on ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING FLEXIBLE DISPLAY AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE ELECTRONIC DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An electronic device having a flexible display and a method for operating the same are provided. The method includes displaying a first graphic user interface (GUI) for character input on a flexible display and detecting a change in a bending state of the flexible display. Changing the first GUI to a second GUI based on the detected change of the bending state of the flexible display, and then displaying the second GUI. In some embodiments, the method may include determining a moved area among the first area and the second area and displaying the second GUI based on the determined moved area and the angle between the first area and the second area. Determining the moved area may include detecting a first pressure corresponding to the first area and a second pressure corresponding to the second area, and then determining the moved area based on the first and second pressures. Full Article
on ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes an input device configured to accept a user's operation and a hardware processor. The hardware processor is configured to receive a virtual desktop image transmitted by the server apparatus, display the received virtual desktop image on a screen, transmit, in a case where a second operation other than a first operation is accepted while the virtual desktop image has been displayed, operation information indicative of the second operation to the server apparatus, and display on the screen an indicator forward of the virtual desktop image, in a case where the first operation is accepted while the virtual desktop image has been displayed, the indicator being provided to change setting of hardware of the electronic apparatus. Full Article
on METHOD AND DEVICE FOR INPUTTING INFORMATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure relates to a method and device for inputting information. The method includes: establishing a network connection with a relay device; obtaining input information from the relay device, wherein the input information is received at an auxiliary input terminal and is sent from the auxiliary input terminal to the relay device; and displaying the input information at an input position on a main input terminal. Full Article
on DATA RENDERING ON LOCAL AND REMOTE DISPLAYS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Described are an apparatus and method for interactively retrieving data from one or more data sources and rendering the data in a three dimensional (3D) format. The rendering may be displayed on a hand-held device, e.g., a smart phone or tablet computer, or on a remote display device such as another phone, tablet, screen, or a projector. The apparatus and method may operate in response to one or more inputs or orientation sensors, e.g., proximity, gravimeter, gyroscope, photo, and touch sensors. Full Article
on USER TERMINAL DEVICE, AND MODE CONVERSION METHOD AND SOUND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING VOLUME OF SPEAKER THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A user terminal apparatus is disclosed. The user terminal apparatus includes a touch screen which senses a multi gesture that is performed by using at least two fingers or other input tools, and a controller which provides an individual volume control mode by which a volume of one speaker apparatus is independently controllable with respect to a volume of the remainder of a plurality of speaker apparatuses, and which is convertible into a group volume control mode in order to combine a plurality of speaker apparatuses into a group such that volumes of the plurality of speaker apparatuses can be jointly controlled in response to the multi gesture sensed via the touch screen while the individual volume control mode is provided. Full Article
on CONTROLLERS, OUTPUT DEVICES, OR TELEVISIONS SUPPORTING VOICE ACTIVATED COMMANDS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An output device or controller supporting voice activated commands by using a portable electronic device is herein disclosed and enabled. The output device may be a television, a controller connectable to a television, a printer, a sound output device, or a projector. The portable electronic device for wirelessly managing or driving the output device may include a microphone to receive voice activated commands. The output device includes wireless circuitry to establish a direct wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, etc.) with the portable electronic device, and subsequently, the output device, using the established direct wireless connection, is operable to: wirelessly receive first information from the portable electronic device; wirelessly send to the portable electronic device second information in response to receiving the first information; and wirelessly receive from the portable electronic device data related to voice activated commands from a user. Full Article
on METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING AND CONTROLLING COMPOSITE USER INTERFACE CONTROL By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of multimedia technologies and disclose methods for generating and controlling a composite user interface control and an electronic device. The method for generating a composite user interface control includes the following steps: creating at least one composite control, where the composite control includes at least two subcontrols; adding each subcontrol to the composite control; respectively setting a general attribute and a unique attribute of each subcontrol; acquiring a resource of each subcontrol and transmitting the resource to a corresponding subcontrol; and adding an event response mechanism to the composite control. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method for generating a composite user interface control may enable a manner for generating a user interface control to be relatively simple, which facilitates control over and modification on all user interface controls or a single user interface control on a user interface. Full Article
