Abstract: A computer input system includes a mouse including a housing having an interior surface defining an internal volume and a sensor assembly disposed in the internal volume. A processor is electrically coupled to the sensor assembly and a memory component having electronic instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to determine an orientation of the mouse relative to a hand based on a touch input from the hand detected by the sensor assembly. The mouse can also have a circular array of touch sensors or lights that detect hand position and provide orientation information to the user.

Abstract: An input device, such as a mouse, can include a housing defining an exterior grip portion and an internal volume, a sensor assembly disposed in the internal volume, and an emitter electrically coupled to the sensor assembly. In response to the sensor assembly detecting a first touch input on the housing, the emitter sends a first signal including information regarding an angular position of the grip portion. In response to the sensor assembly detecting a second touch input on the housing, the emitter sends a second signal including information regarding a direction of a force exerted on the housing from the second touch input.

Abstract: A self-adjusting spinner is provided that is capable of accommodating various pipe sizes without requiring the need for an operator to climb up the support mechanism and manually change the position of the drive assembly. The self-adjusting spinner includes a case having two pivotally connected members: a stationary case member and a moving case member. Upper and lower plates having gear racks are mounted on the stationary case member for moving a drive assembly horizontally across the case. The drive assembly includes a motor that drives gear sprocket through a drive shaft. The drive sprocket then drives a chain that rotates a drill pipe in an operative position relative to the case. The spinner also includes an adjusting assembly mounted on the case that moves the drive assembly along the gear rack upon the actuation of an adjustment sequence. When the adjustment sequence is initiated, the effective length of the chain is adjusted to accommodate drill pipes of varying diameters.

Abstract: A self-adjusting spinner is provided that is capable of accommodating various pipe sizes without requiring the need for an operator to climb up the support mechanism and manually change the position of the drive assembly. The self-adjusting spinner includes a case having two pivotally connected members: a stationary case member and a moving case member. Upper and lower plates having gear racks are mounted on the stationary case member for moving a drive assembly horizontally across the case. The drive assembly includes a motor that drives gear sprocket through a drive shaft. The drive sprocket then drives a chain that rotates a drill pipe in an operative position relative to the case. The spinner also includes an adjusting assembly mounted on the case that moves the drive assembly along the gear rack upon the actuation of an adjustment sequence. When the adjustment sequence is initiated, the effective length of the chain is adjusted to accommodate drill pipes of varying diameters.

Abstract: A self-adjusting spinner is provided that is capable of accommodating various pipe sizes without requiring the need for an operator to climb up the support mechanism and manually change the position of the drive assembly. The self-adjusting spinner includes a case having two pivotally connected members: a stationary case member and a moving case member. Upper and lower plates having gear racks are mounted on the stationary case member for moving a drive assembly horizontally across the case. The drive assembly includes a motor that drives gear sprocket through a drive shaft. The drive sprocket then drives a chain that rotates a drill pipe in an operative position relative to the case. The spinner also includes an adjusting assembly mounted on the case that moves the drive assembly along the gear rack upon the actuation of an adjustment sequence. When the adjustment sequence is initiated, the effective length of the chain is adjusted to accommodate drill pipes of varying diameters.

Abstract: A bottle cap spinning device and method of operation provides: a spinning toy for entertainment; a container for containing a liquid, a candy, or a medicine; and an edible component for consumption. A bottle contains a liquid. A bottle cap caps the bottle while containing the candy and medicine. The bottle separates into a proximal cylinder, a distal cylinder, and a hub that positions between the cylinders. An edible member encapsulates the hub. A cord extends between the cylinders and carries the hub. Twisting the cord in a first direction generates torque, causing the hub to be rotatably carried towards the proximal cylinder. Twisting the cord in a second direction releases momentum from the torque, rotatably carrying the hub towards the distal cylinder. The cord is manipulated by rotating the cylinders. Drawing the cord taut or slackening the cord increases and decreases the angular and linear velocity of the hub.

Abstract: A Dispenser that converts into a spinning toy that is divided into a first, a second and a third section. The sections of the dispenser separate after the contents within the dispenser are consumed. The first, second, and third sections are connected to each other by a cord. After the dispenser is separated for use, the cord serves, when wound, as the means for providing a spinning movement of the toy when the toy is manipulated by the user.

Abstract: A self-adjusting spinner is provided that is capable of accommodating various pipe sizes without requiring the need for an operator to climb up the support mechanism and manually change the position of the drive assembly. The self-adjusting spinner includes a case having two pivotally connected members: a stationary case member and a moving case member. Upper and lower plates having gear racks are mounted on the stationary case member for moving a drive assembly horizontally across the case. The drive assembly includes a motor that drives gear sprocket through a drive shaft. The drive sprocket then drives a chain that rotates a drill pipe in an operative position relative to the case. The spinner also includes an adjusting assembly mounted on the case that moves the drive assembly along the gear rack upon the actuation of an adjustment sequence. When the adjustment sequence is initiated, the effective length of the chain is adjusted to accommodate drill pipes of varying diameters.

Abstract: A method of creating a structure on an electrode includes exposing an electrode to a solution containing a polymerizable monomer and particles and applying an AC voltage to the electrode so as to induce positive DEP on the particles and to draw the particles toward the electrode. An offset voltage is applied to the electrode (which can be DC or AC) to form an electrically conductive polymer thereon from the polymerizable monomer, wherein the particles are entrapped on or within the polymer.

