Abstract: A method includes determining a physical location of each of a plurality of peripheral devices communicatively coupled to a host computing device, the each of the plurality of peripheral devices including a computer mouse; generating a lighting sequence configured to activate visual output elements on the each of the plurality of peripheral devices; and modifying the lighting sequence based on the physical location of the computer mouse relative to at least one of the other plurality of peripheral devices. In some aspects, the plurality of peripheral devices further includes a mouse pad, and modifying the lighting sequence for the computer mouse is based on the location of the computer mouse relative to its position on the mouse pad. In some cases, modifying the lighting sequence for the computer mouse is based on the location of the computer mouse relative to its position to the other plurality of peripheral devices.

Abstract: A method includes determining a physical location of each of a plurality of peripheral devices communicatively coupled to a host computing device, the each of the plurality of peripheral devices including a computer mouse; generating a lighting sequence configured to activate visual output elements on the each of the plurality of peripheral devices; and modifying the lighting sequence based on the physical location of the computer mouse relative to at least one of the other plurality of peripheral devices. In some aspects, the plurality of peripheral devices further includes a mouse pad, and modifying the lighting sequence for the computer mouse is based on the location of the computer mouse relative to its position on the mouse pad. In some cases, modifying the lighting sequence for the computer mouse is based on the location of the computer mouse relative to its position to the other plurality of peripheral devices.

Abstract: A method can include: determining a physical location of each of a plurality of peripheral devices communicatively coupled to a host computing device; generating a lighting sequence configured to activate visual output elements on the each of the plurality of peripheral devices, wherein the lighting sequence is a time based sequence that traverses the plurality of peripheral devices; and modifying a timing parameter of the lighting sequence based on the respective physical location of each of the plurality of peripheral devices. In some cases, modifying the lighting sequence can include: determining a distance between at least two of the plurality of peripheral devices and modifying the timing parameter of the sequential pattern based on the distance between the at least two of the plurality of peripheral devices.

Abstract: A method can include: determining a physical location of each of a plurality of peripheral devices communicatively coupled to a host computing device; generating a lighting sequence configured to activate visual output elements on the each of the plurality of peripheral devices, wherein the lighting sequence is a time based sequence that traverses the plurality of peripheral devices; and modifying a timing parameter of the lighting sequence based on the respective physical location of each of the plurality of peripheral devices. In some cases, modifying the lighting sequence can include: determining a distance between at least two of the plurality of peripheral devices and modifying the timing parameter of the sequential pattern based on the distance between the at least two of the plurality of peripheral devices.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to pliers, and more particularly to releasably locking pliers having a ratchet mechanism for adjusting the pliers' upper and lower jaws about an item to be gripped there-between. The ratchet mechanism facilitates an incremental adjustment of the pliers' jaws.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for lifting a boat out of water. An improved boat lift having at least one support beam upon which the weight of a boat rests, the support beams having an interior wherein components of a cable drive system are mounted, provides lifting force through operation of the cable drive system, which withdraws the support cables to within the interior of the support beams, the cables attached at one of their ends to fixed points external to the beam.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods useful for helping to center watercraft—such as personal watercraft, ski boats, fishing boats, luxury boats, and the like—as they are docked (such as on trailers or watercraft-lifting systems), especially in rough waters and/or strong crosswinds.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods useful for helping to center watercraft—such as personal watercraft, ski boats, fishing boats, luxury boats, and the like—as they are docked (such as on trailers or watercraft-lifting systems), especially in rough waters and/or strong crosswinds.

Abstract: An add-on module provides publicasting functionality to legacy and other devices. Contemplated modules include: (a) a transformation agent that transforms device data to a desired publishable data format for insertion into a remote application, and (b) a consumer interface that publicasts the device data as publishable data to a remote device data consumer. Implementations are contemplated for both legacy devices that lack complete publicasting capability, and newly developed devices for which the developer desires a ready-made implementation of publicasting functionality.

Abstract: An add-on module provides extrinsic management functionality to legacy and other devices. Contemplated modules include: (a) a state agent that provides at least one of the MILARRS function, and (b) a product agent that communicates with the device using at least one serial interface. Implementations are contemplated for both legacy devices that natively provide less than complete MILARRS functionality, and newly developed devices for which the developer desires a ready-made implementation of MILARRS functionality.

Abstract: A pipe coupling including coaxially aligned pipes (24), an internal tubular metal sleeve (20) having opposed ends press-fit into the open ends of the pipes, channel-shaped grooves (28) rolled into an outside diameter of each of the pipes and the sleeve (20), and a U-shaped circular metal housing (40) having leg portions (42) received in the grooves (28), retaining the pipes in coaxial alignment. The method includes press-fitting the opposed ends of the sleeve into the pipes, rolling a channel-shaped groove (28) into the pipes (24) and the sleeve (20), and assembling the legs (42) of the housing (40) in the grooves (28).

Abstract: Method of coating the seam of a welded tube with an adherent metal coating, including applying a nonadherent metal coating to the inside and outside of the welded seam, externally heating the seam area with the seam located in the lower portion of the tube to generally the melting temperature of the coating, then applying a fluid coolant to the external surface to freeze the outer coating while continuing heating to melt the coating on the inner surface and finally quenching. In one preferred embodiment, the tube is heated with an induction heater including a seam coil which first heats the seam area below the melting temperature of the coating and then heated with a full body coil. The coolant may be chilled water or other coolant which is sprayed onto the seam area.

Abstract: A PCB mountable module includes logic circuitry that translates between serial and wireless communication protocols. Supported standards include I2C, CAN, ProfiBus, SPI, and USB, IP, ARP, UDP, TCP, ICMP, Telnet, TFTP, AutoIP, DHCP, HTTP, and SNMP. Modules can optionally provide security, MILARRS functionality, and web related services such as email alert. The novel modules can be used wherever a device designer wants a plug-in (or “drop-in”) system that obviates the need for independent development and maintenance of wireless capability. Examples include servers, desktop and laptop computers, and even devices such as kitchen appliances with relatively simpler electronics.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods useful for helping to center watercraft—such as personal watercraft, ski boats, fishing boats, luxury boats, and the like—as they are docked (such as on trailers or watercraft-lifting systems), especially in rough waters and/or strong crosswinds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a serial-to-Ethernet modular converter jack and a method of fabricating of the same. The serial-to-Ethernet converter electronic components, including the control software stored in on-board memory, are miniaturized and housed entirely in an RJ-45 jack. The present invention is constructed of a shielded housing that defines an open front portion for a connector port. The housing of the present invention also includes a segregated interior chamber, which encases all of the electrical components necessary to complete a serial-to-Ethernet conversion of data. Lead pins electrically connected to the circuitry within the interior chamber, protrude from the based of the connector jack providing for a means to mate the jack to a circuit board. First, second and third circuit boards collectively incorporate the serial-to-Ethernet circuitry components.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for managing goals of an organization. A goal tree is generated having a high level organization goal and one or more hierarchically organized subordinate goals aligned with the high level organization goal. Each goal is owned by one or more individuals associated with the organization. The goal tree is accessible to one or more of the individuals through a graphical user interface for their use in monitoring progress toward the goals.