Abstract: A removable locking plug that is easily inserted and/or removed from the cylinder portion of the locking mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, the plug is enclosed in a case hardened steel housing and contains a tumbler keyed locking mechanism.

Abstract: Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), associated devices and methods of use, and more specifically, exit signs, traffic signals, informational and other signage and lighting devices utilizing CCFL-type devices are provided with novel connectors, mounting brackets, housings, associated electronics and other accessories to provide new and unique lighting devices and methods of using them, all of which offer significant savings in cost, operating expense, power consumption and retrofit convenience.

Abstract: A highly pliant projectile intended to be deployed from a firearm is adapted to be elongated during transit through the firearm. The propellant gases act upon a piston element which is coupled to a force transfer member that is positioned in a cavity within the projectile body so that propulsion forces are applied to the forwardmost part of the projectile, causing it to elongate, thereby reducing its diameter so as not to interfere with the walls of the firearm.

Abstract: A belt wearable by a person; a loop formed thereon for receiving an object of predetermined circumference; a flap is securable in a first relation to the belt and to the loop wherein the flap restricts the opening to confine an object of the predetermined circumference within the loop, and displaceable to a second relation to the belt and the loop wherein the opening is passable to allow removal an object of the predetermined circumference from the loop. A retractor is so coupled to the belt and to the flap as to hold the flap proximate the belt when the flap is in the second relation to the belt and to the loop. A retractor stretched between top and bottom edges of the belt. Elastic retractor. Ring coupling the retractor to the flap. Elastic ring. VELCRO® brand closure fastening flap to loop and retractor to belt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a back-up battery for an electronic device with a rechargeable battery, which electronic device is provided with a contact for connecting a battery charger and which back-up battery consists of one or more battery cells. According to the invention the terminals on the back-up battery are connected to a contact adapted to the contact for the battery charger on the electronic device, with the result that when it is connected to the electronic device's battery charger contact the back-up battery will charge the electronic device's rechargeable battery, thereby providing increased service life for the electronic device.

Abstract: A support structure for stiffening one or more vibrating plates of an acoustic stringed instrument: at least one sheet-like piece supported at least partly at a distance from the plate by means of one or more formed pieces arranged between the sheet-like piece and the plate to be stiffened. The entity formed by the sheet-like piece and the plate to be stiffened, together, is the shape of a lens thinning towards the edges in cross-section.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for sensing and generating images of objects including first sensor probe means sensitive to Coriolis forces for detecting first magnetic phenomena and for generating first signals in response thereto, second sensor probe means sensitive to Lorentz forces for detecting second magnetic phenomena and for generating second signals in response thereto and data processing means coupled to receive said first and second signals for analyzing said signals, correlating said signals and for deriving useful information from said signals.

Abstract: A portable fishing pole holder and carrier has a tubular metal frame. A row of posts projects out-of-plane at each end of the frame for cradling one or more fishing poles, which are held in place by elastic cords. Support members depending from the frame hold the frame above a surface or adjacent to it for compact hand carrying. Optionally, magnetic or VELCRO® brand fastening patches anchor the support members to a deck or truck bed. Optionally, the fastening patches stabilize the support members when the support members are positioned adjacent the frame. Optionally, the frame or the support members may have wheels or handles. Optionally, a support member serves as a handle.