on TECHNIQUES FOR PROVIDING PERSONALIZED BEHAVIOR-BASED CONTENT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Techniques for providing personalized content in substantially real time are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for providing personalized content in substantially real time includes providing first content including a plurality of user-selectable content elements, detecting an interaction of a user with respect to the provided content including a selection by the user of one of the plurality of the user-selectable content elements displayed on a page of the first content, and providing second content in response to a request. The second content includes at least a portion of the first content modified according to the detected interaction by moving the user-selectable content element up on a page of the second content relative to a position of the content element on the page of the first content. Full Article
on Mnemonic Support of Users in Guided Activity Floorplans By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods and systems that facilitate the generation, presentation, and adaptation of an anchored information bar, associated with a guided activity floorplan or wizard, in support of assisting users as they complete the different steps of a complex task as the user employs software applications (and associated user interfaces) on their devices to go about their different activities. Full Article
on USER INTERFACE CONTROL LAYOUT METHOD AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments of this disclosure relate to the field of multimedia technologies, and disclose a user interface control layout method and an electronic devices. The user interface control layout method includes the following steps: creating a relative layout container, where the relative layout container is used to contain child controls, and the child controls are a relative layout container or a normal control; specifying an attribute of a child control for the relative layout container; generating the child control; and if the child control is a relative layout container, repeating the foregoing steps, until all the child controls in the relative layout container are normal controls. In some embodiments of this disclosure, multiple UI controls of different sizes or types may be generated one by one through layout and arrangement, and the UI controls of different sizes or types may be nested with each other, and thereby UI interfaces based on different rules can be quickly implemented to meet different requirements of various products for UI control arrangement. Full Article
on SYMBOLIC REFERENTIAL THIRD-PARTY NOTIFICATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT User input including a social network notification symbol followed by a social network tag is detected in association with a social network user interface. The social network tag includes a text keyword that identifies a social network topic within the social network. A referential third-party social network user notification subset within the social network is defined as a subset of social network users within the social network that follow the social network topic. A referential third-party social network notification is published to the defined referential third-party social network user notification subset within the social network. The referential third-party social network notification includes the detected user input that includes the social network notification symbol followed by the social network tag. Full Article
on MEMORY CONSERVING VERSIONING OF AN ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Memory conserving versioning of an electronic document is provided. Client versioning factors are analyzed by a client versioning engine and server versioning factors are analyzed by a server versioning engine for determining when an electronic document should be stored as a new version. Accordingly, new versions of an electronic document are only created when determined to be sufficiently important, thus reducing the amount of memory required for increased version payload. Full Article
on REAL-TIME DOCUMENT ANNOTATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for receiving, managing, and displaying annotations on documents in real-time. A user (e.g., an author of a document) uploads a document into a real-time annotation system, which may then generate a composite presentation based on the uploaded document. The composite presentation includes all the content of the document presented in a specially configured graphical user interface to receive and manage annotations from a plurality of user devices. Full Article
on METHOD AND DEVICE FOR EXTENDING A LAYOUT TEMPLATE OF AN APPLICATION COMPONENT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present application provides a method and a device for extending a layout template of a component. The method includes determining an inheritance relationship between a component to be extended and an existing component, generating extension information of the component to be extended according to the inheritance relationship, where the extension information includes identification (ID) information of the existing component, the inheritance relationship, and content to be extended. The method further includes acquiring a layout template object of the existing component according to the ID information of the existing component, where the layout template object is configured with at least one element item of the corresponding component, and updating the element item in the layout template object according to the inheritance relationship and the content to be extended to obtain a layout template object. A layout template is extended using an inheritance relationship between objects to simplify the management of the layout templates and the complexity of maintenance and updates. Full Article
on SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYZING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS TO DYNAMICALLY IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND VISUALIZATION OF COLLABORATIVE WORK ENVIRONMENTS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for managing a collaborative environment are provided. A plurality of sheets is stored in a collaboration system. The collaboration system tracks user interactions with the plurality of sheets and generates a collaboration graph based on the interactions. The collaboration graph is analyzed to determine similarities between the sheets and/or the users. One or more visualizations are generated based on the collaboration graph and the determined similarities. In some embodiments, the collaboration system is able to provide project management information even for dynamic workflows that are not explicitly defined. Full Article
on TRIGGER-BASED CONTENT PRESENTATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus, method, and computer program product are disclosed for trigger-based content presentation. A trigger module detects a triggering event. A response module determines a content element to present to a user in response to the triggering event. The content element may include a multimedia element and one or more interactive content elements that are synchronized with the multimedia element such that the one or more interactive content elements are presented at predetermined points during presentation of the multimedia element. A presentation module presents the determined content element on a device of the user. Full Article
on UNIVERSAL ADAPTOR FOR RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF WEB-BASED DATA VISUALIZATIONS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of web-based data visualization includes: a Frontend sending a request over a computer network to a server configured as a Backend; a web server of the second server fetching data responsive to the request; the web server sending a response to the Frontend in a format compatible with a plurality software adaptors located on the Frontend, the response including information about objects to be presented on a web component; logic of the Frontend passing the response to a selected one of the software adaptors; and the selected software adaptor rendering the using a web visualization library associated with selected software adaptor. Full Article
on MANAGING INFORMATION DISPLAYED IN WEB PAGES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An on-demand database system that manages graphical representation in web pages may associate a first graphical representation in a first web page with a first event in a library of events. Each of the events in the library of events may be associated with a function. A second graphical representation in the first web page may also be associated with the first event. Based on detecting a triggering of the first event, the database system may cause a function associated with the first event to execute. The first graphical representation and the second graphical representation may be based on execution of the function associated with the first event. Full Article
on RECOMMENDING PAGES OF CONTENT TO AN ONLINE SYSTEM USER BY IDENTIFYING CONTENT FROM RECOMMENDED PAGES TO THE USER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An online system, such as a social networking system, recommends pages of content to users. The recommendation is presented in a recommendation unit presenting one or more representations of pages to a user. Additionally, the user may interact with the recommendation unit to change representations of pages presented by the recommendation unit. A representation of a page presented by the recommendation unit includes content from one or more content items on the page selected based on interaction with the content items on the page and types of content included in content items on the page (e.g., image data, video data, destination address). Representations of different pages may differ based on the types of content included in content items selected from the different pages. Full Article
on AGGREGATING DATA FOR VISUALIZATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Data items are aggregated based on information relating to a display capability of a display device, to produce aggregated data. The aggregated data is for display in a visualization presented by the display device. Responsive to user selection in the visualization, dynamically created data at a second hierarchical level different from a first hierarchical level of the aggregated data is for display in the visualization. Full Article
on METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CAPTURING SCREEN ON MOBILE DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method and an apparatus for capturing a screen on a mobile device, the method including: receiving, at the mobile device, a screen-capturing request for a current interface, where the current interface includes first data, and the first data includes personal information; and generating, according to screen-capturing request, a screen capture image for the current interface, where the first data in the current interface is replaced in the screen capture image with second data which is predefined. These embodiments avoid the need to manually mask an image by starting a dedicated image editing tool to anonymize a screen capture image, thereby significantly lowering the relatively high technical threshold of anonymization processing, reducing the error rate, and improving the modification quality of anonymization. Moreover, the replacement is directly made to the image while the screen is captured without interfering with normal use of reading. Full Article
on CONTROLLING PROGRAM AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer readable instructions that are executable by a computer in an information processing apparatus having a display device is provided. The computer readable instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to determine a format to display at least one setup item, which is required in order to accomplish a predetermined process, in the display device between an icon format, in which the at least one setup item is displayed in a figurative image containing a symbolic figure representing the at least one setup item, and a list format, in which the at least one setup item is displayed in a textual image containing text describing the at least one setup item. The computer readable instructions further cause the computer to control the display device to display the at least one setup item in the determined format. Full Article
