Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine system includes a vertical shaft rotatably mounted about a vertical axis and an upper platen coupled to the vertical shaft. Vanes are coupled to the vertical shaft and extend downward from the upper platen. Each vane has a concave face and an opposing convex face. A lower platen is coupled to the vertical shaft and to each vane. The lower platen has an opening formed therein proximate to the concave face of each vane. A plenum is disposed below the vertical axis wind turbine and is rotatably mounted about the shaft for rotation about the vertical axis. The plenum includes a top portion disposed proximate to the lower platen and has an outlet port therein. The outlet port is in fluid communication with at least one of the lower platen openings. A plenum passage provides fluid communication between a plenum inlet and the outlet port.

Abstract: The present invention provides battery cell having low resistance internal connections and compact, low volume terminal connections in order to maximize power-producing volume. The battery of the present invention may be created using a novel fold geometry to fold electrode tabs into compact, low profile tabs having a low total volume. The battery cell provides a means for equalizing path lengths from each electrode active area to the point of connection to the terminal and also reducing path length, thereby further reducing resistance of the battery. The connection means of the present invention consumes less internal battery space than connection means of prior art electrode stacks. Accordingly, the electrode stack of the present invention disposes more or larger battery cells in the battery than the prior art and thus provides more power than the prior art battery. The present invention is designed to overcome prior art difficulties in preparing a battery.

Abstract: The present invention describes a monoblock for a plurality of lithium ion cells. The monoblock includes a case having a base and a cover dimensioned and configured to the base. The case includes a chamber that includes cell compartments for lithium cells. Each lithium cell is disposed in a leaf spring that applies compression pressure on the cell. The structural integrity of the battery and cells is maintained using internal and external anti-swelling features including a waffle pattern, backing plates, etc. A liquid and gas pressure management system is also incorporated with the case and realized by a vent plenum, check valves, bladders, bags, etc.

Abstract: A means and method for rendering high energy density cells safe in compliance with transportation requirements, with the incorporation of a cell fusible terminal which is added on or incorporated within the cell terminals to prevent over current and hazards from developing due to external short circuits. As a result, cells made in accordance with the method of the present invention can be shipped by common carriers even though they are classified as hazardous materials and can be readily used and normally discharged with such fusible link element thereon. The fusible terminal comprises a non conductive base element upon which is mounted a fusible link element and wherein the non-conductive or insulative base element comprises means for connection to a terminal of the cell or battery and to an external component.

Abstract: A battery mount is disclosed. The battery mount includes a body having a lateral axis, a central groove extending along the lateral axis, and an arcuate cut-out extending from a top surface of the body on either side of the lateral axis.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible respiratory protective hood having interior and exterior surfaces. Multiple apertures are die-cut in the hood in a predetermined geometric configuration. A substantially rigid respiration component to provides a fluid pathway between hood interior and exterior. Raised fluid ports extend from the respiration component and are aligned with the apertures. Fluid ports extend from the hood interior surface and project from the hood exterior surface. A bond between the hood interior surface and the respiration component form a fluid impermeable seal between the respiration component and hood.

Abstract: A safety device integrated into a respiratory system that includes an oxygen mask having a cup-shaped rigid portion overlying a face mating portion to define a respiratory envelope that is adapted to sealingly engage over the mouth and nose of a user. An integrated control circuit includes an externally mounted connection block and a circuit looping through the respiratory envelope. A hands-free, mouth-activated switch is located within the cup-shaped rigid portion and is electrically coupled to the control circuit.

Abstract: A retractable drink system for providing fluid delivery to a wearer with a donned protective mask covering the mouth, the drink system including a drink tube mounted within the interior of the mask, the drink tube having a retracted position and a deployed position; and an actuation coupling externally accessible with respect to the mask, the actuation coupling moving the drink tube between the retracted and deployed positions.

