Abstract: A dispenser for spools, reels or coils of electrical wire or cable, or other linear products, such as rope, twine, string, fishing line, etc. It comprises a turntable, a central inner spindle, and various attachments. The attachments can be placed on the floor, and then selected attachments can be fitted to the inner spindle. Attachments are selected based on the size of the spool, reel or coil of wire or cable. The attachments include a small pipe spindle for use with smaller spools, a large pipe spindle for use with larger spools or reels, and a coil clamp assembly use with for coils. The wire or cable can pay out in all horizontal directions from the invention. If more wire or cable is pulled out than is needed, the excess can be rewound and will return to the dispenser with the aid of a sloped outer edge of the turntable.

Abstract: A pressure indicator for a motor vehicle (or other) fuel tank, that will indicate when pressure at the cap/container interface or vapor pressure in the tank drops below a predetermined level, which will normally mean that the fuel cap is not tightly secured to the tank's opening. The cap/container interface or vapor pressure will be detected by sensors in a rubber gasket (either in the cap or in the tank's opening that the cap fits over) or in a washer for the fuel cap. When the sensors detect a pressure below the predetermined level, BLUE TOOTH (or other appropriate) technology will be used to send a signal to a receiver (preferably in a key ring attachment) that will cause a red light to flash (or other appropriate visual, audio or tactile notice). The light may also flash when the cap is temporarily removed for refueling.

Abstract: Magnetic holders for knives or similar objects, formed from boards that are sawed in half lengthwise, to form a front half and a rear half. A shallow wide hole is drilled in the center of the exterior surface of the front half, in which a disk having company logo or other design is inserted. On both sides of the center, evenly-spaced wide holes are drilled from the interior surface of the front half about half-way through, then narrow holes are drilled the rest of the way through from the centers of the wide holes. Coin-shaped magnets are placed in the wide holes, and dowels are placed in the narrow holes to mark the position of the magnets. Knives may be retained on the holder by the magnets at the positions marked by the dowels. The front and rear halves are then glued together, for a seamless look.

Abstract: A method of providing insurance (including professional malpractice liability insurance) to consumers against unfavorable outcomes resulting from services, methods of rating risks associated with services, and a method of reducing the risk of unfavorable outcomes. In the first preferred embodiment, a policy limit is chosen by a patient (or other consumer), a premium based on the policy limit is paid by the patient, and if malpractice is committed by a health care provider (or other professional), the consumer is compensated up to the amount of the policy limit. The consumer signs an agreement that the liability of the service provider for malpractice will not exceed the policy limit. Risk factors are evaluated for the consumer, the doctor, hospital or other service provider, and the procedures that are to be performed, and are used to determine the amount of the premium, taking into account the policy limit chosen by the consumer.

Abstract: A method of providing insurance (including professional malpractice liability insurance) to consumers against unfavorable outcomes resulting from services, methods of rating risks associated with services, and a method of reducing the risk of unfavorable outcomes. In the first preferred embodiment, a policy limit is chosen by a patient (or other consumer), a premium based on the policy limit is paid by the patient, and if malpractice is committed by a health care provider (or other professional), the consumer is compensated up to the amount of the policy limit. The consumer signs an agreement that the liability of the service provider for malpractice will not exceed the policy limit. Risk factors are evaluated for the consumer, the doctor, hospital or other service provider, and the procedures that are to be performed, and are used to determine the amount of the premium, taking into account the policy limit chosen by the consumer.

Abstract: An electric power conservation system to be used between an AC utility power source and a load circuit in a home or business. The electric power conservation system comprises an energy charger component, a DC rechargeable energy source, an inverter unit, a bypass isolation circuit, a monitor and control unit, coil contactors and contacts, and necessary circuitry for supplying a load circuit with the power it requires. The invention reduces consumption of electric power from public utility companies, thereby decreasing the load on the national electrical grid. Where utility companies offer lower off-peak rates to consumers of electrical power, it becomes exceedingly desirable to have such a system in place, to save consumers money. During normal operations wherein normal utility power is available, the load circuit derives part of its power from the AC utility power source, and the remaining power that it requires from the electric power conservation system.

