Abstract: A device for allowing a golfer to determine the wind speed and direction above tree top level while playing golf. The device includes a projecting mechanism and a number of light weight wind detecting pellets. The projecting mechanism projects the light weight wind detecting pellets to a height above the tree tops so that the golfer can observe the reaction of the pellets to the wind conditions at that particular height.

Abstract: An improved medicinal composition includes an effective amount of a decongestant pharmaceutical and an effective amount of a nutraceutical in a pharmaceutically acceptable base. At least one of the pharmaceutical and the nutraceutical treats a condition caused by an immune response to a virus, a microorganism, or an atmospheric pollutant or allergen. The medicinal composition may additionally include a pain relieving pharmaceutical or an antihistamine. The nutraceutical is preferably an immune booster, an anti-oxidant, a liver protectant, or a combination thereof. Methods of using these compositions to treat conditions caused by an immune response are also disclosed.

Abstract: A game for simulating possible experiences of a player using drugs or alcohol is disclosed. The game includes a fast path having a plurality of playing spaces and a slow path parallel to the fast path and having a plurality of spaces. There are at least two slow path spaces corresponding to one fast path playing space. The game also includes a fast game piece for movement along the fast path and a slow game piece for movement along the slow path. A chance piece is used for determining the movement of either the fast game piece or slow game piece along either the fast path or slow path. At least one of the playing spaces is a chance playing space and provides a chance for the player to move from the fast path to the slow path and from using the fast game piece to the slow game piece.

Abstract: A locking retainer includes a flexible band including an outer surface, an inner surface substantially parallel to and spaced from the outer surface, a first end, and a second end. A first plug member is integrally attached to the first end of the flexible band and includes an extending member having a first end, a second end, and top and bottom surfaces. The first plug member includes a first prong extending from the top surface of the extending member, and a second prong extending from the bottom surface of the extending member. A second plug member integrally attached to the second end of the flexible band comprises a first and second leg that each has a first end and a second end, wherein the second leg is substantially parallel to and spaced from the first leg. A cavity is defined between the first ends of the first and the second legs. The second ends of the first leg and the second leg are joined.

Abstract: A door checking apparatus for an automobile comprising an array of needle bearings held in contact with a bearing surface comprising axially oriented grooves, by means of a resilient energy storage device; a cylindrical cage coaxially adjacent the bearing surface and comprising an axially oriented array of slots arranged to retain the needle bearings; means to impart rotary motion to the cylindrical cage to cause the needle bearings to move relative to the bearing surface to create a torque reaction in response to deflection of the resilient energy storage device as the needle bearings move into and out of the grooves; means to transmit the imparted torque from the bearing surface into an appropriate structure.

Abstract: An animal grooming device comprises pressurized fluid dispensing means and fluid removal means such that pressurized fluid may be directed into and under the hair or fur of an animal and be immediately removed. The fluid removal means may comprise suction means. The device may further comprise a washing head comprising a connector to a source of pressurized fluid, a valve to control the flow of pressurized fluid, at least one fluid dispensing nozzle adapted to direct the pressurized fluid into and under the hair or fur of an animal, and a fluid removal duct connected to the suction means.

Abstract: A method of providing complementary fastener strips for securing one item to another item is disclosed. A dispenser allows for complementary fastener strips in a prebound configuration, to be dispensed and used in applications such as the manufacture of outdoor furniture cushions. The invention facilitates the efficient and cost effective manufacture of articles which utilize multiple strips of complementary fastener strips.

Abstract: A DMT (Discrete Multi-Tone) test method is provided. The test method is employed by two test devices to estimate the theoretical and practical data rates of a cable under test for a pair of target ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) DMT modems. The present DMT test can also be used to analyze the cause of, or to predict a problem, whereby a pair of ADSL DMT modems could fail to synchronize. The method includes (a) synchronizing two devices at lower frequencies; (b) measuring the frequency characteristics of the cable with test signals; (c) measuring the cable noise and interference for every sub-channel of the ADSL bandwidth; (d) determining the theoretical and practical data rates for every sub-channel, based on the measured frequency characteristics and noise characteristics, as well as modem parameters selected by the user; (e) estimating the theoretical and practical data rates for the ADSL bandwidth based on the ADSL DMT standard selected by the user.

Abstract: A door checking and stopping apparatus for an automotive cargo door comprises a housing containing an energy storage device and guidance arrangement adapted to be rigidly mounted to a vehicular door, an arm containing a cam profile with detent positions, permanently pivotally connection to the body structure of the vehicle and configured to interface with the guidance arrangement in the housing, a striker device adapted to be rigidly mounted to a resilient member that is configured to constrain the striker from translational motion parallel to the arm centreline but to facilitate translational motion perpendicular to the arm centreline, a hook feature incorporated into the free end of the arm that is adapted to interlock with the striker, such that the resilient member biases the striker into engagement with the hook feature when the door reaches its predetermined intermediate stop position, providing adequate motion resistance until it is disengaged by simply forcing the resilient member so that the striker

Abstract: A fastener assembly is disclosed which includes a first fastener strip having on at least one side a first fastening surface. Also provided is a second fastener strip having on at least one side a second fastening surface that is complementary to the first fastening surface. The first fastener strip overlies the second fastening surface of the second fastener strip with the first fastening surface not facing the second fastening surface. The first and second fastener strips are releasably connected.

Abstract: A retractable needle for use with a catheter, featuring a cylindrical hub having a hollow needle extending through the hub. The hub has a flash chamber connected thereto where the interior of the needle is in fluid communication with the interior of the flash chamber. The hub is slidably positioned in a housing having a wall with a longitudinal slot therein. A stem connected with the hub passes through the slot, and has a thumbrest rigidly fixed thereto, where the thumbrest may be used to manually move the knob from a first locking position, where the needle is retracted within the housing, to a second locking position where the needle is exposed. A catheter is mounted on the needle when the needle is exposed. Also disclosed are blood-drawing needles comprising a cylindrical hub having a hollow needle extending from one end of the hub. The hub has a cavity adapted to frictionally engage the tip of a syringe barrel on its other end.

Abstract: A surgical retractor with interchangeable retractor blades allows the retractor blades to be positioned in an incision before being side-loaded into the retractor body and locked in place. The surgical retractor uses a nipple connector with a conical base and a rounded head which fits into and self-aligns in a corresponding socket.

Abstract: A multiple metal piece easily assembled flower container having selected beautiful metallic, plastic coated, plated, and/or painted surfaces, has an outside picture frame assembly to position selectable presentation inserts serving, for example: as ornamentation, such as surrounding attractive wood lattices; as art work; as literary work; as photography work; and/or as commercial informative work. A top molding has depending portions and a bottom has upturned bottom sides. Surrounding sides are fitted above with the depending portions and the top molding, and below with the upturned bottom sides and the bottom. The selectable presentation inserts are likewise fitted above and below. Vertically arranged moldings are likewise fitted above and below to additionally contain in place within this resulting picture frame assembly, both the selective presentation inserts and the surrounding sides. These vertical moldings are secured to both the top molding and the bottom.