Abstract: A vending machine system and its associated method of operation. In the vending machine system, customers are provided with identification cards having statistical information regarding the identity of the card owner. Also contained on the card is a digital data code corresponding to a biometric characteristic of the card owner. Vending machines are provided that contain card readers and biometric characteristic scanners. When a customer wants to use the vending machine, that customer inserts their identification card into the vending machine. That customer also subjects themselves to a biometric scan from the biometric characteristic verifier contained within the vending machine. The vending machine reads both the identification data and the biometric characteristic data from the card. A systems processor in the vending machine compares the biometric characteristic data on the identification card with the biometric characteristic data just gathered.

Abstract: A system and method of dispensing volatile material near the edge of a garment, such as a hat or shirt. A dispensing element is provided that contains volatile material and slowly releases the volatile material into a surrounding environment. The dispensing element is thin and unobtrusive. The dispensing element is affixed to the edge of a garment, preferably along a hemline or collar. These are the areas on a person wear there is typically exposed skin. The dispensing element dispenses the volatile material into the environment surrounding the edge of the garment. This protects areas of exposed skin without having to treat the skin or garments directly. Furthermore, the dispensing element itself appears to be part of the structure of the garment and therefore is not unsightly.

Abstract: A mounting assembly that is used to attach an alternate material railing system to an underlying flat surface. The mounting assembly attaches to the underlying flat surface so that the mounting assembly extends vertically upwardly from the flat surface. A hollow post from the railing system is then placed over the mounting assembly and is attached to the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly therefore acts as an intermediate connector that joins a hollow post to an underlying flat surface. The mounting assembly itself has a base plate and a vertical structure extending upwardly from the base plate. The base plate is attached to the underlying flat surface with a mechanical fastener. The hollow post of the synthetic railing system is placed over the mounting assembly, wherein the vertical structure engages the inside of the hollow post and holds the hollow post in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: A toy system that utilizes a vehicle that rides upon a track using a unique propulsion system. The track used by the toy has an external surface upon which the toy rides. The track also defines an internal conduit that extends the length of the track. A primary magnet is provided that is free moving within the internal conduit. The primary magnet is moved by a flow of fluid. The toy that rides along the track contains a secondary magnet. The secondary magnet and the primary magnet attract through the structure of the track, thereby causing the secondary magnet and the toy to move along the exterior surface of the track as the primary magnet travels through the conduit.

Abstract: A system and method of economically converting a spent first pickling acid solution that contains hydrochloric acid, water and ferrous chloride into a suitable second pickling solution. Sulfuric acid is added to the first pickling acid solution. This produces a regeneration solution. In the regeneration solution, the sulfuric acid reacts with said ferrous chloride and water to produce ferrous sulfate heptahydrate and hydrochloric acid. The regeneration solution is cooled to promote precipitation of the ferrous sulfate heptahydrate from the regeneration solution, therein creating ferrous sulfate heptahydrate crystals and a second pickling acid solution. The second pickling acid solution contains both hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid. The ferrous sulfate heptahydrate crystals are separated from second pickling solution. The ferrous sulfate heptahydrate is sold commercially and the second pickling acid solution is used to directly pickle ferrous metal.

Abstract: A novelty bar of soap containing an electro-mechanical vibrating mechanism. Within a housing is disposed an electric motor that rotates a weight from an eccentric point. Two reed switches are connected in parallel within the housing. Two alkaline batteries are also provided in the housing. The reed switches selectively power the electric motor with the batteries when at least one of the reed switches is closed. A body of soap surrounds the housing forming a bar of soap. Within the housing, one of the reed switches is disposed proximate the top of the housing. The other reed switch is disposed proximate the bottom of the housing. As such, regardless of how the bar of soap is oriented when placed down, one of the reed switches is positioned near the surface or which the bar of soap is resting.

Abstract: A toy top maze game. The maze game includes a maze board upon which at least one spinning top is placed. The maze board has a top surface. A grove is disposed in the top surface of the maze board. The groove defines a maze pathway capable of guiding the spinning top placed on the maze board. The maze pathway on the maze board follows a pattern that is capable of being selectively altered between a plurality of possible patterns. By changing the pattern of the maze pathway, different patterns can be created that vary in both length and complexity. Accordingly, the maze board can be reconfigured to match the skills of the person playing the game.

Abstract: A hydrogen diffusion cell that is used to purify contaminated hydrogen gas. The hydrogen diffusion cell has a supply tube that supplies contaminated hydrogen gas into a confined area and a drain tube that removes contaminated hydrogen gas from the confined area. Hydrogen permeable coils are disposed between the supply tube and the drain tube. The coils include at least one small diameter coil. Concentrically surrounding the small diameter coil is at least one larger diameter coil. All coils are mounted in such a manner so that they maintain a constant radius of curvature along their entire lengths.

Abstract: A system and method for augmenting a woman's breasts is claimed. The system includes two separate breast prostheses that are used to enhance each single breast. A first breast prosthesis is surgically implanted under the pectoral muscle behind the breast. The first breast prothesis augments the posterior section of the breast nearest the chest. A second breast prosthesis is provided that is surgically implanted between the breast tissue and the pectoral muscle. The second breast prosthesis augments the anterior section of the breast in front of the pectoral muscle. The second breast prosthesis provides the breast with a large size and soft texture, while the first breast prosthesis helps blend the augmented breast into the chest for a more natural appearance.

