Abstract: A nickel zinc battery cell includes a metallic zinc-based current collection substrate as a part of the negative electrode. The metallic zinc-based current collector may be made of or be coated with a zinc metal or zinc alloy material and may be a foil, perforated, or expanded material. Battery cells incorporating the zinc-based current collector exhibit good cycle lifetime and initial charge performance.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to provide a Graphical User Interface with a plurality of visualization types and a semi-structured workspace. A drag-and-drop of a visualization type into a drop zone in the semi-structured workspace is received. The drop zone corresponds to a location in the semi-structured workspace where an associated visualization is displayed. A link is created between the associated visualization and a query to a data source.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a nutshell cracker and method of use. The nutshell cracker has three or more cracking members, each with a concave cracking surface, a central slot on its top with eyelets on either side. The 3-D design and curvature of the invention make it stylish, sleek, and attractive, and suitable for storage upon a table or kitchen countertop. The cracking members rotate about the connecting member, surrounding the nut on three or more sides, thereby allowing the user to apply less pressure per cracking member to achieve the same overall pressure upon the nutshell as would be applied through use of a traditional nutcracker. Having cracking members on three or more sides also increases the ability of the invention to constrain the nutshell during cracking and decreases the chances that once cracked, the actual nut will squirt out the side and fall on the floor.

Abstract: A nickel zinc battery cell includes a metallic zinc-based current collection substrate as a part of the negative electrode. The metallic zinc-based current collector may be made of or be coated with a zinc metal or zinc alloy material and may be a foil, perforated, or expanded material. Battery cells incorporating the zinc-based current collector exhibit good cycle lifetime and initial charge performance.

Abstract: A mirror device includes a base portion having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, and a second end, the first end having a raised edge perpendicular to the top surface, the second end having a raised edge perpendicular to the top surface and having a curved portion extending therefrom, the base portion having a plurality of grooves parallel with the first and second ends, a connector portion coupled to the base portion, the first end of the connector portion coupled to the curved portion such that the connector portion may rotate about the base portion, and a mirror coupled to the second end of the connector portion, the mirror having a connection means horizontally disposed along the back portion thereof, the second end of the connector portion coupled to the connection means such that the mirror may rotate about the second end of the connector portion.

Abstract: A mirror device includes a handle portion, a connector portion, and a mirror. The handle portion has a first end and a second end having a groove. The connector portion is coupled to the handle portion and has a ball-shaped first end and a second end. The ball-shaped first end is disposed within the groove such that the connector portion may rotate with respect to the handle portion and is adjustable with respect to the second end of the handle portion such that the connector portion may be positioned vertically and perpendicularly with respect to the handle portion. The mirror is coupled to the second end of the connector portion such that the mirror may rotate in conjunction with the connector portion and may be angularly positioned with respect to the handle portion based on the angular position of the connector portion with respect to the handle portion.

