Abstract: Methods of using pomegranate extracts of the present invention for treating patients with atherosclerosis, or increased intima-media thickness of an artery, are provided. The methods comprise the step of administering to the patient a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an extract from pomegranate. The methods of the present invention may also be used to decrease the incidence of stroke or heart attack in a patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are ideally suited for use filming movies, sporting events, or any other activity that requires fluid movement of a camera or other object to any position within a defined volume of space. To accomplish such positioning embodiments of the invention are configured to move an object throughout three-dimensional space by relocating one or more lines that are feed through a plurality of opposing sides of the object. These line(s) (e.g., a cable, rope, string, cord, wire, or any other flexible connective element) which support the object from above or below the object within a volume of space are arranged in way that allows the object to be rapidly moved to and from any location within the defined volume of space. For instance, the system may be arranged to perform dimensional movement using one line configured as an endless loop, one line configured as a half loop, two lines configured as endless loops or two lines configured as half loops.

Abstract: A remote motor vehicle signal indicator system consists of a transmitter coupled to a vehicle indication signal drive line. The transmitter wirelessly transmits a receiver activation signal corresponding to a vehicle indication signal of the vehicle indication signal drive line. The vehicle indication signal is selected from the group consisting of a turn signal, a brake signal, a reverse gear signal, and a hazard signal. The system also includes a remote vehicle signal indicator coupled to a surface outside of the vehicle and includes a signal indicator display. The remote vehicle signal indicator receives the receiver activation signal from the transmitter and, in response, activates the signal indicator display. In some variations, a power supply not coupled to the vehicle power supply powers the remote vehicle signal indicator and the transmitter is powered by the vehicle indication signal.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention comprises a method and apparatus for structuring, storing and retrieving data in database systems utilizing relational objects referred to as qualifiers. Catalog data are segregated into one or more primary tables (e.g., main tables), one or more lookup tables, and one or more qualified lookup tables following a predefined set of categories and a taxonomy. Qualified lookup tables comprise a special type of fields referred to as qualifiers. Searches are conducted in embodiments of the invention by determining a set of lookup fields, performing a lookup in one or more lookup tables, and retrieving data values which include association values with records that belong to one or more primary tables. The qualifiers are then used to narrow the search space by selecting only those values that satisfy the selection criteria with regard to the qualifiers. In embodiments of the invention, only a small set in the primary table are traversed to retrieve eligible records.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention abrade the information bearing surface of a compact disc (CD), DVD or other digital information bearing disk, in order to render it unreadable by standard consumer grade disk readers. This is accomplished via embodiments of the invention that are extremely lightweight, highly portable and inexpensive. Embodiments may or may not employ an outer case in order to retain the remnants of the abraded information layer of the disk. In order to operate one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is opened and a compact disc is inserted with the face of the disk against the abrasive mechanism. After closing the apparatus, the outer housing of the apparatus is rotated with sufficient pressure against the abrasive mechanism in order to cause the substrate to be damaged sufficiently to render it unreadable by consumer based disk readers. The apparatus can be opened over a trash bin in order to empty both the disk and the particulate matter generated by the abrasive process.

Abstract: A check valve including an outer body having a cylindrical inner bore and a shuttle within the inner bore which is arranged with an upstream, middle and downstream portion that each engage with a sliding fit the inner bore of the outer body being such that, when in a closed position, the middle portion engages with a flexible seal a sealing engagement the inner bore and when in an open position it is arranged that the liquid will flow through a passage around the middle portion which passage includes at the least a path through the outer body.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and apparatus for structuring, maintaining, and using families of data. According to the invention, given one or more sets of partitioning data, one may construct a set of families based on the values of fields and attributes of the records in a database system. The families are stored and managed in separate tables. The records in data tables are identified as belonging to one or more families. Furthermore, families may be represented in a hierarchical structure. Families may also inherit from each other based on a parent to child relationship also stored in the database. The invention provides means for fast and organized retrieval of sets data from a database. These and other features greatly facilitate automatic and consistent document generation.

