Abstract: Pipe cutting templates for marking cutting lines on pipes for subsequent connection to another pipe. A template includes a flexible magnetic sheet having a front surface and a rear magnetized surface for retaining the sheet on the pipe. The sheet has a pair of straight side edges parallel to each other and defining a width of the sheet, the width of the sheet corresponding to the diameter of the pipe such that, during use when the sheet is wrapped around the pipe, the side edges abut. The sheet additionally has a pair of opposed end edges. At least one of the end edges is contoured to serve as a guide for marking the pipe with a cutting line corresponding to the pipe diameter, at least one particular connection type, and at least one particular angle of connection.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand, a method for affixing a Christmas tree to a Christmas tree stand, and a drill bit for forming a groove in the bottom of a Christmas tree are provided. The Christmas tree stand includes a base having a male member extending upwardly therefrom with at least a portion of the male member received in the groove in the bottom of the Christmas tree. Preferably an insert in the form of a cylinder is received within the groove. Upon the receipt of the male member in the groove, the Christmas tree is stabilized on the base.

Abstract: There is provided a shopping cart adapted to receive elongated items. The shopping cart includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion. A plurality of wheels are connected to the lower portion of the frame. The shopping cart includes an upper basket attached to the upper portion of the frame and a lower basket attached to the lower portion of the frame. The upper basket and lower basket are each open at the top and each is formed from a plurality of vertical and horizontal wire segments which form a plurality of windows. The upper basket has a front wall with a slot therein. The slot has a top portion and a bottom portion with the top portion being open so as to receive and retain an elongated item. The bottom portion of the slot extends down at least a portion of the front wall. The lower basket has a back wall with at least one major open for receiving an elongated item.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring electrical activity within the brain of a person (“brainwaves”) employing electrodes or other sensors connected or placed proximate to portions of the body below the head to develop raw signals. The raw signals are filtered to produce analysis signals including frequency components relevant to brain electrical activity while attenuating unrelated frequency components. Purposes include but are not limited to, biofeedback-based attention training, human performance training, gaming, and relaxation training. Either wired or wireless signal connections are made to electronic circuitry, typically including a digital computer, for performing signal processing and analysis functions.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for capturing cosmic background radiation and for converting cosmic background radiation into electricity. An antenna is configured so as to capture cosmic background radiation. An electrostatic electron multiplier is connected to the antenna. A high voltage power supply is connected to the electrostatic electron multiplier whereby cosmic background radiation is converted to electricity.

Abstract: A steering system comprises a steering wheel adapted to receive a driver's rotational input. Left and right wheel units are rotatable along a steering angle for adjusting a direction of the vehicle during the driving movement. A steering mechanism converts the rotational input to a variation of the steering angle of the wheel units. The steering mechanism comprises a steering shaft connected to the steering wheel, and gear steering units for each said wheel unit. The gear steering units are connected to the steering shaft for mechanically converting the rotational input to steering outputs for both said wheel units to concurrently vary the steering angle of said wheel units. Independent steering units for each wheel unit each adjusting the steering angle of a respective one of the wheel units independently from the rotational input and from the other wheel unit.

Abstract: A combination rinse pitcher, particularly for rinsing shampoo from the head of a child during “bath time.” A main container body is made of relatively rigid material, and has a bottom and a plurality of main body sidewalls. A lip element is attached to the main container body and defines a rim of the rinse pitcher. The lip element is made of a relatively soft material which is sufficiently flexible such that at least a first portion of the rim can conform to the shape of the child's forehead. The first portion of the rim can be pressed against the child's forehead forming a seal to prevent poured water from flowing down the forehead of the child. A second one of the lip element sidewalls has apertures through which water can be poured to provide a shower-like flow.

Abstract: A combination diaper changer and dispenser is provided, particularly for “on-the-go” diapering. A generally trifold structure of sheet material has an inside surface side and an outside surface side, and includes an intermediate panel serving as a rear cover when the structure is folded, a first end panel serving as a front cover when the structure is folded, and a second end panel serving as a diaper changing surface when unfolded. A bag dispenser compartment is secured to the intermediate panel on the inside surface side. The dispenser compartment includes a dispensing aperture for withdrawing bags.

Abstract: An adjustable support structure for supporting food items above melt water which accumulates in the bottom of an insulated portable ice chest. A horizontal deck supports food and ice within the ice chest above the ice chest bottom so that a volume for melt water is defined between the ice chest bottom and the horizontal deck. In some embodiments, to facilitate draining the ice chest in situ, a drain water suction pick up tube is provided having a lower portion extending downwardly from the horizontal deck into the volume. In some embodiments, the horizontal deck includes a generally rectangular main portion and a pair of adjustable wings, with supports under the main portion for positioning the horizontal deck a distance above the ice chest bottom.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a compact portable device which includes a viewing screen to a wearer. A base is attachable to a belt and configured to serve as a belt buckle. A panel has a decorative side and a device side, and an attachment for securing the compact portable device to the device side of the panel, with the viewing screen exposed. A swivel joint connects the panel to the base in a manner such that the panel can selectively be oriented, with reference to the base, with the panel and the base generally parallel and the decorative side of the panel visible, with the panel and the base generally parallel and the viewing screen visible, or with the panel extending outwardly and turned for viewing the viewing screen.

Abstract: Device operation sensing and control apparatus for use in combination with a wireless security panel which communicates with a remote operations center, to facilitate independent at-home living of, for example, semi-autonomous elderly persons. One apparatus embodiment includes a remotely controlled AC power receptacle module controllable by signals from the wireless security panel and into which a device such as a microwave oven is plugged. An AC current sensor is connected to an alarm system transmitter for transmitting a signal when the device is in use. Another apparatus embodiment senses operation of and allows remote control of power to an electric range. First and second timers and associated alarm system transmitters transmit a “RANGE ON” signal to the wireless security panel when the electric range is in use, and a “RANGE ON FOR X TIME” signal when the electric range has been use for a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a multi-colored or multi-alloy extruded shape, such as metal tubing for use in forming rings. At least two contrastingly colored metal components or metal components made from different alloys are arranged in a container. The metal components in the container are compressed so as to form a billet of distorted multi-colored or multi-alloy metal. The billet is extruded thereby forming multi-colored or multi-alloy patterns in the extruded shape.