Abstract: A storage unit having a back panel, a top panel attached to the back panel, a bottom panel attached to the back panel, a pair of opposing side panels attached to the back, top and bottom panels so as to define a housing having an interior, and a plurality of shelf members positioned within the interior of the housing and arranged in a vertically oriented fashion. The shelf members are removably mounted to the back panel and opposing side panels. The storage unit further comprises a plurality of divider members removably positioned between (i) each pair of consecutive shelf members, (ii) the top panel and an uppermost shelf member and (iii) the bottom panel and a lowermost shelf member. The divider members define a plurality of compartments. In one embodiment, the compartments function as drawer-receiving spaces wherein each drawer-receiving space is sized for receiving a corresponding drawer. Each divider member can be repositioned to provide compartments of varying sizes.

Abstract: An annular, axial seal having a linear section having opposite ends, a first side in a first plane and an opposite second side in a second plane wherein the second plane is parallel to the first plane and a curled section contiguous with one of the ends of the linear section. The curled section curls in a first direction to a distal end. The curled section curls in the first direction in accordance with a predetermined radius and predetermined distance such that the distal end of the curled section is located directly across from the first side of the linear section. The linear section and the curled section provide a generally “J” shaped cross-section. The annular, axial seal also has a tip portion contiguous with the opposite end of the linear section such that the linear section is between the tip portion and the curled section. The tip portion is slightly curved with respect to the linear section such that the tip portion breaks the first plane.

Abstract: A disposable air freshener configured to be connected to a USB port of a computer or computer peripheral device. In one embodiment, the disposable air freshener comprises a casing fabricated from a plurality of sections that have generally the same shape. At least one of these sections is configured as scented cardboard. The disposable air freshener has a printed circuit board and a heating element electrically connected to the printed circuit board. A portion of the printed circuit board extends from the casing and is configured to be inserted into a USB port so that electrical power can be applied to the printed circuit board. The heating element generates heat when it receives electrical power from the printed circuit board. Thus, when electrical power is applied to the printed circuit board, the heating element generates heat which causes the scented cardboard to emit a pleasant scent or aroma. The casing of the air freshener can be configured to have almost any geometric shape, e.g.

Abstract: A multi-use tool having a generally “J” shaped hook structure which has a top portion, a middle shank portion attached to the top portion, and a curved bottom portion attached to the middle shank portion. The top portion has a loop portion to which a rope, life-line or escape line can be fastened. The curved bottom portion extends to a beveled tip. The multi-use tool also has a protruding member that extends from the curved bottom portion and has a substantially flat top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface.

Abstract: A drum spur extension apparatus having an elongate member having a predetermined length, a longitudinally extending axis and a longitudinally extending inner bore that is sized for receiving a drum spur. The elongate member has a closed end and an opposite open end defining an opening in communication with the longitudinally extending bore. Other embodiments of the spur extension apparatus of the present invention are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A pop-up power and communication outlet apparatus having a hollow leg structure having an interior, a top end having an opening in communication with the interior of the hollow leg structure, and a bottom end. The apparatus also has a power and communication outlet structure that has a sleeve structure disposed within and attached to the hollow leg structure, and an outlet center movably disposed within the sleeve structure such that the outlet center can move vertically with respect to the sleeve structure. The outlet center has at least one power outlet or at least one communication outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the outlet center has a plurality of power outlets and a plurality of communication outlets. A lift mechanism is located within the sleeve structure and is connected between the sleeve structure and the outlet center. The lift mechanism urges the outlet center upward.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a utility receptacle apparatus for use with a work surface. The utility receptacle apparatus has a mounting member that has a frame which has a central opening and a peripheral portion that extends about the central opening. At least one fastening device is attached to the mounting member for attaching the mounting member to a work surface. The utility receptacle apparatus also has a base positioned within the central opening of the frame and attached to the frame. The base has a body portion and a utility receptacle member that is attached to the body portion. The utility receptacle member has a raised face that is above the top surface of the peripheral portion of the frame. At least one utility receptacle is connected to the raised face of the utility receptacle member. The utility receptacle apparatus further includes a hinge device that has first section attached to the base and a second section that pivots with respect to the first section.

Abstract: A retractable power and communication outlet apparatus for use with an article having a work surface. The apparatus has a power and communication outlet structure that is sized to fit into an opening in the work surface of the article. The outlet structure includes a shell having a perimeter, a top end and a bottom end. At least one power outlet and/or communication outlet is connected to the shell. A bottom plate member is attached to the bottom end of the shell and has portions thereof that extend beyond the perimeter of the shell. The bottom plate member has a top side and a bottom side. The apparatus also has a slide apparatus that has a stationary rail member and a movable member that slides upon the rail member. The movable member is attached to the bottom plate member so that the power and communication outlet structure can move between a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus includes a mounting plate for attachment to the bottom of the work surface.