on REPRESENTATION OF OVERLAPPING VISUAL ENTITIES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Various embodiments present a combined visual entity that represents overlapping visual entities. The combined visual entity can include a primary visualization that represents one of the overlapping visual entities and annotations that represent others of the overlapping visual entities. For example, a map view can include multiple geographical entities that overlap. A primary visualization can be rendered that represents one of the multiple geographical entities. The primary visualization can be visually annotated (e.g., with symbols, letters, or other visual indicators) to indicate others of the multiple geographical entities. In some embodiments, a zoom operation can cause visual entities to be added and/or removed from the combined visual entity. Full Article
on INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND TERMINAL, AND COMPUTER STORAGE MEDIUM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed are an information processing method and terminal. The method includes: acquiring a first operation (101); in response to the first operation, selecting a plurality of pictures from a local information base or an information base pulled and obtained by a background server, and displaying the same on a user interface of a terminal (102); acquiring a second operation (103); in response to the second operation, partitioning to-be-added first target information into a plurality of items of second target information according to a preset rule, and overlaying the plurality of items of second target information on the plurality of pictures in one batch (104); and forming complete information corresponding to the first target information by the plurality of items of second target information, the second target information being partial information in the first target information (105). Full Article
on SIMULTANEOUS INPUT SYSTEM FOR WEB BROWSERS AND OTHER APPLICATIONS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In a computing environment having a multiple input detection system including a detector that detects and transmits multiple simultaneous user inputs from different users at a same time, a method for processing inputs from different users across multiple application windows of one or more applications displayed on a single display of a user interface, resulting in a multi-user graphical user interface (GUI), the computing environment running an operating system (OS) designed to run with a single user GUI, the method including determining, in a primary application, separate from the OS, that a first user input corresponds to a first window and a second user input corresponds to a second window, the primary application sending the first and second user inputs to first and second secondary applications that run in parallel with the primary application, the first and second secondary applications being designed to run with the OS. Full Article
on METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND MEDIA FOR NAVIGATING THROUGH A STREAM OF CONTENT ITEMS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods, systems, and media for navigating through content are provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises: receiving a first plurality of interactive stream items; causing the first plurality of interactive stream items to be presented in a first presentation mode; receiving a first user selection of an interactive stream item from at least a portion of the first plurality of interactive stream items; continuing to receive the stream of content including a second plurality of interactive stream items; determining a second presentation mode based at least in part on a content type associated with the second plurality of interactive stream items; causing the second plurality of interactive stream items to be presented in a second presentation mode; receiving a second user selection indicating that the interactive stream item is no longer selected; and causing the second plurality of interactive stream items to be presented in the first presentation mode. Full Article
on Methods and Systems for Managing Multiple Communication Sessions from a Single On-Screen User Interface By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An exemplary communication session management system concurrently presents a plurality of session icons within a single on-screen user interface, each session icon representative of a respective communication session and configured to visually indicate a session status of the respective communication session. The communication session management system further detects a user action performed by a user with respect to one of the plurality of session icons, modifies a communication session in response to the user action, and graphically indicates the modification of the session status of the communication session. Corresponding systems and methods are also described. Full Article
on SOUND OBJECT CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD BASED ON ADDITIONAL IMAGE OBJECT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is an apparatus and method for controlling a sound object based on an additional image object. A sound object controlling method includes displaying image objects synchronized with a plurality of sound objects, respectively, on a display; and controlling a sound object synchronized with an image object selected by a user from among the image objects displayed on the display. The sound object includes metadata that includes playback location information of the sound object on a specific space, sound level information of the sound object, and display location information of the image object synchronized with the sound object on the display. Full Article
