Abstract: A reader is provided that has a housing with a center point and a read head positioned in the housing. The read head is configured to be coupled to a mobile device. The read head has a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a card. The read head reads data on the magnetic stripe and produces a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. The read head is positioned to be offset from the center point of the housing. An output jack is adapted to be inserted in a port of the mobile device and deliver an output jack signal to the mobile device.

Abstract: A method of transmitting information to a mobile device converts a raw magnetic head signal into a processed digital signal that the microcontroller can interpret. Rocking of a card that is swept in a slot of the card reader is accommodated while producing a successful read of the magnetic stripe of the card. The rocking is in an amount of 1 to 10 degrees of rotation of a bottom surface of the card away from a bottom surface of the slot. An output jack signal is sent to the mobile device.

Abstract: A small card reader has a read head with a slot and positioned in a housing. The read head is configured to be coupled to a mobile device. The read head reads data on the magnetic stripe from a card that is slid in the slot and produces an output jack signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. An output jack is adapted to be inserted in a port of the mobile device and deliver the output jack signal to the mobile device. The read head positioned to accommodate rocking of a card while being swept in the slot while producing a successful read of the magnetic stripe of the card. The rocking is in an amount of 1 to 10 degrees of rotation of a bottom surface of the card away from a bottom surface of the slot.

Abstract: A boat coupling including a jaw for receiving an eye which is attached to the hull of a boat. A pin is movable to bridge across the jaw to capture the eye between extended and retracted positions. A retaining arrangement for retaining the pin in the retracted position will release the pin upon the pin being shifted to a release position, where after the pin is moveable under a biasing influence to shift to the extended position.

Abstract: Systems and method for mass spectrometry are presented. In one embodiment, a method comprises: (a) acquiring one or more fragmentation signatures for a reference sample, wherein each fragmentation signature of the reference sample is acquired with a unique tandem mass spectrometry mode; (b) identifying one or more discriminate features across the plurality of fragmentation signatures of the reference sample; (c) acquiring one or more fragmentation signatures for an unknown sample, wherein each fragmentation signature of the unknown sample is acquired according to the discriminant features of step (b); (d) identifying one or more discriminate features across the plurality of fragmentation signatures of the unknown sample; (e) scoring the fragmentation signatures of step (c) by comparing the discriminate features of the reference sample, from step (b), against the discriminate features of the unknown sample, from step (d); and (f) identifying a structural isomer based on the score of step (e).

Abstract: A bearing system comprises a support member and a rotational element having a generally cylindrical bearing surface, and a plurality of detents defined upon and extending in from the cylindrical bearing surface, and may include means for rotating the rotational element in relation to the support member. The bearing system also comprises at least three bearing assemblies, each comprising a cam member rotatably mounted to the support member. Each of the cam members comprises a cam surface having a profile that contacts the cylindrical bearing surface and rotates away from a home position when the cam is rotatably positioned to meet one of the bearing regions, and does not contact the cylindrical bearing surface when the cam is rotatably positioned to meet one of the detent regions. Each of the cam members are rotationally biased toward their home position.

Abstract: A bearing system comprises a support member and a rotational element having a generally cylindrical bearing surface, and a plurality of detents defined upon and extending in from the cylindrical bearing surface, and may include means for rotating the rotational element in relation to the support member. The bearing system also comprises at least three bearing assemblies, each comprising a cam member rotatably mounted to the support member. Each of the cam members comprises a cam surface having a profile that contacts the cylindrical bearing surface and rotates away from a home position when the cam is rotatably positioned to meet one of the bearing regions, and does not contact the cylindrical bearing surface when the cam is rotatably positioned to meet one of the detent regions. Each of the cam members are rotationally biased toward their home position.

Abstract: A truck assembly for a skateboard includes an axle housing, a base, and a kingpin connecting the axle housing and base. The kingpin holds the axle housing and a base surface of the base a predetermined distance apart. The truck further includes a turning mechanism between the axle housing and base, around the kingpin. The turning mechanism includes opposed cam surfaces that are angled along the axis of the kingpin and an elastomeric bushing so that rotating the axle housing about the kingpin pushes the cam surfaces apart, against the compression pressure of the elastomeric bushing. The truck assembly additionally includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pressure against the bushing. The adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment surface on the base of the truck assembly with two or more adjustment points, each a different distance from the base surface along the direction of the kingpin. An adjustment ring surrounds the kingpin, between the base surface and the turning mechanism.