Abstract: A system and method for retrieving musical information from a database based on a melody fragment. The system may be used by a person without formal musical training to retrieve musical data (e.g., the name of a song, bibliographic information about a song, or the song itself) from a database by providing the melody or fragment of the melody of the desired music to a computer interface. The melody may be provided by singing, humming, whistling, or playing a musical instrument, for example, a keyboard. The inputted melodic information is encoded using relative changes in pitch and rhythm throughout the melody. The encoded information is then compared using a matching algorithm to similarly encoded melodic information representative of many musical pieces (e.g., songs). Results may also be sorted using a weighted algorithm.

Abstract: A food composition or product is described comprising a finely ground nut-seed component, a liquefying agent, and salt, combined with (a) baking soda and a starch; or (b) at least one sweetening agent; or (c) baking soda, a starch and at least one sweetening agent.

Abstract: A system for directing a lost person to a predetermined location for pickup including a tethered balloon or other highly visible signal deployed at the pickup location. A manned or remotely controlled aircraft is provided for flying over the area in which the lost person is presumed to be located. The aircraft is equipped with a downward directed loudspeaker broadcasting an audible message instructing the lost person to walk towards the balloon or other signal at the rescue location. The aircraft may be a fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft, and airship such as a dirigible or blimp, an ultralight, or a hybrid aircraft.

Abstract: A multifunctional surgical rotary instrument with a corrosion resistant wear reducing hard coating, to be used in a surgical dental motor driven handpiece for preparing an osteotomy for implant insertion, combining the functions of six surgical instruments is described. The multifunctional surgical rotary instrument has structural features that provide the functions of a crestal bone height reducer, an osteotomy locator, an osteotomy lateral redirector, osteotomy drill, tapered countersink, and an osteocompressor. These structural features include a dual-lobed single plane tip that remains where the drilling is initiated without wandering, and facilitates the precise location of the osseous implant site. Advantageously, the instrument can save time and cost in the implant procedure.

Abstract: A hand-held control device which fits interchangeably into a user's right or left hand. An ergonomically correct housing allows the device to fit snuggly into the grasp of the users hand and be used without creating user fatigue. The operative element in the control device may be a trackball, joystick, touch pad, or other device that can be manipulated by the user's thumb and, in conjunction with one or more switches actuated by phalangeal regions of the fingers, provides functional equivalence to a standard computer mouse or trackball. An optional band or strap may be provided to secure the control device to the user's hand such that the fingers of the hand are available for other tasks without setting the control device down. The control device may communicate with a computer or similar apparatus by a wired cable or a wireless interconnection, typically an RF or IR connection.

Abstract: A probe-type electrical tester having a lamp, a first pointed electrode connected to the lamp, and a second electrode comprising an alligator clip connected to the lamp. The pointed electrode occupies a sleeve which is telescopingly stored within the tester. The sleeve terminates in a hook shaped guard for receiving jacketed conductors to be held during testing and to prevent injury from the pointed electrode. The sleeve is manually extended. A lever then causes the pointed electrode to advance within the sleeve after the sleeve has reached the fully projected position, to enable piercing of the jacket of the jacketed conductor being tested. A detent holds the lever in the fully projected position, and the sleeve in its projected position. The sleeve prevented from escaping from the tester. When the pointed electrode is retracted, the lever can also be substantially retracted into the tester body.