on Combination locks with improved code-changing features By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A combination locking arrangement includes a locking member, at least first and second tumbler discs, a dial, and a code change mechanism. When each of the tumbler discs is rotated to an unlocking orientation, the locking member is movable from a locking position to a releasing position. The dial is rotatable about a tumbler disc axis for selective rotation of the at least first and second tumbler discs. The dial includes a clutch rotationally securable in interlocking engagement with the first tumbler disc. The code change mechanism is rotatable to a code change position to separate the clutch from the first tumbler disc, such that the dial is subsequently rotatable to rotate the clutch with respect to the first tumbler disc. Full Article
on Electronic apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided is a convertible type computer (PC) 1 comprising a second housing 3 including a display section 3a, and a first housing 2 including a palm rest 2b. A first antenna 6a is disposed on the palm rest 2b, and a second antenna 7a is disposed on a reverse surface 2e of the first housing 2 immediately beneath the first antenna 6a. An attitude sensor 8 detects whether the PC 1 has a clam shell form or a tablet form. In accordance with a detection result, a switch section 9 switches between the first antenna 6a and the second antenna 7a for establishing wireless communication with an external terminal to communicate information. Therefore, it is possible to switch between information signals through the first antenna 6a and information signals through the second antenna 7a depending on the attitude of the PC 1, and fine communication can be established. Full Article
on Locking insert mechanism and receiver to secure personal weapons, valuables and other items By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A personal security apparatus to house weapons, valuables, and/or items requiring concealment includes a lockable insert mechanism to securely house items and at least one receiving apparatus adapted to mount the insert mechanism into or onto various structures and a lockable access door that provides convenient, rapid access to the items contained in the personal security apparatus and further prevents access by unauthorized persons. Full Article
on Electronic lock with power failure control circuit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electronic lock with power failure control circuit includes a lock mechanism having a latchbolt movable between extended and a retracted positions and an electrically powered lock actuator to lock and unlock the latchbolt. The power failure control circuit includes a microcontroller and the lock is connected to a primary power source and an auxiliary power source, preferably supercapacitors and charger that can be turned on by the microcontroller and off when the charger signals a full charge. A power monitor circuit detects low voltage on the primary power supply and sets a power failure interrupt causing the microcontroller to execute power failure instructions that control the actuator so that the lock is placed into a desired locked or unlocked final state during the power failure. upon detection of the return of good power, the system resets the lock. Full Article
on Method for maintaining a door in a closed position on an over-the-road vehicle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of preventing a first door on an over-the-road vehicle from moving from a closed position into an open position. The first door has a first latch assembly that cooperates with a second latch assembly to releasably maintain the first door in its closed position. One of the first and second latch assemblies is maintained in place by at least one fastener extended into a first opening. With the at least one fastener loosened, the first locking assembly is placed on one of: a) one of the doors; or b) the vehicle frame after which a fastener is tightened into the first opening to thereby: i) maintain one of the first and second latch assemblies in place and secure the operatively placed first locking assembly. With the first door in the closed position, a locking device can be connected to the first locking assembly and another part on the vehicle to thereby maintain the first door in the closed position. Full Article
on Cargo theft prevention using text messaging By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Method for monitoring a cargo container in which a transmitter is arranged on the container and periodically transmits messages to a remote site or location according to a schedule of messages. When a message is not received according to the schedule, which may be the result of tampering with the transmitter or another nefarious action involving the container, it may be considered that the container has been stolen. A rate of transmission of the messages may be modified based on a condition of the vehicle, such as the presence of a driver inside the vehicle, a distance between a driver inside the vehicle and the vehicle, the vehicle being at rest after motion of the vehicle stops, a location of the vehicle, biometric identification of a driver of the vehicle and deviation of the vehicle from an expected route, and/or based on current time and weather around the vehicle. Full Article
on Anti-theft mechanism for electronic devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An anti-theft mechanism for electronic devices includes an upper protecting frame and a lower protecting frame. The upper and lower protecting frames of the embodiment provide protection for the 3C products, and the first and second assembling space of the upper and lower protecting frames provide adjustable dimensions to be suitable for different sizes of 3C products. The upper and lower protecting frames can further be provided with a locking mechanism to limit the movement of the positioning member after the upper and lower protecting frames being attached onto the 3C products, which prevents the upper and lower protecting frames from being removed easily. Furthermore, with the steel wire of the locking mechanism can be attached to a secured object to secure the upper and lower protecting frames. Full Article
