Abstract:
A method for measuring and cutting a tile. The method including: laying tiles other than the tile to be cut to define a space corresponding to the tile to be cut; arranging a plurality of pieces in the space to cover at least a portion of a surface area of the space, the plurality of pieces sticking together to form a tile blank; removing the tile blank from the space; and transferring dimensions of the tile blank to an uncut tile. Also provided is a kit for measuring a tile. The kit including a plurality of flat pieces, the plurality of flat pieces being formed in at least one of a plurality of different shapes and a plurality of different sizes, the plurality of flat pieces being capable of sticking to each other.
Abstract:
A method for automatically paying a fee and for performing at least one additional function with a device. The method including: emitting an identifying signal from a transponder responsive to a signal from a fee payment system; storing fee payment system information in a storage device to be emitted in the identifying signal; displaying fee payment information on a display; and electronically controlling the transponder, storage device and display. Where at least one of the storage device, display or processor is used for both the operation of the transponder and for operation of the at least one additional function of the device.
Abstract:
A device for automatically paying a fee. The device including: a transponder for emitting an identifying signal responsive to a signal from a fee payment system; a storage device for storing fee payment system information to be emitted in the identifying signal; a display for displaying fee payment information; and a processor for controlling the transponder, storage device and display. Where at least one of the storage device, display or processor is used for both operation of the transponder and for operation of at least one additional function of the device. The device can be one of a cellular phone, pad computer, GPS device, laptop computer and computer. Furthermore, at least one of the transponder, storage device, display and processor can be provided in one of the devices and the other of the transponder, storage device, display and processor can be provided in another device.
Abstract:
A method for igniting a thermal battery upon a predetermined acceleration event. The method including: rotatably connecting a striker mass to a base; aligning a first projection on the striker mass with a second projection on the base such that when the striker mass is rotated towards the base, the first projection impacts the second projection; and preventing impact of the first and second projections unless the predetermined acceleration event is experienced.
Abstract:
A method for reducing an exerted energy associated with muscles acting across a joint is provided. The method including: storing energy during one or more periods of a periodic motion of the joint in which energy is absorbed by the muscles; and at least partially returning the stored energy to the muscles during one or more periods of the periodic motion in which the muscles are performing work.
Abstract:
A method for electronically generating driving directions. The method including: indicating a starting address; indicating an ending address; indicating one or more preferences for the directions; and generating driving directions based on the indicated starting address, ending address, and one or more preferences; wherein at least one of the one or more preferences comprises one or more of an indication to use no roads of a certain type in the generated driving directions; an indication to generate driving directions that start from a nearest highway; an indication to generate driving directions that start from a named road or highway and/or an indication to generate driving directions that include a named road or highway.
Abstract:
A method for electronically generating driving directions without text entry. The method including: indicating a starting address or starting location on a map without text entry; indicating an ending address or ending location on a map without text entry; and generating driving directions based on the indicated starting address or starting location and ending address or ending location.
Abstract:
A method for reducing an exerted energy associated with muscles acting across a joint is provided. The method including: storing energy during one or more periods of a periodic motion of the joint in which energy is absorbed by the muscles; and at least partially returning the stored energy to the muscles during one or more periods of the periodic motion in which the muscles are performing work.
Abstract:
An apparatus for generating electrical energy from a first motion having a low and/or variable frequency. The apparatus including: a first device to which the first motion is transferred; and a second device to which the first motion is transferred from the first device, the second device operating at a second motion having a frequency which is higher and/or more constant that the first motion. Wherein the first device comprises one of a first rotating shaft or first translating mass; the first shaft or first mass includes a tip interacting with the second device to transfer the first motion thereto, the second device comprises a mechanism having an electrical energy generator for converting the second motion to electrical energy; and the electrical energy generator comprises a rotary or linear coil and magnet generator or a piezoelectric generator. The interaction of the tip with the shaft or mass can be contactless.
Abstract:
Bracket for attachment to a flat-screen television having a support platform for positioning electronic components below the television. The caddy comprises top support brackets which hook over the top of the television or over the television wall mount bracket and has a horizontal member abutting the top of the television, and front vertical extension member that extends down in front of the television. Extending down from the top support brackets are side vertical bars in back of the television. Attached to the bottom of the side vertical bars are horizontal bottom support brackets upon which the television sits. The electronic component support platform is attached to the bottom of the two vertical bottom side bars which includes lateral and perpendicular support bars which function to support the electronic components. Many of the bars telescope allowing its use with a variety of sized televisions and electronic components of varying sizes.