Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a dimension of a non-rigid object and using the dimension to pick and place the object. A first input device conveys a non-rigid object into contact with a feed forward unit, which contact causes a displacement of the feed forward unit. The displacement measures a dimension of the object. The measured dimension is transmitted via at least one line of communication.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a dimension of a non-rigid object and using the dimension to pick and place the object. A first input device conveys the object into contact with a feed forward unit, which contact conditions the object. A distance sensor is positioned over a gap in the feed forward unit to measure a distance to a surface of the conditioned object. The distance measures a dimension of the conditioned object. The measured dimension is transmitted via at least one line of communication.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a dimension of a non-rigid object and using the dimension to pick and place the object. A first input device conveys a non-rigid object into contact with a feed forward unit, which contact causes a displacement of the feed forward unit. The displacement measures a dimension of the object. The measured dimension is transmitted via at least one line of communication.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a dimension of a non-rigid object and using the dimension to pick and place the object. A first input device conveys the object into contact with a feed forward unit, which contact conditions the object. A distance sensor is positioned over a gap in the feed forward unit to measure a distance to a surface of the conditioned object. The distance measures a dimension of the conditioned object. The measured dimension is transmitted via at least one line of communication.

Abstract: An invoice payment acceleration system includes a database stored on a computer readable medium including a plurality of records, each record corresponding to an invoice issued by a vendor for payment from a buyer. A network interface is configured to receive a payment initiation command from a buyer for payment of an invoice to a vendor by a first payment method. A processor is configured to analyze the invoice as to which the payment command is received to determine whether the invoice satisfies one or more predetermined criteria. The processor further is configured, when the processor determines that the invoice satisfies the one or more predetermined criteria, to convert the first payment method to a second payment method, and the second payment method provides for an accelerated payment as compared to the first payment method. The criteria for acceleration may include vendor preferences, and/or terms of a subscription service.

Abstract: Improvements in frame designs, cutting deck designs, front axles designs for lawn mowers in general and improvements in steering controls of zero turn radius riding mowers are disclosed.

Abstract: A lawn sweeper for collecting debris from a surface includes a frame. At least one wheel is rotatable with respect to the frame for movement of the lawn sweeper along the surface. A collection bin is engaged with the frame for collecting the debris. A brush assembly has at least one brush for urging the debris from the surface into the collection bin. A reducing mechanism reduces a volume of the debris within the collection bin.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting an adjustable chair including a seat, a pedestal base, and a gas cylinder that extends therebetween is provided. The method includes the steps of uncoupling the gas cylinder from the chair, and coupling a height adjustment mechanism to the chair that is configured to electrically adjust a height of the seat relative to the pedestal base. The height adjustment mechanism coupled to the chair being retrofitted includes a limit switch that is configured to limit an amount of movement of the height adjustment mechanism. The method also includes the step of coupling the pedestal base to the height adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A chair is electrically and mechanically adjustable through a wide range of positions in a cost-effective and reliable manner. The chair includes a seat and a back coupled to a control mechanism and supported on a base. A height adjustment mechanism is coupled to a motor and extends between the base and the seat for controlling a height of the seat with respect to the base. A limit switch controls an amount of movement of the seat with respect to the base. The control mechanism is pivotally coupled between the chair seat and the height adjustment mechanism and mechanically and electrically adjusts a position of the seat with respect to the base. More specifically, the control mechanism permits mechanical adjustments of a position of the seat to be made that are independent of electrical adjustments of the seat.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a chair that enables a plurality of mechanical adjustments to be made to the chair by a seated occupant in a cost effective and reliable manner is described. The mounting assembly is coupled to a control mechanism which includes a plurality of motor-gear groups and at least one control switch. The control switch is coupled to each motor-gear group, a rechargeable battery, and to a limit switch that limits an amount of electrical height adjustment of the chair seat with respect to the chair base. Each motor-gear group is coupled to a drive shaft and are used to electrically adjust the chair. As a result, a seated occupant may selectively engage mechanically adjust the chair seat relative independently of electrical adjustments available by the control mechanism.

Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism for a chair that enables a height of a chair seat relative to a chair base to be adjusted electrically in a cost effective and reliable manner is described. The height adjustment mechanism includes an electric motor, an upper enclosure member, a lower enclosure member, and a limit switch. The lower enclosure member is coupled to the upper enclosure member, and the electric motor is coupled to at least one of the upper and lower enclosure members to telescopically move at least one of the upper and lower enclosure members relative to the remaining enclosure member. The limit switch is electrically coupled to the electric motor to limit an amount of telescopic movement of at least one of the upper and lower enclosure members.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a chair that enables a plurality of adjustments to be made to the chair by a seated occupant in a cost effective and reliable manner is described. The control mechanism includes a plurality of motor-gear groups and at least one control switch. The control switch is coupled to each motor-gear group, a rechargeable battery, and to a limit switch that limits an amount of height adjustment of the chair seat with respect to the chair base. Each motor-gear group is coupled to a drive shaft. As a result, a seated occupant may engage the control switch to selectively electrically raise or lower the chair seat relative to the chair base, tilt the chair seat relative to the control mechanism, tilt the chair back relative to the chair seat, adjust the height of the chair seat relative to the control mechanism, and adjust the chair seat depth relative to the chair back.

