Abstract: A tray adapted for suspension from a railing edge includes a base panel having a pair of integral side panel tabs positioned on opposing sides of the base panel. An attachment panel, integral with a top portion of the base panel, is positioned between the pair of side panel tabs and folds along an attachment panel crease between a flat configuration and an angled configuration with respect to the base panel. The side panel tabs engage receiving slots located on the attachment panel to lock each tab in a fixed configuration for holding the attachment panel in an angled configuration to the base panel. A pair of generally J-shaped attachment tabs, integral with the attachment panel are positioned on opposing sides of a top portion of the attachment panel and fold along a crease between a flat configuration and a downwardly extending configuration from the attachment panel to form a hook adapted to engage a railing edge for suspending the tray therefrom.

Abstract: A system is described for obtaining intraoral radiographic images using an anatomically conforming sensor and a method is described for correcting the projective distortions caused by the inclination of the plane of the imaging sensor relative to the x-ray beam. The purpose of the described sensor system is to reduce patient discomfort as compared to conventional planar intra-oral x-ray sensors, which tend to impinge on sensitive tissues within the oral cavity. An additional purpose of the described system is to allow for better coverage of the subject by allowing the sensor to fit closer against the surrounding tissues.

Abstract: A nasal-nasopharyngeal irrigating and cleansing system including a cup with one or more assemblies that allow the flow and control of various irrigating, cleansing and medicinal liquids into the nasal passages. The construction of the cup provides sealing surfaces to allow the controlled flow of the liquids into the nose through either nostril without spillage. The flow of the liquid through the nasal passages removes via abrasion any virus or irritant substances that may be in the nasal passages or on the nasal membranes. According to one aspect of the invention as the liquid is dispensed, the angle of the cup to the face changes but a sealing rim on the cup wall continues to seal to the user's face as the angle of the cup to the user's face changes, allowing liquid to be drawn up into the user's nose via vacuum or gravity. A method of using the device of the invention for irrigating, cleansing and coating the nasal passages with antiviral agents or other beneficial medicines.

Abstract: A wax applicator for use with a microwave heating oven for dispensing a depilatory wax for removal of hair from skin comprising a hollow casing having an opening thereinto. An elongate reservoir for depilatory wax is disposed in the casing and is fabricated, at least partially, from a from a material having a first outer layer of a thermally insulating material that provides a barrier to the transmission of thermal energy and a second inner layer that absorbs radio frequency energies. The reservoir unit is adapted to be slidably inserted into the casing opening for retention in the casing. The reservoir also has disposed at a first end extending from the casing when the reservoir is retained therein, a dispensing mechanism for transporting depilatory wax from the reservoir to a surface for application.

Abstract: A trailer, intended to be towed on public thoroughfares by a motorized vehicle, that readily converts to a mobile refreshment stand for use at parties and other places where a mobile refreshment stand may be desired having built-in refreshment disbursing, electrical power and refrigeration systems along with customer seating and storage space therein for carrying supplies.

Abstract: An improved precision video gauging machine system for measuring a workpiece that includes a base structure that has mounted on it a carriage for supporting the workpiece that is to be measured. The carriage is vertically movable with respect to the base and carries the workpiece with it. A column, which is horizontally movable with respect to the base structure, has a video based coordinate measuring system mounted on it. Such a video based coordinate measuring system would include a video camera that produces a video signal having a first optical axis and a focal plane where an image of the workpiece to be measured is focused. The camera is mounted to move horizontally with respect to the workpiece to be measured and generates an image in the form of a plurality of pixels. A video monitor that is responsive to the video signal is connected to the video camera and displays an image of the workpiece being on the focal plane for an operator to measure.

Abstract: A poker game using a playing surface for placing wagers that correspond to player selected poker hands. A plurality of balls are tossed into a hopper that directs the tossed balls to a surface that has a plurality of card positions. Each of the card positions are adapted to receive and retain a tossed ball and represent the playing cards of a poker deck and a joker. The card positions indicate cards that are selected by operation of the players tossing balls into the hopper and having the tossed balls being retained in the card positions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for urging alignment of the spinal vertebrae of a user includes using a board member having a lengthwise axis and a top surface with a channel formed therein that is generally parallel to the lengthwise axis and with sufficient length and depth to receive the spinal vertebrae of a user therein. The board member has a first and a second convex portion formed generally parallel and symmetric to and proximate the channel. A first and a second concave portion are formed in the board member generally parallel and symmetric to and distal from the channel. The convex and concave portions have sufficient curvature for applying pressure to the skeletal structure of the rib cage of a user to urge the spinal vertebrae of the user into alignment in the channel when the user lies supine on the board top surface.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for the design, execution and tracking of exercise programs including portable microprocessor controlled data controllers to instruct and record the actual computed workout for the user. A data communication link transfers data between the data controllers and a computer hosting application software and database files for the particular user, exercise and exercise regimen to create and display a customizable and comprehensive exercise system designed for the particular user.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting a data signal transmitted by a signal source encoding the data signal onto first and second binary signals as a known two-bit binary state of the two signals taken together includes memory storing single bit binary patterns representative of known bit pattern and a reference table of two bit binary state couples representative of a data signal bit encoded onto the first and second binary signals. A processor monitors one of the first or second binary signals and compares the one monitored binary signal to the stored single bit binary patterns in memory. The processor stores, if a match is found, the respective binary states of the first and second binary signals in memory as a pair of two bit binary states.