Abstract: A drum lift is configured so as to support a drum and position the drum such that the desired portion of the drumhead is at a desired height and allow a drum pedal assembly to be removably attached to a desired portion of the drum lift so that (1) the hammer or beater strikes the drum at a desired location of the drumhead, and/or (2) the hammer travels a desired rotational distance in order to strike the drumhead. The drum lift comprises a body portion having a base portion, a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of sides, a bottom side for placement on a surface, and a top side. The top side has a concave surface for receiving an outer, curved portion of a drum. Each side of the body portion has a generally vertical portion and an angulated portion that is contiguous with the generally vertical portion and the top side. The drum lift has a generally horizontal plate portion attached to the front wall of the body portion for removably attaching thereto a drum pedal assembly.

Abstract: A method and gaming machine for playing a wagering game. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a wagering game and a plurality of different pay-tables, a player placing a wager in order to play the wagering game, providing predetermined wager criteria, determining which of the predetermined wager criteria the wager fulfills, playing the wagering game, and providing a pay-out to the player in accordance with a predetermined number of the plurality of pay-tables wherein the predetermined number depends upon which of the predetermined wager criteria the wager fulfills.

Abstract: The present invention achieves rapid identification of pathogens, bacteria, cancer cells and other abnormal human and animal cells. In one embodiment, the system of the present invention comprises a first subsystem that obtains and processes images of specimens of pathogens, bacteria, and other abnormal cells, and a second subsystem that accepts the images, isolates the particular features of the image using advanced image segmentation, and then rapidly and accurately identifies the pathogens, bacteria and other abnormal cells by using a pattern recognition process wherein the segmented or isolated features of the original image are compared to known reference images.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a resilient, annular, metallic seal member having a generally “j” shaped cross-section. The annular, metallic seal member includes a first end portion having a first distal end, a generally curled second end portion that extends to a second distal end, and a central body portion between and contiguous with the first and second end portions. The annular, metallic seal member has a first side and an opposite second side. The second end portion curls in a first direction in accordance with a predetermined radius such that the second distal end is located across from the first side of the annular, metallic seal member and the first and second distal ends do not face each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an end cap apparatus. In one embodiment, the elongate base member has a support member, and at least one bracket attached to the support member to allow the elongate base member to be attached to a structure. The end cap apparatus also has a price label containment member secured to the support member of the elongate base member for displaying a price label.

Abstract: A storage unit having a back panel, a top panel attached to the back panel, a bottom panel attached to the back panel, a pair of opposing side panels attached to the back, top and bottom panels so as to define a housing having an interior, and a plurality of shelf members positioned within the interior of the housing and arranged in a vertically oriented fashion. The shelf members are removably mounted to the back panel and opposing side panels. The storage unit further comprises a plurality of divider members removably positioned between (i) each pair of consecutive shelf members, (ii) the top panel and an uppermost shelf member and (iii) the bottom panel and a lowermost shelf member. The divider members define a plurality of compartments. In one embodiment, the compartments function as drawer-receiving spaces wherein each drawer-receiving space is sized for receiving a corresponding drawer. Each divider member can be repositioned to provide compartments of varying sizes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic corrugation corrugated pipe with corrugation peaks and corrugation valleys for household apparatus or motor vehicles, which pipe has at least one connecting portion and, in accordance with the invention, a container monolithically or integrally molded with the corrugated pipe and having a shape different from the shape of the plastic corrugation corrugated pipe.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of operating a gaming machine, comprising providing a gaming machine having a game display for displaying symbols resulting from play of the gaming machine, and a pay-table display for displaying an active pay-table. The active pay-table has symbols that match the symbols displayed in the game display. The pay-table display is configured such that each symbol of the active pay-table has an inactivated state wherein the symbol of the active pay-table is subdued in appearance and an activated state wherein that symbol of the active pay-table is clearly visible. The pay-table display is configured to activate symbols on the active pay-table in response to the symbols appearing in the game display.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a coffee maker. In one embodiment, the coffee maker [comprises] a housing carrying a reservoir for receiving water for brewing, a heater supported by the housing for receiving water from the reservoir and heating the water in order to brew coffee, an infused beverage extractor disposed over a beverage container, a grinding basket positioned above the extractor and having an interior for receiving ground coffee beans, a device for heating the grinding basket, and a grinding device adjacent the grinding basket and in communication with the interior of the grinding basket. The grinding basket has an exterior surface. The coffee maker has a heating element attached to the exterior surface of the grinding basket for heating the grinding basket. The coffee maker also has a heat distributor disposed over the grinding basket and the heating element to effect a uniform distribution of heat.

Abstract: A novel game and board or surface is played in combination with two sets of playing pieces consisting of three dice each, one set being visibly distinguishable from the second set and wherein in one embodiment all bets are placed on the board or surface before the first set of dice is throw to speed up the method of play and payoffs for each bet are set by the house. Optionally, the house may set and take additional bets between a throw of the first set of dice and a throw of the second set of dice. In another embodiment of the invention, players use the two sets of dice in sequence wherein winning bets are related to poker hands such as open numbers from 3-35; 3 of a kind; 4 of a kind; 5 of a kind, straight; any 3 pair; 6 of a kind, and six sixes (but specifically excluding two of a kind to provide decisive winning odds for the house) and where the payoffs for each bet are 2 for 1, 3 for 1, 4 for 1, 5 for 1, 8 for 1, 8 for 1, 12 for 1, and 20 for 1, respectively, for example.