Abstract: A latching system, in accordance with a first preferred, embodiment of the present invention, comprises a notched post assembly, a post gripping assembly and a handle assembly, and, in preferred embodiments, a lock assembly associated with the handle assembly. The notched post assembly is comprised of an elongated post formed at one end with at least two opposing, axially extending rows of notches or teeth and alternately disposed smooth surfaces. The post gripping assembly comprises a channel for accepting the notched end of the post and comprises movable latch elements which cooperate with the notches of the post to effect the primary latching function of the system. The unlatching of the post from the channel is accomplished by rotating the post to disengage the notches and the latch elements.

Abstract: A container system includes, in its most preferred embodiment, a dispenser and a resealable, refillable container having a container body and a closure apparatus which includes a plug movably connected to a platform section which is connected to the container body through a rim section. The platform section defines a recess having a recess floor and a recess wall and an ovoid plug aperture located within the recess floor which is partially shielded by an aperture floor and selectively occupied by an ovoid bottom portion of the plug. The aperture floor defines an air hole and an upper surface which contacts a bottom surface of a wide end of the bottom portion of the plug, corresponding to the end which first departs away from the plug aperture.

Abstract: A system and method has one or more store and forward facilities, (SAFF) each associated with a plurality of subscriber facsimile machines. The SAFF include a computer for controlling operations and mass data storage equipment. A subscriber to the system delivers an outgoing facsimile message to the SAFF with which it is associated, which records the fax message, together with data as to originating facsimile machine and destination facsimile machine. The SAFF then delivers the facsimile message to the intended receiver facsimile machine, either directly or through another SAFF. If unsuccessful on an initial attempt, the SAFF periodically retries to send the facsimile message. The system also provides spooling of all facsimile messages for an intended receiver machine, which are all spooled upon connection with the receiver machine. Subscriber mailboxes are provided as part of the mass storage, which can be accessed by a subscriber to have his messages delivered to any facsimile machine he designates.

Abstract: Provided is a key chain including a body defining a cavity that is accessible through a sleeve connected to the body. An insert member inserts through the sleeve to engage a biased button member that is movably disposed within the cavity. The button member defines an aperture that receives a portion of the insert member and the button member moves between a first position and a second position to selectively latch and release, respectively, the insert member to the body. The sleeve protrudes into the button aperture to restrict movement of the button member. A first key ring is attached to the body and a second key ring is attached to the insert member, whereby the key rings are disconnected when the insert member is withdrawn from the body and the key rings are connected with the insert member is inserted into the cavity and latched to the body.

Abstract: A hinged locking mechanism for use, in its most preferred embodiment, on an existing storage door hasp assembly, which hinged locking mechanism includes a case element hinged to a frame element having two frame pins for insertion into shank apertures defined by flange members of the existing hasp assembly. The case element includes a lock and a frame cavity for selectively concealing the frame element and the flange members.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for selecting a cellular carrier frequency for accessing cellular airtime services based upon a list of preferred system identification codes (SIDs). A cellular telephone is programmed to accept into memory a list of preferred SIDs corresponding to carriers through which service is preferred. While any SID remains in a preferred list, the standard A/B system selection function is replaced by a substitute system selection function which includes only three carrier selection modes including the Home Only mode, the SID Only mode, and a Roam Saver mode. With the Roam Saver carrier selection mode, the cellular telephone first prefers service through a home carrier and then through a carrier broadcasting a SID matching a SID on the preferred list, but never denies service to emergency or non-emergency destinations if any SID is detected.

Abstract: An intelligent alerting and locating communication system includes a centrally located scanner which communicates with a plurality of remotely located receivers to continuously monitor conditions through a plurality of detectors associated with each receiver, including smoke detectors and motion detectors, and through personal radio transmitters. Each detector detects an off-normal state in a monitored condition and makes an indication that is sensed by at least one receiver which stores the occurrence in memory. Each radio frequency transmitter emits a unique coded signal which is received by one or more receivers. If the coded signal is in a valid format, the coded signal is stored in memory. If the coded signal matches a unique code assigned to that receiver, a matched code signal is generated and also stored in memory.

