Abstract: Dispensing bottles with an attached adjustable mirror for controllably dispensing a fluid to a location viewable with the adjustable mirror are discussed and illustrated. The mirror may be attached to the dispensing bottle with a mirror support assembly that can allow the mirror to be adjusted so a person using the dispensing bottle can see where they otherwise could not see without having to hold the mirror separately from the dispensing bottle. The mirror support assembly can also be manipulated so as to retract the mirror into a position adjacent and substantially parallel to a sidewall surface of the dispensing bottle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining an instantaneous frequency and an instantaneous bandwidth of a speech resonance of a speech signal. The method includes receiving a speech signal having a real component; filtering the speech signal so as to generate a plurality of filtered signals such that the real component and an imaginary component of the speech signal are reconstructed; and generating a first estimated frequency and a first estimated bandwidth of a speech resonance of the speech signal based on both a first filtered signal of the plurality of filtered signals and a single-lag delay of the first filtered signal.

Abstract: An adaptable mobility aid device is disclosed that has length-adjustable front and rear legs, a handle, and a knee support platform coupled to the legs and the handle, the legs being adjustable within a range of lengths suitable to straddle steps for ascending and descending stairways, as well as to function on the level, or on a ramp. The lengths of the legs can be adjusted in tandem via single-hand operability of an adjustment mechanism. The knee support platform provides support for an impaired lower leg of a user, not requiring the leg to contact the stairs, and also not requiring the leg to be held mid-air in a hopping motion. The handle enables one-handed use of the adaptable mobility aid device. In some embodiments, spring loaded pins or a pull bar to activate the pins, enable the single-hand operability of the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A trailer for conveniently loading and transporting a four wheel vehicle includes a bi-stable interactive ramp that is integral with the trailer. A support bar enables the ramp to pivot about the support bar's axis between two stable positions, one of the positions being in an inclined position when the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded, and the second of the positions being in a horizontal position after the vehicle is loaded. A rear-wheels support frame supports the rear wheels of the ATV when loaded. A ramp bar urges the front-end chassis of the ATV upward as the ATV's rear wheels are guided up the bi-stable ramp, and a front-end chassis support frame supports the front-end chassis of the ATV when loaded. The trailer includes a trailer hitch assembly that is attachable to a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A method of poker side betting based on burn cards is disclosed. The method enhances enjoyment of a poker game and increases house revenue, without slowing or detracting from the game itself. Before a poker round is dealt, players make bets predicting the identity of a burn card poker hand that will be produced by combining the burn cards of the poker round. After the round is played, the burn cards are revealed. Winnings are distributed for all bets that meet specified winning requirements. Bets can be placed into a side pot to be distributed among winners, or placed directly against the house according to house-established odds. In preferred embodiments, bets are made electronically via touch screens and locked before play begins, the burn cards are electronically scanned after play of the round and displayed on the touch screens, and winnings are distributed electronically.

Abstract: A cooking implement shelf is disclosed that is attachable to a commercial griddle and is able to support and position cooking implements such as a spatula, grill weights, cooking tongs, a salt shaker, etc, in a location that is readily accessible to a grill cook and does not taking up space on the cooking surface. One aspect of the invention is attachable to a staging feature on top of a barrier that runs along the backsplash of the griddle, while another aspect is directly attachable to the backsplash or to a side splash guard of the griddle. In preferred embodiments, the accessory is made from stainless steel, includes a warming tray and drip pan under the shelf, can be positioned above the cooking surface so as to warm items in the tray without harming them, and is adjustable horizontally and in height from 8? to 17? above the cooking surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for cooling one or more exercising or resting individuals by applying a water mist and dry air. The apparatus can be free standing, fixed to the walls or ceiling, or attached to an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. The mist and dry air can be applied together or separately, simultaneously or alternately, with varying timing and intensity. In some embodiments, the mist and dry air are manually controlled or operate according to the passage of time. In other embodiments the need for cooling is determined by one or more physiological parameters measured by sensors directed toward or attached to an individual, or embedded in an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. Still other embodiments estimate the heating of the individual by measuring the amount of work performed or the rate of energy expenditure.

