Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording speech from more than one speaker, and producing a human-perceptible alert when more than one speaker speaks for longer than a predetermined time. The speech may be transcribed by a human operator, or by digital means, such as voice-recognition transcription software. The recorded data may also be processed to make it more readily manually or digitally transcribed, such as by creating separate speech tracks when simultaneous speech is detected, whether by separate microphones, video data indicating two speakers speaking simultaneously, or other means. The recorded data may be time-stamped and rendered unchangeable to maintain the integrity of the data.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a computer, such as a smart watch, to a wrist-encircling band, such as a bracelet or watch band. This provides the wearer with the advantage of an attractive watch or bracelet, along with the functionality of a smart watch or other computer and the ability to avoid wearing two articles encircling the wrist. The apparatus includes a panel that the smart watch may mount to, and an arm extending from the panel to attach to the band. The panel and arm may be a single, integrated structure, or they may be removably mounted together. A strip may encircle the panel and arm, along with the band, in order to provide a removable fastener to the band. The smart watch may mount to the panel using conventional fasteners or using the mounting structures inherent in the watch, such as watch band mounting structures.

Abstract: A footwear apparatus and method including a sole to which fasteners are attached. Straps are mounted to fasteners and extend across the user's foot when the footwear is worn. The invention permits enormous variety in constructing footwear for the user to change the straps to suit his or her interests. Preferred straps include woven rubber or silicon bands forming a strip that is attached using loops at the ends of the straps. The fasteners are preferably pins extending through apertures formed in the soles of the footwear, where the pins have enlarged heads that prevent the pins from pulling the apertures and hooks or loops in the ends of the pins. Clips can fasten the loops on the straps to the loops on the pins.

Abstract: A loom having pins formed with a base, wherein the pins have a lip that is transverse to the axial shaft of the pin. The base has openings at the juncture of each pin with the base, and each opening is located directly beneath the corresponding lip of the pin when the pins are vertical and extend upward from the base, thereby avoiding the need for any multiple-component mold sections. Mold halves are preferably used to form the loom, the first mold half having fingers that extend into cavities in the second mold half. The lips of each pin are formed between the tip of each finger and the deepest wall of each cavity.

Abstract: A system whereby a first user can post messages securely to a central data server, which date stamps the messages and permanently records their content and dates. Other authorized users can access the account on the central data server, and preferably can post messages to the same. The dates and content of the messages posted cannot be changed. Thus, the system is a reliable source of information about the content of communications and the dates of receipt by the central data server. Notice can be sent to users by email or otherwise apprising them of a newly posted message.

Abstract: A method of conveying virtual and real gifts from one entity to another that includes unique benefits to the sender and the recipient. The sender purchases a virtual gift and real gift features, and the recipient receives both the real and the virtual gift if he or she accepts the virtual gift and complies with the requirements of acceptance. The real gift features motivate the recipient to accept the virtual gift.

Abstract: A method of rewarding sponsored individuals after they obtain public exposure for their sponsor's trademark or other indicia. The indicia are placed on the individual's person, such as his or her clothing, vehicle or equipment, and publicity is gained. Evidence of the public exposure is communicated to the sponsor, or the proper management agent, for verification and disbursement of the fee. The communicating step can be carried out by the individual, the agent or anyone else to whom this task is assigned. This incentive to gain exposure inspires the individuals, and the fact that payment does not come until after the exposure has occurred reduces the financial risk to the sponsor of a sponsored individual who does not gain significant exposure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a customer pre-purchasing goods, such as liquid fuel, from an entity and taking possession of the goods at a later time. Fuel is dispensed at a fuel-dispensing facility operated by a third party. The customer pre-purchases the fuel, such as by transmitting money to the entity. The entity sends evidence of the pre-purchase to the customer. The customer presents the evidence of the pre-purchase to the third party. The evidence verifies the customer's right to the fuel. The third party verifies the evidence and then permits the customer to dispense the fuel, such as into a fuel tank. The entity then transmits to the third party a second amount of money related to the amount of fuel dispensed. The second amount of money is substantially equal to a value of the dispensed fuel at the second time.

