Abstract: A locking mechanism for an enclosure includes a top housing member and a bottom housing member having at least one latch portion. The top housing member includes at least one top housing deflecting tab portion for deflecting the latch portion. The bottom housing member includes at least one bottom housing retaining tab portion. The top housing deflecting tab portion is slidably engaged with the bottom housing retaining tab portion to secure the top housing member to the bottom housing member and to prevent movement of the top housing member relative to the bottom housing member.

Abstract: A lightpipe apparatus and method includes a lightpipe body for transmitting light. The lightpipe body includes a receiving end portion for receiving the light and a display end portion. The lightpipe body further includes a first refractive surface disposed between the receiving end portion and the display end portion. An opaque substrate is applied to the first refractive surface to reflect the light toward the display end portion.

Abstract: A packaging component has a flat cushioning component constructed of corrugated material, such as of paper, consisting of a polygonal matrix mounted to a laminated fiberboard component. The packaging component provides superior resistance to the shear forces of heavy, cumbersome objects, provides cushioning and protection, is easily manufactured, cost-effective and is environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A removable and reusable insert assembly for positioning and supporting a lifting system within a panel to be formed from cast concrete, the insert assembly having a left and right portion which are detachably removable from each other, and a lid that is secured over the insert. The lid protects an interior space of the insert assembly.

Abstract: A cushioning and stabilizing support in the form of a cradle for supporting heavy paper coils or rolls has a load bearing surface which flexes under loading to embrace and protect the roll. The cradle is preferably configured so that the center of gravity of the roll is aligned with the midpoint of the cradle, providing optimum load-bearing capacity and protection.

Abstract: A novel card game is disclosed utilizing a standard deck of playing cards and played by combining the rules of tic-tac-toe and twenty-one or poker. The player places the cards at certain locations in order to accumulate combinations of twenty-one or in order to accumulate the best poker hands. Also disclosed are novel decks of game playing cards containing playing cards. One novel deck consists of groups of cards, each containing the numeric values of one through ten. The other novel deck contains 37 or 38 novel cards, each containing a numeric value one through 36, or a zero or a double zero, along with a color indication of red, black or green.

Abstract: A method for recovering noble metal from scrap generated during the manufacture of noble metal units. The method includes providing a cast metal unit such as a dental crown or a jewelry item. The unit is made of some noble metal. The surface of the unit is prepared with an abrading element. A magnetically attractive particulate contaminated scrap is generated. The scrap includes some noble metal and particulate contaminate. The noble metal is magnetically separated from the contaminate. The system includes an abrading element and a rotary tool for operating the element at a speed sufficient to prepare the surface of the units. A collection unit is provided for operation of the element therein. The scrap generated includes a percentage of magnetically attractive contaminate. A refining unit is provided including a magnet positioned therein for magnetically removing the contaminate from the scrap.

Abstract: A breastpump which can be programmed to generate, among other things, a plurality of differing milk expression (extraction) sequences, or curves is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a motorized pump (e.g., compressed air, battery and/or house current) is provided with a microprocessor-based controller. Cards, with microprocessor “chips,” containing different suction curves adapted for varying conditions and objectives are included for programming the controller in this embodiment.

Abstract: A single stage regulator is disclosed wherein a Belleville disk spring configuration is utilized to regulate an input working pressure as high as 4,500 PSI, to an output delivery pressure of about 700 to 1,000 PSI. The single stage regulator can be used on Paintball guns, markers and similar devices powered by compressed gas.

Abstract: A drafthood assembly for inclusion within a vent stack for a direct venting stove or fireplace, converting the direct venting stove or fireplace for use with a natural venting flue. The assembly includes an air intake section for feeding ambient room air into the combustion chamber and an exhaust gas section for feeding ambient room air into the products of combustion that are exhausted from the combustion chamber in order to cool the exhaust gas products so that a B-vent type flue can be used to carry the exhaust gas products out of the dwelling.

Abstract: A method, container and kit for a two-component polymeric material, such as an epoxy coating includes filling a first pouch with a polymeric precursor material. A second pouch is filled with a curing agent. The first and second pouches are sealed. The first and second pouches are inserted into a mixing container and the mixing container is sealed. The first pouch can be filled with a first amount of polymeric precursor material. The second pouch can be filled with a second amount of curing agent with the first and second amounts totaling a first volume. The mixing container can have a second volume, with the first volume being greater than about half the second volume. The contents of the pouches can be transferred to the mixing container and mixed therein to react the components and dispense the resulting material.

Abstract: A configurable shield and methods related to same by which the ambient light in conventionally illuminated venues can be largely prevented from falling onto or around a screen such that images displayed on the screen are generally not degraded in quality. The configurable shield includes shield components that are preferably of a durable, yet light weight construction such that the components can be easily transported, assembled, and moved into position for use, then disassembled by one or a few individuals.

Abstract: An easy to assemble breastmilk pump with an effective and easy to operate manual pumping mechanism that allows in one aspect for one-handed or two-handed operation, a novel piston pump mechanism in another aspect of the invention, an improved vacuum regulator in yet another aspect that can be easily adjusted during operation, and a locking mechanism in still another aspect to prevent accidental disengagement of the reciprocating parts during operation.

Abstract: An implant for occluding a passage in a circulatory system is provided. The implant in one form includes a plurality of thin wire-like members each having a proximal and a distal end and a first holder to which the distal ends of the members are attached. The proximal ends of the members are attached to a second holder. The implant includes an expansible occluding body attached to the members at a point intermediate the first and second holders. A carrier rod is releasably attached to the first holder and upon which the second holder is slidably received. A driving implement is located on the carrier rod, the driving implement contacting the second holder and movable toward the first holder along the carrier rod.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing radial alignment of a housing mounted on a circuit board is provided. A mounting leg portion extends outward from a mounting surface of the housing. The mounting leg portion has a body portion, an end portion, and a radial alignment portion. The radial alignment portion extends outward from the mounting surface. The radial alignment portion has a circumference, and is adapted to be received in a mounting opening formed in the circuit board. The radial alignment portion prevents radial movement of the mounting leg portion with respect to the circuit board. The end portion of the mounting leg portion includes a snap portion for engaging the circuit board and securing the mounting leg portion to the circuit board.

Abstract: A clip apparatus for a laptop computer includes a base member having a first end portion, a body portion, and a second end portion. The first end portion includes a flange portion for contacting a frame of a computer screen. The body portion includes an opening formed therein for receiving a locking pin. The second end portion includes an opening formed therein for receiving a mounting post. A securing arm is rotatably attached to the base to allow the securing arm to contact the frame of the computer screen and secure the base member to the frame of the computer screen.

Abstract: An improved vacuum adjustment mechanism for controlling airflow into a chamber which is subject to negative pressure, such as the chamber of a diaphragm pump which is generating vacuum for a breast shield assembly, has an air inlet conduit communicating with the chamber. A channel is formed in a base member, with the channel having a longitudinal length and a dimension perpendicular to that length. The perpendicular dimension varies from a minimum to a maximum. The channel has a bottom and is open, such as along a channel top. An airhole is formed in the channel bottom at the point of the maximum dimension. A rotary member is mounted on the base member, and has an internal channel extending across the longitudinal length of the base member channel, and overlies the channel top. The internal channel of the rotary member communicates with an air source, such as ambient air.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the power of a handheld computing device with a stylus is provided. A handheld computing device includes a power “on” state and a power “off” state. The handheld computing device further includes an elongated slot for receiving a stylus, and a switch positioned within the slot for transitioning the handheld computing device from the power “on” state to the power “off” state when the stylus is inserted into the elongated slot.