Abstract: A traveling highline aerial cable rail system for moving objects over large distances in three-dimensional space. A pair of track dollies mounted beneath substantially parallel and distantly separated support trusses allow the entire load bearing highline itself to traverse X-axis space. The highline defines the Y-axis of the system and supports a skate that moves along this axis. A platform suspended from the skate moves vertically in the Z-axis and can support extremely heavy loads depending on the gauge of the rope used in the system. A three motor pulley system with a multiplicity of sheaves allow independent movement of all three axes. The system can move objects weighing thousands of pounds stably at 60 miles per hour or more through three-dimensional space. The system can be modularly widened along the X-axis by adding truss sections, and the highline can be configured to up to 1000 feet or more, using rope that can support several tons or more.

Abstract: The present invention provides for simultaneous display of a tabular and a form view of the records, (b) displaying multiple disparate values in a single control, and (c) formatting the values based on characteristics of the records.

Abstract: The present invention provides for indexing of occurrences of a value in at least one data record using a bit vector wherein a bit vector is associated with the value and a bit of the bit vector representation is associated with the at least one data record, a determination is made whether the value exists in the at least one data record, a bit value is assigned to the bit in the bit vector representation based on the outcome of the determination. Further, operations may be performed on multiple bit vectors indexing data records and values used in the data records to determine the existence of combinations and associations between the corresponding values and the indexed data records.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention move objects throughout three-dimensional by using two supporting ropes each of which connects to both opposing sides of the payload. If one rope breaks, the payload gently travels to the middle of the coverage area in a safe manner, maintaining the given displacement in the other unbroken axis. One rope controls the X-axis motion of the platform and is designated the X movement rope. The other rope controls the Y-axis motion of the platform and is designated the Y movement rope. Displacing equal lengths of the X and Y movement ropes allows the Z-axis of the platform to be traversed. There is no need for a complex computer control system since the Z-axis displacement is substantially independent of X and Y axis movement over a coverage area serviced by the platform. In addition, since the ropes are commanded from one point, distantly located motors and electrical cables are not required.

Abstract: A storage housing or unit for holding a circular disk, such as a CD-ROM, Audio Compact Disk, DVD, or any media product of a similar size, shape, or thickness. The unit has a top portion with a number of grooves recessed approximately half the depth of the unit to house the disks at a slight angle for easy access and viewing. The center of the container may include a piece of closed cell foam or other soft material that has slits approximately 1.5 times the thickness of the disk that will frictionally engage the disk without causing any harm or scratches to the disk. However, other embodiments of the invention do not utilize such material. The unit sits upright with or without a stand and allows multiple disks to be stored and viewed without the use of any other storage apparatus such as sleeves or jewel cases. The unit is decorative in fashion and can be made using many different materials in a myriad of colors. An area in front or on top of the unit is saved for the placement of a logo or corporate identity.

Abstract: The present invention provides for storage of data items with dissimilar structures in a single database table while minimizing the problems associated with prior approaches. In one aspect of the invention, a method of efficiently storing data items in a database management system (DBMS) is provided wherein each data item has at least one attribute associated with it, the method comprising identifying a set of attributes associated with each data item, creating, for use with all of the data items, a common data structure that excludes those attributes unique to any one of the data items, and associating each data item with attributes excluded from the data structure.

Abstract: A remote motor vehicle signal indicator system consists of a transmitter coupled to a vehicle indication signal drive line. The transmitter wirelessly transmits a receiver activation signal corresponding to a vehicle indication signal of the vehicle indication signal drive line. The vehicle indication signal is selected from the group consisting of a turn signal, a brake signal, a reverse gear signal, and a hazard signal. The system also includes a remote vehicle signal indicator coupled to a surface outside of the vehicle and includes a signal indicator display. The remote vehicle signal indicator receives the receiver activation signal from the transmitter and, in response, activates the signal indicator display. In some variations, a power supply not coupled to the vehicle power supply powers the remote vehicle signal indicator and the transmitter is powered by the vehicle indication signal.