Abstract: A method and system for providing line of credit information to participating banks that issue debit cards to owners of life insurance policies, wherein the cash surrender value of the life insurance policy has been assigned as collateral to secure the credit line on the individual's (policy holder's) debit card. The basis of this invention is the appreciation of the uniqueness in the collateral of the cash surrender value of a life insurance policy and the manner in which such collateral can be used to expedite the issuance and surveillance of debit card accounts. The system of this invention, (also hereinafter "assignee") provides line of credit information to participating debit card issuers and periodically monitors the line of credit for each of debit card holder whose line of credit is secured by the cash surrender value of his insurance policy. The manner of securing this line of credit effectively eliminates potential losses from default on such credit obligation.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for air conditioning small and confined spaces, particularly where silence of operations is important, and wherein the method involves drawing air through an ice containing chamber and passing it into the confined space desired to be cooled together with provisions for adequate drainage of melted ice and adjustments for varying the actual temperature produced. It includes specially designed radiating tubes for special effect on the cooling ability.

Abstract: A novel CATV signal distribution system includes a head end, a plurality of taps, lines including a coaxial line connecting the head end with the taps, and at least one signal amplifier in the coaxial line, the amplifier for producing output signals within a prescribed range of operating parameters. The novel system includes a local status monitor operatively connected to and in close proximity with one or more of the amplifiers in the system. Each status monitor is adjusted to produce a status signal that is visually, aurally or otherwise detectable by service personnel in the vicinity of the amplifier when the amplifier malfunctions. A novel local status monitor circuit for use in the novel system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Soot filter for diesel vehicles. A filter unit within a casing, preferably with conical-shaped exhaust supply and exhaust-discharge pieces (Abgaszu und Abgasabfuhrstutzen), a filter structured with numerous, parallel channels, divided by thin filter walls, with half of the channels (unrefined gas channels) open to the exhaust supply piece and the other half (refined gas channels) to the exhaust discharge piece, while they are all sealed at the opposite end, with the unrefined gas channels leading into the soot chamber equipped with a soot discharge opening, which may be closed.

Abstract: A Pince-Nez style eyeglass is provided, manufactured in one piece of lightweight plastic, and having a matte finish on all surfaces of the eyeglasses except the front and back surfaces of the lenses to reduce refraction and "piping" of light off of the non-functional surfaces of the eyeglasses into the eye of the user.

Abstract: In order to filter out of the dielectric the microscopically small spherical particles removed by spark erosion [???] machines, a labyrinth filter is provided, containing at least one filter unit with a pressure receptacle (21) loosely filled with filter grains. The intake surface area is relatively small by comparison to the height of the column through which the liquid to be filtered flows, and the filter pump is matched to these two dimensions in such a way as to cause the dielectric to flow through the labyrinth at a rate of at least 2 meters per minute. This leads to the formation of low-pressure zones behind the individual filter grains, in which zones the microscopically small spherical particles removed by the erosion [???] process become trapped.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an oil decontamination and water recycling system which is designed to prevent oil, grease, and fuel contamination of ground or surface water and to return the clean water in a single pass for reuse. Water contamination results from pressure or steam cleaning of grit, scale, oil, grease and fuel contaminated equipment. The system is a closed loop separation, filtration and absorption system which removes these contaminants and most other petroleum products. The free oils are discharged to a holding barrel and the solids are removed from the settlement tank and drained off from the centrifugal separator. The petroleum based contaminants such as oil, grease and fuel are absorbed mechanically by a cartridge filter for easy disposal.

Abstract: A multi-purpose exercise apparatus for safely performing weight lifting exercises (such as free weights) that eliminates the need for an assistant comprising a bench that is supported on the floor at both ends, one end of which is pivotally anchored to an elongated U-shaped weight supporting frame which encompasses and surrounds the supported bench. The U-shaped frame further includes a vertical support that is attached to a positionable weight lifting handle bar. Free weights are mounted on each side of the movable end of the U-shaped frame. Because of the length of the longitudinal side members of the U-shaped frame extending from one end of the exercise bench to the opposite end, the path of the handle bars is essentially linear. The apparatus provides for maximum efficiency and safety in bench pressing, squatting and other free weight exercises.

