Abstract:
A compact package for making an orthopedic cast is disclosed. The package comprises a fabric folded and compressed, having an initial over-all surface area, that, when saturated with water, expands to final over-all surface area that is larger by a factor greater than 50 than the initial over-all surface area. The expansion of the fabric occurs during a first time period. The package also includes a water-curable material, impregnated into the fabric, so that when the material is saturated with water, the material cures over a second period of time to become rigid, wherein the second period of time is substantially longer than the first period of time. When the package is used, the fabric impregnated with the material may be immersed in water and expanded. Once expanded and unfolded, the fabric may be placed around a portion of a body for which the orthopedic cast is desired. When the second time period elapses, the material has become rigid so as to form the orthopedic cast.
Abstract:
A dispenser for water-activated compressed articles is formed from a container for receiving the water-activated compressed articles in a stacked configuration and an activation chamber connected to the container. The activation chamber can hold water and is accessible to a user for receiving a compressed article removed from the container. The container is adapted to dispense a one compressed article at a time. The dispenser provides a way to dispense and activate a compressed article, even when a water source is not immediately available.
Abstract:
A play ball comprising an outer casing having two adjacent openings, a vent and a balloon is provided. The outer casing is substantially non-porous. An uninflated balloon is inserted into the outer casing through an opening. During inflation of the balloon, air from within the outer casing is vented. A handle is attached to the outer casing through the adjacent openings in the casing. The handle is stretchable and can be in the form of an elastomeric band.
Abstract:
An article including a book, a closeable housing and an object in a compressed state in the housing is disclosed. The object is compressed foam that expands into a figure when the housing is opened. The book has one or more characters and the figure is representative of one of the one or more characters. The housing is preferably in a back cover of the book. The compressible toy is made from a compressible and expandable foam.
Abstract:
A retrofittable filter that can be friction fit into a drinking cap for a bottle is disclosed. A filter having an element containing a material that can be released when exposed to a liquid is also disclosed. The material can be a flavoring material, a vitamin, a medication or any other additive that can be released when in contact with a liquid. A generally applicable retrofittable filter is disclosed. A retrofittable filter that only fits a certain design of drinking cap is provided. A kit containing a retrofittable filter that can be friction fit into a drinking cap is also provided.
Abstract:
A system and method of assessing an individual's chance for success is disclosed. The method includes taking a test, the test including questions that measure a plurality of characteristics of the individual. A score associated with each of the measured plurality of characteristics of the individual in accordance with the pre-selected field is weighted. Then a final score is determined from the weighted scores, the score being indicative of the chance for success in the pre-selected field. A movie representing an individual's progress may be generated.
Abstract:
An improved short life coupon system which allows a television viewer to select discount or promotional coupons while viewing a television commercial. Coupon information relating to the commercial is sent to a central station which also contains up-to-date point-of-sale information. This information is analyzed by the central station so that the coupon can be specifically designed to satisfy the viewer and maximize sales.
Abstract:
An improved short life coupon system which allows a television viewer to select discount or promotional coupons while viewing a television commercial. Coupon information relating to the commercial is sent to a central station which also contains up-to-date point-of sale information. This information is analyzed by the central station so that the coupon can be specifically designed to satisfy the viewer and maximize sales.
Abstract:
A book with a USB connection is provided. The book also has a memory and optionally a processor. One or more documents are stored in the memory. When the book is connected to a personal computer, the documents can be displayed on the personal computer. The documents can be modified and stored on the memory in the book for later use by the book's owner. A server can also be connected to the personal computer and the progress of a plurality of students with books can be monitored. Educational systems and methods are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Microencapsulated materials are added to compressed products. Microencapsulation permits a wide range of products to be incorporated into these compressed products while maintaining the dry, compressed nature of the products. In one aspect, methods are provided that comprise forming the article, that comprises paper or fabric, in a size of intended use; attaching a plurality of microencapsulated beads containing a material therein to the paper or fabric; and compressing the article to a compressed size that is smaller than the size of intended use. In another aspect, articles comprise a liquid-expandable paper or fabric, and a plurality of microencapsulated beads containing a material therein attached to the paper or fabric.