Abstract: In various embodiments, a camera may be controlled by one or more motors in a base of the camera. Cables and other components may be used to manipulate the camera lens through the side arms of the camera. Putting the motors in the base may reduce the size of the outer case of the camera and add stability. A pan motor may pan the camera while a tilt motor may move a tilt pulley relative to a lens portion of the camera (which may or may not tilt the camera depending on the panning motion of the camera). In some embodiments, images from the camera may be converted into a serialized stream and transported over a cable from the lens through a center shaft of the camera.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The inventive apparatus provides a one-piece coupling for interlocking the sides of PV modules together to form an array, resulting in a parallel beam support system. The inventive coupling member attaches to the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame, and interlocks the photovoltaic module with adjacent photovoltaic modules. The inventive apparatus further includes a novel bracket member which attaches to a surface of the frame member and secures the frame member directly to a roof or other mounting surface.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a High Definition (HD) camera may be controlled by one or more motors in a base of the HD camera. Cables and other components may be used to manipulate the camera lens through the side arms of the HD camera. Putting the motors in the base may reduce the size of the outer case of the HD camera and add stability. In some embodiments, images from the HD camera may be converted into a serialized stream and transported over a cable from the lens through a center shaft of the HD camera. Other components may also be used to increase the functionality of the HD camera. In some embodiments, a camera support mechanism may be provided to couple a camera to a display. The camera support mechanism may include a front lip and rear leg to hold camera in place.

Abstract: A food cutting device includes a body having two longitudinal edges and a blade configured such that its cutting edge is a predetermined distance from a removeable plate inserted therein. The device preferably includes a food holder having a guide configured to slideably connect to at least one of said longitudinal edges of the body to bring a food item safely in contact with the blade. A storage caddy, which may used in conjunction with the food cutting device, includes a housing and a pair of housing guides configured to slideably connect to the body, wherein the storage caddy includes a number of partitions or chambers to accept unused plates. At least one of the plates may include a protector designed to at least partially conceal the blade on the underside of the body.

Abstract: A cutting device in accordance with the present invention is deal for use in cutting pizza and other “flat-bread” like cuisine. For example, in accordance with various embodiments, a cutting device is provided which exhibits improved functionality and ease of use through the use of handle which directs the cutting force from a user in the most efficient manner to carryout the task of cutting, for example, pizza. Moreover, the handle may provide improved protection of the user from accidental injury during use as well as be suitably configured to retract in a manner which facilitates removal of the cutting blade.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a camera may be controlled by one or more motors in a base of the camera. Cables and other components may be used to manipulate the camera lens through the side arms of the camera. Putting the motors in the base may reduce the size of the outer case of the camera and add stability. A pan motor may pan the camera while a tilt motor may move a tilt pulley relative to a lens portion of the camera (which may or may not tilt the camera depending on the panning motion of the camera). In some embodiments, images from the camera may be converted into a serialized stream and transported over a cable from the lens through a center shaft of the camera.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus and method for image transfer onto one of a plurality of a pad medium pages while the pages are aggregated together. A preferred embodiment for a printer includes a housing; a print engine, within the housing, for transferring an image to a transfer medium when the transfer medium is located at a print position; and a transfer medium registration system, coupled to the print engine, for positioning a pad including a plurality of transfer media releasably secured to one another, wherein the print registration system locates one of the transfer media at the print position. The method including positioning a pad at a print position of a print transfer engine, the pad including a plurality of transfer media releasably secured to one another; and transferring an image to one of the transfer media positioned at the print position.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for packaging and merchandising personal healthcare products. A first aspect of the invention provides a device for storing health care products, comprising: a plurality of product containers, each product container including: a body; a dispensing portion; and an attachment feature; and a housing including a mating feature adapted to be compatible with the attachment feature of each of the plurality of product containers, wherein connection of the attachment feature of a product container and the mating feature of the housing substantially and non-fixedly secures the product container to the housing.

Abstract: A cutting device in accordance with the present invention is deal for use in cutting pizza and other “flat-bread” like cuisine. For example, in accordance with various embodiments, a cutting device is provided which exhibits improved functionality and ease of use through the use of handle which directs the cutting force from a user in the most efficient manner to carryout the task of cutting, for example, pizza. Moreover, the handle may provide improved protection of the user from accidental injury during use as well as be suitably configured to retract in a manner which facilitates removal of the cutting blade.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a High Definition (HD) camera may be controlled by one or more motors in a base of the HD camera. Cables and other components may be used to manipulate the camera lens through the side arms of the HD camera. Putting the motors in the base may reduce the size of the outer case of the HD camera and add stability. In some embodiments, images from the HD camera may be converted into a serialized stream and transported over a cable from the lens through a center shaft of the HD camera. Other components may also be used to increase the functionality of the HD camera. In some embodiments, a camera support mechanism may be provided to couple a camera to a display. The camera support mechanism may include a front lip and rear leg to hold camera in place.

