Abstract: Bamboo building material and process of manufacture therefor. The material includes a plurality of layers each formed of bamboo segments which have been dried and glue coated. The segments are substantially free of outer nodes and husk and inner membrane material prior to application of glue. The longitudinal axes of the segments in each layer are generally parallel to one another, each layer having segments oriented generally orthogonally with respect to the next adjacent layers thereto. The layers of segments being compressed and bonded together until the glue cures into a single integral structure.

Abstract: A golf club putter head including an elongated body formed of a first metal and having an upright front portion defining a ball striking face, enlarged heel and toe portions symmetrically shaped about a vertical central axis of said body, and a horizontal bottom portion defining outer portions of beveled bottom surfaces. The front and bottom portions have a thickness at each central portion thereof which is substantially less than a width and a height, respectively, of the heel and toe portions. A slanted elongated cavity having a longitudinal axis receives and secures a lower distal end of a golf club shaft. A sole plate formed of a second metal is secured within a mating slot formed into only a central portion of the bottom surface. A front edge of the sole plate also forms a lower central portion of the ball striking face while a bottom surface of the sole plate is continuous with the bottom surfaces of the body.

Abstract: A medicament powder, system and method for nasal administration of a pharmacologically active peptide across the nasal mucous membrane. A free-flowing powder having a low moisture content includes a cross-linked cation exchange resin in anionic form and a pharmacologically active peptide in cationic form ionically bound together. The particles of the powder function as carriers of the peptide during nasal administration. The cation exchange resin is taken from the group consisting of divinyl benzene cross-linked polystyrene-sulfonates and Na, NH4 and K salts thereof. An N-saline solution is sprayed into the nasal cavity after administration of the powder to effect ion exchange of Na in the N-saline with the peptide from the resin for efficient delivery of the peptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for facilitating a sale of debt accounts between a seller and one or more potential buyers. The method of the present invention preferably comprises the principal steps of (a) creating a computer readable database comprising data pertaining to a plurality of debt accounts, each account comprising a plurality of data fields; (b) grouping the accounts into at least one lot based upon at least one correlation among the data in the data fields; (c) searching the computer readable database for information corresponding to information designated by the potential buyers; (d) receiving one or more purchase offers for one or more lots from the potential buyers; and (e) communicating the purchase offers to the seller.

Abstract: Disposable electric cooking grill liners for protecting an electric cooking grill having a heated grilling surface of each of the pivotally connected moveable and stationary grilling members. Each grilling surface is heated and has raised cooking ribs wherein both sides of food placed between the closed grilling surfaces are simultaneously heated. Each grill liner is formed of a sheet of semi-rigid or heavy heat conductive foil preformed for fitting directly against and substantially conforming to and covering the corresponding grilling surface whereby cooking heat provided to each grilling surface is substantially transferred through the grilling liner without substantial food and juices flowing therefrom coming in contact with the grilling surfaces. Each grill liner also has a rigidized or stiffened margin for maintaining the preformed shape during installation, use and removal of each said grill liner after use.

Abstract: An audio-visual educational device including a housing including a plurality of separate viewable indicia each representative of an object which produces a distinctive audible sound associated with the corresponding object. A sound emitting area is also provided in the housing in close proximity to each object. An electronic controller operably mounted in the housing selectively produces and emits or causes to be emitted through an audio output device each of the distinctive audible sounds from the corresponding sound emitting area responsive to manual selection of one viewable indicia. The user then receives an audible queue in the form of the audible sound to look in the direction of sound emanating from the corresponding sound emitting area thereby learning to associate the selected viewable object with its corresponding audible sound.

Abstract: A toss game comprising in combination a multi-panel assembly including generally flat multiple substantially identically shaped panels each having first and second surfaces bearing printed design indicia thereon. Each of the side margins of the middle panel is hinge connected to one side margin of each of the two end panels whereby the end panels are pivotally extendable into a generally planar relation one to another and to the middle panel in an open flat configuration and foldable against the middle panel in a closed configuration. The end panels are also attachable along a distal edge of each of said end panels to form a self-supporting polyhedron shape which is preferably a truncated pyramid. A portion of the panel surfaces is partially covered with a hook and loop material to form target areas at which a throw piece of sufficient weight is thrown.

