Abstract: Devices and methodology are provided for measuring mechanical strain in a structural member. The devices and methodology utilize a material which undergoes a change in phase when strained so that measurement of the phase change indicates strain. Preferably the phase change material is a transformation induced plasticity steel alloy. The elements may be configured as gauges secured to a structural member, but also the elements may perform as part of the structure. A plurality of elements may be organized into a monitoring system, either passive or active, for a complex structure.

Abstract: The invention includes a product and a fabrication method for generating one image in the presence of ambient light and a second different image in the absence of ambient light. This invention can use phosphorescent material to form one of the images. This invention is particularly related to puzzles or novelty artwork for children.

Abstract: An information display bracket is disclosed having a base portion for securing the information display bracket to the base of a product display bracket. An elongated arm extending over the product display bracket is pivotally secured to the base of the information display bracket at a proximal end by a living hinge and an information display plate is provided at a distal end extending past the end of the product display bracket.

Abstract: A ceramic cutting blade includes a cutter portion having first and second side edges which converge at a distal acute angle to form a distal cutting tip and a cutting edge formed by first and second cutting faces oriented at a bevel angle. At least one of the cutting faces includes striations having a grain direction substantially perpendicular to the cutting edge, and these striations have a width of between 20 and 40 microns. The distal acute angle is preferably less than forty degrees, and the cutting tip is truncated along a straight line at an angle of truncation of at least forty degrees with respect to the cutting edge. The blade may be received by a handle or may be integrally molded with a handle portion.

Abstract: A warming unit for warming a vessel for containing food or beverages, such as a coffee pot for an automatic drip coffee maker, reduces scorching and burning resulting from non-uniform heating of the vessel. The warming device has a support plate with an upper surface dimensioned to support the vessel and a perimeter skirt extending downwardly from a perimeter of the support plate to surround a heating element beneath the support plate. The upper surface includes raised support structures formed as dome-shaped structures thereon. The cooking vessel rests on and is supported by the top surfaces of the support structures in spaced relation to the plate thus creating a convection space which reduces thermal conductive heating and allows both convection heating and infrared heating. The support plate also comprises a thermal mass sufficient to dampen fluxuations of temperature at the upper surface.

Abstract: A method for erecting tent structures is provided and is especially useful for large are tensioned tent structures that include a flexible covering having a vertex portion and spaced corner portions and which has a selected geometrical shape in the erect position. The broad method of the present invention thus contemplates the broad steps of providing such a flexible covering having a vertex and corner portions, securing the corner portions to the support surface, positioning a pole assembly in an upright position between the support surface and the vertex portion and forcibly expanding the pole assembly to tension the flexible covering in a taut condition. Preferably, the tent structure has a base perimeter in the shape of a regular polygon with the structure shaped generally as a pyramid. The covering is formed of fabric panels cut to enhance the effect of tensioning forces. The invention also contemplates tent erection methodology for tent structures having a plurality of center pole assemblies.

Abstract: A step module is provided for use in constructing stairways. Each step module includes a tread portion and a riser portion connected at a nosing so that a plurality of modules may be secured adjacently in stepwise fashion to create a stairway. A shoulder member attaches to the riser portion of one module along the front riser surface parallel to the nosing and thus forms a tread seat for attachment of the distal tread edge of a lower module. When connected, a channel is formed which may be enclosed and filled with a filler material such as an acoustical damping material. The cover may be a wing projecting forwardly of the riser portion and underlying the tread portion of the lower module.