Abstract: Disclosed herein are conformable protection pads, which can be integrated into articles such as clothing and protective cases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are conformable protection pads, which can be integrated into articles such as clothing and protective cases.

Abstract: A hose having an upstream end and a downstream end, each of the upstream and downstream ends including a connecting member to connect the hose arrangement to, for example, the high side or the low side of an air conditioning or refrigeration unit, or to a manifold. An intermediate access fitting is provided along the length of the hose, such as a T-shaped fitting, and provides a port to enable the hose arrangement to be connected to a device conveniently and without the necessity of adapters. Also disclosed is a method of evacuating or dehydrating an air conditioning or refrigeration system using the hose.

Abstract: A device for mixing bone cement material, the device comprising a mixing body having a chamber, and wherein the mixing body has an open end; a lid arranged to be fitted to the open end; means for mixing bone cement material in the chamber, the means for mixing comprising a rod extending through the lid and into the chamber, wherein the rod has a frangible portion; said lid comprising a cap moveable to a first position covering the frangible portion of the rod, and to a second position revealing the frangible portion.

Abstract: There is provided a method and system to communicate information. The system receives a first query that contains a first constraint and retrieves a first plurality of data items from a database based on the first query. Next, the system generates a first distribution based on the first plurality of data items, the first distribution utilizing a first plurality of domains that are used to identify data items. Next the system generates a second distribution based on a plurality of requests to view a second plurality of data items. Next the system generates a third distribution based on the first distribution and the second distribution. Finally, the system generates distribution data to be included within an interface, the interface to include at least one interface element that is positioned on the interface based on the third distribution, the at least one interface element to respectively represent at least one domain.

Abstract: The presently disclosed invention provides for the security of a computing device in the context of a test taking environment. By securing a computing device, an individual (or group of individuals) may more effectively proctor a large examination without worrying about a test taker illicitly accessing information on their computer or via a remote source of data. Securing a computing device includes locking out or preventing access to any application not deemed necessary or appropriate by the test administrator.

Abstract: Provided in one aspect is an annular gas ring within or adjacent a barrel to increase the efficient transfer of pressurized gas to one or more gas ports, which may communicate the high-pressure gas from near the chamber distally to a piston to cycle the action of the firearm. Provided in another aspect is a modular quick-disconnect barrel assembly for long-stroke gas-operated firearms such as the AK-47, which allows barrel and gas systems to be replaced together simply by pulling a single pin, thereby allowing the caliber of the firearm to be instantly changed to 12-gauge shotgun or any dimensionally smaller rifle or handgun round. A novel forward-charging handle system is also provided that works with the modular quick-disconnect barrel assembly.

Abstract: A magazine carrier for repeating firearms is provided which securely engages a magazine at multiple locations, and which may be easily actuated to remove the magazine, for example, with either the user's trigger hand near the trigger or with the user's other hand while gripping the magazine for removal. In various example embodiments the magazine carrier may comprise a pivoting magazine release member comprising a perimeter frame defining an opening there through, and having an offset pivoting axis and engagement lugs at opposite corners on either side of the axis. Example firearms comprising the magazine carrier are disclosed along with example methods of use.

Abstract: Provided in one aspect is an annular gas ring within or adjacent a barrel to increase the efficient transfer of pressurized gas to one or more gas ports, which may communicate the high-pressure gas from near the chamber distally to a piston to cycle the action of the firearm. Provided in another aspect is a modular quick-disconnect barrel assembly for long-stroke gas-operated firearms such as the AK-47, which allows barrel and gas systems to be replaced together simply by pulling a single pin, thereby allowing the caliber of the firearm to be instantly changed to 12-gauge shotgun or any dimensionally smaller rifle or handgun round. A novel forward-charging handle system is also provided that works with the modular quick-disconnect barrel assembly.

Abstract: Flow regulator, system and method that allow regulation of gas flow, both during a purging operation such as to purge a line of oxygen, and during a brazing operation to maintain the line free or substantially free of oxygen during the brazing operation. The system includes a gas source, such as a nitrogen tank containing a source of nitrogen, a gas regulator in fluid communication with the gas source to regulate the delivery pressure from the gas source, and a flow regulator in fluid communication with the gas source to regulate the flow of gas during the purge and brazing operations. The flow regulator provides a visual indication that gas is flowing, and a visual indication of the particular flow rate of the flowing gas.

Abstract: An inside waistband holster includes a front panel comprising a waistband connector that holds a top side of the front panel at a waistline of a user's pants. The holster also includes a back panel attached to the front panel, such as along a bottom side of the back panel and the front panel and along lower sides of the back panel and the front panel. The front panel and the back panel define a pouch in which a firearm may in stored, and a top portion of the front panel is unattached to the back panel. The back panel includes a flap configured to extend over the front panel and to releasably connect to the waistband connector in a stored condition. The flap is also configured to be pulled upward such that the top portion of the front panel peels away from the back panel in an exposed position.

