Abstract: A system detects a man overboard and facilitates the rescue of the overboard individual. The system includes sensors that provide surveillance of a peripheral envelope of a boat to detect when an individual fall through the envelope. When an individual is detected falling through the peripheral envelope, an alarm is sounded and a floatation device is dispensed into the water.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for splitting, mulching, and leveling soil beds for planting. The apparatus adapts to changes in contour and elevation of a soil bed to insure that seeds are planted at equivalent depths along the length of the bed. The apparatus includes a tracking wheel that rises and falls with concomitant changes in the elevation of the top of the soil bed and that causes associated bed preparation apparatus to rise and fall simultaneously with the tracking wheel.

Abstract: A diver propulsion system includes separate battery and motor-transmission modules.

Abstract: Apparatus for abstracting heat comprises a container charged with a first liquid and with small auxiliary containers free to circulate in the first liquid. Each of the small auxiliary containers is charged with a second liquid. The first and second liquids each have a selected temperature of transformation that facilitates use of the apparatus to heat or cool a substance contacted by the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for servicing a telecommunication junction box. The method enables a reduced number of tools to be utilized to service a telecommunication junction box.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling and limiting the amount of time that a television, computer game, or other electrical appliance can be utilized. The apparatus is inserted in the electrical cord leading to the electrical appliance and is programmable to limit the amount of time that electricity flows through the electrical cord tot he electrical appliance. The plug end of the electrical cord of the appliance is locked into the apparatus to prevent the electrical appliance from being unplugged from the apparatus and plugged into an electrical wall outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for practicing a golf swing. The apparatus includes a rotationally mounted golf ball, the movement of which is slowed by movement of a piston against a spring and through a liquid. A valve mechanism incorporated in the apparatus facilitates movement of the piston in one direction and retards movement of the piston in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flexing a concealed holster to secure the contents of the holster in the holster. An elongate substantially rigid elastically flexible sling is secured to a side of the holster such that the elongate member and side of the holster can be partially separated so the wearer's shirts can be inserted therebetween to conceal the holster. The lower end of the sling can be flexed outwardly away from the side of the holster such that a portion of the outer side adjacent the lower end is, when the sling is flexed outwardly to insert the wearer's shirt, flexed inwardly to compress a pistol in the storage compartment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the risk that a thrown toy will injure an animal. The apparatus consists of a toy which when thrown bounces erratically, which compressively elastically deforms, which includes a soft fabric outer surface that compresses to absorb blows, and which can withstand being bitten or chewed by a dog.

Abstract: A jewelry assembly is provided that extends around the neck and waist and down the front and back of an individual. The jewelry assembly is constructed such that it remains centered when worn and such that it can be adapted to fit individuals of different size.

Abstract: A gun safe is provided. The safe includes a computer system and is readily located and used by a home owner under the darkness of night. The safe permits a loaded ready-to-use firearm to be stored and accessed safely and quickly. The safe door opens silently and uses motive power provided by gravity. The safe door will open only when the safe correlates biometric data of an individual with biometric data stored in the memory of the computer system used to operate the safe.

Abstract: An animal toy is configured to stimulate at least one sense of an animal during play by said animal. The toy includes a shell formed of a first pliable material and having an interior; a pouch formed of a second pliable material and contained within the shell during play; a play stimulation item wholly contained within the pouch and configured to issue an emission detectable through the pouch and the shell by at least one sense of said animal; an opening formed in said shell for admitting the pouch into said interior and having a margin; a hem formed along the margin; and, a draw string extending through and from the hem to draw the hem closed.

Abstract: Digital binocular fusing apparatus places a primary image in registration with a lenticular lens to produce a secondary 3D image from the primary image. The apparatus includes a lens array, a display mounted behind the lens array and including a primary image and reference marks, a primary image orientation adjustment system for receiving registration adjustment signals to adjust the position of the primary image and the reference marks, a sensor to detect the position of the reference marks and generate position identification signals, and, a registration control for receiving the position identification signals, determining if the primary image is in registration with the lens array, and, if necessary, generating registration adjustment signals and transmitting the registration adjustment signals to the primary image orientation adjustment system.

Abstract: A pet-play apparatus (20) for interactive use with a domestic cat or other pet (24) incorporates a lash (26) made of a strip of fake fur (56) formed into a tube (42) with a nap (58) of the fake fur (56) upon an external surface (60) of the tube (42), a crop (22) coupled to a first end (32) of the lash (26), a toy (28) detachably coupled to a second end (36) of the lash (26), and a sonic device (86) coupled to the crop (22) and configured to produce a prey-sound for the domestic cat or other pet (24) in the form of a chirp or squeak in response to a movement of the crop (22). A first attachment device (62) is affixed to the second end (36) of the lash (26) and incorporates a hook part (70) of a hook-and-loop fastener (88). A second attachment device (64) is affixed to the toy (28) and incorporates a loop part (72) of the hook-and-loop fastener (88), the hook and loop parts (70, 72) being detachably coupled to each other.

Abstract: An improved electronic mailbox increases the difficulty of stealing mail from the mailbox. The mailbox includes an electronically programmed access door, a mail slot shaped to prevent access to the mail box, and an auxiliary backup power system.

Abstract: An improved embalming method and apparatus functions to prevent leakage of bodily fluids and other fluids during embalming and to preserve the dignity of the deceased during memorial services. The improved embalming method and apparatus includes a trocar button, Calvarian clamp, ligature dispenser, defrigerant liquid, and an elevation device.

Abstract: A thigh pad protector that includes superiorly connected and individually ventilated pad protectors for the anterior (front) and lateral (side) of the thigh. The anterior thigh protector portion is constructed to fit into an inside pocket in the garment normally worn outside the protector (such as a pair of football pants or athletic girdle). The fixation of the anterior thigh protector portion within the inside pocket of the garment provides support to both the anterior thigh protector portion and the superiorly connected lateral thigh protector portion about the thigh. The fact that the two distinct thigh protectors are connected only at their superior (upper) ends allows the protectors to conform to the natural curvature of the thighs with normal garment compression and to remain in conformity with the legs through the full range of muscular motion (contraction and relaxation) without constriction or decreased mobility.

Abstract: Apparatus for abstracting heat comprises a container charged with a first liquid and with small auxiliary containers free to circulate in the first liquid. Each of the small auxiliary containers is charged with a second liquid. The first and second liquids each have a selected temperature of transformation that facilitates use of the apparatus to heat or cool a substance contacted by the apparatus.

Abstract: A pet toy (20) made up of a wand (26) and a play object (22) flexibly coupled to an end of the wand (26) is taught. The wand (26) has a wand shaft (50) and a wand head (52) rigidly affixed to the end of the wand shaft (50). The wand shaft (50) has a predetermined shaft diameter (54). The wand head (52) has a base width (58) greater than the shaft diameter (54). A flexible coupling (24) flexibly couples the play object (22) to the wand (26). The flexible coupling (24) has a coupling pocket (74) encompassing the wand head (52). The coupling pocket (74) is configured so that the wand head (52) has limited free movement therein. Motion of the wand (26) by a human therefore imparts a complex motion to the play object (22). This complex motion emulates the motion of prey and stimulates the instinct of the pet.