Abstract: A gas storage and delivery system for replacing gas lost from a pressurized container or a carbonated beverage, or for introducing a gas such as oxygen into a beverage such as bottled water or a sports drink.

Abstract: A process of treating natural rubber latex articles, such as gloves and condoms, to alter the characteristics of the article so as to improve its barrier properties and resistance to passage of harmful agents therethrough, and the article produced by the process. The article is manufactured in accordance with conventional methods and then treated with a reactive gas, in particular a halogen gas such as fluorine gas, or a mixture of gasses. The treatment is conducted in a sealed chamber in accordance with the protocol of the “Level 1” fluorination treatment performed by Fluoro-Seal, Inc., of Ontario, Calif.

Abstract: A shirt collar in which the material forming at least the neckband, but alternatively both the neckband and the collar, is arranged with the weave thereof on a bias so that in the event the length of the threads shrinks there is only a negligible reduction in the circumferential size of the collar, and the collar is stretchable in a direction parallel to the circumferential direction. The stitching that forms the seams attaching the collar to the neckband, and the neckband to the body of the shirt, may be applied in a pattern, e.g., zig-zag or skip stitching, that enables the seams to stretch in the circumferential direction of the collar.

Abstract: A shirt collar in which the material forming at least the neckband, but alternatively both the neckband and the collar, is made of a stretchable material that yields in a circumferential direction when a circumferential tensile force is applied thereto, and which shrinks only negligibly in a circumferential direction in the event of shrinkage of the neckband. In a preferred embodiment, the neckband is made of a woven fabric comprised of warp and weft threads, with at least some of the threads arranged on a bias so that in the event the length of the threads shrinks there is only a negligible reduction in the circumferential size of the collar, and the collar is stretchable in a direction parallel to the circumferential direction. In another form of the invention, the neckband is made of a non-elastomeric material that has a plurality of holes in it which elongate when a tensile force is applied circumferentially to the neckband, resulting in elongation of the neckband.

Abstract: Transaction cards operable as “smart cards”; credit cards; debit cards; access cards; et cetera, having an self-enabling and self-disabling feature provides for authentication and proper user verification. The card receives input from a user and determines if the input is valid. If the user input is valid, the card responds by enabling a magnetic stripe thereon. The magnetic stripe is enabled for a limited time after which it is then disabled. A disabled magnetic stripe is then inoperable for activating card readers. A card which is lost or stolen cannot be used by unauthorized users as it would have a magnetic stripe in a disabled state and only an authorized user would have the ability to enable it. The card possesses a high level of compatibility with known methodology in the art and does not require additional equipment and systems to attain its high security level.

Abstract: A process of treating natural rubber latex articles, and the article produced by the process, such as medical gloves, to render them safe for contact with persons sensitive to antigenic latex protein normally present in the articles. The article is manufactured in accordance with conventional methods and then exposed to an oxidizing agent, such as a halogen gas, and specifically fluorine, to eliminate or reduce to negligible levels the antigenic latex protein in the article. In a preferred embodiment, a quantity of the articles are placed in a fluorination chamber where they are contacted with a gaseous mixture containing a small proportion of fluorine gas.. The mixture introduced into the chamber is at ambient temperature and pressure, i.e., approximately 72° F. and 14.7 psi, and the contact time between the article and the gaseous mixture is very short, on the order of only about three minutes.

Abstract: Transaction cards operable as “smart cards”; credit cards; debit cards; access cards; et cetera, having an self-enabling and self-disabling feature provides for authentication and proper user verification. The card receives input from a user and determines if the input is valid. If the user input is valid, the card responds by enabling a magnetic stripe thereon. The magnetic stripe is enabled for a limited time after which it is then disabled. A disabled magnetic stripe is then inoperable for activating card readers. A card which is lost or stolen cannot be used by unauthorized users as it would have a magnetic stripe in a disabled state and only an authorized user would have the ability to enable it. The card possesses a high level of compatibility with known methodology in the art and does not require additional equipment and systems to attain its high security level.

Abstract: A process of treating natural rubber latex articles, such as gloves and condoms, to alter the characteristics of the article so as to improve its barrier properties and resistance to passage of harmful agents therethrough, and the article produced by the process. The article is manufactured in accordance with conventional methods and then treated with a reactive gas, in particular a halogen gas such as fluorine gas, or a mixture of gasses. The treatment is conducted in a sealed chamber in accordance with the protocol of the “Level 1” fluorination treatment performed by Fluoro-Seal, Inc., of Ontario, Calif.

Abstract: A shirt collar in which the material forming at least the neckband, but alternatively both the neckband and the collar, is arranged with the weave thereof on a bias so that in the event the length of the threads shrinks there is only a negligible reduction in the circumferential size of the collar, and the collar is stretchable in a direction parallel to the circumferential direction. The stitching that forms the seams attaching the collar to the neckband, and the neckband to the body of the shirt, may be applied in a pattern, e.g., zig-zag or skip stitching, that enables the seams to stretch in the circumferential direction of the collar.

Abstract: An expandable shirt collar in which the material forming at least the neckband, but preferably both the neckband and the collar, is arranged with the weave thereof on a bias so that it is stretchable in a direction parallel to the circumferential direction of the collar. The stitching that forms the seams attaching the collar to the neckband, and the neckband to the body of the shirt, may be applied in a pattern, e.g., zig-zag or skip stitching, that enables the seams to stretch in the circumferential direction of the collar.