Abstract: A mirror device includes a base portion having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, and a second end, the first end having a raised edge perpendicular to the top surface, the second end having a raised edge perpendicular to the top surface and having a curved portion extending therefrom, the base portion having a plurality of grooves parallel with the first and second ends, a connector portion coupled to the base portion, the first end of the connector portion coupled to the curved portion such that the connector portion may rotate about the base portion, and a mirror coupled to the second end of the connector portion, the mirror having a connection means horizontally disposed along the back portion thereof, the second end of the connector portion coupled to the connection means such that the mirror may rotate about the second end of the connector portion.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention provide a non-invasive temperature sensing device including a glass mirror and a temperature sensing device coupled to the glass mirror such that when a user is positioned in front of the glass mirror the temperature sensing device can sense the body temperature of the person. The temperature sensing device can be an infrared or laser thermometer. The device can include a base having an upright member coupled thereto, wherein the glass mirror is coupled to the upright member. The glass mirror can further include a temperature display coupled thereto. The device can also contain a processor and memory for processing and storing sensed temperatures. The temperature sensing device can alternatively be attached to either the base or the upright member. More than one temperature sensing device can be connected to the device.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to provide a Graphical User Interface with a plurality of visualization types and a semi-structured workspace. A drag-and-drop of a visualization type into a drop zone in the semi-structured workspace is received. The drop zone corresponds to a location in the semi-structured workspace where an associated visualization is displayed. A link is created between the associated visualization and a query to a data source.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a base for a top object such as a vanity mirror or other small object with enhanced stability and rotational capabilities. The invention is also easy to manufacture, take apart and put back together, and repair as it has only one screw which holds the entire unit together. While designed for a vanity mirror, and number of other items can be mounted on the top of the invention due to its design which includes a threaded opening at its upper portion which can accommodate screw threads from an attached device.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention provide a viewing system having an upright member, a first mirror coupled to the upright member, a light source coupled to the upright member, and a retractable mirror assembly coupled to the upright member. The retractable mirror assembly includes a horizontal support coupled on one end to the upright member, an adjustable vertical support coupled on one end to the other end of the horizontal support, and a second mirror coupled to the other end of the adjustable vertical support. A user can adjust the position of the second mirror by retracting or extending the adjustable vertical support. The system can include a remote control or a control switch coupled to the adjustable vertical support to control the extension and retraction of the adjustable vertical support. The second mirror can be foldable to allow for multiple viewing angles.

Abstract: A device for cracking the shell of an object is provided comprising at least three members, each including an outer surface, an inner surface, an attachment end, and a grasping portion located on the inner surface, each of the grasping portions including a plurality of protrusions for contacting a shelled object, each of the protrusions containing a pointed tip extending outward and down toward the grasping portion, and an attachment portion coupled to the attachment end such that the at least three members define an interior cracking region bounded by each of the grasping portions. A user can crack the shell of the shelled object by placing it in the cracking region and exerting a uniform force on each of the at least three members. The members can be attached by a ring, secured by pins, welded together, or screwed or snapped into an attachment portion.

Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box is disclosed which provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-cleaning litter box is configured to use a cartridge which may include a litter compartment and a waste compartment. In another embodiment, the cartridge may be non-compartmentalized. The cartridge may be disposable, thus eliminating the need for the user to clean the litter tray and handle heavy litter containers. In other embodiments, the system includes a rake assembly configured with a drive assembly that is protected from contamination. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the self-cleaning litter box is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.

Abstract: Nickel zinc cylindrical battery cell designs are described. The designs provided limit dendrite formation and prevent build up of hydrogen gas in the cell. The present invention also provides low-impedance cells required by rapid discharge applications. The cylindrical battery cells may have polarity opposite of that of conventional power cells, with a negative cap and positive can. The cylindrical cells may include a gel electrolyte reservoir.

Abstract: A gravity powered snow vehicle employing a crank 5 and steering mechanism 4, able to twist a sliding element 21 along its length, and enabling intuitive and direct control over the vehicle to increase performance and agility. Twisting the sliding element 21 generates on its edges varying levels of bite in the snow, allowing the rider to control both speed and direction. The rider in position, holding the handlebar 4, sitting on a seat 14 or standing on foot pegs 15, similar to riding a bicycle, controls the sliding element in a way similar to how snowboarders interact with their sliding element. The vehicle's linkage and architecture allows the sliding element 21 to flex. The vehicle has a collapsible configuration, facilitating transport and access to ascending systems, and their related receptacles, used at ski resorts.

Abstract: The present invention provides an abdominal restraint for use in medical and surgical procedures that is specially adapted for restraining an abdominal pannus and exposing the groin area of a patient. The abdominal restraint of the present invention includes a base member and a support member that is selectively attachable to the base member. Alternatively, the abdominal restraint of the present invention includes a lateral member that is selectively attachable to at least one longitudinal member, which in turn may be attached to an operating or examining table. In its various embodiments, the present invention discloses a number of designs for the safe and efficient restraint of an abdominal pannus.