Abstract: A mechanical process to reduce and/or reform the mass of a tube (either metallic or of some other material) to specified dimensions, by any or all of the following means: thinning the wall of the tube, reducing the diameter of the tube, and elongation of the tube. The tube is operated on by a ball and a die having interior areas including: an initial entry with reduction angle, a wall reduction chamber, a final reduction angle, a land/bearing, and an exit relief ending in an area with a reverse taper. The tube has an outside diameter larger than the wall reduction chamber (in the raw material starting size) with a wall thickness somewhat larger than the gap between the outside diameter of the ball, and the inside diameter of the wall reduction chamber. The tube is pulled, pushed or drawn between the die and the ball, reducing its dimensions.

Abstract: A horn powered by a compressed air canister and/or battery pack, that emits sounds that are too high for humans to hear (ultrasonic) and/or too low for humans to hear (infrasonic), to act as a means for repelling animals that can hear these sounds (e.g., mammals, birds, reptiles, or insects), combined with a strobe light powered by the battery pack, that can temporarily blind animals. The canister may contain air or other gases. Ultrasonic and infrasonic sounds may alternate. There can be different sound patterns adapted to different species of animals. It may be hand-held and operated by push button or other means. It can also enable lost persons to send signals to rescuers. It may have a strap for carrying, that can be placed around a user's neck. Alternatively, it may have a clip that can be used to attach the device to a belt, back pack, bicycle, etc.

Abstract: A cooking grill or other cooking apparatus with heating drawers that may be slid into and out of a cabinet assembly like a drawer in a desk or dresser. There are two types of burning drawers, both of which have rectangular box-like shapes, with the same dimensions, so that either one of them can be inserted into the same slots in the cabinet assembly. The first type of drawer is designed for wood or charcoal. The second type of drawer is designed for natural gas. One drawer can be slid out, and the other drawer can be slid in. There are three type of cooking surfaces: a wok grill with a radially grating, a teriyaki plate with a solid surface, and a barbeque grill having apertures in a staggered array. The first embodiment has four drawers and two cooking areas. The second embodiment has three drawers and three cooking areas.

Abstract: A calf protector for rowers, comprising a single strip of neoprene (or a similar synthetic or natural rubber) with strips of hook and loop fasteners (commonly known as “VELCRO®”) on its ends. The neoprene strip is wider in the main middle part, and narrower at the ends with the strips of hook and loop fasteners. Hook fasteners on the inside surface at one end of the strip can engage loop fasteners on the outside surface at the opposite end of the strip (or visa versa) so that it forms a loop around the rower's leg, to protect the back of the leg from friction against the front ends of rails on which the seats in a boat move when rowing. The invention may also be used by other persons to protect their legs and/or arms. The invention encompasses both an apparatus and a method for protecting limbs using the apparatus.

Abstract: A fishing lure, comprising a weighted head to which a hook, spinner and weed guard are attached, and three cutouts made of a flexible, absorbent material that are wrapped and tied around a load collar or extension from the head. The cutouts will make the lure resemble a bait fish such as is eaten by the fish that the user wants to catch. The cutouts may be decorated with beads, feathers and paint, to increase the resemblance to bait fish. The wiggling motion of the jig as it is pulled through the water and the rotation of the spinner will attract fish. Scent may be absorbed and released by the cutouts to further attract fish. The head is preferably made from lead, and the cutouts are preferably made from a microfiber fabric. A first preferred embodiment is called the “switch back”, and a second preferred embodiment is called the “pop”.

Abstract: A tire pressure indicator that is combined with a fill valve. The indicator and the fill valve are coaxial or concentric. The invention may be screwed onto a tire valve stem. The indicator has three bands or sections, each of which is a different color, for indicating whether tire pressure is within a predetermined range, above that range, or below that range. The colors are viewed through a lens, aided by a mirror. A diaphragm pushes the indicator up when pressure rises, while a spring pushes the indicator down when pressure drops. A tire may be inflated or deflated while the invention is mounted on a tire stem. During inflation, the pin in an air chuck at the end of an air hose may depress a valve pin assembly to open the fill valve. A user may deflate the tire by manually depressing the valve pin assembly to release air.

