Abstract: A machine readable code on a label of a pill or imprinted directly thereon. The code may be used to track the identity of the pill for purposes of avoiding mix-up or trademark violations. The code has patterns whose resolution is too small for the unaided eye to discern.

Abstract: Code processing for promotional games and the like. In a preferred application, a lottery ticket holder who has purchased a lottery ticket is encouraged to access a designated Internet site by rewarding access thereat on the condition that information visibly supported on the lottery ticket from a given drawing is input at an Internet site and a test indicates that the information so-input matches lottery numbers that were picked for that drawing. Access to predetermined Internet-based services or sites can also be had as an award to an individual for inputting an iconic code at a machine connected to the Internet if the input code tests as valid, with the code being marked so as to be usable only once. Preferably, the iconic code is input by click-selecting displayed icons one after another in an order that corresponds to that of a code provided to the individual. POS methods for code processing are also described.

Abstract: A hair decoration such as a kit comprises a series of beads connectable to one another and a set of appliqués. At least a portion of the beads contains one or more lights inside which are in electrical communication with one another to permit power to be commonly supplied to the lights from a battery. One or more beads includes a mechanism for attaching the beads to hair. A light circuit is coupled to the light-containing beads to drive the lights. Appliqués in the set of appliqués are selectively applicable to the beads by a user, have a transmissivity, and are in a path of illumination of the lights. As a result, when the lights are driven by the light circuit, the lights shine and provide illumination in the path. The illumination can be direct or backlit. A method of decorating hair is also provided.

Abstract: A DVD or CD case having a DVD nest which is sized and shaped to hold a DVD optical disc (or any similarly sized disc). The DVD nest is conical in shape and made from a flexible (or semi-rigid) material so that it functions as a bistable cone and therefore rests in either a down position (wherein the cone is directed downwardly) or an up position (wherein the cone is directed upwardly). Located centrally within the DVD nest is a hub assembly which may be conventional and includes a supportive ledge onto which a DVD may rest. The hub assembly is attached to and preferably integrally formed with the bistable cone in such a manner that the hub assembly (and any supported DVD located thereon) moves from a rest position wherein the DVD is recessed within the nest, and a raised position wherein the DVD is raised above the nest so that its edge may be grasped and the DVD removed from the case.

Abstract: A method for conducting a promotional game or lottery in which the awards are access to one or more predetermined internet-based services or sites. Validation codes are entered into a computer which is communicatively connected to the Internet and registered at a designated Internet site. Rewards and benefits are thereafter available to the individual at retail stores and Internet sites if the code previously had been registered at the designated Internet site.

Abstract: A vending machine that can dispense an item at multiple price points is described. The vending machine dispenses one or more items, each ordinarily having a predetermined price. The vending machine receives a proof-of-purchase (POP) identifier, and has a processor configured to permit at least one of the items in the machine to be dispensed for less than the predetermined price if the POP identifier was received. A method for enticing a further sale at one or more vending machines is also described in which a random customer is provided with a POP identifier in response to a purchase from a first vending machine. The POP identifier is thereafter received at a second vending machine that ordinarily vends each of its items at respective predetermined prices. A particular item is vended from the second vending machine for less than its predetermined price in response to at least one predetermined criterion such as the receipt of the POP identifier.

Abstract: A method for conducting a promotional game or lottery in which the awards are access to one or more predetermined internet-based services or sites. Validation codes are distributed to customers on game cards or purchase receipts. The validation code is entered into a computer which is communicatively connected to the internet, and a number of e-points are awarded if the input validation code matches one of a plurality of validation codes stored at a remote site. The e-points are a measure of an amount of a benefit which is spent like money or elapses like time in response to usage of a designated internet service or site. The greater the number of e-points, the greater the benefit conferred upon the player. The e-points are exchangeable for limited access to the designated sites or services on the internet. The magnitude of the e-point reward may be based upon purchase transactions made in a retail store.

Abstract: A child-resistant/senior-friendly container includes a cap assembly having a retainer that is adapted to thread onto the container, and an outer skirt loosely fitted around the retainer. The skirt includes at least one grasping member which is pivotal between a disengaged position wherein the skirt may freely rotate with respect to the retainer and an engaged position wherein the skirt engages the retainer. In the engaged position, both the skirt and the retainer may be rotated and removed from the container. The retainer cannot be rotated when the grasping member is located in the disengaged position. A handle may be attached to the skirt, between two opposing and pivotal grasping members so provide leverage in rotating the cap from the container when the grasping members are in the engaged position.

