Abstract: The present invention is directed to a security system and method for child safety. Advantageously, the present invention includes displaying an image of a child, and for departure, the child recognizing the image of himself/herself, and being informed upon seeing his/her image that a person has arrived who is authorized to leave a setting such as a day care center, with the child. The invention is particularly useful in the case of young children unable to read, but capable of identifying their own images.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slot die that includes a flow passageway that includes a transverse flow-providing manifold, a flow metering section that provides a transverse flow metering gap, and an exit channel that includes an exit orifice. In accordance with the invention, a transverse flow metering gap may beneficially be selected independent of changing the gap or width of the exit office, using one or more normally non-adjustable die bodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slot die that includes a flow passageway that includes a transverse flow-providing manifold, a flow metering section that provides a transverse flow metering gap, and an exit channel that includes an exit orifice. In accordance with the invention, the transverse flow metering gap may beneficially be selected independent of changing the gap or width of the exit office, using one or more normally non-adjustable die bodies.

Abstract: A transitional writing paper, and educational system and method useful for guiding a penmanship learner in progressing from learning letter formation to legibly printing words and sentences, are disclosed. A writing medium in accordance with the invention, includes consecutive horizontal baselines for printing, and vertically oriented spaced apart line segments that define spaces for printing. The educational system and method beneficially visually cue and teach the learner to print left to right between margin lines, and to otherwise be prepared to properly and legibly print words and sentences on lined notebook paper.

Abstract: Water soluble analytical agents for chlorine analysis of water are delivered into a sample from a support that is beneficially moved in the sample to assist delivery and mixing. Beneficially, an immediate photometric analysis of free chlorine is provided, and variability of measurements is reduced. Advantageously, the analysis is a touch-free chlorine analysis.

Abstract: A beneficial photometric analytical method is described according to which an effective amount of at least one analytical agent for photometric analysis, is delivered from a support into a liquid sample, and advantageously a mixing action may be provided, by moving a portion of the support in the sample. The sample may be added to a photometric cell disposed in a photometric instrument, or may be added to a photometric instrument cell chamber (or well). In accordance with an advantageous feature of the method, the photometric instrument is beneficially waterproof. A photometric cell that provides more than one optical path length may beneficially be used, and a particular optical path length selected by rotation of the photometric cell in the cell chamber. Also described is a beneficial photometric apparatus.

Abstract: Shoes that are made to allow straps to be attached, removed, covered, or exchanged so that many different looks can be achieved. A properly equipped shoe base could be provided to which appropriate straps may be attached to the front or heel portion of the shoe base (or both). A variation is to provide a shoe base with an existing strap or straps. The strap or straps would be equipped with attachment points so that the existing straps can be covered, creating a different look for the shoe. Additionally, shoe bases could be purchased separately to allow for a more custom-fitting shoe for each foot than has been traditionally available.

Abstract: A golf teaching aid is disclosed. The beneficial golf mat and instructional pattern provide for precise, reproducible foot positioning and alignment, and a wide selection of precise, reproducible ball position options. The pattern may be variously displayed, for instance, on the playing surface of a golf mat or on the turf.

Abstract: A gripping aid to be mounted on a hand-held instrument, is provided that assures a dynamic tripod grasp. The gripping aid beneficially includes generally arched, oppositely extending thumb wrap-preventing rims.

Abstract: A versatile health care apparatus that can be used for physical therapy, or to exert a desired pulling force on a patient's body and maintain the pulling force, is disclosed. Beneficially, in a first aspect, the apparatus includes a power spring, a pull-line connected to the power spring, and mounting apparatus for securing the apparatus to varied support structures. Beneficially, this apparatus further includes when used for physical therapy, a pair of ergonomically spaced apart guide wheels. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a pull-line, and a rotatable pull-line wheel mounted on an axle and operatively connected to a power spring in connection with the axle, and the pull-line has an end in connection with the pull-line wheel.

Abstract: A gripping aid to be mounted on a hand-held instrument, is provided that assures a dynamic tripod grasp. The gripping aid beneficially includes oppositely extending thumb wrap-preventing rims, lesser rims each of which is spaced from the respective thumb wrap-preventing rim, and a longitudinally extending saddle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the extrusion of multilayered composite products, is provided. The inventive apparatus includes a coextrusion structure and a partition member. In accordance with the inventive method, the relative orientation of a first shaped flow stream and a second shaped flow stream to one another is changed, and the reoriented shaped streams are melt-laminated to produce a layered composite formed independent of division of a layered precursor stream. The reorientation occurs via a flow sequencer, which may be removably disposed. Beneficially, layered flow streams that differ from one another may be used. The coextrusion structure may advantageously include one or more removably disposed, flow-shaping inserts, and the partition member may be a removably disposed, partition plate.

Abstract: A versatile biological specimen collection apparatus is disclosed. Beneficially, the apparatus includes a receptacle for catching a biological specimen, and a support bracket for the receptacle, and the support bracket is adapted to be supported by a support structure such as a toilet bowl.

Abstract: An improved method for the analysis of arsenic in an aqueous sample, is disclosed. In accordance with the inventive method, arsenic is reduced to arsine gas in an acidic aqueous reaction environment and in the presence of an effective amount of an agent for increasing the rate of arsine gas production. Beneficially, metal cations are used as rate-increasing agents.

Abstract: A method and calorimetric test strip for determining analyte concentration are provided. The test strip includes an aperture exposing a face of an calorimetric indicator-bearing carrier. Sensitivity is enhanced by flowing contact of the liquid to be analyzed, through the carrier and with the indicator.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus which simplifies changing the relative order of layers of a coextruded laminate, is provided. Advantageously, the apparatus includes an interchangeably disposed, layer sequence selecting device which can be changed out without disassembly of other extrusion apparatus.

Abstract: A microwave-based process for dental casting includes the use of microwave radiation to obtain burnout of a wax pattern from an investment mold. Phosphate-based, thermal investment materials have been found suitable for use in the process.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus including a flex lip and a reciprocally movable actuator bar for adjusting the lip gap, is disclosed. Axial movement of the actuator bar advantageously results in control across the full width of the lip gap. In one aspect of the invention, a handwheel or motor is positioned opposite the output end of the extrusion apparatus. In another aspect of the invention, a rotatable shaft of a control assembly is beneficially disposed generally perpendicular to direction of movement of the actuator bar, and advantageously a portion of the shaft is received within an endplate of the extrusion apparatus. In a variation, a control assembly simultaneously exerts a pulling force on one end of the actuator bar and a pushing force on the opposite end of the actuator bar.

Abstract: A barrier extendable and retractable beneficially in response to a changing environment of use, is disclosed. In use, the barrier is attached at its ends to support surfaces. An extension and retraction mechanism for the barrier beneficially exerts substantially constant force regardless of the barrier extent. In a preferred embodiment, a ball screw, an axially movable ball screw nut, and gas springs are used.

Abstract: A thermal translator device providing improved performance and faster expansion response, is described. Also described is an extrusion apparatus including a plurality of thermal translator devices operatively arranged for thermally actuated, localized action upon the lip. The thermal translator device includes a thermal energy source disposed within a structural member. The thermal energy source and the structural member are an integral unit. Also described is an extrusion apparatus including tie rods for a support assembly otherwise without support.