Abstract: A compact fetal sound system delivers high-fidelity sound to a fetus in utero through a miniature, abdominally mounted driver with a convex diaphragm. No gel is necessary at the interface between the diaphragm and the mother's abdomen. Digital signal processing shapes the frequency spectrum of the sound transmitted to the fetus, so that after traveling through the attenuative tissue of the expectant mother the desired volume of sound and frequency content reach the ears of the fetus. As the term of pregnancy progresses, the frequency shaping provided by the digital signal processing automatically varies to compensate for changes in uterine lining thickness and the like. Preferred embodiments also include a microphone attached to the abdomen of the mother and signal processing to correct for frequency and amplitude distortions of sound eminating from the womb. Embodiments also include an elastic belt to maintain the transducer and microphone against the abdomen.

Abstract: A tankless electric water heater is disclosed that optimizes energy efficiency while minimizing cost and size. A flow-through container surrounds an electric heating element having a surface that is everwhere in direct, unobstructed relationship with the container walls, forming therebetween a passage through which all of the water must pass in a laminar flow while in close proximity to the heater surface, preferably within one-quarter inch and more preferably within one-eighth inch. The entire heater surface is surrounded by water, and all emanated heat must pass into the water. Tubular embodiments can be straight, coiled, U-shaped, and/or S-shaped. Cup-shaped embodiments can direct the water in a counter-flow past inner and outer heating element surfaces. Electrical connectors can be positioned near to each other. Protruding fins can be included that increase heat contact with the water, and the fins can be aligned with the water flow to minimize turbulence.

Abstract: A book is disclosed with light sources embedded in the pages, thereby providing substantially uniform illumination that eliminates any need for external lighting. Visual interest is increased by providing switchability between a plurality of illumination modes, such as Flicker, Flash, On, and Off, each mode causing all of the light sources in at least one page to behave in a substantially identical manner. The light sources can be LED lights embedded in a regular array within translucent sheets that improve the illumination uniformity. An illumination control, on/off switch, and/or power source such as exchangeable or rechargeable batteries can be included in the spine of the book, or in a separate housing in wired communication with the book. Illumination modes can be switched by moving a magnetic and/or conductive portion of a wand near sensors in the pages. Indicia can be printed directly on the translucent sheets, and/or on overlay sheets.

Abstract: An extendable-length, spine immobilizing backboard is disclosed. The backboard is collapsible to the length of a standard backboard for ease of storage and for use in supporting and transporting patients of average height, and a lower portion is telescopically extendable from an upper portion so as to adjustably accommodate patients of above average height. The upper and lower portions are joined by side shafts that telescopically insert into hollow tubes so as to form hand rails on either side of the backboard, and by a flat, rigid central extension that is slidably insertable into a central cavity so as to provide patient support across a gap between the upper and lower portions. The backboard can be collapsed to a length that is six feet, and extended to a length of eighty inches. In some embodiments, the backboard is wider than a standard backboard, being preferably 21 inches wide.

Abstract: A training apparatus for improving a golfer's golf swing is disclosed. The training apparatus can restrict movement of the golfer's hands, as well as the shaft of the golfer's golf club, during the swing. A set of rails supported by a support structure are oriented so as to restrict the golfer's hand movement, and golf club shaft movement. The set of rails include at least two rails for inducing the golfer to move the golfer's hands within the hand space, throughout at least a portion of the swing, and at least two rails for inducing the golfer to move the golfer's golf club shaft within the golf club shaft space. The rails can include various adjustability features, allowing for adjusting the height and angular orientation of the set of rails, as well as the spacing and orientation of individual rails relative to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed for cooling one or more exercising or resting individuals with a water mist while automatically preventing the undesirable accumulation of excess water. In some embodiments, a sensor detects accumulated water on or near an individual, while other embodiments use measured climate parameters to predict water accumulation. The apparatus can be free standing, fixed to the walls or ceiling, or attached to an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. In some preferred embodiments, the apparatus is controlled according to the passing of time and/or one or more measured physiological parameters measured by sensors directed toward or attached to an individual, or embedded in an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. In some embodiments dry air is also applied either simultaneously or alternately with the mist to enhance cooling and further discourage water accumulation.

