Abstract: A multiple component, interactive growth chart assembled from a plurality of growth chart components. The individual components are preferably building block type, and have means for coupling one component on top of another. The components have a disclosed height, so that a user can calculate the height of a person who is positioned proximate a chart comprised of a plurality of assembled components. Preferably, the components have a heart shape. In one embodiment, coupling means are provided to permit lateral and/or other coupling directions, in addition to straight north-south coupling, so as to provide greater play flexibility.

Abstract: A method and system for determining surface feature characteristics (including position and dimensions) using slit detectors provides a low-cost and high-speed measurement system for inspecting a surface. The system includes multiple slit detectors positioned so that a feature on a surface scanned by the system is detected by at least two detectors that are rotationally offset from each other and from the direction of scanning, a scanning control system for providing motion to the surface of interest in relation to the detectors, and an electronic analyzer for computing characteristics (including position and dimensions) of surface features.

Abstract: A multi use circuit module has a front half module. The front half module is a functional circuit module having electrical contacts on a front portion there of for electrically coupling the multi use circuit module to a host device. A rear half module is removably coupled to the front half module. The rear half module increases functionality of the multi use circuit module by allowing functional and non functional components to be coupled to the front half module.

Abstract: A modular computer system (10) and components (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26) for use therein.

Abstract: A sensor system for monitoring cryogenic gas flow through a tube/pipe has at least one sensor coupled to the tube/piping. An alarm circuit is coupled to the sensor for receiving measurement signals from the at least one sensor and for sending an alarm signal when the measurement signal deviates from a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method for treating inflammatory musculoskeletal connective tissue disorders by exposing the sufferer to acoustic waves from a transducer immersed in liquid. The person is preferably placed between one and twenty feet from the wave source, and is preferably exposed to waves at a frequency of about 600 Hertz for approximately twenty five minutes.

Abstract: A training bat has a knob, handle section and barrel section. A weight is located within the interior of the barrel section on a rotatable shaft, and is moveable linearly. Linear movement of the weight is caused by rotation of the shaft. Preferably, the shaft is coupled to the knob, so that rotation of the knob causes rotation of the shaft and linear movement of the weight along at least a portion of the barrel section.

Abstract: A purse has an illuminating device. The purse has a main storage area. A flap member is provided and has a first end permanently coupled to the main storage area and a second end removably coupled to the main storage area. A lighting device is coupled to the purse. The lighting device has a power supply and a light element coupled to the power supply. A housing unit is coupled to the flap member of the purse and holds the power supply and light element. A spring loaded switch is coupled to the flap member and automatically causes the lighting device to activate when the flap member is lifted.

Abstract: An ergonomic hand rest that may be either mounted on an existing gaming machine or included as a standard feature in a new machine includes an interface member adapted to be connected to the gaming machine. A support member has a base arranged to be connected to the interface member and a support plate extending from the base. A wrist cushion has a recess in which the support plate extends when the wrist cushion, the interface member and the support member are assembled together. The interface member includes means for coupling the interface member to the gaming machine.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a visible marker when at least two objects are combined. The visible marker may be any desired marking but, in the preferred embodiment, is a heart-shape. The two objects may be two-dimensional, such as cards, or three-dimensional, such as toys or household items. The creation of the visible marker by bringing two objects into proximity can show common origin and manufacture and, where a heart-shape is used, can send positive social and moral messages of love and togetherness.

Abstract: A new method of playing multiple-draw poker that provides players with the opportunity to progressively build poker hands by duplicating held cards from a latest completed hand into a new hand.

Abstract: A method for playing an improved version of Caribbean Stud poker is disclosed which includes providing any player playing against a dealer an option to bet an additional amount only equal to the player's Ante bet after receipt of the player's five cards; and paying any player playing against the dealer who has bet the same additional amount as the Ante bet a bonus payout of multiple times the additional bet amount according to a pre-set bonus payout schedule for the player receiving a hand having a poker value from two pair to a Royal Flush regardless of whether or not the dealer qualified with a five card hand of an Ace and a King or better and provided that the dealer's hand if it qualifies is not better than the player's hand that would have qualified for the bonus payout.

Abstract: A security system for use in gaming comprises, in combination, a gaming table, and a plurality of light-sensitive detectors arranged in a pattern on the gaming table. A plurality of indicating lights is provided equal in number and electrically coupled to the plurality of light-sensitive detectors. Interruption of light otherwise passing into any one of the plurality of light-sensitive detectors causes illumination of its own corresponding indicating light to cease during the interruption of light, and the illumination to return once the interruption of light terminates. Each detector of the plurality of light-sensitive detectors comprises a Cadmium Cell detector. An alternative embodiment of the system incorporates fiber-optic cables in lieu of the Cadmium Cell detectors and their associated indicating lights.

Abstract: An improved sense amplifier ad method for sensing signals in a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) integrated circuit improve the performance of semiconductor memories and other circuits implemented in SOI technology. The bodies of amplifier transistors within the sense amplifier and bodies of input transistors to the sense amplifier are coupled to corresponding input signals, eliminating the history dependance that would result from unconnected bodies, while achieving faster switching times due to a dynamically produced difference in threshold voltage of the input transistors and amplifier transistors. The switching time is improved over circuits using input transistors and amplifier transistors having statically biased bodies.

Abstract: A method and system for isolating water pressure from appliance water connections provides protection from structural damage due to bursting of flexible hoses that connect an appliance to a rigid plumbing water supply. The system includes at least one electrically controllable valve, a connection for coupling the valve to a water supply connection, a connection for attachment to the appliance water supply hoses and an interface for receiving a signal from the appliance control system. An appliance may provide an interface connection for coupling to a control connection on the system, or the system may be connected to existing electrical terminals within a standard appliance that control internal solenoid valves. The system and method isolate water pressure from the flexible hoses supplying water to the appliance, automatically shutting off the supply connections when the appliance does not require water flow.

Abstract: A combination food container and sealed condiment dispenser, in which a sealed condiment dispenser is fixedly attached to a food container dimensioned to house a finger food.

Abstract: An educational desk mat, system and method for motivating and instructing students includes a merit indicator on a desk mat that is readily visible on a student's desk. The system includes a desk mat for each student and a behavior chart for a teacher. Individual merit indications from the desk mats are recorded on one or more behavior charts, permitting the teacher to track the merit indicators of each student over a school term or other time period. The education desk mat, system and method are also useful in home or home-schooling environments.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning and rinsing of disk-shaped objects, such as silicon wafers, high precision lenses and the like. The cleaning and rinsing may take place in a single chamber, that is sequentially filled with cleaning solution, rinsing solution, and the like. In an important aspect of the invention, chemical cleaning solutions are dumped to containers and recycled for the use. Moreover, a cleaning solution composition may be monitored, and the concentration of solution can be adjusted automatically, or make-up chemicals may be added, as necessary. The apparatus has a relatively small footprint and maybe surrounded with an enclosure that may be kept at lower than atmosphere pressure to prevent escape of potentially hazardous contaminants into the environment. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the handling of wafers to be cleaned is carried out robotically, most preferably using a robot with at least two end-effectors, each adapted for a specific function.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching multiple metal components to integrated circuit modules reduces manufacturing time for module assemblies having metal shields and/or heat sinks that must be applied to multiple modules within a manufacturing assembly. The metal components are manufactured in an array and the array assembly is attached to the integrated circuit substrate. The metal component array is then divided along with the modules after attachment. The modules are sawed apart before or after attachment. A reduction in manufacturing time is achieved through multiple placement of the metal components rather than individual placement.