Abstract: Innovative and improved display materials associated with products provide enhanced information to potential or actual purchasers of such products. In an aspect of the invention, electronic product packaging for demonstrative use in association with a product comprises demonstration means adapted to demonstrate visually or audibly the use or capabilities of the product under the control of integrated circuit means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for radiolabeling chemical compounds. The new method attains the goals of simplicity, high radiochemical yields, speed, versatility, and automation. An HPLC injection loop on an HPLC injection valve is loaded with a solution of precursor and the radiolabeling reagent is passed through the loop. The contents of the loop are then quantitatively injected onto the HPLC column for purification. Radiochemical yields are equal to or superior to conventional solution methods in all cases, even though no heat need be applied. Since no vials, transfer lines, cooling, heating, or sealing valves are required, no transfer losses occur, yields are high, and clean-up is minimal. This “loop method” is ideal for the preparation of radiolabeled compounds, in particular those prepared from [11C]-iodomethane.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate and bed arrangement is disclosed. The tailgate is movable over a range of motion between an open and a closed position. The vehicle bed surface has a rear edge and the tailgate includes a convexly arced surface defining a gap with the rear edge. The convexly arced surface maintains the gap at a substantially constant width along the entire range of motion of the tailgate. The constant gap width prevents any debris from collecting in the gap between the tailgate and the bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the structural modification of human tissue comprising collagen by irradiation of tissue with UV photons. The present invention discloses methods of altering the structural and mechanical properties of the tissue by treatment of the tissue with thermal energy and/or UV photons. The present invention further discloses an apparatus for the treatment of tissues with thermal energy and/or UV photons.

Abstract: A toy play set comprises: a body portion comprising: sound reproduction means; processing means comprising an integrated circuit comprising pre-programmed data adapted to be converted to audible sounds by said sound reproduction means; a source of electrical power to power said integrated circuit and said sound reproduction means; a base comprising first location means and sensor means; said sensor means adapted for electromagnetic communication with said integrated circuit; a play item comprising: second location means; status means adapted to be sensed by the sensor means; said first location means adapted to cooperate with said second location means to locate the play item adjacent the base; such that when the play item is located adjacent the base and its status means is sensed by the sensor means, said sensor means generates a signal which is particular to said play item, said signal is transmitted to said integrated circuit, said integrated circuit generates a data segment from said pre-programmed data,

Abstract: An interactive dress-up toy comprises removable clothing and accessories, sensor means to detect the specific item of clothing or the specific accessory worn by the toy, and communication means to communicate to the user the status of the clothing and accessories worn by the toy or missing from the toy. The sensor means may be adapted to detect a form of electromagnetic energy, and to detect the specific item of clothing worn by the toy. The material of the clothing is selected to be reflective or non-reflective of the form of energy to be detected by the sensor means, and may be fitted with a material to selectively trigger the sensor means.

Abstract: An automotive hinge facilitates substantially rotary motion of a closure panel relative to a fixed body structure by means of a single resilient member configured to carry all required structural and operational loadings.

Abstract: A safety buckle assembly including a male member and a female member that interlockingly and releasably engages the male member. The buckle male member is disengaged from the female member by squeezing the side latches towards each other, to disengage the same from the side catches, while simultaneously pressing the push release button such that the central latch is disengaged from the central catch formed in the female member.

Abstract: A water-based protective composition for automotive surfaces and the like is disclosed, comprising UV absorbers and light stabilizers. A method of using a water-based protective composition as well as methods of applying said compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic toy with at least one moving part, comprising a pre-programmed integrated circuit and at least one electric motor, is adapted to perform actions. Multiple such toys may be inter-connected in different combinations and programmed to interact in groups of two or more.

Abstract: A composition for application to a surface and a method of making the same, said composition comprising at least one wax; at least one reaction product derived from a first surfactant and a second surfactant; and between 40% and 99.8% water by weight. The composition is made by: a) forming an emulsion by combining the water and the wax after heating both the water and the wax to a temperature greater than the melting point of the wax, where at least one of said water and said wax contains said first surfactant, said first surfactant being selected from the group consisting of a cationic surfactant and an anionic surfactant; and b) adding said second surfactant to the emulsion, said second surfactant having a charge which is opposite to that of said first surfactant.

