Abstract: A piezoelectric energy harvester system for collecting kinetic energy is provided, wherein the kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy, and wherein at least a portion of the converted electrical energy is utilized to operate a load. The system comprises an energy input portion and an energy harvesting portion. The energy input portion includes an input member configured to be actionable by an outside force. The energy harvesting portion includes a capture member, a sprocket portion, and a piezoelectric energy harvester. The capture member is adapted for receiving mechanical input from the input member. The sprocket portion is disposed for movement with the capture member. The sprocket portion includes at least one radially disposed sprocket actuator configured for making contact with and exciting the piezoelectric energy harvester. The piezoelectric energy harvester is excited by the contact to produce the kinetic energy.

Abstract: A low cost disposable utility knife includes a hollow handle having an elongated slot and an opening at each end. A blade shuttle holds a trapezoidal razor blade and is slidably mounted on tracks integrally formed within the hollow handle and slidable between each end of the handle. When the shuttle is located at either end, a cutting edge of the razor extends beyond the opening of the adjacent handle end and is accessible for useful cutting work by a user. The shuttle includes a tab that is positioned within the elongated slot and includes a portion that is accessible to the user. The user may use the accessible tab to slide the shutter and the blade within the handle between the two ends, as desired. A U-Shaped flip lock is pivotally attached to the handle between a down position, wherein the tab is physically blocked from sliding along the elongated slot, and an up position, wherein the tab is permitted to slide along the elongated slot, passing under the U-shaped flip lock.

Abstract: An adjustable desking system for supporting users in a plurality of ergonomic positions, the system comprising a plurality of sit-stand desks, each desk including a variable length leg assembly including an activator and a height adjustable worktop supported at a top end of the leg assembly and a master controller linked to each of the activators at the plurality of desks to control activation of each activator to raise and lower a worktop associated with the specific activator, wherein, the master controller controls worktop heights at each of the desks independent of user input when the desk is vacant and enables user control of the height of any worktop at a desk that is occupied by a user.

Abstract: An actuator-controlled strike comprising a housing disposable within a doorframe and including a cavity for a spring latch and a dead latch of a mortise-type lockset. A keeper is pivotably mounted within the chamber to engage the spring latch. A pivotably mounted kicker cooperates with the keeper. A pivotably mounted dead latch release is supported by the keeper when the spring latch is within the strike. The keeper is released by the actuator and rotates into a position to ramp the spring latch out of the strike, also allowing the dead latch release to release the dead latch into the cavity, allowing the spring latch to be ramped out of the strike. Pivoting the keeper causes the kicker to urge the spring latch onto an exit ramp on a face of the keeper. The dead latch release can be installed in a plurality of different locations in the housing.

Abstract: The present storage management system, described in detail in the following specification and accompanying drawings, includes an active (self-powered) Bluetooth® BLE transceiver beacon (hereinafter referred to as “beacon”), which, according to a preferred embodiment has a thin flat form factor with a self-adhesive-backing. A beacon is secured to each storage box and continuously transmits an “advertisement packet” to the surrounding area. A user's smart device (e.g., a smart phone) picks up the different signals sent by each beacon and is able to communicate with select ones. A software application allows a user to catalog items to be stored so that each is effectively “linked” to a particular storage box. At a later time, any of the catalogued items may be selected and the corresponding storage container in which the item resides is instructed to notify its location within the storage area using light and sound.

Abstract: A piezoelectric energy harvester system for collecting kinetic energy is provided, wherein the kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy, and wherein at least a portion of the converted electrical energy is utilized to operate a load. The system comprises an energy input portion and an energy harvesting portion. The energy input portion includes an input member configured to be actionable by an outside force. The energy harvesting portion includes a capture member, a sprocket portion, and a piezoelectric energy harvester. The capture member is adapted for receiving mechanical input from the input member. The sprocket portion is disposed for movement with the capture member. The sprocket portion includes at least one radially disposed sprocket actuator configured for making contact with and exciting the piezoelectric energy harvester. The piezoelectric energy harvester is excited by the contact to produce the kinetic energy.