Abstract: A window treatment swatch card and a swatch card display for displaying a plurality of groups of swatch cards. Each swatch card has an actual sample of window treatment material and indicia identifying information associated with the particular window treatment material attached on a first portion thereof. Each swatch card within each group is provided with indicia identifying information associated with the corresponding sample on a second portion thereof. The display unit includes a plurality of columns of pockets, each of which is closely sized for one group of said swatch cards to be removably stored therein in an upright fashion. The swatch cards, having a height slightly greater than that of each pocket, permit each different sample to be viewed before being removed from the pocket and taken home and kept by the consumer.

Abstract: A pillowcase alone and in combination with a unique pillow design which provides an interior pocket open at an outer margin thereof for receiving and protectively storing small articles or objects such as a watch, jewelry, small personal mementos, notes and cards, photos, soft sculptures and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the pillowcase has a generally rectangular shape adapted to receive and cover two thin pillows together, or alternately, a conventional pillow. A pocket, smaller than the main portion of the pillowcase, formed continuously with, or as an extension of, each side panel of the pillowcase, is sewn together around exposed outer margins thereof. When folded inwardly, the pocket is positioned or tucked within the interior of the pillowcase against a conventional pillow, between or against two thin pillows, or within or against a pillow with a pocket-receiving cavity. The pocket is then open to receive the articles.

Abstract: A sputtering cathode assembly attachable to a cathode mounting plate for a thin-film vapor deposition chamber. The cathode assembly includes a magnet module and a cathode body generally coextensive with and sealingly housing the magnet module and defining a water channel between a top plate of the cathode body and a cooling channel plate of the magnet module. An elongated target is releasably connected atop and coextensive with the top plate and secured in place by a unique threaded fastener engagement between a target clamp and an edge portion of the cathode body whereby the target is replaceable without disassembly of the cathode body. Unique replaceable elongated fastener receiving inserts releasably secure said target against the target plate to effect target replacement without disassembly of the cathode body.

Abstract: A unique combination of a picture frame for displaying a visual image of the deceased person along with a preferably tubular storage container which holds a quantity of the cremation remains of the deceased person within the perimeter structure of the picture frame itself. A hollow groove is formed into the picture frame perimeter into which the hollow storage container, preferably in the form of a closed rectangular loop, may be inserted and secured before or after being filled with the cremated ashes. A viewing port of those ashes within a hollow transparent segment of the storage container may also be provided. Alternately, a separate cremation ashes storage frame attachable to the back side of a conventional picture frame is also provided.

Abstract: A paint shield device for doorknobs of various sizes. The device includes two flexible clamshell shaped half cups mold formed together as a unit and connected together along a living hinge between the half cups. The half cups are pivotally movable together about the living hinge to mate or overlap each free distal side margin of each of the half cups to form a substantially complete cup having a substantially cylindrical side wall, a substantially closed bottom, and an open end adapted to admit a doorknob therein. A prong or post extends outwardly from an outer sidewall surface of each half cup to receive an elastic connector stretchably attachable to each prong or post with the half cups in the closed position to produce sufficient biasing force to hold the device in position over the doorknob.

Abstract: A prop wash straightening apparatus for increasing the efficiency of propeller-driven watercraft. An elongated outer tubular member open at each end thereof is adapted for connection to the boat or vessel to position said outer member immediately downstream of the propeller and in substantially longitudinal fixed alignment with the direction of axial thrust produced by the propeller. A plurality of elongated hollow open-ended inner tubular members are positioned in closely packed fashion within, and generally coextensive with a substantial portion of the length of the outer tubular member. A proximal or forwardly end of the inner tubular members is positioned in close proximity to a trailing plane of the propeller. The outer tubular member extends from the proximal end of the inner tubular members to surround the blade tips of the propeller to direct substantially all prop wash from the propeller into the inner tubular members.

