Abstract: A round boat has a one-piece, open-topped hull having a substantially flat bottom and outwardly concave but substantially vertical sides surmounted by flared gunnels. The concave sides mate with the inner walls of a toroidal-shaped flotation device, such as an inflated bladder, or tube, which fills the concavity and supports the hull. The tube and the hull are substantially coplanar such that cargo and passengers are supported within the toroidal opening of the tube. The tube and hull may be provided with a covering, or sheath, to help protect the tube from unnecessary wear or damage, and to provide means for replaceable decoration or identification. At least one seat is mounted to and projects radially inward from the gunnels to center the weight of a passenger above the hull, thereby increasing stability of the boat with the added weight of each additional passenger. The seat may include a swivel for convenience of movement.

Abstract: A fan chandelier having a central body bearing lighting units with built-in fans, the lighting units preferably disposed at the ends of arms arrayed radially in satellite fashion about the central body. The central body, which also or alternatively may include lights and a fan, distributes power to drive all the fans and lights. The fans concealed within the satellite lighting units preferably have separately controllable, individual electric motors and may include heater strips to warm the air. In an alternate embodiment, the satellite fans may couple through flexible cables and a transmission within the central body to a single motor. The entire array creates air movement as effective as that of a ceiling fan of similar size, while also lighting a room in a fashion aesthetically pleasing enough to serve as a chandelier, complete with optional light refracting crystals.

Abstract: A plurality of staking die sets is provided, each adapted to crimp an iron fence rail onto a picket where the latter passes through an aperture in the former. Each die set comprises a staking die matching the cross sectional shape of the picket and adapted to embrace one half of the picket on one side of the rail. A corresponding anvil die opposes the staking die on the opposite side of the rail. Mechanically leveraged, powered jaws force the staking die toward the anvil and against the rail to squeeze the rail in the immediate vicinity of the picket, causing rail metal around the aperture to flow toward the picket, reducing the aperture until the picket becomes immobilized. A plurality of such jaws and dies, adjustably arrayed at selected spacings and coupled to a common power source, allows a single staking operation to affix simultaneously all pickets in a given length of rail.

Abstract: A box assembled from folded sheet material such as paperboard forms a container for a gift object. The container includes a front shroud or cover which opens to reveal the gift object mounted on a background within a framed window. The front cover is attached at the bottom, rear of the container and folds over the top to form a cover of the window. The front cover opens and folds at the rear of the container to form a stand that holds the container upright to display the gift object. The background and perimeter of the window frame may include decorative scenes, slogans, trademarks or other gift card messages or decorations which may be associated with the gift object.

Abstract: A dual use computer desk has a planar work surface supported by side panels at opposite longitudinal ends of a curvilinear front edge. Bifurcating into two work stations the space under the desk top, a cabinet contains sliding shelves for a computer and other equipment and accessories. Slidable drawers disposed at a spaced distance below the desktop within each of the work stations provide adjustable storage for computer controller equipment. At one of the work stations, gaming equipment may be attached and ready for use, while the other work station may contain a keyboard and mouse for more conventional computer functions. A swivel stand disposed on the desktop above the cabinet allows a monitor to articulate between the two work stations.

Abstract: A wireless electronic tracking system employs transmitters attached to moveable target items that send continuous analog radio frequency (RF) digitally-coded signals at prime number differentiated time intervals to a base receiver. The coded signals carry transmitter and base unit identifiers, low battery and attachment status information. The base unit periodically scans using an omnidirectional antenna to determine distance and azimuth for multiple active transmitters, alerting an operator to any status alerts, such as ‘out of range’ status determined by signal strength. The operator can switch to a higher gain, directional antenna to search for an errant target transmitter, or simply to check on the whereabouts of any given target item. Because the movable target items need only transmit, the transmitters can be physically diminutive and unobtrusive to the target wearer, making the system practical for tracking people (e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a sweepstakes in which a consumer purchases a prepaid voucher for valuable goods and services unrelated to the sweepstakes, and in return, as a promotional bonus, is provided a corresponding number of optional entries into the sweepstakes is disclosed.

Abstract: A pet grooming aid comprises a flexible, elongate handle coupled to a head bearing rigid tines adapted to reach through a pet's fur to its skin. The handle includes a reservoir for treatment fluids, the reservoir being coupled through a gate valve to a manifold within the head that distributes the fluid to a tube within each tine. Squeezing the handle forces treatment fluid through the manifold and tines onto the pet's skin, while the gate valve prevents fluid flow when the handle is not squeezed. A recharge nozzle and cap on the handle opposite the head allows filling the reservoir without spilling fluid out the tines, and seals the reservoir for use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method and system for enhancing the efficiency of hydraulic centrifugal separators (cyclones) in the removal of fine size particles from a liquid carrying medium. More particularly, it is concerned with improvements in the removal efficiency of any number of cyclonic devices that rely on the use of centrifugal force to separate fine size particles of differing density from the liquid carrying medium by addition of polymeric additives, both before, and, as necessary, inside the cyclone body.

Abstract: A tool mounted to the end of a golf club or other handle serves as means for retrieving a golf ball, for repairing a golf ball or club mark on the playing surface and for preventing the club grip from contacting the ground when the club is laid horizontally. The tool comprises a head detachably connected to the grip end of a golf club. In a preferred embodiment, the head includes a tang which fits into a slotted plug in the end of the club shaft under the grip. In an alternate embodiment, the head includes a yoke that cups over the outer radius of the golf club grip and is held in place by an external strap. The head has three flat surfaces serving as a shelf for lifting the golf ball and two walls forming a corner for the ball to rest against and for keeping the ball captive during the retrieval process. Two prongs protrude from the shelf for repairing ball marks. These two prongs or the body of the tool also serve to hold the grip off the ground when the club is laid horizontally.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for changing the appearance of an appliance. The system and method provide a magnetic sheet having a decorative pattern on one side thereof with a magnetic area or surface on an opposite side thereof. When the magnetic sheet is applied to cover the appliance, the decorative pattern decorates the appliance. A grid sheet is also provided for measuring and cutting the magnetic sheet to size.

Abstract: A novel variety of the maple tree Acer truncatum was discovered in North Texas. It has a distinct lobular orbicular leaf shape, attributed to large lateral marginal lobes. It exhibits vibrant fall colors, including a distinctive cardinal or currant red and develops leaf margins tinged with Chinese yellow, giving the leaves the appearance of being afire. The variety known as ‘Fire Dragon’ also is hardy in extreme heat and wind conditions.