Abstract: A network of hang avoidance controllers and components which provide layer or scope based hang avoidance mechanisms in a distributed computing system is described. The detection of hang avoidance conditions and activation of the hang avoidance mechanisms are implemented on various limited scopes in the computing system, which prevent unnecessary system wide interruptions to avoid potential hangs in the system.

Abstract: The height adjustable desk according to the present disclose includes a work surface and at least one telescopic leg attached to the work surface. The telescopic leg has a motor, a gear set, a first rotator, and a second rotator. The gear set has a first gear connected to the motor and a second gear engaged with the first gear, wherein the motor transfers force to the second gear through the first gear. The first rotator is engaged with the second gear and the second rotator engaged with the first rotator. The motor rotates the first rotator through the gear set so that the first rotator can translate along a length of the second rotator. The first gear is located above the motor and the second gear is located above the first rotator.

Abstract: The height adjustable desk according to the present disclose includes a work surface and at least one telescopic leg attached to the work surface. The telescopic leg has a motor, a gear set, a first rotator, and a second rotator. The gear set has a first gear connected to the motor and a second gear engaged with the first gear, wherein the motor transfers force to the second gear through the first gear. The first rotator is engaged with the second gear and the second rotator engaged with the first rotator. The motor rotates the first rotator through the gear set so that the first rotator can translate along a length of the second rotator. The first gear is located above the motor and the second gear is located above the first rotator.

Abstract: A drawer opening system includes a hitch on a robot arm, and a block assembly disposed within a cavity on an external face of a first drawer, such that the hitch is configured to approach the external face of the drawer, enter the recess, and securely engage the block assembly within the cavity. In illustrative embodiments, when not engaged with the hitch, no part of the block assembly extends beyond the external face of the drawer such that it would impede access of a robot to a second open drawer disposed beneath the first drawer.

Abstract: The Improved Salad Dressing Preparation and Storage Container is a food preparation device that allows for conveniently measuring, mixing, and dispensing of homemade vinaigrette salad dressing. The device uses two adjacent, adjoined compartments that are volumetrically proportioned to allow for the recommended ratio of oil and vinegar (acid) to be consistently achieved by filling them with oil and vinegar to the same apparent level. The Improved Salad Dressing Preparation and Storage Container may also be configured for commercial sale pre-filled with the oil and vinegar contents, those kept separated by sealing the adjoined compartments using an adapted seal. The pre-filled container may be designed and marketed for secondary use by consumers for use in making their own vinaigrette salad dressing recipes.

Abstract: An improved insect trapping and barrier adhesive compound having a significantly enhanced mechanical insecticide and insect repelling action. The improved insect trapping and barrier compound is supplied in bulk to be used outdoors for the spot control of insect pests. Alternatively it may be supplied already applied to a disposable media for indoor or very localized outdoor insect control applications.

Abstract: A nectar type bird feeder having an incorporated short-wavelength, ultraviolet light source adapted to illuminate the nectar contents and feeder internal surfaces. The ultraviolet light exposure functioning to significantly retard the growth of nectar spoiling micro-organisms and thereby to significantly extend the nectar freshness or service life. The ultraviolet light source may be built directly into the nectar feeder or configured as an add-on accessory. The preferred embodiment of the nectar feeder, ultraviolet light device will be solar powered and made to cycle on/off automatically. As hummingbirds are adapted to see UV-A light (300 nm-400 nm) the light source may be cycled on/off during the day to make the feeder visually conspicuous and thereby more attractive to the feeding birds.

Abstract: The Pressure Relieving Panel for a Caning Jar is a device that allows for the convenient use of a standard sized caning jar to be used for anaerobic, lactic acid fermentation, i.e. making homemade sauerkraut, pickles, or other ferments. The device is configured as a replacement, sealing panel or lid for a standard sized caning jar that allows the CO2 gas from the fermentation process to escape from the jar. This device makes use of a one-way, pressure-relieving check valve incorporated into the sealing panel that prevents outside air (oxygen) from getting back into the jar where the anaerobic fermentation process is taking place. The pressure relieving, sealing panel(s) of the instant invention do not require regular monitoring or refilling as required for water type, air lock devices.

