Abstract: An internal support for an air filter includes a helical member which is shaped and dimensioned to fit against the inside surface of the air filter to provide structural support which prevents the air filter from inwardly collapsing. In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of support rings are installed in spaced apart parallel relationship inside the air filter.

Abstract: A rotatable table includes a shelf unit which is mounted on a support structure and a rotatable unit having a work surface which may be rotated from a horizontal position to a vertical position. The rotatable unit may be placed in (1) a horizontal position, (2) specific detent angular positions, (3) other angular positions selected by the user, and (4) a storage position wherein the work surface is vertical. A truss assembly guide which slidably receives a truss assembly makes the various angular positions possible. In an embodiment of the invention, the entire rotatable table is vertically positionable on the support structure.

Abstract: A narrowband, tunable filter with a wide acceptance angle utilizes two holographic filter elements connected in series. The filter blocks light outside of a narrow spectral band of interest, while enabling light to be seen over a wide range of angles incident on the filter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for accessing the inside of a pipe includes a valve which connects to the pipe, a riser pipe, and an operating rod for selectively opening and closing the valve. The apparatus further includes a 5.25 inch cylindrical housing having a removable cover, the housing surrounding the valve, riser pipe, and operating rod. When the cover is removed, the valve is visible from the top of the housing.

Abstract: A ventilated mattress includes a top foam layer having a plurality of spaced apart holes which extend through the thickness of the top foam layer. The top foam layer rests upon a bottom foam layer which has an upward facing side which has a convoluted surface containing upward projections which are spaced apart by valleys, thereby creating structural passageways for air to flow into and from the holes. When a force, such as the weight of a person, is applied to the top foam layer, air flows out the sides of the mattress through air passageways created by the upward projections and valleys of the convoluted surface. Conversely, when the force is removed air flow into the sides of the mattress through the air passageways.

Abstract: A pet feeding system includes a dish having an upwardly projecting elongated handle. A liner is shaped and dimensioned to fit over the dish. An anti-rotation mechanism prevents the liner from rotating with respect to the dish.

Abstract: A multifunction massage system may be used to massage the neck and/or the back of a user. The system is placed between the user and the back of a chair with the user leaning back against the system to obtain a massage. The system includes a pair of counter rotating neck massage heads the position of which can be adjusted to suit the height of the user. The system also includes at least one pair of counter rotating back massage heads which massage the back of the user. The speed and direction of rotation of the neck and back massage heads may be selectively changed. Additionally the neck and back massage heads may be selectively caused to vibrate in one of a plurality of vibrational modes and with a high or low force.

Abstract: A game for a plurality of players includes a playing area having playing stations which form a path along which the players move game pieces. The playing area includes a plurality of franchise site playing stations which represent a franchise location, such as a city. The players each pick a business entity such as a particular fast food chain. The object of the game is for a player to establish a franchise for his/her chosen business entity at each franchise site playing station.

Abstract: A display system which is mounted on top of a gasoline pump includes a housing having a plurality of display stations. A display module containing replaceable advertising information is installable at each display station, the display module including a business card dispenser. The display module is installed in the housing via a back panel in the housing. A resilient spacer is installed behind each display module to urge the display module toward the front of the housing.

Abstract: An internally lighted object includes a housing which is fabricated from either a transparent material or a translucent material. A selectively energizable light source is contained within the housing so that when the light source is energized the object shines. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the light source includes one or more light emitting diodes.

Abstract: An improved spa vacuum for removing debris from the bottom of a spa or hot tub includes a removable lower assembly which includes a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a filter housing having three stacked filter elements. The spa vacuum also has a removable nozzle having rounded side edges. A compression fitting connects a telescoping pole to an upper chamber cap of a debris chamber. The telescoping pole may be removed from the debris chamber if damaged or for purposes of packaging and shipping.

Abstract: An inflatable exercise belt which is placed around the abdomen and lower back of a user has one inflatable air chamber for the abdomen and two spaced apart inflatable air chambers for the lumbar region of the back. When worn by the user and inflated, the two inflatable chambers exert pressure upon the upper and lower portions of the lumbar vertebrae. The belt also has elastic portions which enable it to better conform to the body of the user.

Abstract: A test device (20) for detecting human blood includes a strip (22) having an introduction station (24), a test station (26), and a control station (28) disposed in spaced apart relationship. The test sample introduction station (24) has labeled antihuman Hb antibodies, the test station (26) has immobilized antihuman Hb antibodies, and the control station has immobilized polyclonal antibodies. A test sample (500) is deposited at the introduction station (24). If human hemoglobin is present in the test sample (500), a colored line will appear at the test station (26) and at the control station (28). If no human hemoglobin is present in the test sample (500), a colored line will only appear at the control station (28).

Abstract: A protective cover for a data storage disc such as a compact disc (CD) includes a disc which has a central retainer for engaging the hole in the data storage disc. The protective cover may placed on both the data storage side and the opposite side of the data storage disc. In one embodiment the retainer consists of a plurality of upstanding members disposed on one side of the protective cover, and a corresponding plurality of cavities disposed on the other side of the protective cover. The cavities of one protective cover receive the upstanding members of another protective cover so that a plurality of protective covers may be stacked.