Abstract: A motion based communications system having an animated device, which is controlled locally or over a network connection, and which uses motion to convey information to a user. The information can relate to a predefined system events, such as printer status changes, e-mail status, system errors or communications. Further, it can represent remote individuals in a chat room, or when playing games. Computer games can use it to represent a remote or local human or software opponent. Voice recognition software allows commands or data to be input to the system via the device. Multiple devices can be used for multiple remotely located users. A universal base unit allows characters to be replaceably attached to, and controlled by, the base unit. Different characters can be substituted for different games, etc. The device may be software controlled by any application program via a standard application program interface.

Abstract: A light therapy system that exposes specific light frequencies to specific points on a patient's body. The light varies both in frequency and in length of exposure. A broad range of light frequencies are intermittently directed to chakra points on a patient's body. Selected light frequencies are sequenced for each chakra point. An adjustable apparatus is provided which can simultaneously expose multiple locations, with the ability to align each lamp to a specific location and at a specific distance from the patient's body.

Abstract: A method of reducing inflammation in a variety of disorders by using an intraperitoneal solution of magnesium. The solution can be used for treating inflammatory and inflammation-related disorders in animals and/or humans. Application of the solution reduces inflammation and thereby assists in the healing process. An alternative method involves the intraperitoneal administration of a solution containing magnesium salts. Another alternative method provides for treatment of inflammatory and inflammation-related disorders in animals by way of intraperitoneal administration of a solution containing magnesium salts, methenamine or its salts and dextrose. The method further provides the use of methenamine or its salts and/or dextrose in combination with magnesium.

Abstract: A cleaning device which washes each of the components of a paint sprayer from the correct angle to ensure that all residue is properly removed. The invention provides a mechanism for aligning cleaning nozzles with the components of the paint sprayer. Holding devices precisely position components of the paint sprayer such that they align the components to be cleaned with adapters happening solvent spray nozzles. Each holding device is aligned with individual spray nozzles that spray cleaning fluid onto surfaces from which paint is to be removed. Adjustable spray nozzles are provided which allow the cleaning device to be adjusted such that the it can be used with paint sprayers having different configurations. An alternative embodiment provides a kit assembly that can be retrofitted to a conventional cleaning machine. Alternatively, the device may be used with other tools which are disassembled prior to cleaning.

Abstract: A signal cable lead structure in which each lead inside the cable is formed in a generally rectangular shape such that current passing through each segment of the lead is traveling in the opposite direction from current passing through an adjacent segment of the same lead. As the signal is passing through the signal cable, the magnetic fields generated in each segment of the lead cancels out the magnetic fields in adjacent segments of the lead. In signal cables having multiple leads, the leads are arranged such that they are offset from one another to maximize the distance between the leads, and also rotated in relation to one another to further maximize the distance between the leads.

Abstract: A telephone line shunt for disabling incoming and outgoing calls to or from a telephone line. The device attaches to a single outlet or telephone such that the line is unavailable to devices attached to it from any other location. A shunt short circuits the ring and pitch lines of a conventional telephone line to inhibit a dial tone for outgoing calls while simultaneously creating the appearance of a line busy status for incoming calls. The shunt is inserted into any standard telephone wall jack to inhibit line availability, and removed to restore line availability. The shunt can be implemented by a simple wire shunt embedded in a modified plug for an RJ-11 jack. Alternatively, the shunt can be controlled by activation switches on a wall receptacle, on a telephone hand set, and on a telephone/clock radio. An optional remote control allows switching of the shunt. The shunt control mechanism may also used a password system to control access to the shunt.

Abstract: A windsurfing catamaran with a self-stabilizing wing. The wing is moved to the correct position by counter balancing water pressure from a rotating central keel connected to a central mast. The keel rotates in the opposite direction of the wing when the wing is moved off center by wind. The keel rotates such that a greater surface area is presented to water flow striking the keel. Water pressure on the keel offsets wind pressure on the sails and returns the keel and mast back to an upright position. This increases stability, lift, driving force, and speed. A central catamaran platform provides hinged struts and shock absorbers between the rear end of the central platform and planing hulls to reduce impact damage. The hinged struts and shock absorbers reduce water drag and the braking effect of repeated hull impacts with water resulting in a further increase in speed.

Abstract: An alternating pressure support surface for use by patients requiring bed rest. The air pressure control system used by the alternating pressure surface dynamically controls air pressure in multiple inflatable compartments and further controls the cross over pressure as sets of inflatable compartments are simultaneously being inflated and deflated. A pressure transducer provides feedback which is used to dynamically adjust the output pressure produced by a pump to prevent over inflation or under inflation and ensure that cross over air pressure is properly maintained to prevent under inflation which results in bottoming out.

