Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree includes an elongated trunk extending between proximal and distal ends thereof. A base may support the trunk of the artificial tree in an upright position relative to floor. The proximal end of the trunk may be coupled to the base and the distal end of the trunk extending outwardly from the base. A plurality of frame sections may extend circumferentially around the trunk and being moveable in an axial direction relative to the trunk. Each frame section may extend longitudinally between axially spaced apart ends thereof and being connected with at least one other frame section, whereby axial movement of a given frame section along the trunk causes corresponding axial movement of each other frame section to which the given frame section is connected.

Abstract: A SRAM module and a writing control method of the SRAM module are disclosed. The writing control method of the SRAM module is applied to a SRAM module that includes a plurality of memory cells and a bit line. The method includes: providing a first voltage as a supply voltage of the plurality of memory cells during a data retention time; decreasing a first voltage level corresponding to the data retention time of the memory cells to a second voltage level by discharging the memory cells; and performing a write process to the memory cells through the bit line. The discharge time from the first voltage level to the second voltage level is related to the number of the memory cells.

Abstract: A SRAM module and a writing control method of the SRAM module are disclosed. The writing control method of the SRAM module is applied to a SRAM module that includes a plurality of memory cells and a bit line. The method includes: providing a first voltage as a supply voltage of the plurality of memory cells during a data retention time; decreasing a first voltage level corresponding to the data retention time of the memory cells to a second voltage level by discharging the memory cells; and performing a write process to the memory cells through the bit line. The discharge time from the first voltage level to the second voltage level is related to the number of the memory cells.

Abstract: A SRAM module and a writing control method of the SRAM module are disclosed. The writing control method of the SRAM module is applied to a SRAM module that includes a plurality of memory cells and a bit line. The method includes: providing a first voltage as a supply voltage of the plurality of memory cells during a data retention time; decreasing a first voltage level corresponding to the data retention time of the memory cells to a second voltage level by discharging the memory cells; and performing a write process to the memory cells through the bit line. The discharge time from the first voltage level to the second voltage level is related to the number of the memory cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a random access memory and the memory access method thereof capable of avoiding read disturbance and increasing reading speed. An embodiment of the said random access memory comprises: a word line; a word line driving unit, coupled to the word line, operable to receive an access control signal to generate a word line enablement voltage; a voltage adjusting unit including a switch and a capacitor in which the switch is coupled to the word line and operable to receive a control signal to determine a conduction state of the switch itself and the capacitor is coupled to the switch and operable to adjust a voltage level of the word line enablement voltage according to the conduction state; and a memory unit, coupled to the word line, operable to be enabled according to the word line enablement voltage.

Abstract: A SRAM module and a writing control method of the SRAM module are disclosed. The writing control method of the SRAM module is applied to a SRAM module that includes a plurality of memory cells and a bit line. The method includes: providing a first voltage as a supply voltage of the plurality of memory cells during a data retention time; decreasing a first voltage level corresponding to the data retention time of the memory cells to a second voltage level by discharging the memory cells; and performing a write process to the memory cells through the bit line. The discharge time from the first voltage level to the second voltage level is related to the number of the memory cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a random access memory and the memory access method thereof capable of avoiding read disturbance and increasing reading speed. An embodiment of the said random access memory comprises: a word line; a word line driving unit, coupled to the word line, operable to receive an access control signal to generate a word line enablement voltage; a voltage adjusting unit including a switch and a capacitor in which the switch is coupled to the word line and operable to receive a control signal to determine a conduction state of the switch itself and the capacitor is coupled to the switch and operable to adjust a voltage level of the word line enablement voltage according to the conduction state; and a memory unit, coupled to the word line, operable to be enabled according to the word line enablement voltage.

Abstract: A platform for an electronic device with a display screen that includes an electronic device case including a plurality of interconnected sides configured to form a view port configured to allow a user to view the display screen of the electronic device; at least one leg connected to the electronic device case, the leg including a portion extending away from the electronic device, the portion configured to be positioned in between the electronic device and the user and further configured to be adjusted to position the electronic device at a desired distance from the user; and a string connected to the electronic device case and configured to be attached to the user to hang the electronic device case to the user, wherein the position of the leg and the string relative to the user can be adjusted to place the electronic device at a desired position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to tools and their use, and, in particular, to an apparatus and method for holding tools securely with a grip assist. A preferred grip assist preferably includes a wristband having a strap and buckle, a first strap attached to the wristband with a hinge. The first strap also has a ring attached to an end of the strap opposite the hinge. Behind the ring on the first strap, is a first segment of a two segment closure system. A second strap is also attached to the wristband with a second hinge. The second strap has a second segment of the two segment closure system attached to an end opposite the wristband. The two segment closure system is closed to form a grip assist position. The second strap can be held open by a secondary two segment closure system to form an open position.

