Abstract: An array of water jets that does not utilize hoses between the water supply inlet and each individual jet and provides a multiple-jet experience for in-ground spa users. The array of jets include a water-containing structure having at least a front and back panel that define an interior cavity into which water flows and becomes pressurized. The front panel has a plurality of water outlets disposed thereon while, preferably, the back panel has a water or a water and air inlets. Accordingly, water (and air) flow hoselessly from the inlet(s) to the plurality of water outlets such that a water-jet effect is achieved.

Abstract: A food processing machine having a product cleaning drum and an encircling product carrier shell disposed to define an annular product cleaning space therebetween. A waste collecting bell is concentrically mounted about the carrier shell to provide a waste collecting space therebetween and the carrier shell and collecting bell are interconnected. Separate mechanisms drive the cleaning drum and the interconnected carrier shell and collection bell to alter the magnitude of the centrifugal force that moves the products through the cleaning space and controls the amount of surface pressure applied to the products by abrading members carried on the periphery of the cleaning drum. Centrifugal force and the abrading members coact with frictional surfaces provided in the product movement path to move the products through the machine, while centrifugal force moves waste material from the cleaning space into the waste collecting space and out through a waste discharge mechanism.

Abstract: Abstract A lower-body exercising device and method including a three-dimensional platform with a resilient means for providing a resistance-based workout while sitting at work, home or traveling is disclosed. Preferably, the invention is manufactured from a single piece of material, is designed to be wedge-like in shape, is compact in size so as to fit under a desk or table or airplane seat, and is constructed from polyurethane foam that provides resistance to a pushing force by the user during manipulation. The invention can be manipulated by pressing the soles of the feet alternately into the device, or together in a “pumping” motion. Optionally, the device is covered it in a plush, washable upholstery material, has textured s, and/or includes heating elements.

Abstract: A boat launching device. The boat launching device is portable and attaches to the front of a vehicle so that the driver has a front view while launching the boat into the water. The boat launching device includes a first link member that is connected to a second link member. The link members are attached to the front of a vehicle and to a boat trailer. The link members are detachable from each other after use and may be stored on the boat trailer.

Abstract: The invention includes specialized card decks and methods of play that revolve around three groups or groups of cards—numerical cards of 3 suits, 3 types face cards, and high cards. In one embodiment of the invention, the card deck consists of 52 specialized cards, which are divided into groups with the following general hierarchy: (1) 4 high cards that trump all other cards and (2) 12 face cards (3 of each type) that trump all 36 numerical suit cards (12 cards of each suit with a numerical value of 1-3). Within each group, the rank of each card is: (1) all high cards are equal; (2) face card X beats face card Y, face card Y beats face card Z, and face card Z beats face card X; (3) higher numbers beat lower numbers of any suit; and (4) suit P beats suit R, suit R beats suit S, and suit S beats suit P. In addition, each card may have a “draw value,” i.e. a number of cards that must be drawn by a player as a consequence for playing a particular card.

Abstract: An impeller and shield for a mixing apparatus. A mixing member has upper and lower opposite faces and one or more apertures therethrough. Each of the apertures has an upper periphery defined by an edge of the lower face and a lower periphery defined by an edge of the upper face. The mixing member is preferably an otherwise substantially planar disc having a hole through the center for receiving a motor driven shaft. Preferably, a separate shield member having upper and lower opposite surfaces and an aperture therethrough for receiving the shaft of the motor driven impeller is provided. The impeller and shield are used in combination to minimize the escape of particulate matter into the surrounding air during a mixing operation.

Abstract: New abrasive cleaner products that utilize different types of glass cullet, such as container, ceramic, or plate glass, for scouring applications is provided. Preferably, the invention utilizes recycled container-glass cullet and also includes a sugar-based surfactant, a filler, and a preservative in combination with cullet to provide effective abrasive cleaner compositions.

Abstract: A learning aid which is mounted within a bus. A central computer stores lessons and distributes selected lessons to student work stations which are positioned for individual passengers. Each student work station includes a display unit and an input apparatus (such as a keyboard). The local computer at the student work station is in communications with the central computer. The preferred communication channel is through the use of radio frequencies. Scores for the passengers are collected and recorded in some embodiments for use by the instructor.

Abstract: An irrigation system for a potted plant in which a reservoir is mounted onto the upper lip of the pot. The reservoir communicates a slow feed of water into the pot to provide water to the plant through a wick mechanism which slowly drains the reservoir into the pot. The preferred embodiment is a single round reservoir that fits around the entire rim of the planter. Other embodiments of the invention provide for a segmented reservoir which also extends around the entire rim and which uses multiple reservoirs which are “snapped” or otherwise secured to each other to form a ring.

Abstract: The invention provides a three-dimensional card case including a cavity surrounded by two sidewalls, a rear wall and an opening on the side opposite the rear wall. The cards are inserted into slots at the opening of the cavity until they flush with an ejector tab at the rear wall. This allows a card to be individually ejected by the tab mechanism, which is linked to actuator buttons located on the exterior of the case. Each button is labeled to identify and select a specific card.

Abstract: A guy-wire guard support apparatus prevents personal injury or damage resulting from climbing or playing on guy wires by causing the guard to spin freely upon contact. The apparatus consists of a collar-like component and a cup-like component both of which contain a free-wheeling element such as ball bearings. By mounting or seating a guard upon or within at least one of each component, the guard can easily spin about its axis, thereby hindering attempts to grasp or stand on it. Another embodiment consists of multiple collars attached to the wire and circular shoulders inside the guard resting on rollers in the top of each collars.

Abstract: Human heat-shock protein-binding proteins (HspBP-1 and HspBP-2) are disclosed with the polynucleotides which identify and encode them. Genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding heat-shock protein-binding proteins (HspBP) are also disclosed and a method for producing HspBP polypeptides. Also provided is a process of using HspBP for abrogating heat shock-protein activity in the prevention or treatment of diseases associated with such activity.

Abstract: A method and device for marking and keeping track of the correct location of a golf ball. The marking device includes a two-sided body, with the first side displaying an indication to play the ball from the present location of the marker and the second side displaying an indication to remark the location of the ball before it is played, and a means of securing the body to the ground. The method utilizes the two-sided body to remind a golfer of the correct position of his or her ball.

Abstract: A therapeutic clothing which directs a polarity of a permanent magnet into selected locations of the human to assist in healing of the human body. The permanent magnets are preferably thin members and are positioned to contact the skin of the user. The articles of clothing include a wide variety of apparel including: gloves, trousers, socks, brassieres, and kneepads.

Abstract: A filtering system which is secured to a traditional air register. The filter uses a flange adapted to encircle the outlet of the traditional air register. Connected to the flange is an air filtering material which collects the dust and pollen at the air register, before the air enters the room. In one embodiment of the invention, an electro-static charge is used by the filtering material to assist in the collection of the dust and pollen. To assist the user in determining when the filter system should be replaced, the air flow pushes a flag; hence as the air flow decreases as the filter becomes clogged, the location of the flag notifies the user that the air filter system should be replaced. While a hook-and-loop fastener is sometimes used to secure the filter to the air register, the preferred embodiment uses a releasable adhesive.