Abstract: A sound management system for use by a user located within an environment includes a memory device for storing a selection of sounds. The sounds can be music and/or various “colors” of noise (e.g., white, pink, and brown). A controller is used to select one particular stored sound based on a measured biological condition of the user, such as stress or fatigue, or an environmental condition of the environment, such as ambient noise. According to one embodiment, the system is used in conjunction with a sit/stand desk and the sound selection is made in response to changes in the desk height. The selected sound is selected to help abate or mitigate distracting sounds in the environment, such as people talking. The selected sounds are played to the user through headphones worn by the user, or through nearby speakers.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable gauge made up of a elongated body and a slider. The body includes gauge marks, based on a specific bucket, to indicate various levels of liquid volume. The body includes an upper end, which has downwardly directed integrally formed arms which, in combination with the body, define a saddle. The saddle is sized and shaped to comfortably capture and rest on the rim of the bucket, during use. The slider is sized and shaped to snuggly slide along the body and includes a tab portion. A plurality of detents located along the length of the body engagingly cooperate with a spring-biased tab on the slider to provide controlled interval movement of the slider with respect to the body. In use, the user simple holds the body comfortably in front of his or her face and slides the slider along the body until the tab portion aligns with a desired gauge mark.

Abstract: An adjustable desking system for supporting users in a plurality of ergonomic positions, the system comprising a plurality of sit-stand desks, each desk including a variable length leg assembly including an activator and a height adjustable worktop supported at a top end of the leg assembly and a master controller linked to each of the activators at the plurality of desks to control activation of each activator to raise and lower a worktop associated with the specific activator, wherein, the master controller controls worktop heights at each of the desks independent of user input when the desk is vacant and enables user control of the height of any worktop at a desk that is occupied by a user.

Abstract: A system for protecting electronic headset components from sunlight is provided. The headset is secured to a user's head for use and includes an electronic display, a lens, and a battery all secured to a frame structure. The frame structure includes a mask portion which is sized and shaped to fit snugly against the user's face, and a strap for holding the mask to the face. According to the invention, a moveable shield is mounted to a portion of the frame structure, either directly or indirectly, and is designed to move between a stowed position, wherein light from the display may pass freely through the lens to the user's eyes, during use, and a blocking position, wherein sunlight is prevented from passing through the lens and reaching, and damaging, the delicate electronic display. The shield may be sized and shaped to fit both lenses, or each lens, and may pivot or slide between positions, either automatically, or manually.

Abstract: A sound management system for use by a user located within an environment includes a memory device for storing a selection of sounds. The sounds can be music and/or various “colors” of noise (e.g., white, pink, and brown). A controller is used to select one particular stored sound based on a measured biological condition of the user, such as stress or fatigue, or an environmental condition of the environment, such as ambient noise. According to one embodiment, the system is used in conjunction with a sit/stand desk and the sound selection is made in response to changes in the desk height. The selected sound is selected to help abate or mitigate distracting sounds in the environment, such as people talking. The selected sounds are played to the user through headphones worn by the user, or through nearby speakers.

Abstract: A system for supporting a user in a plurality of ergonomic positions that includes a first assembly and a second, separate assembly. The first assembly includes first and second components that are adjustable to support the user in first and second different postures. The second assembly includes separate first and second components that are adjustable to support the user in the first and second postures. Upon the relative position of the second assembly first and second components being changed from the first to the second position, a second assembly processor transmits a wireless signal to a receiver of the first assembly. Upon receiving the wireless signal, a first assembly processor controls an actuator to adjust the position of the first assembly first and second components from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A satellite system may have a constellation of communications satellites that provides services to users with electronic devices such as portable electronic devices and home/office equipment. The satellites may support communications between the electronic devices of the users and gateways. Each gateway may have satellite transceiver circuitry that transmits and receives satellite signals. Each gateway may also have an optical add-drop multiplexer coupled to a fiber ring and radio-frequency-over-fiber circuitry coupled between the satellite transceiver circuitry and the optical add-drop multiplexer. A metropolitan point-of-presence may be in communication with the fiber ring and may have modems for centrally processing communications (received and transmitted in an intermediate frequency) in the satellite system.

