous fluids such as heavy crude. The improved travelling valve is constructed so that a lower portion of the valve rotates during pumping, and thereby imparts rotational movement to the fluid passed therethrough. Such rotational movement of the valve and fluid helps reduce gas lock, and reduces damage to the ball, seat, and valve exterior from impurities in the pumped fluid. Preferably, rotational movement is caused by angled channels in an interior portion of a vein rotator positioned at the bottom of the travelling valve, working in combination with angled channels in the seal stem.

Abstract: An ergonomic hand rest that may be either mounted on an existing gaming machine or included as a standard feature in a new machine includes an interface member adapted to be connected to the gaming machine. A support member has a base arranged to be connected to the interface member and a support plate extending from the base. A wrist cushion has a recess in which the support plate extends when the wrist cushion, the interface member and the support member are assembled together. The interface member includes means for coupling the interface member to the gaming machine.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a visible marker when at least two objects are combined. The visible marker may be any desired marking but, in the preferred embodiment, is a heart-shape. The two objects may be two-dimensional, such as cards, or three-dimensional, such as toys or household items. The creation of the visible marker by bringing two objects into proximity can show common origin and manufacture and, where a heart-shape is used, can send positive social and moral messages of love and togetherness.

Abstract: A new method of playing multiple-draw poker that provides players with the opportunity to progressively build poker hands by duplicating held cards from a latest completed hand into a new hand.

Abstract: A method for playing an improved version of Caribbean Stud poker is disclosed which includes providing any player playing against a dealer an option to bet an additional amount only equal to the player's Ante bet after receipt of the player's five cards; and paying any player playing against the dealer who has bet the same additional amount as the Ante bet a bonus payout of multiple times the additional bet amount according to a pre-set bonus payout schedule for the player receiving a hand having a poker value from two pair to a Royal Flush regardless of whether or not the dealer qualified with a five card hand of an Ace and a King or better and provided that the dealer's hand if it qualifies is not better than the player's hand that would have qualified for the bonus payout.

Abstract: A tobacco smoke containment apparatus and method therefor having the characteristics of limiting the exhaust of harmful smoke particles as well as reducing the overall risk of accidental fire by containing a smoking tobacco product inside a closed receptacle.