Abstract: A device that incorporates magnetic componentry frictionally engage one or more sheets of paper therebetween is provided. The magnetic componentry of the invention is selected to exert sufficient magnetic force therebetween to retain the paper. The invention includes a magnetic backing member and a ferromagnetic retaining clip rotatably coupled thereto for frictionally engaging paper therebetween. The retaining clip may have an upturned end to facilitate disposing paper between the clip and backing member. The backing member and retaining clip are selected so that the backing member exerts just enough magnet force on the retaining clip to draw the clip against the backing member with enough pressure to retain up to several thin sheets of paper therebetween. The present invention is well suited for one-handed operation thereof.

Abstract: A magnetic closure device for personal effect carriers such as purses, pouches, day packs, and backpacks is provided. The invented closure device comprises a flap assembly affixed to a flap of the carrier and a receiving assembly affixed to the sidewall of the carrier. The receiving assembly is configured similar to the flap assembly, so that the receiving assembly mates with the flap assembly. The receiving assembly is provided with a projecting member configured to extend through the opening in the flap assembly, without projecting substantially beyond a cover plate thereof. The projecting member and opening coact as a guide to enable a user to locate the receiving assembly for quickly interconnecting the two assemblies. A magnet is retained in the receiving assembly for positively securing the flap assembly to the receiving assembly, to inhibit the device from inadvertently releasing.

Abstract: An improved portable cigarette lighter closure device that provides facile pivoting of the cover between open and closed positions, and which securely retains the cover in the closed position is provided. The closure device incorporates a magnet affixed in the cover of a cigarette lighter, for securing the cover to a body of the lighter and to securely retain the cover in the closed position. The magnet exerts sufficient force on the body to retain the cover in the closed position, while enabling one handed pivoting of the cover by the user. Additionally the invention may be provided with an insulating sleeve. The ferromagnetic insulating sleeve prevents the magnetic field radiated by the magnet from passing through the cover of the lighter, for preventing magnetically attracted objects located in a pocket of the user's clothing such as the users keys and change for example, from being inadvertently drawn against the cover of the lighter.

Abstract: An electronic bookmark for a copy holder that aids a user's ability to ascertain viewed text on paper retained by the copy holder is provided. The invented copy holder includes vertically adjustable indicating device that directs the user's attention to text adjacent without the use of a guide or illumination of the paper, so that text is not obscured or distorted. The copy holder comprises a backboard for retaining paper thereon and a plate rotatably coupled thereto. The plate has a bottom surface configured to releasably couple the plate to the backboard without interfering with paper interposed therebetween. The indicating device comprises a display that extends along a top surface of the plate. The display preferably comprises an array of electrodes, such as a liquid crystal display, light emitting diodes, or signal lamps, with desired segments of an array activated for directing a users attention to a selected portion of text on the document.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for isolating DNA from biological cells containing protamines. The biological parent material is decomposed using salts with low molecular weight above a critical ionic strength cleaving all ionic bonds between DNA and protamines and polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSA) and/or its derivatives in combination with sodium lauryl sulfate. These substances, together with protamines at pH values ranging from 7.5 to 8.5, form insoluble polyelectrolyte complexes facilitating the release of DNA from its natural complexes which can then be precipitated using ethanol. The method according to the invention is fundamentally different from conventional methods as it uses neither enzymes nor toxic extracting agents such as chloroform or phenol. The method according to the invention is very efficient and non-polluting; it can be carried out easily and yields products with a high degree of purity.