Abstract: A system for improving safe operation of mobile communication devices includes an operational module installable on a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device is able to communicate wirelessly over a mobile communications network and has a plurality of internal sensors, a plurality of external sensors, a user interface, and a plurality of communications modules. The operational module is able to monitor at least one of the internal sensors and the external sensors, to determine whether the mobile communication device state is one of a plurality of predetermined device states. The predetermined device states represent predetermined watch list operations, which are determined based on improving the safe operation of the mobile communication device.

Abstract: A portable sign including three legs movable between deployed and collapsed positions and a flexible covering bearing text, graphics or both includes a biasing mechanism urging the legs toward the deployed position. A support within the biasing mechanism secures three springs with the coils facing outward, one extension from each spring embedded in an upper support member and another extension movable within a plane tangential to a periphery of a lower support member and received by a hollow portion of one of the legs.

Abstract: A collar comprises a strip of material. A buckle couples to the strip of material. A plurality of attachment ports couple to the strip of material. A fashion attachment comprises a plurality of coupling ports, and each coupling port couples to one of the plurality of attachment ports. A method for customizing an animal companion collar comprises selecting a first fashion attachment. The first fashion attachment comprises a plurality of coupling ports configured to couple to a plurality of attachment ports of a fashion collar. The method detaches a second fashion attachment from a first fashion collar. The first fashion collar comprises a plurality of attachment ports. The method attaches the first fashion attachment to the first fashion collar by coupling one or more of the plurality of coupling ports to one or more of the plurality of attachment ports.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a portion of material comprises identifying a portion of material requiring cleaning. The method places a first absorbent pad on the identified portion. The first absorbent pad comprises a super-absorbent material and a liquid-resistant backing. The method places a first weight on top of the first absorbent pad. The method allows a period of time to elapse. The method removes the first weight and the first absorbent pad from the identified portion. In an additional embodiment, the method further comprises spraying neutralizer on the identified portion. The method places a second absorbent pad on the identified portion. The second absorbent pad comprises a super-absorbent material and a liquid-resistant backing. The method places a second weight on top of the second absorbent pad. The method allows a period of time to elapse. The method removes the second weight and the second absorbent pad from the identified portion.

Abstract: A collapsible portable structure employs elongate side panels of a generally trapezoidal shape and has an overall height of between about 12 and about 36 inches in an expanded state and an aspect ratio of about 1.1:1 to about 1.5:1. Each panel is not more than about 21 inches wide at the widest point and may include upper and lower mesh portions, a central message-bearing portion and an optional reflective strip. Corner panels between bottom edges of adjacent side panel contain weighting material therein to improve stabilization. A top panel may be formed of a mesh material and include a central grommet.

Abstract: A portable sign including three legs movable between deployed and collapsed positions and a flexible covering bearing text, graphics or both includes a biasing mechanism urging the legs toward the deployed position. A support within the biasing mechanism secures three springs with the coils facing outward, one extension from each spring embedded in an upper support member and another extension movable within a plane tangential to a periphery of a lower support member and received by a hollow portion of one of the legs.

Abstract: A collapsible portable structure employs elongate side panels of a generally triangular shape, each formed by a flexible frame member within a retaining sleeve and fabric within an interior of the frame member. The elongate side panels thus form a pyramidal structure when in a non-collapsed position, the structure having an overall height that is greater than the width of any of the side panels at their widest point. Weights preferably at corner panels between bottom corners of adjacent side panels improve stability for outdoor use. The structure collapses into a substantially cylindrical shape.