Abstract: A die apparatus and methods of making a die body can provide a skin slot extending through a honeycomb network and an end portion of a plurality of pins, wherein the skin slot includes opposed sides that are each in fluid communication with the honeycomb network. In further embodiments, methods are provided for co-extruding a honeycomb body and an integral skin with a die body including a skin slot.

Abstract: An interactive inventive pictorial menu is provided, which may be superimposed over internet art obtained, for instance, from the internet. The interactive inventive pictorial menu provides controls by which images can be created, manipulated and supplemented by overlaying additional images accessed through menu software providing Internet Art Programs and Menu Art Programs. The combination of images may be utilized to facilitate creating further inventions or creative prospects. In one non-limiting embodiment, the images created by the user of the interactive inventive pictorial menu may then be used with the Inventor's Menu Tic Tac Toe model. The internet art and program or menu art may be adjusted in size and location to produce an image that is well proportioned and realistic. The user may draw over the art to produce innovations and creations. Also, the art selected from menu and program art, and internet art, may be selected from a wide ranging list of subjects in menus or sub-menus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing strengthened ceramic honeycomb articles having thickened peripheral web segments by extruding, drying and firing honeycomb shapes formed by the extrusion of plasticized ceramic powder batches through honeycomb extrusion dies having peripheral slots incorporating outer widened slot portions of controlled depths, the controlled depths being selected to increase ceramic powder batch flow through the peripheral slots to a degree sufficient to form the thickened web segments but insufficient to cause geometric distortion of the thickened web segments.

Abstract: An interactive menu apparatus and method for creating inventions or prospects for inventions via the juxtaposition of key concepts (which may be words, symbols, or pictures) over displays of elements of websites obtained using the Internet. The key concepts may be entered by a user or may be defined from word paths or sets displayed on the menu, from one to six simulated spun reels or drums below the menu, seen through one to thirty open spaces, cells or windows on the menu.

Abstract: An interactive inventive pictorial menu is provided, which may be superimposed over internet art obtained, for instance, from the internet. The interactive inventive pictorial menu provides controls by which images can be created, manipulated and supplemented by overlaying additional images accessed through menu software providing Internet Art Programs and Menu Art Programs. The combination of images may be utilized to facilitate creating further inventions or creative prospects. In one non-limiting embodiment, the images created by the user of the interactive inventive pictorial menu may then be used with the Inventor's Menu Tic Tac Toe model. The internet art and program or menu art may be adjusted in size and location to produce an image that is well proportioned and realistic. The user may draw over the art to produce innovations and creations. Also, the art selected from menu and program art, and internet art, may be selected from a wide ranging list of subjects in menus or sub-menus.

Abstract: An interactive menu apparatus and method for creating inventions or prospects for inventions via the juxtaposition of key concepts (which may be words, symbols, or pictures) over displays of elements of websites obtained using the Internet. The key concepts may be entered by a user or may be defined from word paths or sets displayed on the menu, from one to six simulated spun reels or drums below the menu, seen through one to thirty open spaces, cells or windows on the menu.

Abstract: An interactive menu apparatus and method within a software computer video display system for creating inventions or prospects for inventions, via the juxtaposition of concepts or words, defined from word paths or sets displayed on the menu, from one to six simulated spun reels or drums below the menu, seen through one to thirty open spaces, cells or windows on the menu. In the preferred embodiment, the INVENTOR'S MENU TTT t.m, nine space grid, is utilized.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing customer service, comprising providing an external user interface (UI) remotely accessible by customers via a global computer information network; providing an internal UI accessible by call-center customer service representatives (CSRs); retrieving from databases and displaying information on the internal and external UIs; automatically storing information entered via the internal UI and information entered via the external UI in the databases; and receiving and automatically processing instructions entered via the internal UI and instructions entered via the external UI. The internal and external UI each include a shared website browser that displays information in a specific format, has a specific functionality, and receives information for processing.

