Abstract: A sleeve is disclosed for engaging an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing with a plug extending therefrom. The housing has an engaging surface and a housing support surface. The sleeve comprises a plug cap for receiving the plug. A housing cap includes a cavity for receiving the housing. An elastic tether extends between the plug cap and the housing cap for securing the plug cap to the housing cap. The elastic tether is deformable for providing a first length during the plug cap engaging the plug. The elastic tether is deformable for providing a second length during the plug cap displaced above the plug. The elastic tether being is deformable for providing a third length during said plug cap removed from the plug. A coupling is disclosed for joining an electronic device and a computer device. The coupling comprises a housing having a first end, a second end and a body. The body defines a contoured body cross section. A receptacle has an interior end, an exterior end and a wall surface.

Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit which encloses all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. The computer contains a life time counter that counts the amount of time the computer has been used from the time of purchase. The count data is useful in accessing how often a computer has been used if a purchaser return it to the manufacturer. The counter also assists manufacturers to accurately track and resolve field failures in addition to in-house quality testing. This provides a competitive advantage by allowing the computer design to be changed based on actual use conditions and increases field reliability and reduces costs in areas which are over-designed.

Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit which encloses all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. Unlike a typical desk-top computer which has external cords or cables connecting the display to a main casing, the computer only requires a single power cable and a telephone cord and has a light weight which permits the computer to be easily transported to different locations. The upper unit can pivot relative to the base unit by simply pulling or pushing the upper unit with one hand to the desired angle and then releasing the upper unit. The base unit frictionally engages the upper unit to maintain the upper unit at the desired angle.

Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit having anterior and posterior housing members for enclosing all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. Unlike a typical desk-top computer which has external cords or cables connecting the display to a main casing, the computer only requires a single power cable and a telephone cord and has a light weight which permits the computer to be easily transported to different locations. The upper unit can pivot relative to the base unit by simply pulling or pushing the upper unit with one hand to the desired angle and then releasing the upper unit. The base unit frictionally engages the upper unit to maintain the upper unit at the desired angle.

Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit which encloses all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. Unlike a typical desk-top computer which has external cords or cables connecting the display to a main casing, the computer only requires a single power cable and a telephone cord and has a light weight which permits the computer to be easily transported to different locations. The upper unit can pivot relative to the base unit by simply pulling or pushing the upper unit with one hand to the desired angle and then releasing the upper unit. The LCD display is mounted to a support frame with a plurality of fasteners. A plurality of spring members are inserted between the LCD display and the support frame for absorbing pressures exerted on the display.

Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit which encloses all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. Unlike a typical desk-top computer which has external cords or cables connecting the display to a main casing, the computer only requires a single power cable and a telephone cord and has a light weight which permits the computer to be easily transported to different locations. The upper unit can pivot relative to the base unit by simply pulling or pushing the upper unit with one hand to the desired angle and then releasing the upper unit. The base unit frictionally engages the upper unit to maintain the upper unit at the desired angle. The computer has a unique configuration in which input/output connectors of a typical motherboard are placed on a separate riser board positioned perpendicular to the system board.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for an improved one-way valve comprising a base for mounting in a chamber with a valve surface engaging with a sealing surface to close an input aperture of the chamber. A flexible web is interposed between the base and the valve surface for resiliently biasing the valve surface into engagement with the sealing surface thereby closing the input aperture. When a fluid pressure from the input aperture exceeds the resilient bias of the flexible web, the valve surface is displaced from the sealing surface for opening the input aperture to permit the flow of the liquid from the input aperture through the chamber into an output aperture. Upon a sufficient fluid pressure within the chamber, the valve surface engages with the sealing surface for closing the input aperture to inhibit the flow of fluid from the chamber into the input aperture.

Abstract: A pump and mixing device for pumping a liquid from a container and mixing with a diluent. The pump and mixing device comprises a body member having an input body portion and an output body portion with a flexible wall defining a pumping chamber between the input body portion and the output body portion. The input body portion has an input aperture for enabling the liquid to flow from the container into the input body portion. The output body portion has an output aperture communicating with the flowing diluent. An input one-way valve is disposed in the input aperture for permitting the flow of liquid only from the container to the pumping chamber whereas an output one-way valve is disposed in the output aperture for permitting the flow of liquid only from the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A cordless iron incorporating a shielded electrical connector. The connector comprises a plug and a socket, the socket having a movable baffle which is held closed when the plug is not engaged with the socket, to isolate the socket's electrical contacts behind a shield section of the baffle. The socket also has a baffle arm, isolated from the shield section of the baffle, by which the baffle may be opened. The plug bears a projection which engages the baffle arm as the plug engages the socket. The socket also has an electrical switch which activates the socket's electrical contacts after the plug is substantially engaged with the socket.

Abstract: A shielded electrical connector usable in conjunction with a household electrical appliance such as a cordless iron. The connector comprises a plug and a socket, the socket having a movable baffle which is held closed when the plug is not engaged with the socket, to isolate the socket's electrical contacts behind a shield section of the baffle. The socket also has a baffle arm, isolated from the shield section of the baffle, by which the baffle may be opened. The plug bears a projection which engages the baffle arm as the plug engages the socket. The socket also has an electrical switch which activates the socket's electrical contacts after the plug is substantially engaged with the socket.

Abstract: A handle assembly is provided which can be releasably attached to a utensil side handle. The assembly includes a handle member having a connector end and an opposing outer end. The member includes an open channel extending along at least a major portion of its longitudinal axis. Within the channel is provided an elongated insert which is pivotally connected adjacent the handle member connector end. A lever means having a connector portion and a cammed engagement portion is secured to the insert. The connector portion is adapted to engage the utensil side handle, whereas the cammed engagement portion is adapted to releasably engage a rocker-arm assembly located proximate the handle member opposing outer end.The rocker-arm assembly being located adjacent the outer end of the handle member can be readily manipulated to connect with the cammed engagement portion of the lever.

Abstract: A humidifier having an outer housing with a top opening covered with a removable top member. A power chassis and a rotatable drum having a web of water absorbent material about its circumference are mounted within the housing and are each removable through the top opening. A removable water container is located within the housing below the drum. The container is readily cleaned or replaced by lifting it out of the housing through the top opening.

Abstract: A shielded electrical connector usable in conjunction with a household electrical appliance such as a cordless iron. The connector comprises a plug and a socket, the socket having a movable baffle which is held closed when the plug is not engaged with the socket, to isolate the socket's electrical contacts behind a shield section of the baffle. The socket also has a baffle arm, isolated from the shield section of the baffle, by which the baffle may be opened. The plug bears a projection which engages the baffle arm as the plug engages the socket. The socket also has an electrical switch which activates the socket's electrical contacts after the plug is substantially engaged with the socket.