Abstract: An integrated weight loss system generally comprises an electronic stimulation device in communication through the Internet with a host server. The electronic stimulation device serves to stimulate reduction of fat cells as a key part of a weight loss protocol. The protocol takes advantage of the Internet to combine new and previously available weight loss modalities in a manner designed to obtain greater weight loss success than likely through individual usage of the component modalities. Additionally, the integrated weight loss system and the protocol take advantage of the Internet to provide the user with a unique compliance monitoring scheme designed to promote as high as possible weight loss success.

Abstract: A radio hairbrush generally comprises a body, having a plurality of bristles dependently secured thereto; a handle; a radio receiver integral with the body; and an audio output device. The radio receiver is contained within a cavity internal to the body and all controls for the radio receiver are sealed to prevent the ingress of fluids to the cavity. The controls may include an ON-OFF control for the radio receiver and a volume control for controlling the level of sound generated by the audio output device. A plurality of orifices through the body are positioned adjacent to the audio output device for allowing the emanation through the body of sound waves emitted from the audio output device. A flexible membrane, such as a thin, plastic sheet, is interposed between the audio output device and the orifices to prevent the ingress of fluids through the orifices to the cavity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for destroying metal needles having a shaft, hub, and a tip comprising first and second electrodes spaced in an overlapping relationship. The first electrode is generally disc shaped and the second electrode is generally cylindrically shaped. The apparatus also includes a power source connected across the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: An apparel adapted for use in a confined space as a protective headwear generally comprises a crown adapted for close conformation about a wearer's scalp and a protective element for safekeeping of the wearer's scalp from blunt trauma. The crown consists essentially of a soft fabric such as, for example, cotton and is preferably machine washable. The protective element, which is preferably substantially centrally positioned on an interior face of the crown, comprises a resiliently flexible material such as, for example, plastic. The protective element is shaped to disseminate the force of a potentially traumatic impact over a region of the wearer's scalp, thereby protecting the wearer from injury. A short bill is also affixed to a portion of the edge of the crown. According to the invention, this bill should extend no more than about two inches outward from the crown to prevent deflection of the apparel from the wearer's head.

Abstract: A residential water supply interruption system generally comprises a remotely controllable shut-off valve and a controller in communication with the remotely controllable shutoff valve. The remotely controllable shutoff valve is interposed a water line from a water main to the living quarters portion of a residential building, such that activation of the shutoff valve operates to prevent flow of water from the water main to the living quarters. In this manner, damage to the living quarters from failure of water pipes running through the living quarters is prevented during times that the shutoff valve is activated.

Abstract: A method for preparation of a semitransparent colloidal solution of bismuth sodium tartrate generally comprises producing an aqueous solution of bismuth sodium tartrate; extracting a magma of bismuth sodium tartrate from the aqueous solution at a pH of approximately 2.2; and then dissolving the magma into a salting-in mixture. It is critical that the magma be extracted at a pH of at least 2.2 but not more than 2.3. As a result, the magma is extracted by washing with a wash liquor comprising an addition of distilled water; allowing the magma to settle out of the wash liquor; measuring the pH of the wash liquor after the magma has settled; and then decanting the wash liquor from the magma. This process is then repeated as necessary to arrive at a magma within the critical pH range, whereafter the magma is air dried in preparation for salting-in. After addition of preservative and strength testing, the base solution is diluted to an elixir strength.

Abstract: A gun rack for nondestructive use in any of a variety of vehicle models generally comprises two substantially L-shaped vehicle engagement members and a cross bar disposed therebetween. The cross bar comprises at least one trough adapted to support the stock portion of a gun. The L-shaped members are adapted to flexibly engage opposite side portions of a vehicle center console. Padding is provided for protection of the vehicle and supported gun. The cross member may be adjustable in length to facilitate use with a wider variety of console styles. In this case, adjustment of the length of the cross member effects the relative spacing between the two L-shaped members. The adjustable cross member may comprise a turnbuckle, which may have a locking device adapted to selectively fix the length of the cross member and, thus, the width of the gun rack.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted dryer for accelerated drying of clothing generally comprises a fixed frame, a rotatable drum within the fixed frame for holding and tumbling clothing within a vacuum sealable interior space, a vacuum pump fixedly attached to the drum and a power delivery system for communicating electrical power from the fixed frame to the vacuum source on the drum. The power delivery system comprises a slip ring assembly about a spindle utilized to maintain the drum upon its axis of rotation inside the fixed frame. A plurality of heating pads are provided about the interior of the drum to facilitate drying of the clothing. A blower assembly evacuates to a conventional dryer vent moist air exhausted from the vacuum pump.

Abstract: An apparatus adjusts the pressures of a therapeutic mattress surface in accordance with the angular position of that surface. The apparatus comprises an angular position sensor and a rotation sensor which are housed together in an enclosure having a top surface in the form of a circular plate. The circular plate mounts either on the surface of the mattress or on the bottom of a bed frame supporting the mattress. The angular position and rotation sensors measure the horizontal plane referenced perpendicular to the direction of the force of gravity. The apparatus further comprises a controller blower valve assembly which processes data received from the angular position and rotation sensors to maintain, increase, or decrease the pressures within the mattress.

Abstract: A device controller synchronizes a counter to the detection of sunrise or sunset by photoelectrically sensing daylight, thereby establishing an approximate time reference for scheduling the timing of device activations to occur at any time of day or night. An uncalibrated method of measuring sunlight yields more reliable scheduling, relative to sunrise and sunset events. The integral approximate time reference is kept synchronized, even if occasional faults in detection of sunrise or sunset occur. The rules employed to establish and maintain synchronization, and the dynamically variable rules of evaluating changes in light intensity, contribute to the reliable performance of the controller apparatus. Inherently self-adapting and automatic, a potentiometer for setting a time parameter input and a push-button for setting a time parameter input are combined in the apparatus in such a way to yield further utility without complicating the programmability.