Abstract: An integrated tissue dispensing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a tissue dispensing container configured to hold at least one tissue, the tissue dispensing container comprising a front face, a top face, a back face positioned opposite to the front face, a left side face, a bottom face, and a right side face positioned opposite to the left side face and a disposal receptacle formed with and fixedly adjoined to the hollow dispensing container and comprising a receptacle bottom wall connected to the back face of the dispensing container, the receptacle bottom wall formed with and fixedly adjoined to a receptacle back wall of the disposal receptacle. The disposal receptacle is in a closed position covering the top face of the tissue dispensing container and is movable to an open position exposing the top face of the tissue dispensing container. The device may be constructed of cardboard, for example.

Abstract: A credit card reader shields a credit card, stores data from one or more credit cards simultaneously and then selectively broadcasts data associated with one of the cards. A slim, electromagnetically shielding housing has a cavity and a card reader for reading data from a credit card received in the cavity. A processor connects the card reader to a memory component, and connects both to an RFID device, where the credit card data can be broadcast to an RFID reader. A control interface allows a user to initiate reading credit card data, to select a card data set to store in memory, or to broadcast a dataset. A display shows transaction information and stored card data. A retractable input/output plug can engage a socket on another device to transmit and receive data. A memory card device can selectively store credit card data and transaction data.

Abstract: An integrated tissue dispensing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a hollow dispensing container configured to hold at least one tissue, the hollow dispensing container comprising a front face, a top face, a back face positioned opposite to the front face, a left side face, a bottom face, and a right side face positioned opposite to the left side face, and a foldable trash disposal receptacle formed with and fixedly adjoined to the hollow dispensing container and comprising a receptacle bottom wall connected to the back face of the dispensing container. The foldable trash receptacle is configured to fold between a closed position and an open position relative to the dispensing container. Also provided are embodiments including a multi-panel single semi-rigid foldable piece that when assembled forms a dispensing container and trash disposal receptacle. The device may be constructed of cardboard, for example.

Abstract: A composition for drinking water and a method for preparing the same are presented. The composition includes a volume of water and a predetermined amount of each of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and silica. The method includes obtaining the volume of water, testing the volume of water to determine the amount of these four minerals in the volume, and adding a mineral packet to the volume of water, wherein the mineral packet includes predetermined amounts of these four minerals.

Abstract: A non-scaled, linearly compressed pictographic mapping system is provided for the visual display of information in a navigational aid. Unlike today's road maps which use a point-arc-polygon paradigm, the new mapping uses a non-scaled, linearly-compressed pictographic design that shows roads as linear pictograms. The display has a columnar layout, whereby the descriptive elements are grouped together by type, and displayed one above the other in columns. The maps may also contain icons representing points of interest arranged in a cloud fashion. In this manner, the mapping paradigm also serves to increase traveler safety, provide navigation assistance during address-less trips, create valuable advertising space and new promotional opportunities, and dramatically increases the travelers' communications and entertainment options.

Abstract: A non-scaled, linearly compressed pictographic mapping system is provided for the visual display of information in a navigational aid. Unlike today's road maps which use a point-arc-polygon paradigm, the new mapping uses a non-scaled, linearly-compressed pictographic design that shows roads as linear pictograms. The display has a columnar layout, whereby the descriptive elements are grouped together by type, and displayed one above the other in columns. The maps may also contain icons representing points of interest arranged in a cloud fashion. In this manner, the mapping paradigm also serves to increase traveler safety, provide navigation assistance during address-less trips, create valuable advertising space and new promotional opportunities, and dramatically increases the travelers' communications and entertainment options.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering an electronic video game allows a consumer to purchase the game in sequential portions. The video game is broken down into incremental portions that are each individually available for sale. A consumer purchases a first portion of the video game that contains the first level, or set of levels, of the game. When the first portion is completed by the consumer, the consumer can then buy the next sequential portion for an additional incremental sum of money. The incremental portions may contain one or more levels. Similarly, the initial purchase vehicle may contain the entire game and a consumer purchases key codes to access subsequent portions of the game.