Abstract: An example disclosed media processing device includes a housing defining a media receiving area configured to receive the media; a first media support arm extending from the housing proximate the media receiving area for engaging a first end of the media, wherein the first media support arm is biased to slidably translate along the housing to provide a holding force to the first side of the media, wherein the first media support arm includes a first locking element; a media cover configured to move between a closed position and an open position, the media cover including a second locking element, wherein the first locking element of the first media support arm is configured to engage the second locking element of the media cover when the media cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: An improved insect trapping and barrier adhesive compound having a significantly enhanced mechanical insecticide and insect repelling action. The improved insect trapping and barrier compound is supplied in bulk to be used outdoors for the spot control of insect pests. Alternatively it may be supplied already applied to a disposable media for indoor or very localized outdoor insect control applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a convenient, lightweight and streamlined connecting device for attaching a leader or tippet to a fly-fishing line. The Fly Line Connecting Device is configured with an expandable tubular lattice that allows for an in-line connection to the fly line. The connection device has an integral tubular lattice sized with an internal diameter that is slightly smaller that the fly line and when compressively displaced, operates to expand the internal diameter to allow insertion of the fly line. Once the fly line is fully inserted, the tubular lattice is allowed to contract and elastically constrict onto and thereby grip the semi-resilient surface of the fly line. When the fly line and leader line are placed in tension through the connecting device, the tubular lattice acts to constrict down on the fly-line to resist separation.

Abstract: The Convenience Nectar Mixing and Storage Device consists of a container that is divided proportionately to allow for the precise measuring of the recommended sugar to water ratios used for nectar type bird and butterfly feeders. The device is adapted for supporting a removable divider that separates the container into proportionate volumes, 4 to 1, 6 to 1, and 9 to 1 that correspond to the commonly recommended sugar to water ratios for hummingbird, oriole, and butterfly nectar feeders. The device allows for the water and sugar compartments to be filled to the same “line of sight” level to facilitate the making of precise nectar sugar to water ratios. Once the sugar and water compartments are filled to the same level, the divider is removed to allow for mixing. In the preferred embodiment of the Convenience Nectar Mixing and Storage Devices, the container divider can be used as a stirring implement and lid to cover the container during storage.

Abstract: A device used with nectar type bird feeders that acts as a barrier to prevent ant contamination. The device is positioned between the nectar feeder and the feeder support or is adapted to fit directly on a feeder or feeder support. The device is configured to hold a tacky polymer insert that is located to be in the only path available to the ants attempting to crawl to the feeder. The ants are prevented from entering and contaminating the nectar-feeder as they will not cross over the tacky polymer insert. The elastic, shape retaining tacky polymer insert is very easy to remove and can be handled directly where it can be cleaned with liquid soap and water if it become dirty or dust covered. The ant barrier device with the tacky polymer inserts can perform effectively as an ant barrier for several feeding seasons. Alternatively, a unitary structured, tacky polymer barrier may be constructed for direct attachment to a nectar-type birdfeeder or feeder support structure.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve controls the pressure in a pressure chamber of a sprayer. The pressure chamber is inside a tank from which liquid to be sprayed is pumped into the pressure chamber and pressurized. The pressurized liquid is released from the chamber via a hose and nozzle for spraying. The pressure relief valve has a holder or body with an opening therethrough. A sleeve is movable in the body and contains a compression spring. The spring is compressed against a lower end of the body by a cap which is rotatable about the holder and engages the spring. The sleeve captures a ball providing a valve against a valve seat in the holder. The sleeve constrains the motion of the valve and the spring so that the valve opens at the release pressure corresponding to the compression of the spring by the cap, and the release pressure is the same, even with repeated openings and closings of the valve. Leakage through the valve is also substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A multiple card reading apparatus for reading at least two different types of information cards that may be used in a handheld point of sale device with printing capability. The multiple card reading apparatus has a housing containing at least two card reading devices and defining slots that receive the cards and position them for reading by the card reading devices. In one aspect, the slots overlap facilitating a compact arrangement of the card reading apparatus. Preferably, the common portions of the slots are an entrance portion so that only a single slot marks the outside of the housing. For instance, the slots may originate in the same position but diverge at different angles from each other. In this manner, different types of cards can be inserted through the same opening portion but at different angles to reach different card reading devices capable of reading its respective type of card.

