Abstract: The present disclosure includes an automotive battery system that uses switching devices to increase operational performance and reliability. The battery system includes a battery cell, a primary switching device electrically coupled to a terminal of the battery cell, and a secondary switching device electrically coupled to the terminal of the battery cell and in parallel with the primary switching device. The primary switching device includes an electromechanical switching device that enables charging or discharging of the battery and generates a boosted voltage. A secondary switching device includes a solid-state switching device and a diode, electrically coupled in series, which detect short circuit conditions in a power-efficient manner and remove the short circuit condition by using the boosted voltage to actuate the armature.

Abstract: A marking apparatus facilitates blind mounting of an object to a mounting surface in a desired alignment using the object as an alignment template. One end of the apparatus is configured to be affixed to a mounting slot or edge of the object, then the other end used to mark the appropriate supporting fastener location on the mounting surface. The object's mounting slots or edges may be represented by mounting hardware components that are flush with, recessed in, or protruding from the local planar surface of the object. To accommodate a broad variety of mounting conditions and mounting hardware, certain embodiments of the apparatus may include selectively adjustable or interchangeable head adapters, distinct head and retention configurations and/or a hardware relief channel. A channel adapter is disclosed for use with embodiments of the apparatus having a hardware relief channel. Embodiments of a slot-securable point marking tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary slot-securable point marking tool comprises a first arm extending longitudinally from a base end to a guide leading edge, and a second arm extending longitudinally from the base end to an insertion guide lip. A tool mouth is defined between the guide leading edge and the insertion guide lip. A tool axis extends from the base end to the tool mouth. A point axis is defined orthogonally to the tool axis. The tool mouth is movable in a direction parallel to the point axis between a securement configuration and an expanded configuration. The tool mouth is resiliently biased toward the securement configuration. The second arm includes at least one slot alignment protuberance extending toward the first arm in a direction parallel to the point axis. The second arm includes a marking point element extending along the point axis oppositely of the at least one slot alignment protuberance.

Abstract: An exemplary slot-securable point marking tool comprises a first arm extending longitudinally from a base end to a guide leading edge, and a second arm extending longitudinally from the base end to an insertion guide lip. A tool mouth is defined between the guide leading edge and the insertion guide lip. A tool axis extends from the base end to the tool mouth. A point axis is defined orthogonally to the tool axis. The tool mouth is movable in a direction parallel to the point axis between a securement configuration and an expanded configuration. The tool mouth is resiliently biased toward the securement configuration. The second arm includes at least one slot alignment protuberance extending toward the first arm in a direction parallel to the point axis. The second arm includes a marking point element extending along the point axis oppositely of the at least one slot alignment protuberance.

Abstract: A marking apparatus facilitates blind mounting of an object to a mounting surface in a desired alignment using the object as an alignment template. One end of the apparatus is configured to be affixed to a mounting slot or edge of the object, then the other end used to mark the appropriate supporting fastener location on the mounting surface. The object's mounting slots or edges may be represented by mounting hardware components that are flush with, recessed in, or protruding from the local planar surface of the object. To accommodate a broad variety of mounting conditions and mounting hardware, certain embodiments of the apparatus may include selectively adjustable or interchangeable head adapters, distinct head and retention configurations and/or a hardware relief channel A channel adapter is disclosed for use with embodiments of the apparatus having a hardware relief channel. Embodiments of a slot-securable point marking tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: A marking apparatus facilitates blind mounting of an object to a mounting surface in a desired alignment using the object as an alignment template. One end of the apparatus is configured to be affixed to a mounting slot or edge of the object, then the other end used to mark the appropriate supporting fastener location on the mounting surface. The object's mounting slots or edges may be represented by mounting hardware components that are flush with, recessed in, or protruding from the local planar surface of the object. To accommodate a broad variety of mounting conditions and mounting hardware, certain embodiments of the apparatus may include selectively adjustable or interchangeable head adapters, distinct head and retention configurations and/or a hardware relief channel A channel adapter is disclosed for use with embodiments of the apparatus having a hardware relief channel. Embodiments of a slot- securable point marking tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: A circular, cylindrically shaped tool handle holds multiple sizes of tools. The handle includes one or more holding slots each positioned on the outer surface into which tools are inserted and held. Each holding slot includes one or more contoured compartments in which tools rest when engaged with the handle. Each contoured compartment is of a size and dimension which corresponds to one or more tool sizes. Each contoured compartment is formed about a corresponding receiving hole. A lock is positioned over the contoured compartment to irremovably confine the short leg of the hexagonal wrench within the contoured compartment. Hexagonal shaped tools other than wrenches are able to be used with the handle of the present invention such as screwdrivers and socket wrenches. A tool container stores the tools and the tool handle.

Abstract: A biaxial foldout tool includes a body with opposing ends and one or more sets of tool drivers. The opposing ends are rotated 90° from each other. A first set of tool drivers is positioned on/near a first end and rotates about a first hinge; a second set of tool drivers is positioned on/near a second end and rotates about a second hinge. A first portion of the first set opens in a direction counter to an open direction of a second portion of the first set of tool drivers. A first portion of the second set opens in a direction counter to an open direction of a second portion of the second set of tool drivers. When tool drivers are in an open position, internal stops prevent the tool drivers from opening past a predetermined angle. The tool drivers are contained within channels of the body when in a closed position.

