Abstract: An assembly for connecting a first rebar segment and a second rebar segment. The assembly includes a first wedge and second wedge, each defining a hollow for receiving the first and second rebar segments, respectively. A first barrel and a second barrel each define a passage for receiving the first and second wedges, respectively. The passages are tapered for mating engagement with the wedges for driving the wedges radially inwardly in response to the wedges being in the passages and axially engaged by the barrels to tighten the wedges about the rebar segments. A cap defines an opening, a stopping surface, and a channel that extends axially between the opening and the stopping surface, receiving the first and second barrels in axial alignment with one another. A coupling connects the cap and one of the barrels, inhibiting axial movement of the barrels out of the channel of the cap.

Abstract: A method and assembly for anchoring a segment of rebar and a plate to a mass. The assembly includes a barrel extending about and along an axis and defining a bore extending therethrough along the axis with the bore being tapered. A wedge having a frustoconical shape extends about and along the axis. The wedge is tapered in conformity with the bore of the barrel for being received by the barrel. A cap is connected to the barrel for closing the barrel. The method includes the step threadedly tightening the cap about the barrel in axial abutment to close the barrel, and further the step of compressing the wedge axially into the bore of the barrel to drive the wedge radially inwardly to provide for a biasing force of the wedge against the rebar prior to said step of threadedly tightening the cap about the barrel.

Abstract: An assembly for connecting a first rebar segment and a second rebar segment. The assembly includes a first wedge and second wedge, each defining a hollow for receiving the first and second rebar segments, respectively. A first barrel and a second barrel each define a passage for receiving the first and second wedges, respectively. The passages are tapered for mating engagement with the wedges for driving the wedges radially inwardly in response to the wedges being in the passages and axially engaged by the barrels to tighten the wedges about the rebar segments. A cap defines an opening, a stopping surface, and a channel that extends axially between the opening and the stopping surface, receiving the first and second barrels in axial alignment with one another. A coupling connects the cap and one of the barrels, inhibiting axial movement of the barrels out of the channel of the cap.

Abstract: A method and assembly for anchoring a segment of rebar and a plate to a mass. The assembly includes a barrel extending about and along an axis and defining a bore extending therethrough along the axis with the bore being tapered. A wedge having a frustoconical shape extends about and along the axis. The wedge is tapered in conformity with the bore of the barrel for being received by the barrel. A cap is connected to the barrel for closing the barrel. The method includes the step threadedly tightening the cap about the barrel in axial abutment to close the barrel, and further the step of compressing the wedge axially into the bore of the barrel to drive the wedge radially inwardly to provide for a biasing force of the wedge against the rebar prior to said step of threadedly tightening the cap about the barrel.

Abstract: Service carts are provided that can be advantageously used to hold both diagnostic tools and repair tools and can be flexibly configured or customized for different work environments or worker preferences. The service carts include a cabinet having two side outer-walls, a back outer-wall, a bottom, and a top. The cabinet can include a plurality of configurable storage spaces with each storage space having a height that is approximately an integer multiple of a minimum storage space height. The cabinet can also be configured to provide electrical power into storage spaces in the cabinet. The cabinet top can comprise a plurality of slots adapted to hold mounting brackets adjustable along a length of the slots. The cabinet may include a fan that pulls air into the cabinet through a filter.

Abstract: Programmable wireless sensors are provided. Particular programmable wireless sensors comprise a power supply, a sensing component, a transmitting component adapted to transmit information obtained by the sensing device or information derived from information obtained by the sensing component, a receiving component adapted to receive software, a memory component adapted to store received software, and control logic. The control logic includes logic operable to execute stored software. The stored software, when executed, is operable to program at least one operating characteristic of the programmable wireless sensor. Also provided are systems useful in selecting software to program or reprogram programmable wireless sensors. The programmable wireless sensors may be programmed or reprogrammed to emulate conventional wireless sensors, such as conventional TPMS sensors.

Abstract: Programmable wireless sensors are disclosed that comprise a power supply, a sensing component, a transmitting component adapted to transmit information obtained by the sensing device or information derived from information obtained by the sensing component, a receiving component adapted to receive software, a memory component adapted to store received software, and control logic. The control logic includes logic operable to execute stored software. The stored software, when executed, is operable to program at least one operating characteristic of the programmable wireless sensor. Also disclosed are systems useful in selecting software to program or reprogram programmable wireless sensors. The programmable wireless sensors may be programmed or reprogrammed to emulate conventional wireless sensors, such as conventional TPMS sensors.

Abstract: Programmable wireless sensors are disclosed that comprise a power supply, a sensing component, a transmitting component adapted to transmit information obtained by the sensing device or information derived from information obtained by the sensing component, a receiving component adapted to receive software, a memory component adapted to store received software, and control logic. The control logic includes logic operable to execute stored software. The stored software, when executed, is operable to program at least one operating characteristic of the programmable wireless sensor. Also disclosed are systems useful in selecting software to program or reprogram programmable wireless sensors. The programmable wireless sensors may be programmed or reprogrammed to emulate conventional wireless sensors, such as conventional TPMS sensors.

