Abstract: An articulating downspout assembly for a downspout system of a building has an elbow component and an end component each having an integrated or integral configuration that cooperatively join with each other to form a hinge. The hinge allows the end component to pivot between a prone position and an upright position. In the upright position the end component is at an angle relative to the elbow component such that a downspout extension section coupled to the end component leans toward and/or against a vertical downspout portion of the building's downspout system. This prevents the end component and thus the downspout extension from spontaneously falling (pivoting) back to the prone position. The integrated configuration of the elbow component is characterized by one or more configured slots while the integrated configuration of the end component is characterized by one or more configured tabs.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for guiding and installing cables in a building provides automated release of cables that are temporarily retained by the cabling apparatuses to allow the once retained and now bundled cables to be permanently mounted in the building. The cabling apparatus has a frame supporting four elongated rollers so as to define a rectangular cable retention area bounded by the four elongated rollers. The cable retention area allows for the accumulation and retention of a number of cables fed through the cable retention area. A lower elongated roller of the four elongated rollers is pivotally connected to the frame such that pivoting of the lower elongated roller releases the accumulated cables. A remote controlled actuation system is connected to the pivoting lower elongated roller to provide automated pivot control thereof. A closed-looped pulley system may used in conjunction with the cabling devices to pull the cables through the cabling devices.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for guiding and installing cables in a building provides automatic and controlled release of cables that are temporarily retained by the cabling apparatuses to allow the once retained and now bundled cables to be permanently mounted in the building. The cabling apparatus has a frame supporting four elongated rollers so as to define a rectangular cable retention area bounded by the four elongated rollers. The cable retention area allows for the accumulation and retention of a number of cables fed through the cable retention area. A lower elongated roller of the four elongated rollers is pivotally connected to the frame such that pivoting of the lower elongated roller releases the accumulated cables. A remote controlled actuation system is connected to the pivoting lower elongated roller to provide automatic pivot control thereof.

Abstract: A system, method and device for monitoring a vehicle is provided wherein a vehicle monitoring device regulates its power consumption of a host power source based upon determined states of operation of the vehicle. The power consumption management scheme of the monitoring device utilizes the following modes of operation to regulate power consumption: a work mode, a transport mode, and sleep mode, and a deep sleep mode. The mode of operation of the monitoring device depends on the determined state of vehicle operation. The monitoring device utilizes the various states of operation to power down certain portions of the monitoring device in order to reduce the electric power consumed by the monitoring device. A communication network is adapted to communicate the vehicle data to an end user via an access device. The communication network is also adapted to communicate end-user data via an access device to the monitoring system.

Abstract: A framing system for a new or existing wall, structure and/or the like is provided that uses just one type of unit or member for various framing applications, namely serving as a framing stud and framing plate or track—i.e. a universal framing unit. The universal framing unit is formed from a single piece of metal as a three-wall member having a front wall, a first lateral wall, and a second lateral wall. The first lateral wall is continuous with a first lateral side of the front wall via a first curved transition so as to be generally perpendicular relative to the front wall, while the second lateral wall is continuous with a second lateral side of the front wall via a second curved transition so as to be generally perpendicular relative to the front wall. A first slot is formed in the first curved transition and extends from a first end of the universal framing unit a first length along the first curved transition.

Abstract: A device, system and method for generating alternating current (a/c) electricity directly from photovoltaic cells utilize an array of photovoltaic cell pairs that are each connected in anti-parallel to form an a/c junction. The system, device and method mechanically gradually exposes and shades photovoltaic cell pairs to sunlight to generate alternating current electricity at an a/c junction of the solar cell pairs. Gradually and alternately exposing and shading the two anti-parallel connected solar cells of each solar cell pair causes the amplitude and polarity of the electricity at the a/c junction to gradually rise and fall to produce alternating current electricity. The gradual, alternating exposure and shading of the two anti-parallel solar cells is accomplished by mechanically covering and exposing the solar cell pairs. This is efficiently accomplished by a rotating segmented disc positioned over an array of solar cell pairs.

