Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for mixing viscous fluids. The mixing apparatus comprises a cage located on or along a shaft. The cage comprises a support with top and bottom sides. A number of vanes extend from one or both sides of the support. In one embodiment, the vanes are generally located near an outer edge of the support. The method comprises rotating the mixing apparatus in a container of fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is a mixing device and a method of mixing viscous fluids with a mixing device. The mixing device includes a shaft and a support mounted for rotation with the shaft. A plurality of vanes extend from the support and are mounted for rotation with the shaft, the vanes extending generally parallel to the shaft and positioned radially outward from the shaft. The vanes have a sloping inner edge which is positioned closer to the shaft at a first portion of the vane than a second portion of the vane. In use, the mixing device is located in a viscous fluid and the shaft is rotated, thereby effecting rotation of the vanes, causing fluid to move through the vanes and mix the fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call data, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage.

Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call data, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage.

Abstract: A method of mixing viscous fluids is disclosed. The method comprises rotating a mixing apparatus (20) in a container (42) of fluid (44). The mixing apparatus comprises a cage (21) located at the end of a shaft (22). The cage (21) comprises a central circular disc (24) with an outer edge (43) and top (38) and bottom (40) sides. A number of vanes (26) extend from each side of the disc (24), the vanes (26) spacedly located near the outer edge of the plate. The free ends of the vanes (26) are connected by a hoop (38, 40) to maintain their spaced relationship.

Abstract: An anti-theft power cord for use with electrical devices has sensors for detecting removal of the cord from an electrical receptacle and for detecting the removal of the cord from the device sought to be protected. Control systems associated with each of the sensors activate alarms when receiving signals from the sensors. The control systems, comprising microcontrollers, also communicate with one another along the power cord and will sound an alarm if the cord is cut. A battery backup system is provided to allow the power cord to function as an anti-theft device even during a power failure without sounding false alarms.

Abstract: A method of mixing viscous fluids is disclosed. The method comprises rotating a mixing apparatus (20) in a container (42) of fluid (44). The mixing apparatus comprises a cage (21) located at the end of a shaft (22). The cage (21) comprises a central circular disc (24) with an outer edge (43) and top (38) and bottom (40) sides. A number of vanes (26) extend from each side of the disc (24), the vanes (26) spacedly located near the outer edge of the plate. The free ends of the vanes (26) are connected by a hoop (38, 40) to maintain their spaced relationship.

Abstract: An ornament for ornamenting a stringing material such as hair, and method of ornamenting such stringing material is disclosed. An ornament in accordance with an embodiment of the invention comprises a retention element for affixing the ornament to stringing material, and at least one loop element associated with the retention element. Each loop element has a circumference and an interior portion through which stringing material may pass. The circumference of each loop element has a generally fixed total length. In one or more embodiments, there are two loop elements arranged in sequence generally along a first axis. The at least two of the loop elements are movably connected to one another about at least a second axis extending generally perpendicular to the first axis. In one or more embodiments the loop elements are defined by a filament material such as ribbon or wire or comprise rings or tubular elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ornamenting ornament stringing material such as hair is disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tool having first and second legs. The legs are connected at a proximal end of the tool. A stop is associated with each leg at a distal end of the tool. In accordance with a method, an ornament is passed over the proximal end of the tool and along the legs towards the stops. Ornament stringing material is extended between the first and second legs between their connection at the proximal end of the tool and the ornament. The ornament is then moved upwardly along the legs of the tool and onto the ornament stringing material. The ornament stringing material is then removed from between the legs of the tool, leaving the ornament positioned on the ornament stringing material.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft device that blocks and unblocks the flow of hydraulic fluid between a vehicle's master brake cylinder and wheel brake cylinder. When the invention is in a fluid blocking position, it locks the brakes and prevents movement of the vehicle on its wheels. Conversely, when the invention is in the nonblocking position, the brakes are unlocked and the wheels turn freely as in normal operation. The anti-theft device can be deactivated within the vehicle or by remote control.