Abstract: The embodiments provide a secure-grip disposable dish for food. A food surface and a raised rim together give the dish to some extent a concave shape. The dish includes a void for receiving a user's thumb. In a first embodiment the void for receiving a user's thumb is configured as a slot. In a second embodiment the void for receiving a user's thumb is configured as an aperture. An elevated shelf proximal to the void for receiving a user's thumb can be included to provide a spot for the tip of a user's thumb to rest on when the dish is in use. In an alternative embodiment, a void for receiving one or more fingers of a user is substituted for the void for receiving a user's thumb.

Abstract: The embodiments provide a secure-grip disposable dish for food. A food surface and a raised rim together give the dish to some extent a concave shape. The dish includes a void for receiving a user's thumb. In a first embodiment the void for receiving a user's thumb is configured as a slot. In a second embodiment the void for receiving a user's thumb is configured as an aperture. An elevated shelf proximal to the void for receiving a user's thumb can be included to provide a spot for the tip of a user's thumb to rest on when the dish is in use. In an alternative embodiment, a void for receiving one or more fingers of a user is substituted for the void for receiving a user's thumb.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments provide a frame for a one person three-wheeled human powered vehicle, the rear portion of which resembles an upright bicycle frame capable of supporting a fixed rear drive wheel substantially in alignment with the frame centerline. The frame has a left-side lateral extension and a right-side lateral extension, each of which includes a head tube at or near its outer end where front forks or steering posts can be secured. Each front fork or steering post can then hold one of two front steerable wheels. The frame is compatible with shock-absorbing suspension technology, which can be employed if desired.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments provide a frame for a one person three-wheeled human powered vehicle, the rear portion of which resembles an upright bicycle frame capable of supporting a fixed rear drive wheel substantially in alignment with the frame centerline. The frame has a left-side lateral extension and a right-side lateral extension, each of which includes a head tube at or near its outer end where front forks or steering posts can be secured. Each front fork or steering post can then hold one of two front steerable wheels. The frame is compatible with shock-absorbing suspension technology, which can be employed if desired.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing passwords, access codes, and personal identification munbers by making them pace, rhythm, or tempo sensitive. The password includes a sequence of characters and an associated timing element. To access a restricted device or funcion a user enters the correct character sequence according to the correct pace, rhythm, or tempo. The entered sequence and timing elementare compared with stored values and access is granted only if the entered and stored values match. In an alternative embodiment the stored timing element is set, and periodically altered, by a computer or program without consent from the user and visual, auditory, and/or tactile prompts indicate the correct timing element to the user during the authentication process. The meaning of the prompts are provided to the user in advance.

Abstract: A water rescue device for use in man overboard situations, comprising a foldable frame structure formed from a plurality of individual segments. The device is restrained in a compact storage configuration until needed. When deployed, resilient band or elastic cord material causes the foldable frame structure to assume an unfolded deployed configuration which floats and can be seen by rescuers. In an alternative embodiment, the device also serves as a lifting basket to assist in lifting a victim from the water.

Abstract: A sail flaking system, comprising attachment points for receiving resilient band or elastic cord material. The attachment points are to be affixed in sets to a boat sail, the sets alternating from side to side on the sail. Each set of attachment points can then be joined by elastic cord/resilient band material, the elastic cord/resilient band material preferably sized to be under tension when the sail is raised. As the sail is lowered, the action of the resilient band/elastic cord material will pull on each set of attachment points creating a fold in the sail on the opposite side. The side-to-side alternation of these folds result in a flaked sail when the sail is fully doused.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing passwords, access codes, and personal identification numbers by making them pace, rhythm, or tempo sensitive. The password includes a sequence of characters and an associated timing element. To access a restricted device or function a user enters the correct character sequence according to the correct pace, rhythm, or tempo. The entered sequence and timing element are compared with stored values and access is granted only if the entered and stored values match. In an alternative embodiment the stored timing element is set, and periodically altered, by a computer or program without consent from the user and visual, auditory, and/or tactile prompts indicate the correct timing element to the user during the authentication process. The meaning of the prompts are provided to the user in advance.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing passwords, access codes, and personal identification numbers by making them pace, rhythm, or tempo sensitive. The sequence of characters comprising the password/access code/personal identification number has an associated timing element. To access a restricted device or function a user must enter the correct character sequence according to the correct pace, rhythm, or tempo. The entered sequence and timing element are compared with stored values and access is granted only if the entered and stored values match. In an alternative embodiment the stored timing element is set, and periodically altered, by a computer or program without consent from the user and visual, auditory, and/or tactile prompts indicate the correct timing element to the user during the authentication process.