Abstract: A hub cap for a roller skate wheel incorporates an LED illumination system. The illuminated hubcap is configured to slidably extend through apertures of a skate wheel and allow securement of the hub cap on the roller skate wheel. The hub cap may be formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a plastic or the like. The LED illumination system includes a mount situated upon the planar surface of the hub cap so as to be essentially perpendicular with a skating surface when the hub cap is situated on the skate wheel. The hub cap body carries at least one LED so that light is emanated outward into the ambient area adjacent to the hub cap. Circuitry, including a battery and switch are carried on the inner surface of the hub cap body and controls the lighting of the LED (or LEDs). The LEDs may be white, a single color, multiple colors, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A bag toss game target has an angled landing surface with a target opening that rotates on a base of the game target whereby rotation of the landing surface changes direction of the slope of the landing surface and the target opening location relative to the base. The landing surface is provided by a platform that is raised relative to the target base. The platform is temporarily fixed in rotation to define various set positions and slope directions of the landing surface relative to the target base. The configuration of the present game target provides a bag toss game and game target that emulates the game of golf wherein the platform and target opening represents a golf green and golf hole (collectively, golf green), with the target base representing at least a portion of a golf hole fairway or approach leading to the golf green.

Abstract: A wall mountable tank system for holding live flora or fauna includes an integrally formed tank including a rear panel, a bottom panel, and at least one of a front panel, first side panel, and second side panel. The panels define a tank interior for containing the flora or fauna. The rear panel includes a mounting portion having a receiving groove. A mounting member capable of being fixedly coupled to a vertical mounting surface is provided. The mounting member includes a tongue portion receivable in the receiving groove for engaging the mounting member to the tank.

Abstract: A head and neck restraint device controls the motion of the head and forces exerted upon the neck of a seated occupant in a decelerating vehicle. A body defines a collar, right and left legs, and right and left wings. The collar is tethered to the helmet. Each leg has belt interaction surfaces that provide a friction action on the shoulder straps. Left and right extensions or wings residing under the shoulder strap rearward of the legs provide a restriction of rotation of the body and thus a binding action on the shoulder straps. A cantilever action is induced during forward impact by the tethers pulling on the collar of the body and the binding action on the shoulder straps, thus reducing the forward motion of the body. The present restraint device does not attach to the structure of the vehicle, allows travel thereof with respect to the seated occupant, yet controls the motion of the occupant's head in order to substantially reduce neck loads on the occupant.

Abstract: An electrical test lead for use with a multi-meter has a fuse assembly adapted to releasably hold a fuse in-line of the electrical wire connecting ends of the electrical test lead. The fuse assembly may be permanently attached to the electrical test leads or may be releasably attached at one or both ends thereof to electrical test lead sections. The fuse assembly includes a fuse holder that is preferably clear to see the replaceable fuse therein in order to determine whether the fuse has blown. The electrical test lead has a fuse assembly holding a replaceable fuse electrically connected to and situated between a first test lead section terminating in a test lead plug that is adapted to be received in a test lead receptacle of a multi-meter and a second test lead section terminating in one of an electrical test probe and a test lead receptor adapted to receive a test lead tool.

Abstract: A covering for a skate incorporates a downwardly-directed LED illumination system. The covering is configured to wrap around and/or cover at least the lower portion of the shoe of the skate and may be formed of a flexible material such as cloth, or may be formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a plastic or the like. The LED illumination system includes a first mount situated on a bottom side of the covering so as to be essentially parallel with a skating surface when the covering is situated on the skate and a second mount situated on another bottom side of the covering so as to be essentially parallel with the skating surface when the covering is situated on the skate. Each mount carries a plurality of LEDs so that the LEDs direct emanating light downward onto the skating surface. Circuitry, including a battery, switch and operating components/circuitry/logic, are carried on the inside of the covering and controls the lighting and/or lighting effects of the LEDs.

