Abstract: A zipper assistant device that provides consumers with an accessory to help conveniently zip-up their zippers which are often located on the back of clothing. The zipper assistant device includes an on and off switch having a casing, an ON button and an OFF button, the casing having a front facing and contains a battery to power the on and off switch, an elongated handle having a first end and a second end, the on and off switch attached to the first end of the elongated handle, a handle base attached to the second end of the elongated handle and a bulb-shaped magnetic field element attached to the handle base opposite the elongated handle.

Abstract: A beach umbrella hole digging device including a tubular shaft with a pair of handles and a plunger rod that passes through the shaft and out the top. The handles help push and rotate the device into the sand. Once removed, the plunger rod can push out the sand that was inside the tubular shaft. Regular intervals are marked on the outside of the tubular shaft to show a user how deep the hole is and allow for a precise depth. By creating a hole that is the perfect diameter and depth for an umbrella pole, the user can securely set up his or her umbrella with minimal effort and time required. Furthermore, the construction of the present beach umbrella hole digging device is simple and allows for each of the components to press fit together. The device can look like the body and head of an animal.

Abstract: A spring loaded gripping device, having at least two hooks—one fixed and one moveable—extracts bait stations by engaging two portals on an internal cylindrical surface. The device is introduced into the station by adjusting the spring to a first retracted position, which causes the distance between the hooks do be less than the dimension defined by the distance between the portals of the bait station, thereby allowing entry of the hooks into the bait station. The spring is adjusted to a second extended position where the distance between the rods (hooks) is equal to or greater than the defined dimension. A tension is created between the portals which secures the station and allows its removal by a vertical lifting force applied to the device to which the hooks are secured.

Abstract: A prosthetic finger, comprising: a first axis of movement comprising a moving magnet; a second axis of movement comprising a moving coil, wherein the second axis is generally orthogonal to the first axis; and a third axis of movement comprising a moving magnet, wherein the third axis of movement is generally oriented in the same direction as the first axis of movement.

Abstract: A multi-purpose emergency services strap for facilitating lifting, transporting or carrying an individual has a strap body with a plurality of independent loops formed in the strap body. The independent loops include at least two adjacent, proximal leg loops formed in the strap body on either side of the midline, end loops on each end of the multi-purpose emergency services strap, and a plurality of adjacent handles formed in the strap body positioned distal to each of the at least two adjacent, leg loops and proximal to the end loops. The multi-purpose emergency services strap also includes a back strap and attachment loops that can be variously configured for many rescue and transport applications for humans and animals.

Abstract: The door breaching system is capable of removing or opening a door attached to a structure. A main tether made up of a tether strap and multiple eyelets attaches to a vehicle through one of the eyelets at one end of the tether strap. The other end of the tether strap attaches to at least one hook strap through a master link. Each hook strap has a hook at a distal end. In use, at least one sling loops through part of the door. Sling eyelets on either end of a sling strap connect to the hook. Due to the secure connection between the door and the door breaching system, moving the vehicle away from the structure removes the door in a controllable fashion.

Abstract: An adapter for anchoring an object to an existing support structure comprises: a securing block comprising a first inner block, a second inner block complementary to the first inner block, the first and second inner blocks defining a channel therethrough when placed in opposition for receiving and securing to the existing support structure, the first inner block comprising a first securing means and the second inner block comprising a second securing means; and an outer sleeve for coupling to the securing block, having: an opening to receive the existing support structure; a sleeve channel for receiving the securing block; and an attachment arm attached to an outer surface of the outer sleeve for anchoring the object.

Abstract: An ice fishing tool takes the form of an articulating scoop or ladle for scooping out fish, ice, or debris configured as an ice fishing tool. The tool comprises a handle, a perforated scoop, and a shaft connecting the handle to the scoop. The tool also comprises an articulating actuating assembly made up of a spring and one or more pivotally-connected links that couple a handle trigger to the scoop. Actions of squeezing the handle trigger toward the handle and releasing the handle trigger cause the scoop to move between a position approximately parallel to the shaft and a position approximately perpendicular to the shaft.

Abstract: A puller for gripping a mat, or pad, and the like for aiding in the movement and placement thereof, the puller including a plurality of pivoted lever members and gripper members mounted thereon for securely gripping the mat or pad, and including at least one handle member for moving the lever members toward and away from each other for moving the gripper members into and out of contact with the mat or pad.

