Abstract: In several embodiments of the invention, a pickup saddle for a stringed instrument includes a U-shaped top cap having two legs, each leg including a receiving portion configured to mate with a mating portion of a base, a base fitted to the interior of the top cap, where two surfaces of the base include a mating portion matching with and affixed to a receiving portion of the top cap, a piezoelectric transducer placed between the top cap and the base and electrically connected to the base, a positive wire connected to the piezoelectric transducer, and a ground wire connected to the base.

Abstract: In several embodiments of the invention, a pickup saddle for a stringed instrument includes a U-shaped top cap having two legs, each leg including a receiving portion configured to mate with a mating portion of a base, a base fitted to the interior of the top cap, where two surfaces of the base include a mating portion matching with and affixed to a receiving portion of the top cap, a piezoelectric transducer placed between the top cap and the base and electrically connected to the base, a positive wire connected to the piezoelectric transducer, and a ground wire connected to the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a collapsible kettlebell system featuring a collapsible bladder like structure that can be filled by a liquid such as water, metal shavings or shot, sand and other appropriate substances. A handle is provided as a point of grip by the user. The handle includes an internal support structure that keeps the collapsible bladder in place. The internal support may also include a cavity for an optional/additional weight.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a multipurpose cutting board and food preparation device. The device comprises a housing structure, a rail disposed on one edge of the housing structure, interchangeable color coded cutting boards, and a detachable cutting assembly. The cutting assembly may include interchangeable blades tailored for specific types of food cuts, e.g., julienne and chopping, slicing, and dicing. The cutting assembly provides an additional cutting option and flexibility with the interchangeable blades. The housing structure includes a storage area for storing the interchangeable color coded cutting boards not in use. The storage area promotes better organization of the cutting boards and the color coding helps identify the appropriate cutting board for the task.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, an orbital or co-orbital vibration training and exercise device featuring a housing containing two weighted disks. The unit's housing features two handles that can be grabbed from multiple points and they can also be used as a pedal when the device is used for the lower extremities. As the motion is made by the end user (example: frontal pulls) the two disks spin in opposite directions creating a challenging instability that requires the recruitment of more muscles to control, providing a deep tissue and toning exercise.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a convenient temperature gauge for measuring and displaying the temperature of a cooking surface, i.e., the heated place where a food substance is cooked, in cookware. The temperature gauge may be a standalone device and placed directly in cookware of any type. The temperature gauge includes a digital or analog display at one end. A sensor is provided at the other end, which is placed in direct contact with or in close proximity to the cooking surface in order to measure the temperature of the surface. Alternatively, the temperature gauge may be included within a cookware vessel such as a lid of a pan.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a customizable writing instrument and a software technique for manufacturing such using self-adhesive pre-die cut sheets of printable paper, specialized software, standard or customized ink cartridges, and optional magnets.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, an oil infuser and metered dispenser for creating delicious, perfectly seasoned oil entrees. The dispenser comprises an infusing compartment and a filter disposed therein for receiving one or more flavor pods. A pump draws a base oil in the infusing compartment through the filter and flavor pods, and out the filter into a dispensing compartment. The filter prevents particulate matter from being dispensed in the infused oil. A sensor is included for measuring predetermined amounts of infused oil. Various flavored pods are provided for infusing seasoning, herbs, and other flavors into the base oil.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a skin care device and system for treating skin. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a skin care device implements a high-frequency sonic or ultrasound emitter to exfoliate, cleanse, and smooth skin in combination with light therapy. Advanced microfiber brush heads are interchangeable and vary in color to provide different colored light therapy to the skin. The present invention can be used every day to help refresh skin cells, improve surface texture, and prepare the skin to better absorb cosmeceutical beauty treatments.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a food mincer with blades that are not exposed, simple activation by pressing the actuator down, a transparent bottom vessel allowing the food preparer to see the food while it is being minced, dual rotating blades which rotate around the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, and blades interdisposed for better cuts.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, an exercise device to satisfy the desire people have to achieve lean, sculpted abdominal muscles (“abs”). The device comprises a frame 110, a removable pneumatic exercise ball, and a plurality of exercise straps that allow for a series of specific limited and controlled bilateral movements. The user may position their body on the ball by sitting, leaning or laying on the ball (either on their back, stomach, or side) to perform a variety of exercises.

