a 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
a 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
a Locator diagnostic system for emergency dispatch By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods are provided to guide an emergency dispatcher in responding to emergency calls where the incident location is not known. The systems and methods can include a locator diagnostic tool configured to facilitate thorough and consistent information gathering for calls where the incident location is not known. The locator diagnostic tool may traverse a logical tree configured to gather information that can aid in identifying the incident location and/or provide instructions to the caller that may allow the incident location to be identified. For example, the locator diagnostic tool may aid callers in locating devices designed to transmit their location. The locator diagnostic tool may traverse different logical paths depending on if the caller can speak freely or not, depending on if the caller or a third party is missing, and/or depending on the type of caller location (e.g., inside, outside, or underground). Full Article
a 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
a Latch assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A latch assembly is described. The latch assembly includes a casing. The latch assembly provides for the transfer of rotational force to translation plates. The rotational force drives translation plates and extends the translation plates from the latch assembly. A first translation plate is mechanically engaged to the casing. A second translation plate is mechanically engaged to the casing. The latch assembly includes a key assembly including a rotatable cam. A toggle cam is pivotally engaged to the casing via a pivot axle, and rotating the cam contacts the toggle cam to extend or retract both the first translation plate and the second translation plate from the casing. Full Article
a Opening apparatus for a door that has an outer panel, a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle door with such an opening apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A door (200) of a motor vehicle has an outer panel (100) and an opening apparatus. The opening apparatus has a door handle (30) and a door lock (20) with a lock barrel (10). The lock barrel (10) and the door handle (30) are arranged completely on the inner side of the outer panel (100) of the door (200). Full Article
a Magnetically repelling lock assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A lock assembly (10) including a plug (12) having a keyway (14) for inserting therein a key (16), and a movable element (18) movingly disposed in the plug (12), the movable element (18) being divided into at least two separate magnetic portions (20, 22) arranged to move relative to one another and having identical magnetic polarity, wherein the magnetic portions (20, 22) are sufficiently near one another such that one of the magnetic portions (20, 22) applies a magnetic repelling force on the other magnetic portion (20, 22). Full Article
a Valve lockout device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A lockout device that can be used to lock a valve in a closed position, for use particularly with valves that include a stationary member, such as a body, and a rotating member, such as a handle or wheel, for activating and deactivating the valve is disclosed. The lockout device can also be used to provide a connection point for connecting various types of connectors to a hose clamp or other elongate connecting member mounted on and locked onto a body such as a pipe or valve. Full Article
a Key lockable operator cover By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A key lockable window operator, including a crank handle that is shiftable between a folded storage position and an unfolded operating position and a lock cylinder operably engaged to a rack and a sliding pin. The rack and the sliding pin are shiftable between an unlocked position and a locked position. When in the locked position, at least a portion of the sliding pin is engaged into a cavity in the crank handle whereby the crank handle is secured in the folded storage position. Full Article
a Lever type handle and lock assembly for the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A lock assembly for a lever type handle is disclosed. In the lock assembly for the lever type handle according to an aspect to the invention, the lever type handle is for opening and closing a door by a rotation of a handle portion. The lock assembly includes a key module rotated by a key member, wherein the key module being positioned in the handle portion, a rotary shaft rotated by a rotation of the key module and locking or unlocking the door through a dead lock member, and a rotation transmitter for transmitting the rotation of the key module to the rotary shaft. Full Article
a Latches for gates and doors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A latch has a displaceable latching element in a housing for engagement with a separate striker arm to be latched behind an engagement shoulder of the latching element. The housing mounts a cylinder lock to receive a key from the front. A rotor is mounted on the rear of cylinder lock and rotation of the key causes rotation of the rotor to drive a locking element to engage and lock the latching element. The rotor may also be axial displaceable against spring biasing responsive to a rear unit pushing element whereby unlocking from a rear cylinder lock may rotate the rotor to unlock and pushing causes the latching element to be displaced against its biasing to release the striker arm. Full Article
a Integrated door operator hardware By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed in one aspect is the fixed door pull handle assembly that includes an elongated door pull handle with two or more support standoffs projecting away from the elongated door pull handle and securing the elongated door pull handle to the doorframe or to the body of the door. One of the support standoffs is user rotatable, and rotatably engages a door latch assembly within the door. In another aspect, the support standoff is not user rotatable. Instead, a center-pivoting handle is mounted in-line with one of the support standoffs and rotatably engages the door latch assembly within the door. The center-pivoting handle is recessed within the elongated handle. Full Article
a 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
