Abstract: A combination outdoor daytime/nighttime outdoor advertising display billboard is provided having a surface for displaying a fixed image during the daytime and a projection screen apparatus which automatically unrolls to present a projection screen for displaying a projected image during the nighttime. A projector placed in front of the billboard functions to project one or more images onto the projection screen. The projection screen and the projector are controlled by a photoelectric sensors that automatically unrolls the projection screen and activates the projector during the nighttime and automatically rolls up the projection screen and deactivates the projection means during the daytime.

Abstract: A computerized golf handicap system comprising a central processing unit (CPU), a touch-screen monitor, an electronic card and a card reader/writer module having proximity recognition means for transceiving data from the electronic card is disclosed. The electronic card has an antenna and a ferroelectric memory chip that is capable of storing a golfer's pertinent data and together with the card reader/writer module functions as the primary means for automatically entering such data into the CPU without making physical contact by waving the electronic card in proximity to the card reader. Any additional data not stored in the electronic card is entered manually via the touch-screen monitor. A golfer's handicap index and index month are automatically updated by the golf handicap system of the present invention.

Abstract: A linen securing device for securing bed linen, such as sheets, blankets and/or comforters to the mattress of a bed is disclosed. The linen securing device of the present invention comprises a strap that is mounted diagonally across the corner area of the bottom surface of a mattress in at least one corner of the mattress. The strap has an interior surface facing the bottom surface of the mattress and an exterior surface, may be elastic, at least in part, and serves to secure the corner area of a sheet against the bottom surface of the mattress. During use of the linen securing device of the present invention, a flat bed sheet is draped across the top surface of the mattress. The corner area of the sheet is gathered and is placed over the exterior surface of the strap of the linen securing device and is then tucked underneath the linen securing device strap in a "reverse tuck" position between the interior surface of the strap and the bottom surface of the mattress.

Abstract: A buoyant device used as a marker in the water for use in water sports is disclosed. The buoyant device comprises an inflatable buoyant member having one end coupled to an elastic cord which is coupled to an accompanying anchoring bag that is weighted down. The overall length of the elastic cord is varied according to the depth of the water with a self-locking length adjusting device used to vary the overall length of the elastic cord to eliminate any slack in the elastic cord in shallow waters in which the depth is less than the overall length of the elastic cord and when water currents change.

Abstract: A surgical spinal waxer is disclosed with a plurality of differently contoured surfaces for applying bone wax to a number of differently contoured portions of lamina in the spine. The different surfaces include a concave surface, a convex surface, two flat side surfaces, at least one which has a depression for holding bone wax and at least one which has an abraded area, a butted flat pushing surface, and a flat top surface. The shapes and dimensions of the different surfaces all correspond to the anatomy of the spinal canal.

Abstract: A surfboard having a foot brace and leveraged turning apparatus defined by a substantially "V" shaped channel which is positioned longitudinally along the length of the surfboard starting adjacent the aft end of the surfboard and terminating forward of the midsection of the surfboard, the apparatus being defined by a pair of inclined wall members that extend downwardly and inwardly, providing the riding surface of the surfboard.

Abstract: A cleaning card has a flat, semirigid base with a first and second material mechanically bonded to the side surfaces thereof. The first material is an abrasive substantially impenetrable material and the second material is a soft spunlaced fabric of high absorptive capacity. The differences in physical qualities of the first and second materials allow for one card to be used both as frequent cleaning card as well as a corrective cleaning card and provides a cleaning card that enables operation of the machine quickly after cleaning thereof.

Abstract: A gooseneck instrument holder having an instrument holder tip, a gooseneck, a base and a detachable fibre optic light cord is disclosed. The tip, gooseneck, and base are connected by means of a cable which passes through a deflection member in the base. Tension on the cable is adjusted by a detachable handle at the base via a bolt and serves to simultaneously tighten the tip about an instrument, to hold the gooseneck in place, and to hold the base steady so that the holder holds an instrument in place. Very small amounts of turning of the handle is necessary to adequately tighten the holder in place.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously and non-invasively monitoring and measuring various biochemical and biophysical functions through the finger of a patient. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a highly stable finger attachment device for maintaining one or more sensing monitors such as a pressure transducer (or similar pressure measuring device) or electrode against the fleshy part of the finger. The increased stability of the finger attachment device is accomplished by taking advantage of the anatomical structure of the middle phalanx of a finger. The finger attachment device has an upper and a lower arm attached to each other by a hinge, so that when closed, protuberances from each arm fit snugly into the natural concavities of the middle phalanx thereby holding the finger firmly and providing a high level of mechanical stability and thus reducing pulse waveform distortion and any other "noise" or motion artifact due to instability.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new method for meeting the United States Internal Revenue Service's reporting requirements for electronic gaming machine devices such as slot machines.The present invention provides a separate storage means that keeps track of gross winnings on individual plays of a slot machine that exceed a predetermined amount (jackpots), and permits the accumulating jackpot winnings to be used by the player for additional play of the slot machine. The amount of winnings in the jackpot meter is then used to determine the amount of winnings to be included on an IRS reporting form called a W2-G Form. The present invention avoids the time consuming and error prone system currently used and provides the player with a more enjoyable gaming experience, and at the same time provides the IRS with more accurate information. Rather than numerous W2-G Forms for each jackpot exceeding the predetermined limit, only a single W2-G Form need be prepared at the end of a playing session.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is used to create an overall worn look with areas of heavy wear in specific areas of a new garment's fabric to simulate the wear that occurs from the normal wear of a garment over a prolonged period of time. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of sandblasting the fabric of the new garment to be treated in specific areas in which worn marks simulating areas of heavy wear are desired and treating the entire fabric so that it fades and additional random areas of wear are created. According to the method disclosed, areas of heavy wear occur only in those areas of the fabric which is directly exposed to sandblasting, while the remainder of the fabric obtains a random faded look such that the overall appearance of the new garment simulates that of an old garment that has been naturally worn for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: Systolic time intervals provide a basis for the determination of total electromechanical systole and offer a physiologic approach to cardiovascular assessment. In addition, examination of the pulse wave contour changes with advancing age and hypertension suggests that these data may be useful in assessing the vascular compliance and peripheral resistance of a subject. Noninvasively obtained peripheral systolic time intervals in normal and pathologic conditions and the automated measurement and continuous plotting of several parameters, including heart rate, pulse wave arrival time, rapid ejection time, peripheral pulse wave contour, and cutaneous pressure pulse are used in assessing the subject.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve.

Abstract: A non-toxic extermination device is disclosed herein having an RF radiation generator providing microwave, high frequency waves for penetration through solid obstacles such as walls, floors, partitions or the like. The generated waves are characterized as being effective to cause insect internal molecular friction to generate deadly heat.

Abstract: An improved bone biting rongeur with a thin foot plate, a replaceable hollow cutting slide storage member, capable of storing the cut bone, and a protective mechanism for protecting the foot plate is disclosed. The rongeur is capable of repeated and uninterrupted function, without removal from the surgical site and may be activated automatically by a power source.