Abstract: A device and method for engaging a rounded knob so that the knob can be turned in a more rapid and ergonomically efficient manner. The claimed invention includes an auxiliary handle device. The auxiliary handle device includes a hub and a handle that extends radially away from the hub. The hub is configured to pass over the exterior of the rounded knob. Once the hub envelopes the rounded knob, the handle is rotated. As the handle is rotated, an interference fit is created between the interior of the hub and the knob. The interference fit transfers the rotational energy from the handle to the rounded knob, thereby rotating the rounded knob.

Abstract: A rescue tool for use by emergency rescue personnel is claimed. The rescue tool contains a handle body having a first end and a second end. A serrated blade is pivotally coupled to the handle body. The handle body also receives and retains a spring-loaded center punch. The center punch is used to fracture the glass in the window of an automobile, while the saw blade is used to cut any plastic laminates that bind the fragments of glass together. The rescue tool also contains a hooked blade that can be used to cut a seat belt and a valve stem valve remover for flattening the tires of an automobile.

Abstract: A padded mat device that is used to protect harmful contact with hard surfaces, such as bathtubs edges. The padded mat device contains a top surface and a bottom surface that are joined together along a common peripheral edge. The interior of the padded mat device is filled either with air or with some padding material. The interior of the padded mat device is partially segmented. The top surface and bottom surface of the padded mat are periodically joined at seams along a plurality of parallel lines that extend between opposite edges of the padded mat device. The points where the top surface and the bottom surface join create depressions on the exterior of the padded mat device. Consequently, the lines of the seams become natural folding points where the padded mat device can be folded into different configurations. A plurality of suction cups extend from the bottom surface of the padded mat device. The suction cups adhere to a hard surface being padded.

Abstract: A system and method for warning of a tip over condition in a motor vehicle, such as a tractor trailer, that is carrying a cargo load. The system includes at least one left side sensor for sensing a proportion of the cargo load carried on the left side of the motor vehicle's cargo section. Similarly, at least one right side sensor is provided for sensing a proportion of the cargo load carried on the right side of the motor vehicle's cargo section. A microprocessor is coupled to both the left side sensors and the right side sensors. The microprocessor calculates a ratio of the cargo load borne by the left side of the motor vehicle and the right side of the motor vehicle. An alarm is provided that is coupled to the microprocessor. The microprocessor sounds an alarm when the calculated ratio exceeds a predetermined threshold value, thus indicating a potential tip over condition.

Abstract: A toy top system that uses uniquely configured tops. The system contains a plurality of toy tops that can be stacked on top of one another while spinning. Each of the tops has a value for rotational inertia associated with it. At least some of the tops are configured to have a value for rotational inertia that varies as a function of the rotational speed of the top. The tops with a variable rotational inertia are capable of storing and providing rotational energy while maintaining a near constant rate of rotation.

Abstract: A simple hydrogen generator system for maintaining zero PSI across the proton exchange membrane while generating ultra pure hydrogen gas at high pressure from water. The system includes a proton exchange membrane across which an electrolysis reaction is induced, thereby producing hydrogen gas on a first side of the proton exchange membrane and oxygen gas on a second side of the proton exchange membrane. The current source used to induce the electrolysis reaction is computer controlled so as to maintain a near constant pressure of hydrogen, even as hydrogen is drawn from the assembly. By minimizing the pressure differential across the proton exchange membrane, a more durable and efficient hydrogen generator is produced.

Abstract: An amusement device used to move a supported display object through an erratic path. The amusement device includes a base element in which is disposed a rotating assembly. The rotating assembly can be battery powered, spring powered or manually powered. A support spring is used to interconnect a display object to the rotating assembly in the base element. The support spring has a first end and a second end. The first end of the support spring is coupled to the rotating assembly within the base element, wherein the support spring is rotated by the rotating assembly. The remainder of the support spring extends freely from the base element. The display object is coupled to the second end of the support spring. As the display object rotates, it causes the support spring to at least partially elongate, thereby causing the display object to move erratically from point to point.

Abstract: A weight apparatus adapted to be worn on the shank position of either the arm or the leg and the associated method of attaching such a weight apparatus to the body. The weight apparatus includes at least one weight between one half pound and ten pounds. A biasing device is used to bias the weight against the shank portion of the limb. The biasing device biases the weight in a specific orientation whereby the weight is held against the shank in the region where the predominant bone in the shank is most discernable. By biasing the weight in such a position, there is little muscle or tendons disposed between the weight and the bone. As a result, as the muscles and tendons in the shank are flexed, there is little change in the shape of the surface against which the weight rests. As a result, the weight can be worn comfortably in a manner that does not restrict the natural movements of any muscles or tendons within the limb.

Abstract: A connector device for use in terminating a telecommunications cable. The connector device includes a main connector body having a top surface, a bottom surface and a rear surface extending between said top surface and said bottom surface. The connector device also includes a locking pawl that extends from the top surface of the main connector body. The locking pawl extends a predetermined maximum distance from the top surface of the main connector body. A guard element extends over at least part of the rear surface of the main connector body. The guard element extends above the top surface of the main connector body to a height at least as high as the maximum height of the locking pawl. The guard element can be supported by the locking pawl, the main connector body or both.

Abstract: A device for supporting a heated air source at a targeted segment of a wall or ceiling in a room. The device includes a pole having a first end and a second end. The pole is selectively adjustable in length, wherein the pole can be adjusted to the height of a ceiling in a variety of different rooms. A clamping mechanism is provided that selectively attaches to the pole at any point between the first end of the pole and the second end of the pole. The clamping mechanism includes a mounting bracket and a support platform that extends from said mounting bracket. The support platform can be moved into numerous different orientations. An attachment mechanism is coupled to the support platform, wherein the attachment mechanism selectively attaches the heated air source to the support platform. As such, the heated air source is capable of being directed toward any section of a room's ceiling or walls.