Abstract: Various embodiments of electric lighting devices, and in particular, electric candles are described. The devices can include a flame element onto which light can be projected from a light source. Preferably, the light is projected within a focal area on the flame element. The housing of the devices can include projections that help maintain a vertical position of a circuit board within the housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for forming wax shells for use with electric lighting devices. A template can comprise a sleeve that defines an interior space with a removable core at least partially disposed within the interior space. A modular top can be coupled to the sleeve, depending on the desired upper surface of the wax shell.

Abstract: Various components for artificial candles and other lighting devices are described that can be used to create a realistic flame effect in the devices. The devices include a flame element that extends upwardly from a housing. A light source can be disposed with respect to the flame element such that the flame element is illuminated. A variety of drive mechanisms could be disposed within the body of the device that can cause movement of the flame element with respect to the housing. The flame element can be coupled to a housing or mounting bracket of the device using various components to suspend the flame element within the housing.

Abstract: Various components for artificial candles and other lighting devices are described that can be used to create a realistic flame effect in the devices. The devices include a flame element that extends upwardly from a housing. A light source can be disposed with respect to the flame element such that the flame element is illuminated. A variety of drive mechanisms could be disposed within the body of the device that can cause movement of the flame element with respect to the housing. The flame element can be coupled to a housing or mounting bracket of the device using various components to suspend the flame element within the housing.

Abstract: Various components for artificial candles and other lighting devices are described that can be used to create a realistic flame effect in the devices. The devices include a flame element that extends upwardly from a housing. A light source can be disposed with respect to the flame element such that the flame element is illuminated. A variety of drive mechanisms could be disposed within the body of the device that can cause movement of the flame element with respect to the housing. The flame element can be coupled to a housing or mounting bracket of the device using various components to suspend the flame element within the housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating the dispensing of insurance and of an insurance company selling insurance policies are provided, which may be network or Internet based, and may be managed through a general agent. Policy information from insurance companies may be received or stored. Data may be received from customers and insurance rates or quotes provided, which may be from competing companies. An instruction to purchase and payment may be received and proof of coverage, such as printing a document, may be facilitated. Data may be input directly by a customer or by an agent on behalf of the customer. The policy information, customer data, and premiums may be provided to the insurance companies. Insurance agents may advertise, and may refer customers from their own websites in exchange for commissions. The insurance offered for sale may be, automobile or specialty insurance, and may provide coverage in another country.

Abstract: A self-wringing ratchet mop is disclosed to comprise an elongate handle including at least one channel provided along a discrete length thereof, a tubular member slidably and rotatably disposed on the handle, and a mop swab connected to the handle and the tubular member. The tubular member has a wall including at least one pawl formed therein. The at least one pawl is engageable with the at least one channel to resist rotation of the tubular member in a first direction about the handle, and the at least one pawl is further flexibly moveable out of engagement with the at least one channel when the tubular member is rotated in a second direction about the handle. And when the at least one pawl is positioned along a length of the mop handle other than the discrete length, the tubular member is freely rotatable in both the first and second directions about the mop handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an axially-rotated valve which permits increased flow rates and lower pressure drop (characterized by a lower loss coefficient) by using an axial eccentric split venturi with two portions where at least one portion is rotatable with respect to the other portion. The axially-rotated valve typically may be designed to avoid flow separation and/or cavitation at full flow under a variety of conditions. Similarly, the valve is designed, in some embodiments, to produce streamlined flow within the valve. An axially aligned outlet may also increase the flow efficiency. A typical cross section of the eccentric split venturi may be non-axisymmetric such as a semicircular cross section which may assist in both throttling capabilities and in maximum flow capacity using the design of the present invention. Such a design can include applications for freeze resistant axially-rotated valves and may be fully-opened and fully-closed in one-half of a complete rotation.

Abstract: An automatic air valve assembly for alternately delivering pressurized air to one of a pair of control ports of a reciprocal power unit comprises a valve body having a bore, a plurality of inlet, cylinder, and exhaust ports, with the inlet port adapted for connection to a pressurized air supply, and a valve spool movable between a pair of control positions. A pair of pilot valves are mounted upon the ends of the valve body to move the spool between its control positions. Each pilot valve is connected to a cylinder port and has a normally closed air signal port connected to opposite ends of the valve body respectively whereby a build up of pressure at one cylinder port momentarily moves a spring biased spool in one pilot valve to open its signal port, the spool in the valve body continuously and automatically oscillating.