Abstract: Devices for insulating the electrical terminals of cylindrical batteries, such as lithium-ion cells, to prevent the occurrence of shorting. One configuration is a device or apparatus which covers one or more terminals of the cell, thereby providing an insulative barrier, while still allowing the cell to be used. Another configuration is a cell covering partially covering the topmost portions of the negatively charged exterior cell case, closest to the positive terminal of the cell, and attaching the covering via a circumferential appendage which locks onto the cell. In another configuration the cell covering extends axially down the side of the cell case to cover part of, or the entirety of, the side of the negatively charged case.

Abstract: Methods and devices for extracting an internal pipe/tube element from a connected outer pipe/tube element. Certain embodiments are directed to methods and devices that inwardly distort a pipe/tube at a connection to allow the pipe to be more easily disconnected without damaging the overlapping (outside) half of the connection. Collapsing the pipe adjacent to, and into, the fitting and reducing its circumference allows the pipe to be unscrewed or slide out of the overlapping side of the connection. Embodiments are described including partially cutting thru the male portion of the connection and locally compressing and collapsing the pipe to radially disengage it from interior of the opposing fitting or pipe section. In one method, an interior pipe/tube is disengaged from a fitting or overlapping connection where a connection (weld, adhesive or soldered attachment) is utilized and the connection is selected small/weak enough to be broken in the compression process.

Abstract: Devices for insulating the electrical terminals of cylindrical batteries, such as lithium-ion cells, to prevent the occurrence of shorting. Certain embodiments are directed to devices which cover one or more terminals of the cell, thereby providing an insulative barrier, while still allowing the cell to be used. Various embodiments are described including partially covering the topmost portions of the negatively charged exterior cell case, closest to the positive terminal of the cell, and attaching the covering via a circumferential appendage which locks onto the cell. In another embodiment the cell covering extends axially down the side of the cell case to cover part of, or the entirety of, the side of the negatively charged case.

Abstract: A method for creating a 3D map of the surface contours of an object includes projecting a variety of patterns onto the object, and imaging the patterns as they fall on the object to encode the topographic features of the object. In one embodiment a three dimensional image is taken in a single flash to avoid blurring due to motion of the object. Thereafter a secondary pattern is projected to detect changes in the initial image. The images are processed in a computer program in a manner such that a complete 3D map of the surface of the object is obtained in digital form. Reiteration of the method can detect motional variation such as a breathing human, flexure of a complex mechanical structure, or a stress-strain testing of an airplane, vehicle, beam, bridge, or other structure.

Abstract: A method for creating a 3D map of the surface contours of an object includes projecting a variety of patterns onto the object, and imaging the patterns as they fall on the object to encode the topographic features of the object. The images are processed in a computer program in a manner such that a complete 3D map of the surface of the object is obtained in digital form. Reiteration of the method can detect motional variation such as a breathing human, flexure of a complex mechanical structure, or a stress-strain testing of an airplane, vehicle, beam, bridge, or other structure.