Abstract: A printer that includes a core printer assembly which includes subassemblies capable of printing on media, and a modular assembly of additional electronic devices that supplement to core printer operation, such as different card readers or wireless communication devices. The core printer includes a main circuit board that is connected to a module circuit board that is configured to support the additional electronic devices. The connection is a single multiple-pin connector that allows easy exchange of different module circuit boards supporting different electronic devices during assembly. The module circuit board and the additional electronic devices are all contained within a modular component housing mateable with the rest of a housing supporting the core printer assemblies in a semi-permanent configuration for a finished look. The module circuit board may include a UART that is configured to buffer and control information flow between multiple electronic devices and the main circuit board.

Abstract: A multiple card reading apparatus for reading at least two different types of information cards that may be used in a handheld point of sale device with printing capability. The multiple card reading apparatus has a housing containing at least two card reading devices and defining slots that receive the cards and position them for reading by the card reading devices. In one aspect, the slots overlap facilitating a compact arrangement of the card reading apparatus. Preferably, the common portions of the slots are an entrance portion so that only a single slot marks the outside of the housing. For instance, the slots may originate in the same position but diverge at different angles from each other. In this manner, different types of cards can be inserted through the same opening portion but at different angles to reach different card reading devices capable of reading its respective type of card.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pressure relief devices and to corresponding pressure relief assemblies that have improved vacuum resistance, improved fragmentation resistance, and/or improved burst control while maintaining low mass. The pressure relief device includes a substantially flat flange section and a domed section. The domed section may include a transitional line that defines a change in the shape of the domed section. The pressure relief device may also include a bracket for securing or aligning a domed section to a flange section. The pressure relief device may further include a stress distribution feature that is disposed transversely to a line of weakness in the domed section. The pressure relief assembly may include a fastener having a wire that is configured to break and release the pressure relief device when subject to a predetermined tensile load.

Abstract: The invention consists of a related series of simple device embodiments used for the spot control of insect pests. Each of the invention embodiments uses the relatively common, non-toxic insect control substances, including a non-drying adhesive and/or diatomaceous earth and stabilizes them for convenient, effective application by affixing them to a disposable media carrier, such as paper, vinyl, thin foam, cellophane, etc. The first embodiment of the invention has the form of a double sided tape with a standard contact adhesive on one side and a tacky, non-drying adhesive on the other side. The non-drying adhesive acts as an effective insect barrier when the tape is applied around a perimeter to restrict crawling insect passage. A refinement of the double sided tape invention embodiment has the outside facing non-drying adhesive applied in combination with an adjacent or interspersed pattern of applied diatomaceous earth.

Abstract: A simple device for use with nectar type bird feeders that effectively prevents ant and other insect contamination. The device uses a disposable media that is coated with a non-drying adhesive. The nondrying adhesive acts as a barrier to the passage of crawling insects. The device is placed interposed between the nectar feeder and the feeder support so as to restrict insects from crawling to the feeder by any route that does not pass through the adhesive coated media Insects are prevented from contaminating the feeder as they will not cross the non-drying adhesive barrier. The device can be made completely disposable or it may be constructed to accept replaceable adhesive media inserts and/or peel away layers that are conveniently replaced as they become contaminated or dust covered.