Abstract: An electronic reader device with a physical control disposed on a surface of the device housing. The physical control is operable to initiate a first function. A display disposed on the surface of the housing is operable to show a virtual control that initiates a second function. A sensor detects a drag operation moving the virtual control to a position on a border of the display adjacent to the physical control. A processor associates the second function with the physical control in response to the drag operation and performs the second function upon activation of the physical control.

Abstract: A portable utility light has a housing with a power source, two elongated extensions extending from the housing, each extension having a lighting element to radiate light independently than the other extension, whereby the lighting elements can be independently positionable to aim radiated light into different regions of space.

Abstract: A booklight comprises a housing having an elongated opening, a retractable arm having a proximal end and a distal end, and adapted to be telescopically received in said elongated opening, and slideable between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position, a light source mounted at the distal end of the retractable arm, and a clip on the housing adapted to mount the housing to a book.

Abstract: A booklight comprises a housing having an elongated opening, a retractable arm having a proximal end and a distal end, and adapted to be telescopically received in said elongated opening, and slideable between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position, a light source mounted at the distal end of the retractable arm, and a clip on the housing adapted to mount the housing to a book.

Abstract: A runnable splice includes a first and second thermal imprintable label stocks adhered to first and second liners and disposed in a manner establishing a splice gap. A third thermal printable paper is disposed over the gap on one side of the runnable splice and a splice tape is provided on an opposite side of the runnable splice.

Abstract: A spice or peppercorn grinder including a cylinder body; an L-grooved barrel in the cylinder body; a top cap connected to a pressure drum slidably mounted in the L-grooved barrel, a rotatable ?-shaped open-end long tube provided in a lower space of the pressure drum and engaged with a screw-shaped long axis assembly provided rotatably in the L-grooved barrel, so that when the ?-shaped open-end long tube moves downwardly with the pressure drum, the screw-shaped long axis is caused to rotate in a certain direction, the other end of the screw-shaped long axis assembly being provided with a pinion; a compression spring being provided between the seat of the L-grooved barrel and the bottom of the pressure drum; a gear-toothed ring transmission mechanism being provided beneath the L-grooved barrel; a grinding plate assembly being provided on the cylinder bottom and being driven by the gear reduction apparatus to rotate in one direction to grind spices or peppercorns.

Abstract: First and second separable portions such as opposite ends of a strap that is wrapped around one or more articles to be secured are overlapped. A ratchet is operable with the portions joined in overlapping relation for increasing the amount of the overlap, thereby effectively shortening the strap and taking up slack. A mechanical advantage is provided that makes it easy to tighten the strap securely around one or more articles. A lock can be locked to prevent, or unlocked to enable, separation of the portions.

Abstract: A runnable splice includes a first and second thermal imprintable label stocks adhered to first and second liners and disposed in a manner establishing a splice gap. A third thermal printable paper is disposed over the gap on one side of the runnable splice and a splice tape is provided on an opposite side of the runnable splice.

Abstract: First and second separable portions such as opposite ends of a strap that is wrapped around one or more articles to be secured are overlapped. A ratchet is operable with the portions joined in overlapping relation for increasing the amount of the overlap, thereby effectively shortening the strap and taking up slack. A mechanical advantage is provided that makes it easy to tighten the strap securely around one or more articles. A lock can be locked to prevent, or unlocked to enable, separation of the portions.

Abstract: First and second separable portions such as opposite ends of a strap that is wrapped around one or more articles to be secured are overlapped. A ratchet is operable with the portions joined in overlapping relation for increasing the amount of the overlap, thereby effectively shortening the strap and taking up slack. A mechanical advantage is provided that makes it easy to tighten the strap securely around one or more articles. A lock can be locked to prevent, or unlocked to enable, separation of the portions.

Abstract: A spice or peppercorn grinder including a cylinder body; an L-grooved barrel in the cylinder body; a top cap connected to a pressure drum slidably mounted in the L-grooved barrel, a rotatable ∞-shaped open-end long tube provided in a lower space of the pressure drum and engaged with a screw-shaped long axis assembly provided rotatably in the L-grooved barrel, so that when the ∞-shaped open-end long tube moves downwardly with the pressure drum, the screw-shaped long axis is caused to rotate in a certain direction, the other end of the screw-shaped long axis assembly being provided with a pinion; a compression spring being provided between the seat of the L-grooved barrel and the bottom of the pressure drum; a gear-toothed ring transmission mechanism being provided beneath the L-grooved barrel; a grinding plate assembly being provided on the cylinder bottom and being driven by the gear reduction apparatus to rotate in one direction to grind spices or peppercorns.

Abstract: An adjuster selectively collapses a support relative to a base so that the apparatus can support writing material and function as a clipboard; or extends the support relative to the base so that the apparatus can support reading material and function as a reading stand. A stay arm extends between the base and the support for holding the support at a desired angle relative to the base. A light is provided for illuminating writing or reading material. The light is on a stalk that can be pivoted and telescoped.

Abstract: First and second separable portions such as opposite ends of a strap that is wrapped around one or more articles to be secured are overlapped. A ratchet is operable with the portions joined in overlapping relation for increasing the amount of the overlap, thereby effectively shortening the strap and taking up slack. A mechanical advantage is provided that makes it easy to tighten the strap securely around one or more articles. A lock can be locked to prevent, or unlocked to enable, separation of the portions.

Abstract: A roller cutter has a partially circular housing having a slit extending in from receiving a cutter wheel, which can be selectively shifted between an extended cutting position and a retracted position enclosed within the housing to protect the cutter wheel cutting edge. A push button operates a latch release to allow shifting between these positions. A slide bar mounting the cutting wheel for shifting movement is itself held in a slot in the housing, but may be released for removal and cleaning. A tangential grip at the top of housing allows convenient stroking for cutting pizza, mincing herbs, etc.

Abstract: A roller cutter has a partially circular housing having a slit extending in from receiving a cutter wheel, which can be selectively shifted between an extended cutting position and a retracted position enclosed within the housing to protect the cutter wheel cutting edge. A push button operates a latch release to allow shifting between these positions. A slide bar mounting the cutting wheel for shifting movement is itself held in a slot in the housing, but may be released for removal and cleaning. A tangential grip at the top of housing allows convenient stroking for cutting pizza, mincing herbs, etc.