Abstract: A collectable card game of strategy and skill that includes a plurality of collectable cards, each of which preferably comprise a character-specific collectable card. Each collectable card corresponds to a character and contains character specific information regarding the character, including attributes and capabilities of the character such as offensive and defensive characteristics and assigned values. Each collectable card is adaptable from a generally flat configuration to a folded configuration generally in the form of a “fortune teller” novelty piece that functions during play as a functional game piece. Once each player has configured his collectable card into the game piece configuration, the players engage in a battle that consists of a series of rounds. During each round, the players engage in a series of alternating offensive strikes and mitigating defensive plays, the combined net score of which is then deducted from a predetermined “life force” value assigned with each character card.

Abstract: A hands-free hair dryer mounting apparatus adapted for holding a hair dryer in a universal hair dryer holder assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support bracket that is removably affixed to a wall mounting plate adapted for secure attachment to a wall or other surface. A universal hair dryer holder, adapted for receiving and holding any type, size, or style of handheld hair dryer, projects outward from the bracket. The hair dryer holder is connected to an adjustable arm which contains a vertical pivot connection that allows for manual angular adjustment and affixation of the hair dryer about a generally horizontal pivot axis. The adjustable arm also contains a horizontal pivot connection that allows for manual angular adjustment and affixation of the hair dryer about a generally vertical pivot axis. Angular adjustment in both the vertical and horizontal directions is accomplished by a spring biased interlocking joints.

Abstract: A leading edge inflatable traction kite wherein the leading edge structure includes a plurality of spaced segments that are fabricated from a material with a higher elasticity, thus allowing for a greater amount of twisting and bending. The inflatable leading edge includes a series of elastically deformable segments disposed throughout the length thereof to facilitate selective torsional deformation of the leading edge and resulting overall angle of attack of the kite. These elastically deformable segments are preferably integrally formed as part of the leading edge support and are comprised of a material with a high elasticity, namely a higher elasticity than the remaining leading edge segments. Providing elastically deformable segments of high elasticity dispersed along the leading edge combined with regions of lower elasticity maximizes responsiveness and control by allowing leading edge deformation in response to user applied force, while the providing sufficient support to maintain kite stability.

Abstract: An emergency locator beacon testing and communication system is described. The system uses privately-owned Local User Terminals which provide direct feeds to a privately-operated beacon information processor having dedicated on-line servers for consolidating and providing access to beacon test information. The system receives beacon signals relayed through the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, correlates the beacons' unique identification numbers (UIN's) in the received signals to the UIN's of beacons known to be undergoing testing, collects the data transmitted by beacons under test, and displays beacon test results in a useful format on a user-friendly website.

Abstract: A storm and hurricane shutter quick release mechanism for permitting quick egress from a building that has storm shutters attached to the doors and windows to allow someone inside the building to leave the building quickly. The system includes a quick release housing mounted at the base of each shutter panel attached to the building that includes removable studs that are actuated by a cam mechanism from the inside of the building that release the attaching studs that hold the shutters in place from the quick release housing thereby releasing the shutter fasteners at the base allowing the shutters to be quickly removed by actuating the cam mechanism from inside the building.

Abstract: A device for automatic processing of contaminated refrigerant from an air conditioning system, said device comprising a compressor for compressing refrigerant. Said device further comprising an oil separator, said oil separator receiving compressed refrigerant from said compressor; said oil separator further including means for draining oil separated from said compressed refrigerant. Said device further comprising a storage tank, said storage tank receiving and temporarily containing said compressed refrigerant from said oil separator. Said storage tank including a vapor port and a liquid port. Said device further comprising a vacuum pump for creating low pressure within said device during evacuation of refrigerant. Said device further comprising a low pressure service hose for connecting said device to said air conditioning system. Said device further comprising a high pressure service hose for connecting said device to said air conditioning system.

Abstract: A hands-free hair dryer mounting apparatus adapted for holding a hair dryer in an oscillating universal hair dryer holder assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a wall mountable housing that is removably affixed to a wall mounting plate adapted for secure attachment to a wall or other supporting surface. A universal hair dryer holder, adapted for receiving and holding any type, size, or style of handheld hair dryer, projects outward from the housing. The hair dryer holder is connected to an oscillating arm via a horizontal pivot connection that allows for manual angular adjustment and affixation of the hair dryer about a generally horizontal pivot axis. The oscillating arm extends into the base and is connected to an electric motor by mechanical linkage such that angularly adjustable side-to-side oscillation is enabled.

Abstract: An external fixator for a fractured distal radius including a first plurality of vertical passages for pins extending downward from a first pin mounting block into one or more bone fragments and one or more frame element apertures extending from an elongated frame element for pins extending downward from the device into the shaft of the radius. In addition, the elongated frame element includes a sliding pin slot with a sliding structure allowing a single pin to be moved to provide extension between the fragments and the shaft. A sliding internal plate including holes aligned with the first plurality of vertical passages is moved by a pair of setscrews to clamp the pins extending through the first plurality of vertical passages. The device also includes a second pin mounting block that extends downward parallel to the pins extending from first pin mounting block to hold pins directed laterally into the fragment(s).

Abstract: A concrete lintel form includes a pair of elongate side members for installation in opposing face-to-face relation spanning a structure opening, such as a window or door opening, for fabrication of concrete beams or composite concrete masonry beams. Each form member comprises a generally vertical sidewall having inwardly projecting top and bottom legs running the substantially the entire length of the member. The top legs function to support masonry block stacked on top of the form to allow for the construction of a composite cast in place beam. The bottom legs function to support a bottom form that may be inserted after masonry has been stacked and secured with mortar, thereby allowing the workers to leave an opening that allows mortar droppings to fall through and not collect in the form. Each form member includes at least one outwardly projecting stiffener running substantially the entire length of the member between the top and bottom.

