Abstract: A staple cartridge that sequentially draws out rolled staple band material from the staple storage portion includes regulating device that touches the stacked surface of the rolled staple band to regulate the widening and unraveling of the stacked surface. The regulating device is capable of regulating the widening of the stacked surface of the staple band material in the roll diameter direction even during vibration of the cartridge. This minimizes the phenomenon of the staple band material biting to or catching on the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A staple forming mechanism having at least first and second configurations. The staple forming mechanism including a bend surface having a first surface width in the first configuration and a second surface width in the second configuration for forming staples having first and second crown sizes, respectively. The forming mechanism also includes at least two side portions spaced apart by a first former width in the first configuration and by a second former width in the second configuration. The side portions cooperate with the bend surface to form the staples. A stapler includes the forming mechanism and a driver including a driving surface having a first driver width in the first configuration and a second driver width in the second configuration for driving the staples of the first and second crown sizes into a stack of papers.

Abstract: A stapler apparatus is equipped with linked staples and includes a staple feed member configured for feeding staples to a driving position, a staple driver operable to drive the staples from the driving position into a stack of sheets, and an anvil unit operable to engage and clamp the stack of sheets to be stapled. The staple feed member is powered by movement of the anvil unit.

Abstract: A staple forming mechanism having at least first and second configurations. The staple forming mechanism including a bend surface having a first surface width in the first configuration and a second surface width in the second configuration for forming staples having first and second crown sizes, respectively. The forming mechanism also includes at least two side portions spaced apart by a first former width in the first configuration and by a second former width in the second configuration. The side portions cooperate with the bend surface to form the staples. A stapler includes the forming mechanism and a driver including a driving surface having a first driver width in the first configuration and a second driver width in the second configuration for driving the staples of the first and second crown sizes into a stack of papers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the presence of a wireless network connection point based upon wireless network characteristics. Examples of such characteristics include, but are not limited to: message length, repetition rate and response timing. These types of characteristics are used to differentiate various types of wireless networks from other radio frequency signals within a given band. The output of the locator is compared against desired thresholds to indicate signal strengths roughly corresponding to current wireless networks cards.

Abstract: A lock for securing an article on display includes a casing having a front opening and a hook contiguous to the front opening, with a locking body received in the casing. The locking body is formed with a bolt having a front lip that is movable out of the casing through the front opening. In addition, the locking body is designed so that the front lip of the bolt may be extended out of the casing and securely kept alongside the hook until the lock is opened.

Abstract: A portable display device and method of setting up the portable display device. The display device includes first and second panels that can fold inwardly relative to each other. The device may also include a marquee surface integral with the display device that extends outwardly from the first and second panels, and a footer integral with the display device that extends away from the first and second panels. First and second bottom braces can also be integral with and movably coupled to the first and second panels, respectively.

Abstract: A light for use with computers containing light emitting diodes, which may be directional, on one or more movable supports which is powered via the computer's USB or IEEE 1394 port. An auxiliary USB or IEEE 1394 port may be combined with the plug-in light to allow for additional devices to be connected through the same port powering the light.

Abstract: A display board assembly comprising a display board and a frame coupled to the display board. The frame defines a gap dimensioned to receive and hold a sheet. The frame may include a body engageable with the display board. The body may further include a first projection defining a first surface and a second projection defining a second surface positioned to face the first surface, wherein the first and second surfaces define the gap dimensioned to receive and hold a sheet. The body can define a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The display board assembly can be used to post a sheet by inserting a sheet into the gap substantially along the transverse direction.

Abstract: A staple forming mechanism having at least first and second configurations. The staple forming mechanism including a bend surface having a first surface width in the first configuration and a second surface width in the second configuration for forming staples having first and second crown sizes, respectively. The forming mechanism also includes at least two side portions spaced apart by a first former width in the first configuration and by a second former width in the second configuration. The side portions cooperate with the bend surface to form the staples. A stapler includes the forming mechanism and a driver including a driving surface having a first driver width in the first configuration and a second driver width in the second configuration for driving the staples of the first and second crown sizes into a stack of papers.

Abstract: A device that includes a cable with a locking device/head at the end of the cable. The cable is coupled to a housing and is retractable into the housing for easy storage and portability. The locking device is stored within a compartment such that is flush with or with the housing. If keys are used with the lock, preferably the keys may be stored within the housing when the device is not in use.

Abstract: A security device for preventing removal and theft of valuable devices includes an alarm that is coupled to a cable. At a distal end of the cable, a locking device is provided. The locking device is coupled to valuable device. The other end of the cable is coupled to the alarm. The alarm includes a power source. A lock plate is placed over the power source. The cable is routed through the alarm and through the lock plate prior to coupling the locking device to the portable electronic device. With the cable through the alarm and the lock plate, the lock plate cannot be removed and thus, the power source is inaccessible. A wire loop runs through the cable and is coupled to the alarm such that if the cable is cut, the circuit is broken and the alarm sounds.

Abstract: A stapler for binding a stack of sheets includes a base, a staple driving mechanism coupled to the base, and a sheet locating device coupled to the base. The sheet locating device includes a guide having first and second guide members and is movable with respect to the staple driving mechanism from a first rotational orientation relative to the staple driving mechanism to a second rotational orientation. The stapler can be used to perform a method of stapling wherein a first stack of sheets receives a staple in a first rotational orientation with respect to the guide, and a second stack of sheets receives a staple in a second rotational orientation with respect to the guide by moving the guide between first and second rotational orientations.

Abstract: An object holder/illumination system for holding and/or positioning a first object with respect to a second object and illuminating the first object by accessing power from the second object. The system is especially useful as a copyholder/illumination system used in conjunction with a computing system such as a laptop computer, desktop or other portable electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention provides energy-saving pads for use with optical mice. The mouse pads of the present invention are particularly suitable for use with wireless optical mice. In some embodiments, optical mouse pads are constructed by peeling the backing from reflective sheeting, then applying a transparent layer to an exposed adhesive layer of the reflective sheeting. Some optical mouse pads are provided with wrist rests and/or anti-skid bases.