Abstract: Service carts are provided that can be advantageously used to hold both diagnostic tools and repair tools and can be flexibly configured or customized for different work environments or worker preferences. The service carts include a cabinet having two side outer-walls, a back outer-wall, a bottom, and a top. The cabinet can include a plurality of configurable storage spaces with each storage space having a height that is approximately an integer multiple of a minimum storage space height. The cabinet can also be configured to provide electrical power into storage spaces in the cabinet. The cabinet top can comprise a plurality of slots adapted to hold mounting brackets adjustable along a length of the slots. The cabinet may include a fan that pulls air into the cabinet through a filter.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking objects. Systems of the present invention include a base station capable of transmitting and receiving signals at multiple frequencies. Each object to be tracked has attached to it what for the purpose of the present specification is referred to as an electronic tag (“E-Tag”). Each E-Tag can transmit signals that can be received and interpreted by the base station and each E-Tag can receive and interpret signals transmitted by the base station. The transmitting (and receiving) of signals between the base station and an E-Tag allows the base station to track the E-Tag, and therefore, track the object to which the E-Tag is attached. Methods utilized to track objects in accordance with the present invention vary depending on the distance of the object from a base station (“range” of the object).

Abstract: A tire positioning tool is provided that can be utilized to work with remote tire monitoring systems made by different manufacturers. The tire positioning tools are capable of activating RTMS tire sensors using one of a plurality of methods. Tire positioning tools can be manufactured that are cable of receiving signals from RTMS tire sensors using a plurality of different frequencies. Tire positioning tools can be manufactured that are also capable of transmitting data to a RTMS receiving unit and/or receiving data from a RTMS receiving unit using a plurality of signal frequencies. Using the provided tire positioning tool, a technician tasked to install a new tire or to rotate tires can utilize a single tool to work with remote tire monitoring systems made by different manufacturers.

Abstract: A tire positioning tool is provided that can be utilized to work with remote tire monitoring systems made by different manufacturers. The tire positioning tools are capable of activating RTMS tire sensors using one of a plurality of methods. Tire positioning tools can be manufactured that are cable of receiving signals from RTMS tire sensors using a plurality of different frequencies. Tire positioning tools can be manufactured that are also capable of transmitting data to a RTMS receiving unit and/or receiving data from a RTMS receiving unit using a plurality of signal frequencies. Using the provided tire positioning tool, a technician tasked to install a new tire or to rotate tires can utilize a single tool to work with remote tire monitoring systems made by different manufacturers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking objects. Systems of the present invention include a base station capable of transmitting and receiving signals at multiple frequencies. Each object to be tracked has attached to it what for the purpose of the present specification is referred to as an electronic tag (“E-Tag”). Each E-Tag can transmit signals that can be received and interpreted by the base station and each E-Tag can receive and interpret signals transmitted by the base station. The transmitting (and receiving) of signals between the base station and an E-Tag allows the base station to track the E-Tag, and therefore, track the object to which the E-Tag is attached. Methods utilized to track objects in accordance with the present invention vary depending on the distance of the object from a base station (“range” of the object).

Abstract: An adjustable garment hanger is provided which includes a body, a pair of fixed arms extending from the body, such that an upper end of each fixed arm includes a guide rail, and a mid-section of each fixed arm includes an indexing track. The adjustable garment hanger also includes a pair of telescoping arms slidingly disposed on the guide rail for each fixed arm, wherein the telescoping arm includes two side walls joined by an upper wall, and a plurality of opposed indexing arms that travel in the indexing track of the fixed arm to retain a position of the telescoping arm relative to the fixed arm. The adjustable garment hanger further includes a stop integral with the fixed arm for limiting the travel of the telescoping arm relative to the fixed arm in a fully extended position.

Abstract: A solar powered light assembly having an integral power management system includes a means for collecting solar energy, and a plurality of energy storage devices. The device also includes a control means for selecting to charge one energy storage device and selecting to discharge one energy storage device to a predetermined level before selecting to recharge the selected discharging energy storage device. The device also includes a sensing means for sensing a predetermined charging condition and an energy charge switching means for selectively charging one of the energy storage devices. The device further includes a discharge sensing means and an energy discharge switching means for selectively discharging energy from the selected discharging energy storage device and a load switching means for delivering energy from the selected discharging energy storage device to the load for powering the solar powered device.

Abstract: A solar powered light assembly having an integral power management system includes a means for collecting solar energy, and a plurality of energy storage devices. The device also includes a control means for selecting to charge one energy storage device and selecting to discharge one energy storage device to a predetermined level before selecting to recharge the selected discharging energy storage device. The device also includes a sensing means for sensing a predetermined charging condition and an energy charge switching means for selectively charging one of the energy storage devices. The device further includes a discharge sensing means and an energy discharge switching means for selectively discharging energy from the selected discharging energy storage device and a load switching means for delivering energy from the selected discharging energy storage device to the load for powering the solar powered device.

Abstract: An adjustable garment hanger is provided which includes a body, a pair of fixed arms extending from the body, such that an upper end of each fixed arm includes a guide rail, and a mid-section of each fixed arm includes an indexing track. The adjustable garment hanger also includes a pair of telescoping arms slidingly disposed on the guide rail for each fixed arm, wherein the telescoping arm includes two side walls joined by an upper wall, and a plurality of opposed indexing arms that travel in the indexing track of the fixed wall to retain a position of the telescoping arm relative to the fixed arm. The adjustable garment hanger further includes a stop integral with the fixed arm for limiting the travel of the fixed arm relative to the telescoping arm in a fully extended position.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a silent alarm is provided for tactilely alerting a user. The system includes a timekeeping device having a timekeeping mechanism for tracking real time, an input mechanism operatively connected to the timekeeping mechanism for setting an alarm time, a processor operatively connected to the timekeeping mechanism that monitors the real time and the alarm time, and a wireless data transmitter operatively connected to the processor, such that the wireless data transmitter transmits a signal at a predetermined radio frequency when the real time corresponds to the alarm time. The system also includes a silent alarm signaling device secured to a user, wherein said silent alarm signaling device includes a wireless data receiver, a processor operatively connected to the wireless data receiver, and a signaling mechanism operatively controlled by the processor.