Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a systems and methods of loss prevention, discovery, and tracking of personal belongings through the use of wireless hardware and mobile electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet computers, and portable computers. One embodiment of the present invention may be directed to a mobile communication device comprising a processor, an antenna, a transceiver device electrically coupled to the antenna and the processor, and a computer readable medium coupled to the processor and comprising code executable by the processor to implement a method. The method may include receiving a wireless communication from a wireless apparatus attached to an object, determining a signal strength reading from the communication, determining if the signal strength reading is below an adaptable alert threshold, and if the signal strength reading is below the alert threshold, alerting a user.

Abstract: A display board assembly includes a display board having a planar surface and an edge extending along at least a portion of the planar surface. The display board assembly also includes a mounting member coupled to the display board. The mounting member defines a first gap adjacent the planar surface of the display board and a second gap adjacent the edge of the display board. The display board assembly further includes a display board accessory including a projection. The display board accessory is removably coupled to the mounting member in one of a first position, in which the projection is received in the first gap, and a second position, in which the projection is received in the second gap.

Abstract: A case for a portable electronic device and a keyboard includes a first cover portion, an engagement member secured to the first cover portion and configured to support the portable electronic device, a second cover portion configured to support the keyboard, and a spine portion connecting the first cover portion to the second cover portion. The spine portion allows movement of the first cover portion relative to the second cover portion so that the case is positionable in a closed position and in an operating position. The case also includes a rigid spine component coupled to the second cover portion adjacent the spine portion. The rigid spine component includes a groove configured to receive a portion of at least one of the engagement member and the portable electronic device when the case is in the operating position.

Abstract: A sheet stacking device includes a vacuum system that delivers an individual sheet toward a binder element, a sheet deflector element that presses an end of the individual sheet onto the binder element, and a sheet kick-down element that presses the individual sheet away from the vacuum system.

Abstract: An apparatus for housing and displaying a portable electronic device includes a housing having a window sized to display a portion of a screen of a portable electronic device disposed within the housing. The apparatus also includes a first recess disposed in the housing, the first recess sized and configured to hold a stylus at a first angle relative to the housing. The apparatus also includes a second recess disposed in the housing, the second recess sized and configured to hold the stylus at a second, different angle relative to the housing.

Abstract: A security apparatus for securing a portable device includes a housing having a first housing portion configured to partially surround a first portion of the portable device, and a second housing portion configured to partially surround a second portion of the portable device. The second housing portion is selectively secured to the first housing portion when the housing is engaged with the portable device. The security apparatus also includes an attachment device extending from the housing. The attachment device is configured to engage a locking head. The security apparatus further includes a modular accessory coupled to the housing. The modular accessory is connected to the housing when the first and second housing portions are secured together to surround the portable device. The modular accessory is only removable from the housing when the first and second housing portions are disconnected from the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A wireless device configured to communicate with a mobile communication device in an object tracking system includes a transceiver configured to send and receive messages with the mobile communication device. Each message has a signal strength value. The wireless device also includes a first antenna coupled to the transceiver for sending and receiving the messages, a second antenna coupled to the transceiver for alternatively sending and receiving the messages, and a processor coupled to the transceiver. The processor is operable to switch between using one of the first antenna and the second antenna based on the signal strength value of an associated message.

Abstract: A binding machine includes a body, an actuator coupled with the body, and a punch mechanism housed in the body for punching a stack of sheets upon actuation of the actuator. The punch mechanism includes a plate including a plurality of punch pins. The punch pins are configured to punch through the stack of sheets during a punch stroke. A shaft is coupled with the actuator such that movement of the actuator causes rotation of the shaft. At least one cam is mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith. The cam is coupled with the plate to drive the plate in a punching direction. The cam includes a cam profile that dictates displacement of the plate in the punching direction relative to rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A security apparatus for securing a portable device includes a shell configured to surround at least a portion of the portable device, an attachment device coupled to the shell, and a blocking element defining a clearance aperture. The blocking element is movably coupled to the shell for movement between a first position, in which the portable device is removable from the shell, and a second position, in which the portable device is secured within the shell. The attachment device extends through the clearance aperture of the blocking element when the blocking element is in the second position.

Abstract: A method for planning a project including accessing a worksheet with a list area and instruction indicia. The instruction indicia cues a user to write project-related information in the list area for at least two phases of a project, and the project-related information includes at least one of a time interval or a finish date for each project phase. The method includes writing project-related information in the list area of the worksheet and accessing a plurality of labels that each include project-related indicia. A label is selected that pertains to at least one phase of the project, and the label is secured to a date-range document at a location on the date-range document that correlates with the time interval or the finish date of the respective phase of the project.

Abstract: A material punching machine includes a guide member defining a material pathway for transporting a piece of material through the machine. The machine also includes a first sensor element disposed adjacent the material pathway for detecting a first position of a trailing edge of the material as the material moves through the material pathway. The machine also includes a second sensor element disposed adjacent the material pathway for detecting a second position of the trailing edge of the material as the material moves through the material pathway. The machine also includes a punch element that punches a first aperture in the piece of material in a first area of the piece of material based on detection of the trailing edge by the first sensor, and punches a second aperture in another area of the piece of material based on detection of the trailing edge by the second sensor.

Abstract: An object tracking system includes a wireless device having a first antenna, a first transceiver coupled to the first antenna, and a sensor coupled to the first transceiver and configured to monitor a parameter of the vehicle. The parameter is related to an operational state of the vehicle. The object tracking system also includes a mobile communication device having a second antenna, a second transceiver coupled to the second antenna and configured to communicate with the wireless device, and a processor coupled to the second transceiver. The processor is operable to generate a first list of objects when the vehicle is in a first operational state, generate a second list of wireless when the vehicle is in a second operational state, and compare the second list of objects to the first list of objects.

Abstract: A security apparatus for a portable electronic device includes a cable having a length, a first end, and a second end. The security apparatus also includes a lock head coupled to the first end of the cable. The lock head is configured to selectively engage the portable electronic device and is movable by the cable between a first position, in which the lock head is secured to the portable electronic device, and a second position, in which the lock head is unsecured from the portable electronic device. The security apparatus further includes an actuator assembly coupled to the second end of the cable and spaced a distance from the lock head along the length of the cable. The actuator assembly is operable to actuate the cable to move the lock head between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A stored energy stapler includes a base portion and a first lever pivotally coupled to the base portion. The first lever includes a front end and a back end. The stapler also includes a second lever pivotally coupled to the base portion about a pivot point, the second lever having a front end and a back end, and a striker element at the front end for driving a staple out of the stapler. The stapler also includes a biasing member coupled to both the first lever and the second lever that biases the back ends of the first and second levers apart from one another. The pivot point is disposed between the striker element and the biasing member.

Abstract: A system for use with a locker door having an upper divider and a lower divider, the system including a strap including a first portion, a second portion, and a body portion extending an entire length therebetween. The first portion of the strap is adapted to be secured to the upper divider of the locker door, and the second portion of the strap is adapted to be secured to the lower divider of the locker door. A component is included that is adapted to be releasably coupled to the body portion of the strap while the first portion of the strap is secured to the upper divider of the locker door and the second portion of the strap is simultaneously secured to the lower divider of the locker door.