Abstract: A circuit, system and method for controlling electrical power to a load, the circuit has a controller with power supply input nodes and a controller data input node. Two power supply input terminals supply electrical power to the circuit. A digital control signal pre-processing unit couples one of the power supply input terminals to the controller data input node. The digital control signal pre-processing unit has a capacitor arranged to block voltage biasing resulting from power supplied across electrical power supply input terminals from being supplied to the controller data input node. The digital control signal pre-processing unit is arranged to generate positive and negative voltage impulses in response to corresponding rising and falling edges of a digital control signal provided at the power supply input terminals. The digital control signal pre-processing unit is further arranged to generate a revised version of the digital control signal without the voltage biasing.

Abstract: A circuit, system and method for controlling electrical power to a load, the circuit has a controller with power supply input nodes and a controller data input node. Two power supply input terminals supply electrical power to the circuit. A digital control signal pre-processing unit couples one of the power supply input terminals to the controller data input node. The digital control signal pre-processing unit has a capacitor arranged to block voltage biasing resulting from power supplied across electrical power supply input terminals from being supplied to the controller data input node. The digital control signal pre-processing unit is arranged to generate positive and negative voltage impulses in response to corresponding rising and falling edges of a digital control signal provided at the power supply input terminals. The digital control signal pre-processing unit is further arranged to generate a revised version of the digital control signal without the voltage biasing.

Abstract: A system for accessing financial data that is suitable for data of different formats from disparate sources. Real-time financial information or data is stored and arranged in a data model with table and column schema in a standard suitable for use with an OLE DB provider programmed to access financial information. Accordingly, different types of financial information from disparate sources may be integrated and readily accessed. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a real-time OLE DB provider data model that is divided into different tables categorized into records, pages, time series and context information.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tool including a plurality of tools useful to have available in an automobile, such as a flashlight, a tire pressure gauge, a scraper, and a fuse puller. The scraper preferably is pivotably mounted to a handle of the multi-purpose tool in a manner which permits the scraper to be positioned substantially perpendicular to the tool handles to permit scraping force to be applied to the scraper in an efficient manner. The multi-purpose tool preferably also includes a tool with pivotable jaws, such as a pair of foldable pliers, as well as a variety of pivotably mounted tools such as a cutting blade, a screwdriver, and a cap lifter. The tool preferably has two handles, each handle having storage channels for the tools coupled thereto. The tool jaws are pivotably mounted to the handles for selective movement between a storage position in the handles and a working position in which the jaws work together.

Abstract: A multiple function combination tool combines a plurality of implements in a single compact and reduced configuration for many diverse needs. An overmold is provided over at least a portion of at least one of the scales (gripping sides) of the tool. The overmold imparts to such scale different properties from those provided by the scale, such as enhanced tactile comfort, a softer feel, higher coefficient of friction (anti-slip), and/or greater aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: A portable multi-purpose tool including tools useful for fixing or adjusting equipment used by a persons engaged in in-line skating, a board sport, and the like. The multi-purpose tool includes various implements that are conveniently stored within a tool housing, and are selectively extendable from the tool housing into respective operating positions. At least one of the tools is a socket wrench configured to engage and apply torque to an element to be rotated. The socket wrench may include a ratchet mechanism for controlling the direction in which torque may be applied by the socket.

Abstract: A multiple function combination business travel tool combines a plurality of individual business-oriented implements in a single compact and reduced configuration for many diverse business-oriented travel needs. The tool includes a flashlight positioned along a scale, or wide side, of the tool such that a lightbulb and reflector larger than those provided along the side of prior art tools may be provided. The tool also preferably includes a clock, preferably in the form of a digital alarm clock, and a plurality of deployable implements, preferably selected with the needs of a business traveller in mind. In one embodiment, the tool includes a pair of handles having implement channels and scissor channels, the handles forming the handles of a deployable scissors whose blades are stored in the scissor channels.

Abstract: An elevating device consists of a base frame, usually mounted on running wheels, a turntable on the base frame, a vertical first post on the turntable and first and second arm means mounted on the post. The first arm means is a parallelogram linkage connecting the first post and a second post, so that the second post stays vertical as it moves up and down. The second post is skewed along its length so that the two arm means can move alongside each other into the stored position; it is therefore exceptionally compact in that position. The second arm means telescopes and a man-carrying platform is pendulously suspended at its outer end. A linkage including a telescoping shaft connects the second post and the platform to hold the platform against inadvertent movements; the linkage includes a spring connection to prevent damage thereto under accidental impacts.