Abstract: A warning system for notifying another person when a child is left in a child safety seat. The system recognizes a child in a child safety seat by either a pressure pad or a secured child seat lap belt. The system is activated by the release of the driver's seat belt. Should a child remain in the seat when the driver's seat belt is disengaged, the system alarms notifying the driver of such. The alarm would include a calm audio output such as a lullaby, a song, or a story. The system can be integrated into the OEM features to provide an alert escalation process using a local alert, a vehicle alert, a wireless alert and ultimately a 911 alert.

Abstract: An elastic resistance band that is fabricated by placing two end couplers on each end of a section of elastic resistance material. A pre-tensioned force is applied by incorporating a rigid tensioning member between the two end couplers of the resistance band. The resistance material is stretched during the assembly process, placing the material in a pre-tensioned state. By pre-tensioning the material, the resistance band then provides a more linear force to the end user.

Abstract: A foldable flip flop which incorporates a flexible hinge within a sole of the footwear. The flexible hinge consists of a molded flexible hinge section 40, a molded hinge aperture 38, a hinge top recess 34 and a hinge limitation contact section 42. The molded flexible hinge section 40 and molded hinge aperture 38 provides a flexible and reliable member allowing the sole to be folded. The sole can comprise a hinge section along a transverse orientation or a longitudinal orientation about the center of the sole. The hinge limitation contact section 42 ensures that a heel section of the sole remains in a wearable configuration during use.

Abstract: A positive locking machine screw mechanism comprises a screw having a head and a body wherein the body includes male threads formed thereon wherein the threaded body has at least one longitudinal segment devoid of threads. A work piece defines a hole having female threads formed therein for receiving the screw and further defines in a portion of the hole, at least one longitudinally extending segment devoid of female threads. The longitudinal screw segment devoid of male threads and the longitudinal hole segment devoid of female threads are arranged such that the screw body is longitudinally received in the hole without engagement of the male screw threads with the female work piece threads.

Abstract: A garbage container incorporates an access located along one side of the container. The access port can be enclosed by a door. An access section bag holding structure can be incorporated across the top edge of the access. The side access garbage container allows the user to remove the garbage bag without lifting it from the container, but simply by sliding the filled bag out from the access section. The access can be incorporated into a stand alone container or one placed within a cabinet.

Abstract: A low profile pointing device for personal computers includes a thin elongate case for insertion in a PC Card slot and defining a cavity therein. A frame forms one surface of the case and defines an opening therethrough. A slidable plate is disposed within the cavity and is translatably supported in a plane parallel to the frame. A portion of the slidable plate is accessible through said frame opening. At least one motion sensor is mounted within the case and is coupled with the slidable plate for sensing movement of the plate and converting the sensed movements into electrical data signals. A communication interface transmits data signals between the motion sensor and the computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed using the internet (or similar) to provide, publish and maintain a database for stolen items. The method and apparatus further disclose the utilization of this database as a backbone for an internet portal, providing for automated contact of interested parties, automated e-commerce for replacement of assets, and immediate distribution of published information. The preferred embodiment would provide a means for extracting the information from entered police reports to create an all encompassing database. The present invention provides a new mechanism for deterring the selling of stolen items, increasing the potential of recovering stolen or missing items, and simplifying the claim processing process.

Abstract: A multi-functional exercise bench having a storage section that can store exercise equipment such as weights, jump ropes, water bottles, yoga mats, decorative hand weights, yoga mats, resistance bands, etc. The bench includes a riser platform that provides an angled surface that the user can lay on while exercising. The riser platform is hinged at one end of the bench. Additionally, a storage cover can be included, being hinged at the rear of the bench. The multi-functional exercise bench can include weight support members as well as leg exercise devices. These weight holding exercise members can be collapsible and capable of being stored inside the storage section. The bench is covered in aesthetically pleasing materials to match the décor of the room.

Abstract: The present invention describes various methods and apparatus to increase efficiency and sales of a Newspaper Rack. Newspaper Racks are generally placed within a close proximity to each other, and generally less than ½ mile apart providing the unique ability to create a local network. With hardware and monthly operation costs are critical within the industry, the present invention utilizes local network(s) which transmits information to a collector. The local network(s) can be a star network, a mesh network, or a trunking network. The collector uploads the information via any of a number of longer-range transmission methods, including cellular, paging, Wi-Fi, Internet, dial-up modem, and others. Using a local network shares the upload costs, drastically reducing the operating costs for the Newspaper Company. Because the Newspaper Racks are deployed throughout a region, it is convenient to utilize the local network created by the Newspaper Rack monitoring system to additionally monitor other objects.