on Capacitive data transfer in an electronic lock and key assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electronic key may include a partial capacitor comprising a capacitive metal plate in communication with a processor. The capacitive metal plate of the partial capacitor is configured to form a capacitor with a corresponding capacitive metal plate of a lock when brought into proximity with the metal plate of the lock. Data may be transferred from the key to the lock using a capacitor formed by combining the two metal plates, wherein a common ground is established between the metal plate of the key and the metal plate of the lock through a parasitic capacitance present between the key and lock circuitry. Full Article
on Asset retention device for an asset retention system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An asset retention device, including: a housing including a base portion and a cap portion, the base portion and the cap portion containing a plurality of electrical contacts; and an asset attachment structure securely coupled to the cap portion and making electrical contact with the plurality of electrical contacts, thereby completing an electrical circuit through the asset attachment structure and the housing; wherein, if the continuity of the asset attachment structure is broken, the electrical circuit is broken. The base portion of the housing is configured to be selectively coupled to a main console including a controller/processor operable for detecting a break in the continuity of the asset attachment structure and the associated electrical circuit. The asset retention device also includes an identifying chip. The asset attachment structure includes a plurality of hooked ends that extend through channels manufactured into an interior portion of the cap portion of the housing. Full Article
on Connection unit for connecting saw blade to handle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hand tool includes a handle and a holding member is connected to the front end of the handle. A first part is connected to one end of the holding member and is connected to a second part connected to the front end of the handle. The first part has a first recess defined transversely therethrough. A second recess and a third recess are respectively in one side of the first part and communicate with the first recess. The second recess is located between the first and third recesses. A control unit has two pins which are movably cooperated with the first, second and the third recesses. The second pin is connected to the first pin. When pushing the first pin toward the second pin, the first part is shifted from the second part so that a blade is inserted into or removed from the first and second parts. Full Article
on Ratcheting tool with angular positioning handles for cutting non-metal pipe and tubing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is an improved pipe cutting tool based upon a ratchet closure action wherein handles are pivotedly attached to allow successive movement of a cutting blade in response to the squeezing of the handles. The handles are also hingedly coupled to the cutting member to maintain the cutting member in a position perpendicular to the tubular item to be cut while allowing the operator to squeeze the handles at offset angles, up to and including a right angle cut. The hinged handles allow for offset operation without forgoing the ease of operation by the consumer or causing a large reduction in the mechanical advantage. A ratchet allows sequential advancement of a cutting member toward a tubular shaped jaw that holds the item to be cut. Full Article
on Folding blade knife with a system for locking the blade in an unfolding position By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for locking a blade of a knife with a folding blade in an unfolded position includes a handle-forming part for a user to grasp, and a blade pivotably mounted relative to this handle-forming part. The blade pivots to adopt either an unfolded position for use, or a foldaway position for storage, wherein it is partially concealed in the handle-forming part. A first locking element on a top of the knife, cooperates with the blade and adopts a first position of locking the blade in the unfolded position and a second release position of the blade A second locking element cooperating with the first locking element, adopts a first position of locking the first locking element in the first locking position of the blade, and a second release position wherein the second locking element forces the first locking element to adopt the second release position of the blade. Full Article
on Utility knife blades having multiple cutting portions and securing connections By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A three-sided disposable cutting blade for use within a utility knife. The cutting blade features between three and six distinct cutting portions. The cutting blade may be rotated and flipped such that each cutting portion may be presented from the utility knife as the active cutting portion. Features of the cutting blade include a wear-coat indicator which is located at or near each cutting portion and indicates when a portion has been used; grippable locations on the body of the blade to increase the grippibility of the blade when removing and handling the blade; multiple mounting-hole orientations; and mass-reducing punch-outs which reduce cutting friction of the blade against the object being cut. Full Article
on Razor cartridge with skin contact element By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A razor cartridge has a housing, a guard located at a front of the housing and a cap located at a rear of the housing. A skin contact element is disposed in the housing partway between the guard and the cap. A skin contact plane defines a plane tangential to the guard and the skin contact element and a plane tangential to the skin contact element and the cap. One or more blades are located between the guard and the skin contact element, each of the blades having a cutting edge located at a distance y1 between 70 μm and 300 μm and at an angle α1 between 20° and 45° below the skin contact plane. One or more blades are located between the skin contact element and the cap, each of the blades having a cutting edge located at an angle α2 above or below the skin contact plane, wherein α2 is lower in magnitude than α1. Full Article