Abstract: A non-scaled, linearly compressed pictographic mapping system is provided for the visual display of information in a navigational aid. Unlike today's road maps which use a point-arc-polygon paradigm, the new mapping uses a non-scaled, linearly-compressed pictographic design that shows roads as linear pictograms. The display has a columnar layout, whereby the descriptive elements are grouped together by type, and displayed one above the other in columns. The maps may also contain icons representing points of interest arranged in a cloud fashion. In this manner, the mapping paradigm also serves to increase traveler safety, provide navigation assistance during address-less trips, create valuable advertising space and new promotional opportunities, and dramatically increases the travelers' communications and entertainment options.

Abstract: A non-scaled, linearly compressed pictographic mapping system is provided for the visual display of information in a navigational aid. Unlike today's road maps which use a point-arc-polygon paradigm, the new mapping uses a non-scaled, linearly-compressed pictographic design that shows roads as linear pictograms. The display has a columnar layout, whereby the descriptive elements are grouped together by type, and displayed one above the other in columns. The maps may also contain icons representing points of interest. In this manner, the mapping paradigm also serves to increase traveler safety, provide navigation assistance during address-less trips, create valuable advertising space and new promotional opportunities, and dramatically increases the travelers' communications and entertainment options.

Abstract: A novel mapping paradigm is provided for the visual display of information in the form of an improved navigational aid. Unlike today's road maps which use a point-arc-polygon paradigm, the new mapping paradigm uses a compressed linear-pictographic-topological design that typically depicts roads as vertical linear pictograms. Further, the display has a columnar layout, whereby the descriptive elements are grouped together by type, and displayed one above the other in columns. In this manner, the mapping paradigm also serves to increase traveler safety, provide navigation assistance during address-less trips, create valuable advertising space and new promotional opportunities, and dramatically increases the travelers' communications and entertainment options.

Abstract: There are described herein systems and methods for producing and distributing personalized photographic souvenirs for spectators of an event. Equipment well-known in the art is used to take photographs of performers at the event, and to scan images or take photos of items representative of the event, for example a ticket stub, advertisement, or team names and logos. In addition, at least one pan-and-tilt camera system, also well-known in the art, is used to take an orderly, indexed series of photos of the spectators such that substantially every spectator will appear in at least one spectator photo. The spectator photos are indexed according to a predetermined mapping algorithm, which maps a particular location of the venue to a virtual sector. Individual souvenirs are then created at the venue in a centralized processing location, by organizing and combining a spectator photo with the other photos and/or scanned images.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for screening and identifying athletes that have the highest potential within their chosen sport and providing a training and development environment for these athletes at the elite and super elite level of their respective sport. The system employs a nine part integrated system that is structured in a manner that assists in identifying those player that are the most able to benefit from intensive training to move them from a top-level athlete to an elite athlete. The steps generally include prescreening, athlete selection, pre-training/preparation, intensive training, progress monitoring, player family support and communication, cultural exposure, professional career placement and post career support and counseling. In this context, a comprehensive approach is provided for identifying talented athletes and providing a training and development environment for these athletes.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for increasing purchase conversion rates for prospective online buyers of products and services by offering an incentive to encourage a quicker decision to complete the purchase. In those cases when a trial is offered, the present invention incentivizes the prospective buyer to skip the trial and proceed immediately to purchase the product or service being offered. The system includes a timer that is visible to the customer and counts the elapsed time since the offer was made and an offer statement that describes the incentive being offered in order to proceed with the purchase. The timer in turn counts down a time until the incentive offer expires. There may further be a hidden prize offered by the seller, to be won by the potential purchaser if they make the decision to buy at a specific time during the offer period.

Abstract: There are described herein systems and methods for producing and distributing personalized photographic souvenirs for spectators of an event. Equipment well-known in the art is used to take photographs of performers at the event, and to scan images or take photos of items representative of the event, for example a ticket stub, advertisement, or team names and logos. In addition, at least one pan-and-tilt camera system, also well-known in the art, is used to take an orderly, indexed series of photos of the spectators such that substantially every spectator will appear in at least one spectator photo. The spectator photos are indexed according to a predetermined mapping algorithm, which maps a particular location of the venue to a virtual sector. Individual souvenirs are then created at the venue in a centralized processing location, by organizing and combining a spectator photo with the other photos and/or scanned images.

