Abstract: A portable media playing device incorporating a menu structure. The device includes a display mechanism, a navigation database, including a navigation record with a navigation description, and an action database, including an action record with an action description. The action database is customizable. A display driver displays the navigation description. When the navigation description is selected, the display driver displays the action description. When the action description is selected, a digital synchronization system generates an extra action request (EAR) record that includes an action identifier and action data for storage in an EAR database. When the device is synchronized with a computer, a synchronization manager accesses the EAR database and updates the action database with any new action records.

Abstract: A special hand tool for laying concrete blocks. The device includes a mini-hopper sized to hold the correct amount of mortar, a sluiceway, dimensioned to fill the normal joint space between blocks, an optional divider to accommodate both 4 inch and 8 inch nominal blocks, and a vibrator. The device has a handle that can also contain batteries for the vibrator. A mason can scoop up mortar while the tool is vibrating. When full, the vibrator can be stopped and the tool positioned to face the end of a block already set in a wall while the next block to be laid can be put in place on its mortar bed and pushed to the other face of the tool. The vibrator can then be re-started, and the tool vertically withdrawn leaving the mortar that was in the tool between the two block ends. The same tool can also be used to butter horizontal joints by running the vibrator only sufficiently to apply the correct amount of mortar.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgery close device used to close an entrance hole into a patient's abdomen with other embodiments that can function as a hemostasis device or as a drain device. An elongated stem with christmas-tree serrations (one way) has an inflatable balloon on a distal end and an anchor disk that can slide over the stem from the proximal end. After inserting the stem into a surgical entrance hole in a patient's abdomen, the balloon can be inflated providing support from the bottom, and the anchor disk can be slid on from the top effectively pinching the tissue along the hole. The device can be left in for around 5-6 days to allow healing to take place. After that, the balloon can be deflated, and the device can be pulled out. A second embodiment has a lager diameter hollow stem and can be used as a hemostasis device where the surgeon can pinch off a bleeding blood vessel and continue surgery through the same entrance port.

Abstract: A closed loop control system for controlling generator cooling pressure, purity and dew point at power plants with hydrogen cooled generators to achieve optimum efficiency. The present invention uses feedback from plant status monitoring software to dynamically control parameters such as hydrogen pressure, purity and dew point to achieve optimum efficiency and provide necessary reserve capacity. The hydrogen pressure setpoint can be manipulated based on plant conditions such as output voltage, MVAR reserve capacity, likelihood of increased demand and other parameters. In general, an attempt is made to lower the pressure setpoint to achieve efficiency. Margin is built in to account for time lag in raising hydrogen pressure in the case of increased demand.

Abstract: A hand operated primer pump for small marine or other engines generally spark ignition engines used on stern drive boats that prevents transfer of hydrocarbons into the atmosphere. The primer generally mimics and replaces prior art rubber primer bulbs in general shape and possibly color, although it can be made in any shape or color. It generally contains a pump that delivers a precise measured amount of fuel with each stroke of the actuator. The primer can have an ergonomically designed actuator that creates the farthest distance from a fulcrum point for maximum leverage and hence, maximum ease of use. The primer is generally designed with a continuous molded fuel path to seal any source of hydrocarbon leakage as well as being made from materials that prevent transfer of hydrocarbons to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A cleaning disc for a media reading device having a laser lens. The cleaning disc includes a first surface configured to face the laser lens, a brush extending outwardly from the first surface, and a recess in the first surface configured to receive at least a portion of the brush when the brush contacts the laser lens during a cleaning operation. Each brush is defined by a strand of material that includes opposite ends. A first end of the material extends through a first aperture to define a first brush and a second end extends through a second, spaced apart aperture to define a second brush. A middle portion of the strand of material extends along a second surface of the cleaning disc between the first and second apertures, and is covered by a cover.

Abstract: A portable, expandable golf training device that can be placed on the ground to provide alignment. The present invention can supply a plurality of light beams produced by lasers or other light sources or a plurality of extendable tapes to provide alignment both in the direction of play and perpendicular to it. The device can be used by placing it on the ground in front of the golfer (between the golfer's feet and the ball. Two lines can project outward perpendicular to the direction of play, and two or four lines can project into and away from the direction of play. These lines provide alignment for the golfer. The tape can be a flat, elongated flexible tape similar to a measuring tape.

Abstract: A training system used in sports or other training that where a participant wears a device with a visual indicator such as a device emitting colored light and an optional signaling device like a vibrator or beeper. The device can be worn on the head, elbow, wrist, waist, knee, ankle or foot or be part of an participant's attire. The device can optionally be embedded in or on a shoe. A motion or position sensor can cause the visual indicator to change color or indication when the wearer is not moving correctly. Also, in some embodiments, a vibration can signal can be commanded by a coach or instructor to show that the player is not properly moving. An embedded processor can optionally set up various rhythm patterns used in practice. The device, wherever it is worn or disposed, can optionally be controlled remotely by a coach or instructor using a wireless transmission such as digital or analog radio or light to establish certain rhythms or to signal certain participants.

