Abstract: A two-compartment capsule includes a body, a diaphragm between, which seals off the body and provides a first compartment to hold a first dry ingredient, and a cap applied to the body whereby a space between the inner portion of the cap and the diaphragm defines a second compartment for holding a second dry ingredient. This disclosure also provides particular formulations for use in such a capsule. Examples include a probiotic, a digestive enzyme, an expectorant, a bronchodilator, a stool softener, a platelet aggregation inhibitor, a form or derivative of vitamin E, a statin, and aspirin.

Abstract: A jewelry link assembly and a method of assembling jewelry chain links are disclosed. The jewelry link assembly comprises a male member comprising a ball portion having two prongs at opposite ends. The jewelry link assembly comprises a female member having two wings. Each wing comprises a prong receiving section. The ball portion is received between the two wings such that the prongs are made to slide into the prong receiving sections provided at the two wings for interlocking the male and female members. The jewelry link assembly further comprises chain links connected at far ends of the male and female members for forming a two-piece design configuration of the chain links together with the male and female members. The chain links, and the male and female members, are connected alternatively and successively to form a jewelry link assembly.

Abstract: Operating a pointing device in a low power manner by receiving first tracking information from a first tracking device, de-activating the first tracking device when the accuracy of the first tracking information is determined to be inadequate, activating a second tracking device in order to acquire second tracking information when the first tracking device is deactivated, wherein the first tracking device is substantially lower power device that the second tracking device.

Abstract: A chain includes a plurality of links, each link has a first end having a knob and an opposite second end having a cavity, wherein the cavity is shaped and dimensioned to receive the knob of a mating link. The links are joined together knob-to-cavity to form a chain wherein the links can both axially and transversely rotate. In an embodiment, each link has a neck which receives a collar. In another embodiment, a wire is passed through a tunnel in all the links.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using a bead weaving device for assisting manufacturing by jewelry makers and facilitating the positioning, stringing, cross-weaving, peyote chain maille, and accurate sizing for but not limited to necklaces, bracelets, and other hand woven beaded products. The bead weaving device includes the following components: an inclined sizing plate optionally including an imperial-measure graduated scale and/or a metric-measure graduated scale, a brass toggle half securer, a stabilizer, a support base and removably couplable peyote block attachment and a support arm. The support base of the device is adapted for use on the lap of a user or on the surface of a substrate such as a table.

Abstract: A design board container enabling the arrangement and temporary positional securement of beading elements is provided. The container includes a base member and a lid member preferably in hinged relationship with one another. The base member and lid member include a design liner and lid liner, respectively, formed of a resiliently deformable and preferably compressible material. The liners are preferably substantially planar, i.e., a flat surface, so as to allow for free form designing unconstrained by preset channels. By closing the container, the lid surface engages the design surface and beading elements such that the beading elements deform the design liner and are positionally secured between the design liner and the lid liner. The surfaces of the lid liner and the design liner preferably comprise gripping members, such as filamentary or hair-like elements.

Abstract: A magnetic structure comprises a plurality of magnetic components, or a plurality of magnetic and ferromagnetic components, wherein the magnetic components, or the magnetic and ferromagnetic components, can be disposed within multiple strands or layers magnetically connected together. The magnetic structures can be utilized within any one of various different jewelry items, toys, amusement devices, educational implements, instructional aids, or the like.

Abstract: An assembly of two elements including a first element that has a cavity with an external opening connected to a first region defined by a sidewall that is a spherical segment and the diameter of the external opening is smaller than the diameter of the sidewall in the first region. Adjacent to the first region is a second region also defined by a second spheroid segment that is separated from the first region by an annular ring extending from the sidewalls towards a central axis of the cavity. The annular ring forms a passage having a diameter approximately the same as the external opening. An extension member on the second element is inserted into the cavity which has a first rod section terminating in a second spherically-shaped section.

Abstract: A hair decoration such as a kit comprises a series of beads connectable to one another and a set of appliqués. At least a portion of the beads contains one or more lights inside which are in electrical communication with one another to permit power to be commonly supplied to the lights from a battery. One or more beads includes a mechanism for attaching the beads to hair. A light circuit is coupled to the light-containing beads to drive the lights. Appliqués in the set of appliqués are selectively applicable to the beads by a user, have a transmissivity, and are in a path of illumination of the lights. As a result, when the lights are driven by the light circuit, the lights shine and provide illumination in the path. The illumination can be direct or backlit. A method of decorating hair is also provided.

Abstract: Jewelry items such as rings, bracelets and necklaces are made of pop beads of novel construction. The structure includes a spherical body from which extends an elongate, flexible neck having a ball formed on its distal free end. The neck is sufficiently long to enable it to be formed into a loop so that it can be press fit into a socket formed on the opposite side of the same spherical body, and the neck is adapted to receive a plurality of strung beads. In a second embodiment, the neck is not long enough to enable it to be formed into a loop, but is sufficiently long to receive at least on strung bead so that Jewelry items are made by connecting a plurality of the pop beads together with strung beads being positioned between the respective spherical of the pop beads.

Abstract: A jewelry fastener assembly which can be utilized to support a pendant or enhancer. The jewelry fastener assembly includes a clasp for securing an article of jewelry on a user, and a coupling device for releasably securing the enhancer to the clasp. The clasp preferably includes a first and second member supported on opposite ends of the article of jewelry, the first and second members being configured to releasably engage each other in a first, engaged position where the enhancer is not utilized. The coupling device preferably includes a third and a fourth member supported on the sides of the enhancer. The third member is configured to releasably engage the first member of the clasp, and the fourth member is configured to releasably engage the second member of the clasp in a second, engaged position where the enhancer is supported between the clasp and releasably secured thereto.

Abstract: A jewelry bead has a rigid hollow body with an exterior wall of a first metal and a covering of a second metal whose color is different from that of the first metal. The covering overlies one or more selected areas of the wall so as to define an all-metal substantially level color pattern on the bead.

Abstract: The invention is related to a menstrual cycle monitor for a human female which includes indicators representing a first day of menstrual bleeding, early infertile days, fertile days, and later infertile days in the menstrual cycle. The indicators together form an ordered set. One indicator of the ordered set is provided with different indicia from indicia provided to other indicators, so as to alert the user of the monitor that she should consult her health care provider if particular circumstances arise. A movable marker also may be provided for indexing with the indicators.

Abstract: An articulated band of the invention is formed of a lineal array of metallic elements arranged in a repeating pattern. The elements are separably bonded to one another through magnetic forces acting therebetween. The band is characterized in that it is free of pins and other mechanical structural agents for interconnecting the band elements to one another. The configuration of the elements themselves is such that each has at least two surfaces, and such that these surfaces include one which is curved or arcuate. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the elements include cylinders and discs which are of the same diameters. The cylinders and discs are so arranged that their axes are parallel to one another. In a closed loop configuration, the band exhibits aesthetic design features and finds use as a bracelet.

Abstract: Jewelry items such as rings, bracelets and necklaces are made of pop beads of novel construction. The structure includes a spherical body from which extends in a radial direction an elongate, flexible neck having a ball formed on its distal free end. The neck is sufficiently long to enable it to be formed into a loop so that it can be press fit into a socket formed on the opposite side of the same spherical body, and the neck is adapted to receive a plurality of strung beads to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the item. In a second embodiment, the neck is not long enough to enable it to be formed into a loop, but is sufficiently long to receive at least one strung bead so that bracelets and similar items are made by connecting a plurality of the pop beads together with strung beads being positioned between the respective spherical bodies of the pop beads. Additional embodiments include pop beads that depend from barrettes, eyeglass holders, lanyard hooks, and similar articles.