Abstract: Trim elements affixable to a vehicle body provide protection to the vehicle body from dents. Each of the trim elements comprises an outer shell of determinate length wherein the outer shell has a conformable wall for interfacing with a vehicle body and a convex wall affixed to outer edges of the conformable wall. This outer shell defines an interior void that is filled with energy absorbing foam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for placing solder spheres on electronic receiving pads of a ball grid array (BGA) component package, such as by a BGA solder sphere placement apparatus. The solder spheres are held to a pattern of solder sphere apertures in a foil and against a solder sphere backing rib of a second layer by a vacuum holding force. After locating the solder spheres to receiving pads of a BGA component package, the system removes the holding force and the solder spheres are then released and placed on the receiving pads. Optionally, the apparatus can ensure release of the solder spheres as well as seating the solder spheres onto the receiving pads by applying a tapping or vibrational force.

Abstract: A lace gripper having an upper body and a lower body that may be joined together whereby a tied lace is secured between the two bodies. Preferable the upper body is designed to receive inserts, keys, charms, lights, recording devices, alarm and locating audible signals and locating devices, to allow the user to customize the lace gripper to their personal preference. The lace gripper can additionally be utilized to maintain a memo and would be secured to an object of daily use, such as a key ring or purse. Artwork for an image for the insert can be created by using software with a preset outline of the insert. Such software can be provided in softcopy or accessible via the Internet.

Abstract: The present invention describes a restroom attendant system. The restroom attendant system utilizes a notification device placed in a restroom. A patron would select a request for service button when the patron recognizes that the restroom needs servicing. The notification device can include a cancel feature as well as indicators to indicate when a request for service is in process and if the restroom is considered cleaned. The notification device would communicate with either a main terminal or a service person. The main terminal can further monitor the time between cleanings and request that a restroom be serviced should the time since the previous servicing exceeds an acceptable time-span. The information can be stored, printed, and uploaded to a central receiving station.

Abstract: A fiber optic lighting device is formed by adhering fiber optic strands onto a backing material in a radial pattern. The radial pattern projects from a centralized illumination receiving port within a perimeter of the backing material. The centralized illumination receiving port transfers light from the illuminating source into the fiber optic strands. The fiber optic strands can include a surface finish, which enhances the intensity of the light emitting from the fiber optic strands. The fiber optic lighting device provides a non-linear sheared edge along the entire perimeter of the backing material. The fiber optic lighting device includes multiple arrangements of the fiber optic strands, each grouping illuminated in a manner to distinguish one arrangement from another. This provides the ability to sequence through the illumination process with the result being an animated presentation. Colors can be utilized in the illumination process to further accentuate the animation.

Abstract: The invention is for a lace gripper comprising an upper body and a lower body that may be joined together whereby a tied lace is secured between the two bodies. Preferable the upper body is designed to receive inserts, charms, lights, recording devices, alarm and locating audible signals and locating devices, to allow the user to customize the lace gripper to their personal preference. The lace gripper can additionally be utilized to maintain a memo and would be secured to an object of daily use, such as a key ring or purse.

Abstract: A method of documenting a patient's optic nerve utilizing solid and dashed line arrows as well as other references to clearly describe the diagnosis of each visit. An electronic medical record software product that provides a method for entering, documenting, and recording the appearance and diagnosed status of a patient's optic nerve. The software can provide the user the ability to enter the information in a variety of ways, including selection of various features from images presented as examples, entry data via text or selection from a table, drawing the optic nerve, or from an image. The software can store and present an animated history to help provide prognosis.

Abstract: A plumbing valve cover is disclosed for use in conjunction with under-sink plumbing to avoid interference with the operation of a flexible spray nozzle hose used in conjunction with a spray nozzle. The plumbing valve cover may be coupled to the under-sink plumbing or cabinet wall. The plumbing valve cover may partially cover the under-sink plumbing and include clearances for multiple plumbing lines which may exit a supply valve via either the top, bottom, or sides. The preferred embodiment would be a single piece, injection molded plastic apparatus comprising a horizontal member which covers the top of the valve and two vertical members. The vertical members would be angled or curved to redirect the flexible hose away from getting caught on the valve. The horizontal member can include a pitch to redirect the hose away from the cover or valve when the hose is being retracted into the cabinet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving a screen printing process by applying vibrational energy to assist in the print release, cleaning, and drying processes. The vibrational energy or acoustic pressure waves may be created by a transducer where the waves are transferred to the stencil or printable material through air or a vibrational interface medium. The vibrational energy in turn assists with separating the printable material from the side walls of the apertures of the stencil. The vibrational energy can further assist in the process of cleaning the stencil. The acoustic pressure can also be used in the drying process by having the waves impinge on the water droplets to atomize the droplets on the surface of the stencil. The technology can be used for the assembly of Printed Circuit Assemblies, Ball Grid Array IC Packages, Flip Chip, etc.