Abstract: An extended circumference intake poppet valve system for use with a single charge carrying intake duct/port to an engine cylinder in a four cycle internal combustion engine to include three or more annular intake poppet valves (secondary valves), annular valve seats (mini ports), disposed within a primary valve head which spans said single duct/port (valve system), said valve system in fluid communication with said duct and said cylinder for opening and sealing said duct/port at said duct seat, intake valve lifting and closing means, wherein the area of the duct/port, and the matched area of the open valves are substantially equal for an extended optimum charge flow period, and in addition, valve open areas at all valve lift points during the inlet event that occur, initially and throughout extended duration through closure, are enlarged when compared with a single poppet valve servicing the same duct/port, resulting in greatly enhanced charge volume into the cylinder during the intake event.

Abstract: A spirally wound resilient cylindrical or tubular connecting element adapted to connect or terminate pressure sensitive or brittle elongated conducting elements in either supporting or end-to-end conductive relationship. In one embodiment, the connecting element is comprised of a generally resilient cylindrical member having a hollow internal passageway therethrough adapted to receive said conducting elements in end-to-end relationship, said cylindrical member having integrally associated therewith a second, smaller, cylindrical member defining a second hollow passageway therethrough, said second hollow passageway adapted to receive an expansion strand or rip wire, said expansion strand having an outside diameter slightly larger than the internal diameter of said second hollow cylindrical passageway, wherein when said expansion strand is disposed within said second hollow cylindrical passageway the internal diameter of said first hollow cylindrical passageway is expanded beyond its equilibrium diameter.

Abstract: A novel reusable container in combination with tie rope securement means comprised of a rectangular box or receptacle defining a pair of generally V-shaped cutouts in first and second adjacent vertical side walls and tie rope dispensing means associated with the third and fourth vertical side walls of said rectangular receptacle. One or more tie ropes of suitable length are dispensed from said dispensing means and draped across the bottom of the receptacle and oriented such that the free ends of said ropes protrude through the V-shaped cutouts. Newspapers are then stacked on top of the tie rope until the height of the stack reaches the upper edge of the container or any other desired height. The free ends of the tie ropes or the like are then tensioned tightly around the bundle and twisted or knotted securely about one another such that a uniform bundle is formed.

Abstract: A "glass boat" is provided including wooden structural members provided with a skin of plastic. The plastic panels are secured to mahogany structural members with stainless steel screws. An outer mahogany strip is applied on top of the screws thereby placing all the edges of the panels between inner and outer mahogany portions. The boat is further provided with foam filled seat compartments to permit the boat to float even when capsized.

Abstract: A luggage assembly comprising a suitcase having integrally connected thereto a laterally extendable handle at its upper end and a wheel assembly at its lower end is disclosed. To effect transport, the handle is moved from a lowered, compact, position to a raised position and the suitcase is tilted from an upright standing position to a canted position in which it is supported solely by its wheels and rolled by pulling said handle. An attachment allows for additional luggage items to be carried by the assembly and transported in a fully balanced manner.

Abstract: The present invention is comprised of a tee ball stand which simulates actual hitting conditions by employing a generally vertical elongated stand having a base portion supporting a separable resilient ball support member at its upper end portion which pivots about its lower portion upon being impacted by a bat and is urged back to its vertical at rest position by a cord and spring arrangement coaxially connected within said base portion.

Abstract: A multiple blade razor in which a plurality of blades are positioned functionally perpendicular to radials extending away from the longitudinal center of a handle such that as a particular blade or set of blades becomes dull, the handle can be rotated around its longitudinal axis allowing the user to select a previously non-functionally a new blade or set of blades. Additionally, the handle of such a multiple blade razor includes a stable base of sufficient size and shape allowing the razor to be placed in a standing or upright position.

Abstract: A theft protection device which will protect either a docked boat or a parked boat mounted on a trailer includes a control box which houses electronic circuitry and batteries for energizing an audible alarm when the boat's battery cable or a cable connecting a lock box to an anchoring post is severed. The lock box completes an electronic circuit which is integrated with the electronic circuitry in the control box and includes a pair of shackles which receive a key operated lock which may be adjustably received on the shackles.