Abstract: Live water solutions containing natural fresh water or saltwater microorganisms, is used in the bio-cycling of aquariums and to provide a healthy aquatic environment. Live water obtained from natural bodies of water, such as an ocean, sea, lake, river, or stream is filtered through filter media having a pore size between 5 and 20 microns to remove contaminants and debris while allowing microorganisms to remain in suspension. The live water is packaged in containers for retail sale thereby providing consumers with a source of live aquarium water for use in an aquarium during initial set-up, to replace water lost to evaporation, and for effecting quick water changes. An enrichment solution is disclosed to aid in maintaining the microorganisms metabolically and physiologically viable for extended periods. In an alternate embodiment, the live water is concentrated to a salinity level not less than 0.8 aw thereby reducing volume while maintaining microorganism viability.

Abstract: A video projector and mounting assembly that securely mounts and protects the projector from theft. A video projector unit is adapted with a housing that defines a through bore extending completely through the housing from top to bottom. A suspension member attached to an overhead structure is inserted through the hole with a portion thereof projecting from the bottom of the projector. A projector mount is secured to the end of the projecting portion of the overhead suspension member in locking relation therewith such that the projector may not be removed without first unlocking and removing the mount. The mount is preferably adapted with openings to allow for access to the projector controls. Tilt adjustment of the projector is facilitated by rotatably adjustable fasteners in threaded engagement with the mount. The projector and mount may include mating concave and convex surfaces to provide for adjustment in tilt, pan, and yaw axes.

Abstract: The invention is a low calorie sugar substitute suitable for use as a sugar replacement, including use in activities such as baking and cooking. It is a combination of an intense sweetener and a bulking agent. The intense sweetener is acesulfame potassium. The bulking agent is either erythritol or a mixture of gluco-mannitol and gluco-sorbitol. Preferably the ratio of intense sweetener to the bulking agent is in the range of 0.20 to 0.35 percent by weight.

Abstract: A gas analyzer system for analyzing samples of compressed or ambient gas such as breathing air within a scuba tank, SCBA or ambient air within an industrial plant and informing the user as to the results of the sample's gas purity without the gas sample having to be physically transported to an accredited laboratory. The system comprises a gas analyzer situated at a user facility for receiving the contents of a gas sample and detecting gas purity characteristics, and a server situated at a remote certified testing site and electrically coupled to the gas analysis module via data transmission, such as a wireless or a computer network connection, wherein the server, maintained by a qualified third party receives and stores the gas purity characteristics in the form of computer-readable data signals.

Abstract: A system for preparing compressible food stuff such as ground meat to include a central cavity in the meat product which can receive one or more condiments prior to cooking with the pressing and shaping devices to cover the condiment filled cavity with an additional layer of the compressible food product for a final shape and compressed product. The molding system includes a mold body that is cylindrically shaped, a first press plate that includes a central smaller in diameter protrusion for forming a cavity in a compressible food product, a second press plate having a flat disc shaped for compressing the top layer of meat over the cavity and an adapter ring used to raise the side wall of the mold body for adding a second layer of meat to be compressed with the second press plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved hoop-type amusement device adapted with a counter for counting the number of revolutions achieved by the user. The counter is preferably adapted for attachment to any of a variety of hoop type devices, including the HULA HOOP, as well as specially configured hoop type devices, such as the type that may be formed from a plurality of variously sized and shaped connectable components that are selectively interconnected by the user to form a simple or complex hoop configuration of a particular desired size and shape. The counter functions to count the number of revolutions achieved by the user thereby allowing the user to monitor and gage performance.

Abstract: An adjustable projector stand is provided for supporting a video or still image projector. The projector stand is adjustable in pitch and tilt for positioning and leveling images projected on a screen in a manner that compensates for uneven support structures, such as tilted tables and poorly placed screens. The device may be powered manually by the user or by battery through the use of a motor. The projector stand generally consists of a platform with two legs, each of which is formed by two pivotally joined rods. Each leg is in direct rotational communication with a threaded rod disposed within the platform. Each rod is in turn coupled to a means for rotation, which may consist of a manually rotated knob or a battery powered motor. The raising and lowering of one leg may be performed independent of the other in order to allow the projector stand to be leveled on an uneven surface.

Abstract: A composition and a method for using the composition to delay the onset of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in humans, comprising curcumin, piperine, oleic acid, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, galantamine, and huperzine A, among other compounds. Curcumin is an antioxidant, while galantamine and huperzine A inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase in the brain. Piperine and oleic acid increase the bioavailability and gastrointestinal absorption of curcumin, galantamine, huperzine A, and other nutrients.

Abstract: A patient controlled single gang signaling device for use within a hospital communication network. The device contains two actuators, one for initiating an emergency distress call while the other initiates a non-emergency distress call. The emergency distress call actuator is controlled with a pull cord, thus enabling a patient to send out an emergency distress signal from a position away from the unit. The device also includes a third actuator providing the user with the option of terminating the transmission of any message.

Abstract: A flushing device that is used to remove salt water and other corrosive agents from the cooling system of an outboard motor. The flushing device includes an earmuff flushing accessory that is attached to the end of an elongate support member and is used to create sealed chambers that surround the end ports of the motor. The elongated member can either be directly coupled to the earmuff flushing accessory or coupled through an elbow extension member to allow for the operation of the device from various positions, including to the side, in front, or from behind the outboard motor. The device is configured so that the flushing liquid flows either directly from the elongated member or through a bent extension member into the earmuff flushing accessory, thereby eliminating the need for various separate components to control the flow of the liquid. The device, therefore, uses a simple design that is both inexpensive to manufacture and effective while eliminating potential sources of failure.