Abstract: A portable beverage preparation device and system for making brews, mixes, and potions on demand by selectively introducing and mixing predetermined quantities of at least one stored, edible, beverage preparation confined in at least one sealed chamber into a portable beverage container containing a predetermined volume of a potable base liquid and having a dispenser means for introducing the at least one beverage preparation into the potable base liquid; wherein the drink container and the at least one sealed chamber are in close physical proximity to each other and separated by at least one thin membrane which, when inwardly perforated by the dispenser means, introduces the at least one beverage preparation into the base liquid. The system of the invention further provides a brewing element and a portable heating unit, the heater element of which fits into the beverage container for heating the liquid.

Abstract: An optical disk of the type rotated by a spindle positioned in a centrally-located hole, and including a disk body including an annular data area, and a centrally-located, integrally-formed annular web positioned radially inward from the annular data area and covering a hole formed in the disk body. The annular web is formed sufficiently thin to be deflected upwardly out of the plane of the disk body by the spindle during placement on the spindle and during rotation. The web may be broken away from the disk, or made sufficiently thin and resilient that it will deform upwardly when placed on the spindle and resume its former position when removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated profiling the edge of successive optical disks, and including an optical disk supply assembly for holding a supply of optical disks to be profiled, a turntable for receiving an optical disk to be profiled, and for reciprocating between an optical disk loading position and an optical disk profiling position. A clamping assembly is provided for clamping the optical disk in a stationary condition to the turntable during movement between the loading position and the profiling position. A profiling cutter profiles the edge of the optical disk into a predefined shape when the turntable is in the profiling position.

Abstract: A video implemented casino card game deals multiple hands. In a preferred embodiment the game includes a means for simulating a plurality of players on a game display. Each simulated player is dealt a hand of cards pursuant to a predetermined card game selected by a game player. Subsequent to the initial deal, the game player selects which hand to play. Once the hand has been selected, each hand is fully played. Only the game player's hand is fully revealed during play. Based on the game player's final cards, the player is paid according to a pay table. Thereafter, all hands are revealed and the game player is paid a bonus amount if the player's selected hand is the highest hand of the dealt hands. In a card game requiring a draw, or decision, unselected card hands are played according to a preprogrammed methodology within a gaming machine's internal microprocessor.

Abstract: The garment folding aid has two bed subassemblies that are laterally telescopically adjustable and retained in selected adjusted positions by detent mechanism. To the remote vertical longitudinal edge portions of the subassemblies there is mounted the lower mounting rails of hinges while the lateral opposite mounting rails of the hinges mount folder flaps. The web of each hinge which extends between its mounting rails resiliently urges the said opposite mounting rails to extend vertically upwardly, the webs being of a greater flexibility than the mounting rails. Hand hold openings are provided in the flaps to facilitate moving the subassemblies to adjust the width of the folding aid. Corner portions of the flaps on one longitudinal end of the subassemblies are cut at an angle to make the flaps more ergonomically friendly when moving the flaps during a garment folding operation.

Abstract: A label for an optical disk of the type having a hole therethrough for being positioned onto a rotatable spindle by which the optical disk is rotated. The label is formed of a sheet having a size and shape for being positioned on and adhered to the optical disk and overlying the hole. The sheet includes a plurality of slits formed therein for being positioned in registration with the hole in the disk when the label is positioned on the disk and defining between the slits a plurality of adjacent sheet segments for normally residing in the plane of the sheet and being deformable from the plane of the sheet in response to an object being extended into the hole, whereby the plurality of sheet segments can be provided with visual material while not interfering with the utility of the hole in the disk.

Abstract: A proximity detecting device for detecting the presence of an object in a target area. It comprises an emitter (1), a circuitry for supplying electrical pulses thereto, a receiver (3) arranged for receiving the emitted pulses and converting them into electrical signals, an amplifier for amplifying said electrical signals, and a control circuitry for determining on the basis of the amplified electrical signals whether or not the object is present in said target area. According to the invention it further comprises means for determining the amplitude of the amplified electrical signals and means for increasing the energy level of said electrical pulses when the amplitude of the amplified electrical signals is below a first threshold value and for decreasing the energy level of said electrical pulses when the amplitude of the amplified electrical signals is above a second threshold value, which is greater than or equal to said first threshold value.