Abstract: A circuit for conditioning a battery having a casing and battery charging terminals for charging the battery from an external power source. The conditioning circuit is preferably contained within the battery casing and comprises a discharging circuit for discharging the electrical charge of the battery and a switching circuit coupled to the battery charging terminals and to the discharging circuit for automatically selecting between a first state, disabling the battery charging terminals from providing charging access to the battery and coupling the discharging circuit to the battery for discharging the battery as long as the battery voltage is above a predetermined voltage level, and a second state, disconnecting the discharging circuit from the battery whenever the battery voltage is at or below the predetermined voltage level and enabling the battery charging terminals for providing charging access to the battery.

Abstract: A system and method for programming a wireless network access device which has both a keypad for manually entering data and commands to the device, and a device Input/Output data interface bus port for communicating data and command signals between an external source and the device databus including a module having a processor that contains and operates in accord with a control program. The processor further has in memory, prestored data and command signals necessary for programming the device. A cable, or connector couples the module to the device Input/Output data interface bus port for transferring information between the module processor and the device databus. The processor control program transfers data and command signals stored in the module's memory to the device databus for at least partially programming the device.

Abstract: A system for connecting a plurality of cellular telephones, each responsive to device-specific command signals for its operation, to an automotive electronics and communications system through a bus connector having a known universal signal format, includes a docking station having a cradle member shaped for receiving at least one cellular telephone. An interface unit contains the hardware and firmware drivers necessary for controlling the selected cellular telephone. A user selected cable having a specific signal path configuration selects the needed drivers. A second cable connects the interface unit with the bus connector for communicating signals therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and holding an electronic organizer device for use in a vehicle, includes a generally rectangularly shaped cradle member for retaining the device. At least one pair of opposing jaw members are mounted on opposed peripheral edges of the cradle member for releasably holding the device in the cradle. The jaw members are biased toward one another by attached tensioned springs. An elongated stand member has on a first end a universal ball and socket joint assembly for attachment to the cradle, and can be releasably locked for holding the cradle in a spatial orientation selected by a user. The opposite second end of the stand member is adapted to releasably mate with a stand member for engagement with a surface for supporting the cradle member.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with cellular telephone to indicate an incoming telephone call to a user includes a cellular telephone battery pack having a circuit that generates a voltage signal with a value representative of the current being drawn from the battery by the operation of the cellular telephone. A status determination circuit monitors the voltage signal and generates a powered up state signal whenever the value of the voltage signal increases from a first selected lower value to a first selected higher value for a first preselected period of time. An incoming call detection circuit whenever the powered up state signal is present and either the voltage signal is representative of a selected periodic current transient in the current being drawn by the cellular telephone for a second preselected period of time. An alarm is operative upon receipt of the alarm start signal for indicating an incoming call to a user.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovery of constituent materials from lead acid batteries is shown in which the battery is dismantled in a stepwise procedure under which the materials are separated, not mixed and in particular in which the grid groups are removed from the battery case and processed in a liquid, preferably water, by hydrodynamic and mechanical agitation to cause the paste material to be freed from the grids and enter the water as a mixture of fine particles while the lead grid pieces drop to the bottom. The process does not require burning or chemical reaction and can selectively recover all constituent materials including, without limitation, high quality marketable lead dioxide from the paste material.

Abstract: In a wireless network access device, access to which is controlled by a control program retained in a memory in the device, a method of preventing unauthorized access to the device comprising the steps of: storing in the memory of the device, data representing a key code and an access enabling code; reading the key code from the device and generating, in accord with a known method, an access code based thereon; and, comparing the access code with the access enabling code and, if equal, enabling access to the device, otherwise denying access to the device. The invention also includes a system and a wireless network access device both of which prevent unauthorized access for reprogramming purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a cellular telephone to indicate an incoming telephone call to a user includes a cellular telephone battery pack has a circuit that generates a voltage signal with a value representative of the current being drawn from the battery by the operation of the cellular telephone. A status determination circuit monitors the voltage signal and generates a waiting for call state signal whenever the value of the voltage signal decreases from a first selected higher value to a first selected lower value for a first preselected period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a cellular telephone to indicate an incoming telephone call to a user includes a cellular telephone battery pack has a circuit that generates a voltage signal with a value representative of the current being drawn from the battery by the operation of the cellular telephone. A status determination circuit monitors the voltage signal and generates a waiting for call state signal whenever the value of the voltage signal decreases from a first selected higher value to a first selected lower value for a first preselected period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating an incoming call that generates a voltage signal with a value representative of the current drawn by operation of the device. A circuit monitors the voltage signal and generates a waiting for call state signal whenever the value of the voltage signal decreases from a first selected higher value to a first selected lower value for a first preselected period of time. An RF detection circuit monitors the status of the device's transmitter and generates a transmitter active status signal whenever RF appears for a selected period of time.