Abstract: A rotary engine having at least two piston blades that may be actuated by either internal combustion or electromagnetic actuation. The combustion engine includes piston blades having a toothed moving pinion connected to each piston blade and a toothed fixed pinion geared to the toothed moving pinions. The gear ratio of the toothed fixed pinion to the toothed moving pinions is one half the number of piston blades to one.

Abstract: An interactive electronic doll or toy character comprises receiving means to receive and distinguish normal human speaking voices from whispered human speaking voices, and communication means to communicate to the human speaker that either a normal or a whispered voice has been recognized. The doll or toy character may also comprise sound generation means by which simulated whispered human speech may be generated, and trigger means located on the doll or toy character to trigger the generation of such speech. Normal speech and other sounds can also be generated by the doll of the invention.

Abstract: A doll and a doll activity center are adapted to communicate with each other with respect to the status of the doll or the activity center, and either the doll or the activity center is adapted to generate an audible comment respecting said status.

Abstract: A toy comprises: a first part and a second part, the parts being adapted to be placed into registration, the first part comprising short-range sensor means, the second part comprising one or more reflective areas adapted to be sensed and/or one or more non-reflective areas adapted not to be detected by the sensor means, such that when the second part is placed into registration with the first part, a sensor signal is generated specific to the area or areas sensed; and processing means in the first part adapted to receive said signal and to general an appropriate response.

Abstract: A toy play set comprises a body portion comprising sound reproduction means, an integrated circuit comprising pre-programmed data adapted to be converted to audible sounds by the sound reproduction means, a source of electrical power to power said integrated circuit and said sound reproduction means, a holder comprising sensor means, the sensor means adapted for electromagnetic communication with the integrated circuit; and a play item comprising a play item electrical circuit, contact means adapted for electromagnetic communication with the electrical circuit, contact means further adapted for electromagnetic communication with the sensor means, the holder adapted to releasably receive the play item; such that when the play item is placed in the holder, the contact means electromagnetically contacts the sensor means to generate a play item signal unique to the electrical circuit of the play item, and the integrated circuit generates a placement comment from the pre-programmed data, which comment is appropria

Abstract: A bundling strap for bundling objects is disclosed. The bundling strap has a generally trapezoidal shape and includes a first surface with loops and a second surface with hooks. The strap also have a narrow end and a wide end with an aperture. Methods of producing the strap are also disclosed. These methods includes laminating a sheet of hooks to a sheet of loops and either directly cutting the composite sheet into bundling straps and/or lining the hooks with a second sheet of loops and cutting the lined composite sheet into bundling straps.

Abstract: An electronic toy adapted to receive a toy figure comprises a source of electrical power, an integrated circuit chip programmed with pre-recorded sounds, sound reproduction means under the control of the integrated circuit chip, switch means adapted to open or close an electrical circuit to control the flow of electrical power from the source of electrical power to the integrated circuit and sound reproduction means, and trigger means adapted to activate the switch means, such that when the toy figure is placed into contact with the trigger means, the switch means is closed to create an electrical circuit and sounds are generated by the sound reproduction means under the control of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A new and distinct peppermint plant ‘Clackamas’ characterized by its resistance to Mint rust (Puccinia menthe Pers), Mint wilt (Ferticillium dahliae and Verticillium albo-atrum), and Spider mites as well as a more upright growth habit and a lighter green color the Black Mitcham peppermint plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct peppermint plant ‘McKenzie’ characterized by its upright growth habit, vigorous and abundant root growth, resistance to Spider Mites (Tetranychus urticae), Mint rust (Puccinia menthe Pers), Mint wilt (Verticillium dahliae and Verticillium albo-atrum), and a distinct flower spike with mostly pinkish white petals and consistent oil quality throughout its phases of maturity.