Abstract: Provided in an insulated assembly including a component covered by a reusable, reinforced insulation blanket, and jacketing covering the insulation blanket. The reinforced insulation blanket includes a plurality of jacket support assemblies that are securely attached to an insulation blanket. The jacket support assemblies support the jacketing so that the insulation blanket is not crushed when weight or other loads are applied to the jacketing. A jacket support assembly includes a component engaging plate disposed between the insulation blanket and the component to be insulated, a jacket engaging plate disposed between the insulation blanket and the jacketing, and a support stud. The support stud passes through the insulation blanket and rigidly connects the component engaging plate to the jacket engaging plate such that the jacket support assembly is securely attached to the insulation blanket. The jacket support assemblies are strategically placed to protect the insulation blanket.

Abstract: A plurality of inflation devices are linked to one another to form a loop that is movably restrained so that a segment of the loop is disposed at a lower reference location at the given depth in a first body of water, another segment of the loop is disposed at an upper reference location situated above the lower reference location, another segment of the loop extends along a first path that extends generally upward from the lower reference location to the upper reference location, and another segment of the loop extends along a second path that extends generally parallel to the first path and upward from the lower reference location to the upper reference location. At least a majority of the inflation devices occupying the first path are inflated with gas and at least a majority of the inflation devices occupying the second path are deflated so that inflation devices in the first path move upward and inflation devices in the second path move downward.

Abstract: A product roll includes, in its most preferred embodiment, a cylindrical core defining a core central passage for receipt of a dispenser spindle and including a core outer surface and a core inner surface, a roll of product coaxially wound around and attached to the core outer surface, and a rotation retardant attached to the core inner surface for retarding rotation of the product roll with respect to the dispenser spindle. Alternate embodiments include a cylindrical core with an adhesive filler as one component of the core mass, a multi-layered core having an inner layer defining friction-increasing projections and indentations, and a core insert with a strong outer adhesive for relative stationary engagement with the core and a weak inner adhesive for impeding rotation of the core and core insert assembly.

Abstract: A remedial prophylaxis for carpal tunnel syndrome to provide for the decompression of the structures of the carpal tunnel by using a glove having finger holes for the fourth finger and thumb and a tensioning strap for circumscribing the palmar and dorsal regions of the hand to hold the first and fifth metacarpal regions of the hand in fixed opposition to each other to effect a reducing of the stretch of the transverse carpal ligament and the deepening of the carpal tunnel for relieving the compression force on the median nerve without reducing the manual dexterity of the hand.

Abstract: A tubular fishing float which, in the preferred embodiments, includes at least one extended tubular center section and two end sections which seal the center section to form an air-tight compartment which provides buoyancy. The end sections include devices for attaching the fishing line to the fishing float and, in some embodiments, for providing drag on the fishing line; such devices include one or more circular snap-ins, holes, twists, bends, funnelled holes, resilient ribs, or folds. Also provided are tubular fishing floats with reinforced end sections; baffled tubular fishing floats; baffled tubular fishing floats with spin-welded ends; resilient tubular fishing floats with slits that facilitate quick attachment to a fishing line; tubular fishing floats with pellets therein, for making noise and attracting fish; and tapered tubular fishing floats. Also provided are various devices and methods, including a fully automated method, for fabricating tubular fishing floats.

Abstract: A shortened unitary golf tee includes a pointed base portion for insertion into the ground and a hollow body portion for receiving a golf ball. The body portion includes a side wall defining an inner cavity and a ball receipt surface which surrounds a first aperture extending into the inner cavity. The side wall also defines a second smaller aperture, or vent, extending through the side wall into the inner cavity. Regardless of the location of the second aperture, if air is allowed to flow freely into the inner cavity, it is thought to minimize the effects of depressurization between the golf tee and an accelerating golf ball departing the golf tee so that the golf tee tends to remain stationary and the golf ball retains more momentum from the golf club.

Abstract: A base with a referenced concave surface and a movable indicator form a putting aid which indicates direction and amount of slope on a golf green. Diametrically opposed sighting rods provide convenient and accurate visual alignment while the putting aid is situated down upon the golf green. Arrowheaded linear, transverse linear and concentric circular indicia located upon the concave surface serve as reference markings. A first method of operation includes facilitating the training of a golfer to putt a golf ball into a golf hole by aligning the putting aid between the golf ball and the golf hole such that the sighting rods and arrow indicium are aligned with an imaginary direct line between the golf club and the golf hole.