Abstract: A stringed instrument including an arm extending besides the strings from the body to the headstock such that said arm supports the tensions of the tuned strings, thereby eliminating the need for a neck to support this tension, and allowing for the use of fingerboards of a wide range of shapes which greatly improves ergonomic properties of the instrument.

Abstract: A two-piece sports stick exhibiting a superior strength to weight ratio. A two-piece sports stick comprising two identical sections, each comprising a substantially smooth external portion and an internal portion possessing at least one cutaway; and a multiplicity of construction pegs. The sports stick of claim 1 wherein said striking surface is adaptable to multiple sports selected from the group consisting of a lacrosse head, a blade, a racquet, and a golf club head. The sports stick design allows for decreased flexure, increased rigidity and increased durability, which lend to greater generation of force, accuracy, reliability and longer life expectancy. The sports stick also affords enhanced strength in the direction of a shot and receipt of a pass. The sports stick also provides for channeling away of fluids throughout the length of the stick.

Abstract: A flute attachment which improves and enhances the harmonic capability of a flute by lengthening the resonant chamber of the standing wave. The instant invention ‘fine tunes’ the harmonic range of the flute by taking into account the end point of the fundamental length of the sounding oscillations of an air column without negating the frequency which has been predetermined by the original terminus of the physical scale length of the flute. The sound wave length within a flute terminates slightly beyond the physical length of the flute tube and this difference in length is known as the ‘end correction’. The instant invention captures the node which extends beyond the flute tubing and balances and reinforces the propagation of upper partials throughout the sounding range of the instrument.

Abstract: A life jacket which can be configured into various functional seat cushions for use on airplanes and boats. This life jacket contains one to three sections of various types of cushioning enclosed within water proof covers and connected by flexible hinges which allow the life jacket to be folded into various seat configurations. This life jacket also contains adjustable belts that can be used in the seat configurations or the life jacket configuration to fasten to the user.

Abstract: An improved wind instrument incorporating several innovative design features that collectively enhance the sound and playability of a wind instrument including a footjoint section in which low B is normally closed and is opened only when low C is sounded. Additional improvements include the tone of the instrument in the third octave, especially high G#, high F# high B and high C and the introduction of a low B key that does not have to be pressed for notes in the third octave. Finally, a wind instrument with a tapered bore in the body combined with a tapered bore in the headjoint to improve the intonation match between octaves even more than is possible with a tapered headjoint alone.

Abstract: A novel calculator and methods for using same for calculating tips with ease and without requirement for knowledge of necessary tip calculating formulas. Three groupings of buttons provide buttons for entry of the check amount, calculation of the tip amount, and calculation of individual share to contribute to the bill and tip if there is more than one person being presented with a check. Pre-programmed calculating functions make tip calculation easy and convenient for anyone.

Abstract: The subject invention is an improved conical piccolo that has a new fingering mechanism and an additional tone hole opening. The improved conical piccolo allows a user to easily play all six standard trills, including the third octave G to A trill. The improved conical piccolo simplifies the fingering required by a user to play the third octave G to A trill.

Abstract: A device and method for testing the functionality of various electronic device components. The device is portable and is capable of being upgraded with changes in technology. The device is enclosed within a housing, which comprises a power supply and a display. The disclosed device incorporates a tester for computer components, including but not limited to, power supply, microprocessor, motherboard, system memory, video subsystem, mass storage devices, and cables.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing secreted soluble receptors and biologically active polypeptides in trimeric forms are disclosed. The process involves fusing the DNA template encoding a soluble receptor with a ligand binding domain or biologically active polypeptide to a DNA sequence encoding a C-propeptide of collagen, which is capable of self-assembly into a covalently linked trimer. The resulting fusion proteins are secreted as trimeric soluble receptor analogs, which can be used for more efficient neutralization of the biological activities of their naturally occurring trimeric ligands.

Abstract: A flexible auxiliary clip-on frame for tension mounting to a mating or primary spectacle frame. The clip on may be used to house sunglasses or any other frames necessary. The primary spectacle frame does not have to be constructed with any special features in order to mate with the auxiliary clip-on assembly. The primary spectacle frame assembly has the typical eyewear components including the eyerim, end pieces, rimblocks, bridge, temple, and optionally, nose pieces. Due to its flexible nature, the entire body of the auxiliary clip-on assembly acts as a spring. The spring-like qualities of the auxiliary clip-on assembly are used to securely fit the auxiliary clip-on assembly onto the primary spectacle frame assembly through the use of end piece retainers, without the need for magnets or any other fixture.

Abstract: A Drain Trap Alarm for Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning condensate drain system includes a upstream port coupled to the cooling coil drain tray followed with a U-type trap and a downstream port coupled to the external atmosphere. The invention is provided with a liquid level sensor and continuously monitors the liquid level of drain trap. The signal from the liquid level sensor in communication with the microprocessor will notify operating personnel that the condensate drain is malfunctioning and activate the automatic prime valve to restore the dry drain trap condition to normal operation. The microprocessor provides operational test enabling the HVAC operating personnel to quickly test Drain Trap Alarm.

Abstract: A rehabilitation training and exercise chair where the user can sit comfortably for long periods of time is provided. The chair is comprised of a base having wheels and is coupled to a shaft on one end. The shaft is coupled to a seat on its top end. The seat has an adjustable inclination so the correct ergonomics may be realized for the pelvis and lower spine. A front support bar with an adjustable length is connected to the seat and can be pivoted back or forward. The front support bar has a cushioned front support which rests against a user's abdomen. Furthermore, abductor and adductor extensions are attached to the seat, and foot extensions attached to the base for isometric exercises.

Abstract: The double-sided edge lighting-type display sign of the present invention comprises at least two illuminating light sources: two or one display signages; and a light-directing panel. Preferably, a display sign housing accommodates and supports the other elements of the present invention. Namely, the light box housing supports at least two light sources, the display signages and the light-directing panel. The light-directing panel of the present invention is at least partially light reflective and at least partially light passing. The light directing panel directs and redirects light from the included at least two edge lighting-type light source to the included display signages. The light ultimately incident on the display signages is greater than it would normally be without the light-directing panel.