Abstract: The present invention is a platform for an electronic device such as a tablet computer or personal video player. The platform for an electronic device with a screen preferably comprises a rectangular device case with a landscape position and a portrait position and a lockable entry port lid. The case has a view port for the screen and four attachment blade ports. One blade port is on each side of the device case. The platform has two adjustable support legs with an attachment blade, padded end and a string lock. The attachment blades are insertable into the blade ports and lock with a snap tab into the port. The platform further has a length of string with a sleeve of padding and an adjustment loop attached to each leg. The string can be adjusted so the platform has a deployed mode and a carrying mode.

Abstract: A friction ball joint and a method for using the friction ball joint are provided. A clam shell is formed from at least two segments. The interior of the clam shell segment, where the ball is in contact, is roughened. The clam shell segments may be interlocked to retain a ball. The surface of the ball is roughened. When the friction ball joint is assembled, the rough surfaces of the ball and the clam shell segments are in contact and resist movement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a personal electronic device on a user's wrist are provided. The device incorporates a wrist strap attached to a base attachment leg. The base attachment leg is also attached to a friction hinge. The friction hinge is in turn attached to an extension arm. The extension arm may be a telescoping arm. The extension arm is also attached to a ball joint, which may be a friction ball joint or a locking ball joint. A case support leg is also attached to the ball joint. A case is attached to the case support leg and may also serve as protection for the electronic device. In use, the friction hinge allows for the electronic device to be moved into a viewing position at a desired angle. The ball joint allows rotation of the device between portrait and landscape orientations.

Abstract: A friction ball joint and a method for using the friction ball joint are provided. A clam shell is formed from at least two segments and has a mechanical element extending from one of the clam shell segments. A cap that has a mechanical element extending from the rounded portion of the cap is also provided. This cap covers the joined clam shell segments opposite the mechanical element extending from the clam shell. The clam shell surrounds a spring that pushes the cap against the fixed outer clam shell, creating friction that retains the friction ball joint in the desired position. Further embodiments provide a locking assembly and an external spring or clamp. In these embodiments the spring or clamp is placed over the outside of the ball and clam shell. The ball has holes disposed over its surface to receive a locking assembly to hold the ball joint in the selected position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securely holding a tool are provided. The apparatus includes a glove covering a user's palm and fingers. This flap has a piece of adhesive fabric attached. An additional piece of adhesive fabric is placed on the glove over the user's thumb pad. On the back of the user's hand, over the user's fingernails are located additional pieces of adhesive fabric. In use, the user grasps the tool normally and uses the flap and the adhesive fabric pieces to secure the adhesive fabric, forming a secure grip.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for walking support are provided. The walking support is comprised of a sole, a toe cover connected to the sole at the front of the sole, and a heel cup connected to the sole at the rear of the sole. The heel cup may have a vertical extension that extends upward to a cuff that wraps around the wearer's lower leg. The walking support may be worn over stockings with conventional shoes or boots, or may be incorporated into the footwear. A boot incorporating a walking support includes a lower leg cuff, which is closed in the same manner as the boot. A shoe incorporating a walking support does not incorporate a lower leg cuff.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a personal electronic device are provided. The device incorporates a support frame structure comprised of three legs. A vertical leg is attached to a shoulder strap, while the horizontal legs are attached to a chest strap. A lower joint is located between the two horizontal legs and this lower joint is also attached to an electronic device support leg. The electronic device support leg is attached to the lower joint and also to a ball joint at the end opposite the lower joint. In use, the lower joint allows for the electronic device to be moved into a viewing position at a desired angle. The ball joint allows rotation of the device between portrait and landscape orientations. A case may also be attached to the electronic device support leg to contain the personal electronic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for directing a flashlight is provided. The apparatus comprises: a base; a receptacle mechanically coupled to the base; a clip mechanically coupled to the opposite side of the base capable of securing the apparatus to an article of clothing; and one or more hinges mechanically coupled to the base and receptacle, and optionally one or more straps mechanically coupled to the receptacle for attaching a flashlight to the receptacle. Such apparatus and related methods facilitate directing a flashlight's beam in front of a user while simultaneously securing the flashlight to a user's article of clothing.

Abstract: An apparatus for use when applying a compound from a dispensing tube comprises: a receptacle; a plurality of retaining rings mechanically coupled to the receptacle for attaching the apparatus to the dispensing tube; an application blade secured within the receptacle for contacting the compound being dispensed during application; optionally, a handle mechanically coupled on an opposite side of the receptacle from the plurality of retaining rings; and, optionally, at least one retaining clip for securing at least one of the plurality of retaining rings around a nozzle tip of the dispensing tube. Such apparatus and related methods facilitate initial application of the compound in an evenly distributed and desired topographical manner without requiring subsequent smoothing and/or shaping steps after contact of the compound with a surface to which it is applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of correcting for saturation in a current transformer, which outputs a current measurement, is provided. A switching algorithm receives a value of the current measurement from the current transformer and determines within which of three ranges the value falls. If the value falls in a first range, the current measurement is provided to a protective device such as a relay. If the value falls in a second range, the current measurement is provided to an artificial neural network that produces an output that accounts for saturation of the current transformer. If the value falls in a third range, the current measurement is provided to another artificial neural network that produces an output that accounts for saturation of the current transformer.