Abstract: A joist assembly system that is structured for dynamic retrieval of components, dynamic and precise positioning and location of retrieved components, assembly of the components to form a joist, and delivery of the assembled joist. The joist assembly system has a plurality of material handling systems, a plurality of welding systems, and a rigging table system. The material handling systems are structured to load and position the components such as chords and webs onto the rigging table. The rigging table in turn supports the chords or webs. Subsequently, the plurality of welding systems weld the webs to the chords to form the joist.

Abstract: A machine for opening drinking straws and/or other enclosed containers using temperature changes. In the drinking straw variety, the straw is made in part or in full by Nitinol (also known as nickel titanium), Shape Memory Material, or similar such material that allows for the change in the straw's shape (known as the parent phase) in the elevated temperature of a dishwashing machine or similar machine using the Nitinol's or Shape Memory Material's reversible solid-state phase change (known as a martensitic transformation). When the straw is returned to room temperature, the straw closes to its original shape (known as its daughter phase) allowing it to be used as a standard straw. The container variety uses the same method but adapts it for container shapes. This phase change allows for lodged materials in the straw and/or container to be easily dislodged by the object opening in the dishwasher.

Abstract: An object-oriented cable camera system that processes the sports ball's position and automatically follows the ball in play in lock step to the sports ball in the sporting arena. The invention is comprised of a cable camera, a computer control system controlling the position of the cable camera and the camera's settings, a tracking chip attached to the sports ball, and a sports ball. A tracking chip is attached to the sports ball. The computer control system monitors the position of the sports ball through this tracking chip and automatically adjusts the cable camera's relative position to the sports ball keeping the cable camera in lock step with the sports ball and therefore providing a superior viewing experience. When the sports ball moves, the computer control system recognizes this change of position and automatically moves the cable camera's position to mirror the sports ball's new position.