a Lock apparatus and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Lock assembly and method of coding and recoding locks. Some embodiments of a lock include a housing, a lock cylinder, a plurality of tumblers, a plurality of codebars, and a sidebar. Some embodiments of a lock include a housing, a lock cylinder, a plurality of tumblers, a plurality of code blocks, a sidebar, and a codebar. Full Article
a Adjustable latch assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of setting a gap or margin between an edge of a decklid and a vehicle surface includes providing a powered cinching latch assembly including a powered actuator that moves a striker member between a presented position and a fully cinched position. The cinched position of the striker is adjusted to provide an acceptable gap or margin between an edge of the decklid and an adjacent vehicle surface. Full Article
a Portable low cost firearm safe By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A rapid-access gun safe includes a portable enclosing structure and a communication module. The portable enclosing structure encloses a firearm. The portable enclosing structure includes a fixed portion and a collapsing wall. The collapsing wall provides rapid access to the firearm. The communication module is coupled to the fixed portion of the enclosing structure. The communication module facilitates incoming and outgoing electronic communication of at least one access signal from a device external to the rapid-access gun safe. Full Article
a 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
a Protective device, particularly for a lock of a door or leaf By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A protective device, particularly for a lock of a door or leaf, comprising a covering element which is associated slidingly with a plate that can be fixed to the door or leaf and can be positioned selectively so as to close an opening for access to the lock which is provided in the plate. Two pins are associated transversely with the plate and are adapted to block temporarily the sliding of the covering element with respect to the plate. The device has at least one cam, freely mounted rotatably within a cavity provided in the plate. At least one first recess and at least one second recess are provided in the lateral surface of the at least one cam, which have, in plan view, a mutually different shape and are adapted respectively to allow and prevent the sliding of the covering element. Full Article
a Retractable key storage apparatus with original key adaptor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention provides an apparatus to retractably store multiple keys. The apparatus is designed to permit a user to install up to eight (8) custom keys in a compact “key wallet.” Individual keys are pivotally deployed by pressing a designated button on the apparatus and are returned to a stowed position by rotating the key back into the apparatus until it locks into position. The apparatus uses a spring-loaded key release mechanism to release and retract the keys. Full Article
a Removable key cassette assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A lock assembly is provided that includes: a lock cylinder having a bore disposed therein and at least one pocket located adjacent the periphery of the bore; a plug including a cassette slot; a plunger that fits in the plug; a locking tab having a slot disposed therein; the slot of the locking tab receives a portion of the plunger; a cassette having a key slot configured to receive a key; the cassette includes a tool slot configured to receive a tool to selectively engage the plunger to selectively move at least a portion of the locking tab into and out of the pocket; when a portion of the locking tab is located in the pocket the locking tab does not block the cassette from being removed from the plug. Full Article
a 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
a Valve switchbox By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A switchbox for monitoring the position of a manual quarter-turn valve has a housing mountable to the valve to be monitored/controlled. A handle-driven shaft extends through the housing, with one end of the shaft couplable to the valve stem such that movement of the shaft moves the valve stem. One or more shaft position sensor switches interact with a cam on the shaft to signal shaft position and/or provide control signals. A plate coupled to the shaft articulates within a recess on the surface of the switchbox to limit motion of the valve to an operable range, such as between full ON and full OFF. The switchbox has a pair of lock tabs with lock apertures. A lock aperture in the plate is alignable with the lock tab apertures to receive a pin or padlock for locking the valve in a selected position. A potentiometer can be utilized in place of a switch as a shaft position sensor. The switchbox may be used with an original or new handle and may feature detents to allow a range of valve settings. Full Article
a Valve switchbox By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A switchbox for monitoring the position of a manual quarter-turn valve has a housing mountable to the valve to be monitored/controlled. A handle-driven shaft extends through the housing, with one end of the shaft couplable to the valve stem such that movement of the shaft moves the valve stem. One or more shaft position sensor switches interact with a cam on the shaft to signal shaft position and/or provide control signals. A plate coupled to the shaft articulates within a recess on the surface of the switchbox to limit motion of the valve to an operable range, such as between full ON and full OFF. The switchbox has a pair of lock tabs with lock apertures. A lock aperture in the plate is alignable with the lock tab apertures to receive a pin or padlock for locking the valve in a selected position. A potentiometer can be utilized in place of a switch as a shaft position sensor. The switchbox may be used with an original or new handle and may feature detents to allow a range of valve settings. Full Article
a Falling latch locking device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Falling latch locking device having a first locking device casing that includes a handle, a closing element and a lock, and having a second locking device casing that includes a cut-out for receiving the closing element in the closed state, wherein the lock comprises a stop that can be moved by locking and unlocking the lock and in the locked state the stop blocks the opening of the handle. Full Article