Abstract: Amines and amine derivatives that improve the buffering range, and/or reduce the chelation and other negative interactions of the buffer and the system to be buffered. The reaction of amines or polyamines with various molecules to form polyamines with differing pKa's will extend the buffering range, derivatives that result in polyamines that have the same pKa yields a greater buffering capacity. Derivatives that result in zwitterionic buffers improve yield by allowing a greater range of stability.

Abstract: A safe, inexpensive, easy to use, manual trash compactor that can be used with almost any trash container with components that store out of the way when not in use. A hand or foot control is easily manipulated to compact trash in the container. The compacting mechanism can be made easily adjustable so that the amount of force or the size of the unit can be changed for different operators or different trash containers. The unit can be used with no container to compact materials like cardboard. The compactor can have wheels and can optionally be operated by a foot lever.

Abstract: A telephone caller identification system where potential callers can be assigned to call-in groups, each call-in group having a particular ring. When a member of a particular call-in group calls, the telephone presents the ring associated with that call-in group. A caller not assigned to any call-in group causes the telephone to present a default ring. The telephone can also present particular transfer rings when transferred indicating that the call being transferred is from a caller belonging to a particular call-in group, or provide unique voice mail rings when a member of a call-in group leaves voice mail.

Abstract: A public or private electric charging station or device for an electric vehicle. A user can approach an outlet station in an electric car, plug the car into the station similar to using a gasoline pump, present a credit card to the system, and be provided with either standard line voltage of sufficient wattage to charge the battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle. After the vehicle is charged, the credit card debited for the correct amount for the power dispensed, or other arrangements to pay can be accommodated such as debiting a prepaid account. Optionally, the user can also inject (100) reverse-flow power back into the grid for credit and receive credit for the power injected. Several users can share the same station, and can identify themselves by key access, card swipe, biometrically, or by a card containing an RFID chip that contains their identity.

Abstract: The handheld personal electronic device has a first body having a display, a second body having a plurality of manual inputs, the second body capable of attachment to the first body, the personal electronic device having an open position wherein the display of the first body and the manual inputs of the second body are accessibly exposed. And, the personal electronic device having a closed position wherein the display of the first body is protected by the second body and the manual inputs of the second body are accessibly exposed.

Abstract: A modification to the box packaging typically used to store and transport flex trim material rolls or tape that allows the installer to hold and control the package while dispensing the flex trim material or tape directly from the box and placing it directly onto the corner being finished. This is achieved by a combination of perforations and creases which, when pushed in, form a handle on at least one side of the box for grasping the package and a separate hole on the edge of the box through which the flex trim is pulled out of the box and hence dispensed.

Abstract: A drywall hopper assembly that contains a double blade that can apply drywall mud to both interior and exterior drywall corners with no blade change. A zigzag blade can contain two grooves, one for interior corners and one for exterior corners. With this blade arrangement, an operator can quickly move from one type of corner to another without using multiple tools, multiple blades or hand application methods to apply mud. The present invention can contain a pliable release port to present mud equally to an interior or an exterior corner. There can be such a port on both the top and bottom of the blade so that mud is smoothly applied as trim moves through the hopper or the hopper is moved along the trim.

Abstract: A drywall trim application device that can hold a large role of drywall flex corner trim material and, as the material is being dispensed, pre-crease or form the material for use on an inside or outside corner, or any angle within the range of the trim material, apply a mastic material (drywall mud, adhesive or any other bonding medium) to the flex trim material, and cut the material at any desired length automatically. Measurements may be either input by hand or down loaded from an electronic measurement tool into this device. This invention can generally store multiple measurements such as length and angles, measure the length of flex trim material as it is dispensed from the device, crease the material, apply predetermined amount of mastic, and automatically cut the flex trim material to each length previously input.

Abstract: A portable, expandable laser golf training device that can be placed on the ground to provide alignment. The present invention can supply a plurality of light beams produced by lasers or other light sources, switchable on and off, that can be projected along the ground both in the direction of play and perpendicular to it. In a folded configuration, the device can project in four directions creating a pair of axis lines running at right angles to each other. In an expanded configuration, one of the major axis lines can be separated into two parallel lines for putting alignment by sliding the halves of the device apart. The device can be used by placing it on the ground in front of the golfer (between the golfer's feet and the ball. Two lines project outward perpendicular to the direction of play, and two or four lines project into and away from the direction of play. These lines provide alignment for the golfer.