Abstract: A dry, ready-to-eat cereal product in which pieces of cereal are coated with a dry powdered milk or milk substitute product that is reconstitutable in hot or cold water to produce a cereal having flavor, appearance and nutritional value comparable to an equivalent cereal that is not coated with the dried milk or milk substitute product but to which liquid milk has been added.

Abstract: An individual serving size cereal package containing a dry, ready-to-eat cereal, in which a quantity of dry cereal pieces are placed in a container with a dry milk product, such as dry powdered milk or milk substitute, and other additives, such as nutrients, sweeteners and flavorings, to form a food product that is nutritional and convenient to eat, and is also simple and economical to make.

Abstract: Transaction cards operable as "smart cards"; credit cards; debit cards; access cards; et cetera, having an self-enabling and self-disabling feature provides for authentication and proper user verification. The card receives input from a user and determines if the input is valid. If the user input is valid, the card responds by enabling a magnetic stripe thereon. The magnetic stripe is enabled for a limited time after which it is then disabled. A disabled magnetic stripe is then inoperable for activating card readers. A card which is lost or stolen cannot be used by unauthorized users as it would have a magnetic stripe in a disabled state and only an authorized user would have the ability to enable it. The card possesses a high level of compatibility with known methodology in the art and does not require additional equipment and systems to attain its high security level.

Abstract: An expandable shirt collar has one or more transverse reinforced cuts or openings in the neckband which spread apart or open when a longitudinal force is applied to the neckband to effectively elongate the neckband to compensate for shrinkage of the shirt collar or an increase in neck size of the wearer. In one form of the invention, a vertically oriented button hole at one end of the band may serve as the cut or opening, either alone or in combination with additional cuts or openings spaced from the ends of the band. In another form of the invention, a piece of expandable pleated material may be sewn into the cut or opening. Also disclosed are a button having an elongate oval shape, and/or a notched periphery, to facilitate placement of the button through a button hole.

Abstract: Articles of the invention include cereal food products prepared in their manufacture processes with a specialized surface coating which operates to make a cereal product which can be easily mixed with water only to yield a good tasting product. A coating of milk or milk-like substance applied to the surface of cereal pieces may be mixed with water. The result is cereal in a liquid substance of reconstituted milk or substance which resembles milk. The mixture of cereals of the invention and water substitute for the common combination of cereal and real milk.

Abstract: A package for storing, mixing and dispensing multi-component products in which the components must be maintained separate from one another until just prior to use, and then mixed together for use. The package includes an outer container for holding a first material, and an inner container within the first container for holding a second material. The inner and outer containers, and particularly the inner container, are flexible tubes with a flattened and sealed end. The other end of the inner tube is closed by a displaceable plug which may be displaced therefrom upon exertion of a predetermined compressive force caused, for example, by simultaneously squeezing the outer and inner containers. Displacement of the closure plug from the inner container enables the first and second materials to be mixed together.

Abstract: Systems of the invention for forming artificial fingernails include methods, apparatus and kits. A form implement is fashioned into a complementary shape of a fingernail. Acrylic material in a gelatinous state, applied to a base comprised of a natural fingernail and optionally an artificial fingernail tip, is molded by further application of a form. A form of the invention tends to shape the acrylic material in a preferred manner before it hardens in the polymerization process. The form, left in intimate contact with the hardening acrylic material, imparts its shape and texture to the material. A form, thereafter having been removed from a newly created artificial fingernail, creates a superior looking nail having a smooth transparent look which is more natural and desirable. In addition, forms of the invention result in better shaped nails having less defects than nails formed via commonly known techniques.

Abstract: Artificial fingernails and fingernail kits which are comprised of a plurality of pieces laminated together form a composite nail having a preferred look. A preferred look called "French Manicure" is obtained where the color scheme very accurately resembles the colors of a natural nail. Fingernails of the invention have a pink color visible through a white translucent material. The arrangement of the pieces which form the composite nail may include a structure where a first thin piece made of translucent material is attached to a second thin piece made of colored material. The composite nail may be attached in a conventional way to a natural nail or alternatively, the nail may be built-up, step-by-step onto a natural nail.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing artificial fingernails and/or fingernail polish includes a receptacle holding a quantity of solvent for dissolving artificial fingernails and/or fingernail polish. The receptacle has an open top through which all the fingers of a user's hand can be inserted simultaneously to immerse the user's fingertips in the solvent. An annular brush is secured inside the receptacle in position to engage the fingernails of fingers inserted through the open top, for scuffing the fingernails to facilitate dissolving and removing fingernail polish and/or artificial fingernails from the fingers of the user. A rotatable finger support and locating device is positioned concentrically with the annular brush to assist in properly supporting and locating the fingers of the user relative to the brush, and a splash shield is positioned around the periphery of the open top to minimize splashing of solvent from the receptacle during use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for containing, mixing and dispensing multiple component products, wherein the components are maintained separate from one another until immediately prior to use, and the components are then mixed together to form a product for use. The apparatus includes a pressurized outer container for holding a primary component, and a pressurized inner container supported inside the outer container for holding a secondary component separate from the primary component. The inner container is openable when the pressure inside the inner container exceeds that in the outer container by a predetermined amount, whereby the interiors of the inner and outer containers are in communication with one another to enable admixture of the two components. In use, the primary component is introduced into the outer container and pressurized to a predetermined pressure.