Abstract: A key assembly for mounting an electronic component in the head of the key. The electronic component is mounted in either an opening such as a bore or recess formed in the key head, or a carrier connected to the heel end of the key shank. In the former case, a closure member such as a plug or adhesively backed panel member is employed to close off the opening. In the latter case, the carrier is encapsulated within a plastic key head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing a rechargeable battery in a self-charging electronic device from being charged while the electronic device is resting in a charging cradle comprising placing an isolation element between a first set of electrical contacts on a charging cradle and a second set of electrical connections on a self-charging device. The isolation element preferably comprises a material with a sufficiently high dielectric constant to prevent current from flowing from the first set of electrical contacts to the second set of electrical contacts. Therefore, the rechargeable battery is not subjected to a constant recharging current flow which can limit the total recharge capacity of the battery.

Abstract: A snow-plow system having four major features: lighting system, a quick and easy disconnect/connect system, a reactive controlled pressure mechanism for applying a controlled pressure to the bottom edge of the moldboard of the plow, and a simple electric control to activate or de-activate the reactive controlled pressure mechanism. The present invention may be summarized as a snow-plow system that is mounted to a vehicle having a mounting frame by an easy connect and disconnect system connecting to the A-frame of the snow-plow by use of three mounting pins which hold the snow-plow system in place on the mounting frame of the vehicle and thereby rigidly connect the system to the vehicle. A light bar or lighting system also is rigidly mounted to the A-frame of the snow-plow at the mounting pins so that once the position of the lighting system is determined the relative position of the lighting system with respect to the vehicle does not change.

Abstract: A preformed thermal fuse comprising two electrodes, first and second layers of solder, and a conductive bridge comprising a non-paste solder material is disclosed. The conductive bridge has a melting temperature which is substantially equivalent to the predetermined actuation temperature of the fuse. The melting temperatures of the first and second layers of solder are selected to allow reflow soldering of the device.

Abstract: A shelf-stable cheese with a low-water activity, and method of preparation. The resulting shelf-stable cheese/composition does not require refrigeration and does not support the proliferation of microorganisms. It can be prepared as suitable for baking applications and/or a consistency appropriate for the desired food product.

Abstract: A composite material having two outer paper components and a plastic core component therebetween. In preferred embodiments, the core component includes two bias cut plys such that the core component is cross-laminated. The paper components are preferably toner receptive and/or laser ink printable.

Abstract: A power assisted snowplow stand for allowing an operator of a snowplow the ability to position the snowplow to connect and disconnect the snowplow. The snowplow stand generally including a stand structure coupled to a power assist mechanism. The stand structure coupled to the snowplow. The invention also including a method for attaching a vehicle, including a subframe, to and operating power assisted snowplow stand for allowing an operator of a snowplow the ability to position the snowplow to connect and disconnect the snowplow; a stand structure coupled to the snowplow and a power assist mechanism being linked to a control system for controlling the power assisted snowplow stand. The stand structure including an up position and a down position. The method including positioning the vehicle subframe for engagement with the snowplow. Operating the control system to actuate the power assist mechanism to align the snowplow with the vehicle subframe. Engaging and coupling the vehicle subframe to the snowplow.

Abstract: A locking device for use in a bicycle brake system in order to retain a hand-operated brake lever thereof in a braked state includes a locking member of resilient material, and a bearing device for bearing the locking member on the brake lever. The brake system includes a mounting seat fixed on a bicycle handlebar for connecting a brake cable to the brake lever. The brake lever has a first end mounted pivotally to the mounting seat and turnable about a first axis. The locking member includes a pressure bearing portion, a pair of spaced bracing arm portions which extend traversely and respectively from two ends of the pressure bearing portion, and a pair of leg portions which extend inwardly and respectively from the bracing arm portions. The bearing device includes a pair of pivot holes formed in two opposite lateral walls of the brake lever to receive the leg portions therein such that the pressure bearing portion and the leg portions of the locking member are generally parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A materials grinder includes a rotary grinding drum and a shear bar cooperating with the grinding drum to grind various types of materials. The shear bar is mounted on a pivotal structure adjacent the materials grinding drum. A displaceable biasing member biases the pivotal structure toward the grinding drum to maintain the shear bars in close cooperating relationship therewith. If ungrindable materials are encountered, the pivotal structure pivots away from the grinding drum against the bias force of the biasing member to permit the ungrindable materials to pass between the grinding drum and the shear bar. Once the ungrindable materials pass, the biasing member moves the pivotal structure back toward the grinding drum. Materials to be ground are fed to the grinding drum by means of an infeed conveyor and an overhead infeed roller.

Abstract: An electrical resistor having a resistance value and capable of withstanding high power surges, utilizing a thick film deposited on a substrate and trimmed with one or more cuts configured to maintain a level of current crowding while increasing the resistance value of the resistor. A surge resistor can be modified in a similar fashion.