Abstract: A baseball bat swing trainer attaches to a baseball bat and is configured to train a batter to maintain a level swing. The baseball bat swing trainer is attachable to a horizontal structure that is over the head of the batter and to a baseball bat. The baseball bat swing trainer includes a single-unit line controller, a line, and a baseball bat coupling connected to the line. The line controller is configured to vary and fix a working length of line defined as extending from the line controller to the baseball bat. The line may be varied in length, a working length, in order to accommodate different size batters. The line controller is configured to keep and release excess line. The coupling is secured onto the baseball bat at a location taken from a handle of the baseball bat that is approximately 50% of an overall length of the baseball bat.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for towing first and second push-type lawn mowers behind a riding mower. A base plate attachable to the rear of the riding mower releasably holds a tow bar. First and second tow arms are releasably coupled to the tow bar and are each adapted for pivoting motion relative to and in an arc defined by the tow bar. The first and second tow arms are received in respective first and second couplers that are attachable to the first and second push-type mowers, respectively. The first and second couplers allow releasable attachment of the respective first and second tow arms. Each coupler is configured to allow rotational movement thereof relative to the tow arm such that respective first and second mowers to which the first and second couplers are attached can follow the contours of the terrain, thereby providing an even cut. The towing assembly is easily disassembled and re-connectable. Likewise, each push-type mower is easily removed from the towing assembly for quick use.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable wire pulling device that receives and utilizes the rotational power and control features and functions of a cordless, battery-operated electric hand drill to selectively drive a rotatable reel of the portable wire pulling device with sufficient torque and speed to efficiently and quickly pull a wire thereby. The wire pulling device has a frame configured to rotatably carry and selectively position a take-up reel, and a drive interface coupled to the reel and having an input drive shaft configured to receive the hand drill for applying rotational power to the drive mechanism to rotate the reel. No on-site power is needed. The frame extends from a folded position into an upright position and into an angled position in order to pull wire for different applications.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a piece of equipment is provided. The system comprises a monitoring device that is associated with the equipment and configured to detect data relating to the operation of the equipment. A communication network is adapted to communicate the data to a server based on a signal received from the monitoring device, and an access device is connected to the communication network and configured to provide the data to an end-user for determining whether the equipment is operating effectively. The monitoring device is adapted to detect when the equipment is moving.

Abstract: A camera attachment is configured, adapted and/or operative to compress a pliant object or subject for allowing photographing of the object therethrough by the camera to which the camera attachment is coupled. The camera attachment allows the user to apply a variable compressive force to an object to be photographed through application of a compressive force on the camera. The variable compressive force applied by the user on the camera is translated to a compression portion of the camera attachment and onto the object. The compression portion includes a compression plate that is composed of a material suitable for the functions and/or features described herein and particularly of a material having light characteristics that range from minimally opaque to entirely translucent for photographing the object it is compressing.

Abstract: A terminal block probe for taking electrical current measurements through an isolating terminal block by a multi-meter includes a tip configured as an isolating terminal block pin corresponding to the isolating terminal block pin of the particular isolating terminal block under test. This allows the probe to be releasably held by the terminal block for hands free testing. The probe tip includes two conductors adapted for contact with the isolating pin terminals of the terminal block. The terminal block probe includes a socket that releasably receives a plug of a multi-meter cable. Internal wiring of the probe extends from the socket and connects with the two conductors of the tip. When the plug of the multi-meter cable is received within the socket, the conductors of the tip are in electrical continuity with the wires of the multi-meter cable and thus the multi-meter.

Abstract: A system and method provides content or material such as educational, informational, or learning content from existing and/or third party content on a network such as the Internet and disseminates the content via the network to a user by correlating the culled content to a user's learning profile. The system preferably pushes the content to the user after correlation of content to the user's learning profile. The user's learning profile includes data regarding a user's learning proclivities and/or preferences of a user's learning profile. The system scans and/or searches the Internet for the existing content. The system stores data about the scanned content particularly with respect to the content itself and relative to the classifications, categories, and/or categorization of learning proclivities and/or preferences. Particularly, the system stores data regarding the elements and/or characteristics of the content with respect to the learning proclivities and/or preferences.

Abstract: A wheelchair brake system is provided that allows an operator of the brake system to retard and/or stop the motion of the wheelchair. The brake system provides for independent and variable application of a braking force to wheels of the wheelchair. The brake system includes first and second brake force application assemblies, first and second braking assemblies, and actuation lines coupling the respective brake force application assembly to the braking assembly. The brake force application assemblies may be associated with handles of the wheelchair that allow a secondary or ancillary operator to apply a braking force, but may be associated with armrests of the wheelchair for use by an occupant. The brake force application assemblies are rotationally positionable and/or pivotally positionable to achieve various orientations thereof. This provides ergonomic placement of the handles for comfort and ease of brake force application.