Abstract: A key that includes a body with an optically transmissive or light permeable region and an optical film coupled to or carried by the light permeable region. The key also includes a resilient structure coupled to the body. The key can be assembled or coupled to, or disposed relative or adjacent to, a display screen. The key also includes a switch actuator (e.g., an electromechanical switch actuator or contact element). Displacement of the key, more specifically the body of the key, displaces the switch actuator for actuating a switch. The resilient structure is configured to bias the body at a first position. The body can be actuated or displaced from the first position to a second position for effectuating corresponding displacement of the switch actuator and actuation of the switch. The resilient structure provides or establishes a positive tactile feedback upon user-directed or user-controlled actuation or displacement of the body.

Abstract: A mold and method for making a hollow core concrete block. The mold has two opposing side walls; a bottom wall; a front wall; a top side with an opening through which the block can be removed from the mold; a cover, and a rear side through which liquid, such as concrete, can be poured into the mold. Extending from the two side walls are a pair of trunnions about which the mold is rotatable, such that when the mold is suspended by the trunnions and the mold is empty, gravity rotates the mold from a block-removal orientation in which the top side faces upwards to a mold-filling orientation in which the rear side faces upwards. The trunnions are also positioned such that when the mold is filled with the liquid, gravity rotates the mold from the mold-filling orientation to the block-removal orientation.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer program products for invoking remote process calls and facilitating inter-process communications in a protected memory system employ a kernel that supports remote invocation of objects by a system call. The system call may include an object identifier and a set of pointers to input and output buffers. The kernel locates the specified object in a separate server process domain and awakens a server thread within the server domain to invoke the object. Using provided memory pointers, the kernel can copy input and output data across the protection domains in a single step without the need for copying data into an intermediate buffer. This eliminates the overhead of multiple data copy steps that are required in conventional protected memory systems.

Abstract: A communication system provides communication services to a plurality of communication devices. The communication system includes a transmitting antenna, a transmitter, a first receiving antenna, a second receiving antenna, a second receiver, and a communication interface. The transmitter transmits first wireless signals via the transmitting antenna. The first receiving antenna has a first coverage area of less than forty five degrees. The first receiver receives second wireless signals via the first receiving antenna. The second receiving antenna has a second coverage area of less than forty five degrees, and the second coverage area of the second receiving antenna is within the first coverage area. The second receiver receives third wireless signals via the second receiving antenna. The communication interface provides the communication services between the communication network and the user communication devices.

Abstract: SHINGLESAW™ is a pneumatically powered miniaturized circular saw designed especially for roofing applications. A planetary gear set is provided to reduce the RPMs of the saw an increase torque, allowing the saw to cut though heavy and sticky roofing materials even when used with a low CFM roofer's compressor.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, SHINGLE KNIFE™, comprises a pneumatically powered miniaturized reciprocating or circular saw designed especially for roofing applications. In an alternative embodiment, SHINGLE KNIFE™ may be powered by rechargeable battery packs or the like. SHINGLE KNIFE™ is roughly size and shape of a Prior Art razor knife, but may be powered and provided with a depth gauge to prevent cutting through roofing underlayment or the like. In another embodiment of the present invention, the SHINGLE KNIFE™ may be provided for cutting sheetrock. A reciprocating, sharpened hook shaped blade pulls though the sheetrock, making a clean cut with little or no powdery debris. The SHINGLE KNIFE for sheetrock may be air or battery powered.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer program products for invoking remote process calls and facilitating inter-process communications in a protected memory system employ a kernel that supports remote invocation of objects by a system call. The system call may include an object identifier and a set of pointers to input and output buffers. The kernel locates the specified object in a separate server process domain and awakens a server thread within the server domain to invoke the object. Using provided memory pointers, the kernel can copy input and output data across the protection domains in a single step without the need for copying data into an intermediate buffer. This eliminates the overhead of multiple data copy steps that are required in conventional protected memory systems.

Abstract: A lightweight adjustable ladder and scaffold support is provided which may be marketed under the name GABLEMASTER™, a trademark of the inventor. A pair of rails are provided, spaced approximately 24 inches apart, the standard spacing of most roof joists. Connected to the rails through suitable holes and slots, are rods supporting an adjustable platform. One of the rods may be placed through a corresponding slot to achieve a suitable angle of adjustment corresponding to roof incline. The platform may be provided with a number of aluminum beams drilled with suitable holes, spaced apart and shaped so as to accept the leg of a standard extension ladder or siding jack. Bolts or pins may be passed through the holes to secure the ladder or jack to the platform. In addition, the platform may support a walking board, scaffold, or the like.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a transmitting antenna, a transmitter, a directional receiving antenna, a receiver, and a communication interface. The transmitter transmits first wireless signals via a transmitting antenna. A directional receiving antenna has an angle of less than forty five degrees and the directional receiving antenna is directed toward an angular area of less than forty five degrees. A receiver receives second wireless signals via the directional receiving antenna. A communication interface is connected to the receiver, the transmitter, and a communication network. The communication interface provides the communication services between a communication network and the user communication devices.

