Abstract: A device, system, and method for holding reinforcing bars in fixed positions. A reinforcing bar securing device comprises a base and a securing means for securing the reinforcing bar to the base, which is configured to engage at least one rib of the reinforcing bar. The securing means may include a flange, a hinged member, or a flexible member, such as plastic, for example, configured to allow the reinforcing bar to enter the securing means in one direction and engage at least one rib on the reinforcing bar to prevent the reinforcing bar from withdrawing from the securing means. The flanges are configured to bend to press against the reinforcing bar as the ribs contact the flanges and as the reinforcing bar moves relative to the securing device as the reinforcing bar enters the surface. A system of the present invention is also presented for holding reinforcing bars in fixed positions.

Abstract: A distress signal system for protecting a person. There is an aesthetic piece; an activation module coupled to the aesthetic piece, wherein the activation module emits an activation signal when exposed to a triggering phenomenon; a notification module in communication with the activation module, wherein the notification module produces an electromagnetic notification signal upon receiving the activation signal, the notification module including: a global positioning module; a cellular telephone; and a microphone in communication with the notification module, wherein the electromagnetic notification signal comprises real-time audio information from the microphone.

Abstract: A wheel decorating device for selective ornamentation of a wheel. The device includes a planar decorative member having a cylindrical base member protruding therefrom. The base member is fixedly coupleable to a wheel, having: a first and second coupling member; a first and second locking member both actuable by a lock and key that is selectively engageable between the first and second coupling member. Additionally, the device has a lock disposed centrally on the base member; and a planar decorative member in communication with the interior of the base member, forming an access port through which the lock may be accessed. The lock has a first position that disengages the first and second locking members; a second position that engages the first locking member and disengages the second locking member; and a third position that engages both the first and second locking members.

Abstract: A system and method of instructing a user to read musical notation through interaction with a graphical user interface and an input instrument representative of a stringed instrument comprising a plurality of modes of instruction which progressively direct and alter characteristics of the user interface to more closely resemble standard musical notation. The graphical user interface includes a virtual fingerboard having linear arrays representing frequency ranges and note positions. The note positions and linear arrays may be coded indexed to a chromatic scale and may directly correspond to fingerboard positions on an input instrument. A game object is directed toward the virtual fingerboard in accordance with a music file is incorporated in the graphical user interface which contains data corresponding to notes in sequence that have a rhythmic pattern of arrangement coinciding with the virtual fingerboard. An evaluation of the user's performance is provided based on striking the input instrument.

Abstract: A combination child carrier for carrying a child. There is: a first horizontal seat member; a first vertical support member, coupled to a rear portion the first horizontal seat member and extending upwardly therefrom; an extendable handle member, coupled to a top of the first vertical support member; a plurality of rear wheels, coupled near a rear portion the first horizontal seat member; and a front leg support member, hingedly coupled to a front portion of the first horizontal seat member and extending downwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for automatically providing cold water to animals. There is a first container, configured to contain ice, and having a plurality of holes disposed therethrough; a first and second supporting member each coupled to the first container, and extending vertically therefrom to support the first container. Of the first container there is a first and second portion removably couplable to the other. The first and second portions are substantially identical. Further, the first portion and the second portion are coupled at a substantially vertical interface. Also, the first portion and the second portion are coupled at a substantially horizontal interface. Additionally, there is a second container, substantially below the first container, configured to contain water.

Abstract: A piping support device for supporting piping for conduit. The device includes: a hollow cylindrical member with a low aspect ratio and a first aperture therethrough; a first bracket and second bracket, each coupled to the cylindrical member and extending outwardly along a side of the cylindrical member; a first set screw, with setting and operation ends, disposed through the aperture and external to the cylindrical member. Additionally, there is a second set screw disposed through a second aperture in the cylindrical member, wherein the second aperture is radially distanced from the first aperture at an angle greater than about ninety degrees. Moreover, the device has a first coupling portion coupled to the cylindrical member and a second coupling portion, with a plurality of holes, extending from the first coupling portion substantially normal to the first coupling portion. Further, first coupling portion is shorter than the second coupling portion.

Abstract: A plug kit of sealing apertures. There is: a first plug, including: a first solid cylindrical flexible member, having: a first end with a first diameter; and a second end, opposite the first end, the second end having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, wherein the diameter of the first solid cylindrical flexible member decreases step-wise along a length of the first solid cylindrical flexible member; and a second plug, including: a second solid cylindrical flexible member, having: a third end with a third diameter, wherein the third diameter is larger than the first diameter; and a fourth end, opposite the third end, the fourth end having a fourth diameter smaller than the third diameter, smaller than the first diameter, and larger than the second diameter, wherein the diameter of the second solid cylindrical flexible member decreases step-wise along a length of the second solid cylindrical flexible member.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically managing a multi-step process in which human providers are selected, typically for employment and dating services. The selection process includes background checking, testing, interviewing, and acceptance by the provider and selecting entity, through automated sequencing, coordinating, tracking, status reporting, and an optional human intervention. The invention includes a system and method for automatically scoring and ranking human providers by a set of selection criteria, typically multiple choice options. The system determines the relevance of the questions and answers and stores it in a continuously updating Knowledge-base. The answers may be spoken, written, or entered directly into the system. The system includes testing and interviewing human providers with respect to the selection criteria; and the resulting scoring information is stored and may be used in future assessments.

