Abstract: A process for the preparation (decoction) of an herbal beverage from China Root (Smilax domingensis Willd), Bejuco indio (Gouania polygama) and Pimento leaves (Pimenta dioica Merr) and a modulation effective amount of Ginger root (Zingiber offiicinale); and the product prepared in accordance with this process.

Abstract: A hair dressing foundation having an essentially oval convex shell-like element and an array of comb-like teeth radiating from the edges thereof. The convex shell-like element of this foundation includes an essentially resilient non-porous body that is suitable for use in hair dressing, specifically, un “up-do” hair style. The foundation can be essentially colorless or, alternatively, color-keyed to the customer's hair.

Abstract: A folding expandable table having a composite pedestal. In the preferred embodiments of this folding table, retractable table legs are integrated within each member of the composite pedestal assembly, which serves to both store such legs and support table top leafs; and, as the table is unfolded, supports the table top with up to four leafs. The folding table can be partially or completed unfolded, to form three distinct configurations with one, two or four leafs.

Abstract: A computerized computer program in an Internet Web site with input and output capabilities for the sale, issue and dispensing of debit cards that includes automated teller machine as dispensers for debit cards that include each one a unique identification number on a storage member thereon. A purchaser clicks the Web site address through his or her personal computer, then, following the program steps, enters his/her particulars and those of the transaction which are merged with one of the unique identification numbers and transmitted to a remote computer facility that acts as clearing house for the users' transactions. The remote facility includes input and output means to communicate with the debit card issuer(s), the dispensers and the associated circuitry to obtain the identification numbers of the debit cards being issued and dispensed and the particulars of the holders and the transactions.

Abstract: A facial support device having a frame and a cushion, or webbing, for supporting an individual's head, when the individual is reclining in a prone, face down position. The device of this invention is ergonomically designed to provide a gradual transition from the plane of an individual's reclining torso to his head, and thereby avoid or minimize stresses to the cervical spine, and to the musculature of the neck and back. This device includes an asymmetric opening associated with its cushion or webbing to permit unrestricted breathing by an individual when reclining in a face down position.

Abstract: A leak proof safety shield/guard for a syringe is herein disclosed. The shield/guard provides for not only protection of the syringe from a damage and abuse in the storage and handling, but also protects the health care professional from contact with the used needle and any of the tissues or fluids adherent thereto. Moreover, any and all fluids that are initially contained within the syringe, or subsequently collected from a patient, are also isolated from inadvertent discharge or loss. This device achieves such objectives by providing a sealed protective guard that retains its integrity subsequent to use of the syringe. Additional enhancements to the device of this invention include a locking mechanism that prevents re-use of the syringe; and, additionally causes the syringe to be rendered physically inoperative.

Abstract: System, method, and test strip for solid phase, electrochemical, quantitative analysis of analytes contained in biological fluid samples. Preliminary to analysis, a test sample solution can be applied to a sample collection pad associated with the solid phase test environment of the test strip. The test sample solution and a test kit reagent are thereby initially contacted, under assay conditions, within this solid phase test environment, and caused to migrate along a fluid pathway therein. Irrespective of the assay format (competitive assay, sandwich assay, etc.), a test kit reagent (e.g. labeled substance) and the analyte of interest (e.g.

Abstract: A unitary wraparound, one-piece back, medical patient garment provides openable connections between the back panel and each of the front panels, the connections being below the shoulder of the person wearing the garment. A two element threaded tie secures the gown around the waist of the person wearing the gown. Connections between the front panels and the back panel may be opened selectively, exposing selected body parts of the person wearing the gown, without unduly exposing other body parts of the person.

Abstract: Roofing systems are herein disclosed which lend themselves to simplified installation techniques and provide enhanced energy conservation over conventional roofing systems of comparable appearance. The system of this invention is based, in substantial part, upon the use of a large (typically 4'.times.8') panel of cellular structural foam as a replacement for ceramic and/or cast concrete roofing tiles ("Barrel" and "Bermuda" style tiles). In the preferred embodiments of this invention, a closed cell structural formed panel is molded or cut to simulate an array of roofing tiles. The simulated foam tile panel is further provided with a refractory (fireproofing) finish, such as stucco, or its equivalent. A finish coating is, thereafter, applied to the refractory coating to enhance water repellency and, thus, serve to further weatherproof the roofing panel. The finishing coating can be applied prior to or subsequent to installation of the foam tile panels.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes a vertical column of filter media contained in and defined by a liquid-impervious vessel. A filtrate collection chamber is fixedly and centrally located in the media column. The collection chamber has liquid impervious top and sidewalls and an open bottom, whereby liquid to be filtered and introduced through a feed pipe at the top of the media column passes downward through the media column past the collection chamber and then upward into the collection chamber, is removed through a filtrate collection pipe. The apparatus may include equipment for continuously washing and recycling the filter media, and auxiliary alternatives for increasing the efficiency of the apparatus. Also included is the novel method for practicing the invention, particularly with the novel apparatus.

