Abstract: A mobile creel for organizing yarn packages and directing yarn is disclosed. In one aspect, the mobile creel has a plurality of support frames and an upright creel docking post. The front portion of the base of each support frame can be configured for engagement with the lower portion of the upright creel docking post. The creel docking post can simultaneously engage one, two, three, or four support frames.

Abstract: A connector is provided that permits locking between a pin and a housing a canted coil spring yet permit separation by allowing turning of the canted coil spring so that the canted coil spring can compress along the minor axis. In one example, the connector incorporates two grooves on the pin to allow the rotation. In another example, the connector incorporates two grooves in the bore of the housing to allow the rotation. The connector may be used in a number of applications or industries, such as for aerospace, automotive, and medical device industries, to name a few.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for connecting, two planar surfaces or structures together to permit electrical transmission between the two. As described, the connector have at least two housing sections having grooves formed therein for receiving springs, such as canted coil springs. The springs are configured to provide constant mechanical and electrical connection between multiple parts and allow for small motions between such parts. By allowing for movement of the connected parts, adequate connection during thermal changes and/or vibrations is maintained. This is possible due to the spring contact interface between the connector assembly and the connecting parts, which allows relative movement between the springs and the connecting parts.

Abstract: A rectangular paddle having a uniform thickness is capable of attaching to the rotor of a power trowel device. In one embodiment of the invention, the paddle is made of India rubber. The paddle is oriented on the rotor such that the angle between the paddle and the flooring surface is, in one embodiment of the invention, less than 45°. The paddle efficiently consolidates grout into the joints of a flooring material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to training aids to promote well balanced swing technique for any sport that requires a swinging motion related but not limited to baseball, softball, golf, tennis, racquetball, squash and cricket, including a rotating foot pad connected to a portable balance platform.

Abstract: A lifting device having a base, a platform, scissor means operably connected to said base and platform removing said platform from a lowered position to a raised position, drive means for moving said scissor means and lever means operably connected to said drive means and said scissor means for moving said platform between said lowered position and raised position.

Abstract: Techniques for guaranteeing that a software program is executed on a machine only during designated periods of time are provided. Service windows define time periods during which software programs targeted to execute on a machine are allowed to execute on the machine. On the machine, the service windows work in conjunction with a client process that is executing on the machine to guarantee execution of the software programs by the client process only during available service windows.

Abstract: A cartridge (10), constructed in accordance with the principles of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and configured for use in a firearm (not shown), such as a traditional 12-gauge shotgun, broadly includes a shell (12), powder (14) housed within the shell (12), wadding (16) separating the powder (14) within the shell (12), and high density, non-toxic, non-steel shot (18) received within the wadding (16). The high density shot (18) includes a plurality of pellets (44), each including tungsten (46) and presenting a density between about sixteen and nineteen grams per cubic centimeter. Each of the pellets (44) present a uniform, smooth spherical shape. The high density shot (18) is a non-toxic, non-steel shot that patterns well even at long range applications while providing the desired lethality without the need for relatively large payloads.

Abstract: Playground equipment may include a variety of different types of components. For example, the playground equipment may include a main structure and one or more components, such as a swing set, a climbing wall, a slide, monkey bars, picnic table, sandbox, a ladder and/or the like. The various components and structures of the playground equipment may be connected in a variety of suitable configurations and arrangements. Advantageously, if the playground equipment includes a climbing wall, the climbing wall may include one or more panels that are adjustably connected and constructed from blow-molded plastic. Additionally, if the playground equipment includes a picnic table, the picnic table top may have a surface that includes one or more generally planar portions and one or more generally offset portions. The offset portions may be sized and configured to be traced, for example, onto a sheet of paper to create a pleasing design.

Abstract: Methods, data structures, and systems by which entities can efficiently discover, extend, validate and establish business relationships over a digital network are disclosed. A transitive trust system can be utilized by any number of interconnected entities in which at least two of the entities are capable of sharing information. One or more entity trust lists contain, for at least two of the entities, at least one characteristic. Each characteristic can, for example, describe or pertain to the actual or perceived dependability, reliability and/or credibility of an entity. The system also includes at least one transactional trust list that contains at least one parameter relative to an exchange between at least two of the entities through at least one degree of separation between the entities. The transactional trust list can, for example, be a listing of any type of parameters that define or describe business exchanges within a particular industry segment.

Abstract: A system for permitting offline content playback and for managing the rights to one or more digital content files within a computer network. The system manages these rights by encrypting the content files to prevent unauthorized access to the files. Encryption is accomplished by using one or more keys which are associated with one or more segments of the content file. These keys enable an authorized user to decrypt and playback the content files at a subsequent time. When the keys are received, a license which specifies the rights of the user regarding the content files, is obtained by the end user system, and verified locally to permit the content playback.

Abstract: A system for permitting offline content playback and for managing the rights to one or more digital content files within a computer network. The system manages these rights by encrypting the content files to prevent unauthorized access to the files. Encryption is accomplished by using one or more keys which are associated with one or more segments of the content file. These keys enable an authorized user to decrypt and playback the content files at a subsequent time. When the keys are received, a license which specifies the rights of the user regarding the content files, is obtained by the end user system, and verified locally to permit the content playback.