Abstract: A time/location information delivery system that provides focused advertising and/or other information to individuals based on the time and their location. A wireless identification device is carried by an individual and can be read from or written to when the individual passes by interrogators in a specific geographic location. The detectors read ID information embedded in the wireless identification device. A computer uses the ID and location information to select, from a list of information providers, those information providers which provide information content identifiable or correlated to a location and/or time, and is of interest to the individual. The information content can be forwarded to the individual by a variety of information channels. One channel uses conventional Internet email to deliver advertisements and other information to the individual's Internet mailbox.

Abstract: A multifunction power/data distribution system which consists of a cable system that provides power, data, and air cooling from a single wall outlet. Each device, has a single cable which brings power, data, and/or cooled air to that device. The system includes an appliance coupler assembly which may incorporate a fiber optics signal line, a coax cable, a cooled air supply line, and/or a telephone line. The data lines may be combined into a single high bandwidth line. Only a single cable is required to be run between the appliance coupler socket on the wall and an appliance, such as a PC, telephone, etc., to connect the appliance to an external power source, to a data network, to telephone network, or to a source of air cooling. The system provides for, and describes several types of, mating wall sockets and appliance end plugs.

Abstract: A spring loaded line recoil device which automatically rewinds the line which secures the release clip on a telescoping outrigger when the telescoping outrigger pole is collapsed. Balanced spring assemblies automatically recoil the fishing line on outrigger release clip onto a spool. As one spring assembly increases pressure, the other spring assembly produces pressure to maintain uniform tension on the line holding release clip. The retraction device attaches to the base of an outrigger. When the telescoping outrigger pole is collapsed, the spring assemblies recoil the outrigger line onto a spool. When the telescoping outrigger pole is extended, the position of release clip arm on the outrigger can be moved without changing the overall tension on the line securing the release clip arm due to the counter balanced spring pressure.

Abstract: A multifunctional eyeglass retainer which can be secured to a pair of eyeglasses such that the eyeglasses can be held in either an open or a closed position. In addition, the eyeglass retainer can also be fabricated such that it has sufficient buoyancy to remain floating to even if the eyeglass retainer becomes partially disengaged from the eyeglasses and the eyeglasses fall into water while the wearer is swimming. The eyeglass retainer has connectors at both ends which connect to the temples of a pair of eyeglasses. When connected in this manner, the eyeglasses can be carried in an open configuration. Likewise, the eyeglass retainer can be secured to a pair of eyeglasses by securing the opposing ends of the eyeglass retainer together and using a loop formed by the eyeglass retainer to retain the eyeglasses in a closed configuration.

Abstract: A ball launching device which eliminates the need for golf clubs so that disabled individuals can play golf without having to swing a golf club. The ball launching device is configured in the form of the rifle so that it can be carried by a player while the player is walking or riding a golf cart. Alternatively, the golf ball launcher can take any suitable shape in addition to that of a rifle. A preferred version of the golf ball launcher uses a piston assembly that impacts a golf ball and shoots it toward a golf green. The golf ball can be caught on the golf green by a container, or by a receptacle or net which is integrated with the flag pole on the golf green. Alternatively, the player in use the golf ball launcher until the ball reaches the green, and at that point the player can use a conventional putter while on the golf green.

Abstract: A very low percentage dot screen is formed on a flexographic plate which prevents the severe compression normally found adjacent to zero percent areas of the flexographic plate. The dot screen reduces dot gain by distributing the compressive force of the flexographic printing plate on the printing surface. The total area of the dot screen is kept to a very low percentage of the total surface area being printed so that it will not alter perceived color.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing sonar measurement error in noisy environment, by monitoring environmental noise spectrum over the range of operable sonar frequencies, and automatically changing the system sonar transmission frequency and its dependent components in order to avoid the detected interference frequencies. A wide band transceiver and a digital signal processor (DSP) can be used as a Frequency Server, and to monitor the environmental noise spectrum continuously through the use of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm to produce noise frequency database for the Frequency Server. Each transmission cycle, the DSP dynamically getting frequency from the Frequency Server were noise is below a certain level for sonar transmission and adjust its dependent components accordingly. Thus, continuously maintains reliable measurements even in the presence of sporadic interference.

Abstract: A switch housing assembly which uses an internal pressure bracket to simultaneously provide pressure against multiple switches located in multiple locations within the switch housing assembly. The pressure bracket creates a fluid seal between the flexible switch buttons and the switch housing by pressing the switches against the switch buttons which in turn are pressed directly against the inner surface of the switch body. Multiple switches are simultaneously secured to the switch housing by an internal bracket which simultaneously provides pressure against the backs of multiple switches. An optional pressure ring focuses pressure from the periphery of the switch assembly to the outer peripheral ring of the flexible switch button. The bracket assembly is preferably secured to the switch housing by a single removable screw to allow disassembly when needed.