Abstract: An inventive, interactive, menu apparatus and method, and the plural, within a software computer video display system for creating inventions or prospects for inventions, via the juxtaposition of concepts or words, defined from word paths or sets displayed on the menu, from one to six simulated spun reels or drums below the menu, seen through one to thirty open spaces, cells or windows on the menu. In the preferred embodiment, the INVENTOR'S MENU TTT t.m., a classic Tic Tac Toe like, nine space grid, is utilized, which makes the process of inventing as comprehensive, fast, and as much fun as it can be, which is the inventive tool which the world has been looking for.

Abstract: A basestation transceiver simultaneously addressing multiple air interface standards with cost-effective and efficient allocation of the resources available at the transceiver. The invention significantly reduces the redundancy of the radio frequency equipment used in the transceiver by the use of a common digitizing rate selected to simultaneously accomodate all of the air interface protocols serviced.

Abstract: A semi-recumbent, human powered, four wheel cycle has an independent front suspension and wheels that are turned. A conventional bicycle chain drive drives one or both front wheels. The rear wheels are also driven in additional embodiments.

Abstract: A selection diversity system and method for use in a TDMA (time division multiple access) radio system, particularly suited for DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone) applications, in which a single receiver makes a performance measurement on each of two antennas in sequence during the beginning of a received data burst, the beginning of the burst being determined by a timing signal fed back from a previous burst. A slicing level used in the receiver to perform threshold detection is continuously improved during the measurements of the two antennas, but held while switching between the antennas. The previously unused antenna is measured first to minimize the likelihood of having to perform two antenna switches.

Abstract: A coaster board operable on irregular terrain includes a longitudinally elongated platform supported on a pair of spaced suspension and steering systems. Each suspension and steering system includes a suspension rod and a cooperative steering bar. Each suspension rod is resiliently attached to the platform near the lateral center of the platform and is supported on independently rotatable wheels mounted laterally exterior of the platform. Each suspension rod includes a laterally central orifice. A steering bar is fixedly attached to the platform. A steering bar segment extends downwardly from the platform through the suspension rod orifice and engages interior lateral sides of the orifice whereby rotation of the coaster board platform and the steering bar in a vertical plane about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the platform exerts downward force on a side of each suspension rod.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an improved inflatable flying saucer toy which is comprised of two pieces capable of being joined by male and female construction. The saucer is made up of an upper dome section, an upper lip section, a lower lip section, an inside lip section, and a lower dome section all of which may individually be thicker than the remaining sections or which may have reinforcement rings molded into them to hold the saucer in an ideal aerodynamic shape. The shape holding features of the saucer can also provide additional weight to the saucer.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an improved finger flickable flying saucer toy which has a spring and finger tab positioned from either the inner lip or inner body section. The face of the tab is always approximately in line with the radius of the saucer so that the energy imparted to it always results in a flight path that is in line with the direction that the face of the tab is aimed. The spring greatly facilitates launching and enables the user to often achieve long distance flights.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spring operated flying saucer toy wherein a spring located within the saucer is compressed by a hand held rod which, when released from the saucer, will propel the toy in a forward direction.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an improved cigarette snuffing implement which has a clamp to grip the sidewall of most vehicular, and some household, ashtrays, and a snuffer, comprised of split tube construction, having complementry sections, and a spring loaded hinge which pivotally attaches the sections. The split tube is open at both ends with one end terminating and secured, at the top of the clamp, and the other end positioned for the reception of cigarettes. An ejector arm is located within the split tube so that once the cigarette is deposited, and snuffed, the omplimentry body portions may be separated, and the cigaratte ejected to the bottom of the ashtray.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a small hand tossed flying saucer toy that is slightly larger than the partially closed fist of the user so that it rests on the hand over the end of the fist. At least one internal launching tab is provided for launching the toy by a flick of the user's finger against the tab. The upper surface of the toy may completely cover the fist, may be shaped generally like a doughnut with an open center area or be formed with openings therethrough.