Abstract: A device for packaging at least one disc-shaped item together with other materials comprising a pair of complementary container elements attached by means of an interlocking mechanism such as a hinge, such that said complementary container elements are in a mating top and bottom configuration. The container has an open position in which the complementary container elements are separated, and a closed position in which the complementary container elements engaged each other and cooperate to form a cavity therebetween. The container elements include means for retaining the container in a closed position such that the chamber formed thereby is relatively insulated. A sealing member may also be provided to cover said opening, which sealing member must be removed to provide access to the opening. Alternatively, the sealing member may include a second opening and access is provided by rotating the sealing member so that the two openings are aligned.

Abstract: A system is provided for distributing in a retail environment one or more packets of information selected from the group consisting of redeemable coupons, forms, messages, tickets, warnings and written packets to potential recipients of said packets from a receiver-printer-dispenser at a remote location.

Abstract: An automated car wash system is provided comprising an anthropomorphic robot that serves to spray and clean cars prior to their entering into, or within, an automated car wash so as to remove surface dirt from the car, using a high-pressure spray gun. The robot is controlled by an interconnected network of pneumatic or hydraulic pumps and hoses, electronic relays and mechanical linkages so as to simulate the movements of a human. A sensor is used to detect the presence of an automobile in the field of operation of the robot, which sensor also serves to activate the robot and keep it operational as long as the automobile is in a given location. The robot is configured to resemble the shape and size of a human such that it may be dressed in a variety of costumes or outfits so as to maximize both its entertainment value and its utilitarian function.

Abstract: A system and method for generating an interactive story is provided comprising a system that prompts an individual with a image or photograph and provides a set of active and descriptive words relating to the picture, as well as a set of predetermined, commonly-used parts of speech and phrases, including articles, verbs, prepositions, and conjunctives. The user is instructed to write an essay, short story, letter or poem online employing only said given set of active and descriptive words relating to the common picture. The completed textual work may then be submitted to a contest or posted for others to read and critique.

Abstract: A device for packaging at least one disc-shaped item comprising a storage device for the storage of said disc-shaped media in a chamber or cavity, which storage device may be attached to an object having at least one rigid or semi-rigid planar surface hingedly or removably attached to the remainder of the object, such as a book, folder or box. The chamber includes means for maintaining the disc media in a stable state within the chamber while limiting its linear movement. The storage device is attached to the rigid or semi-rigid planar surface through a hole in said surface, which hole corresponds to the shape of the media-retaining portion of the storage device. The storage device may be retained within the hole by means of a skirt running around the perimeter thereof, which skirt is adapted to engage the back of the rigid or semi-rigid member.

Abstract: A protective cover for eyeglasses is provided comprising a pair of complementary tubular members that are fitted over the temples of a pair of glasses, each tubular member having sufficient elasticity to stretch to completely cover the lenses of the eyeglasses and contract enough to fit snugly around the temples. In an alternative embodiment, fabrics with less elasticity may be used in connection with additional features, such as shirred fabric, snaps, elastic bands, pull cords, clips, or hook and loop fasteners in combination with elastic tabs, just to name a few.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a conversion quick pitch system and method for converting a spring-actuated pitching machine of the Iron Mike type to a video pitching machine, i.e., a pitching machine that includes a video projection screen on which the video image of an actual pitcher is displayed in synchronization with the release of a ball from the pitching machine. The quick pitch system and method includes a projection screen; a projector; a clutch motor unit and a first and a second cam switch; a relay unit; and a control unit. The projection screen, which is adapted to be positioned between the pitching machine and a batter, includes an aperture through which a ball may be delivered to the batter by the conventional spring-actuated pitching machine. The video projector must be able to project the video image of an actual pitcher onto the projection screen.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a unique mounting frame for use in conjunction with a conversion kit for a conventional, combination baseball/softball pitching machine of the wheel type. Both machines are separately mounted on individual base plates that are pivotably mounted to the front of the frame. The plates are interconnected so as to move in an integral manner pivoting relative to the front of the frame. Movement is controlled by a linear actuator which permits them to be raised and lowered as a single unit by a single raise and lower mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a conversion kit for converting a pitching machine of the type having at least one wheel into a video pitching machine. The kit includes: a projection screen; projector; ball injector; and control system. The projection screen, which is adapted to be positioned between the pitching machine and a batter, includes an aperture through which a ball may be delivered to the batter by the pitching machine. The video projector must be able to project the video image of an actual pitcher onto the projection screen. The injector is adapted to hold a ball in a queued position immediately behind the pitching machine and inject the ball into the pitching machine to be propelled toward the batter in synchronization with the video image. The injector includes an electric solenoid for injecting the ball into the pitching machine.

