Abstract: A folding base has a hinge body, and a stand emanates vertically from adjacent a center of the hinge body. A plurality of legs radiate from the hinge body and provide ground contact. Between and pivotally coupling each leg to the hinge body is one of a plurality of torque hinges, so that individual ones of the legs are rotationally coupled to the hinge body through a torque generating member. Preferably the torque required to pivot a leg with respect to the hinge body is greater than that generated solely by lifting a leg from the ground or supporting surface. The torque hinge may also be knurled to permit a secure and permanent press fit to the associated leg and the hinge body.

Abstract: A sensor farm assembly is provided that includes a plate, a bracket, and a universal serial bus. The plate is configured to be mounted to an interior side of a windshield of a vehicle. The bracket is connected to the plate. The universal serial bus receiving module configured to be connected to the bracket. The universal serial bus receiving module includes a processing module and a universal serial bus receiver. The processing module is configured to receive power from a power source, where the power source is separate from the sensor farm assembly. The universal serial bus receiver is configured to receive a universal serial bus connector of a universal serial bus cable or an accessory device and provide power from the processing module either directly to the accessory device or via the universal serial bus cable.

Abstract: A boom stand adapted to support an electroacoustic device is constructed from a base, pivotal boom, stand elevating the pivotal boom, and a stacking counterweight. The stacking counterweight includes a terminal weight having a generally cylindrical body longitudinally terminated with a threaded coupler adapted to operatively couple with a threaded coupler on the boom, while aligning the terminal weight longitudinally co-axially with the boom. One or more medial weights having a generally cylindrical body and appropriate threaded couplers can be inserted between the boom and terminal weight. Each of the medial and terminal weights are preferably shaped to be adequately grasped by a person's palm and finger portion of a hand clasping about the longitudinal axis, and are thereby adapted to operatively permit manual rotation about their longitudinal axes.

Abstract: A guitar slide or other musical instrument string-contacting component has a core that consists essentially of a metal composition which is susceptible to the formation of nitrides and carbides of the metal composition upon proper exposure to carbon and nitrogen. A diffusion layer circumscribes the core and consists essentially of nitrides and carbides of the metal composition. A compound layer circumscribes the diffusion layer and consists essentially of the metal composition, nitrogen, and oxygen. In one physical embodiment, the guitar slide includes a generally tubular body having a conical outer surface tapering downward from a first open finger receiving end to a second smaller end. The outer surface and the inner surface are both preferably conical. In another physical embodiment, the guitar slide is provided with a domed end.

Abstract: A guitar slide has a core that consists essentially of a metal composition which is susceptible to the formation of nitrides and carbides of the metal composition upon proper exposure to carbon and nitrogen. A diffusion layer circumscribes the core and consists essentially of nitrides and carbides of the metal composition. A compound layer circumscribes the diffusion layer and consists essentially of the metal composition, nitrogen, and oxygen. In one physical embodiment, the guitar slide includes a generally tubular body having a conical outer surface tapering downward from a first open finger receiving end to a second smaller end. The outer surface and the inner surface are both preferably conical. In another physical embodiment, the guitar slide is provided with a domed end. Other physical embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing engagement activities and influence using consumer-specific promotions in a social network environment is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for characterizing viewers across multiple Internet activities is provided. A communication system communicates a personal identifier between a plurality of distant channels of promotions presented to a social network member of a social network communication system and a corresponding non-social network sponsoring business system of the promotions. A data analysis computer system tracks the personal identifier communications and generates a report to characterize the tracked data related to the promotions of the online non-social network sponsoring business system and the personal identifiers of the members.

Abstract: A system for cooperative characterization between a social network and computer systems outside the social network but operable within the social network system. Members of the social network are identified by a personal characteristic identifier readable by the outside computer systems.

Abstract: A system for spreading promotional content into a social network environment from outside the social network is provided. A computer server system monitors information associated with the promotional content and the communication steps associated with the outside-in communication and further inside communications or spread of the promotional content.