Abstract: A spatter guard for covering food in an oven. The guard includes: a first shell configured to cover food, having: a first semi-hemispherical barrier member with a plurality of apertures therein. Additionally, there is a second shell pivotally coupled to the first shell to substantially form a hemispherical barrier and an array of substantially parallel semi-hemispherical barriers. The array includes a second semi-hemispherical barrier member with a plurality of apertures therein. Moreover, the first shell has a plurality of protrusions extending downwardly from a bottom of the first hemispherical barrier member to space the first shell from a surface. Further, there is a flange that extends outwardly from a bottom of the first hemispherical barrier member. Further, the second shell has a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom and is configured to be used as a handle for actuating the second shell between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A novel portable insulated cooler unit at least includes: a plurality of coolant lines embedded in a plurality of walls of the cooler unit, the coolant lines at least including coolant fluid; a compressor coupled to the coolant lines; a fan adapted to circulate air around the coolant lines; a thermostat adapted to measure the cooler unit internal temperature; a temperature adjust control coupled to the compressor and to the thermostat, the temperature adjust control adapted to cause the cooler unit internal temperature to be adjusted; an AC power supply adapted to receive AC power when available; a DC power jack adapted to receive DC power when available; a rechargeable battery coupled to the AC power supply and to the DC power jack, the rechargeable battery adapted to operate the compressor and the fan when the cooler unit is ON, and the cooler unit is not receiving external power; and a foldable solar panel at least including a photovoltaic array, the solar panel adapted to be functionally stored when folde

Abstract: Internal combustion engines having V-and L-configurations. There are first and second piston systems, each including: an engine block; a cylinder through the engine block; a piston within the cylinder, the piston with piston rings, including a cavity therein the underside; a stump member disposed within the cylinder and sized to be received by the cavity, and having a bore through the center to a direction of travel of the piston; a connecting rod, connected between the piston, and a crankshaft; a first and second combustion chambers defined between the piston, the cylinder, and the upper engine head, and between the piston, the cylinder, the stump member, and the cylinder floor respectively; an inlet port, an outlet port, and a spark plug/fuel injector port; each disposed through the engine block orthogonal to a direction of travel of the piston.

Abstract: A system for music composition including: a display module configured to display data; a graphical user interface module in communication with the music data control module, and configured to interface with a user; a music data control module in communication with the display module and with the graphical user interface module, and configured to control music data; and a music data source module in communication with the music data control module and providing a first value.

Abstract: Illuminating nail scissors for trimming nails of infants and toddlers. There is: nail scissors, including: a first cutting member, having: a first handle portion; and a first blade portion; and a second cutting member, having: a second handle portion; and a second blade portion, wherein the first blade portion and the second blade portion have rounded blunt tips; a light module, coupled to the nail scissors; and a power module, in communication with the light module. The first handle portion and the second handle portion comprise rubber. The light module comprises an LED light. The power module comprises a lithium battery. There is also: a control module, in communication with the power module. The control module comprises an On/Off button.

Abstract: There is a biological composition and method of use. Included is a microorganism quantity, and a nutrient quantity which may have a supplement, a short-term nutrient and a long term nutrient. The composition may be applied to a container having water wherein the microorganisms rapidly reproduce. As the microorganisms reproduce they may be extracted. Once extracted, they may be introduced into a cleaning system and dispersed to surfaces of an animal production facility. There, the microorganisms may process animal waste and the slime associated thereto. Further, the microorganisms may flow into a lagoon to beneficially participate in waste processing. Still further, the microorganisms may enhance the ability of the lagoon to prepare the waste for distribution to plants.

Abstract: A pillow for coupling to a surface. The pillow includes: a first cushion of soft resilient material; a first cover enclosing the cushion; a second cover enclosing the first cover, the second cover including an edge portion having a first aperture disposed therethrough; and a suction cup assembly coupled to the first cover and disposed through the first aperture. The suction cup assembly includes: a suction cup; a release tab coupled to an edge of the suction cup; a neck; a nub coupled to the neck and having a larger dimension than a radius of the neck; a second cushion of soft resilient material disposed about the neck and between the first cover and the nub; and a rigid annular member disposed about the neck and between the second cushion and the nub, wherein the second cushion extends radially beyond the rigid annular member.