Abstract: A portable lifting apparatus includes a base having a portability system rendering the apparatus movable along a surface; a lift arm connected to the base; a deck to support an object, and being moveably engaged with the lift arm via a lifting system that is adapted to lift the deck along a portion of the lift arm; and a hitch connector, connected to the deck, and adapted to hitch the apparatus to a vehicle hitch receiver. When the apparatus is not hitched, the lifting system can lift the object from a first position to a second position; and when the apparatus is hitched, the lifting system can lift the apparatus above the surface.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle includes a switch having an open state and a closed state; an electrical socket that receives an electrical plug; an electrical interface that directly couples to electrical wires and conductively carries current to the switch; a user interface having an input device that receives user commands, and an output device that sends user signals; and a timer that, upon user command, causes the switch to close. When the switch is in the closed state, current conductively reach the electrical socket. When in the open state, current does not conductively reach the electrical socket.

Abstract: A terminal, for use with a phreatic surface measurer having a tape measure with at least one sensor at one end of the tape measure, includes a flexible protection element that substantially surrounds the tape measure, and a coupler between the flexible protection element and the sensor, where the flexible protection element protects the tape measure along a part of its length without substantially impeding its flexibility. Optionally, two elements can be used and connected to each other by a connector. Also optionally, a breakaway feature can allow the replacement of terminals or portions thereof.

Abstract: A sign includes a housing, and at least one symbol plate that provides a visual representation of at least one symbol. A symbol plate attaches to the housing in at least two orientations relative to the housing. Optionally, a symbol plate has at least one cutout that provides the visual representation. Optionally, the housing includes a light source that emits light waves that pass through cutouts to illuminate visual representations. Optionally, a sign includes a sheet, disposable between the housing and a symbol plate, and adapted to filter at least one color from the light waves. The at least two orientations can include a first position, and a second position 90 degrees to the first position. Optionally, a sign includes a cover, or a cover and a deluxe plate, having at least one respective opening that exposes the visual representation.

Abstract: A method and system for creating secure Internet user states between one or more servers and one or more users. The invention is carried out by a server receiving over the Internet from a user private data relating to the user and a user key; creating an encryption key from the user key; encrypting the private data with the encryption key; assigning the encrypted private data to the data field of a cookie; and sending the cookie back to the user's computer for storage, so that when the user later requests data from the server or a related server, the cookie is sent back by the user's computer to the server or related server, which extracts the encrypted private data; receives the user key; recreates the encryption key; decrypts the encrypted private data with the encryption key and uses the decrypted private data to establish an Internet state between that server and the user. Optionally, the private data may be seeded by a server prior to encryption and assignment.