Abstract: A service cart transportable in a van or truck is comprised of a vertically oriented pyramid-shaped profile. The pyramid shape offers a high degree of stability, making it virtually impossible to tip over during normal operating conditions, especially during transport. The cart has a four-wheel base. One set of wheels is preferably swivel casters for turning sharp corners. A second set of wheels is larger and located externally of the cart. These wheels increase the base of the pyramid profile and add to the cart's stability. The service cart may be transported to and from a job site. The cart fits into a van or truck bed. To remove the cart from the vehicle, a ramp system is provided. A mechanical or electrical winch may be used to transport the cart into or out of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for automatically accessing and verifying checking account status based on information contained in a bar code printed on a check, travelers check or money order. A bar code scanner reads the information contained in the bar code and, based on that information, determines a bank code and an account code. Based on the bank code or account code, a proper bank, travelers check company or money order company is automatically contacted. Checking, travelers check or money order account information is then transmitted to the proper bank, travelers check company or money order company. Account status information is received from the bank, travelers check company or money order company and displayed on the merchant's terminal. Finally, a receipt is printed with a bar code matching information on the check, travelers check or money order.

Abstract: A game kit and method of playing a game using a spinning disc. The game kit includes boundary elements which are selectively arranged to form a throwing area, a target area, and a distance between the throwing area and the target area in variably selected sizes and distance spacing according to the players level of skill. A spinning disc is thrown by one player located in the throwing area toward a second player located in the target area who must catch the disc before the disc contacts the playing surface within the target area to prevent the throwing player from being awarded a point. The players alternate throwing and defending according to rules of play of the game.

Abstract: The temperature of gas stored within a gas emission sample container is maintained at a predetermined, constant temperature. In one embodiment, a heater is mounted in a receptacle formed on and adjacent to one of the side walls of the container. The heater is in the form of a planar arranged electric coil. A reflective surface is mounted in the receptacle next to one surface of the heater for reflecting heat from the heater toward the adjacent side wall of the container. The side wall of the container adjacent the heater is preferably of a black material for enhanced heat absorption. In another embodiment, at least one of the side walls of the container is formed of a black material for enhanced heat absorption. A heater is disposed in proximity with the container for generating heat which is absorbed by the black side wall of the container.

Abstract: First and second straps are attached to a dialysis catheter support band to support the band and the catheter on the abdomen of a user. The first strap is attached at two opposed ends to the band and is deployable on the front of the user's abdomen, with the second strap being deployed on the user's back and connected to the band and to the first strap. Each of the first and second straps is releasibly attachable to the band and is provided with variably length adjustment. In another embodiment, a catheter support includes a strap having a first end releasibly attached to a dialysis catheter extending from a user's abdomen and a second end attached to an intermediate portion of the strap to form a loop which encircles the neck of the user.