a 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
a 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
a Gun safe By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A gun safe is configured to be mounted underneath a portion of an item of furniture and to be deployable from a storage position underneath the portion of the item of furniture into a readily-accessible position adjacent the item of furniture. The gun safe includes a lockable container sized to receive a weapon therein and an articulating mount configured to secure the lockable container underneath the portion of the item of furniture in the storage position. The articulating mount includes a fixed element configured to be fixed underneath the portion of the item of furniture and an articulating element attached between the fixed element and the lockable container, the articulating element being configured to facilitate movement of the lockable container from the storage position outward and upward to a deployed position adjacent the item of furniture. Full Article
a Lockable utility box lid By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A lockable utility box lid includes at least one aperture therethrough for receiving a fastener. The locking mechanism preferably includes a utility box engagement member coupled to the underside of the utility box lid. The locking mechanism is movable between a locked and unlocked position. A fastener extends through the opening in the utility box lid and engages the locking mechanism. Rotating the fastener in a first direction causes the locking mechanism to assume a first, locked position. Rotating the fastener in a second direction causes the locking mechanism to assume a second, unlocked position. In the locked position the utility box engagement member is engaged with an interior surface of the utility box lid. Full Article
a 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
a Safety lockout hasp with cable By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A safety lockout hasp for interaction with equipment, infrastructure, machinery, appliances, tools, implements and the like. The hasp comprising a body, a cable for engaging the plant and a movable member being movable relative to the body between an open condition and a closed condition. The movable member interacting with the cable such that in the closed condition an intermediate portion of the cable is secured in its position relative to the body. The movable member also interacts with the body such that in use in the closed condition the hasp can accommodate a plurality of locking elements so that the hasp is prevented from disengagement from the plant when accommodating at least one of the plurality of locking elements, and when the movable member is in the open condition the hasp is prevented from accommodating any of the locking elements. Full Article
a Hasp seal lock assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hasp seal lock assembly includes a base member that is attached via a hinge to a cover member. The cover member, when rotated such that the cover member engages the base member, is functionally adapted to overlay a latch and seal. The base member and the cover member each have a plurality of apertures defined in adjacent side walls that allow the horizontal latch arm to extend through the assembly. The base member and the cover member also include a second plurality of cooperating apertures whereby the base member and the cover member may be locked together by use of a padlock. In a first preferred embodiment, each cover side wall includes a tab and tab-receiving apertures are defined within the base member. The tabs require that the cover be lifted vertically prior to rotation of the cover member about the base member. Full Article
a 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
a Actuator for movable furniture parts By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A device includes an actuating device, and the actuating device includes: a locking device having a lock; an actuating member which pivots about an axis of rotation to move a movable furniture part; and a spring device which biases the actuating member to pivot about the axis of rotation in an opening direction. The lock is lockable by a key for preventing the actuating member from pivoting about the axis of rotation, and the lock is unlockable by the key for enabling the actuating member from pivoting about the axis of rotation. Full Article
a Antitheft device for the steering column of a vehicle having super-lockout provided by a rocker arm By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to an antitheft device (2) for the steering column of a vehicle, comprising: a locking portion (6) including a bolt for locking the steering column, and a mobile member (22) capable of controlling the locking-in-position of the bolt; and an access portion (4) including a latch and carrying a pivoting rocker arm (34) bearing against the mobile member (22) and against the locking portion (6). Full Article
a Locking restraint device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A manacle configured to detain or arrest a person by placing pressure on a spring-loaded handle which closes a clamp. The clamp dynamically adjusts to the wrist size of a target individual or subject. When the clamp is open, the first end and the second end are systematically disposed on either side. When the clamp is closed around the wrist of an individual, they provide a maximum gripping force capable of detaining the individual from movement. Furthermore, the ratchet portion of the tool allows for the device to close around a wrist in an adjustable fashion, meaning the tool will automatically adjust to the circumference of an individual's wrist upon deployment. Full Article
a 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
a 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
a Secure raceway with lockable access By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for securing an access opening of a cable raceway using a single padlock includes a cover having a securing wall and opposed first and second sidewalls, which form a channel for accommodating at least a portion of the cable raceway with the securing wall covering the access opening. First and second insert bars engage the first and second sidewalls and a lock bar engages the first and second insert bars and may be locked in an engaged position to prevent the first and second insert bars from being disengaged with the cover and to secure the cover about the cable raceway preventing access to the access opening. Full Article
