Abstract: A household sprayer may include a liquid reservoir configured to store a liquid and a nozzle connected to the liquid reservoir, wherein the nozzle is configured to spray liquid. A household sprayer may include a nozzle actuator connected to the nozzle, wherein the nozzle actuator is configured to control the spray profile of liquid exiting the nozzle, and a pump connected to the nozzle and the liquid reservoir, wherein the pump is configured to cause liquid to flow from the liquid reservoir to the nozzle. A household sprayer may include a battery electrically connected to the pump, wherein the battery is configured to provide power to the pump. A household sprayer may include an outer housing enclosing the liquid reservoir, the pump, and the battery and a sensor disposed beneath the outer housing, wherein activating the sensor causes the pump to activate, thereby causing liquid to spray from the nozzle.

Abstract: Luggage with retractable wheels is described, specifically pivoting caster wheels. A telescopic handle is provided on the luggage bag which actuates the retractable wheels using a unique linear mechanism. Pushing the telescopic handle down to the stowed position allows the wheels to retract inside the bag, making the bag easier to stow in the restricted storage space available in the passenger cabin of a commercial aircraft Pulling the telescopic handle out into an extended configuration allows the wheels to deploy into an operable position.

Abstract: A rotating fan with a transmission mechanism and a blade deployment mechanism. In an energized state, an electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic force that causes a clutch plate to be in contact with a contact surface, thereby engaging a planetary gear system. In a de-energized state, the clutch plate is not in contact with the contact surface, thereby disengaging the planetary gear system. In a deployed configuration, a drive link activated by the planetary gear system rotates a blade link to cause a fan blade to pivot. The result is that the fan blade tip is farther from the motor shaft than the fan blade root. In a retracted configuration, the drive link rotates the blade link to cause the fan blade to pivot and retract. The result is that the fan blade tip is equidistant from the motor shaft as the fan blade root.

Abstract: A rotating fan with a transmission mechanism and a blade deployment mechanism. In an energized state, an electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic force that causes a clutch plate to be in contact with a contact surface, thereby engaging a planetary gear system. In a de-energized state, the clutch plate is not in contact with the contact surface, thereby disengaging the planetary gear system. In a deployed configuration, a drive link activated by the planetary gear system rotates a blade link to cause a fan blade to pivot. The result is that the fan blade tip is farther from the motor shaft than the fan blade root. In a retracted configuration, the drive link rotates the blade link to cause the fan blade to pivot and retract. The result is that the fan blade tip is equidistant from the motor shaft as the fan blade root.

Abstract: Systems and methods for validating a PIN (personal identification number)-less financial transaction request are provided. Transaction data from a card and an authentication key may be submitted by a merchant to a data center. The authentication key may be generated by the merchant and may be an alpha, numeric, or alphanumeric key that may be associated with business data between the merchant and the cardholder. At the data center, the authentication key may be authenticated by comparing the authentication key with a population of valid authentication keys associated with the merchant. If the authentication key is validated, the transaction request, e.g. product sale transaction, may be evaluated and a confirmation, e.g., approval or denial, may be subsequently sent back to the merchant.

Abstract: An assembly for use in continuously forming a plurality of lengths of flexible noise attenuating cutting line for use in rotary vegetation trimmers. The assembly includes a breaker plate having a conically shaped inner portion and a planar outer portion. A plurality of extrusion dies are disposed in the outer portion wherein each die defines a die hold configuration at its lower end for the extrusion of one or more monofilament polymer strands therethrough, and a drive assembly is provided for rotating each of the dies at a predetermined speed such that upon directing a flow of molten monofilament polymer material onto the breaker plate, the material is directed from the inclined central portion onto the planar outer portion where it is extruded through the rotating dies to create a plurality of twisted strands of polymer material that upon cooling, stretching and heating, define lengths of flexible noise attenuating cutting line.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a real-time invoice at the time of delivery and collecting payments for the invoice are disclosed. In one respect, a client system may determine an amount of a product delivered, calculate the amount due, and generate an invoice. The client system may also receive payment information and forward such information to a transaction system. The transaction system verifies the payment information and transfers subsequent authorization to the client system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a real-time or near-real time reconciliation list are disclosed. One or more datasets of inventory and financial transactions may be received from different locations of an enterprise or as a result of a payment processing function of the system. The data may combined, manipulated, and reconciled, thereby providing an accurate inventory list and payments processed.

