Abstract: Disclosed is time keeping system for an employer. The system includes one or more time-keeping network appliances. Each of these appliances includes a small web server. The system also includes some form of employee interface which enables the employee to submit, and the time keeper to receive, identification information regarding the employee. One embodiment uses at least one of a card reader, punch key pad, bar code reader, or proximity badge reader. These devices are used to clock employees in and out. The system also optionally includes an audio-output device to give the employee audio feedback during clock in and an LCD to give the employee visual feed back. If a second network device is included in the system, it is automatically set up as a client of the original time keeper introduced into the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for removing the lid of an inkjet cartridge. The device holds the cartridge within two jaws, which secure only the bottom of the cartridge. A driving mechanism is used to pop off the top of the cartridge in order that it may be refilled. The driver is J-shaped and has long and short prongs connected by a cross member. A screw within a bulkhead is used to push the driver from the back. This causes the long prong to bear against the top of the cartridge to remove it. The short prong assists in guiding the driver. A spring pushes back on the driver the further it is driven. This enables the user to retract the driving member once the top of the cartridge has been removed. A shelf is formed on all of the jaws of the holder. One jaw has an overhang portion which, with the shelf, forms a channel. Many commercially available cartridges are configured with a rib at their midsection. The shelf and channel act to receive this rib so that the cartridge may be held securely.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surge-protected layout for a printed circuit board useful for either through-hole or surface mount circuitry. A special arrangement of a ground trace on the board relative to the signal traces on the board reduces the damaging effects of over-voltage events to circuit components. More specifically, the arrangement is such that the ground trace is etched to encourage sparkover from the signal traces on the board by conforming parts of its perimeter to parts of the perimeters of the signal traces on the board. This has the effect of increasing the reliability of electrical and electronic circuitry, reducing repair and replacement costs of the same, and reducing equipment downtime due to over-voltage events.