Abstract: A specially formulated beverage composition designed to be ingested by a pre-operative patient at least about 2 hours prior to administration of anesthesia is provided herein. The beverage composition is preferably provided in a single-serving volume containing at least about 200 Calories, which Calories are primarily from a non-protein, non-fat source, such as one or more carbohydrates. In a most preferred embodiment, the composition includes about 48 grams maltodextrin, about 6 grams fructose and about 6 grams glucose, in water with enough citric acid to provide a final solution pH of about 4.3.

Abstract: A Stirling machine having two pistons coupled to a harmonic crank drive linkage for providing a specified phase relationship between sinusoidal displacements of each piston with respect to a fixed fiducial point. The harmonic crank drive linkage has a primary crankshaft and an eccentric crankshaft mounted internally to the primary crankshaft and coupled via a gear set to counterrotate with respect to the primary crankshaft. The eccentric crankshaft may be cantilevered with respect to the primary shaft, with the pistons of the engine coupled to the eccentric crankshaft externally to the supporting bearings. A flywheel coupled to the eccentric crankshaft provides for operation of the engine with a zero net angular momentum. An intake manifold provides for mixing air and fuel for combustion heating of the engine.

Abstract: A method of training golf putting skills is provided which is related to improving a sweet-spot type swing for a golfer. The method preferably includes determining a sweet spot of the head of a golf putting club, positioning a light projecting apparatus on a proximal end portion of a golf putting club, and downwardly projecting a beam of light from the apparatus positioned on the proximal end portion of the golf putting club onto a putting surface so as to form a line of light positioned substantially perpendicular to and extending outwardly a substantial distance prior to and a substantial distance away from the sweet spot of the head of the golf putting club. The method also preferably includes performing a pendulum-type swing on either a real or imaginary ball and attempting to maintain the line of light so that it passes over the center of the ball and remains there throughout the stroke until ball contact is made.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for treating a workpiece such as a shoe component. The workpiece treating apparatus preferably includes a transporter for transporting a workpiece along a predetermined path of travel and a storage device for storing a plurality of predetermined parameters of each of a plurality of workpieces. A workpiece identifier is positioned responsive to the storage device for identifying the workpiece during travel along the predetermined path. A workpiece treatment applicator is positioned adjacent the transporter and responsive to the workpiece identifier for applying a treatment a workpiece being transported along the predetermined path of travel. A workpiece treatment position determiner preferably is positioned responsive to the workpiece identifier for continuously determining the position of the workpiece treatment applicator along a predetermined trajectory during treatment of the workpiece.

Abstract: A comb for treating hair which is simple to use effectively by either a professional hair stylist or a non-professional. The comb includes tines, the free ends extending to form an arcuate plane, and forwardly deepening retaining areas between adjacent tines for retaining treatment material, such as highlighting gel. The comb also includes pairs of forked teeth at the free ends of the tines. Each pair of teeth define a recessed groove therebetween which tapers back from the top surface to the bottom surface of the tines. Connected to these grooves are channels which extends along the bottom surface substantially toward the spine of the comb to guide the hair not being treated away from the retaining area. In use, the comb is swiped through the hair, the hair is channeled between the tines so that the hair receives treatment material which has been previously charged in the retaining areas.

Abstract: A compact and portable bath bench which is mounted on a frame supported by a pair of foldable brackets which engage an outer side wall of a bathtub. The frame is stabilized by a foldable leg assembly which extends from the frame to the bottom of the bathtub. A seat may be supported on the bench by a moveable carriage so that an individual may be seated adjacent the side wall of the bathtub and thereafter moved centrally thereof.

Abstract: A device for holding the protective sheath of at least one hypodermic needle to permit recapping in a single-handed operation includes a hollow receptacle formed with a cavity which contains a deformable support material. The support material is penetrable by the sheath to embed the tip portion thereof in the support material and thereby hold the sheath in a substantially fixed position relative to the receptacle while the needle is withdrawn from or inserted into the sheath. The device also includes a contact adhesive on its base surface to selectively attach the device to a solid object to stabilize the receptacle during use.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable anchoring base for road sign posts, posts which are elements of a structural system, and the like. The object of the invention is to provide a pre-manufactured permanent anchoring base, intended primarily for installation approximately flush with finish grade, which allows rapid and simple initial mounting, temporary remounting of damaged posts, plumb alignment, and secure positioning of varied types of posts. The invention is comprised of a bottom component of heavy, cast material having embedded anchor bolts protruding above its top surface, the center of said component formed as a cavity of vertically slanted and tapered faces into which a post is inserted, centered, supported and restrained horizontally at the cavity's bottom surface. The top component restrains the post both horizontally and vertically, and is comprised of adjustable anchoring plates with slotted holes, flat ring washers, and threaded nuts, all secured to the bottom component's anchor bolts.