Abstract: A method on a computer for providing critical chain-based project management is disclosed. The method includes receiving at least one project plan for a project comprising a plurality of tasks and calculating a task priority for each of the plurality of tasks based on the at least one project plan. The method further includes receiving at least one sub-task for a first task of the plurality of tasks and assigning the at least one sub-task a task priority identical to the task priority of the first task. In one alternative, the method further includes receiving a new task priority for the first task, assigning the new task priority to the first task and assigning the new task priority to the at least one sub-task of the first task. The method may also include an interface to allow starting of sub-tasks only when the parent task is started.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a pacifier within reach of a mouth of a child is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cord connected at both ends to a garment, wherein a first end of the cord is detachably coupled to the garment so as to allow the insertion of the cord into a pacifier ring when the first end of the cord is detached from the garment. The cord may be positioned horizontally across a chest area of the child's garment, such that a midpoint of the cord is located substantially on a midpoint of the garment. Further, the cord may be an elastic cord covered in an inelastic fabric. Also, the first end of the cord may be a piece of hook and loop fabric for coupling with a hook and loop fabric on the garment.

Abstract: A method on a computer for providing critical chain-based project management across a plurality of projects is disclosed. The method includes generating a plurality of plans, each of the plurality of plans corresponding to one of the plurality of projects, wherein a project comprises at least one task. The method further includes generating buffers for each of the plurality of projects and reconciling project resources among the plurality of projects. The method further includes executing the plurality of project plans, including allowing a user to manage the buffers across the plurality of projects. The user is further provided with information associated with buffers for the plurality of projects, so as to evaluate the status of the plurality of projects. Additionally, the user is provided with task prioritization for any task of the plurality of projects, wherein task prioritization is calculated across the plurality of projects.

Abstract: An apparatus for anchoring a boat to a bottom of a body of water is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base securely coupled to a transom of a boat and an elongated member having a proximal end hingably coupled to the base. The apparatus further includes a spear hingably coupled to a distal end of the elongated member, such that when the elongated member is positioned substantially horizontally, the spear is positioned substantially vertically so as to extend below a hull of the boat. The apparatus further includes a maneuvering arm hingably coupled to the elongated member for manually lowering the elongated member into a substantially horizontal position. The apparatus further includes a stopping member perpendicularly coupled to the distal end of the elongated member, so as to halt the spear from rotating beyond ninety degrees from the elongated member.

Abstract: An exterior cover for a laptop computer having a display portion and a keyboard portion is disclosed. The exterior cover includes a first rigid planar element for placement on an outside surface of the display portion. The first rigid planar element includes a raised edge along a perimeter of the first rigid planar element, wherein the raised edge extends toward the display portion. The first rigid planar element further includes a plurality of tabs located on the raised edge, wherein each tab extends from the raised edge for gripping the display portion. The exterior cover further includes a second rigid planar element for placement on an outside surface of the keyboard portion. The second rigid planar element includes a raised edge extending toward the keyboard portion. The second rigid planar element further includes a plurality of tabs for gripping the keyboard portion.

Abstract: A system for controlling landing gear of an aircraft is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor for sensing water, wherein the sensor is coupled to the landing gear and a retracting device for retracting the landing gear when the sensor senses a body of water. In one alternative, the aircraft is an amphibious aircraft and the sensor senses electrical conductivity. In another alternative, the retracting device comprises a hydraulic system for deploying and retracting the landing gear, wherein the hydraulic system retracts the landing gear when the sensor senses a body of water. In yet another alternative, the retracting device comprises a locking mechanism that locks the landing gear to the aircraft, wherein the locking mechanism unlocks the landing gear so as to detach it from the aircraft when the sensor senses a body of water.

Abstract: A dry eraser is disclosed including an eraser body having an upper region and a lower region, a layer of erasing material having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion affixed to the lower region of the eraser body, at least one socket on the upper region for accommodating at least a portion of a writing utensil, and a magnetic member operatively engaged to the eraser body between the top portion of the layer of erasing material and the upper region of the eraser body.