Abstract: A storage unit having a back panel, a top panel attached to the back panel, a bottom panel attached to the back panel, a pair of opposing side panels attached to the back, top and bottom panels so as to define a housing having an interior, and a plurality of shelf members positioned within the interior of the housing and arranged in a vertically oriented fashion. The shelf members are removably mounted to the back panel and opposing side panels. The storage unit further comprises a plurality of divider members removably positioned between (i) each pair of consecutive shelf members, (ii) the top panel and an uppermost shelf member and (iii) the bottom panel and a lowermost shelf member. The divider members define a plurality of compartments. In one embodiment, the compartments function as drawer-receiving spaces wherein each drawer-receiving space is sized for receiving a corresponding drawer. Each divider member can be repositioned to provide compartments of varying sizes.

Abstract: An annular, axial seal having a linear section having opposite ends, a first side in a first plane and an opposite second side in a second plane wherein the second plane is parallel to the first plane and a curled section contiguous with one of the ends of the linear section. The curled section curls in a first direction to a distal end. The curled section curls in the first direction in accordance with a predetermined radius and predetermined distance such that the distal end of the curled section is located directly across from the first side of the linear section. The linear section and the curled section provide a generally “J” shaped cross-section. The annular, axial seal also has a tip portion contiguous with the opposite end of the linear section such that the linear section is between the tip portion and the curled section. The tip portion is slightly curved with respect to the linear section such that the tip portion breaks the first plane.

Abstract: A disposable air freshener configured to be connected to a USB port of a computer or computer peripheral device. In one embodiment, the disposable air freshener comprises a casing fabricated from a plurality of sections that have generally the same shape. At least one of these sections is configured as scented cardboard. The disposable air freshener has a printed circuit board and a heating element electrically connected to the printed circuit board. A portion of the printed circuit board extends from the casing and is configured to be inserted into a USB port so that electrical power can be applied to the printed circuit board. The heating element generates heat when it receives electrical power from the printed circuit board. Thus, when electrical power is applied to the printed circuit board, the heating element generates heat which causes the scented cardboard to emit a pleasant scent or aroma. The casing of the air freshener can be configured to have almost any geometric shape, e.g.

Abstract: A multi-use tool having a generally “J” shaped hook structure which has a top portion, a middle shank portion attached to the top portion, and a curved bottom portion attached to the middle shank portion. The top portion has a loop portion to which a rope, life-line or escape line can be fastened. The curved bottom portion extends to a beveled tip. The multi-use tool also has a protruding member that extends from the curved bottom portion and has a substantially flat top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface.

Abstract: The present invention achieves rapid identification of pathogens, bacteria, cancer cells and other abnormal human and animal cells. In one embodiment, the system of the present invention comprises a first subsystem that obtains and processes images of specimens of pathogens, bacteria, and other abnormal cells, and a second subsystem that accepts the images, isolates the particular features of the image using advanced image segmentation, and then rapidly and accurately identifies the pathogens, bacteria and other abnormal cells by using a pattern recognition process wherein the segmented or isolated features of the original image are compared to known reference images.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a resilient, annular, metallic seal member having a generally “j” shaped cross-section. The annular, metallic seal member includes a first end portion having a first distal end, a generally curled second end portion that extends to a second distal end, and a central body portion between and contiguous with the first and second end portions. The annular, metallic seal member has a first side and an opposite second side. The second end portion curls in a first direction in accordance with a predetermined radius such that the second distal end is located across from the first side of the annular, metallic seal member and the first and second distal ends do not face each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an end cap apparatus. In one embodiment, the elongate base member has a support member, and at least one bracket attached to the support member to allow the elongate base member to be attached to a structure. The end cap apparatus also has a price label containment member secured to the support member of the elongate base member for displaying a price label.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of operating a gaming machine, comprising providing a gaming machine having a game display for displaying symbols resulting from play of the gaming machine, and a pay-table display for displaying an active pay-table. The active pay-table has symbols that match the symbols displayed in the game display. The pay-table display is configured such that each symbol of the active pay-table has an inactivated state wherein the symbol of the active pay-table is subdued in appearance and an activated state wherein that symbol of the active pay-table is clearly visible. The pay-table display is configured to activate symbols on the active pay-table in response to the symbols appearing in the game display.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a coffee maker. In one embodiment, the coffee maker [comprises] a housing carrying a reservoir for receiving water for brewing, a heater supported by the housing for receiving water from the reservoir and heating the water in order to brew coffee, an infused beverage extractor disposed over a beverage container, a grinding basket positioned above the extractor and having an interior for receiving ground coffee beans, a device for heating the grinding basket, and a grinding device adjacent the grinding basket and in communication with the interior of the grinding basket. The grinding basket has an exterior surface. The coffee maker has a heating element attached to the exterior surface of the grinding basket for heating the grinding basket. The coffee maker also has a heat distributor disposed over the grinding basket and the heating element to effect a uniform distribution of heat.