Abstract: A self-adjusting spinner is provided that is capable of accommodating various pipe sizes without requiring the need for an operator to climb up the support mechanism and manually change the position of the drive assembly. The self-adjusting spinner includes a case having two pivotally connected members: a stationary case member and a moving case member. Upper and lower plates having gear racks are mounted on the stationary case member for moving a drive assembly horizontally across the case. The drive assembly includes a motor that drives gear sprocket through a drive shaft. The drive sprocket then drives a chain that rotates a drill pipe in an operative position relative to the case. The spinner also includes an adjusting assembly mounted on the case that moves the drive assembly along the gear rack upon the actuation of an adjustment sequence. When the adjustment sequence is initiated, the effective length of the chain is adjusted to accommodate drill pipes of varying diameters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tug-barge offshore cargo transport device and method, comprised of two separate elements which are removably attached: a barge and a tug boat. The barge includes a bow shaped to cut through and deflect waves, a rectangular cargo deck protected by a bulwark, compartments below the cargo deck, means for maneuvering the barge, and means at the stern of the barge for removably attaching the barge to a tug boat. The tug boat includes means at the bow to removably attach to the barge, and means to control the means for maneuvering the barge from the tug boat.

Abstract: A method of creating a structure on an electrode includes exposing an electrode to a solution containing a polymerizable monomer and particles and applying an AC voltage to the electrode so as to induce positive DEP on the particles and to draw the particles toward the electrode. An offset voltage is applied to the electrode (which can be DC or AC) to form an electrically conductive polymer thereon from the polymerizable monomer, wherein the particles are entrapped on or within the polymer.

Abstract: A vehicle apparatus comprises a slider body having a substantially vertical slide slot and a substantially horizontal shear pin. The slider body further includes a headlamp mounting section and a hood bump-stop mounting section. An adjustable bumper is received by the hood bump-stop mounting section with an adjustable height. A reinforcement member is configured to be fixed with respect to a grille opening of the vehicle. The reinforcement member has a bore aligned with the slide slot for receiving a fastening pin and an aperture receiving the shear pin. A force greater than a predetermined force applied to the adjustable bumper results in the shear pin breaking off in the bore and the fastening pin sliding along the slide slot as the slider body moves downward.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tug-barge offshore cargo transport device and method, comprised of two separate elements which are removably attached: a barge and a tug boat. The barge includes a bow shaped to cut through and deflect waves, a rectangular cargo deck protected by a bulwark, compartments below the cargo deck, means for maneuvering the barge, and means at the stern of the barge for removably attaching the barge to a tug boat. The tug boat includes means at the bow to removably attach to the barge, and means to control the means for maneuvering the barge from the tug boat.

Abstract: An improved jaw apparatus is provided for making or breaking a tubular pipe connection. The jaw includes a head adapted to receive a hook having a threaded shank end. The threaded shank end is engaged at the head end opposite the hook end by a hydraulic powered nut adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly may be operated by a control unit to allow for the automatic opening and closing of the jaw for receiving pipes of varying diameters.

Abstract: An improved jaw apparatus is provided for making or breaking a tubular pipe connection. The jaw includes a head adapted to receive a hook having a threaded shank end. The threaded shank end is engaged at the head end opposite the hook end by a hydraulic powered nut adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly may be operated by a control unit to allow for the automatic opening and closing of the jaw for receiving pipes of varying diameters.

Abstract: A self-adjusting spinner is provided that is capable of accommodating various pipe sizes without requiring the need for an operator to climb up the support mechanism and manually change the position of the drive assembly. The self-adjusting spinner includes a case having two pivotally connected members: a stationary case member and a moving case member. Upper and lower plates having gear racks are mounted on the stationary case member for moving a drive assembly horizontally across the case. The drive assembly includes a motor that drives gear sprocket through a drive shaft. The drive sprocket then drives a chain that rotates a drill pipe in an operative position relative to the case. The spinner also includes an adjusting assembly mounted on the case that moves the drive assembly along the gear rack upon the actuation of an adjustment sequence. When the adjustment sequence is initiated, the effective length of the chain is adjusted to accommodate drill pipes of varying diameters.

Abstract: A combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device is provided. Such device includes a bag type member having an opening at a first predetermined end thereof. Such bag type member is manufactured from a first predetermined material and has a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size. A first securing mechanism is operably disposed at least one of on and within such bag type member closely adjacent such opening. Such first securing mechanism is for at least one of securing at least a portion of such bag type member in a predetermined position within a predetermined container, maintaining such opening in a closed position, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns an access plate for use in a vehicle to cover an aperture in an engine ring, where the engine ring and an engine cover seal against each other. The access plate may include a main body portion, made of a first material having a first durometer, extending across the aperture, and defining a first portion of an outer surface that sealingly engages with the second component; and a seal, made of a second lower durometer material, wherein the seal portion is integral with the main body portion, and the seal portion includes an underside surface in opposed relation to the outer surface that sealingly engages with first component. The access plate may include snap clips, to secure the plate to the engine ring, locating pins to locate the access plate on the ring, and tapered end features to assure a good seal against the engine cover.