Abstract: The invention provides an electronic playing card comprising electronic paper that displays a playing card. Two or more of such electronic playing cards can comprise an electronic playing card deck. The invention further provides an electronic playing card shuffler for electronically shuffling an electronic playing card deck by way of a wired or wireless signal, or alternatively, by way of an electronic paper printer adapted to shuffle the electronic playing card deck. The invention additionally provides an apparatus for playing a card game with an electronic playing card deck in order to improve card game efficiency while maintaining a tactile experience.

Abstract: A ballast apparatus adds ballast above or adjacent to the driven wheels of a vehicle, wherein the ballast can be easily loaded and unloaded without taking up valuable cargo space of the vehicle. The ballast apparatus is preferably integrated with the structure of the vehicle and includes at least one ballast container located within a body cavity of the vehicle, wherein the ballast container includes at least one inlet and at least one outlet.

Abstract: A warning system detects the presence of a child within a vehicle that doesn't rely on the detection of vehicle ignition state to generate an alarm. The warning system is capable of operation within any type of vehicle and could be easily transported from one vehicle to another. The warning system preferably includes a control unit, a first occupant sensor coupled to the control unit, and a second occupant sensor coupled to the control unit. The control unit generates an alarm when the first occupant sensor detects the presence of an occupant and the second occupant sensor does not detect the presence of an occupant. The alarm continues until the second occupant is seated.

Abstract: A combination of amplified genetic material from an individual or other organism with an inanimate article of manufacture to produce a bio-commemorative article is disclosed. The amplified genetic material is preferably produced from a polymerase chain reaction process. The amplified genetic material is coated onto the inanimate article of manufacture, incorporated within a structure of the inanimate article of manufacture or contained within a chamber provided in the inanimate article of manufacture. Optionally, the bio-commemorative article is packaged with documentation that establishes authenticity of the genetic material.

Abstract: A calendar-based image display system is disclosed. The calendar-based image display system uses the current calendar date and/or time to select an image to be displayed on the display screen of a computer, cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, or similar electronic device. Images are stored in a database that may reside within the user's electronic device, or at a remote location. The image displayed may function as a screen saver, a wall paper, or an auxiliary image on the display screen. The calendar-based image display system may be used to display the image of a person whose birthday falls on the current date. Alternatively, it may be used to display an image of a saint whose feast day is on the current date. It may also be used to indicate scheduled activities.

Abstract: A spontaneous full fuel tank indicator is disclosed that allows an operator stationed at the fuel fill aperture of a motor vehicle to know when the fuel tank is completely filled. The indicator may be a visual display or an audible alert. The indicator may also be the CPU operation of a vehicle member such as the honking of the horn, flashing of the lights, or operation of the vehicle sound system. Alternatively, the indicator may be a visual, audible or vibratory alert at a key fob. The full fuel tank indicator operates in real-time without requiring a key in the ignition switch. A converter kit is also disclosed by which an existing vehicle may be equipped with a spontaneous full fuel tank indicator.

Abstract: A spontaneous full fuel tank indicator is disclosed that allows an operator stationed at the fuel fill aperture of a motor vehicle to know when the fuel tank is completely filled. The indicator may be a visual display or an audible alert. The indicator may also be the CPU operation of a vehicle member such as the honking of the horn, flashing of the lights, or operation of the vehicle sound system. Alternatively, the indicator may be a visual, audible or vibratory alert at a key fob. The full fuel tank indicator operates in real-time without requiring a key in the ignition switch. A converter kit is also disclosed by which an existing vehicle may be equipped with a spontaneous full fuel tank indicator.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for the transfer of funds between individuals in an efficient, effective and economical manner. The system includes a transmitting data entry device for entering transmitting transfer data identifying a first personal account of a first individual into a transfer coordinator device, and a receiving data entry device for entering receiving transfer data identifying a second personal account of a second individual into the transfer coordinator device. In addition, amount data corresponding to a monetary amount to be transferred from the first personal account of the first individual to a second personal account of a second individual is entered into the transfer coordinator device. A mechanism is provided for transferring the monetary amount from the first personal account to the second personal account based on the transmitting transfer data and the receiving transmitting data entered into the transfer coordinator device.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for warning when a child has been left in an infant seat and a vehicle as been turned off. The apparatus includes an occupant detection mechanism for detecting the presence of an occupant within an infant seat located within a vehicle; an ignition detection mechanism for detecting the state of the vehicle's ignition system; a control unit for generating an alarm signal when the occupant detection mechanism detects the presence of an occupant within the infant seat and the ignition detection mechanism detects that the vehicle's ignition system has been turned from an "on" state to an "off" state; and an alarm units for generating an alarm in response to the alarm signal. The components of the apparatus can be located within the infant seat, within the vehicle or combined within the infant seat and the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for warning when a child has been left in an infant seat and a vehicle as been turned off. The apparatus includes an occupant detection mechanism for detecting the presence of an occupant within an infant seat located within a vehicle; an ignition detection mechanism for detecting the state of the vehicle's ignition system; a control unit for generating an alarm signal when the occupant detection mechanism detects the presence of an occupant within the infant seat and the ignition detection mechanism detects that the vehicle's ignition system has been turned from an "on" state to an "off" state; and an alarm units for generating an alarm in response to the alarm signal. The components of the apparatus can be located within the infant seat, within the vehicle or combined within the infant seat and the vehicle.

Abstract: A truck bed storage unit is disclosed that is designed to fit adjacent to the tailgate or rear edge of a truck bed. The location of the truck bed storage unit at the rear edge of the truck bed provides easy access to the storage unit.

Abstract: An interior automobile light is disclosed that incorporates a rechargeable energy source and a detachable mounting in order to permit the light to be used as a flashlight. The light is also connected to the electrical system of the automobile in such a manner as to be activated when a compartment door is opened.