Abstract: A vehicle tire-traction apparatus has a pair of tire-traction sections wherein each tire-traction section has a generally arcuate member for placement over a vehicle tire outer sidewall. Each tire-traction section has a plurality of arm members attached to the arcuate member such that the arm members are transverse to the arcuate member and extend radially. Each tire-traction member also has a plurality of finger members wherein each finger member is attached to a corresponding arm member such that the finger member is angulated with respect to the arm member and extends over the vehicle tire tread and a portion of the vehicle tire inner sidewall. Each tire-traction section has a plurality of tire-tread contact members. Each tire-tread contact member is attached to a corresponding finger member and extends over a portion of the vehicle tire tread. Each tire-tread contact member is located between the finger member and the vehicle tire tread.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved oral dosage forms that are significantly easier to swallow. In accordance with the present invention, the oral dosage forms are configured to have relatively greater weight and/or density to effect partial or total submergence in the liquid with which the oral dosage form is taken. In one embodiment, a filler is added to the ingredients of the oral dosage form. In another embodiment, a filler is added to the medium of the oral dosage form. In a further embodiment, a filler is added to the exterior of the oral dosage form. In another embodiment, a relatively heavier, denser or larger amount of ingredient is used to formulate the oral dosage form. In yet a further embodiment, a binder is used to increase the weight and/or density of the oral dosage form. In yet another embodiment, a combination comprising a binder and a relatively heavier, denser or larger amount of ingredient is used to formulate the oral dosage form.

Abstract: An adaptive noise rejection method and apparatus. An information signal having an information component and a repetitive noise component having a varying characteristic frequency is delayed the information signal by a reference delay time that is equal that is equal to a predetermined number of periods of the characteristic frequency to form a delayed information signal. The delayed information signal is subtracted from the information signal to form a processed information signal in which the information component is substantial and the noise component is negligible. The amplitude of the noise component of the processed information signal is constantly monitored. The delay of the information signal is varied as the characteristic frequency of the noise component changes so as to maintain the amplitude of the noise component of the processed information signal at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an electrical bond between a conductor and an electrical connector contact. The apparatus generally comprises a power source and a weld head. The power source has a first polarity output and a second polarity output. The weld head has an input for connection to the first polarity output of the power source. The apparatus includes a first electrode electrically connected to the weld head input. The apparatus further includes a second electrode electrically connected to the second polarity output of the power source.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a fluid carrying hose comprising a jaw sized for placement about a pressurized hose, the jaw having a first end portion and a second end portion distal and generally opposite to the first end portion, a handgrip pivotally attached to the first end portion of the jaw, the handle having a normal position, and a plunger movably secured in the first end portion of the jaw. The plunger has a first end for contacting a portion of the handgrip and a second end opposite the first end of the plunger for grasping the surface of the pressurized hose. The plunger is responsive to the movement of the handgrip wherein the plunger moves in a first direction toward the second end portion of the jaw as the handgrip is pivoted in one direction and wherein the plunger moves in a second direction away from the second end portion of the jaw as the handgrip is moved back to the normal position.