Abstract: The invention relates to a blade assembly for a tool for removing a slate from a roof, the blade assembly comprising: a blade having a length, a width, and a plurality of teeth; and a blade support, the blade being mounted to the blade support; wherein the blade support extends over at least 30% of the width of the blade; and wherein the thickness of the blade support to a first side of the blade is greater than the set of the teeth of the blade. The invention further relates to a blade assembly for a tool for removing a slate from a roof, the blade assembly comprising: a blade having a length, a width, and a plurality of teeth; and a blade support; wherein the blade support extends over a sufficient portion of a first side of the blade such that, in use, the teeth of the blade are prevented from coming into contact with a slate adjacent the first side of the blade assembly. The blade assembly may be included in a saw, further comprising a handle.

Abstract: A vendor provides virtual storefront from which customers purchase digital media devices via an interactive network connection. The customer authenticates their media by means of a client application supplied by the vendor. The customer runs the application, which prompts the customer to insert the customer's media (compact disks) into the client computer. Using challenge/response authentication, the client validates that the media is authentic. The authenticated media is added to a repository of customer-owned media. After purchase, the customer, selects which of the customer's previously-authenticated media are to be installed on the device. A device is withdrawn from inventory and customized by installing the selected media. The pre-loaded device is shipped to the customer, sparing the customer the necessity of spending many hours installing the customer's media collection on the digital media player.

Abstract: An automatic graphics delivery system that operates in parallel with an existing Web site infrastructure is provided. The system streamlines the post-production process by automating the production of media through content generation procedures controlled by proprietary tags placed by an author within URLs embedded within Web documents.

Abstract: A first product dispenser is provided and includes a first housing sized to hold a plurality of comestible products, a second housing sized to hold a plurality of the comestible products and a member holding the first and second housings together so that the first and second housings can each be translated sequentially along the divider to dispense one of the products. A second product dispenser is provided and includes a housing sized to hold a plurality of the comestible products, the housing including a top and a base separated by a plurality of product dividers, and a belt held by the housing so that an opening in the belt is manually and selectively able to be rotated into registry between the dividers to dispense one of the products.

Abstract: A first product dispenser is provided and includes a first housing sized to hold a plurality of confectionary products, a second housing sized to hold a plurality of the confectionary products and a member holding the first and second housings together so that the first and second housings can each be translated sequentially along the divider to dispense one of the products. A second product dispenser is provided and includes a housing sized to hold a plurality of the confectionary products, the housing including a top and a base separated by a plurality of product dividers, and a belt held by the housing so that an opening in the belt is manually and selectively able to be rotated into registry between the dividers to dispense one of the products.

Abstract: A freestanding dispenser for dual dispensing of a wet substrate and a dry substrate includes: a base for supporting the freestanding dispenser on a substantially horizontal surface; a support member connected to the base, the support member holding a roll of a dry substrate in a substantially vertical position; and a source of a wet substrate supported by the freestanding dispenser.

Abstract: Wooden utility pole structures are nondestructively tested while in service, in particular utility pole cross-arms. A helicopter or boom truck brings an operator to the cross-arm. Manually striking the cross-arm using a hammer or other weight with an attached accelerometer senses and sends a shock wave through the cross-arm. The shock wave also is sensed using a second accelerometer sensor in a temporarily affixed sensor pod at the other end of the cross-arm, or alternatively, a non-contact radar vibration sensor is trained on a fastener in the cross-arm, to sense vibration from the shock wave. Practical aspects include mounting particulars for affixing the sensor pod against the cross-arm, manipulating the sensor pod at an elevation below the helicopter working platform, measurements for dimensions and density, etc. The data is received at a processor and correlated with structural strength or used to rank the relative strength of cross-arms.