Abstract: A power kit assembly for an adjustable chair that provides power to a height adjustment mechanism to enable a chair to be adjusted electrically in a cost effective and reliable manner is described. The chair includes a limit switch that limits an amount of movement of the height adjustment mechanism. The power kit assembly includes a battery pack electrically and removably coupled to an electric motor and to the limit switch. The electric motor is coupled to the height adjustment mechanism. The battery pack includes at least one battery cell and a housing. The battery cells are axially-aligned within the battery pack housing and extend between first and second ends of the housing. The battery cells are also rechargeable.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting an adjustable chair including a seat, a pedestal base, and a gas cylinder that extends therebetween is provided. The method includes the steps of uncoupling the gas cylinder from the chair, and coupling a height adjustment mechanism to the chair that is configured to electrically adjust a height of the seat relative to the pedestal base. The height adjustment mechanism coupled to the chair being retrofitted includes a limit switch that is configured to limit an amount of movement of the height adjustment mechanism. The method also includes the step of coupling the pedestal base to the height adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A chair is electrically and mechanically adjustable through a wide range of positions in a cost-effective and reliable manner. The chair includes a seat and a back coupled to a control mechanism and supported on a base. A height adjustment mechanism is coupled to a motor and extends between the base and the seat for controlling a height of the seat with respect to the base. A limit switch controls an amount of movement of the seat with respect to the base. The control mechanism is pivotally coupled between the chair seat and the height adjustment mechanism and mechanically and electrically adjusts a position of the seat with respect to the base. More specifically, the control mechanism permits mechanical adjustments of a position of the seat to be made that are independent of electrical adjustments of the seat.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a chair that enables a plurality of mechanical adjustments to be made to the chair by a seated occupant in a cost effective and reliable manner is described. The mounting assembly is coupled to a control mechanism which includes a plurality of motor-gear groups and at least one control switch. The control switch is coupled to each motor-gear group, a rechargeable battery, and to a limit switch that limits an amount of electrical height adjustment of the chair seat with respect to the chair base. Each motor-gear group is coupled to a drive shaft and are used to electrically adjust the chair. As a result, a seated occupant may selectively engage mechanically adjust the chair seat relative independently of electrical adjustments available by the control mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is a game apparatus comprising a board formed from a plurality of hexagonal shape spaces. The shapes are linearly and vertically disposed to provide for a preceding column to be offset from subsequent column. Located on opposite sides of the board are goals. A first set of distinguishable playing piece and a second set of playing pieces are provided. Each set of playing pieces includes seven components: a Ballcarrier, a Fullback, two Flankers and three Guards. The Ballcarrier is the only piece that can score and scoring is achieved when the Ballcarrier crosses or lands on the opposing team's goal line. The other pieces have various strength levels, which provide for each piece to move a specific number of spaces and at a specific configuration. Pieces are not taken or jump, so that all pieces remain on board during the play of the game.

Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism for a chair that enables a height of a chair seat relative to a chair base to be adjusted electrically in a cost effective and reliable manner is described. The height adjustment mechanism includes an electric motor, an upper enclosure member, a lower enclosure member, and a limit switch. The lower enclosure member is coupled to the upper enclosure member, and the electric motor is coupled to at least one of the upper and lower enclosure members to telescopically move at least one of the upper and lower enclosure members relative to the remaining enclosure member. The limit switch is electrically coupled to the electric motor to limit an amount of telescopic movement of at least one of the upper and lower enclosure members.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a chair that enables a plurality of adjustments to be made to the chair by a seated occupant in a cost effective and reliable manner is described. The control mechanism includes a plurality of motor-gear groups and at least one control switch. The control switch is coupled to each motor-gear group, a rechargeable battery, and to a limit switch that limits an amount of height adjustment of the chair seat with respect to the chair base. Each motor-gear group is coupled to a drive shaft. As a result, a seated occupant may engage the control switch to selectively electrically raise or lower the chair seat relative to the chair base, tilt the chair seat relative to the control mechanism, tilt the chair back relative to the chair seat, adjust the height of the chair seat relative to the control mechanism, and adjust the chair seat depth relative to the chair back.

Abstract: A power kit assembly for an adjustable chair that provides power to a height adjustment mechanism to enable a chair to be adjusted electrically in a cost effective and reliable manner is described. The chair includes a limit switch that limits an amount of movement of the height adjustment mechanism. The power kit assembly includes a battery pack electrically and removably coupled to an electric motor and to the limit switch. The electric motor is coupled to the height adjustment mechanism. The battery pack includes at least one battery cell and a housing. The battery cells are axially-aligned within the battery pack housing and extend between first and second ends of the housing. The battery cells are also rechargeable.