Abstract: A portable pneumatic orthopedic body support device for selectively supporting body and torso areas of a user being seated atop a chair or seat. The device includes individual inflatable independent body and torso supports or chambers for legs, lumbar, shoulder blade and neck areas. These supports are independently inflatable and loosely connected together in spaced relationship preferably held thusly by a flexible air conduit assembly or harness. The device, wheel fully deflated includes a waist strap and flexible panels to enclose the supports and air pump/selector valve carryable around the waist as a fanny pack. A combination air pump and selector valve is also provided for selective delivery of compressed air through the conduit assembly to each of the inflatable supports separately and independently for maximum comfort, shape and size.

Abstract: A weather resistant construction site document storage apparatus comprising an elongated outer enclosure having a front panel, a back panel, two spaced side panels and a top panel, all of which are formed into a single weather-sealed unit having an open bottom thereof. An elongated inner document frame has a top panel, two spaced side panels, and a back panel, all of which are formed into a single unit. A document retaining panel is connected to, and upwardly extends from, the bottom panel to define a trough, a remainder of a front surface of the inner frame being substantially open to place documents into the trough. The outer enclosure is sized for close upward and downward sliding engagement over the inner frame to cover the open front surface and to weather protect documents placed into the trough. A slidable connector positioned between the side panels of the outer enclosure and the inner frame allow the outer enclosure to be slidably lifted upwardly for document placement and removal from the trough.

Abstract: An ignition spark enhancing device and spark plug wire disposed in or establishing the electrical path between a spark source and a spark plug of an internal combustion engine. The device includes one or more coils of conductive hollow tubing formed from a length of conductive tubing configured for connection to the spark plug wire of the device or to a spark plug. The tubing is preferably copper and may also be aluminum or other conductive material and is also preferably used to form each spark plug wire as well for durability. At least five complete loops or turns wound concentrically or in helix fashion are preferred. The device is also preferably coated with a non-conductive material to reduce any risk of electrical shock or short circuit.

Abstract: A carousel-type holder for dispensing tape marker flags and flexible sheet material from a stack including a plurality of sheets disposed one on top of another, each sheet having a band of relatively releasable repositionable adhesive coated along one edge thereof, the sheets being stacked with the adhesive coated edge of each successive sheet disposed along alternate opposite edges to maintain the sheets in the stack. The dispensers include an enlarged body portion having an open ended, tubular neck portion and a supply of tape marker flags in the body portion. A preferred base is adapted to be received and supported on a substantially horizontal supporting surface while a housing is supported for rotation by said base about an upright rotational axis including a plurality of outwardly opening upright holding cavities and an openable side door for each holding cavity.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for alignment of a marine engine in a water vessel with either an existing or a design propeller shaft line of a propeller shaft of the vessel. The invention is also useful in positioning and aligning propeller shaft supports to the design shaft line before being secured to the hull of the vessel under construction. A laser gun for projecting a laser beam, a plurality of laser targets positionable into the propeller shaft support members, and a unique laser beam splitter temporarily connected to the engine output shaft cooperate to provide opposing colinear laser output beams viewably emitting from the laser beam splitter only when the marine engine is properly oriented coaxially of the engine crankshaft centerline with respect to the shaft line.

Abstract: A sliding door security insert assembly installable into an opening made when one sliding door mounted for lateral movement within a door frame is partially opened to define the opening between one door jamb and a facing sliding door stile. A substantially rectangular insert frame includes a lower transverse member adapted to be supported on the lower track while said upper transverse member is adapted to be positioned into the upper track for lateral sliding movement only. An elongated locking shim is positionable between the upper transverse member and the upper track prevents insert frame removal. Offset locking pins attached to one insert frame stile are adapted to be inserted into a mating hole formed into the facing sliding door stile and visa versa whereby the insert frame and the sliding door are connectable together. Full adjustability in height and mating thickness with the existing sliding door edge is also provided.