Abstract: A system is provided for assessing the historical engagement activities of a single user, and then altering the current presentation of engagement activities in accordance with a predetermined sequential series, or an algorithmic decision-tree, so that an optimized set of engagement options are presented to returning or recurring users. This system is capable of weighting each of the various engagement activities that have been clicked on by an individual, calculating an overall “engagement score”, and then presenting certain engagement activities based on that factor.

Abstract: A device (22) is adapted to couple a finger follower (14) and a hydraulic lash adjuster (18) for use in a valve train (10) of an engine. The hydraulic lash adjuster (18) includes a plunger (34) having a longitudinal axis. The finger follower (14) includes a pocket (30) for receiving the plunger (34) and a protrusion (54) proximate the pocket (30). The device (22) includes a first portion (66) having an outer peripheral edge (70) and an inner peripheral edge (74), which defines a first aperture (82) configured to receive the plunger (34). The inner peripheral edge (74) of the first portion (66) includes at least one radially inwardly-projecting tang (86) configured to frictionally engage the plunger (34) to substantially axially secure the first portion (66) to the plunger (34). The device (22) also includes a second portion (78) coupled to the first portion (66) and extending substantially non-parallel to the first portion (66).

Abstract: A boom stand is constructed from a base, extensible stand, pivotal boom support, and boom. The base has arcuately segmented massive anchors that form a perimeter. The arcuately segmented massive anchors are shaped and sized to fit within the perimeter of like bases, to decrease minimum distances between stands during storage or close use, while still providing stability. Over-center clamps provided on the extensible stand are extruded to include unitary cord guides, and are engaged with tube ends to prevent rotation or accidental removal. The pivotal boom support incorporates a disc and elastomeric pads to provide superior locking and vibration reduction, and utilizes in alternative embodiments perimeter and central over-center clamps which further enhance the operation.

Abstract: A boom stand is constructed from a base, extensible stand, pivotal boom support, and boom. The base has arcuately segmented massive anchors that form a perimeter. The arcuately segmented massive anchors are shaped and sized to fit within the perimeter of like bases, to decrease minimum distances between stands during storage or close use, while still providing stability. Over-center clamps provided on the extensible stand are extruded to include unitary cord guides, and are engaged with tube ends to prevent rotation or accidental removal. The pivotal boom support incorporates a disc and elastomeric pads to provide superior locking and vibration reduction, and utilizes in alternative embodiments perimeter and central over-center clamps which further enhance the operation.

Abstract: A boom stand is constructed from a base, extensible stand, pivotal boom support, and boom. The base has arcuately segmented massive anchors that form a perimeter. The arcuately segmented massive anchors are shaped and sized to fit within the perimeter of like bases, to decrease minimum distances between stands during storage or close use, while still providing stability. Over-center clamps provided on the extensible stand are extruded to include unitary cord guides, and are engaged with tube ends to prevent rotation or accidental removal. The pivotal boom support incorporates a disc and elastomeric pads to provide superior locking and vibration reduction, and utilizes in alternative embodiments perimeter and central over-center clamps which further enhance the operation.

Abstract: A guitar slide which includes a generally tubular body having a conical outer surface tapering downward from a first open finger receiving end to a second smaller end. The outer surface and the inner surface are both preferably conical. The body is machined of an alloy. In another embodiment, the guitar slide is provided with a domed end.

Abstract: A guitar slide which includes a generally tubular body having a conical outer surface tapering downward from a first open finger receiving end to a second smaller end. The outer surface and the inner surface are both preferably conical. In the preferred embodiment, the body is machined of an alloy.

Abstract: An in-line skate braking system for braking of an individual on in-line skates by transferring the center of gravity about the rear roller to frictionally engage a brake pad of one in-line skate or both in-line skates against the ground. The brake pad is of a suitable material, such as rubber, so as to frictionally engage with the ground surface. The degree of braking is determined by the degree of pressure axially transferred about the rear roller by the center of gravity to the brake pad. By the skater properly shifting his or her weight about the rear roller, maximum force can be applied between the brake pad to the ground surface, causing a safe stop over a finite distance. In a fourth embodiment, an after-market replacement brake assembly includes a cast member for engagement with a brake shoe of an in-line skate, and a rubber pad which screws onto the cast member.