Abstract: A convergence and automation system (CAS) includes an internet-protocol (IP) based network implemented with a web service for devices (WSD) protocol, devices connected to the network, each configured to perform at least one service, a server implemented with the WSD protocol, connected to the network and configured to control the devices to converge and automate the services thereof, and a portable device implemented with the WSD protocol, connected to the network and configured to control the devices and perform the services. The server is implemented with Windows Sideshow to collect information necessary for controlling the devices and provides the collected information to the portable device.

Abstract: A grill for cooking includes a first set of burners and a second set of burners wherein at least one burner of the first set of burners is interdigitally arranged with burners of the second set of burners. The grill further includes a first valve that controls a flow of fuel to the first set of burners and a second valve that controls a flow of fuel to the second set of burners.

Abstract: A folding chair is disclosed. The chair includes a plurality of legs, including front and back legs, a seat, and a folding unit. The folding unit is attached to the legs and the seat, and it is configured to fold the legs using a force applied to at least one of the legs. The front legs nest beside the back legs.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the thermal management of one or more light emitting diode (LED) modules disposed within a channel sign are disclosed. The apparatus, in various aspects, detects the ambient temperature generally proximate the LED module and regulates the current flowed onto the LED's within the LED module based upon the ambient temperature. Methods for thermal management of the one or more LED modules disposed within a channel sign are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An improved firearm including a non-detachable, pivoting magazine is disclosed. The magazine is pivotally attached at its rear end to a sliding arm. The sliding arm is slidably retained within the magazine well of the firearm. The sliding arm is configured to move upwardly and downwardly within the track to allow the magazine to be raised into and lowered out of the magazine well. When the magazine is lowered out of the magazine well, the magazine can be pivoted about its pivotal connection with the sliding arm such that a front end portion of the magazine pivots downwardly and rearwardly to allow ammunition cartridges to be loaded into and unloaded from the magazine.

Abstract: The invention is a tackle container that incorporates interchangeable and removable inserts. The inserts secure different kinds of fishing lures and baits. For example, the inserts hold segmented lures within notched upright posts. In this regard, the inserts may be suitably structured to hold spinner bait lures, buzz bait lures, or other fishing lures with segmented bodies. Moreover, the inserts are interchangeable to facilitate a wider variety of uses for the tackle container.

Abstract: A production and inventory control for a manufacturing facility is provided that facilitates and coordinates improved planning and execution of such facility in a supply chain with a focus on providing an improved and robust planning, production and inventory control, even in the presence of uncertainty. This may include Optimal Planning that can balance the need for low inventory, low cost (i.e., high utilization of equipment and labor), and efficient on-time delivery. The result of such planning is not a schedule per se but a set of parameters that form a dynamic policy that generates an evolving schedule as conditions (demand, production) materialize. An Optimal Execution applies the dynamic policy resulting in a manufacturing system that is robust enough to accommodate moderate changes in demand and/or capacity without the need to reschedule.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, although not necessarily limited thereto, the system of the present invention may function in the context of an internet based commercial real estate brokering system. In such a system, potential buyers, sellers, lessors and lessees list and respond to offerings having characteristics as described in connection with the listings. For example, a potential landlord may, through interaction with the system of the present invention, list one or more buildings for lease. Communication and interaction may occur on an anonymous basis such that the potential landlord is unaware of the actual identity of the prospective tenant and vice versa until such time as one or the other or both decide to reveal their identity.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that may include a printed circuit board (PCB) and an electronics package may be disposed about the first surface of the PCB. The PCB may include a metal layer and a core, and, in some aspects, may include multiple cores interposed between multiple metal layers, and in some embodiments a backplane may be disposed along the core. The metal layer may be disposed on a core first surface. The metal layer may comprise metal or other conductive material suitable to define traces, which may be circuit paths for electronic components affixed to the PCB. In some aspects, the core may be electrically non-conducting, and may be thermally insulating, and, accordingly, inhibit the transfer of heat from the electronics package through the PCB. However, pins may be configured to pass through the PCB including the core from the core first surface to the core second surface to conduct heat generated by the electronics package away for dispersion.

Abstract: A dampening stop pin that reduces a needle velocity at the time when the needle valve of a fuel injector is about to be seated in a closed position. A gap between a bottom surface of the stop-pin flange and a sealing seat of a nozzle is provided to compress the fuel trapped therein to form a fuel cushion that dampens the closing motion of the needle. Moreover, a diametrical clearance between an outer circumferential edge of the flange and an inner surface of a needle spring cage must be sized to prevent undesired high pressure from building up in the gap by venting a quantity of compressed fuel while still permitting the fuel cushion to dampen the closing force of the needle.

Abstract: A battery pack for mounting to a camera and camera stand is described. The battery pack has attachment means on opposite sides. The attachment means are of complementary design so that the battery pack can be mounted between the camera and the stand. Each attachment means permits linear adjustment of the camera. The two means provide parallel linear adjustment of the camera with respect to the battery pack and of the battery pack with respect to the stand.

Abstract: A grip trainer for positioning a user's hand on a sports racquet includes a base configured to be removably attached to the sports racquet handle in a plurality of different positions that correspond to different grips related to the sport for which the racquet is designed for use, a finger positioning device that includes a generally cylindrical projection extending upwardly from the base and configured to position the user's hand on the racquet handle in one of the plurality of positions. A method of positioning a user's hand in any of the forehand, backhand, and service position on a tennis racquet also is disclosed.

Abstract: A cam pin stop apparatus is provided which is resistant to a malicious pop-open condition. The cam pin stop apparatus includes a cam pin configured to be movable along a first axis, and a cam pin stop configured to be movable to a release location to prevent the cam pin from substantially moving along a second axis, wherein the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. A potential energy may be released by the cam pin stop when it moves to the release location.