Abstract: There are described herein systems and methods for producing and distributing personalized photographic souvenirs for spectators of an event. Equipment well-known in the art is used to take photographs of performers at the event, and to scan images or take photos of items representative of the event, for example a ticket stub, advertisement, or team names and logos. In addition, at least one pan-and-tilt camera system, also well-known in the art, is used to take an orderly, indexed series of photos of the spectators such that substantially every spectator will appear in at least one spectator photo. The spectator photos are indexed according to a predetermined mapping algorithm, which maps a particular location of the venue to a virtual sector. Individual souvenirs are then created at the venue in a centralized processing location, by organizing and combining a spectator photo with the other photos and/or scanned images.

Abstract: A novel mapping paradigm is provided for the visual display of information in the form of an improved navigational aid. Unlike today's road maps which use a point-arc-polygon paradigm, the new mapping paradigm uses a compressed linear-pictographic-topological design that typically depicts roads as vertical linear pictograms. Further, the display has a columnar layout, whereby the descriptive elements are grouped together by type, and displayed one above the other in columns. In this manner, the mapping paradigm also serves to increase traveler safety, provide navigation assistance during address-less trips, create valuable advertising space and new promotional opportunities, and dramatically increases the travelers' communications and entertainment options.

Abstract: There are described herein systems and methods for producing and distributing personalized photographic souvenirs for spectators of an event. Equipment well-known in the art is used to take photographs of performers at the event, and to scan images or take photos of items representative of the event, for example a ticket stub, advertisement, or team names and logos. In addition, at least one pan-and-tilt camera system, also well-known in the art, is used to take an orderly, indexed series of photos of the spectators such that substantially every spectator will appear in at least one spectator photo. The spectator photos are indexed according to a predetermined mapping algorithm which maps a particular location of the venue to a virtual sector. Individual souvenirs are then created at the venue in a centralized processing location, by organizing and combining a spectator photo with the other photos and/or scanned images.

Abstract: There are described herein systems and methods for producing and distributing personalized photographic souvenirs for spectators of an event. Equipment well-known in the art is used to take photographs of performers at the event, and to scan images or take photos of items representative of the event, for example a ticket stub, advertisement, or team names and logos. In addition, at least one pan-and-tilt camera system, also well-known in the art, is used to take an orderly, indexed series of photos of the spectators such that substantially every spectator will appear in at least one spectator photo. The spectator photos are indexed according to a predetermined mapping algorithm which maps a particular location of the venue to a virtual sector. Individual souvenirs are then created at the venue in a centralized processing location, by organizing and combining a spectator photo with the other photos and/or scanned images.

Abstract: A means and method of providing a novel collectible memorabilia item is disclosed. The present invention involves concealing a memorabilia item that is affixed to a carrier item by the manufacturer thereof. To ensure that the memorabilia item remains hidden, so that they can only be seen by buyers after they have paid for their purchase, the protective devices could optionally be tamper-proofed. Additionally, the means for concealment includes protective devices and/or the optional tamper-proofing devices in addition to components similar to those currently utilized in anti-theft systems. In addition to protecting the memorabilia item and ensuring that it remains with the carrier item, by concealing the memorabilia an element of chance is introduced to the purchasing process. Accordingly, the true value of the carrier item and the memorabilia item attached there to is not revealed until the carrier item is purchased and the protective device is then removed.

Abstract: There are described herein systems and methods for producing and distributing personalized photographic souvenirs for spectators of an event. Equipment well-known in the art is used to take photographs of performers at the event, and to scan images or take photos of items representative of the event, for example a ticket stub, advertisement, or team names and logos. In addition, at least one pan-and-tilt camera system, also well-known in the art, is used to take an orderly, indexed series of photos of the spectators such that substantially every spectator will appear in at least one spectator photo. The spectator photos are indexed according to a predetermined mapping algorithm which maps a particular location of the venue to a virtual sector. Individual souvenirs are then created at the venue in a centralized processing location, by organizing and combining a spectator photo with the other photos and/or scanned images.