Abstract: A headset monitoring system includes a plurality of headsets and a base station. Each headset includes a microphone, a speaker, a transceiver, and a memory device for storing an identification code, and the base station includes a transceiver, a microprocessor, a memory device, and a user interface. The base station is configured to send and receive data to and from the headsets and is further configured to identify headsets that are not functioning properly.

Abstract: An air filter monitoring system for indicating when to clean or replace a flexible air filter includes an air filter having a peripheral frame and an interior filtering region, a fixed support structure for receiving the air filter and maintaining the perimeter of the filter frame in a generally fixed position while allowing the interior filtering region to flex in response to air flow through the filter, and a filter change indicator having a predetermined bias force. The filter change indicator is arranged to contact the interior filtering region of the filter, wherein when the predetermined bias force is reached, the filter change indicator is activated to notify a user to clean or replace the filter.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of methods, systems, and apparatus for changing characteristics of noise of premixed flames supported on burners by heating burner passageways by an amount that attenuates combustion noises arising from premixed flames.

Abstract: A hand held corner sanding sponge includes a backing layer of an open-celled foam material having first and second major surfaces that meet at a right angle and third and fourth major surfaces that meet at a right angle. The cross-sectional dimension between the intersection of the first and second major surfaces from the intersection of the third and fourth major surfaces is about 4 inches to about 6 inches. First and second side surfaces are located between the first and second major surface and the third and fourth major surfaces forming a generally hexagonal shape. The cross-sectional dimension between the first and second side surfaces is about 3 inches to about 4 inches. A layer of flexible adhesive is adhered to at least the first and second major surfaces of the backing layer. A layer of abrasive particles is adhered to the major surfaces by the flexible adhesive.

Abstract: A remotely configurable wireless intercom system and method for an establishment having a staff. A base station is connectable to a wide area communication network. A plurality of headsets are in two-way wireless communication with the base station. Wireless communication between each of the plurality of headsets and the base station are configurable with at least one parameter being adjustable by the staff of the establishment. The parameter is remotely reviewable and being remotely adjustable via the wide area communication network. Also disclosed is a method of providing a remotely configurable wireless intercom system. Wireless communication is configured between each of the plurality of headsets and the base station with at least one parameter being adjustable by the staff of the establishment. The parameter is remotely reviewed and adjusted via the wide area communication network.

Abstract: A system for periodically or continuously monitoring the condition of a filter includes a filter having a peripheral frame and a flexible interior filtering region, a fixed support structure for receiving the filter and maintaining the perimeter of the filter frame in a generally fixed position while allowing the interior filtering region to flex in response to flow through the filter, and a force measuring device mounted on the downstream side of the filter adjacent the interior filtering region in a fixed position relative to the supporting structure, whereby as the interior filtering region flexes in response to flow through the filter, the interior filtering region exerts a force on the force measuring device that increases with the degree of clogging of the filter. A method of monitoring the condition of a filter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held, manually-operated sanding tool including a base member, a clamping mechanism, and a tab. The clamping mechanism is pivotally mounted to the base member, in alignment with a contact surface thereof such that the clamping mechanism pivots between a closed position and an open position in which a gap is defined between the clamping mechanism and the contact surface. The tab extends at least partially between the contact surface and the clamping mechanism, and establishes a stop surface that positively positions an edge of a sheet of abrasive material relative to an end of the base member as part of a loading operation.

Abstract: A self-supporting, pleated filter including a plurality of pleats in a filter media that extend along a front face and a rear face. The pleats include a plurality of pleat tips and sloping side surfaces generally perpendicular to the direction of pleating. At least one planar reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating is bonded to the pleat tips on the front face. At least one reinforcing member is positioned along the rear face of the filter media. The reinforcing member may be a reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and bonded to the rear face of the filter media. A second planar reinforcing strip may optionally be bonded to the reinforcing strip pleat tips. The reinforcing member, the first reinforcing strip and the second reinforcing strip can be aligned to form a truss structure.

Abstract: A hand-held, manually-operated sanding tool including a base member, a clamping mechanism, a handle and a mounting assembly. The clamping mechanism is adapted to secure a sheet-like abrasive material to the base member. The handle includes a neck and a grip. The mounting assembly rotatably mounts the handle to the base member such that the neck extends from a top surface thereof and the handle is rotatable relative to the base member about an axis defined by the neck.

Abstract: A dosing device is described, in which a predetermined amount of a material such as a concentrated fluid can be dispensed from the device by finger pressure. In one embodiment, the device includes a shuttle that can move between first and second positions. In the second position, fluid can escape from a dosing chamber.

Abstract: A flexible hand-held abrasive article includes a conformable backup pad having opposed major surfaces, a backing layer affixed to one surface of the backup pad, the backing layer containing a plurality of biaxially oriented openings, and abrasive particles arranged on the backing layer, thereby defining an abrasive surface. A method of making such an abrasive article is also disclosed. The abrasive article may also comprise a backing layer containing a plurality of biaxially oriented slits with abrasive particles arranged at least one surface of the backing layer.