Abstract: A number of roofing accessories, including a lightweight adjustable ladder and scaffold support are disclosed. The scaffold support is provided with a pair of rails spaced the standard spacing of most roof joists. Connected to the rails through suitable holes and slots, are rods supporting an adjustable platform. One of the rods may be placed through a corresponding slot to achieve a suitable angle of adjustment corresponding to roof incline. An apparatus is also provided for supporting loads of materials or supplies on an inclined roof, using components and parts in common with the scaffold support, or components and parts similar thereto. A tool tray is provided which may be backed with a layer of foam to prevent the tray from slipping off the roof, while allowing the tray to be freely moved along and up and down the roof, as work progresses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retaining and release mechanism for the magazines of automatic and/or semi-automatic firearms, in particular to a type of magazine which is provided with a lateral securing slot. A tooth (52) of lever (54) is designed to engage lateral securing slot (34) of magazine (30). Said lever (54) is pivotally connected to a shaft (36), located transversely in body (16) of the firearm, by means of a pin (58) and attached at its opposite end to an operating push button (44). A lever seat (60) of said lever (54) is urged towards said body (16) of the firearm and firmly abuts a seat (50) of a magazine catch slot (28) by energy exerted through a spring (42) against said operating push button (44) and a spring cavity (74). The tooth (52) can be disengaged from lateral securing slot (34) by depressing either operating push button (44) or a depression extension (66) of said lever (54). The magazine (30) can thus be released from both sides of the rifle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved hardware used to secure slings to firearms. In particular, to hardware used to secure slings to firearms like that of the M16A2 and M4 Carbine that are fitted with a Picatinny type rail and collapsible buttstock. An improved wedge/yoke assembly is used to secure one end of a sling to the firearm on a rail. The improved wedge/yoke assembly is designed to be installed quickly with the use of simple tools without modification to the firearm. The improved wedge/yoke assembly is adjustable to compensate for varying slot depths found on Mil-Spec 1913 rails. This hardware used in conjunction with other suitable sling attachment hardware allows for ambidextrous attachment of a tactical sling to the firearm giving the user a “hands free” capability.

Abstract: A number of roofing accessories, including a lightweight adjustable ladder and scaffold support are disclosed. The scaffold support includes a pair of rails at the standard spacing of most roof joists. Rods, connected to the rails, support an adjustable platform. An apparatus is also provided for supporting loads of materials or supplies on an inclined roof, using components and parts in common with the scaffold support, or components and parts similar thereto. A tool tray is provided which may be backed with a layer of foam to prevent the tray from slipping off the roof, while allowing the tray to be freely moved along and up and down the roof, as work progresses. In another embodiment of the present invention, a cooling system is provided to spray water on the face and neck area of an individual.

Abstract: A number of roofing accessories, including a lightweight adjustable ladder and scaffold support are disclosed. The scaffold support includes a pair of rails at the standard spacing of most roof joists. Rods, connected to the rails, support an adjustable platform. An apparatus is also provided for supporting loads of materials or supplies on an inclined roof, using components and parts in common with the scaffold support, or components and parts similar thereto. A tool tray is provided which may be backed with a layer of foam to prevent the tray from slipping off the roof, while allowing the tray to be freely moved along and up and down the roof, as work progresses. In another embodiment of the present invention, a cooling system is provided to spray water on the face and neck area of an individual.

Abstract: In order to improve the dispersion of nonionic surfactant into wash water from a granule in which the nonionic surfactant is carried on a water-insoluble granular material, the nonionic surfactant is intimately mixed with a structurant which is a non-soap ionic surfactant in finely divided particulate form. A preferred structurant is an anionic surfactant, for example, primary alcohol sulphate.

Abstract: A number of roofing accessories, including a lightweight adjustable ladder and scaffold support are disclosed. The scaffold support is provided with a pair of rails spaced the standard spacing of most roof joists. Connected to the rails through suitable holes and slots, are rods supporting an adjustable platform. One of the rods may be placed through a corresponding slot to achieve a suitable angle of adjustment corresponding to roof incline. An apparatus is also provided for supporting loads of materials or supplies on an inclined roof, using components and parts in common with the scaffold support, or components and parts similar thereto. A tool tray is provided which may be backed with a layer of foam to prevent the tray from slipping off the roof, while allowing the tray to be freely moved along and up and down the roof, as work progresses.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, SHINGLESAW™, comprises a pneumatically powered miniaturized reciprocating or circular saw designed especially for roofing applications. In an alternative embodiment, SHINGLESAW™ may be powered by rechargeable battery packs or the like. SHINGLESAW™ is the size and shape of a Prior Art razor knife, but is powered and provided with a depth gauge to prevent cutting through roofing underlayment or the like.

Abstract: A number of roofing accessories, including a lightweight adjustable ladder and scaffold support are disclosed. The scaffold support is provided with a pair of rails spaced the standard spacing of most roof joists. Connected to the rails through suitable holes and slots, are rods supporting an adjustable platform. One of the rods may be placed through a corresponding slot to achieve a suitable angle of adjustment corresponding to roof incline. An apparatus is also provided for supporting loads of materials or supplies on an inclined roof, using components and parts in common with the scaffold support, or components and parts similar thereto. A tool tray is provided which may be backed with a layer of foam to prevent the tray from slipping off the roof, while allowing the tray to be freely moved along and up and down the roof, as work progresses.

Abstract: A number of roofing accessories, including a lightweight adjustable ladder and scaffold support are disclosed. The scaffold support includes a pair of rails at the standard spacing of most roof joists. Rods, connected to the rails, support an adjustable platform. An apparatus is also provided for supporting loads of materials or supplies on an inclined roof, using components and parts in common with the scaffold support, or components and parts similar thereto. A tool tray is provided which may be backed with a layer of foam to prevent the tray from slipping off the roof, while allowing the tray to be freely moved along and up and down the roof, as work progresses. In another embodiment of the present invention, a cooling system is provided to spray water on the face and neck area of an individual.

Abstract: In order to improve the dispersion of nonionic surfactant into wash water from a granule in which the nonionic surfactant is carried on a water-insoluble granular material, the nonionic surfactant is intimately mixed with a structurant which is a non-soap ionic surfactant in finely divided particulate form. A preferred structurant is an anionic surfactant, for example, primary alcohol sulphate.