Abstract: The presently disclosed invention provides for the security of a computing device in the context of a test taking environment. By securing a computing device, an individual (or group of individuals) may more effectively proctor a large examination without worrying about a test taker illicitly accessing information on their computer or via a remote source of data. Securing a computing device includes locking out or preventing access to any application not deemed necessary or appropriate by the test administrator.

Abstract: A magazine carrier for repeating firearms is provided which securely engages a magazine at multiple locations, and which may be easily actuated to remove the magazine, for example, with either the user's trigger hand near the trigger or with the user's other hand while gripping the magazine for removal. In various example embodiments the magazine carrier may comprise a pivoting magazine release member comprising a perimeter frame defining an opening there through, and having an offset pivoting axis and engagement lugs at opposite corners on either side of the axis. Example firearms comprising the magazine carrier are disclosed along with example methods of use.

Abstract: Technology is described for enabling passive enforcement of security at computing systems. A component of a computing system can passively authenticate or authorize a user based on observations of the user's interactions with the computing system. The technology may increase or decrease an authentication or authorization level based on the observations. The level can indicate what level of access the user should be granted. When the user or a component of the computing device initiates a request, an application or service can determine whether the level is sufficient to satisfy the request. If the level is insufficient, the application or service can prompt the user for credentials so that the user is actively authenticated. The technology may enable computing systems to “trust” authentication so that two proximate devices can share authentication levels.

Abstract: Technology is described for protecting transactions. The technology may include a switching component that a user can employ to switch an associated mobile device into a secure mode so that a user can confirm the transaction. After initiating a transaction request, the user can confirm the transaction request by activating the switching component, which can cause the mobile device to switch into a secure mode. In the secure mode, the mobile device may prevent the mobile device from conducting various normal activities, such as executing applications, receiving input, providing output, and so forth. The switching component may disable other processing temporarily. Upon receiving the confirmation from the user, the switching component may send a confirmation communication to complete the transaction.

Abstract: The presently disclosed invention provides for the security of a computing device in the context of a test taking environment. By securing a computing device, an individual (or group of individuals) may more effectively proctor a large examination without worrying about a test taker illicitly accessing information on their computer or via a remote source of data. Securing a computing device includes locking out or preventing access to any application not deemed necessary or appropriate by the test administrator.

Abstract: Provided in one aspect is an annular gas ring within or adjacent a barrel to increase the efficient transfer of pressurized gas to one or more gas ports, which may communicate the high-pressure gas from near the chamber distally to a piston to cycle the action of the firearm. Provided in another aspect is a modular quick-disconnect barrel assembly for long-stroke gas-operated firearms such as the AK-47, which allows barrel and gas systems to be replaced together simply by pulling a single pin, thereby allowing the caliber of the firearm to be instantly changed to 12-gauge shotgun or any dimensionally smaller rifle or handgun round. A novel forward-charging handle system is also provided that works with the modular quick-disconnect barrel assembly.

Abstract: Provided in one aspect is an annular gas ring within or adjacent a barrel to increase the efficient transfer of pressurized gas to one or more gas ports, which may communicate the high-pressure gas from near the chamber distally to a piston to cycle the action of the firearm. Provided in another aspect is a modular quick-disconnect barrel assembly for long-stroke gas-operated firearms such as the AK-47, which allows barrel and gas systems to be replaced together simply by pulling a single pin, thereby allowing the caliber of the firearm to be instantly changed to 12-gauge shotgun or any dimensionally smaller rifle or handgun round. A novel forward-charging handle system is also provided that works with the modular quick-disconnect barrel assembly.

Abstract: A portable electronic device carrier includes a charging system. The carrier is configured to at least partially house a portable electronic device such as a cell phone, PDA or the like. The carrier may comprise a pouch or have other configurations. The charging system comprises at least one battery. The battery may be configured to be charged by an external source via at least one external port or connector, or a source associated with the carrier, such as at least one photovoltaic cell. The charging port may comprise contacts which are engaged by an interface of the portable electronic device. In accordance with the invention, a portable electronic device is charged using a portable charging system associated with a carrier for the device.

Abstract: Flow regulator, system and method that allow regulation of gas flow, both during a purging operation such as to purge a line of oxygen, and during a brazing operation to maintain the line free or substantially free of oxygen during the brazing operation. The system includes a gas source, such as a nitrogen tank containing a source of nitrogen, a gas regulator in fluid communication with the gas source to regulate the delivery pressure from the gas source, and a flow regulator in fluid communication with the gas source to regulate the flow of gas during the purge and brazing operations. The flow regulator provides a visual indication that gas is flowing, and a visual indication of the particular flow rate of the flowing gas.