Abstract: The orthopedic support pillow is for use by a patient having a retained arm while the patient is lying in a generally prone position sideways on a resting surface. The orthopedic support pillow comprises two side surfaces, the two side surfaces opposing each other, and a bracing surface. The second side surface accommodates the retained arm of the patient and is at least as wide as the ailing forearm of the patient. The bracing surface is disposed between the two side surfaces, and has a generally concave shape. The abdominal section of the patient abuts against the bracing surface of the orthopedic support pillow when the patient is lying in the prone position sideways. The orthopedic support pillow provides stability and support to the retained arm in an elevated position while the patient is in the generally prone position on the resting surface. The orthopedic support pillow includes a strap or pocket positioned for retaining the hand of retained arm of the patient.

Abstract: An identity authentication device is stylus-shaped. A processor is disposed within the device. The stylus-shaped device includes a scanner-type device component for capturing within the processor memory a written signature generated by the stylus while the stylus is writing upon a surface. A fingerprint sensor is disposed within the grip of the stylus. The fingerprint sensor enables the capture of a digital signature of the writer at the same time that the written signature of the writer is captured. Once the identity of the writer has been authenticated by comparison against a reference print, the signature of the writer irrefutable. The device serves the same general purpose and can be used in lieu of a signature pad. The device is either attached to a surface or is portable and wireless.

Abstract: The hitch locking and alarm mechanism comprises a hitch member for attachment to the towing vehicle, a tow vehicle mount for attachment to the towed vehicle, a locking pin, and a locking pin housing assembly with an alarm. A drawbar of the hitch member is insertable into a receiver tube of a tow vehicle mount secured to the undersurface of the towed vehicle. The drawbar and the receiver tube each have cross bores that are alignable with each other. The hitch member has a drawbar, and the drawbar has a cross bore. The tow vehicle mount comprises a receiver tube secured to a vehicle guide plate. The hitch member is engageable within a receiver tube positioned within the tow vehicle mount. A locking pin is insertable through the two cross bores, and the end of the locking pin connects with the locking pin housing assembly. The alarm switch is mounted within the locking pin housing assembly.

Abstract: The hitch assembly comprises a hitch member, a shank assembly for attachment to the towing vehicle, a tow vehicle mount for attachment to the towed vehicle, and a hitch alarm. The hitch member comprises a drop ball mount, and a drawbar. The drawbar is secured to the undersurface of the drop ball mount. The shank assembly includes a shank, a ball mount, a pair of ballasts, and a coupling member. The shank extends through the opening of the drop ball mount. The ball mount has a threaded engagement with one end of the shank. Interchangeable ball mounts and the use of one or two ballasts enable the same hitch assembly to be used to tow varying loads. The tow vehicle mount is secured to the undersurface of the towed vehicle. The tow vehicle mount comprises a receiver tube secured to a vehicle guide plate. The drawbar is inserted into and through the receiving tube. The hitch alarm detects an unauthorized removal of either the hitch member or the towed vehicle from the towing vehicle.

Abstract: This identity authentication system is used in commercial transactions at a point-of-sale terminal. The system comprises a device for capturing a customer signature (signature pad or a smart pen), a sensor for capturing a biometric property of the customer during the transaction, a local processor, a wireless device carried by the customer, a device reader positioned at the point-of-sale terminal, and a host computer. The customer registers advising the system of a customer account that is to be used for payment. The customer also submits an electronic signature (written script of name) and a digital signature for reference purposes—a fingerprint. The customer is then issued a wireless device, the wireless device having memory. The memory may be an ID card, a credit card, a smart card, a transponder, a barcode, or a combination of these memories. A identifying device reader (such as a card reader, an interrogator, a scanner) is located at the point-of-sale terminal that is compatible with the wireless device.

Abstract: This pen-based, identity verification uses biometric technology. For use in commercial transactions at a point-of-sate terminal, a customer registers advising the system of a customer account that is to be used for payment. The customer also submits a digital signature for reference purposes—a fingerprint. The customer is then issued a transponder that links the customer to the customer account and to the reference digital signature. When the customer is at the point-of-sale terminal for making payment, an interrogator disposed at the point-of-sale terminal transmits a radio signal requesting identity verification. The transponder submits data to the interrogator. Thereafter, when the customer uses a stylus to submit written data (a signature), a sensor in the stylus makes incidental capture of biometric data that enables the interrogator to confirm customer identity.

Abstract: The method for identity verification employs biometric technology. Positioned at the center of the system is a stylus with any of a number of biometric properties or their combination or with one or more metric sensors, while the customer uses the stylus to sign his/her name, or even for writing anything. The identity verification system is used at point-of-sale terminals, in various closed environments, to access a computer network, in applications involving pen-based computers and smart-pens, and for e-commerce. When fingerprint sensors are used, the sensors are positioned in the stylus grip, one sensor for the index finger, and a second sensor for the thumb. In one variation, one-to-one biometric matching is used. Each participant carries on his/her person a device that includes an encrypted biometric for reference purposes to gain access into the system. Processing is simplified since the system need only make a “MATCH” or “NO MATCH” decision.

Abstract: A data security system comprises a host processor, and a plurality of remote computers. Each remote computer provides biometric authentication of a user prior to responding to the user request for data access. The remote computers are handheld when in operational mode. A sensor in the handheld computer captures a biometric image while the remote computer is being used. The biometric sensor is positioned in such a way that the sensor enables the capture of the biometric image continually during computer usage with each request for access to secure data. The biometric authentication occurs in a seamless manner and is incidental to the data request enabling user identity authentication with each request to access secure data.

