Abstract: A switch mechanism includes a housing with a fenestration, a switch element held in the housing, and a first tab and a second tab each being pivotally attached to an opposite lateral edge of the fenestration. The tabs are constrained to rotational movement relative to the housing so that contact with the first tab or the second tab causes the respective tab to rotate to actuate the switch element.

Abstract: A brake bar assembly having a U-shaped frame, a sliding friction bar positioned on the U-shaped frame near a closed end of the frame, a fixed friction bar attached to an open end of the U-shaped frame, and a lockable center bar assembly positioned on the U-shaped frame between the sliding friction bar and the fixed friction bar having a spring operated locking mechanism which allows the center bar to be releasably pivoted on the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for accurately and safely directing the movement of shooting range targets, and more specifically, to provide self-calibration and synchronicity to programmable target carriers and automatically resetting targets.

Abstract: A plate comprises a planar central region with a perimeter and a lip with first and second sections, each including two ends. A first end of the first section extends from the perimeter up and away from the planar central region, and a first of the second section extends from a second of the two ends of the first section down and away from the planar central region. A plate comprises circular, mid and end regions. The mid-region protrudes from an outer edge of the circular region in a first direction away therefrom. The end-region protrudes from an outer edge of the mid-region in an opposite direction and away therefrom. The mid and end-regions include openings. A plate comprises a first area and a rim surrounding the first area. The rim has walls which intersect. Each of the walls is either straight or concave. Both of the walls includes openings.

Abstract: A battery thermal monitoring system prevents thermal runaway during battery charging. A temperature sensor and relay may be connected to each battery. The temperature at each battery may be compared to the ambient temperature in the charging system. When the temperature difference between the battery charging temperature and the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined difference, the relay may disconnect the battery from the charging source.

Abstract: An endoscope sheath comprising: (a) a proximal end, (b) a distal end having a distal end region, (c) a surface extending between and connecting the proximal end and the distal end, (d) a plurality of positioning devices located along the surface; and (e) one or more drip retention features; wherein the sheath is configured to: (i) receive all or a portion of an endoscope and (ii) provide a conduit for communicating fluid between the proximal end of the endoscope sheath and the distal end of the endoscope sheath when the endoscope is inserted inside the sheath; and wherein the plurality of positioning devices are located in a distal end region at the distal end of the endoscope sheath so that the endoscope is secured within the endoscope sheath; and wherein the one or more drip retention features are configured to produce a region bounded by the endoscope sheath and the endoscope to retain a volume of liquid by capillary action.

Abstract: A battery thermal monitoring system prevents thermal runaway during battery charging. A temperature sensor and relay may be connected to each battery. The temperature at each battery may be compared to the ambient temperature in the charging system. When the temperature difference between the battery charging temperature and the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined difference, the relay may disconnect the battery from the charging source.

Abstract: A brake bar assembly having a U-shaped frame, a sliding friction bar positioned on the U-shaped frame near a closed end of the frame, a fixed friction bar attached to an open end of the U-shaped frame, and a lockable center bar assembly positioned on the U-shaped frame between the sliding friction bar and the fixed friction bar having a spring operated locking mechanism which allows the center bar to be releasably pivoted on the frame.

Abstract: A hardhat personal fan of the present invention comprises a fan with duct delivery system designed to be mounted externally onto the rim of any hardhat requiring no modification to the hat. This allows for easy installation, use and un-installation. The design is small, sleek, light weight and attractive. The system provides constant cooling airflow to the lower face, neck, shoulders and upper body. Heat is expelled before it travels to the head, promoting cooling there also. The cooling airflow alleviates the potential for heat stroke, reduces fatigue, and increases a worker's endurance, dexterity, mental acuity, concentration and morale.

Abstract: An athletic aid specially designed for track and field participants. Design intent is to provide a simple yet effective tool in improving starting techniques and increasing speed when coming out of starting blocks. Resistance means is provided. Further, proper muscle memory is promoted via a chin.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a novel system for managing concurrent steps in processes and communicating step attributes to project members. In some embodiments, the system includes a process that is implemented as a software application which each member of a project uses in managing and completing the project. In some embodiments, the software application accesses a web page to allow immediate connections and updates to the project by a mobile communication device app for the project. In some embodiments, updates are automatically pushed to one or more project members.

Abstract: A fluid container having a flexible bag and supporting elements attached externally to the bag wall that enable it to be freestanding and held tilted by the user without overspill. These elements include a semi rigid base and a supporting handle formed joined to the base. Adhesive tape surrounds the assembly thereby joining the components together and strengthening the bag wall. A valve that having two longitudinal pressure member configured in opposition to each other may also be attached externally, across a top corner of the bag.

Abstract: A sponge cleaning apparatus for cleaning sharp-edged objects, such as the blades of knives and other cutlery apparatus. The present invention is a sponge cleaning device of an essentially unitary structure having an overall parabolic U shape, and having a protective, armored layer, wherein the protective armored layer has a varying thickness which provides varying rigidity for facilitating a gripping hold on the cutlery while being cleaned. The present sponge apparatus can readily receive the sharp edge of an item of cutlery in a substantially enclosing manner due to the more flexible distal ends, while simultaneously providing safety from any sharp edges of cutlery due to increased rigidity, so as to effectively provide cleaning of said sharp edged surfaces while being frictionally slid in a generally translational motion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to user interfaces and more particularly to techniques for providing user interface which allows users to select filtering criteria and display filtered information accordingly. In various embodiments, related information is displayed on a hierarchical chart as nodes that are connected to one another. The hierarchical chart is updated after filtering criteria are applied, and the display visibility of the nodes are changed based on the filtering results. The hierarchical relationships among the nodes are maintained before and after the filtering process. In a specific embodiment, the nodes that do not meet filtering criteria are displayed at a low visibility level on the hierarchical chart.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a graphical user interface with contextual views. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a graphical user interface that allows the changing contents of a global menu in the graphical display based upon the selected nodes that belong to a hierarchical chart. Only those actions applicable (contextual) to the selected nodes will be determined and displayed in the menu. Accordingly, the contents of the selectable options are updated based upon the selected nodes. When more than one node is selected, the displayed selectable actions are an intersection of the actions permitted for each selected node. In a specific embodiment, a comparison menu is provided to allow the user to be able to compare unique corresponding properties of selected nodes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for providing a user interface representing organization hierarchy wherein a group of entities can be displayed as a node, and the node is displayed as a part of a hierarchical chart. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a graphical user interface displaying nodes that represent groups of entities, and the nodes are displayed as a part of a hierarchical chart based on the hierarchical relationship among the nodes that represent groups of entities. In various embodiments, a user is able to select actions for a group of entities displayed on the same node. Based on various criteria, nodes displaying one group of entities may, based on user selections of different grouping criteria, display a different group of entities. There are other features as well, in the graphical interface.

Abstract: A tool for gripping tubes from the inside includes an elongated rod with a gripping mechanism at one end. The gripping mechanism can be a scissor-jack-like mechanism that expands two or more gripping structures outwardly to seat against the tube sidewall. As the elongated rod is rotated relative to the gripping mechanism, the mechanism expands and forces the gripping structures against the tube's sidewall. A slide hammer and a ring can be used to displace the rod and tube, for example relative to another tube in which the first tube is frictionally held. A cutting mechanism can also be attached to the elongated rod or another rod to cut the tube, if necessary, from the inside.