Abstract: A contactless power supply has a dynamically configurable tank circuit powered by an inverter. The contactless power supply is inductively coupled to one or more loads. The inverter is connected to a DC power source. When loads are added or removed from the system, the contactless power supply is capable of modifying the resonant frequency of the tank circuit, the inverter frequency, the inverter duty cycle or the rail voltage of the DC power source.

Abstract: An inductive power supply system for providing power to one or more inductively powered devices. The system includes a mechanism for varying the physical distance or the respective orientation between the primary coil and secondary coil to control the amount of power supplied to the inductively powered device. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an inductive power supply system having a primary coil and a receptacle disposed within the magnetic field generated by the primary coil. One or more inductively powered devices are placed randomly within the receptacle to receive power inductively from the primary coil. The power supply circuit includes circuitry for adjusting the power supplied to the primary coil to optimize operation based on the position and cumulative characteristics of the inductively powered device(s) disposed within the receptacle.

Abstract: A protective sports glove includes a free-floating subcuff for increased protection of a wearer's forearm and wrist. The glove also includes die cuts in the back portion that are configured to provide increased and more realistic flexibility. The glove also has increased ventilation for a wearer's hand in the form of mesh areas located within the palm portion and within die cuts formed in the back portion of the glove The protective sports glove further includes a multiple piece cuff for increased flexibility and a ventilated liner that provides a secure fit during play.

Abstract: A 360 degree view anamorphic resolution imaging system, which is a photonic device capable of illuminating the interior surface of a cylindrical object and then focusing the reflected light onto the detection surface of a viewing device. The system enables the selection of the level of image resolution from very high in the longitudinal axis near the center of the image, to moderate axial resolution near the outer edge of the image. The system may be used for viewing in-process machining operations, material flaw detection and measurement, and internal thread inspection.

Abstract: An illuminated control button with an eccentric switch and a button spring configured to substantially balance the mechanical resistance of the switch when the button is depressed. The switch may be a conventional push-button switch having a stem directly contacting a portion of the control button. The button spring may include an integral reflector and may have a rim that defines a surface engaging the button. The control button may include a fixed light source and the reflector may move about the light source when the control button is depressed. The present invention also provides a control button with a light source at least partially contained within an integrating sphere. In one embodiment, the integrating sphere includes a somewhat cup-shaped diffusely reflective surface that cooperates with a diffusely reflective surface on the back surface of the button to substantially evenly distribute light from the light source throughout the integrating sphere.

Abstract: A cookware handle includes a metal insert and a cured phenolic overmold molded over the insert. The metal insert may be shaped to prevent movement of the overmold with respect to the insert, and may include a screw boss for attaching the handle to a cookware vessel. The overmold is molded over the insert into the shape of a handle. The overmold may encapsulate the insert, and may define a hole aligned with the screw boss to receive a screw that extends through the screw boss and into the cookware vessel. The present invention also includes a method for manufacturing a cookware handle, including the steps of a) providing a metal insert having an attachment portion; b) overmolding a phenolic molding material over the insert, the overmold shaped in the form of a cookware handle; and c) attaching the overmold and insert to a cookware vessel with the attachment portion of the insert.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an improved handle (12) for a lacrosse head (16) is provided. The improved handle (12) includes a tubular member (20) having a top end (14) for attachment to the lacrosse head (16) and a bottom end (18) that is opposite to the top end (14). The tubular member (20) further includes an outer surface (22) having one or more predetermined portions (24) with a substantially hard coating (26) coupled thereto. The substantially hard coating (26) is utilized for strengthening the tubular member (20), preventing damage thereto, decreasing vibration therein, and providing the player with tactile stimuli as to the orientation of a lacrosse stick (10) within his hands.

Abstract: An inductively powered gas discharge lamp including both a power coil and a heating coils associated with each filament. The heating coils enable the filaments to be preheated before the starting voltage is applied through the power coils. The inductive power coils and the inductive heater coils are contained within the lamp envelope, allowing the lamp to be entirely sealed. A method of dimming the lamp also is disclosed. The lamp is dimmed by both decreasing the power applied to the power coils and increasing the power applied to the heating coils so as to prevent the arc from extinguishing under lower voltage conditions.

Abstract: A unit for transferring power in an inductive manner to at least one power-receiving device, and a system comprising such a unit and such a device. The unit includes at least one coil structure configured to allow various degrees of translational and rotational freedom of movement of the power-receiving device relative thereto. This provides increased ease of use, since it is not necessary for a user to place the power-receiving device in mechanical or other registration with the unit.

Abstract: A multi-configurable platform seating system with chairs mounted to the nose of each deck where seating is desired. The system includes a structural member disposed at the front of each deck, and each chair is removably secured to the deck by a pair of standards that are removably secured to the structural member. The system may include program supports that mount to the standards to support the forward end of a deck without removing any chairs. The program supports are removably mountable so that they can be installed to support decks at different heights when the system is in different configurations. The system may also include a handrail system that is mounted to the standards. The handrail system is removably mountable so that it can be installed in essentially any desired location as the system is placed in different configurations. The system may also be reconfigurable to convert a section of seating into a team box.