Abstract: A tilter assembly is provided for positioning an electronic device such as a flat panel display. The tilter assembly includes a tilter shaft holder having an opening aligned along an axis and a shaft received within the opening. The shaft is rotatable about the axis, and may be coupled to a support. The tilter shaft holder is coupled to the electronic device. The tilter assembly also includes a torsion spring device in operative association with the shaft to provide a bias or counterbalance to the electronic device, thereby preventing undesired rotation about the axis.

Abstract: A shotgun shell storage and dispenser device in the form of a hollow elongated housing to hold the shotgun shells in vertical array, the housing adjusted for loading and dispensing shotgun shells through a loading end of the housing. Shotgun shells are positioned by structural elements on a rear wall of the housing and constant force springs in conjunction with a follower to urge the shotgun shells toward a loading and discharge end of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a syringe disposal device (10) for a single syringe (1) having an elongate body (2) with a needle (3) at one end and a finger engageable flange (4) at its other end. The device (10) comprises an elongate enclosed sheath (12) having a closed tip (14) at one end and a cuff (16) at the other end. A syringe detention device (26) is located adjacent the cuff (16) and has at least one inclined sloping surface (28) each of which has a frangible portion (31) rupturable by the syringe flange (4) passing the surface (28) to convert the sloping surface (28) into a cantilevered strip (28A).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Thus, the arm may be positioned as desired, as such force adjustment stabilizes the arm.

Abstract: A furniture item, such as a stool, table or chair having removable decorative panels. The removable panels include a surface that is preferably convex in shape when installed and provides an area upon which advertising, promotional and/or purely aesthetic material can be displayed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable support stand for various devices such as laptop computes, tablet PCs and other electronic equipment. The stand has a tripod configuration which promotes stability of the user device. The front legs of the tripod may be adjusted between compact and extended positions, and may be placed in a position relative to the rear leg anywhere from 0° in a fully closed position to approximately 180° in a fully open position. Audible indicators are used with overall stand adjustment and with adjustment of stoppers at the ends of the front legs. Adjustment of the front legs relative to the rear leg employs a pivot section, including a finger disc spring, an adjustment actuator and an engagement member between the spring and the actuator. The engagement member includes projections or dimples which engage receptacles on an engagement member to secure the stand in a desired arrangement.

Abstract: A wireless networking adapter that incorporates a Yagi-style directional antenna preferably includes at least one driver element positioned between a reflector element and at least two director elements. Another embodiment of the invention comprises a wireless access point having Yagi-style antenna that includes a driver that is adapted to rotate between a first position, in which the driver is in phase with the reflector an at least two directors, and a second position, in which the driver out of phase with a reflector and at least two directors.

Abstract: An extension arm suitable for mounting an electronic device. The extension arm also includes a pair of end caps. The extension arm also includes an upper channel and a lower channel. Each channel has at opposite ends a pair of integrally cast rollers which are pivotably attached to each of the end caps. The upper channel includes an integrally formed boss for securing a ball stud. A tensioning assembly is contained within the extension arm having one end coupled to the ball stud and the other end coupled to one of the end caps. The upper and lower channels and the end caps form an adjustable parallelogram.

Abstract: A quick release assembly is provided to enable a user to easily attach and detach electronic equipment such as a flat panel monitor to an extension arm or other mounting device. One embodiment of the quick release assembly includes an adapter plate for connecting to the electronic equipment, a connecting plate for securing to the mounting device, and a release plate disposed between the adapter plate and the connecting plate. When fully assembled, the user can press a release mechanism on the release plate to disengage the release plate and the connecting plate from the adapter unit. After the release mechanism is pressed, the connecting plate can be slid off of the adapter plate. Unlike conventional devices, it is not necessary to remove or loosen hard to reach fasteners in order to disconnect the electronic device from the mounting device.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a horizontally supportable beam and one or more mounting brackets for coupling an electronic device thereto. The beam is supportable from any number of support surfaces. The mounting brackets are provided with a projection to prevent twisting of the bracket during installation on the beam. One or more circular ribs within the bracket accommodate the use of curved beams. The mounting brackets enable positioning of the electronic device longitudinally along the beam at predetermined positions.