Abstract: A height adjustable table assembly system comprising a worktop, a frame, a height adjustment subassembly integrated into the table assembly and adapted to cause worktop elevation adjustment, a user interface and a processor programmed to perform the steps of, while the worktop is at a current elevation position, upon sensing a quick multiple activation of the interface, controlling the height adjustment subassembly to move the worktop to a stored elevation position and upon sensing a prolonged activation of the interface, controlling the height adjustment subassembly to change worktop elevation while the prolonged activation persists.

Abstract: Raw fruits or vegetables are pre-treated prior to atmospheric frying. Pre-treatment includes application of a pulsed electric field to the raw products followed by slicing and immediate blanching in a water solution of above 160° F. in a turbulent environment. The pulsed electric field utilizes vertically oriented electrodes to treat the products. The treated food products can then be atmospherically fried at a low oil temperature to a shelf stable moisture content to produce fried crisps having an appealing light color and crunchy texture despite a high amount of reducing sugars, sucrose, starch, and/or solids present in the raw material.

Abstract: A piezoelectric energy harvester system for collecting kinetic energy is provided, wherein the kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy, and wherein at least a portion of the converted electrical energy is utilized to operate a load. The system comprises an energy input portion and an energy harvesting portion. The energy input portion includes an input member configured to be actionable by an outside force. The energy harvesting portion includes a capture member, a sprocket portion, and a piezoelectric energy harvester. The capture member is adapted for receiving mechanical input from the input member. The sprocket portion is disposed for movement with the capture member. The sprocket portion includes at least one radially disposed sprocket actuator configured for making contact with and exciting the piezoelectric energy harvester. The piezoelectric energy harvester is excited by the contact to produce the kinetic energy.

Abstract: A piezoelectric energy harvester system for collecting kinetic energy is provided, wherein the kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy, and wherein at least a portion of the converted electrical energy is utilized to operate a load. The system comprises an energy input portion and an energy harvesting portion. The energy input portion includes an input member configured to be actionable by an outside force. The energy harvesting portion includes a capture member, a sprocket portion, and a piezoelectric energy harvester. The capture member is adapted for receiving mechanical input from the input member. The sprocket portion is disposed for movement with the capture member. The sprocket portion includes at least one radially disposed sprocket actuator configured for making contact with and exciting the piezoelectric energy harvester. The piezoelectric energy harvester is excited by the contact to produce the kinetic energy.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the height of a workstation for use by a user, the system comprising a frame, a worktop having an upper work surface, the worktop being vertically slidably attached to said frame and selectably adjustable in elevation to different positions including at least a first standing position and at least a first sitting position and a processor tracking a first duration of time that the worktop is in at least one of a standing position or a sitting position and generating ongoing statistical data associated with the first duration on an ongoing basis by comparing the first duration to a time period as the user is using the workstation during an ongoing prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a height adjustable workstation that includes a worktop supported by a frame, a processor, and a vertical displacement drive mechanism controllable by the processor to change the elevation of the worktop to different worktop elevation positions, the method comprising the steps of sensing the presence of a workstation user within a space associated with the workstation, tracking the duration of time that the worktop is in at least a first position while a user is within the space associated with the workstation and providing the user with a reminder to change the current position of the worktop to another position when the tracked duration of time reaches a threshold level by driving the worktop through at least one vertical displacement that is perceptible to the workstation user.

Abstract: The present invention is a new type of scrub sponge which includes a soft sponge portion and an abrasive pad. According to one embodiment of the invention, the abrasive pad is bonded to the sponge in a recess formed in the sponge so that during normal use, only the surface of the soft sponge will contact the surface of the item being cleaned. Should, during cleaning, the user require a more aggressive scrubbing action, the user may press into the upper side of the soft sponge on an upper side to force the abrasive pad out from its protective recess on the opposing side. The now protruding abrasive pad will contact the surface of the item being cleaned. The action of pushing out the abrasive pad is intuitive to the user since the user will typically push hard on any cleaning implement when they need more aggressive scrubbing action. With the present invention, as the user pushes hard, the more abrasive pad will reveal itself and offer its scrubbing texture to help in the cleaning process.