Abstract: A paddle ball racquet for a slow paced table tennis game is herein disclosed. The racquet is modified to eliminate the advantage of the power player by imparting flex or articulation between the racquet handle and the paddle surface. The design parameters of the racquet prevents accurate return of the game ball if the racquet speed exceeds certain empirically determined limits. Accordingly, the racquet handicaps the power hitter and thereby emphasizes accuracy in shot placement. The racquet of this invention can be used in conventional table tennis; or, in conjunction with a unique table tennis layout designed for accurate shot placement.

Abstract: Closed system and process for the conversion of gaseous or vaporizable organic and/or organo-metallic compound to inert solid which is resistant to solvent extraction, and is itself essentially nontoxic or convertible through oxidation or other natural processes to a toxic material. This process involves a low temperature, low energy conversion in a close system, of an organic and/or organo-metallic material by initially fragmenting such material into its basic elements follow thereafter by randomly recombining such elements as a solid coating or deposit upon a substrate. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, the toxic and/or potentially toxic material is injected as a gaseous phase into a chamber where it is subjected to an RF energy source, thereby forming a plasma which is contained within the chamber by a magnetic field.

Abstract: A video camera comprising an optical-to-video conversion means having a longitudinal optical axis, a viewfinder cooperating with the conversion means, and means for detecting and indicating the transverse tilt of the camera in one of a plurality of successive angular increments. The tilt indicator includes means, such as a plurality of light-emitting diodes in an ordered array viewable in the viewfinder and operative to indicate visually the transverse tilt of the camera.

Abstract: An airfoil having two (2) basic components, a sail and spoiler, associated with the leading edge of the sail, is herein disclosed. This unique airfoil design has application in flexible wing aircraft (i.e., ultralites), sport parachutes and sport kites. In the typical sport kite embodiment of this invention, there will generally be at least three (3) aerodynamic flight control surfaces: a sail, a keel, and a flexible resilient spoiler attached to the leading edge of the sail. The sail material is itself resilient, however, sufficiently rigid to maintain a preset configuration without the need for struts, spars or extrinsic physical support. A spoiler, which is located along the entire leading edge of the sail, provides additional structural reinforcement to the sail while undergoing controlled deformation in gusty or high winds. The effect of such deformation of the spoiler causes the sail to stall before any physical damage can occur.

Abstract: Method comprises positioning a spray gun and its cup-connecting means in a stationary support, and its gun cup in a rotatable cup holder in a closed chamber. Then, compressed air and cleaning liquid is passed through the gun and cup-connecting means, while simultaneously rotating the cup holder and spraying the exterior surfaces of the cup, gun, and cup-connecting means and the interior surfaces of the cup. In a preferred embodiment, the spray from the gun rotates the cup holder. The device comprises the chamber, the gun support, a rotatable cup holder, a pool for cleaning liquid, spraying means, internal means for filtering and distributing cleaning liquid to the cup connecting means and the spraying means, and means for introducing compressed air from outside the chamber into a compressed-air manifold and then distributing the compressed-air to the gun and spraying means. The device also includes means for venting air that is exhausting from the chamber and means for absorbing fumes in the exhausting air.

Abstract: A protective case for use with a diver's face mask of the type which includes a glass window, a pliable frame supporting the window around its periphery, and a headband attached to opposite sides of the frame. The protective case comprises: (a) a flat base panel of foam material and (b) a peripheral wall attached to and upstanding from the edge of the base panel and having a contour with the base panel adapted to house the mask without play therebetween. There is (c) a flat cover panel of foam material attached on one side of the peripheral wall with a pair of spaced tethers, and (d) a fastener for detachably attaching the other side of the cover panel to the peripheral wall.

Abstract: A phosphorescent keyhole locator particularly adapted for use in combination with a tumbler-type lock comprising a cylindrical tumbler having a circular tumbler end surface with a keyhole therein, and a peripheral end surface around the tumbler end surface. A solid phosphorescent plastic body having an aperture therethrough is adhesively attached to the peripheral end surface with the aperture positioned over the tumbler end surface. The aperture is at least about as large as the tumbler end surface and has straight sides which may be normal to or bevelled towards the tumbler end surface.

Abstract: A rear-window wind deflector comprising a channel plate having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a plurality of substantially parallel channels therebetween. The cross-section of each channel decreases smoothly from the leading edge to the trailing edge. Means are provided for mounting the channel plate directly on the rear window of a vehicle with the trailing edge over the window and the leading edge cantilevered over the vehicle body forward of the window. In a preferred emobdiment, the channel plate and the channels therein are crescent-shaped.

Abstract: An assay kit comprising an analyte test strip and a color comparator including a plurality of different color fields arranged in an ordered, preferably linear, succession. There is an aperture through each color field so positioned that the reaction zone of the test strip can be placed behind each color field and the color of the reaction zone thereafter viewed through each aperture, with the particular color field framing at least a portion of the reaction zone. The color comparator can be in the form of overlapping panels of a folder or a label on a bottle. There may be a chart of numerical assay values of the color fields such that the edge of the testing strip underlies the numerical value of the color field being viewed, or the testing strip may have a window therein which frames the numerical value of the color field being viewed. This invention has application in test kits for biological substances, (i.e. glucose, cholesterol) and drugs of abuse; and, in test kits for environmental toxins.