Abstract: A method is provided for profiling pitches of an actual pitcher using a programmable pitching simulator of the type having at least two wheels and a video display component.

Abstract: A decorative frame is provided comprising a rigid support structure composed of a plurality of elongated members that define a frame upon which may be mounted a variety of different decorative elements, including decorative fabrics, metal, glass and plastic, which elements may be configured in an ornamental pattern, such as a floral or abstract design. In addition to the means for attaching the decorative elements to the front of the frame, means for attaching the frame to a lighting fixture, such as a bar-type lighting fixture typically found in bathrooms, are also provided, said means being generally disposed on the rear of the frame. While in the preferred embodiment the shape of the decorative frame is generally rectangular, a variety of other shapes are similarly contemplated, such as arcuate, circular, toroidal, pyramidal or trapezoidal.

Abstract: A system is provided for distributing in a retail environment one or more packets of information selected from the group consisting of redeemable coupons, forms, messages, tickets, warnings and written packets to potential recipients of said packets from a receiver-printer-dispenser at a remote location.

Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD. The packaging device includes a first member which is attached to a storage device used for the storage of materials other than the disc-shaped media. The chamber includes means for maintaining the disc media in a stable state within the chamber, including a structure defining support for the disc media such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media both perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of the media. Said structure may include at least one projection thereon, said projection being adapted to retain the disc-shaped media on the structure. An optional shoulder element may also be provided, said shoulder element extending from the inner surface of the first member and being adapted to separate the disc-shaped media from the inner surface.

Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped media such as a CD-ROM or DVD, together with a cup-type beverage container of the kind typically having a cover with a central straw opening. The packaging device includes a cylindrical lid adapted to receive and retain a disc-shaped media, which cylindrical lid is then engaged to the beverage container. The lid includes a cylindrical support structure disposed on the upper surface thereof defining central support for the disc media by means of the annular opening at the center of the disc, such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media. The cylindrical support structure includes an opening so as to allow the passage therethrough of a straw. The lid also includes an annular shelf around the perimeter thereof, the inside diameter of which is larger than the outside diameter of the disc media, and the peak of which is coplanar with the peak of the inner structure.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a conversion kit for converting a spring-actuated pitching machine of the Iron Mike type to a video pitching machine, i.e., a pitching machine that includes a video projection screen on which the video image of an actual pitcher is displayed in synchronization with the release of a ball from the pitching machine. The kit includes a projection screen; a projector; a clutch motor unit; a relay unit; and a control unit. The projection screen, which is adapted to be positioned between the pitching machine and a batter, includes an aperture through which a ball may be delivered to the batter by the conventional spring-actuated pitching machine. The video projector must be able to project the video image of an actual pitcher onto the projection screen. The clutch motor is adapted to hold a ball in a queued position within the spring-actuated pitching machine and, upon release, propel the ball toward the batter in synchronization with the video image.

Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as a recording media together with other materials in a stacked relationship. The packaging device comprises a first member having a center column for its upper portion and a means for receiving and retaining the other materials as its lower portion, which first member is slidably inserted through the opening of and into the chamber of an elongated second member. A cover is provided to close the opening of the second member, thereby sealing the contents of both members. A central support structure for the disc media acts in combination with the annular opening at the center of the disc media so as to allow the disc media to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.

Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD. The packaging device includes a first member for the storage of disc-shaped media in a chamber or cavity, which packaging device may be attached to any container used for the storage of materials other than the disc-shaped media. The first member includes means for maintaining the disc media in a stable state within the chamber, said means comprising a fugitive glue or other temporary adhesive applied to the non-media surface of the disc-media, allowing the disc-media to be removably attached to the interior surface of the chamber. The disc-shaped media may be sealed within the inner chamber by means of shrink-wrapped plastic, a foil seal or a paperboard seal.