Abstract: A pivot assembly that can be used with various appliances. The pivot assembly provides up to three degrees of freedom when positioning the appliance. The pivot may be used, for example, with a fan that is mounted on a base such that direction of the airflow generated can be adjusted about three coordinate axes by manipulating a single rotatable pivot mount. The fan assembly includes a base unit and an arm to which an appliance may be detachably coupled. The opposite end of the arm is provided with a spherical cap which is received by the base unit. Any adjustments to the positioning of the rotatable pivot mount are maintained by the friction within the rotatable pivot mount. Additionally, the pivot mount may include a pivot guide to restrict the degree of rotation about the pivot, thereby increasing stability.

Abstract: An appliance assembly that can provide multiple independently positionable appliances, such as fans. The appliance assembly includes a base support, a frame coupled to the base support, and a number of appliances each contained within an appliance housing. Each appliance housing is rotatably mounted to an outer gimbal such that it is rotatable about a first axis, and each outer gimbal is mounted to the frame such that it is rotatable about a second axis. The appliance assembly can provide two degrees of freedom for positioning each of the number of appliances. The frame, outer gimbals, and appliance housing can be formed in a variety of shapes. The appliance assembly can be used, for example, with any product where it is desirable to have multiple independently positionable assemblies, such as fans, speakers, microphones, lights, and heaters.

Abstract: An improved filter element for use in an electrostatic precipitation air cleaning device, the filter element including rod electrodes arranged through a stack of alternating fluted plastic sheets and plate electrodes. Successive plate electrodes are arranged to make contact with an alternating one or the other of the rod electrodes. The plate and rod electrodes may be composed of high impedance materials such as paper and plastic, respectively. An arrangement for removably inserting a filter element into an air cleaning device is provided. The arrangement also removably provides electrical connectivity between the filter element and the air cleaning device. The filter element can thus be readily removed and re-installed by a user.

Abstract: A pivot assembly that can be used with various appliances. The pivot assembly provides up to three degrees of freedom when positioning the appliance. The pivot may be used, for example, with a fan that is mounted on a base such that direction of the airflow generated can be adjusted about three coordinate axes by manipulating a single rotatable pivot mount. The fan assembly includes a base unit and an arm to which an appliance may be detachably coupled. The opposite end of the arm is provided with a spherical cap which is received by the base unit. Any adjustments to the positioning of the rotatable pivot mount are maintained by the friction within the rotatable pivot mount. Additionally, the pivot mount may include a pivot guide to restrict the degree of rotation about the pivot, thereby increasing stability.

Abstract: A picture frame scanner has a frame defining a display area. The frame is disposed generally upright. A transparent retention pane is mounted within the frame, spanning the display area. A support back spanning the display area is spaced apart from the retention pane. An image scanning bar is operatively mounted in the frame for moving across the display area and scanning an electronic image of media disposed between the support back and the retention pane into memory storage.

Abstract: An improved filter element for use in an electrostatic precipitation air cleaning device, the filter element including rod electrodes arranged through a stack of alternating fluted plastic sheets and plate electrodes. Successive plate electrodes are arranged to make contact with an alternating one or the other of the rod electrodes. The plate and rod electrodes may be composed of high impedance materials such as paper and plastic, respectively. An arrangement for removably inserting a filter element into an air cleaning device is provided. The arrangement also removably provides electrical connectivity between the filter element and the air cleaning device. The filter element can thus be readily removed and re-installed by a user.