Abstract: An entertainment device for use by pets. The entertainment device can have a hollow enclosure with access openings and exit openings. The hollow enclosure may have one or more play items with diameters larger than the access openings and the exit openings within the hollow enclosure. The hollow enclosure may also have one or more smaller play items with diameters larger than the access openings and smaller than the exit openings. The smaller play items may be used external to the hollow enclosure to entertain the pet.

Abstract: An entertainment device for use by animals is disclosed. The entertainment device can have a hollow enclosure with access openings and exit openings. The hollow enclosure may have one or more play items with diameters larger than the access openings and the exit openings within the enclosure. The hollow enclosure may also have one or more smaller play items with diameters larger than the access openings and smaller than the exit openings. The smaller play items may be used external to the hollow enclosure to entertain the animal.

Abstract: A retractable pet leash is disclosed that can alternatively be held in a user's hand or secured to a belt worn around the user's waist. The leash is retractable inside an enclosure having a concave surface designed to conform generally to the shape of a user's hip or waist. The retractor retracts a first length of leash that has a first connector coupled to its distal end. The first connector can be coupled to a second connector that is coupled to a handle portion of a second length of leash. The connectors allow the user to disconnect the second length of leash from the retractor.

Abstract: A hose having clamps secured at opposing ends is disclosed. The clamps provide a compressive force to secure the hose to an appropriately sized tube. A portion of the clamp is disposed between an inner surface and an outer surface of the hose to help prevent accidental removal. A portion of the clamp may extend out an opening expending from a passageway formed between the inner and outer surface. The openings at the opposing end of the hose may be rotational aligned relative to each other and optionally to curves in the hose itself.

Abstract: A doubled wall container is disclosed having a fill cap that allows a user to alternately add or remove a liquid from an interior volume formed between the walls of the container.

Abstract: A doubled wall container is disclosed having a fill cap that allows a user to alternately add or remove a liquid from an interior volume formed between the walls of the container.

Abstract: A retractable pet leash is disclosed that can alternatively be held in a user's hand or secured to a belt worn around the user's waist. The leash is retractable inside an enclosure having a concave surface designed to conform generally to the shape of a user's hip or waist. The retractor retracts a first length of leash that has a first connector coupled to its distal end. The first connector can be coupled to a second connector that is coupled to a handle portion of a second length of leash. The connectors allow the user to disconnect the second length of leash from the retractor.

Abstract: A hose having clamps secured at opposing ends is disclosed. The clamps provide a compressive force to secure the hose to an appropriately sized tube. A portion of the clamp is disposed between an inner surface and an outer surface of the hose to help prevent accidental removal. A portion of the clamp may extend out an opening expending from a passageway formed between the inner and outer surface. The openings at the opposing end of the hose may be rotational aligned relative to each other and optionally to curves in the hose itself.

Abstract: A method for representing digitized scanned image data obtained by a non-intrusive cross-sectional image generating device. By representing an original set of user-input data points in polar coordinates, such that all of the points lie in the upper two quadrants of the coordinate system, a cubic spline algorithm can be applied once to generate a series of polynomial functions that describe a curve connecting all of the input data points. The method also uses the calculated cubic spline coefficients for the initial curve to determine intermediate data points at each of which a uniform length perpendicular is constructed. By traversing each perpendicular a desired length, new data points equidistant from the initial curve are calculated, resulting in additional curves equidistant from the initial curve. Any of the curve representations generated can then be used to select pixels from the scanned image data to display a reformatted view of the original data.

Abstract: A method for generating synthesized cross-sectional images perpendicular to a line or curve that approximates the shape of a structure scanned by a non-intrusive cross-sectional image generating device, such as a CT, MR, or ultrasonic scanner. The inventive method involves three basic processes: generation of a set of perpendicular lines along an initial curve that approximates the curvature of the scanned structure; selection from each original scanned image of pixels corresponding to discrete points on each of the generated perpendicular lines; and interpolation between adjacent lines of pixels collected in the second step to generate a complete perpendicular cross-sectional image. The invention permits making a single pass through all axial image data, during which selected pixels for a perpendicular cross-sectional view are collected in a temporary data file for subsequent interpolation for display purposes.