Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention can be a variable capacitor that includes a plurality of capacitors operably coupled in parallel, and a plurality of switches coupled in series with corresponding capacitors. The plurality of capacitors can include first capacitors increasing in capacitance, and second capacitors having a substantially similar capacitance. Further, for each first capacitor increasing in capacitance, the change to the total capacitance that is provided by the first capacitor when its corresponding switch is closed can increase by a factor of about two.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention can be an impedance matching network including an input configured to operably couple to a radio frequency (RF) source; an output configured to operably couple to a load; a first variable capacitor; a second variable capacitor; and a third capacitor in series with the second variable capacitor and reducing a voltage on the second variable capacitor.

Abstract: A control circuit for a impedance matching circuit having first and second capacitor arrays receives as input one or more RF parameters of the impedance matching circuit, and in response thereto: determines a first match configuration for the first capacitor array and a second match configuration for the second capacitor array to create an impedance match between a fixed RF source impedance and a variable RF load impedance, the first match configuration and the second match configuration being determined from one or more look-up tables and based upon the detected one or more RF parameters; and alters at least one of the first array configuration and the second array configuration to the first match configuration and the second match configuration, respectively, by controlling the on and off states of (a) each discrete capacitor of the first capacitor array and (b) each discrete capacitor of the second capacitor array.

Abstract: A dispensing device is described. The dispensing device can include a body comprising a downwardly extending, elongated handle, at least one plunger slidably coupled to the body, and a trigger pivotably coupled to the body at a pivot point. The trigger can include a trigger portion extending downward from the pivot point and a transfer arm extending above the pivot point. The dispensing device can also include an actuator for engaging and advancing the at least one plunger in an axial direction and an elongated linkage extending axially and transmitting motion from the transfer arm to the actuator. The actuator can be positioned behind the handle and the linkage can cause the actuator to move forward axially when the trigger portion is pulled.

Abstract: A dispensing device is described. The dispensing device can include a body comprising a downwardly extending, elongated handle, at least one plunger slidably coupled to the body, and a trigger pivotably coupled to the body at a pivot point. The trigger can include a trigger portion extending downward from the pivot point and a transfer arm extending above the pivot point. The dispensing device can also include an actuator for engaging and advancing the at least one plunger in an axial direction and an elongated linkage extending axially and transmitting motion from the transfer arm to the actuator. The actuator can be positioned behind the handle and the linkage can cause the actuator to move forward axially when the trigger portion is pulled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand-held device for tensioning and stabilizing the strings of a stringed musical instrument, such as a guitar, during tuning or installation of the strings. In one embodiment, the device comprises a structure having a pair of arms that define a substantially forked or "V" shape. In use, the device is positioned against the neck of the guitar and a string is threaded between a pair of spools on at least one of the arms of the device. The device is then pivoted about an apex to lift the string away from the guitar neck and apply tension thereto during tuning or installation of the string. The device allows for easy tensioning of the string during the tuning or installation process.