Abstract: A method for storing new harvestable energy with excess or unutilized energy includes providing an object configured to be transitioned between at least a depleted energy state and a stored energy state. Obtained excess or unutilized energy which is utilized to transition the object to the stored energy state. At least a portion of this stored energy is harvested for use when the object is released from the stored energy state and transitions towards the depleted energy state.

Abstract: An ice cream scooping system includes an ice cream scooping device with a handle and a bowl located at one end of the handle and which has inner and outer surfaces and an outer rim. An ultrasonic generation system is coupled to at least a portion of the bowl and has at least an engaged state configured to generate ultrasonic waves and a disengaged state without the generation of the ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: A mounting spring coil is made to grip and releasably hold a cylindrical periphery of a memory button while transmitting an ID effectively. A memory button held in a coil of the mounting spring can support objects such as tags and keys that are identified by the memory button to account for removal and replacement of the objects being secured.

Abstract: A mounting spring coil is made to grip and releasably hold a cylindrical periphery of a memory button while transmitting an ID effectively. A memory button held in a coil of the mounting spring can support objects such as tags and keys that are identified by the memory button to account for removal and replacement of the objects being secured.

Abstract: A multipurpose interface and control system includes a managing and/or monitoring device (an “effectuator”) capable of monitoring parameter(s) and/or controlling function(s) of an apparatus, and a server system coupled to a communication medium, where the server system allows the effectuator (and via it the apparatus it monitors and/or controls) to be accessed remotely via the communication medium. The communication medium allows the effectuator to be accessed from remote locations by other devices capable of accessing the communications medium and thereby accessing the effectuator(s). The communications medium can take numerous forms, such as a direct connection, ethernet connection, internet connection, intranet connection, and/or phone connection. Preferably, the system includes at least one remote device capable of communicating with at least one effectuator via the communications medium (generally a network).

Abstract: This user support pole has a rotating platform for the feet of the user. Thus, the user can (e.g., from a wheel chair) place his or her feet on this platform and, using the pole, rise from the sitting position. After this, the user (while standing on the platform) can be rotated around the pole as necessary for alignment with the new seat, whether chair, bed, or toilet, and allowed to lower himself or herself into position. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of handles that rotate with the platform are also provided. These give the user something to hold onto in pulling upright as well as something to hold onto during the process of being rotated.

Abstract: This key shield features a control key joined to an asset key by a key ring. The key ring is slidable in a longitudinal key ring slot in an opaque elongate body such that the asset key can be moved to a position within said body where its configuration is concealed and can likewise be moved to a position where it is exposed for insertion into a lock by sliding the key ring from one end of the slot to the other. When the key ring is moved to so as to expose the asset key, it pulls the control key into the other end of the body and exposes the asset key at the other end of the body. Likewise, when the control key is exposed, the asset key is hidden. In addition, since the slot itself provides a means for studying the configuration of the asset key, elongate key visibility shields are provided on either side of the asset key and mounted to the key ring. These are adjacent the asset key when it is positioned within the body and block visual inspection through the slots.

Abstract: An asset management system and methods for managing assets are disclosed. The asset management system includes one or more security asset managers (“SAMs”). Each SAM includes one or more stations where each of the stations receive an asset to be stored, such as a key. Further, each of the SAMs include a web server. The web server in each SAM provides each SAM with direct access to a network as well as processing capabilities. The web server determines whether each one of the SAMs should permit tangible assets to be removed from or replaced to the stations in the SAM. Further, the web server in each SAM stores data regarding transactions involving the stations, and provides this information to authorized users at remote systems. The web server also enables the remote systems to configure the web server, such as for setting up new user accounts or setting alarm conditions, as well as for directly controlling the SAMs.