Abstract: A force feedback mechanism designed for use with a mouse, trackball, keyboard, or other interface device manipulated by a user. The mechanism consists of a non-planar surface 11 that is substantially balanced with respect to a rotational axis “A.” An actuator 12 controlled by a computer or microprocessor is connected to the non-planar surface 11. In response to signals from the computer or microprocessor the actuator 12 causes the non-planar surface 11 to rotate about its rotational axis “A”, thus conveying force feedback to the user's thumb or fingertip.

Abstract: A force feedback mechanism designed for use with a mouse, trackball, keyboard, or other interface device manipulated by a user. The mechanism consists of a non-planar surface 11 that is substantially balanced with respect to a rotational axis “A.” An actuator 12 controlled by a computer or microprocessor is connected to the non-planar surface 11. In response to signals from the computer or microprocessor the actuator 12 causes the non-planar surface 11 to rotate about its rotational axis “A”, thus conveying force feedback to the user's thumb or fingertip.

Abstract: An electric pressing iron (20) that has a spring-mounted burn guard (30) to prevent persons or things from inadvertently contacting the hot portions of the iron. Openings (31) in the burn guard are shaped to precisely receive raisedlareas (28) protruding from the iron's heated sole plate (27). The raised areas remain recessed in the openings when the iron is not being used. Upon use, support springs (32) compress and the distal ends of the raised areas extend and act in combination with the burn guard to form a flat ironing base. A connecting arm (47) coordinates movement of the burn guard with a mercury switch (39) that, unless the iron is in an upright position, automatically shuts off power to the heating element when downward pressure on the iron is released.

Abstract: A golf club head cover (20) that includes an uncovered aperture (21) for viewing club head identification markings. A slot (22) permits passage of the club head into and out of the cover (20). Part of the cover (20) protects the neck of the club head. The slot (22) runs down the side of the neck that is substantially opposite the face of the club head to prevent distortion of the slot (22) as clubs of different loft angles are enclosed within the cover (20).

Abstract: A quick-release handgun holster that has a latch device comprising a lever (20) with an engagement end (22) and a finger button end (24), the engagement end having a locking face (25) for retaining a handgun in the holster by engaging the trigger guard. An outer wall (36) prevents the engagement end from touching the trigger of the handgun by limiting how far the handgun can be inserted into the holster. A support wall (32) and a guide wall (34) facilitate alignment of the trigger guard with the locking face by limiting lateral movement of the handgun with respect to the lever. Quick release operation is provided by a spring-loaded tongue (23) that moves the handgun outward past the lock point when the finger button end is urged.

Abstract: A knife/sheath locking assembly for retaining a knife (10) or other tool within a sheath (16). Two flexible arms (18) extend outward from opposite sides of the open end (17) of the sheath (16). The handle (12) of the knife (10) includes two tunnel structures (32) located proximal to the blade (14) and spaced to cooperatively accept the flexible arms (18) of the sheath (16). Latch means disposed on each flexible arm (18) comprised of a recess or notch (29) retain the knife (10) within the sheath (16) by engaging a tooth (25) located in a corresponding position within each tunnel structure (32), and removal of the knife (10) requires the inward urging of the distal ends (22) of the flexible arms (18).