Abstract: A traffic barrier lifter mountable on a boom and having a gearbox with a first and a second rotating axis; a pair of opposing arms directly mounted to the first and second rotating axis and a rotator capable of rotating the lifter relative to the boom, wherein the gearbox is capable of moving the pair of opposing arms from an open position to a closed position such that the arms can clamp onto a traffic barrier. The rotator being capable of rotating the arms and traffic barrier relative to the boom.

Abstract: The trash bag holder includes a substantially rectangular two-part frame assembly for clamping the trash bag in an open position, the frame assembly including an upper frame member and a lower frame member. A pair of latches releasably secure the upper frame and the lower frame to each other with the open mouth of the bag clamped between the members. The holder may include a telescoping handle rotatably attached to the frame assembly, the handle being pivotal between an extended position for holding the open mouth of the bag while sweeping trash into the bag with a broom and a retracted position against the frame assembly when not in use. The trash bag holder may include a vertical, open frame stand, which may have casters for portability, the stand having parallel arms defining a ledge for supporting the frame assembly with the bag hanging open between the arms.

Abstract: A cable handling device may include a clamp assembly having a first member having a jaw end and an arm end and a second member having a jaw end and an arm end. The first and second members of the clamp assembly are pivotally connected together so that when the arm ends are moved away from one another the jaw ends move away from one another and vice-versa. A proximal end of a first elongate electrically insulated handle is mounted to the arm end of the first member of the clamp assembly. A proximal end of a second elongate electrically insulated handle is mounted to the arm end of the second member of the clamp assembly.

Abstract: A component-handling device for handling components to be coated comprises a grasping element capable of having at least one of its volume and its shape changed to grasp a component, whereby the component can be handled. A method for handling components to be coated comprises changing at least one of a volume and a shape of the grasping element to grasp a component, thereby handling the component.

Abstract: Devices and methods for handling uncured radius fillers are disclosed. The devices, i.e., radius filler transport tools, generally are configured to load a radius filler from above, to index the radius filler to a desired location (e.g., a cavity), and to downwardly unload (e.g., drop) the radius filler at the desired location. Radius filler transport tools comprise at least two trough portions, coupled together to form a trough to carry the radius filler, and a plurality of hanger assemblies configured to transversely span the trough. The radius filler transport tool may have a transport state, where the trough and the hanger assemblies are in closed states, a load state, where the trough is in the closed state and at least one hanger assembly is in an open state, and an unload state, where the trough is in an open state and the hanger assemblies are in closed states.

Abstract: In one example, a multi-use tool includes a first portion that includes a first utensil, and a second portion that includes a second utensil. A connection mechanism is provided that enables the first utensil and second utensil to be releasably attached to each other in a first configuration in which the first utensil and second utensil collectively form a set of tongs.

Abstract: A hand intended for a humanoid robot comprises a palm and several fingers that are motorized relative to the palm. According to the invention, the hand comprises an actuator common to several fingers and a spreader making it possible to distribute a force exerted by the actuator toward the fingers.

Abstract: The present technology provides a device for retrieving objects. The device has a proximate elongate member (120) extending from a handle (110) and a flexible elongate member (130) coupled with the proximate elongate member and slidable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The device has a holding member (140) operatively coupled with the flexible elongate member. Some embodiments have an actuating system configured to operate certain types of holding members with an actuating member (113) to enable the holding member to hold/release an object. Some embodiments have a locking system configured to lock the flexible elongate member to the proximate elongate member.

Abstract: A pet waste collection apparatus encloses an open-topped chamber with compartmentalized spaces for carrying waste bag dispenser and retaining filled pet waste bags. The apparatus is provided with openings for maintaining aeration. The waste bags are rolled out from a small side oval opening. The bag is provided with an attachment element to connect different types of attachments to attach the apparatus to a person's clothes or accessories or to a pet leash or directly with the pet.

Abstract: A placement and retrieval apparatus for placing and retrieving a suspension apparatus is described herein. The placement and retrieval apparatus includes a placement portion for engaging the connection apparatus to place the connection apparatus at a desired location on a support structure. The placement and retrieval apparatus also including a retrieval portion for engaging the connection apparatus to remove the connection apparatus from the support structure.

Abstract: A pet waste collector includes an elongated handle extending between a rear end and a front end, a loop situated forwardly of the front end configured so that a waste disposal bag can be fit within the loop, and a (preferably bendable) stem situated between the handle front end and the loop. A pet owner can grasp the handle and situate the loop (and the bag therein) beneath the rear of a dog as the dog squats to excrete waste, thereby catching the waste within the bag. The waste-filled bag may then be removed from the loop for disposal. Bending the stem allows the loop (and bag) to be oriented as the pet owner desires for visibility, and for ease of catching the waste.