Abstract: A label/form is provided for effecting delivery of a mailpiece by a special service. The label/form contains detachable parts for subsequent attachment to a return postcard and/or a mailpiece to effect delivery of the mailpiece by the special service. Further, a plurality of auxiliary labels are provided. The auxiliary labels correspond to address labels, receipt labels and/or a special service designator section. A second special services designator section may be provided to give the sender of the mailpiece a choice between two or more special services.

Abstract: An optical disc drive has a function that detects an end portion of recorded data recorded in an optical disc loaded in the optical disc drive. The function is achieved by the method comprising the steps of setting a detection starting position and a detection ending position on the optical disc; dividing the number of tracks between the detection starting position and the detection ending position into more than three divided portions defined by dividing points; detecting presence or absence of the recorded data at the dividing points sequentially from the detection starting point; and determining that the end portion of the recorded data lies in a divided portion specified between the dividing point at which presence of the data is detected and the adjacent other dividing point at which absence of the data is detected.

Abstract: A garment is provided having at least one pocket that is attached to the garment and accessible via a zipper or other fastener that provides access to an interior compartment formed by the pocket as well as a method for providing a garment with a waterproof compartment. The fastener is preferably a waterproof zipper that is attachable via a process requiring the pocket and the zipper to be attached by gluing, stitching and/or heat-sealing the same. As a result, a completely watertight and waterproof pocket is formed allowing the user of the garment to carry items therein that typically may not be exposed to water.

Abstract: A single-fluid, multiple-reservoir hydraulic system and a method and system for fluid distribution are provided. The single-fluid, multiple-reservoir hydraulic system utilizes a single-fluid to supply all vehicle power and lubrication fluid requirements. The hydraulic system combines separate fluid reservoirs and fluids into a single integrated system that services multiple systems without a need for multiple dedicated reservoirs. The hydraulic system maintains and prioritizes separate dedicated fluid reserves within one reservoir and may also reach and maintain consistent fluid temperature and viscosity. Consistent performance and extended component life are provided while maintaining circulation with the hydraulic system. In addition, the single fluid and single reservoir hydraulic system have a single fluid fill point, a common reservoir check point and fluid level monitor.

Abstract: A soil moisture monitoring apparatus, system and method for monitoring the soil moisture content of a given volume of soil in which a plant is growing are provided. The apparatus, system and method allow a plant caretaker to be alerted when the soil moisture content in the soil drops below a pre-determined level. When the soil moisture content drops below a predetermined level, an audible signal may be generated alerting the plant caretaker of the need to add water. The audible signal generated generally corresponds to a recognizable sound that a creature embodied by a creature-shaped housing makes in nature. The creature-shaped housing containing the audible signal generator mechanism may be placed around or attached to the plant such that the audible signal may be readily heard and the creature-shaped housing is visible.

Abstract: A retractable marking device is provided having a casing in which a coil is tightly wound from which the marking device may be extended for use thereof. A housing may further be provided such that the casing is placed within the housing and the housing is attached to a device on which the marking device is most commonly implemented. The marking device may be a pen, pencil or other writing instrument or may also be, for example, a blunt-ended instrument for use as a pointing-type device. The tightly wound coil maintains the marking device in a retracted position so that the marking device is readily available for use. In addition, the marking device is replaceable with a substitute marking device or replaceable following depletion of, for example, ink contained therein.