Abstract: An improved individual snowboard for each foot is described. The invention provides a series of features improving the stability and performance of the snowboards. Each of the individual snowboards includes a turned up nose and tail, a top, a bottom, a resilient core located between the top and bottom, first and second sides and a surrounding right-angle edge. The core is capable of supporting the mounting of a snowboarding boot binding. A variant of the invention includes specially shaped sidecuts on each of the first and second sides. The sidecuts allow improved turning and stoping capability. The edge may also be segmented to increase flexibility of the snowboard for improved turning. In another variant, the upward curve of the nose and tail have specially designed dimensions. A further variant of the invention includes special low-friction base material attached to the bottom of the snowboard inside of the edge perimeter.

Abstract: A marking instrument comprising a tubular holder having its lower end capped by an ink containing pad of a predetermined geometrical shape and disposed at an acute angle relative to the tubular axis. The pad may be removable from the tubular holder for replacement by another pad of the same or different geometrical configuration. The tubular holder may contain a quantity of marking ink which may be released to flow to the pad by the valve means.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for playing an anagram-type game in a game show or computer game format. One or more anagrams, each comprised of scrambled letters, are displayed on a gameboard. At least one object of the game is to guess the unscrambled solution to each anagram. When correctly guessed, the letters are moved from their scrambled configuration to their unscrambled configuration. An ultimate solution to the puzzle is preferrably revealed by some of the letters of the collective unscrambled anagrams which are moved into a predetermined alignment. Several means are included for making it easier to view, study and follow the progress of the game such as moving each letter along a path, leaving outlines of the letters in their initial positions, and indicating which anagram is to be guessed by a player.

Abstract: A method and device is described for the diversion, cognitive stimulation, maintenance of hand strength and dexterity, and hand-eye coordination of patients with organic brain syndromes or brain dysfunctional patients manifesting comparable symptoms. The device consists of a container with a closure that can withstand falls from about 1.5 to about 4 feet without opening or breaking any items within said container. The devices within said container include items that can be felt and rubbed by the patients to stimulate movement of the fingers and the sensory areas of the brain; items which can be squeezed again for finger dixterity and for diversion, i.e., entertainment of the patients so that they are maintained in a happy and busy frame of mind. Other items such as containers with removable covers, items which can be stretched, items that have reflective surfaces, materials that can be stacked, combs, and eating utensils are also included.

Abstract: A closely coiled multilayered element ("element") for use in filtration of gases, particularly with compressed air, is disclosed, which is a coiled cylindrically-shaped packing, spiralled about a common central axis where each successive layer essentially touches the previous layer. The materials of construction of the element are polyolefins, and, preferably for compressed air, polyethylene where the molecular weight may be as low as 2.5 million. The elements do not compress, thus keeping the void volume open in normal use for trapping both entrained solids and liquids, even if the liquids are dissimilar, such as oil and water. A method for manufacturing the invention which comprises cutting individual pieces of bed packing material from a solid core is also disclosed and the process of gas purification is described.

Abstract: The invention discloses male and female handles for jump ropes or skip ropes which allow connection of two or more jump ropes to form ropes of varying lengths. Thus with only one type of rope all forms of rope exercise can be performed including joint turning, Chinese jump rope etc. The invention also discloses stationary mounts which are used to attach one handle or the other handle so that two participants can participate in multiple jump rope exercises.

Abstract: A novel heat pump using solar energy and the heat of dilution of exothermic inorganic salts and organic compounds is disclosed. The heat pump is made up of four parts including a solar energy absorbing surface, a means for diluting the concentrated solution, and heat exchange apparatus to take the heat of dilution and distribute it to the space to be heated.

Abstract: A new apparatus is disclosed for the rope-drying of dyed fabric resulting in a new fabric pattern having distinctive patterning. The process has three critical areas, particularly: the apparatus' ability to maintain a tension on the rope while it is being dried over contact dryers; the rope being formed into a very defined cylinder through an elongated tube; and the length of contact drying being sufficient to impart the migration of the dye stuff through the rope to form the applicable pattern.

Abstract: A new concept of end plugs which are circular, concentric and symmetrical containing flanges at particular angles in front and back to produce a mechanical strength, is disclosed.

Abstract: A collapsible dust pan is disclosed wherein the user has the ability by a remote control means to keep the dust pan in a lowered position or to raise the dust pan and hold it in an upright position for storage. The dust pan is a hinged pan so that the pan itself can be folded against the upright portion of the handle for easy storage.