Abstract: Coupon information is stored in a memory at a cable television station. The cable television station may simultaneously transmit multiple video signals, each representing different sources of television programming, over multiple television channels on the cable network. The video signal may at times, such as during a product advertisement or other offer, include an embedded coupon identifier. A coupon subsystem at the cable television station monitors each video signal and retrieves coupon information from a database when it detects a corresponding embedded coupon identifier and embeds the coupon information into the video signal before transmitting it. Coupon information may be embedded using teletext standards. A subscriber unit at the television viewer's site receives the television signal and includes a teletext decoder that extracts the coupon information. The television programming aurally or visually alerts the viewer that a coupon may be generated.

Abstract: A puzzle is provided comprising a base portion with an upper and a lower surface. A pictorial representation is provided on the upper surface of the base portion. Portions are removed from the pictorial representation at predetermined positions to create a plurality of blank portions. A track is provided through the upper surface interconnecting these blank portions. A plurality of manipulative elements are further provided which are fixedly secured within the track. Each of the manipulative elements have an upper face surface which includes an illustration corresponding to those removed portions of the pictorial representation.

Abstract: A T-Bar grid system is provided for installing ceiling panels particularly natural wood ceiling panes. The grid system includes a plurality of downwardly hanging T-Bars for supporting the ceiling panels. Each of the T-Bars includes at least one exposed lower surface. The grid system further includes a plurality of grid covers adapted to be releaseably secured to and cover the exposed lower surfaces of the T-Bars. The grid covers are formed from a material generally compatible with the ceiling panels, typically wood or a comparable thermoplastic material. Releasable securing means are affixed to a center recess within the grid covers and allow the grid cover to be releaseably secured to the exposed lower surface of the T-Bars. The releasable securing devices can constitute a magnetic securing device or, alternatively, a spring clip.

Abstract: An inductive sensory system is provided. The system includes at least one object encoded with conductive material and a reader for use in detecting the presence or absence of the conductive material in the coded object. The reader includes a plurality of single coils and detection means for measuring changes in the self inductance of the coils due to the presence or absence of conductive material in the object. The sensory system further includes control means interconnected to the detection means. The control means are adapted to receive a signal from the detection means, translate the signal and generate a control signal for transmission to an external reactive member such as a light, sound or voice generator.

Abstract: A changeover valve system is provided that is adapted to be secured at one end to a riser from a pressurized piping system and at its opposite end to at least two pressure relieving devices. The changeover valve system includes a body and at least two elbows secured to the body to which are attached at least one of the pressure relieving devices. A partially spherical changeover member is provided within the body having at least one inlet port adapted to communicate with the riser and at least one and preferably two outlet ports adapted to alternately communicate with either of the pressure relieving devices. Transport means are provided for effecting rotation of the changeover member within the body to cause the changeover member to travel from one position wherein an outlet port is in communication with one of the pressure relieving devices to a second position wherein an outlet port is in communication with the other pressure relieving device.

Abstract: A device and method for the packaging and distribution of sample products to consumers along with a publication, whereby said product samples are enclosed within product sample holders and inserted into a rectangular tube made of transparent plastic material having at least one planar surface. The planar surface of the rectangular tube is then secured against the square binding of a magazine or publication by means of clear adhesive tape, thereby allowing the product samples to be distributed to magazine subscribers or at newsstands.

Abstract: A baseball practice device in which a baseball is releasably attached to a "Y" shaped tether system which, in turn, is supported by two horizontal arms arranged in a "Y" shaped configuration. The combination of the horizontal arms and the tether system allows simulation of a pitching environment where the baseball may be presented to the batter with a uniform and repeatable flight path to enhance batting practice.

Abstract: A rotatable holder for a candle for a cake, said holder including a housing supporting an upstanding shaft having its upper end keyed within a complimentary recesses of a candle platform and a candle. Within the housing is a small, battery powered D.C. motor connected through reduction gearing to the shaft, and audio may be provided so that when rotating the shaft an appropriate melody can be played. The holder is fixedly secured to the cake by means of a plurality of prongs. A plurality of removable arms which receive commercially-available candles extends radially out from the platform and the base of the holder.

Abstract: A device for rotating a finial attached to a table lamp is provided with an adaptor for providing household current directly from the lamp at a reduced voltage to the drive motor of the device. Preferably, the device includes a battery pack so that a drive shaft of the device which is connectable to a finial can be rotated by either battery power or through a transformer.

Abstract: An aerial toy includes a balloon that can be filled with a lighter-than-air gas. It has a pinwheel connected to the lower portion of the balloon, preferably by use of the elastic filling stem of the lower portion of the balloon. A kite string is secured to the upper portion of the balloon for tilting the aerial toy forwardly when aloft. Preferably, the toy balloon has an oblong cross section, and when tilted forwardly, the oblong cross section serves to provide aerodynamic lift.

Abstract: A changeover valve system is provided that is adapted to be secured at one end to a riser from a pressurized piping system and at its opposite end to at least two pressure relieving devices. The changeover valve system includes a body and at least two elbows secured to the body to which are attached at least one of the pressure relieving devices. A partially spherical changeover member is provided within the body having at least one inlet port adapted to communicate with the riser and at least one and preferably two outlet ports adapted to alternately communicate with either of the pressure relieving devices. Transport means are provided for effecting rotation of the changeover member within the body to cause the changeover member to travel from one position wherein an outlet port is in communication with one of the pressure relieving devices to a second position wherein an outlet port is in communication with the other pressure relieving device.

Abstract: This invention pertains to headware equipped with a weather and environmental protection device insert that stores in a hidden fashion within the headware, and instantly self expands upon removal and upon reattachment to the headware exterior forms a effective protection unit to the head and body of the wearer. The protection device consists of one or more sphere shaped panels, each with a perimeter border of coilable spring wire formed in a loop, such loop covered with a variety of foldable protective fabric to form side or overhead panels. That these panels can deploy singly overhead to create a wide brim effect offering protection from sun and rain, or that such panels can also be joined together to create a tentlike protective framework about the head and body of the wearer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit at least one laser beam against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser sighting device adapted to emit at least one laser beam against the surface and means to position said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone.