Abstract: A new welding system is provided that makes use of breath of the operator to control one or more operating parameters of the power source or welding machine (or “welder”). The welding system may be configured for arc welding, and the welding machine or welder may include a constant voltage power source with varying current (or vice versa). In such an embodiment, the welding system includes a breath-based controller with a mouthpiece through which the operator can breathe or blow in air. The breath-based controller processes the user's breath to determine user input, and this operator input is communicated to the welder or welding machine (via wired or wireless communication links) to control arc intensity (i.e., current for a constant voltage welding machine) or arc length (i.e., voltage for a constant current welding machine). An operator uses the breath-based controller to remotely control the welding machine with high precision.

Abstract: An interretractable folding stand includes outer, inner, and top pairs of mirror-image members. Each outer member is rotatably connected to an inner member and to a top member. Inner members are connected by a first hinge, and top members are connected by a second hinge, so that when inner and top members are fully rotatably misaligned with respect to the outer pair, the first and second hinges can be opened to allow the inner and outer members to form a tripod. When open, inner members can engage top members to support the top members in an elevated horizontal plane to provide a stable surface for supporting an elongated structure or instrument such as an electric piano. When closed, outer members align in parallel to form a retracting channel for the inner and top members.

Abstract: An interretractable stand includes outer and inner pairs of mirror-image members. Each member of the outer pair rotatably connects to a member of the inner pair. The members of the outer pair are hingedly connected, and the members of the inner pair are hingedly connected, so that the inner pair when fully rotatably misaligned with respect to the outer pair allows the inner and outer pairs to be hingedly separated to an open position, and so that the inner pair when fully rotatably aligned with respect to the outer pair rests between members of the outer pair in a closed position. When open the outer members provide two tripod feet and a backrest, and the inner members provide a third tripod foot and a carriage, forming a stand for supporting a musical instrument, canvas, book, or board. When closed the inner members align between the outer members for easy carrying and storage.

Abstract: An interretractable folding stand includes outer, inner, and top pairs of mirror-image members. Each outer member is rotatably connected to an inner member and to a top member. Inner members are connected by a first hinge, and top members are connected by a second hinge, so that when inner and top members are fully rotatably misaligned with respect to the outer pair, the first and second hinges can be opened to allow the inner and outer members to form a tripod. When open, inner members can engage top members to support the top members in an elevated horizontal plane to provide a stable surface for supporting an elongated structure or instrument such as an electric piano. When closed, outer members align in parallel to form a retracting channel for the inner and top members.

Abstract: An interretractable stand includes outer and inner pairs of minor-image members. Each member of the outer pair rotatably connects to a member of the inner pair. The members of the outer pair are hingedly connected, and the members of the inner pair are hingedly connected, so that the inner pair when fully rotatably misaligned with respect to the outer pair allows the inner and outer pairs to be hingedly separated to an open position, and so that the inner pair when fully rotatably aligned with respect to the outer pair rests between members of the outer pair in a closed position. When open the outer members provide two tripod feet and a backrest, and the inner members provide a third tripod foot and a carriage, forming a stand for supporting a musical instrument, canvas, book, or board. When closed the inner members align between the outer members for easy carrying and storage.