Abstract: The system ensures the timely payment of taxes due a taxing authority while protecting the solvency of an independent service provider. The contracting entity retains a third-party escrow manager who oversees payments made by the contracting entity to an independent service provider. The third-party escrow manager estimates tax liability owed by the independent service provider to a tax authority based upon data provided to the third-party escrow manager by the independent service provider. The third-party escrow manager deposits a portion of monies owed to the independent service provider by the contracting entity for services provided in an escrow account. The escrow account is used by the independent contractor to pay monies owed to the taxing authority in a timely manner when due.

Abstract: A hitch locking mechanism enables secure retention of a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle. The hitch locking member comprises a shank and a clamp member. The clamp member includes a base, an arm, and a jaw. The jaw is pivotally attached to the base member, and moves relative to the arm between an upright position and an extended position. The shank is securely affixed to the clamp member at multiple points for secure retention of the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle. A first sleeve is positioned about the shank when the shank is retained to the clamp member. The first sleeve enables rotation of the shank relative to the clamp member when the shank is secured within the clamp member.

Abstract: The identity verification system employs biometric technology for identity verification. Positioned at the center of the system is a stylus with any of a number of biometric properties or their combination or with one or more metric sensors, while the customer uses the stylus to sign his/her name, or even for writing anything. The identity verification system is used at point-of-sale terminals, in various closed environments, to access a computer network, in applications involving pen-based computers and smart-pens, and for e-commerce. When fingerprint sensors are used, the sensors are positioned in the stylus grip, one sensor for the index finger, and a second sensor for the thumb. In one variation, one-to-one biometric matching is used. Each participant carries on his/her person a device that includes an encrypted biometric for reference purposes to gain access into the system. Processing is simplified since the system need only make a “MATCH” or “NO MATCH” decision.

Abstract: The linear seat-back recliner mechanism enables pivotal rotation of a seat back relative to a seat cushion in accordance with occupant request. The mechanism comprises an elongated recliner rod, an actuator mechanism, and a spring unit. The actuator mechanism is secured to the seat cushion. The recliner rod is pivotally retained relative to the seat back and slidingly engaged through the actuator mechanism, the spring unit being positioned between the seat-back frame and the actuator mechanism. The spring unit is disposed about the recliner rod, and includes an inner elongated compression spring nested within an outer elongated compression spring.

Abstract: The flying toy apparatus has improved launch and flight characteristics, is compatible either as a flying hoop-type structure or a disc-type structure, and can be readily disassembled for compact storage. The flying toy apparatus comprises an outer section and a central floatation member. The outer section includes an annular ring made of a solid material encased within a cushion-type material. The solid material enables firm grasping of the outer annular section during launch. The cushion-type material encases the annular ring and lessens any force imposed by the annular ring upon impact. By substituting one outer ring structure with a slightly different outer ring structure, the flying toy apparatus can be readily adapted for any variety of flight patterns.

Abstract: The combination hair dryer cover and head shield is for use with a hood-type hair dryer and is useful for energy conservation while also protecting the forehead, features and neck of the user from excess heat being emitting from the hair dryer. The apparatus comprises a hood cover and a head shield which are stitched together around the perimeter of a common seam. The apparatus will protect uncovered portions of the patrons' head from heat energy from the hair dryer. The shield cover and the hood cover are each made of a clear plastic material. The hood cover is secured onto the hood by an elastic band and the shield is retained onto the head of the patron by another elastic band. The apparatus is inexpensive to make and readily disposable, thereby providing improved sanitary conditions.

Abstract: The combination hair dryer cover and head shield is for use with a hood-type hair dryer and is useful for protecting the forehead, features and neck of the user from excess heat being emitting from the hair dryer. The apparatus comprises a hood cover and a head shield which are stitched together around the perimeter of a common seam. The apparatus will protect uncovered portions of the patrons' head from heat energy from the hair dryer. The shield cover and the hood cover are each made of a clear plastic material. The hood cover is secured onto the hood by an elastic band and the shield is retained onto the head of the patron by another elastic band. The hood cover can be readily separated from the head shield along perforations disposed about the perimeter of the head shield proximate to the head shield elastic band positioned about the hairline of the patron. Once separated, the hood cover is discarded, the head shield can thereafter be used as needed.

Abstract: A golf wrist training apparatus is attachable to the arm of the golfer-in-training, and controls the range of wrist movement during each of the various phases of a golf swing. The apparatus includes a hand-attachment member and a forearm-attachment member. The apparatus restricts enables the wrists to move freely in the lateral plane of motion, and restricts wrist movement within the forward/backward plane of motion. The backswing allowable range of motion is greater than the downswing allowable range of motion. The apparatus also includes a release mechanism which enables the apparatus to be easily reset prior to each use.

Abstract: The apparatus stores and dispenses a plurality of disposable razors, the dispenser being affixable to a bathroom wall. The razors are initially loaded into the dispenser apparatus and retained therein by a pair of opposed support members, the support members extending inwardly from a pair of parallel sidewalls, the support members having a centrally disposed channel. The support members are sloped downwardly to facilitate gravitational loading of the individual razors. A flexible member is affixed to each of the support members. The dispenser apparatus has an open bottom, enabling the razors stored therewithin to be withdrawn in the same sequence that they are loaded thereinto. The opposed sidewalls of the dispenser apparatus are transparent, enabling the razors stored therewithin to be readily viewed. The dispenser apparatus also includes a razor holder mounted on the top thereof, to retain the razor currently being used.