Abstract: Improvements to a system for enhancing the quality of group interaction, group activities, and group environments over computer networks. New features include the capacity for participants to form subgroups within a larger group, as well as to move about a virtual environment, interacting with other participants they come across in the environment as desired. Unique methods for creating and distributing structured group programs for use on the system, for playing computerized board games or card games on the system, and for building virtual social environments using the system are also disclosed. The system creates improved virtual environments for high-tech business meetings, on-line classrooms, conferences, group counseling sessions, internet trade shows, and private meeting places where family and friends can spend quality time together.

Abstract: A protective cover for an automobile remote control, comprising a flat rectangular middle section and two side sections. The side sections are parallel and at right angles to the middle section, and are on the same side of the middle section. The edges of the side sections, other than the edges that intersect the middle section, are curved, or otherwise configured, to match the shape of the remote control, with both side sections preferably having the same shape. The remote control is inside the cover, retained between the side sections, when it is not in use. The remote control can be pivoted outside the cover, so that it can be used. A key ring that acts as a pivot passes through holes in the side sections of the cover, a hole in the remote control, and holes in one or more keys or other objects retained on the key ring.

Abstract: An inflation stem having an inflation valve combined with a blow-off valve to prevent overinflation. The valves are forced open during inflation when the actuating pin is depressed by the compressor chuck head, opening a fill chamber through which fluid flows into an inflatable object, and also opening a blow-off chamber. A blow-off intake allows lower pressure fluid from the interior of the object to enter the blow-off chamber. The fluid entering the blow-off chamber is isolated from the high pressure fluid coming in from the compressor through the fill chamber by a separation fin and shield joined to the bottom end of the actuating pin. A blow-off gasket is biased upward by a blow-off spring. But as pressure in the object and the blow-off chamber increases, the blow-off gasket is forced down, until at the predetermined pressure it is pushed past a blow-off port, through which fluid then escapes.

Abstract: A method of constructing fences, and fences constructed using the method. Posts are set into the ground. Flat pieces called “floating deadmen” are set on the ground. Braces are sawed off at forty-five degree angles on each end, so that they have flat ends at right angles. A spot on the side of the post is flattened, so a flat end of a brace can fit flush against it. The brace is then placed so that the other one of its flattened ends lies on the floating deadmen. A length of wire is cut, and its ends are joined by a stainer. The loop of wire is then placed around the post and brace, and is tightened using the strainer. The tops of terminal and corner posts are joined to adjacent posts by rails. Fencing wire holders are fastened to the posts, and fencing wire is placed in the holders.

Abstract: A method of providing insurance (including professional malpractice liability insurance) to consumers against unfavorable outcomes resulting from services, and a method of rating risks associated with services. In the first preferred embodiment, a policy limit is chosen by a patient (or other consumer), a premium based on the policy limit is paid by the patient, and if malpractice is committed by a health care provider (or other professional), the patient is compensated up to the amount of the policy limit. The patient signs an agreement that the liability of the health care provider for malpractice will not exceed the policy limit. Only then are medical services provided. Risk factors are evaluated for the patient, the doctor, hospital or other health care provider, and the procedures that are to be performed, and are used to determine the amount of the premium, taking into account the policy limit chosen by the patient.

Abstract: A new version of the game of blackjack, in which players may discard one of the two cards that they are initially dealt, if they pay a discard fee before any cards are dealt. The player who discards then draws another card to replace the card that has been discarded. The discard fee is preferably a percentage of the amount that the player has bet. The discard option is preferably limited to players who do not have an ace in their initial hand, and who have an initial hand with a point value of sixteen or less. If the dealer has a blackjack, a player who has an ace or card with a value of ten in his or her initial hand, and has paid the discard fee, may discard the other card and draw a replacement card. If the player then has a blackjack, they win the hand.

Abstract: A sport of the ‘Hetz Wintergreen’ cultivar of Thuja Occidentalis tree (commonly known as arborvitae) called “American Pillar”. It is nearly twice as dense in its branching habit as the ‘Hetz Wintergreen’. It also has a brighter green coloring in the winter. Its increased foliage density makes possible better wind, sight and sound screening with a narrow evergreen hedge. It is reproduced by rootings cut from a parent stock of ‘American Pillar’.