Abstract: A lighting system for a real estate sign comprises an elongated illumination arm, a light source, an attachment housing, a power supply, and means for removably attaching the attachment housing to a real estate sign. The light source is connected to one end of the illumination arm, and the power supply is connected to another end. The lighting system may further have a switch to interrupt and reestablish the electrical communication between the power supply and the light source. In a version of the invention, the illumination arm is articulable and may be bent to direct light from the light source toward the sign.

Abstract: A process for forming flexible noise attenuating cutting line for use in rotary vegetation trimmers formed of at least two monofilament polymer strands bonded together in a twisted disposition or a single strand twisted about its central axis in which the strand or strands are extruded in a molten disposition through a single die that is rotated during the extruding step either to twist the two strands together about a central longitudinal axis or a single strand about its own longitudinal axis such that upon cooling, stretching and heating, a flexible noise attenuating line is created in a continuous online process.

Abstract: A clamp is provided suitable for clamping an object to a balustrade or other analogous structure. The clamp is attached by clamping the slats or spindles in the balustrade between a clamping nut and an adjustable jam plate. When the clamping nut is disengaged from the clamp, the jam plate may be slide along a shaft to position the jam plate. When the clamping nut is engaged with the clamp, the jam plate is locked in place on the shaft.

Abstract: An authentication system authenticates remotely generated optical control signals. A remote optical emitter transmits an optical control signal from a remote location. A remote authentication device collocated with the remote optical emitter receives an authentication challenge signal and transmits a compatible authentication response signal. A control optical signal processor positioned at a first location receives the optical control signal from the remote optical emitter and generates a control output signal in response to detection of a valid optical control signal. An authentication device is coupled by a real time data communications link with the optical signal processor and with the remote optical emitter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to breathable elastomeric articles. The articles of the present invention may allow the transmission of water vapor while still providing an effective barrier to virus, bacteria, contaminants, bodily fluids, and the like. In general, a breathability additive may be incorporated into the polymer matrix of one or more layers of the elastomeric article to improve the breathability of the layer.

Abstract: An elastomeric article or body having a relatively low friction layer adapted to create a surface with gross rugosities on at least a portion of a first surface of the elastomeric body when the article is exposed to a stretching force is provided. The elastomeric body has a plurality of surface-area-contact reducing particles that have substantially smooth morphology distributed over the low friction layer, which is created from a network of a silicone-modified vinyl acetate polymer. The particles further reduce friction between the first surface and another surface. The low friction layer is stable and adapted to chemically adhere particles substantially permanently to the layer, such that the layer and particles conferring a reduction in relative surface friction when donning the article.

Abstract: An exercise device in which removable weight may be provided in a housing of the device. Two rotatable handles may be provided in the housing, permitting various hand orientations during exercise. The removable weight may be received within and/or removed from a cavity of the device.

Abstract: A security device secures an apparatus having a wall (1110) with a slot (1120). The security device includes first and second shafts. The shafts have arms (10) rotatable about their respective axis into and out of their respective unlocked positions. Each of the axes of the arms are different from each other. The shafts also have tangs (12) extending from the arms.

Abstract: An exercise device, method of making the device and a method and system for interaction with an exercise device, in which removable, variable weight may be provided in a housing of the device. Two rotatable handles may be provided in the housing, permitting various hand orientations during exercise. The removable weight may be provided near the center of the exercise device, with the handles substantially outboard the weight. Weight may thus be efficiently added or removed in a central area of the housing between the handles.