Abstract: A roller skate having enhanced steerability and stability is disclosed. The skate includes a platform for supporting a skater's foot and front and rear wheel trucks secured to the underside of the platform. A pair of front wheels is rotatably mounted in transverse axial alignment on the front wheel truck and a pair of rear wheels is rotatably mounted in transverse axial alignment on said rear wheel truck. The pairs of front and rear wheels are also in parallel axial alignment with each other and mounted on their respective wheel trucks for resiliently controlled, tilting movement about downwardly inclined longitudinal axes. In addition, a fifth wheel is rotatably mounted on the front wheel truck between the pairs of front and rear wheels and in parallel axial alignment with the wheel pairs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for heat-treating seam-welded constructions of hardenable steel and ferrous alloys with reduced weld-zone hardness and improved weld-zone ductility and toughness. This method consists of heating the seam weld rapidly with a secondary heat source to a temperature greater than the martensitic start temperature but not greater than the lower critical temperature, followed by immediately allowing the seam weld to air-cool. The rapid tempering of this invention is particularly suited to the production of high strength hardenable alloy seam-welded pipe and tubing and other structures.

Abstract: A gift wrapping package is provided which provides enhanced ornamentation and ease of wrapping of gifts for special events. The gift wrapping package includes a flat base and a dome-like cover which forms a central cavity. The dome-like cover is retractable and expandable. In a retracted condition, gifts can be placed within the central cavity. Thereafter, the cover can be closed by expanding and rotating the cover until the dome-like structure is formed. In a preferred embodiment, the gift wrapping package includes a hook or handle for enabling a person to carry a wrapped gift or to hang the gift wrapped package upon objects such as a Christmas tree.

Abstract: A method of insuring against launch failure is provided to reduce the business risk to the satellite owner and insurance underwriters against satellite launch failure. The launch insurance includes provision for guaranteeing a rapid response recovery mission, preferably at no cost, in the event that a satellite suffers a boost failure during launch resulting in a fully-functional satellite being launched to an unintended inoperable orbit. Preferably, the launch insurance also provides for additional insurance against failure of the recovery mission to provide compensation to the satellite owner in the event that the recovery mission is also unsuccessful.

Abstract: Hot flashes are treated by topical application of a treatment composition including an extract of a green marine algae. A preferred green marine algae is Enteromorpha compressa.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for welding and heat-treating seam-welded constructions of hardenable steel and ferrous alloys with reduced weld-zone hardness and improved weld-zone ductility and toughness. This method consists of controlling the cooling rate of the seam weld with a secondary heat source, applied after the weld cools below the materials upper critical temperature (AC3), but prior to the weld cooling to ambient temperature. This invention is particularly suited to the production of high strength hardenable alloy seam-welded pipe and tubing.

Abstract: A forearm support is provided for use within electrostatic sensitive areas. The forearm support has a bottom and one or more sides. Preferably, the top, bottom and sides are made of a flexible electrically conductive fabric which forms an interior filled with a resilient foam. As measured from the support's top surface to its bottom surface, the support has an electrical resistance value of less than 1×109 ohms.

Abstract: A method for making structural automotive components and the like includes providing a blank of air hardenable martensitic stainless steel in the annealed condition. The steel blank has a thickness in the range of 0.5-5.0 mm., and is formed utilizing stamping, forging, pressing, or roller forming techniques or the like into the form of an automotive structural member. The automotive structural member is then hardened by application of heat, preferably to between 950° C. and 1100° C. for standard martensitic stainless steels. Thereafter, the automotive structural member is preferably cooled at a rate greater than 25° C. per minute to achieve a Rockwell C hardness of at least 39. The automotive structural member may undergo additional heat treating processes including high temperature or low temperature tempering processes which may incorporate electro-coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to gaming systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electronic gaming system that enables an existing gaming system to be retro-fit to enable responsible gaming functionality to be added to the existing gaming system.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a gaming system distributed across both local (LAN) and wide (WAN) area networks that enables responsible gaming for its users. More specifically, the invention provides a system and method that requires users to register with the system and which thereafter enables the users to set time-based or money-based gaming limitations that will exclude them from the system if these limitations are realized. The system may be deployed across one or more jurisdictions, such as states, provinces, regions or countries.

Abstract: A cursor control device has an input signal reader adapted to read an input signal created by movement of a surface there across, and a signal processing component adapted to process the input signal from the reader and to communicate a corresponding signal to a controller that is directly proportional to the input signal. The device remains in a substantially constant position relative to an active hand of a person when the person is using the active hand to operate a second device.

Abstract: A floral arranging vase cover provides enhanced decoration and for supporting floral arrangements within a vase. The floral arranging cover includes a circular ring, inner bands and outer bands. Preferably, the floral arranging cover includes four to twelve inner bands which are arcuate in shape and have first and second ends which rotatably affix to the circular ring. The outer bands are also arcuate in shape and include first and second ends which attach to the circular ring. Preferably, the outer bands project outwardly from the ring and are arranged in an overlapping manner. Moreover, the outer bands are preferably affixed to adjacent bands to prevent their rotation about the circular ring. The floral arranging cover is placed upon a vase with the circular ring substantially adjacent to the vases' rim. The inner bands project inwardly to form a grid-like structure having openings for floral and plant stems.

Abstract: A shipping container is provided for transporting biologically hazardous materials. The shipping container includes a rigid gas permeable exterior enclosure and an interior positioned substantially gas impermeable flexible bag. Preferably, the exterior enclosure includes an outer cardboard box and inner foam box made of expanded polystyrene. Preferably, the inner bag is made of polyethylene and includes a conventional open top. Preferably, the bag also includes two laterally extending lines. A first line provides a visual indication to the user where air should be evacuated from the bag. A second line is provided to indicate where the bag should be sealed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing satellite proximity operations such as inspection, recovery and life extension of a target satellite through operation of a “Satellite Inspection Recovery and Extension” (“SIRE”) spacecraft which can be operated in the following modes (teleoperated, automatic, and autonomous). The SIRE concept further consists of those methods and techniques used to perform certain (on-orbit) operations including, but not limited to, the inspection, servicing, recovery, and lifetime extension of satellites, spacecraft, space systems, space platforms, and other vehicles and objects in space, collectively defined as “target satellites”. The three basic types of SIRE proximity missions are defined as “Lifetime Extension”, “Recovery”, and “Utility”. A remote cockpit system is provided to permit human control of the SIRE spacecraft during proximity operations.

Abstract: A nightlight provides therapeutic effects on the human body and mind including promoting relaxation, sleep and wakefulness. The nightlight includes a housing, a light source, a central processor, one or more controls, and a power supply. The light source produces at least three illumination modes including a sleep readiness mode at about 40 lumens which preferably includes only light from the blue and yellow portions of the visible light spectrum, a sleep help mode providing substantially monochromatic light in the blue or green spectrum, and a wake-up mode providing substantially full spectrum light at approximately 1,600 lumens. The nightlight may be incorporated into a bedside alarm clock. The alarm function may be provided by illumination of one of the three nightlight's illumination modes, which is preferably the wake up mode which may illuminate slowly or substantially immediately to full brightness.