Abstract: A worldwide genealogy data storage and retrieval system for implementation on the internet is described, wherein genealogical data from every source can be collected, reviewed, revised, extended, consolidated, summarized, indexed, lineage-linked, and displayed. The invention further relates to a method and apparatus for cooperative publishing and distribution of genealogical data. The invention allows owners of lineage-linked genealogical data to publish the data in any size increments and for buyers to select and retrieve any number of names and associated data. An integrated micropayment system requires users of the data to make payments for each increment of data received, and royalties are paid to the owners of the data from these payments.

Abstract: A modular fence system. The system includes fence planks designed for insertion into open channels of upper and lower fence rails. The fence rails are supported in a horizontal orientation between intermittent fence posts, with the open channels facing toward a vertical direction and with the fence planks extending vertically between the rails and into the channels. The planks preferably include resilient protrusions at their upper ends. The protrusions of the planks are designed to fit into internal passages formed in the open channels of the upper fence rail, into engagement with ledges defining the passages, to inhibit inadvertent removal of the planks from the upper rail. The fence rails can also be used in a different way and in a different position, in which the open channels face toward a horizontal direction, with an elongate cap coupled to the rail to cover the open channel. Plank members are coupled to the cap such that the cap resides between the plank members and the rail.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing colloidal silver. A large-volume container, such as a fifteen gallon container, includes a hinged lid on which a rotational impeller is mounted along with several sets of electrodes that are electrically connected to a power transformer. The container is partially filled with water, and when the lid is closed, the sets of electrodes are disposed in communication with the water in a predetermined arrangement, and the impeller resides submerged in the water. Certain of the electrodes constitute silver wire. The power transformers convey current to the electrodes, preferably alternating current, at voltages sufficient to cause silver particles to separate from the silver wire and enter the solution in a stable, suspended state. The impeller is rotated, preferably continuously, to prevent the suspended silver from remaining in upper levels of the water, thereby dispersing the silver particles more uniformly throughout the volume of water.

Abstract: The locking mechanism described herein is for use in an enclosure, which is part of a product delivery system. The locking mechanism uses existing locks and latches, and configures them using linkages into a mechanism that is not currently available. The mechanism has a latch that holds the door of the enclosure closed. This latch stays in a normally unlocked state until deliberate acts are taken to lock the latch. When a delivery is made, the delivery person opens the unlocked door, makes the delivery, and then closes the door and turns the rotary latch counter clockwise until it latches in the locked position. There are three independent and distinct ways to unlock the mechanism: (1) a key can be used to unlock the mechanism; (2) a combination lock can be used to unlock the mechanism; or (3) an emergency release paddle, for child safety is located on the lower back cover of the lock, and can be pushed to unlock the mechanism.

Abstract: A removable flexible extension to space apart a flashlight head and body of a commercially available flashlight, thereby adding a deformable flashlight extension that can be shaped to a desired configuration.

Abstract: A booth for providing baggage identification tags is disclosed. The booth provides a mechanism for taking a picture of a person and placing the picture on an identification tag. The booth also allows the person to enter identification information such as a name and address to be placed on the identification tag in bold print for easy identification. Also, the identification tag may be provided with a colorful, eye-catching design selected for easy identification. The identification tag may be provided with a durable strap for attaching the identification tag to baggage. The booth may be placed at locations where baggage is used, such as airports, so that the identification tags may be conveniently obtained and so that the security of the baggage may be enhanced.

Abstract: A gooseneck hitch assembly for attaching to a tow vehicle such as a pickup truck. The hitch assembly may include a cylinder attached to the vehicle frame such that the cylinder extends through the vehicle cargo bed. A ball hitch may be removably inserted in the cylinder and may include a pair of slots for receiving projections in the interior of the cylinder. A locking member may be positioned on an upper portion of the ball hitch to secure the ball hitch to the cylinder and to provide a visual indication of the locked condition of the ball hitch. Grooves may be formed in the ball hitch to receive the cylinder projections so that the ball hitch may be stored in the cylinder in an inverted position. In the stored position, the bottom of the ball hitch may be flush with the top of the cylinder to prevent the ball hitch from obstructing the cargo bed.

Abstract: A steel reheat furnace and method of use thereof are disclosed. The furnace includes a housing defining an interior furnace space that is substantially sealed from the environment. A carbon monoxide atmosphere is placed in the interior furnace space for enveloping the steel and protecting it from oxidation. Oxidation of the carbon monoxide generates heat that reheats the steel for later rolling into rolled steel. Flue gases are removed from the furnace by a furnace hood and flue system. The steel advances through the furnace by a roller system driven by frictional force.

Abstract: A sanding device for use with abrasive sheet material. The device has a body with a rounded side for sanding concave recesses, sharp corner edges for use in sanding ninety-degree corners, and flat surfaces for sanding planar areas. Abrasive sheet material is attached to the body by an anchor strip which fits into a groove in the body to cause a friction fit.

Abstract: A mounting clip with a locking feature. The mounting clip is preferably utilized as part of a fencing system, in which the clip is attached to a fence rail and a hollow fence picket is slidably fastened to the rail using the clip. The clip features tabs that operate to lock the picket to the rail such that detachment of the picket from the rail is inhibited by an interference fit.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal fixation plate assembly includes a spinal plate, a receiving member, and a fastener resulting in a low profile orthopedic device. The plate comprises a plurality of holes for maintaining the receiving member. The relationship between the receiving member and the plate allows the plate to adjust during graft settling. The receiving member may be locked to the plate utilizing the mechanical or chemical properties of the device or the receiving member may be configured to rotate freely within the plate hole. Utilizing the features of the present invention, the plate controllably subsides and settles into a position of stability. Additionally, each receiving member has a tapered internal sidewall defining a through hole to matingly engage the fastener, which also has a tapered portion forming a tapered lock-fit between the fastener and the receiving member.

Abstract: A checkerboard confectionary game that includes a box with a checkerboard pattern disposed on one surface to form a game board and a checkerboard pattern formed on a side surface such that multiple boxes can be positioned to form stacks of boxes with a checkerboard appearance, playing pieces that may be individually wrapped cookies of two designs with unique moves, and unique capture and winning rules for the game.

Abstract: A 3D MultiSpectral Lidar. The system comprises a laser transmitter light source, a laser detection assembly, optics that couple the outgoing and incoming laser signals, a digital camera assembly for collecting passive light, a position and orientation system, and processing hardware. The system provides real-time georectified three dimensional images and topography using an airborne platform. The system collects time-synchronous lidar range and image data in an optical receiver. The individual images are then mosaiced and orthorectified in real-time. The lidar range data and image data are then coupled to a position and orientation system to transform the three dimensional range images to a single geographically referenced multispectral three dimensional image.