Abstract: A motion control device for controlling the movement of an operational member about a first axis and about a second axis includes a spindle having a socket and a control arm wherein the socket defines a first axis opening. The device includes a cylindrical pivot member inserted into the first axis opening concentric with the first axis. The pivot member defines a second axis opening and the device includes a cylindrical pivot pin inserted into the second axis opening concentric with the second axis. The spindle is designed to pivot in a first direction about the first axis and in a second direction about the second axis wherein the first and second axes are orthogonal to each other. In one embodiment, a hexagonal drag spring is inserted between the pivot member and spindle to influence the frictional drag for one of the two directions of movement.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus and method for image transfer onto one of a plurality of a pad medium pages while the pages are aggregated together. A preferred embodiment for a printer includes a housing; a print engine, within the housing, for transferring an image to a transfer medium when the transfer medium is located at a print position; and a transfer medium registration system, coupled to the print engine, for positioning a pad including a plurality of transfer media releasably secured to one another, wherein the print registration system locates one of the transfer media at the print position. The method including positioning a pad at a print position of a print transfer engine, the pad including a plurality of transfer media releasably secured to one another; and transferring an image to one of the transfer media positioned at the print position.

Abstract: A faucet comprising a spout, a passageway, an electrically operable valve; a first manual valve; a first manual handle; and a bypass. The passageway conducts water flow through the spout. The electrically operable valve is disposed within the passageway. The first manual valve disposed within the passageway in series with the electrically operable valve. The first manual handle that controls the first manual valve. The bypass has a first end above the electrically operable valve, relative to the water flow, and a second end below the electrically operable valve, such that a portion of the water flow bypasses the electrically operable valve.

Abstract: A fluid control valve for controlling the delivery of water includes a control lever that is movable in two directions by rotation of the lever about two independent axes. The fluid control valve includes a valve body assembly with flow passageways and a housing assembly attached to the valve body assembly to define an interior space. A flow control mechanism positioned in the interior space is constructed to enable movement of the lever about a first axis for translating rotational movement into sliding motion of an upper disk against a lower disk to adjust the water temperature. Rotation of the lever in a second direction translates rotational movement into sliding motion of the upper disk in a second direction to control the water flow rate. A drag spring positioned as part of the control mechanism changes the frictional force or feel between the two directions of lever movement.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus and method for image transfer onto one of a plurality of a pad medium pages while the pages are aggregated together. A preferred embodiment for a printer includes a housing; a print engine, within the housing, for transferring an image to a transfer medium when the transfer medium is located at a print position; and a transfer medium registration system, coupled to the print engine, for positioning a pad including a plurality of transfer media releasably secured to one another, wherein the print registration system locates one of the transfer media at the print position. The method including positioning a pad at a print position of a print transfer engine, the pad including a plurality of transfer media releasably secured to one another; and transferring an image to one of the transfer media positioned at the print position.

Abstract: A fluid control valve for controlling the delivery of water includes a control lever that is movable in two directions by rotation of the lever about two independent axes. The fluid control valve includes a valve body assembly with flow passageways and a housing assembly attached to the valve body assembly to define an interior space. A flow control mechanism positioned in the interior space is constructed to enable movement of the lever about a first axis for translating rotational movement into sliding motion of an upper disk against a lower disk to adjust the water temperature. Rotation of the lever in a second direction translates rotational movement into sliding motion of the upper disk in a second direction to control the water flow rate. A drag spring positioned as part of the control mechanism changes the frictional force or feel between the two directions of lever movement.

Abstract: A food cutting device includes a body having two longitudinal edges and a blade configured such that its cutting edge is a predetermined distance from a removeable plate inserted therein. The device preferably includes a food holder having a guide configured to slideably connect to at least one of said longitudinal edges of the body to bring a food item safely in contact with the blade. A storage caddy, which may used in conjunction with the food cutting device, includes a housing and a pair of housing guides configured to slideably connect to the body, wherein the storage caddy includes a number of partitions or chambers to accept unused plates. At least one of the plates may include a protector designed to at least partially conceal the blade on the underside of the body.

Abstract: Fully imidized polyimidisiloxanes which are based on oxydiphthalic anhydride are soluble in diglyme which gives them particular utility in the micro-electronics industry. The polymers are prepared from oxydiphthalic anhydride, a difunctional siloxane monomer and an organic diamine that provides an assymetrical structure in the polyimidesiloxane polymer chain. The polyimide-siloxane can be prepared with functional groups which render them directly curable. The polyimidesiloxanes can also be prepared with functional groups which when reacted with an unsaturated compound renders the polymers curable. The products of the invention can be used in the form of solutions in the micro-electronic industry. The polymers can also be used in wire and cable coating and to prepare films, fibers, and molded and extruded articles.