Abstract: The invention provides a barrel for a gun having a portion comprising a substantially transparent material. The barrel can be made of any substantially transparent material including a polycarbonate or glass, such as tempered glass. The barrel is coated with a substantially transparent material to add hardness, which provides scratch resistance, and prevent deterioration of the substantially transparent material. A barrel assembly is constructed by attaching the barrel to a gun housing, also called a barrel cage, comprised of a stiff material, for example metal such as aluminum. In another aspect of the invention, an expansion chamber is provided having a housing with a portion comprising a substantially transparent material, such as a polycarbonate or glass, such as, tempered glass. The housing is coated with a substantially transparent material to reduce scratching and absorption of pressurized gas into the transparent material.

Abstract: An apparatus for cold-holding food product. The apparatus comprises a cabinet carrying a refrigeration unit including a plurality of refrigerated shelves. The plurality of refrigerated shelves are adapted to frost on both sides under the control of the refrigeration unit to thereby maintain the quality of food product held on the shelves. To allow for the drainage of any melting frost, the plurality of shelves may be angled and a drain pan system included to direct the water away from the shelves to a drain or condensate evaporator during defrost periods. To prevent the removal of frost with the unloading of food products from the shelves, wire racks or trivets may be used to elevate the food product on baking pans above the frosted shelve surfaces.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved gas cylinder and valve for filling or discharging a gas cylinder comprising a body having a first end, a second end, and an axial bore for providing a passageway for flow of fluid. A collar is provided having an outer surface for engaging an external member to the valve for accepting or discharging fluid. A core is provided having an axial bore for receiving a pin disposed within the body and providing a passageway for flow of the fluid. The first end of the body is adapted to removably mount and rotationally fix the collar. The first end of the body is further adapted to removably receive the core, whereby the core retains the collar on the body when the core is received by the body.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a rawhide chew toy, comprising: combining a marinade with rawhide; applying vacuum pressure to the combined marinade and rawhide; releasing the vacuum pressure; and allowing the formed rawhide to dry under moderate temperature. In one embodiment, the combined marinade and rawhide are tumbled during the step of applying vacuum pressure. In additional embodiments of the invention, nutrients, such as, vitamins, minerals, dental additives, or herbal remedies, may be added to the marinade.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and useful gift packaging system, method and kit that includes an assortment of gifts and a decorative container and packing materials in which to present the gifts. The gift packaging system is pre-packaged together in a collapsed configuration that can be assembled into a constructed configuration. A container is provided of generally rigid material that is collapsible and constructable. When in the collapsed position, the container forms a generally rectangular, planer configuration. Further, packing material is provided in a partially overlying position with respect to the container. Gifts are also provided in a partially overlying position with respect to the container and the packing material. When in a collapsed configuration, a wrapping substantially encloses the packing material and gifts. The gift packaging kit can be constructed from the collapsed configuration upon removal of the wrapping.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved chew toy for delivering nutrients to pets. More particularly, the invention comprises rawhide having a coating or baste comprising at least one nutriceutical substance. In one aspect of the invention, the nutriceutical substance is Echinacea purpurea. In another aspect of the invention, the nutriceutical substance is glucosamine HCL. In another aspect of the invention, the nutriceutical substance is Vitamin A. In another aspect of the invention, the nutriceutical substance is calcium.

Abstract: A system for providing wireless pointer control for controlling electronic equipment, including a remote control pointer device capable of generating a signal having multiple signal components with different frequencies and a base station capable of receiving and decoding the signal having multiple signal components. The base station then interprets the multiple signal components to determine the orientation of the remote control pointer device to properly generate a pointer control signal for properly selecting a particular piece of equipment to receive remote commands or data, and where appropriate, properly displaying and positioning a cursor displayed on the electronic equipment.

Abstract: The universal remote control system includes input means, signal output means for supplying a signal to a controlled device and a central processing unit coupled to the input means and the signal output means, no ROM, and a single non-volatile, read-write RAM coupled to said central processing unit.The RAM in the ROM-less microprocessor system is loaded by carryout out the following steps: (a) disabling the central processing unit; (b) connecting a separate microprocessor system to said RAM; (c) transferring instructions and/or data to said RAM; (d) re-enabling the central processing unit to enable the central processing unit to execute the instructions so transferred.

Abstract: The universal remote control system includes input means, signal output means for supplying a signal to a controlled device and a central processing unit coupled to the input means and the signal output means, no ROM, and a single non-volatile, read-write RAM coupled to said central processing unit.The RAM in the ROM-less microprocessor system is loaded by carrying out the following steps: (a) disabling the central processing unit; (b) connecting a separate microprocessor system to said RAM; (c) transferring instructions and/or data to said RAM; (d) re-enabling the central processing unit to enable the central processing unit to execute the instructions so transferred.