Abstract: A consumer-friendly system for monitoring electricity consumption by a residence or business is provided. The system comprises: (a) a measuring transmitting unit, which comprises: (1) at least two current transformers; (2) means for connecting the measuring transmitting unit to a circuit breaker panel; (3) means for converting AC analog signals to DC analog signals; (4) a microcontroller; (5) a power line carrier transmission interface controller; and (6) a power supply; and (b) a programmable receiving display unit, which comprises: (1) a power supply; (2) a power plug; (3) a power line carrier transmission interface controller; (4) a data decoder and encoder; (5) a microcontroller; (6) memory; (7) a LCD display; and (8) one or more input or mode buttons. The measuring transmitting unit is capable of translating current flowing in main service power circuit conductors to digitally encoded signals, and transmitting the digitally encoded signals over power circuits in the residence or small business.

Abstract: A scabbard for mounting a long gun, includes: a one-piece, rigid cover having an enclosed bottom end, an open top end, and two generally parallel sides separated by a back; a padded, protective lining attached to the rigid cover; an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the scabbard; a detachable strap attached to a top open end of the device for closely holding the gun barrel, and a barrier across an open front of the scabbard for holding in the gun butt. The scabbard preferably has a padlock for locking down the gun barrel. The scabbard may have a locking hinged lid mechanism instead of a strap and barrier. The scabbard can be mounted vertically, horizontally or diagonally, preferably in or on a vehicle. A method for making the scabbard is also included.

Abstract: An adjustable, storable holder for supporting a book or other article to be read or viewed in an open position is provided. The holder comprises: (a) a generally rectangular shaped base member with an upper surface having a series of peg holes in sets of two; (b) from about two to 20 pegs of at least two lengths, with at least two pegs of each length; (c) a viewing member which is hinged to the upper surface of the base member, and which has a central transparent panel; and (d) a compartment in the base member for storage of the pegs. The holder has an open position in which at least two matched pegs project from the upper surface, and support the reading article. The viewing member rests relatively flat against the pages of the reading article and at an angle to the upper surface when the holder is in use. The holder has a closed position for storage of the holder, in which the viewing member lies flat against the upper surface of the base member.

Abstract: A carry bag comprises: a) a three dimensional, generally rectangular-shaped, closable pouch; b) a closure means in the top of the pouch; c) at least two magnetic fasteners, preferably two magnetic snaps; and d) a detachable, carrying strap. Portions of magnetic fasteners on the ends of the carrying strap correspond to magnetic fastener portions on the pouch, so that a user can quickly and easily attach the carrying strap to the pouch, or detach it from the pouch. Alternatively, the carry bag comprises the pouch and one or more interchangeable covers. The cover comprises an open, three dimensional, generally rectangular-shaped, cover compartment, which is of sufficient size to snugly accommodate the pouch.

Abstract: A system of adjustable interlockable panels for assembling a modular unit is provided, which comprises a plurality of rectangular, adjustable interlockable panels. Each panel has four edges: a first edge comprises a male sliding interlock, and a third, opposite edge comprises a female sliding interlock; a second edge comprises one or more adjustment slots; and an opposite, fourth edge, is a straight edge. The adjustment slots in the second edge are: parallel to the first and third edges; of a sufficient width to tightly accommodate any of the other panels in the system; and each slot extends between about ¼ and ¾ of the way into the panel. The male sliding interlock on a first panel is complementary to the female sliding interlock on a second panel in the system.

Abstract: A one-piece, protective bumper pad adapted for removable placement on a rail of a bed or the like is described.

Abstract: A device for the efficient parking of vehicles is provided. The device includes: 1) a car-pan comprised of steel plate; 2) strengthening rods on the car-pan; 3) a parking space frame comprising a pair of steel C bars as its side beams and another pair of steel C bars as its end beams; 4) a number of (preferably two set) of free rollers with supports; 5) two pairs of driving rollers; 6) a parking power/control box affixed between the two side beams of the parking space; 7) chains connecting the driving rollers with the parking power/control box; 8) an elevator; 9) vertical rack-rails located at the two sides of the elevator; 10) an elevator power/control box affixed between the two side beams of the elevator; and 11) two pairs of chains connecting the driving rollers and the climbing gears of the elevator power/control box. The present device may further include 12) four cables with connectors, and 13) two balance weights between the vertical rack-rails.

Abstract: The present invention relates to marzipan-like compositions comprising an anion exchange resin, almond paste, and preferably psyllium fiber, in unit dose form. This invention also relates to the use of these compositions in a method for treating hypercholesterolemia. The compositions are a convenient, portable, highly palatable, and well tolerated dosage form for administering anion exchange resin.

Abstract: Polyphosphonic acid ester compounds with flavorant, coolant and/or sweetener components, and tartar, plaque and/or calculus control compositions with improved taste comprising one or more polyphosphonic acid ester compounds are described.

Abstract: Psyllium husk-containing drink mix compositions comprising psyllium husk, an anion exchange resin, and edible, water soluble salts. The edible, water soluble salts are present at a level sufficient to reduce the gellation rate of the psyllium husk and anion exchange resin-containing composition when dispersed in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A process for making a bismuth-containing solid dose form composition is described which includes an agglomeration step with binder in a high shear mixer.

Abstract: Psyllium husk-containing drink mix compositions comprising calcium citrate malate.

Abstract: A liquid detergent composition comprising certain .beta.-aminoalkylboronic acids or esters (see compound structure below) as protease inhibitors, protease, and detersive surfactant is presented.

Abstract: Agglomerated psyllium husk comprising edible acid uniformly dispersed throughout the agglomerating coating. Preferred are maltodextrin-containing agglomerates of psyllium husk comprising citric acid uniformly dispersed throughout the maltodextrin coating. This agglomerated psyllium husk has improved mixability and dispersibility in liquids.

Abstract: Psyllium husk-containing powdered drink mix compositions comprising a free radical scavenging antioxidant material to reduce the incidence of vacuum generation in air tight containers and of off-odors.

Abstract: A method for preparing a free flowing perfume capsule composition with enhanced performance and stability from slurries containing perfume capsules is described. A process comprising removing water from the slurry to form a wet cake, combining silicone dioxide or aluminosilicate to the wet cake to fluidize the wet cake and removing additional water from the fluidized wet cake to form free flowing perfume capsules is preferred.

Abstract: Disclosed are stabilizer compositions comprising specific mixed partial salts of a lower alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid copolymer wherein said partial salts containing from about 15% to about 40% free acid, and as the cationic salt function:(a) from about 0.1% to about 80% strontium cations; and(b) from about 0.1% to about 65% zinc cationsof the total initial carboxyl groups reacted. Also disclosed are denture stabilizing compositions comprising these mixed partial salts, as well as denture stabilizing compositions comprising a safe and adhesively effective amount of two or more denture adhesive components wherein one of said denture adhesive components is the mixed partial salt(s) of the present invention.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyhydroxy fatty acid amide compositions which are pumpable at temperatures between about 70.degree. F. (21.1.degree. C.) and about 120.degree. F. (48.9.degree. C.) by adding certain soluble inorganic salts or salts of C.sub.1-3 carboxylic acids to a heated polyhydroxy fatty acid amide preparation.