Abstract: A drinking bowl for household pets having an agitator is disclosed to prevent the water in the drinking bowl from remaining stagnant when a household pet is not drinking therefrom. The agitator may be an aerating device such as an air pump, a rotating impeller, or an acoustic or mechanical driver. The agitation may induce a circulation in the water so that debris floating therein can be collected. A backflow preventing device may also be included.

Abstract: This invention is directed generally to garment hangers of the type on which information clips may be locked, and, in particular, to garment hangers adapted to receive such a locking information clip so that its removal is prevented or strongly inhibited, and to the locking information clips themselves.According to aspects of the present invention the information clip not only resiliently engages a ledge adjacent the edge of the clip holder, but in addition is provided to discourage or prevent moving the clip side walls apart to disengage the clip from the ledge. In certain forms of the invention, further assurance of non-removability is provided by engaging edges of the clip with engagement elements on the clip holder, without interfering with use of conventional molding for producing the hanger. In other forms of the invention, other arrangements are provided to retain the clip on the hanger by strongly inhibiting lifting one or both side walls of the clip by use of fingers or finger nails.

Abstract: A machine readable code on a label of a pill or imprinted directly thereon. The code may be used to track the identity of the pill for purposes of avoiding mix-up or trademark violations. The code has patterns whose resolution is too small for the unaided eye to discern.

Abstract: A clinching assembly for use with an insertion machine of the type used to form and insert the lead-wires of an electronic component into openings of a printed circuit board insertion machine. The clinching assembly includes two clinch heads that are selectively movable along a U-axis, parallel to the circuit board. Each clinching assembly is further selectively movable along a Z-axis, perpendicular to the circuit board. A single pneumatic actuator is used to raise and lower both clinch heads simultaneously. A T-shaped linkage attaches each clinch head with the single pneumatic actuator. Vertical movement of the pneumatic actuator is translated through the T-shaped linkage to vertically displace both clinch heads, and simultaneously, allow horizontal displacement of each clinch head, independent of the vertical location of the T-shaped linkage.

Abstract: A wrist watch comprising a watch case containing a timing movement and a watchband defining a longitudinal axis. Securing means is provided to secure the watch case to the watchband so that the watch case may be selectively displaced along a predetermined distance of the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, securing means includes a protective covering material attached to the watchband and forming a tubular structure. The tubular structure defines a cavity in which a watch case may reside and slide with respect to the watchband. The covering may include one or more openings to selectively expose the watch face from the protective covering.

Abstract: This invention is directed generally to garment hangers of the type on which information clips may be locked, and, in particular, to garment hangers adapted to receive such a locking information clip so that its removal is prevented or strongly inhibited, and to the locking information clips themselves.According to aspects of the present invention the information clip not only resiliently engages a ledge adjacent the edge of the clip holder, but in addition is provided to discourage or prevent moving the clip side walls apart to disengage the clip from the ledge. In certain forms of the invention, further assurance of non-removability is provided by engaging edges of the clip with engagement elements on the clip holder, without interfering with use of conventional molding for producing the hanger. In other forms of the invention, other arrangements are provided to retain the clip on the hanger by strongly inhibiting lifting one or both side walls of the clip by use of fingers or finger nails.

Abstract: A garment hanger for use with a channel-shaped information clip, the hanger having a clip holder portion with an engagement element for preventing outward movement of the clip side wall after the clip is mounted on the clip holder portion, to prevent disengagement of the clip from the hanger. The clip has an outwardly projecting hook-like portion to engage the hanger engagement element.

Abstract: A portable blade sharpening system including a sharpening device having a main body and a clamping bar for securing a blade to be sharpened. Guide arms having openings are attached to the main body for receiving and guiding a support rod. The support rod is attached to a sharpening hone holder and is movable between a retracted and extended position. The sharpening hone holder has a channel for housing the support rod when it is in the retracted position. The clamping bar includes recessions for providing it with a lowprofile adjacent the clamped blade. The openings of the guide arms are substantially rectangular so that a consistent cutting angle is maintained.

Abstract: A portable blade sharpening system including a sharpening device having a main body and a clamping bar for securing a blade to be sharpened. Guide arms having openings are attached to the main body for receiving and guiding a support rod. The support rod is attached to a sharpening hone holder and is movable between a retracted and extended position. The sharpening hone holder has a channel for housing the support rod when it is in the retracted position. The clamping bar includes recessions for providing it with a low-profile adjacent the clamped blade. The openings of the guide arms are substantially rectangular so that a consistent cutting angle is maintained.