on Compound action snips By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Compound action snips includes include first and second handles pivotally connected to each other, and first and second blades. The first handle includes first and second walls arranged opposite to each other. The second wall includes a recess. The first blade is mounted to the first handle. The second blade is mounted to the second handle. A fastener inserts through the first wall, the first blade, and the second wall. A fixing element is received into the recess and threaded onto the fastener, so that a top surface defined on the fixing element is not exposed out of the second wall of the first handle. Full Article
on Monofilament line cutting tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A monofilament line cutting tool is formed by sandwiching a cutting blade between first and second plastic sheets which are thermally bonded to one another. A monofilament line receiving slot in the plastic sheets extends to the blade whereby monofilament line bent into a U-shape may be placed in contact with the blade cutting edge. The plastic sheets are part of spool forming plastic sheet portions which are thermally bonded to one another and shaped into a spool. The plastic sheets forming the tool are selectively pivotable about a live hinge relative to the spool. The plastic sheets can be separated from one another for forming: a sphere generally around the cutting edge; a pair of elongate barrels extending parallel along each side of the monofilament line receiving slot and adjacent the cutting edge; or, a monofilament line receiving cavity extending to the blade cutting edge. Full Article
on Vegetation trimmer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vegetation pruning device includes a cutting element; a guide bar for supporting the cutting element, the guide bar having a guide bar plane, the guide bar being pivotable in the guide bar plane about a fixed axis; a motor having a motor shaft for rotatably driving the cutting element; a motor housing for receiving the motor; a guiding mechanism connected to the motor housing, the guiding mechanism having a longitudinal axis; a handle assembly operable to move linearly along the longitudinal axis; and a transmission device for connecting the handle assembly to the guide bar through, the transmission device converting a linearly movement of the handle assembly to a pivoting movement of the guide bar, the cutting element thereby approaching or withdrawing from a workpiece to be sawn. Full Article
on Indicia for razor with a rotatable portion By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A razor comprises a first component comprising a first indicia on a surface of the first component. The razor also comprises a second component configured to rotate relative to the first component about a first axis of rotation, the second component comprising at least one blade and a second indicia on a surface of the second component, the second component configured to rotate relative to the first component about a second axis of rotation, wherein the second axis of rotation and the first axis of rotation are non-coplanar. The second component is in a preloaded neutral position when at rest such that rotation about the second axis of rotation generates a return torque and wherein the first indicia and the second indicia are in alignment at rest and out of alignment when the second component has been rotated about the first axis of rotation. Full Article
on Hair clipper with a rotary motor vibration and noise damper By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hair clipper has a base structural housing with a blade set operably secured thereto. The blade set has a stationary blade and a reciprocating blade. The base has at least one support for a rotary motor. A flexible motor vibration and noise damper fits over half of the motor, and a motor cover is secured to the base structural housing over the vibration damper. A secondary housing cover is secured to the base structural housing over the motor cover. Full Article
on Oil supply device for an internal combustion engine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An oil supply device for a crankcase of an internal combustion engine feeds oil from a reservoir to a main oil duct of the crankcase. A filter switching device allows a selection from a plurality of oil filter units in the flow path of the oil to be selectively connected into the oil flow path, to set a proportion of the oil filter units to active and a proportion of the oil filter units to passive. A switching unit switches between the active and passive states and opens up a pressurized oil flow path to the active oil filter unit(s) and also a drainage flow path between the passive oil filter unit(s) and a drainage duct. An evacuation device drains or evacuates oil from the drainage duct which has accumulated at the passive oil filter unit(s). Full Article
on Integrated thermal management system and environmental control system for a gas turbine engine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A gas turbine engine includes a first and second pump driven by a spool. An Air-Oil Cooler downstream of the first pump. An air-air precooler is downstream of the second pump, the air-air precooler downstream of the Air-Oil Cooler. Full Article
on Dual-line pump unit, lubrication system, and related apparatus and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A dual-line pump unit for supplying lubricant includes a reservoir having an interior for holding lubricant. A first pump is provided for pumping lubricant from the reservoir through a first main line to a lubricant distribution system. A second pump is provided for pumping lubricant from the reservoir through a second main line to the lubricant distribution system. During a first stage of operation, the first pump operates to pump lubricant from the reservoir through the first main line to the lubricant distribution system and the second pump is idle, the second main line venting back to the reservoir via the second pump. During a second stage of operation, the second pump operates to pump lubricant from the reservoir through the second main line to the lubricant distribution system and the first pump is idle, the first main line venting back to the reservoir via the first pump. Full Article