Abstract: Slip resistant cordage is presented including: a length of cordage; a knot keeper configured for providing a more secure knot tied in the length of cordage, the knot keeper including: a number of branches radiating from a portion of the length of cordage, and a number of branch keepers, where each of the number of branch keepers is disposed along each of the number of branches for use in retaining the number of branches with the length of cordage. In some embodiments, slip resistant cordage is presented where the number of branches includes: a flat tip, a rounded tip, a pointed tip, a hooked tip, a barbed tip, a bull-nose tip, a bull-nose barb tip, a rectangular tip, and a rectangular barb tip.

Abstract: Automated cupholding devices are presented including: a base for receiving a container of varying diameter; an arcuate actuating arm pivotally connected with the base for capturing the container; a presence sensor for detecting the container; an actuating assembly in mechanical communication with the arcuate actuating arm for pivoting the arcuate actuating arm in response to the presence sensor detecting the container; and a contact sensor for determining when the container is captured with a gripping force, where when the gripping force is reached, the actuating assembly stops pivoting the arcuate actuating arm. In some embodiments, devices further include: a limit sensor for determining when the arcuate actuating arm is fully closed. In some embodiments, devices further include: a clutching mechanism for manually limiting the arcuate actuating arm to the gripping force. In some embodiments, the presence sensor includes a contact switch sensor, an inductive sensor, and a strain gauge sensor.

Abstract: Methods for synchronized media playback between a number of electronic media devices wherein the electronic media devices are in electronic communication are presented, the methods including: creating a media play list on an originating media device, selecting a member media device for sharing the media play list; negotiating the media play list by the at member media device wherein the negotiating the media play list includes, searching the member media device for at least one matching candidate, wherein the searching is enabled by comparing a number of candidate indicia with a number of matching candidate indicia, selecting one of the at least one matching candidates for inclusion on a member media play list, conforming the at least one matching candidate, and populating the member media play list with the at least one matching candidate; and playing the media play list and the member media play list.