Abstract: A self-supporting sign of unitary construction comprises a middle portion having a first side, a second side, an upper side, and a lower side. A first foldable flap extends from the first side at a first distance beneath the upper side. A second foldable flap extends from the second side at a second distance beneath the upper side. A front foldable portion having a rounded perimeter extends from the lower side. In a use configuration, the middle portion forms an obtuse angle with respect to the front portion. A first slit is provided adjacent the first side and a second slit is provided adjacent the second side. The first and second slits are configured to aid in the respective folding of the first flap and the second flap with respect to the middle portion.

Abstract: A method for printing a label having a first side, a second side, and a border comprises the step of providing a printing apparatus. The border is coated with an adhesive at the second side and a release liner is releasably secured thereto. The apparatus comprises a direct thermal printer having a first print head and a thermal transfer printer adjacent thereto and having a second print head. The method includes the step of coating the second side with a direct thermal coating, and the step of situating the label underneath the printing apparatus such that each of the first print head and the second print head face the first side. A controller is used to cause the direct thermal printer to print a second indicia on the second side, and to cause the thermal transfer printer to print a first indicia on the first side.

Abstract: A rotatable, adjustable circular focus sight is installed in a front sight of a handgun. The focus sight has a circular opening that may be rotated to different positions in the front sight to sharpen aiming of the handgun in order to accommodate varying environmental conditions and different types of ammunition. Alternative embodiments of the focus sight incorporate various cross-hair patterns and a pinhole.

Abstract: A method for printing a label having a first side, a second side, and a border comprises the step of providing a printing apparatus. The border is coated with an adhesive at the second side and a release liner is releasably secured thereto. The apparatus comprises a direct thermal printer having a first print head and a thermal transfer printer adjacent thereto and having a second print head. The method includes the step of coating the second side with a direct thermal coating, and the step of situating the label underneath the printing apparatus such that each of the first print head and the second print head face the first side. A controller is used to cause the direct thermal printer to print a second indicia on the second side, and to cause the thermal transfer printer to print a first indicia on the first side.

Abstract: Self-supporting signs and methods of manufacturing are provided. One self-supporting sign includes a generally planar base portion and a generally planar upper portion extending from the base. The upper portion is foldable relative to the base about a fold line for movement between a storage configuration in which the base and upper portions are generally coplanar and a use configuration in which the base is generally horizontal and the upper portion is raised relative to the base. Only folding about the fold line is necessary to move from the storage configuration to the use configuration, and the base and upper portions are sufficiently rigid such that the upper portion remains at the use configuration after being moved to the use configuration. At least one of the base portion and the upper portion has a removable section independently usable for carrying data.

Abstract: A slug for a firearm cartridge made of plastic. Alternative embodiments have a flat leading end or a stair-stepped leading end. Additional embodiments have a metal insert. The length and diameter of the slugs vary depending on the caliber of the firearm. A preferred embodiment is made from acetal resin (polyoxymethylene).

Abstract: A facility and services are provided for the storage of firearms and other valuables. The facility includes a secure, theft proof and fire proof structure for the storage of firearms, gold, and other variables in containers. The facility also provides services for the valuables, including cleaning, polishing, repairs, and maintenance. Insurance, research, sale, trading, and information services may also be provided by the facility.

Abstract: A single release speed loader for firearms includes a light weight, elongated cylindrical body with a closure device at the bottom. Firearm cartridges are stacked inside the body and are prevented from sliding out of the elongated body by a closure at an end thereof. When the closure is removed, the elongated body is moved over the chambers of the cylinder of a firearm, and the cartridges slide out of the elongated body and into the chambers one at a time.

Abstract: Systems and methods of organizing and conducting games are set forth herein. One method of organizing and conducting a game comprises steps of arranging a plurality of contestants within a predefined adventurous area, and providing a plurality of items, each item having a distinct identifying characteristic. An ultralight with a programmable ejection system launches the plurality of items into the adventurous area through the air according to a predetermined routine. The contestants are allowed to search for and collect the items launched by the ultralight within the adventurous area before the game ends. Means are provided for correlating the identifying characteristic of each item to a prize, and each contestant is allowed to retain the prize correlating to the identifying characteristic of the item that was collected by the contestant.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for appraising and selling an item includes the step of using a kiosk to physically receive the item from a seller. The method comprises the step of appraising the item by determining a composition of the item using an evaluating device and associating an exchange value with the item using market data obtained over a network. A global positioning device determines a location of the kiosk. The method includes the step of using a legal database to ascertain a set of rules governing the sale of the item in the location. The set of rules comprise a holding requirement dictating that the item be retained for a fixed number of days before it is sold to a buyer. The method also includes the step of selling the item to the buyer at the kiosk in compliance with the set of rules.

