Abstract: The present application concerns handheld electrical generators for charging mobile electronic devices. In one representative embodiment, a manually powered generator for charging a mobile device comprises a first magnet array having a plurality of magnets arrayed in an annular formation on a first surface, a second magnet array having a plurality of magnets arrayed in an annular formation on a second surface positioned opposite the first surface, and a torque input member. The generator further comprises a rotor having a serpentine trace of conductive material disposed between the first and second magnet arrays. The generator is configured to be incorporated into a handheld case or shell for containing the mobile device.

Abstract: A digital/virtual gift product is provided for generation and customization by a giver through a service provider and for receipt by a recipient for use with a merchant. The digital/virtual gift product includes: a representation of a monetary gift value selected by the giver and depicted on the digital/virtual gift product for use and redemption with a preselected merchant; a merchant identification depicted on the digital/virtual gift product to identify the preselected merchant, selected by the giver, and at which preselected merchant the digital/virtual gift product is redeemable; and a giver identification to identify the giver of the digital/virtual gift product to the recipient and to the merchant. At least one system and associated methods also are disclosed for creating, customizing, and tracking multiple digital/virtual gift products.

Abstract: An input device can include a bezel having a slot, a knob including a magnetic element positioned to slide through the slot, a housing having a channel, a slider including a sensory path positioned within the channel and magnetically coupled to the magnetic element, and a circuitry layer positioned between the knob and the housing.

Abstract: The present application concerns handheld electrical generators for charging mobile electronic devices. In one representative embodiment, a manually powered generator for charging a mobile device comprises a first magnet array having a plurality of magnets arrayed in an annular formation on a first surface, a second magnet array having a plurality of magnets arrayed in an annular formation on a second surface positioned opposite the first surface, and a torque input member. The generator further comprises a rotor having a serpentine trace of conductive material disposed between the first and second magnet arrays. The generator is configured to be incorporated into a handheld case or shell for containing the mobile device.

Abstract: A digital/virtual gift product is provided for generation and customization by a giver through a service provider and for receipt by a recipient for use with a merchant. The digital/virtual gift product includes: a representation of a monetary gift value selected by the giver and depicted on the digital/virtual gift product for use and redemption with a preselected merchant; a merchant identification depicted on the digital/virtual gift product to identify the preselected merchant, selected by the giver, and at which preselected merchant the digital/virtual gift product is redeemable; and a giver identification to identify the giver of the digital/virtual gift product to the recipient and to the merchant. At least one system and associated methods also are disclosed for creating, customizing, and tracking multiple digital/virtual gift products.

Abstract: Disclosed camera cases are configured to be positioned around a camera such that the camera is retained within the case while remaining operable. The case can have a generally cuboid shape with front, rear, top, bottom, left and right sides. At least two of these sides can comprise at least one mounting feature, such as a threaded hole. The rear side can comprise a door configured to allow a camera to be inserted into the case. The rear door can comprise an adjustable portion that can be coupled to the rear door in at least two different positions, such that the case is adjustable to be used with cameras of different sizes. A trigger button on a side of the case can be configured to activate a camera button positioned on a top side of a camera within the case. The case can be dirt and moisture resistant.

Abstract: Disclosed camera cases are configured to be positioned around a camera such that the camera is retained within the case while remaining operable. The case can have a generally cuboid shape with front, rear, top, bottom, left and right sides. At least two of these sides can comprise at least one mounting feature, such as a threaded hole. The rear side can comprise a door configured to allow a camera to be inserted into the case. The rear door can comprise an adjustable portion that can be coupled to the rear door in at least two different positions, such that the case is adjustable to be used with cameras of different sizes. A trigger button on a side of the case can be configured to activate a camera button positioned on a top side of a camera within the case. The case can be dirt and moisture resistant.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a protective layer which includes an aggregate of long chain molecules wherein each long chain molecule is randomly oriented and consistently entangled to adjacent long chain molecules throughout the aggregate of long chain molecules. Additionally, the layer is essentially free from voids and essentially free from residual stresses. By way of example and not limitation, the long chain molecule may be a plastic or liquid crystal polymer. Additionally, a method for forming the protective layer is disclosed herein.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a protective layer which includes an aggregate of long chain molecules wherein each long chain molecule is randomly oriented and consistently entangled to adjacent long chain molecules throughout the aggregate of long chain molecules. Additionally, the layer is essentially free from voids and essentially free from residual stresses. By way of example and not limitation, the long chain molecule may be a plastic or liquid crystal polymer. Additionally, a method for forming the protective layer is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A combustion chamber for use in an engine, such as a rocket engine, has an inner wall with a corrugated configuration. The inner wall is formed with a plurality of tubes for carrying a coolant. As a result of the tubular construction, the inner wall has a plurality of spaced apart crowns and a plurality of valleys intermediate with the spaced apart crowns. To enhance the rate of heat flux or transfer in the valleys, a device is installed in each valley to cause local intensification of the turbulence in the hot gas flow in an effective way. The device may take the shape of a chevron or a bump.

Abstract: A system for cooling a combustion chamber of an engine, such as a rocket engine, is provided. The system has a plurality of coolant tubes or passages surrounding the combustion chamber, a torroidal coolant-collection manifold for receiving coolant from the coolant tubes or passages and for discharging the coolant through a discharge port, and a plurality of turning vanes within the torroidal manifold for reducing pressure loss and improving pressure uniformity associated with the torroidal coolant-collection manifold.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a protective layer which includes an aggregate of long chain molecules wherein each long chain molecule is randomly oriented and consistently entangled to adjacent long chain molecules throughout the aggregate of long chain molecules. Additionally, the layer is essentially free from voids and essentially free from residual stresses. By way of example and not limitation, the long chain molecule may be a plastic or liquid crystal polymer. Additionally, a method for forming the protective layer is disclosed herein.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a protective layer which includes an aggregate of long chain molecules wherein each long chain molecule is randomly oriented and consistently entangled to adjacent long chain molecules throughout the aggregate of long chain molecules. Additionally, the layer is essentially free from voids and essentially free from residual stresses. By way of example and not limitation, the long chain molecule may be a plastic or liquid crystal polymer. Additionally, a method for forming the protective layer is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A cart for trick-or-treating or the like is described, in which a hollow container for collecting and transporting treats or other items is coupled to an L-shaped wheeled cart framework, and a lid portion on the container that is levered opened and closed by means of a plunger slidably coupled to the cart framework. For trick-or-treating, the lid portion includes a light source and the hollow container is configured as a face of a character such as a jack-o-lantern, ghost, witch, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an illuminated novelty item. In one embodiment, the novelty item includes an edible, food item supported on a hollow, translucent handle. A light source is also provided to illuminate the interior, hollow portion of the handle. Since the handle is translucent, the light radiated through the handle and into the edible food item. If the food item is translucent, which it preferable is, then the light also radiates through the food item in a unique and visually-desirable fashion. In one embodiment the food item is an ice confection, such as a Popsicle® Ice Confection. In another embodiment, the food item may be cotton candy. In yet another embodiment, the food item may be a sucker or lollipop, which is supported on a translucent handle in the same way as the ice confection mentioned above. Consistent with the invention, the light source may take on a variety of forms.

Abstract: An improved frame construction for supporting transparencies for projection by an overhead optical projector, including means for maintaining a transparency in fixed position relative to the projector, and means for selectively adding color to desired areas of the transparency for directing the attention of the viewer, and adding interest to the display. The colored areas may be oriented in either of two mutually perpendicular directions.