Abstract: A target clamp includes at least one plate, a biasing element disposed adjacent the plate, and an actuator adjacent the biasing element. When a target is disposed between the biasing element and the plate, the actuator can be moved from a first position to a second position to cause the biasing element to forcefully engage the target, thereby holding the target between the plate and the biasing element.

Abstract: A hand-operated device is provided for lifting and transporting heavy bales of plant material, such as bales of hay or other objects, which is structured to enable persons of even modest strength to transport such bales of material. The hand-operated device provides bale-engaging members associated with lateral arms and a wheel assembly so that the device engages and lifts the bale of plant material, thereby avoiding the need to physically lift the heavy bale of material for transportation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing tactile feedback to a user moving his/her finger across the touch-sensitive surface of a touchpad or tablet. Different regions of the touch-sensitive surface are differentiated from each other by providing a different human perceptible textural surfaces within the regions. A different texture provides immediate tactile feedback to the user through the finger making contact with the touchpad. Increased functionality is important because it solves problems which are inherent to the small touchpad surfaces used as computer input devices. Particularly, it is a problem to drag an object from one side of a display to another without repeatedly raising a finger to repeat the dragging motion because of the limited surface area of the touchpad surface. Providing increased functionality such as a drag extend function solves the movement problem.

Abstract: A method of digital printing in which paint is deposited in metered amounts on a print medium includes providing a paint injector which advances a paint coated strand through the path of a fluid stream. The fluid stream removes the paint from the exterior of the strand and deposits the paint onto the surface of a print medium. The advancement of the strand is selectively controlled to effectively meter the paint applied to the print medium and the position of the paint injector is controlled relative to the print medium to form an image thereon. The paint injector is comprised of a wheel rotatable by a shaft of a motor, an idler at least partially disposed in paint contained in a reservoir, and a wire disposed at least partially around the wheel and the idler.

Abstract: An adjustable basketball standard includes a mast, a backboard and rim, a support arm for holding the backboard and rim, and a clamp assembly for attaching the support arm to the mast. The clamp assembly is configured to slide along the backboard to enable the user to move the backboard and rim to a desired height. Unlike many of the prior art configurations, the adjustable basketball standard does not move the backboard and rim horizontally with respect to the boundaries of the playing surface. Additionally, the adjustable basketball standard is easy to use and provides a greater variation of heights at which the backboard may be placed.

Abstract: A surgical combination apparatus includes a first instrument (e.g., an injection needle), a second instrument (e.g., a snare) and a catheter for sheathing the first and second instruments. An actuator is included for extending the first instrument and the second instrument independent of each other. A biasing mechanism is also provided to bias the first instrument into a retracted position. A locking mechanism is also preferably provided to hold the first instrument in either the extended or retracted position.