Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the monitoring feeding behavior(s) of a pet(s), under the control of at least one processor. An example method includes obtaining load data from a load sensor of a pet bowl while the pet is interacting with contents of the pet bowl. The load sensor can have a sensitivity of +/?50 grams or less and the load data is obtained can occur at a sample rate from 10 samples to 150 samples per second. The example method can also include sequentially grouping the load data in 0.01 second to 5 second time increments, wherein individual time increments include multiple samples, and identifying a feeding behavior occurring within one or more of the time increments based on the load data resulting from the pet interacting with the pet bowl or the contents of the pet bowl.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a smart pet bowl to monitor pet feeding behavior, which includes a pet bowl to carry pet food or water or carry a bowl insert to carry pet food or water. The smart pet bowl also can include a load sensor associated with the pet bowl that is sensitive to load changes of pet food or water carried within the pet bowl. The load sensor has a sensitivity of +/?50 grams or less and load data collectable therefrom is at a sample rate from 10 to 150 samples per second in sequential time increments from about 0.01 second to 5 seconds. The smart pet bowl may also include a data communicator to communicate the load data over a computer network, a processor, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, communicates the load data over the computer network.

Abstract: A satellite system comprises first and second devices, one of the first and second devices being a satellite and the other one of the first and second devices being a device arranged to send signals to the satellite. A session key can be distributed in the satellite system by obtaining the session key at the first device, protecting the session key at the first device, based on a private key of the first device and a public key of the second device, and transmitting the protected session key from the first device to the second device. Replay detection information can be transmitted with the protected session key, for determining whether the session key has been transmitted previously.

Abstract: A satellite system comprises first and second devices, one of the first and second devices being a satellite and the other one of the first and second devices being a device arranged to send signals to the satellite and/or receive signals from the satellite. A session key can be distributed in the satellite system by obtaining the session key at the first device, protecting the session key at the first device, based on a private key of the first device and a public key of the second device, and transmitting the protected session key from the first device to the second device. The second device can receive the protected session key from the first device and obtain the session key from the protected session key based on a public key of the first device and a private key of the second device. Replay detection information can be transmitted with the protected session key, for determining whether the session key has been transmitted previously.

Abstract: A retractable quilt clamp apparatus is disclosed having a clamp attached to a strap, and a strap retraction mechanism attached to the strap. The strap retraction mechanism is configured to retract and retain at least part of the strap. The strap retraction mechanism includes a case, a spool, a spiral spring, and a brake. The case at least partially houses and retains the spool. The case and the spool retain the spiral spring. The strap is attached to the spiral spring, which biases the strap to be wound about the spool. The case includes a brake region for retaining and guiding movement of the brake. The brake is configured to press against the strap when in a locked position, and to allow clearance for the strap to move relative to the case when in an unlocked position. A bracket is used to attach the apparatus to a quilting frame, such as a quilting frame of a longarm quilting system.

Abstract: A retractable quilt clamp apparatus is disclosed having a clamp attached to a strap, and a strap retraction mechanism attached to the strap. The strap retraction mechanism is configured to retract and retain at least part of the strap. The strap retraction mechanism includes a case, a spool, a spiral spring, and a brake. The case at least partially houses and retains the spool. The case and the spool retain the spiral spring. The strap is attached to the spiral spring, which biases the strap to be wound about the spool. The case includes a brake region for retaining and guiding movement of the brake. The brake is configured to press against the strap when in a locked position, and to allow clearance for the strap to move relative to the case when in an unlocked position. A bracket is used to attach the apparatus to a quilting frame, such as a quilting frame of a longarm quilting system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substance and related methods for cleaning electronic devices which are to be used successively by different human operators.

Abstract: A unit of portable outdoor deck, for purposes such a camping, that combines a pair of substantially rectangular panels creating a top side, an underside, and edges. A hinge mechanism fixedly connects an edge of each of the preferably square panels for the purpose of folding for storage, transport and unfolding to set up the portable outdoor deck. There are at least four leveling feet adjustably attached to the underside to help compensate for uneven ground below the deployed deck.

Abstract: A recoil reducing device that reduces the recoil felt by users of rifles and shotguns. The recoil reducing device includes of a force-distribution member that increases the area over which the recoil force is distributed, thereby reducing the force per unit area, and a compressible element that cushions the user from the force of recoil. The force-distribution member can include tabs along its edges. Any number of the tabs may be bent outward, relative to the shoulder of the user to better form the recoil reducing device to the user. Also alternatively, the force-distribution member can include a plurality of grooves along a portion of its edge, and can also include interior cuts within.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recoil-reducer that reduces the recoil felt by users of rifles and shotguns. In some embodiments, the recoil-reducer is comprised of a resilient plate that increases the area over which the recoil force is distributed, thereby reducing the force per unit area, and a compressible element that cushions the user from the force of recoil. Further recoil reduction is achieved through the inclusion of a third recoil reducing component: an inertia member that provides substantial inertia that must be overcome by the recoil force before such force can be transmitted to the user.

Abstract: A surface finishing apparatus for in-line outer surface polishing of elongate cylindrical metal stock to apply a long scratch finish, including a stock feeder for feeding a length of stock through the finishing apparatus from an infeed downstream to an outfeed position while rotating the stock about its longitudinal axis and a polishing assembly for finish-treating the outer surface of the stock as the stock is fed through the apparatus to apply a long scratch finish thereto. The polishing assembly includes a rotatable finishing wheel having a finish-treating peripheral surface for being applied in an in-line orientation against the outer surface of the stock as the stock is simultaneously fed and rotated through the finishing apparatus.