Abstract: The present invention offers a touch pad cover for the touch pad of a Laptop/Notebook computer whereby the touch pad is protected from environmental conditions such as static electricity, particularly the static charge of a computer monitor when the computer is in a closed position and from the static charge transferred by the user, thus reducing the likelihood of a malfunctioning computer touch pad. These, as well as other objects of the invention, are accomplished by a cover for a touch pad of a Laptop/Notebook computer, the computer having a touch pad and an upper portion; the cover comprising an upper surface of nonconductive material (e.g. neoprene) in contact with the upper portion of the computer when the computer is in a closed position; a lower surface of nonconductive material opposite and parallel the upper surface, the lower surface in contact with the touch pad of the computer and depositing a powder residue of nonconductive material on the touch pad.

Abstract: A composition and method of producing a composition which is directed to a single nucleic acid comprising a first section complementary to a sequence of a first chromosome, and comprising at least a first label, and a second nucleic acid section complementary to a sequence of a second chromosome, the second label being different from the first label. It is used for detecting translocations such that the single nucleic acid probe has different interactive labels on each side of a translocation break-point region.

Abstract: A system for recording and displaying ultrasound images. The system includes a database server, an ultrasound image capture station and an ultrasound image review station. The ultrasound images are captured from an analog video signal stream output by an ultrasound machine and converted into compressed digital data preferably in MPEG format. The compressed digital data is archived to a compact disc recordable medium for permanent storage. The ultrasound images may be annotated by a sonographer as they are captured. The sonographer selects an annotation icon from a predefined list of icons to highlight points of interest in an ultrasound scan. The system also includes a demographic data module for tracking captured ultrasound scans, and a clinical data module for reporting ultrasound findings and diagnoses.

Abstract: A vented closure is provided in which a PTFE membrane layer comprises a vent for releasing accumulated gas pressure. The membrane is carried on a structural support which may vary from a fabric type backing to a porous plastic stem, the support permitting a variety of improved vent architecture to be utilized including vents with reduced material requirements, improved geometry, and better handling characteristics.

Abstract: A sampling port is provided which has threaded ends for incorporating the port into a length of subsurface pipe. The port defines an internal receptacle which is in communication with subsurface fluids through a series of fine filtering slits. The receptacle is in further communication through a bore with a fitting carrying a length of tubing there which samples are transported to the surface. Each port further defines an additional bore through which tubing, cables, or similar components of adjacent ports may pass.

Abstract: A barbecue cooker for cooking foods having a cooker bowl, a closure for the bowl, one or more heat sources for producing heat extended within the bowl, and an infrared emitter positioned within the bowl above and adjacent to each heat source. A movable support structure is also taught for revolving food around a central heat source.

Abstract: A rotator assembly is provided comprising two disc-shaped base members, each defining central bores therethrough and a disc-shaped middle section defining a central opening therethrough and having a tubular exterior, the middle section matingly fitting between the base members with the tubular exterior extending beyond and overlapping outer edges of the base members while the base members occupy the central opening of the middle section.

Abstract: A motivation system for children is provided, which consists of a motivation system board, play money of various denominations, and coupons for various predefined rewards. The motivation system board consists of a flat rectangular rigid sheet with a schedule information area, a rewards information area, and an erasable felt tip marking pen with a pen holder. The schedule information area contains a first column for listing the time of day, a second column for listing the behavior the child is to perform, and a third column for listing the quantity of play money to be received by the child. The rewards information area contains a first column for listing rewards that may be purchased, and a second column for listing the play money purchase price of reward.

Abstract: An integrated and automated case packing device and method is disclosed. The device and method uses multiple stations to: separate a flattened case from a supply of such cases, detect whether the case in an A or B-type case, open the case according to the type of case, place a predetermined number of imbricated articles into a group standing on edge, move that group under the erected case, place the case over the stationary group, close the flaps to the case, and move the case downstream to a case invertor.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus and process for producing and using the same is provided having a tubular lining material defining a hollow-space therein with the lining material being folded outwardly over itself providing a chamber in which a casing material is positioned circumferentially over an inner layer of the lining material.

Abstract: Motion is transmitted by means of a kinematic chain, comprising four members--a driving, driven, intermediate and support members. The driving, driven and supporting members rotate about a common axis. The intermediate member, by virtue of its operative linkages with the driving, driven and supporting members, rotates about the common axis and translates either parallel or, according to another version, perpendicular to the common axis. The supporting member is stopped during motion transmission. The intermediate member moves with respect to the driving, driven and supporting members during motion transmission. The directions of these motions define angles with the direction of motion of the driving member in the plane parallel or perpendicular, respectively, to the common axis. Changing the at least one of the angles can change the ratio of the speeds of the driving and driven member.

Abstract: A grasping apparatus and method wherein the apparatus includes a sleeve with a shaft therein and a clamping member on one or both ends of the sleeve for opening and closing. A locking member is positioned on the sleeve for locking the sleeve to the shaft. When unlocked, movement of the shaft within the sleeve or the sleeve along the shaft actuates movement of the clamping member.

Abstract: A case erector with A-B detect is disclosed. This case erector eliminates the need to sort A and B type cases and thus increases the rate at which boxes can be erected. Whether the case is an A or B type case determines how far into the case erector the flattened case is fed and whether the case is unfolded to the left or the right.

Abstract: A casing for protecting firearms from the elements while allowing the user to access firearm sight and trigger. Although the firearm is at all times fully enclosed in the cover, the firearm may be aimed and discharged without having to remove the firearm from its protective casing.

Abstract: A rotatable curling iron is disclosed in which the barrel and clip portion may rotate along with a motor-driven shaft of the curling iron. A cable connects to the clip at one end, then passes through an opening and to an interior of a hollow drive shaft and runs along a length of the drive shaft before exiting the drive shaft through a terminal opening. The second end of the cable is in communication with a clip handle. One or more swivels are provided along the length of the cable which permits a portion of the cable to rotate along with the barrel and clip.

Abstract: An improved vapor compression distillation process and apparatus are provided having a container with a substantially horizontal longitudinal center axis, two opposing end plates closing each end of the container, a first and second passage area defined within and on opposing ends of the container, each adjacent one of the end plates, a collecting chamber defined within the container between the first and second passage areas, a plurality of generally horizontal tubes spacedly exposed within the collecting chamber generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, each of the tubes having two opposing ends which open into the first and second passage areas respectively, two opposing plates positioned on opposite ends of the horizontal tubes, each plate engaging similar ends of the horizontal tubes, a vapor compressor attached to the container such that the vapor compressor communicates with an upper area of the collecting chamber and communicates with the first passage area, at least one passage fo

Abstract: A prefeeder gate (10) is comprised of an elongated arm (12) extending outwardly at different points to form a first seat (14) and a second seat (16) having a lower portion (16a) and an upper portion (16b), nip rollers (17) attached to an operative end of the arm, a first shaft (18) received in the first seat and in the lower portion of the second seat, a body (20) having at one end a threaded bore (24) formed therein and having a frame attachment assembly (22) another end, a second shaft (42) having a first externally threaded end and a second end, the second shaft journaled in the upper portion of the second seat, the first externally threaded end being threadably received in the threaded bore, a nip adjustment knob (44) received on the second end of the second shaft, a spring (48) coiled around the second shaft intermediate the second seat and the nip adjustment knob, and slide bearings (56, 58) interconnecting the body and the first shaft, the slide bearings being adapted to slide along a length of the fir