Abstract: A system for appraising an item physically received from a seller includes a transaction point computer. The item has at least one constituent selected from the group consisting of a precious stone, a semi-precious stone, a precious metal, and a semi-precious metal. Appraising the item includes determining a composition of the item using an evaluating device and associating an exchange value with the item using the evaluating device and market data obtained over a network. The system includes a networking device and shipping carton dispenser configured to provide a shipping carton for shipping the item to a depository. The system further includes a shipping label dispenser for providing a fold-under label to be adhered to the shipping carton, and a slot for dispensing a transaction card to the seller. The shipping carton is shipped to the depository after the transaction card is loaded with the exchange value.

Abstract: A substrate containing a magnetic strip, a 2-D bar code, or a QR bar code secured to the substrate, the magnetic strip, 2-D bar code, or QR bar code containing electronically readable information about an amount of money. The magnetic strip, 2-D bar code, or QR bar code is passed through a reader and an amount of money is credited in a sale transaction. The 2-D bar code, QR bar code, or magnetic strip may be removably secured to the substrate so that it may be removed and saved for later use.

Abstract: A self-supporting sign of unitary construction comprises a middle portion having a first side, a second side, an upper side, and a lower side. A first foldable flap extends from the first side at a first distance beneath the upper side. A second foldable flap extends from the second side at a second distance beneath the upper side. A front foldable portion having a rounded perimeter extends from the lower side. In a use configuration, the middle portion forms an obtuse angle with respect to the front portion. A first slit is provided adjacent the first side and a second slit is provided adjacent the second side. The first and second slits are configured to aid in the respective folding of the first flap and the second flap with respect to the middle portion.

Abstract: Self-supporting signs and methods of manufacturing same are provided herein. In one embodiment, a self-supporting sign comprises a generally planar base portion and a generally planar upper portion extending from the base portion. The upper portion is foldable relative to the base portion about a fold line for movement between a storage configuration in which the base and upper portions are generally coplanar and a use configuration in which the base portion is generally horizontal and the upper portion is raised relative to the base portion. Only folding about the fold line is necessary to move from the storage configuration to the use configuration, and the base and upper portions are sufficiently rigid such that the upper portion remains at the use configuration after being moved to the use configuration. The upper portion may be offset from the base portion between about 50° and 90° when at the use configuration.

Abstract: A system for incentivizing purchases by consumers comprises a kiosk configured to appraise an item. A composition of the item is determined using an evaluating device. A cash value is associated with the item using data obtained by the evaluating device and market data obtained over a network, and an exchange value of the item is determined by subtracting a processing fee from the cash value. At least one of the cash value and the exchange value is relayed to the consumer on an output device. The consumer is asked to select via an input device between at least a first offer and a second offer in exchange for the item. A kiosk or mall booth for buying and receiving credit transaction cards, debit transaction cards, gift transaction cards, or coupons is also disclosed.

Abstract: Several shot shell pellets are connected by a tether strung through a hole or pinched in center of each pellet. Several shot pellets are connected in this manner with only the pellets at the end of the tether being fixed to the tether. The tether may be string, twine, thread, or elastic material, or may be connected through various other means. Differently shaped and sized shot pellets may also be used, and different numbers of shot pellets may also be tethered in this fashion.

Abstract: An automotive buyer guide comprises a front side having a central portion and an outer portion. The central portion and the outer portion are separated by a perforated border. The guide includes a back side which has an adhesive area that generally corresponds to the outer portion. At least part of the adhesive area comprises adhesive. A liner generally corresponding to the adhesive area is removably affixed to it. The adhesive area is configured to allow for securement of the back side to a window of the vehicle. The central portion can be detached from the outer portion along the perforated border after the automotive buyer guide is secured to the window.

Abstract: A fold-under label comprises a first portion having a first front face and a first back face. The first front face is configured for the printing of indicia. A second portion has a second front face and a second back face and a first gap. A third portion has a third front face and a third back face. The third portion includes an outer label. At least part of the third back face has an adhesive. At least part of the adhesive extends through the first gap when the first portion and the second portion are collectively folded behind the third portion.

Abstract: A system for incentivizing purchases by consumers comprises a kiosk configured to appraise an item having one constituent selected from the group consisting of a precious stone, a semi-precious stone, a precious metal, and a semi-precious metal. A composition of the item is determined using an evaluating device. A cash value is associated with the item using data obtained by the evaluating device and market data obtained over a network, and an exchange value of the item is determined by subtracting a processing fee from the cash value. At least one of the cash value and the exchange value is relayed to the consumer on an output device. The consumer is asked to select via an input device between at least a first offer and a second offer in exchange for the item.

Abstract: Versatility and high resolution are imparted to a high-speed printing apparatus by depositing separate colors of inkjet ink, under computer control, directly onto the blanket cylinder(s) for transfer to a printable substrate held on an impression cylinder, thus eliminating the need for printing plates and making it possible to electronically change the image or any part thereof from one impression to the next via a computer program. A plurality of inkjet heads may also successively deposit inks of different consistency directly on one or more blanket rollers under the control of a computer.