Abstract: A display is described that can be formed from a single sheet of card stock or other planar material. The display can be used as a greeting card, a photograph frame, a desk decoration, an award, a seasonal ornament that can be hung from a hook or loop and for other purposes. Spaced-apart, superimposed image panels are hinged or folded to spacers. The panels have apertures that define pictorial elements in profile. The spaced-apart panels may be placed in alignment and view in elevation to reveal a scene having substantial dimensionality. A different scene can be revealed when the display is made of unprinted plain card stock. It is possible, however, to print or emboss the display or to make it using colored papers. It is a particular advantage that the display can be manufactured in a continuous machine process using conventional stock-handling equipment. Another important feature of the article is that it can be stored or shipped flat and expanded when viewing is desired.

Abstract: A book light having a pair of arms or a "U" bracket pivotally attached to a head at one end and a body at the other end. In the case of the "U" bracket, the head is attached by a ball joint and has infinite ranges of motion. The body has a clip for attachment to a book or a bed frame, an on/off switch, a plug for receiving an AC adapter, and a battery compartment. The head has a light assembly and a fluorescent light bulb for illuminating a book. A wire or conductive strip running along, and guided by wire guides, each of the arms provides an electrical connection between the light assembly and the source of power. The pivoting of the head and the body allow them to be pivoted for storage in the space between the arms or so that the book light be used as a free-standing desk lamp. Optionally, the two arms or the "U" bracket may be connected to a pivot arm which swivels about the body to increase the degrees of freedom and the flexibility of the light.

Abstract: A device for shipping, displaying, and storing gloves in which a rack or hanger having a central axial body portion, a retaining portion, and two upright inserting portions, or arms, are used for mounting a pair of bulky gloves, such as those used for playing hockey. The gloves are retained on closely aligned arms, which hold the gloves upright with their palms facing inward, thus prominently displaying the backhand side of the gloves while providing secure, dense packing of the gloves. The hanger is suitable for shipping, displaying, and storing of a pair of gloves. The hanger is formed of a single steel wire, bent to form each portion of the hanger, thus providing a strong, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective product.

Abstract: A flashlight is combined with either a pepper spray or a sonic alarm as a defensive device against an attack by either a human or an animal assailant. A secondary light outlet provides an illumination in the direction of the defensive spray or the sonic alarm source which are positioned perpendicular to the primary light source. A sliding collar serves as a protective cover over the actuator button of the spray or alarm. The guardlight is compact and conveniently carried in a purse or coat pocket. In an emergency, the half-groove, half-rib design of the elliptical shaped handle permits correct orientation of the guardlight by only a tactile sense by the user. A finger-guard on the handle protects the user's hand from protruding into the line of the defensive spray.

Abstract: A wheel retaining device for retaining a plurality of replacement wheels. The wheel retaining device includes an elongate body dimensioned for insertion through apertures formed in the wheels and a retainer positioned proximate at least one of the opposite ends of the elongate body for retaining the wheels on the elongate body. The wheel retaining device further includes a display member for supporting the elongate body on a display.

Abstract: A dual beam flashlight has a primary fixed headlamp and a recessed rotatable secondary lamp energized only in the rotated position. Each lamp has its own energizing system to enable a user to utilize either lamp separately or to have both lamps illuminated.

Abstract: A toy includes a toy vehicle, a launching assembly, and a rotatable sparking mechanism for generating sparks before the vehicle is launched from the launching assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the launching assembly includes a base track having a rack gear, and a push handle including a spring biased plunger. The sparking mechanism is mounted in the vehicle and a drive gear for sparking mechanism extends downwardly where it meshes with the rack gear when the vehicle is received on the base track. The push handle is slidably movable for advancing the vehicle along the base track wherein advancement of the vehicle causes rotation of the sparking mechanism thereby generating sparks, and further wherein a resistance of the sparking mechanism maintains the plunger in a depressed disposition until the drive gear disengages the rack gear.

Abstract: A toy includes a toy vehicle, a launching assembly, and a rotatable sparking mechanism for generating sparks before the vehicle is launched from the launching assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the sparking mechanism is built into the push handle wherein advancement of the push handle along the base track causes rotation of a drive gear thereby generating sparks. The plunger is selectively maintained in a depressed position until the drive gear disengages from the rack gear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simulated flower having a center section and a plurality of petals pivotally mounted to the center section for movement between an open position and a closed position. A toy doll is supported on a doll holder member, which is disposed within the simulated flower center section. A mechanism is provided which operates to raise and lower the holder member, and consequently the doll, and to simultaneously pivot the petals between the open and the closed positions, respectively. When the petals are in the open position, the doll is exposed and when the petals are in the closed position, the doll is enveloped by the petals.