Abstract: A liquid retaining barrier comprises a plurality of vertically stacked members, each member having first and second ends, a length between the first and second ends, first and second sides, and top and bottom faces. An outer shell extends around a perimeter formed by the first and second sides and first and second faces of the member, and defines an inner core space. A conduit comprising a compression reinforcement material is positioned in the inner core space and forms an approximately parabolic curve extending between the first and second ends. A side of the outer shell is tangent to the curve of the conduit at about the mid-point of the length of the member.

Abstract: Computer system fans having fixed operating states corresponding to discreet operating speeds may be controlled by collecting temperature information upstream or downstream of the fans and commanding the fans to switch between the fixed operating states based on the temperature information at a frequency sufficient to controllably achieve speeds between the discreet operating speeds.

Abstract: Computer system fans having fixed operating states corresponding to discreet operating speeds may be controlled by collecting temperature information upstream or downstream of the fans and commanding the fans to switch between the fixed operating states based on the temperature information at a frequency sufficient to controllably achieve speeds between the discreet operating speeds.

Abstract: An inflation system is disclosed for automobile tires, bicycle tires, and other inflatable articles, wherein the inflating pump reads information from a microchip associated with the valve stem in the inflatable article, in order to inflate the tire or other inflatable article to the correct pressure. In one embodiment, the microchip contains one pressure level which the inflating pump reads and fills the inflatable article to. In another embodiment, the microchip contains several different pressure levels—based on different conditions—which the inflating pump reads, and the pump fills the inflatable article to the particular pressure level selected by the user.

Abstract: An inflation system is disclosed for automobile tires, bicycle tires, and other inflatable articles, wherein the inflating pump reads information from a microchip associated with the valve stem in the inflatable article, in order to inflate the tire or other inflatable article to the correct pressure. In one embodiment, the microchip contains one pressure level which the inflating pump reads and fills the inflatable article to. In another embodiment, the microchip contains several different pressure levels—based on different conditions—which the inflating pump reads, and the pump fills the inflatable article to the particular pressure level selected by the user.

Abstract: A toaster is disclosed with a warming function that operates after the toasting cycle is complete, thereby keeping the toast warm in the toasting chamber until the user is ready to remove it. The warming function is accomplished via a warming cycle timing circuit which is interposed between the conventional toast cycle timing circuit and the electromagnet that holds the toast down within the toaster. Instead of the toast being released at the end of the toasting cycle as in a conventional toaster, the invention releases the toast when the desired warming time has expired. During the warming cycle, the toasting element operates at reduced power and produces less heat.

Abstract: A multi-purpose camping tool having components which are structured to be combined together to form a pole ladder, an ax, a trenching spade, a hoe, a grapple hook, tool devices and a saw frame. The components include a spade blade, tool heads, handle connecting elements, and a pair of elongated segments having a novel structure and parts which cooperate to provide these several multi-purpose tools.