a GPS locator (EV09) By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Jul 2018 08:00:00 EDT Full Article
a 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
a Shrink wrap removal tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A tool for removing shrink wrap from a product may include a first abrasive surface, a second abrasive surface, and a pressing surface, where the first and second abrasive surfaces are movable with respect to one another between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and where in the engaged position, the pressing surface presses the product into engagement with the first abrasive surface and the second abrasive surface. The first abrasive surface and the second abrasive surface may be located on a first arm and a second arm respectively. The first abrasive surface may be stationary relative to the first arm and the second abrasive surface may be stationary with respect to the second arm. The pressing surface may include a pressing element which is rotatable around an axis. Full Article
a Shaving blade unit and shaver having such a blade unit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A shaving blade unit having a housing that includes a primary cap, a primary guard, an upper face, and a rear face. The shaving blade unit also includes a first primary blade located between the primary cap and the primary guard and extending at said the upper face, a first spacer stacked with the first primary blade, and a trimming blade extending at the rear face of the housing where the trimming blade is unreleasably fixed to the first spacer. Full Article
a 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
a Fingertip shaving device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fingertip mountable shaving device is provided by a flexible and breathable substrate layer including a first shaving surface, and a second adhesive surface opposite to the first shaving surface. The first shaving surface includes a plurality of rubber strips along the vertical peripheral edge and a plurality of blade assemblies affixed at predetermined locations. The blade assemblies of include a vertical stack of a plurality of rotary blades of different diameters alternately interspaced by spacers and having a hemi-spherical protective cap with a vertical stem, on the top. The second adhesive surface is coated with an adhesive suitable for temporarily mounting the device on a fingertip and is covered with a releasably connected protective peel off layer. The device can safely and closely shave hair from the face and other difficult to reach body surfaces, such as within the ear or nostrils. Full Article
a Twine cutter for a bale processor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A twine cutting apparatus for a bale processor has a guide extending along a length of a floor of the bale chamber, and a knife engaged in the guide and configured such that the knife can slide along the length of the drum and such that a cutting edge of the knife contacts twine wrapped around an outer surface of the drum. A rigid handle is attached at a knife end thereof to the knife and is configured to be gripped by an operator at a grip end thereof outside the bale chamber. A twine access area can be provided on the drum surface to facilitate cutting twine, and the apparatus can be stored inside the bale chamber during operation of the bale processor. Full Article
a Guarded surgical knife handle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A guarded surgical knife handle includes a handle portion with a blade holder, a chamber within the handle portion, and a slot. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a guard having an open distal end slidably mounted within the handle portion that can slide longitudinally between an unguarded position and a guarded position. The guard is sized to surround the blade in the guarded position. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a latch that latches the guard when the guard is slid into the guarded position and a first button that disengages the latch. The guarded surgical knife handle includes a bias member that forces the guard in a proximal direction to an unguarded position when the latch is disengaged along with a second button extending through the slot used to slide the guard in a distal direction into the guarded position. Full Article
a Multi-tasking utility tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A utility tool comprising a body having a first end and a second end positioned on opposite ends of the body; a removable device; as well as a first tool and a second tool configured to be selectively coupled to each other or one of either the first end and second end of the body. Full Article
a Box cutter with retractable blade By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A box cutter includes a housing with a blade slide slidably received therein. A pivotal member is pivotably connected to of the blade slide. An inclined face is defined in one of surfaces of the pivotal member and is gradually raised. The inclined face is connected to a pressing area which has two respective rounded guide portions. A spring is connected between the pivotal member and the housing to maintain the blade slide at the initial position. A button is slidably connected to outside of the cover and a spring is connected between the button and the cover. The button is moved to move the blade slide from the initial position thereof to an extended position. When the blade is cutting a workpiece, the blade is tilt and the pivotal member is pivoted by the cover so that blade slide is retracted into the housing. Full Article
a Handheld cable cutter with stabilizing base By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A handheld cable cutter is provided with two handles, a stationary cutting blade, and a rotatable cutting blade pivotally connected to the stationary cutting blade. One of the handles is movable such that movement of the movable handle toward and away from the other, stationary handle drives the rotatable cutting blade toward the stationary cutting blade. The stationary handle includes an enlarged, integral stabilizing base which rests upon a support surface when the movable handle is actuated to cut a cable. Full Article