Abstract: A security system for use in gaming comprises, in combination, a gaming table, and a plurality of light-sensitive detectors arranged in a pattern on the gaming table. A plurality of indicating lights is provided equal in number and electrically coupled to the plurality of light-sensitive detectors. Interruption of light otherwise passing into any one of the plurality of light-sensitive detectors causes illumination of its own corresponding indicating light to cease during the interruption of light, and the illumination to return once the interruption of light terminates. Each detector of the plurality of light-sensitive detectors comprises a Cadmium Cell detector. An alternative embodiment of the system incorporates fiber-optic cables in lieu of the Cadmium Cell detectors and their associated indicating lights.

Abstract: A combination food container and sealed condiment dispenser, in which a sealed condiment dispenser is fixedly attached to a food container dimensioned to house a finger food.

Abstract: An educational desk mat, system and method for motivating and instructing students includes a merit indicator on a desk mat that is readily visible on a student's desk. The system includes a desk mat for each student and a behavior chart for a teacher. Individual merit indications from the desk mats are recorded on one or more behavior charts, permitting the teacher to track the merit indicators of each student over a school term or other time period. The education desk mat, system and method are also useful in home or home-schooling environments.

Abstract: An illuminated rock and method having the external appearance of a rock and having a light source inside which transmits light through openings in the rock to an outside viewer. Preferably, the light passes through a diffusion screen so as to obscure the actual light element from view, while allowing sufficient light to pass through the design. It is preferred that the design be in the form of a street number, with the illuminated rock being placed proximate a front portion of a home so that the street number may be viewed at night.

Abstract: A locking, hand-held holiday light storage and dispenser device, comprising a base, a rotating tube coupled to the base, and a locking mechanism adapted to lock the rotating tube in position relative to the base in order to permit the storage and dispensing of holiday lights in a tangle-free manner.

Abstract: A vertically ascending flying vehicle and method. The flying vehicle consists of a body, which may be in the shape of a saucer or an airfoil, and an engine located above the body. The engine generates thrust downward onto the top of the body. That thrust causes the body to vertically ascend. To permit horizontal flight, the engine may be rotatable, so that it may alternatively provide vertical or horizontal thrust as desired.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device and method therefor dimensioned to be retained between a person's thighs while swimming. By swimming with the aquatic exercise device in between a swimmer's thighs, a swimmer is able to contract his or her leg muscles against both a horizontal as well as vertical form of resistance. Through this method, the aquatic exercise device enables a swimmer to more fully build leg strength.

Abstract: A golf swing training device and method that is designed to improve a golfer's swing plane, alignment, balance, swing tempo and ball placement skills. The device includes an alignment shaft to act as an aid in aligning the golfer relative to the target and to develop proper balance and ball placement skills, and a template shaft and template for helping a golfer to swing at a desired angle and thus to improve the plane of the golfer's swing.

Abstract: A cabinet for mounting to a wall or ceiling with downward extendable and retractable shelving assembly is provided. The cabinet includes a housing having an open bottom. Disposed within the housing is a shelving assembly having a plurality of shelves. A novel combination of a tension gas spring and telescoping drawer glides are used for mounting the shelving assembly to the housing. When items are needed from the cabinet, the shelving is pulled down until all the shelves are exposed. When access is no longer needed, a light tap to the bottom of the shelving assembly causes the tension gas spring to smoothly retract the shelving assembly back into the housing.

Abstract: A substantially stocking-shaped photograph album and method therefor, comprising a base portion, at least one substantially stocking-shaped leaf coupled to the base portion, and at least one sleeve coupled to the substantially stocking-shaped leaf, wherein the sleeve is dimensioned to receive a photograph in order to provide a way to store and display photographs in a festive photo album. Preferably, an audio device can be activated to play a melody while viewing the pictures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a liquid on the body of a person and discharging the liquid. The apparatus consists of a liquid container that is dimensioned so that a top portion thereof may be inserted between the buttocks of a user. The liquid container is connected to a hose, which is of sufficient length to pass between a user's legs. The hose is capped, so as to prevent accidental discharge of the contained liquid. In the preferred embodiment, the temperature of the contained liquid may be maintained by lining the base of the liquid container with an insulation material and, where necessary, positioning a heat packet within an opening in the insulation material.

Abstract: A combination tailgate cover and seat cushion has a slip cover which covers a front side and a rear side of a tailgate. Cushion material is placed inside the slip cover so that the slip cover has characteristics of a pillow or seat cushion. An attachment device is coupled to the slip cover for attaching the slip cover to the tailgate.

Abstract: A cleaning and sanitizing assembly for automatic food and beverage dispensing machines is provided. The dispensing machine may be manufactured or retrofitted with the assembly. The assembly may also be a stand-alone assembly. The assembly includes at least one water line and at least one sanitizer line to introduce at least one sanitizer to conditioned water from the at least one water line. The at least one sanitizer may be ozone generated by an ozone generator from air filtered and dried in an air filter/dryer and then added to the water in an air flow apparatus. Other sanitizers may be added to the ozonated water or the conditioned water without the ozone. The sanitized water is introduced into the dispensing machine typically through a reservoir which normally contains the produce mix. The sanitized water is dispersed into the reservoir through a rinse tube or a spray nozzle extending across the top of each reservoir.

Abstract: A mixing valve and method, in which two fluids under pressure are supplied to a non-electric valve, in which the fluids are mixed and dispensed. The dispensing of fluids is controlled by a spring activated member, which in a non-activated closed position prevents the passage of fluids out of the mixing valve and which in an activated open position permits the passage, mixing and dispensing of the fluid intakes. In one embodiment, a third fluid inlet, which is selectively opened and closed by a second spring activated member, permits the passage and dispensing of one of the two fluid intakes.

Abstract: A portable hands-free gas pumping device and method therefor, comprising a elongated body which can be inserted between a bottom surface of an activation lever and a bottom portion of a gas pump handle frame in order to maintain the activation lever in an activated position during the fueling process.

Abstract: An apparatus which is used to cover a tire in order to prevent the tire from leaving marks on an area the tire travels across. The apparatus uses an elongated flexible piece of material of sufficient length to cover the outside circumference of the tire. The piece of material is used to cover the outside circumference of the tire to prevent the tire from leaving marks on an area the tire travels across. A connector is used for connecting a first end of the piece of material to a second end of the piece of material thereby securely coupling the piece of material to the outer circumference of the tire.