Abstract: A spout valve assembly, for a pump dispenser including a discharge head, is located within an opening in the discharge head for permitting outletting of liquid product and includes a spout valve retained within the discharge head opening by a retainer. The spout valve includes a slit at a first end thereof and an orifice at a second opposite end thereof. The slit includes slit lips directly engageable with and disengageable from each other to respectively define slit closed and opened configurations. The spout valve is made of a material for permitting opening of the slit under pressure from the liquid product for thereby allowing the liquid product to be discharged out through the slit when in the slit opened configuration, and for otherwise permitting closing of the slit to prevent the liquid product from being discharged through the slit when in the slit closed configuration.

Abstract: An automatic steeping French press style apparatus comprises a housing and a carafe. The housing accommodates the carafe and comprises a motor and selector control for operating the device. The housing also comprises a funnel for directing liquid into the carafe, and a driving mechanism in communication with the motor for automatic control of a filter. The filter mechanism operates by virtue of a lead screw which, when rotating, urges a filter and stabilizer downward through the carafe. The non-circular columnar shape of the carafe prevents the filter and stabilizer from turning with the vertical shaft. An agitator located at the bottom of the vertical shaft is used to stir up sediment prior to filtration.

Abstract: An automatic steeping French press style apparatus comprises a housing and a carafe. The housing accommodates the carafe and comprises a motor and selector control for operating the device. The housing also comprises a funnel for directing liquid into the carafe, and a driving mechanism in communication with the motor for automatic control of a filter. The filter mechanism operates by virtue of a lead screw which, when rotating, urges a filter and stabilizer downward through the carafe. The non-circular columnar shape of the carafe prevents the filter and stabilizer from turning with the vertical shaft. An agitator located at the bottom of the vertical shaft is used to stir up sediment prior to filtration.

Abstract: A strap assembly capable of engagement with an object (101) includes a strap (110) having a first end (111) and a second end (112), and further includes a buckle (120, 190) coupled to the strap. The buckle includes a cover (210) and a base (220) adjacent to the cover, and the base includes a slot (221) and an engagement aperture (122). The object with which the strap assembly is engaged has coupled thereto an attachment piece (102), which may take the form of a post (141) topped with a cap (142). The strap extends through the slot, the engagement aperture is capable of engaging the attachment piece, and the buckle is capable of rotating about the attachment piece when the engagement aperture is engaged with the attachment piece.

Abstract: A dessert and ice cream making apparatus for use within or outside refrigerators or freezers, comprising a receptacle, a stirrer with at least one horizontal and one vertical blade to stir the contents of the receptacle, an electric motor for driving the stirrer, a housing for enclosing the electric motor, a locking means to engage and lock the housing on top of the receptacle, a means to shut off the electric motor after the receptacle contents reach a required density and a control panel. The stirrer is designed to scrap the inner surfaces of the receptacle. The apparatus also comprises a container with a securing member to receive and secure the receptacle, to form ice surrounding the receptacle. The container with ice can act as an ice box for the receptacle to allow the apparatus function outside the refrigerator.

Abstract: A strap assembly capable of engagement with an object (101) includes a strap (110) having a first end (111) and a second end (112), and further includes a buckle (120, 190) coupled to the strap. The buckle includes a cover (210) and a base (220) adjacent to the cover, and the base includes a slot (221) and an engagement aperture (122). The object with which the strap assembly is engaged has coupled thereto an attachment piece (102), which may take the form of a post (141) topped with a cap (142). The strap extends through the slot, the engagement aperture is capable of engaging the attachment piece, and the buckle is capable of rotating about the attachment piece when the engagement aperture is engaged with the attachment piece.