Abstract: A flexible toss toy is disclosed which includes a feature that makes it easier for a dog to pick up and retrieve the disc after being thrown. The disc is saucer-shaped and is made of a soft elastomeric material. The disc has an outer-diameter leading edge, an intermediate top deck surface, and a central portion. The intermediate top deck surface has a circumferential gripping projection. The circumferential gripping projection extends upward with respect to the intermediate top deck surface, and radially inward. The central portion has an elevated portion in a plane above the intermediate top deck surface. The circumferential gripping projection extends upwardly and radially inward to an extent that facilitates gripping by the teeth of a dog. Also, the circumferential gripping projection extends upwardly to an extent that is higher above the intermediate top deck surface than the elevated portion of the central portion.

Abstract: An ice sculpture display platform is disclosed that includes integrated water collection and self-powered illumination, thereby enabling display of arbitrarily shaped ice sculptures without requiring a water collection tray or connection to a power outlet. A display surface with drainage holes is supported on or above a water collection bowl, preferably forming a water-tight seal therewith. Battery-powered lights, such as incandescent or LED lights, are attached to the display surface and/or the water collection bowl, and illuminate the ice sculpture from the rim of the bowl, the rim of the platform, and/or from beneath the platform. Lights that illuminate from beneath can be impervious to water and/or sealed within a water-tight enclosure. A portion of the display platform can be transparent, allowing penetration of light originating from below. Batteries can be in water-tight enclosures, and can be in the bowl, under the rim, or under the platform.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus for harvesting generally spherical fruit by severing each fruit from its stem and conveying it using air flow into a receptacle. The harvesting apparatus includes a tubular body with a clamshell cutter for severing items of fruit from their stems, and a retractable throat that is able to restrict and then allow passage of the fruit. The apparatus further includes a control unit that can control the clamshell cutter and the throat. A funnel-shaped orifice is preferably included at the harvesting end of the tubular body. When a piece of fruit enters the harvesting end, it contacts the throat and blocks the airflow. The control unit senses the resulting pressure drop, and then activates the clamshell cutter while causing the throat to open so as to allow the piece of fruit to pass through the tubular body and into the receptacle.

Abstract: A protective over-garment is disclosed that can be manufactured entirely by making cuts in a single sheet of plastic or other flexible material. In preferred embodiments it is disposable. The sheet has a neck hole in the center and covers the user's shoulders, upper arms, back, and chest. A cut radiating from the hole allows insertion of the user's head. The rim of the hole is held against the wearer's neck by tying together two strips of material formed by cuts that partially separate them from the sheet. Similar strips can hold the first cut and/or the sides of the garment closed. In preferred embodiments the sheet can be rectangular, hourglass, or double-hourglass in shape, and/or the sheet can be folded to fit in a standard home hair coloring kit. Cuts can be perforated, and the garments can be manufactured as a continuous length of sheets joined at perforated intersections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for Magnetic Resonance Imaging using specialized signal acquisition and processing techniques for image reconstruction with a generally inhomogeneous static magnetic field. New signal processing methods for image reconstruction and for minimizing dephasing effects are disclosed. Imaging systems with smaller static magnetic field strengths and smaller hardware demands than those with homogeneous static magnetic fields are provided, leading to significant reductions in system size and cost as compared to standard MRI systems. Such systems can also exploit imaging coils having high Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR), including those made from Carbon nanotube conductors, leading to further imaging system efficiencies.

Abstract: A toilet paper dispenser and folder system has a frame subassembly having front and rear parallel panels, an upper feeder roller and a lower feeder roller. Each panel has a large aperture and a paper roll holder aperture and a lower roller aperture and an upper roller slot. A paper rotation subassembly has a cylindrical housing with a cutting edge and a guide, and roller arm and a backplate. A pulley subassembly has a rotator bolt with two threaded ends and a bushing and threaded nuts and larger and smaller pulleys each with a central hole, and a belt between the pulleys.