Abstract: A system whereby a first user can post messages securely to a central data server, which date stamps the messages and permanently records their content and dates. Other authorized users can access the account on the central data server, and preferably can post messages to the same. The dates and content of the messages posted cannot be changed. Thus, the system is a reliable source of information about the content of communications and the dates of receipt by the central data server. Notice can be sent to users by email or otherwise apprising them of a newly posted message.

Abstract: A game that teaches learning children rewards for desirable behavior and punishments for undesirable behavior. One or more cards are given to a child or other learning person. The cards have indicia indicating a reward and the number of points required to receive the reward. Points are awarded, and preferably noted on the card, for desirable acts by the child. Finally, upon receiving all of the points required, the child redeems the card for the reward indicated. The invention teaches learners to behave appropriately to receive a reward, and avoid inappropriate behavior to avoid losing a reward.

Abstract: A method of encouraging the submission of media content to a web site for viewing by others. The encouragement is provided by the offer of awards, such as money or prizes, to the content that is deemed the most popular, which can be by counting the number of times each content file is viewed. The most popular content file is given notoriety and the provider of the content is awarded the prize. Multiple prizes can be awarded. Accounts can be set up to accept award money, and to pay any fees charged to submit content files.

Abstract: A method for increasing the control people and companies have over release of financial and other sensitive information. The method includes the use of a password that expires in a predetermined amount of time or after a predetermined number of uses. The password is given to a creditor or other third party desiring access to such information from information companies, such as credit reporting bureaus. With the password, the creditor can access the person's information. Without the password, or once the password has expired, the creditor cannot access the person's information. This permits legitimate credit-seeking persons to obtain credit, and prevents thieves from obtaining credit in someone else's name.

Abstract: An illuminating device for an enclosed receptacle, such as a purse or handbag. Because it is difficult to see the contents of a purse due to darkness, the invention includes a light-emitting membrane electrically connected to a power supply and a switch. Actuation of the switch turns the membrane on to illuminate the interior of the purse. The membrane also has a backbone, such as a pair of malleable wires, mounted to it, such as by double-sided tape. The wires, upon bending of the membrane and wires to conform to the interior shape of the purse, retain their deformed shape, and maintain the membrane at the deformed shape. The opposite side of the double-sided tape preferably adheres the membrane and backbone to the interior of the purse or other receptacle.

Abstract: A removable billiard cue tip that can be placed on the end of a conventional billiard cue and subsequently removed easily. The removable tip includes a body having a frustoconical outer surface and a chamber therein as defined by an inner sidewall and an endwall with a soft cushion. An o-ring is mounted in a groove in the inner sidewall, and seats against the outer surface of the conventional cue tip when the removable tip is mounted in place.

Abstract: A removable billiard cue tip that can be placed on the end of a conventional billiard cue and subsequently removed easily. The removable tip includes a body having a frustoconical outer surface and a chamber therein as defined by an inner sidewall and an endwall with a soft cushion. An o-ring is mounted in a groove in the inner sidewall, and seats against the outer surface of the conventional cue tip when the removable tip is mounted in place.

Abstract: A method of sending an email to an email address, or other electronic message to an electronic address, including a caller dialing a telephone number and inputting a communication code, such as a telephone number, to a central computer to which he is connected. The central computer identifies the intended recipient of the message, either by the telephone number dialed by the caller or by the caller inputting an identifier, such as a PIN. The email message is emailed to the intended recipient's electronic address, which can be a wireless telephone, a PC, a PDA or other device.

Abstract: A particulate dispenser having a housing with an internal chamber defined by a housing sidewall and endwall. Tobacco snuff, or other particulate such as medication, is contained in the chamber by a closure, which is a circular disk closure rotatably mounted to the housing along its axis. The disk closure has at least one cavity that serves as a measuring cup formed on the substantially planar surface that faces the chamber. By rotating the closure, the cavity filled with particulate is aligned with an air inlet. Thus, when air is inhaled through a nostril near an inhalation port, air is drawn through the air inlet, thereby drawing the particulate through a linear passage and out the inhalation port.