Abstract: A universal ratcheting tool provides improved handling of tools that are difficult to use on their own, specifically, hexagonal wrenches. The universal ratcheting tool includes a handle and a body with a ratcheting mechanism within the handle. The body includes a first aperture for receiving a tool, and the first aperture includes slots to accept a plurality of sizes of tools. The body also includes a second aperture where the tool extends out of the body. A retaining component is coupled with the body to retain the tool and a retaining tab is able to be used to open and close the retaining component. Once the tool is positioned and retained within the universal ratcheting tool, a user is able to easily install or remove an object such as a screw with the benefit of a comfortable handle and the ease of use of the ratcheting mechanism.

Abstract: An extendable multi-tool comprising an extendable pole and a head unit selectively detachably coupled together. The head unit comprises a grasping mechanism configured to engage a light bulb, a control switch and a rotation mechanism. The control switch configured to cause the grasping mechanism to become secured to a light bulb, and to cause the rotation mechanism to automatically detect when a light bulb is secured to the grasping mechanism and then rotate the grasping unit and the secured light bulb in a first direction based on the position of the control switch. The tool further comprises an arm unit for positioning the grasping mechanism in a desired configuration to engage the light bulb, wherein the arm member is coupled to the grasping mechanism.

Abstract: A dual purpose flip-out and T handle ratchet is able to be used in an L or modified L-handle orientation as well as a T handle orientation. The dual purpose flip-out and T handle includes a handle portion and a ratchet head and neck portion. The handle portion is coupled to the neck portion at a lockable hinge. The hinge allows the head and neck portion to rotate to an L or modified L-handle orientation or to a T handle orientation. When properly oriented the tool is able to be used to tighten or loosen objects such as screws or bolts.

Abstract: A circular, cylindrically shaped tool handle holds multiple sizes of tools. The handle includes one or more holding slots each positioned on the outer surface into which tools are inserted and held. Each holding slot includes one or more contoured compartments in which tools rest when engaged with the handle. Each contoured compartment is of a size and dimension which corresponds to one or more tool sizes. Each contoured compartment is formed about a corresponding receiving hole. A lock is positioned over the contoured compartment to irremovably confine the short leg of the hexagonal wrench within the contoured compartment. Hexagonal shaped tools other than wrenches are able to be used with the handle of the present invention such as screwdrivers and socket wrenches. A tool container stores the tools and the tool handle.

Abstract: A tool holder holds one or more tools when not being used. The tool holder comprises a body with a plurality of tool retainers for removably receiving a tool and a plurality of posts for securing the tool within the tool holder body when the tool holder is in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the tool retainers are holding tubes, pockets or slots. In order to couple a tool with the tool holder, a lock door is moved to an open position and the tool is inserted into a tool retainer of the tool holder. Then the locked door is moved to a closed position where it is positioned over the tool and the tool is secured within the tool holder. The tool is securely held within the tool holder body and is not removable when the tool holder is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the tool holder is configured to hold a L-shaped hexagonal or round tool. In some embodiments, the tool holder is able to hold a plurality of tools of different sizes.

Abstract: A tool holder holds one or more tools when not being used. The tool holder comprises a body with a plurality of tool retainers for removably receiving a tool and a plurality of posts for securing the tool within the tool holder body when the tool holder is in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the tool retainers are holding tubes, pockets or slots. In order to couple a tool with the tool holder, a lock door is moved to an open position and the tool is inserted into a tool retainer of the tool holder. Then the locked door is moved to a closed position where it is positioned over the tool and the tool is secured within the tool holder. The tool is securely held within the tool holder body and is not removable when the tool holder is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the tool holder is configured to hold a L-shaped hexagonal or round tool. In some embodiments, the tool holder is able to hold a plurality of tools of different sizes.

Abstract: An item holder includes a hanger and a holder. The hanger includes a hanger body, a protrusion and one or more apertures. The holder includes a holder body, a receiving slot, a securing mechanism, tabs, a holder member and an end-piece. The holder is configured to detachably couple to the hanger. In some embodiments, the securing mechanism includes fingers/wedges which secure the protrusion in place and are released using the tabs. The holder, specifically the holder member, is also configured to hold an item.

Abstract: A utility tool comprising a body having a first end and a second end positioned on opposite ends of the body; a removable device; as well as a first tool and a second tool configured to be selectively coupled to each other or one of either the first end and second end of the body.

Abstract: An item holder includes a hanger and a holder. The hanger includes a hanger body, a protrusion and one or more apertures. The holder includes a holder body, a receiving slot, a securing mechanism, tabs, a holder member and an end-piece. The holder is configured to detachably couple to the hanger. In some embodiments, the securing mechanism includes fingers/wedges which secure the protrusion in place and are released using the tabs. The holder, specifically the holder member, is also configured to hold an item.

Abstract: A utility tool comprising a body having a first end and a second end positioned on opposite ends of the body; a removable device; as well as a first tool and a second tool configured to be selectively coupled to each other or one of either the first end and second end of the body.